True Fitness 500, 550, 450 User Manual
OWNERS MANUAL
450 SERIES
500 SERIES
550 SERIES
RESIDENTIAL TREADMILL
Manual • Pre-Program • Heart Rate Control • CI-Cardiointeractive
®®
“Our original goal was to build the
world’s best treadmills, and today we
believe we’re doing it!”
— Frank Trulaske
President
In 1981, Frank Trulaske launched True Fitness
Technology, Inc. and began manufacturing
hand-crafted treadmills.
His team’s obsession with quality has propelled
True to the top of the industry and has created
one of America’s oldest, largest and most
respected treadmill manufacturers. True’s
131,000 square foot facility just outside
St. Louis, Missouri, houses the manufacturing
plant, engineering laboratory and testing facility.
Over the years, True has designed, developed
and fabricated new and cutting-edge
components for their complete residential and
commercial treadmill line, including innovative
frame and suspensions systems.
Intensive quality control standards guarantee
excellence in every phase of production, resulting
in the finest treadmills available in the
marketplace. Today, True is the choice for
workouts among beginners, rehab patients and
world-class athletes. True treadmills are
consistently rated #1 in smoothness, quietness
and softness.
True will continue to develop new and innovative
products with
IInntteelllliiggeenntt EEnnggiinneeeerriinngg ffoorr aa lloonngg
lliiffee......yyoouurrss!!
Thank You
For Selecting
A True
Treadmill
SSEERRIIAALL NNUUMMBBEERR
The serial number of your treadmill is
located on a plate next to the power cord
on the frame. Record the serial number
below.
Serial Number
NNOOTTEE:: TThhee sseerriiaall nnuummbbeerr mmuusstt rreemmaaiinn
iinnttaacctt ffoorr tthhee wwaarrrraannttyy ttoo rreemmaaiinn vvaalliidd..
PPlleeaassee cchheecckk yyoouurr sseerriiaall ## IIDD ttoo vveerriiffyy iitt
hhaass nnoott bbeeeenn ttaammppeerreedd wwiitthh,, rreemmoovveedd oorr
aalltteerreedd..
TTHHEE 445500//550000//555500 MMOODDEELL TTRREEAADDMMIILLLLSS
AARREE FFOORR RREESSIIDDEENNTTIIAALL UUSSEE OONNLLYY..
SECTION 1
SAFETY TIPS 1-
22
BASICS 1-
33
ASSEMBLY 1-
44
BELT ADJUSTMENTS 1-
44
TREADBELT TENSION 1-
55
SAFETY FEATURES 1-
55
SECTION 2
450/500 HRC CONTROL PANEL DESCRIPTIONS/FUNCTIONS 2-
11
550 HRC CONTROL PANEL DESCRIPTIONS/FUNCTIONS 2-
22
550/500 CI (CARDIOINTERACTIVE) CONTROL PANEL DESCRIPTIONS/FUNCTIONS 2-
33
S.O.F.T. SELECT AND EXPRESS COMMAND KEYS 2-
44
QQUUIICCKK RREEFFEERREENNCCEE OOPPEERRAATTIINNGG IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSS -- 445500,, 550000,, 555500 PP MMOODDEELLSS
2-
55
QQUUIICCKK RREEFFEERREENNCCEE OOPPEERRAATTIINNGG IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSS WWIITTHH EEXXPPRREESSSS KKEEYYSS -- 445500,, 550000,, 555500 HHRRCC,, CCII MMOODDEELLSS
2-
66
MANUAL PROGRAM OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - 450, 500, 550 ALL MODELS 2-
77
PRE PROGRAM OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- 450, 500, 550 P, HRC MODELS 2-8
PRE-PROGRAM PROFILES 2-
99
USER PROGRAM OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-
99
CARDIOINTERACTIVE AND HEART RATE CONTROL INTRODUCTION
- HRC, CI MODELS 2-
1100
TRUE HEART RATE CONTROL (HRC) HOW IT WORKS AND ULTRACOACH 2-
1111
CARDIOINTERACTIVE AND HRC TARGET OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2-
1122,, 1133,, 1144,, 1155
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- HRC, CI MODELS
2-
1166
CARDIOACTIVE HRC INTERVAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- HRC, CI MODELS
2-
1177,, 1188,, 1199
HEART RATE CONTROL IMPORTANT POINTS 2-
2200
PRE-PROGRAM OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS WITH EXPRESS KEYS
- HRC, CI MODELS
22--2211
TARGET HEART RATE CHART 2-
2222
THE F. I.T. FORMULA 2-
2233,, 2244,, 2255
SECTION 3
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 3-
11
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 3-
22
DIAGNOSTICS 3-
33
SECTION 4
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE CHART 4-
11,, 22
Table Of Contents
1-1
1. Always use the safety key and attach
lanyard to your clothing at about
waist height.
