Essential FT4 Treadmill User Manual

Introduction and Safety

Before using this product, it is essential to read this ENTIRE operation manual and ALL installation instructions. This will help in setting up the equipment quickly and in instructing others on how to use it correctly and safely.

Class HB (Home): Domestic use. Not designed for therapeutic purposes.

CAUTION: Any changes or modifications to this equipment could void the product warranty.

Any service, other than cleaning or user maintenance, must be performed by an authorized service representative. There are no user-serviceable parts.

Corporate Headquarters and International Offices

Corporate Headquarters: 10601 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131, U.S.A. Phone: 847.288.3300, Fax: 847.288.3703. Toll-free: 800.735.3867 (within U.S.A., Canada).

International offices are available globally. Visit www.lifefitness.com for details.

Getting Started

Unpacking the Treadmill

Follow these steps to unpack the treadmill:

1. Carefully cut and remove the SHIPPING BANDS.
2. Carefully disengage the staples securing the TOP TRAY.
3. Lift the TOP TRAY upward and off of the BOTTOM TRAY.
4. Remove the TOP SPACERS, DISPLAY CONSOLE BOX and UPRIGHTS.
5. Remove the remaining packaging from the deck of the TREADMILL.
6. From the rear of the TREADMILL, tilt the BASE upward until it locks upright.
7. Tear the front end of the BOTTOM SHIPPING TRAY at the corners and fold the flap downward.
8. Carefully roll the TREADMILL forward and off of the BOTTOM SHIPPING TRAY.
9. Carefully roll the treadmill near the desired location for use.
10. Unfold the treadmill: Stand directly behind the treadmill. Support the treadmill base with the right hand, and pull and hold the release handle downward with the left hand. Begin lowering the base a short distance. Let go of the release handle and, with both hands, guide the treadmill deck down to unfold it.

Caution: The treadmill should be assembled before removing it from the bottom shipping tray. Follow the assembly instructions on the opposite page before proceeding.

Caution: As the treadmill comes closer to the ground, it lowers at a faster rate and feels heavier.

Assembling the Treadmill

Tools Required: Metric Wrench Set, Metric Allen Wrench Set, Phillips Screwdriver.

Follow these steps to assemble the treadmill:

1. Locate the USER LEFT UPRIGHT (A). Connect the CONECTORS (C) and slide the UPRIGHT over the BRACKET (B). Secure with 5/8" BUTTON HEAD SCREW (1) and LOCK WASHER (2). Finger-tighten.
2. Locate the USER LEFT UPRIGHT BRACE (D). Secure to the USER LEFT UPRIGHT (A) and FRAME (E) using four 5/8" BUTTON HEAD SCREWS (1) and LOCK WASHERS (2). Finger-tighten.
3. Locate the USER RIGHT UPRIGHT (F). Connect the CONECTORS and slide the UPRIGHT over the BRACKET (G). Secure with 5/8" BUTTON HEAD SCREW (1) and LOCK WASHER (2). Finger-tighten.
4. Locate the USER RIGHT UPRIGHT BRACE (H). Secure to the USER RIGHT UPRIGHT (F) and FRAME (E) using four 5/8" BUTTON HEAD SCREWS (1) and LOCK WASHERS (2). Finger-tighten.
5. Locate the HANDRAIL (J). Position between the LEFT and RIGHT UPRIGHTS (A & F). Secure the left side with a 2" BUTTON HEAD SCREW (3) and LOCK WASHER (2). Secure the right side with a 5/8" BUTTON HEAD SCREW (1) and LOCK WASHER (2).
6. Locate the DISPLAY CONSOLE (K). Connect the CONECTOR (L) from the LEFT UPRIGHT to the CONECTOR (L) on the console. Slide the CONSOLE onto the UPRIGHT EXTENSIONS. Secure with two 5/8" BUTTON HEAD SCREWS (1) and LOCK WASHERS (2) on each side. Tighten securely.
7. Tighten all SCREWS securely.
8. Position the TREADMILL into the desired location for use.
9. Plug the TREADMILL into a proper electrical outlet as instructed in SECTION 1.2.

Caution: Do not pinch the cable when sliding the USER LEFT UPRIGHT (A) over the USER LEFT UPRIGHT BRACKET (B).

Caution: Do not pinch the cable when sliding the DISPLAY CONSOLE (K) onto the LEFT and RIGHT UPRIGHTS (A) & (F).

