Precor EFX5.21s - Manual (Page 24)

page 17
Utilizing the Heart Rate Interactive Capabilities
You can make each program on the EFX a heart rate interactive course by monitoring and
maintaining your heart rate in the Smart Rate zone best suited for your specific needs. You can
access Smart Rate only if the optional heart rate receiver is installed in your unit and you wear the
Precor chest strap. The Smart Rate indicator lights do not appear when you use Quick Start.
Before using the Heart Rate capabilities on the EFX, take time to read the following guidelines.
• Consult with your physician before engaging in any vigorous exercise. Do not use the Heart
Rate Control Course until authorized by your physician.
• Slow down and stop immediately if you experience any pain or abnormal symptoms.
• Gently stretch you lower body and back before and after working out to help prevent stiffness
or soreness.
• Know your heart rate (pulse) and your physician-recommended heart rate training zone.
Individual heart rates vary according to several physiological factors and may not correspond
directly with the diagrams and tables provided.
• You should not use the Heart Rate capabilities if you are taking any medications that either
speed up or slow down your heart rate.
• Always face forward on your EFX and use the handrails for balance. Try not to use the
handrails to support your weight.
• Keep in mind that you are working with very sensitive equipment and upper body movement
should be kept to a minimum.
• After putting on the chest strap, be sure that the EFX is I (ON) and position yourself on the
foot pedals facing the electronic console for a minimum of 15 seconds. This allows the
receiver in the console to acknowledge the presence of the transmitter.
• Remember to incorporate a cool-down period into your workout to help lower your heart rate
and minimize muscle stiffness or soreness.
Note: Refer to Precor Heart Rate Option — Safety Guidelines.
Using the EFX Heart Rate Control Course
The EFX Heart Rate Control Course has been designed from research conducted at the world-
renowned Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. The HRC program must be used in conjunction
with the Precor Heart Rate Option. You can use the HRC program to maximize your aerobic
workout. Once you start the program, select a ramp position that gives you the elliptical movement
and workout that you want. The EFX software automatically adjusts the resistance (or prompts you
to increase the strides per minute, if necessary) to keep your heart rate within the cardiovascular
heart rate zone.
Important: During your workout, you should strive to maintain a comfortable and constant stride
rate above 100 spm. Otherwise the system will continually overcompensate and the resistance
levels will be moving up or down more often.
To use the course follow the steps in Working Out on the EFX and choose “HRC” at the course
prompt. The following occurs:
Note: You must wear the Precor chest strap to use the Heart Rate Control Course.
1. A prompt asks you to select a workout time. The software defaults to 20 minutes if no
previous record exists. You can select a range of time between 5 and 99 minutes in 1-minute
increments. Use the or keys to specify your workout time. Press ENTER.
2. A scrolling prompt appears to query you about your recommended heart rate zones. The
upper limit of your target heart rate appears and scrolls across the display. Use the or
keys if you wish to override the recommended heart rate. Press ENTER. A chart showing the
recommended heart rate zones can be found in Diagram 13 on page 20.
CAUTION: Keep in mind that the “Heart Rate”
or “Training” zones are approximations.
Always check with your physician to learn
what the appropriate heart rate is for your
level of fitness.
CAUTION: Always check with your physician to
learn what the appropriate heart rate is for
your level of fitness. Do not push yourself
beyond the recommended range.