2. Wear comfortable, good-quality
walking or running shoes.
3. Warm-up and cool-down periods are
important for a complete workout.
4. Always straddle the belt and allow it to
start moving before stepping onto it.
5. Hold the grab bar while adjusting the
controls.
6. Keeping your eyes focused straight
ahead will help you maintain your
balance.
7. Adjust your own speed and grade.
Never make adjustments for another
person or allow someone else to make
adjustments for you.
8. Always allow the belt to stop completely
before dismounting. Gradually slowing
down also minimizes the sensation of
feeling like you are still moving after you
stop.
9. Allow space behind treadmill and sides
in the event you lose your balance.
10. Always inspect your treadmill to
ensure there are no foreign objects
obstructing the moving parts.
11.To avoid any possibility of being struck
or caught between moving parts,
bystanders should not be within reach
of the treadmill while it is in motion.
12. For safety reasons and to prevent
damage to your treadmill, allow only
ONE person at a time on your machine.
13. Never leave unsupervised children
near your treadmill.
14. Animals should never be allowed on or
near your treadmill.
15. Keep the power cord clear of the
incline system. Allow extra slack for
inclining the machine. Do not run the
power cord under the treadmill.
16. Your treadmill is designed for indoor
use only.
17 . Never use your treadmill around water
or while you are wet. Using the unit
around a pool, hot tub or sauna will
void the warranty.
18 . Do not operate treadmill while using
bottled oxygen.
Safety Tips
1-2
Congratulations on your purchase of a TRUE residential
treadmill. You have chosen a premium piece of exercise
equipment designed to meet your fitness needs for a
lifetime.
Before using your treadmill, please review this manual to
learn about the unit’s features, functions, maintenance
procedures, and safe operation.
SAFETY TIPS:
SETTING UP YOUR
TREADMILL
Place your treadmill on a clean, level surface.
Make sure the electrical cord easily reaches a
grounded three-pronged outlet and has
enough slack to allow the deck to incline
unhindered by the cord. Do not allow the
treadmill assembly to rest on the cord.
Although your treadmill is designed to
operate on most carpeted surfaces, some
deeply padded or heavy shag carpets can
cause damage to the unit. To prevent
damage to your treadmill or carpet, have
someone stand on the deck and make sure
the treadmill belt doesn’t touch the carpet at
any point.
Your TRUE treadmill is designed for indoor
use only. Always keep the control panel out of
direct sunlight.
IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL
REQUIREMENTS
Your True treadmill requires a
ddeeddiiccaatteedd
110 VAC 15 amp grounded outlet circuit.
WWAARRNNIINNGG:: DDoo nnoott uussee aann eexxtteennssiioonn ccoorrdd oorr
aann uunnggrroouunnddeedd oouuttlleett.. TThhee ggrroouunndd hheellppss
pprreevveenntt eelleeccttrriiccaall ddaammaaggee ttoo yyoouurr ttrreeaaddmmiillll
aanndd eennhhaanncceess yyoouurr ssaaffeettyy bbyy pprreevveennttiinngg
sshhoocckk..
AA GGRROOUUNNDDEEDD OOUUTTLLEETT IISS CCRRIITTIICCAALL
FFOORR TTHHEE HHRRCC SSYYSSTTEEMM TTOO FFUUNNCCTTIIOONN
PPRROOPPEERRLLYY..
Learning The Basics
1-3
TTHHEE BBAASSIICCSS
Your treadmill is made up of two main sections: the base and
the pedestal.
The base of the treadmill consists of a metal frame, a
shock-absorbing deck system and a powerful 2.5
continuous-duty horsepower DC motor. The motor powers a
pulley system which moves the running belt over the deck.
(See figure 1, page 1-4)
The pedestal mounts on the top of the frame. It places the
displays, information readout and touch keys within easy sight
and reach.