Setup

Folding, Moving, and Positioning the Treadmill

The treadmill folds easily via a "gas shock" mechanism for storage and mobility. To fold, ensure the incline is at 0%, switch off, and unplug. Lift the back end upward until it clicks. To unfold, stand behind the treadmill, pull and hold the release handle downward, and guide the deck down.

Caution: The treadmill must be set to 0% before folding. Damage may occur and the treadmill may not lock into a proper upright position.

When positioning, allow a six-foot by four-foot clearance area behind the treadmill. Use on a firm, level surface.

Note: A fine black dust may accumulate on the floor after use; this is normal and can be vacuumed. A mat beneath the unit can prevent dust accumulation.

Caution: As the treadmill comes closer to the ground, it lowers at a faster rate and feels heavier.

Electrical Requirement

Consult the chart below for electrical requirements outside the U.S. and Canada. The plug must be inserted into a properly installed and grounded electrical outlet.

Grounding Instructions

This product must be properly grounded. The electrical cord includes an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. Use only the provided power cord and insert it into a properly installed and grounded outlet.

DANGER: A risk of electrical shock may result from improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor. Check with a qualified electrician if in doubt. Do not modify the plug.

Starting Up the Treadmill

The On/Off switch is located near the power supply cord. Flip it to the On position (|). The treadmill will start only when the safety key is properly inserted into the key-holder on the console.

Operation

Getting On and Off the Treadmill

With the belt idle, step on the side rails. When the belt is in motion, hold the handrails and carefully step onto the belt. Use handrails for stability as needed. Wait until the belt is idle before stepping off.

CAUTION: Always face forward during a workout.

Keeping the Treadmill Deck Lubricated

The deck is pre-lubricated but may require periodic lubrication. Check the lubrication level every 9-12 months. To check, reach under the belt; if the deck is moist, it does not require lubrication. If dry, add lubricant using the recommended Lube-N-Walk® Wax Kit. Use of other kits may void the warranty.

Centering the Treadmill Belt

If the belt runs off-center, run the treadmill at 4 mph (6.5 kph) without a user. Use the Allen wrench to turn the left and right roller bolts located at the back of the frame side rail.

• Belt too far left: Turn left roller bolt clockwise (tighten) 1/4 turn, turn right roller bolt counterclockwise (loosen) 1/4 turn.
• Belt too far right: Turn right roller bolt clockwise (tighten) 1/4 turn, turn left roller bolt counterclockwise (loosen) 1/4 turn.

Run the belt for three minutes after adjustment to confirm centering. Repeat as necessary.

Caution: Never turn bolts more than one quarter-turn at a time. Over-tightening can shorten belt life.

Adjusting the Treadmill Belt Tension

If the belt slips, it requires tightening. When the belt is idle, turn each roller bolt one quarter turn clockwise, ensuring equal adjustment. Test by walking on the belt while in motion. Repeat if necessary, but do not turn bolts more than one quarter-turn.

If slipping persists, contact Customer Service.

The Display Console

Display Console Overview

The computerized display console allows users to tailor workouts and monitor progress. It tracks fitness improvement from one workout to the next.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the treadmill console with labeled buttons and display windows. Key elements include:

• Display Windows: ELEVATION, TIME, CALORIES, DISTANCE, SPEED.
• Control Buttons: STOP, SELECT, START.
• Workout Program Buttons: Speed Interval, Aerobic, Fat Burner, Cross Country, Hill Climb.
• Arrow Keys: ELEVATION ARROW keys, SPEED ARROW keys.
• Other: SELECT PLUS/MINUS keys.

Display Console Descriptions

The console features several keys and display windows:

• A ELEVATION ARROW keys: Adjust elevation during setup or workout.
• B STOP: Stops a workout.
• C SELECT: Selects a workout type during setup.
• D SELECT PLUS and MINUS: Scroll through workout options.
• E START: Begins a workout.
• F SPEED ARROW keys: Adjust speed during setup or workout.
• G ELEVATION DATA window: Displays selected or current elevation.
• H TIME DATA window: Displays time used in the workout.
• I CALORIES DATA window: Displays total calories burned.
• J DISTANCE DATA window: Displays completed distance.
• K SPEED DATA window: Displays selected or current speed.
• L STOP KEY: Magnetized key for emergency power cut-off.

Emergency Stop System

The treadmill has an emergency system using a magnetized key (A) and a cord with a clip. The key inserts into the console key-holder, and the clip attaches to the user's clothing. Pulling the key out immediately stops the treadmill.

CAUTION: Pulling the key causes an immediate stop, which can be dangerous. Use only in emergencies. Press the STOP key for a gradual stop.

Replace the key to reset the system. The treadmill will only start when the safety key is properly inserted.