(See figure 1, page 1-4)
PARTS INCLUDED:
11 -- AALLLLEENN WWRREENNCCHH
66 -- SSCCRREEWWSS
66 -- SSTTAARR WWAASSHHEERRSS ((LLOOCCKK WWAASSHHEERRSS))
11 -- OOWWNNEERRSS MMAANNUUAALL
11 -- WWAARRRRAANNTTYY CCAARRDD
11 -- HHEEAARRTT RRAATTEE TTRRAANNSSMMIITTTTEERR WWIITTHH
SSTTRRAAPP ((HHRRCC MMOODDEELLSS OONNLLYY))
ASSEMBLY
TRUE treadmills are shipped in two pieces:
the pedestal assembly (which includes the
control console) and the base.
Instructions for assembling the unit:
1. Remove the protective packaging
materials.
NNOOTTEE::
Do not lift the treadmill
by the motor when removing from carton!
2. Lay pedestal on deck as shown. (Fig. 1)
3. Feed wire harness through reusable wire
ties from left to right. (Fig. 2)
4. Tighten wire ties and tuck excess tie down
between motor and PWM board. (Fig.2)
NNOOTTEE::
Do not cut off excess wire tie.
These are reusable.
5. Raise top of pedestal into place.
6. Install three of the enclosed screws with lock
washers on each side, then tighten all six
screws. (Fig. 3)
IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTT::
Do not operate unless all six
screws are fastened securely. Be sure
screws and lock washers thread into the
holes in pedestal. Reverse procedure
whenever removing the pedestal. Remove
pedestal console only while treadmill is at
zero grade and unplugged.
EELLEECCTTRRIICCAALL RREEQQUUIIRREEMMEENNTT
:
Your TRUE treadmill requires
aa ddeeddiiccaatteedd
111100 VVAACC 1155 aammpp ggrroouunnddeedd oouuttlleett cciirrccuuiitt..
WWAARRNNIINNGG::
Do not use an extension cord or
an ungrounded outlet. The ground helps
prevent electrical damage to your treadmill and
enhances your safety by preventing shock.
This grounded outlet is critical for the HRC
system to function properly.
NNOOTTEE::
Units
produced for use outside of the U.S.A. will have
voltage indicated on the identification tag.
BELT ADJUSTMENTS
Your treadmill’s running belt has been
properly aligned at the factory. However,
when the treadmill is used on an uneven
surface, please follow these instructions:
PPRREEFFEERRRREEDD MMEETTHHOODD
Level the treadmill by placing shims 1/8” to
3/8” thick under the front wheel and rear
shock absorber on one side.
NNOOTTEE::
This
method will provide extended belt life by
keeping both rollers parallel. Adjusting the
belt tracking by using the roller bolts will
cause the belt to stretch on one side.
Assembly & Belt Adjustment
1-4
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Fig. 2
PEDESTAL
BASE
1
2
NNOOTTEE:: YYoouurr aauutthhoorriizzeedd TTrruuee ddeeaalleerr
mmaayy pprroovviiddee aaddddiittiioonnaall ssuuppppoorrtt..
AALLTTEERRNNAATTIIVVEE MMEETTHHOODD
1. Stand beside the treadmill, insert the safety
key into the bottom of the control panel and
follow oper
ating instructions for running the
treadmill at 5 mph. (Section 2.5)
2. If the belt is off-center to the right, turn the
left roller adjustment bolt counter clock-wise
1/4 turn. If the belt is off-center to the left,
turn the left roller adjustment bolt 1/4 turn
clockwise. (Figure 1 Detail 1)
3. Let the machine run for several minutes to
check the alignment. (Belt alignment does
not need to be perfect). If more correction is
needed, turn the adjustment bolt 1/4 turn
and check again.
TREADBELT TENSION:
To assure maximum life of the treadbelt, roller
and drive motor, make sure the treadbelt
tension is set correctly. (Your treadbelt has
been properly tensioned at the factory.)
•Turn both rear roller adjustment bolts
(Detail 1) counter-clockwise until treadbelt
just begins slipping when walking on it, then
turn both rear roller adjustment bolts
clockwise in equal quarter turn increments
until treadbelt stops slipping. NOTE: Be sure
to run on treadbelt to ensure that the treadbelt does not slip while under load.
SAFETY FEATURES
PPAADDDDEEDD HHAANNDD RRAAIILL
The padded hand rail is mounted to the rear
of the control console. The bar provides a
convenient support to use throughout your
workout.
OONN//OOFFFF SSWWIITTCCHH
The on/off switch is located to the right of the
power cord on the front of the machine. It
completely removes AC power from your
treadmill. It is recommended that you use this
switch to turn the machine off after each
workout.
CCIIRRCCUUIITT BBRREEAAKKEERR
Your TRUE treadmill is protected from
overload by a 15 amp circuit breaker that can
be reset in the event of a power overload. It is
located to the left of the power cord.
SSAAFFEETTYY KKEEYY AANNDD LLAANNYYAARRDD
You can protect yourself from injuries resulting
from unexpected loss of balance by attaching
the lanyard to your clothing at about waist
height when you use your treadmill. When the
safety key is detached, your treadmill will not
operate.
SSttoorriinngg tthhee ssaaffeettyy kkeeyy iinn aa sseeccuurreedd
llooccaattiioonn wwhhiillee yyoouurr ttrreeaaddmmiillll iiss nnoott iinn uussee wwiillll
pprreevveenntt cchhiillddrreenn aanndd ootthheerr uunnaauutthhoorriizzeedd
uusseerrss ffrroomm ooppeerraattiinngg yyoouurr ttrreeaaddmmiillll..
RREEAARR RROOLLLLEERR SSHHIIEELLDDSS
Steel guards over the ends of the rear roller
prevent towels and other items from getting
caught in the running belt.
FFUULLLLYY EENNCCLLOOSSEEDD MMOOTTOORR
The motor and flywheel are fully enclosed in a
protective metal compartment.
LLOOWW PPRROOFFIILLEE FFRRAAMMEE
To enhance safety, TRUE treadmills are
designed to be as low to the ground as
possible.
Treadbelt Tension & Safety Features
1-5
1
Figure 1
Control Panel Functions
2-1
450/500 CONTROL PANEL
HRC MODEL SHOWN
METS:
One MET is the
amount of energy
your body uses at
rest. If a physical
CALORIES:
Indicates estimated
calories burned.
Based on weight,
speed, grade and
activity has an
equivalent of six METS,
its energy demands
are six times that of
your resting state
time
EXPRESS KEYS:
(Not available on
450P, 500, 500P models)
Access your favorite
workouts.Choose from
target HRC workout,
pre-programs and
custom programs.
SELECT/enter:
Used to enter your weight.
Also for viewing dual function
windows of speed/pace
and calories/metabolic rate
SPEED:
Indicates mph in .1
increments
DOT MATRIX
1. Instructs during
setup.
2. Provides updated
TIME:
Indicates elasped
time after pressing
start (0-99minutes
GRADE:
Indicates incline
in percent
of grade in .5%
PACE:
Indicates amount of
time required to
complete 1 mile at
that current speed
information on progress
during workout.
and 59 seconds).
Can also be set to
countdown, (See
countdown page 2-7)
increments
SLOW/FAST:
Used to adjust speed
in .1 mph increments, to
enter weight, other
STOP/PAUSE:
Stops the treadmill
at any point in your
workout. Information
UP/DOWN:
Adjusts the grade at
any time during your
workout. Sets distance
workout parameters, and
to set time to countdown
will be retained unless
the safety key is
removed or key is
held for 5 seconds
(Resets to 0)
to countdown. Also used
to scroll through programs
WINDOWS
DISTANCE:
Indicates miles
traveled in .01 mile
increments up
to 9.99, and .1 mile
increments past
10 miles. Can also
be set to countdown
(See countdown on
page 2-7)
KEYS
START/reset:
Starts the treadbelt in motion.
Also resets distance, time,
calories when held for
3 seconds.
Control Panel Functions
2-2
METS:
550 CONTROL PANEL
HRC MODEL SHOWN
One MET is the
amount of energy
your body uses at
rest. If a physical
CALORIES:
Indicates estimated
accumulated calories
burned.
Based on weight,
activity has an
equivalent of six METS,
its energy demands
are six times that of
your resting state
speed, grade and
time
EXPRESS KEYS:
Access your favorite
workouts. Choose from
target HRC workout,
cruise control HRC,
interval HRC workouts,
or pre-programs and
custom programs.
SELECT/enter:
Used to enter your weight.
Also for viewing dual function
windows of speed/pace
and calories/metabolic rate
SPEED:
Indicates mph in .1
increments
MESSAGE
CENTER/
DOT MATRIX
1. Instructs during setup.
TIME:
Indicates elasped
time after pressing
start (0-99minutes
GRADE:
Indicates incline
in percent
of grade in .5%
PACE:
Indicates amount of
time required to
complete 1 mile at
that speed
2. Provides updated
information on progress
during workout
and 59 seconds).
Can also be set to
countdown, (See
countdown page
2-7)
increments
SLOW/FAST:
Used to adjust speed
in .1 mph increments, enter
weight, and other workout
Stops the treadmill
at any point in your
workout. Information
STOP/PAUSE:
UP/DOWN:
Adjusts the grade at
any time during your
workout. Setsdistance
parameters, and to set
time to countdown
will be retained unless
the safety key is
removed or key is held
for 5 seconds
(resets to 0)
to countdown, also
scroll through programs.
WINDOWS
DISTANCE:
Indicates miles
traveled in .01 mile
increments up
to 9.99, and .1 mile
increments past
10 miles. Can also
be set to countdown
(See countdown on
page 2-7)
START/reset:
Starts the treadbelt in motion.
Also resets distance, time,
calories and metabolic rate
KEYS
when held for 3 seconds
shock absorbing system.
Control Panel Functions
2-3
500/550 CI (CARDIOINTERACTIVE) CONTROL PANEL
TTHHEE TTRRUUEE SS..OO..FF..TT.. SSYYSSTTEEMM IISS AA
DDIIFFFFEERREENNCCEE YYOOUU CCAANN FFEEEELL..
True’s unique S.O.F. T. System is the most
advanced shock-absorbing system available.
It cushions the initial impact and then
transitions to a firm, secure surface for
push-off providing lateral stability throughout,
eliminating deck shift from side to side. The
benefit is less stress on the ankles, knees,
hips and back.
AADDJJUUSSTT TTHHEE FFEEEELL WWIITTHH
SS..OO..FF..TT.. SSEELLEECCTT
.
All True S.O.F. T. Select series treadmills take
the user to a new level of comfort. Now you
can “personalize” the treadbelt surface to
suit your walking or running needs, from soft
to firm or anywhere in between.
This True feature is ideal for users of differing
weights or those with special physical needs.
MMAANNUUAALL AADDJJUUSSTTMMEENNTT
It’s simple for the user to choose from 12
manually adjustable settings on the right side
of the treadmill base.
Simply slide the S.O.F. T. Select control knob
to the desired setting.
EELLEECCTTRROONNIICC AADDJJUUSSTTMMEENNTT ((550000//555500 CCII))
You electronically adjust the settings on the
500/550 CI models on the control panel. The
display will indicate the level from 1-12. With
1 being the softest and 12 being the firmest.
This special feature makes it even quicker
and easier to meet your changing workout
needs.
•• AAddjjuussttmmeenntt ooff SS..OO..FF..TT.. SSeelleecctt::
Press and
hold either or .
•• TToo rreevviieeww yyoouurr SS..OO..FF..TT.. SSeelleecctt SSeettttiinngg::
Quickly press either or .
NNOOTTEE::
Movement of S.O.F. T. Select motor
does not occur until is pressed.
AACCCCEESSSS YYOOUURR FFAAVVOORRIITTEE WWOORRKKOOUUTT
WWIITTHH EEXXPPRREESSSS KKEEYYSS OONN HHRRCC MMOODDEELLSS..
True HRC models feature Express Keys
which allow simple access to HRC workouts
and pre-programs. 550 Pre-programmed
models also offer one touch Express Keys to
access pre-programs.
NNOOTTEE:: 445500//550000 mmooddeell ddooeess nnoott iinncclluuddee
iinntteerrvvaall HHRRCC..
S.O.F.T. Select and Express Command Keys
2-4
MESSAGE CENTER
550P MODEL
450/500 MODEL
500CI/550 MODEL
Quick Reference Operating Instructions
2-5
BASICS:
••
Straddle Treadbelt
••
Insert Safety Key, attach lanyard
to clothing
QUICK START:
(Manual Workout Only)
Press
Adjust Speed Using Keys
Adjust Grade Using Keys
PROGRAMS:
Set Your Weight Using Keys
Press
Scroll To Desired Program
Using Keys
Set Program Level Using Keys
(Pre Programs Only)
Press
Set Time Using Keys
(15:00-99:00 Minutes)
Press
TO END WORKOUT:
Slow Machine To Below 2 MPH
Using Key
Press Key
The following is a quick overview of the basic operating
features of your True treadmill.
While more detailed operating instructions are on the
following pages, these quick references will familiarize
you with the basic operating procedures needed to
get started.
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