Diagram Description: Shows the magnetized safety key (A) with its cord, designed to be clipped to clothing and inserted into the console.

Accessory Trays and Reading Rack

The console has accessory trays (A) built into each side and a reading rack (B) built into the base.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the console with two accessory trays (A) on the sides and a reading rack (B) in the center.

The Workouts

Workout Overviews

The treadmill offers several pre-programmed workouts:

• MANUAL: User manually selects and adjusts elevation and speed.
• SPEED INTERVAL: Alternates high and low speeds.
• AEROBIC: Alternates high and low speeds, with higher low intervals than Speed Interval.
• FAT BURNER: Alternates uniform high and low elevation intervals.
• CROSS-COUNTRY: Alternates uniformly high and low elevations with two peaks.
• HILL CLIMB: Alternates high and low elevations, building to a peak.
• TARGET DISTANCE: Targets a specific distance goal.
• TARGET CALORIES: Targets a specific calorie goal.
• TARGET TIME: Targets a specific time duration goal.

Using the Workouts

All workouts are 30 minutes (15 intervals of 2 minutes each), except TARGET TIME, where the user sets the duration. Ensure the emergency stop key is inserted and clipped to clothing before starting.

Selecting Quick Start

Press START immediately for a workout at default 0% elevation and 0.5 mph (1 kph) speed. Settings can be changed manually. Lasts 30 minutes.

Selecting and Using a Manual Workout

For MANUAL: Use SPEED ARROW keys (up to 10 mph / 16 kmh) and ELEVATION ARROW keys (up to 10%). Press START. After a 3-second countdown, the workout begins. Adjust speed and elevation as desired. Lasts 30 minutes.

Selecting and Using a Speed Interval or Aerobic Workout

Press SELECT. "P1" (SPEED INTERVAL) appears. Press SELECT PLUS (+) once for "P2" (AEROBIC). Press SELECT MINUS (-) to scroll backward. Default high speed is 6.0 mph (10 kmh), adjustable up to 10 mph (16 kmh). The console automatically sets lower speeds. Default elevation is 0%, adjustable up to 10%. Press START to begin after the 3-second countdown.

Selecting and Using a Fat Burner, Cross-Country, or Hill Climb Workout

Press SELECT. Press SELECT PLUS (+) twice for FAT BURNER ("P3"), three times for CROSS-COUNTRY ("P4"), or four times for HILL CLIMB ("P5"). Default maximum elevation is 8%, adjustable up to 10%. The console automatically selects lower elevations. Default speed is 2 mph (3 kmh), adjustable manually. Press START to begin after the 3-second countdown.

Selecting and Using a Goal Workout

Press SELECT twice for TARGET DISTANCE (default 2.0 miles / 3.2 km, up to 50 miles). Press SELECT three times for TARGET CALORIES (default 150 calories, up to 900). Press SELECT four times for TARGET TIME (default 20 minutes, up to 90 minutes). Adjust speed and elevation manually as desired. Press START to begin after the 3-second countdown.

Using the Heart Rate Zone to Maximize Workout Benefits

Keeping heart rate between 60-85% of theoretical maximum promotes fitness. Calculate maximum heart rate by subtracting age from 220. For a 35-year-old, max HR is 185 bpm; optimal zone is 111-157 bpm.

NOTE: Consulting a fitness trainer is recommended for personalized goals.

Monitor heart rate by feeling pulse in wrist or neck and counting beats per minute.

Ending a Workout Early

Press the STOP key once to end a workout before its duration expires. Press STOP again to set up a new workout.

Treadmill Workout Setup Steps

Workout Descriptions

SPEED INTERVAL: Alternates high and low speeds. Profile shows gradual increase, main section of high/low intervals, and gradual decline. Contrast between speeds is sharper than Aerobic.

Diagram Description: A bar graph showing alternating high and low bars, with a gradual increase at the start and decrease at the end, representing speed intervals.

AEROBIC: Alternates high and low speeds. Profile shows gradual increase, main section of high/low intervals, and gradual decline. Contrast between speeds is more subtle than Speed Interval.

Diagram Description: A bar graph similar to Speed Interval but with less pronounced differences between high and low bars, representing aerobic intervals.

FAT BURNER: Alternates uniform high and low elevations.

Diagram Description: A bar graph showing uniform high and low elevation segments.

CROSS-COUNTRY: Alternates high and low elevations, building to a first peak, followed by a valley, and then another peak.

Diagram Description: A bar graph depicting two distinct peaks separated by a valley, representing cross-country elevation changes.

HILL CLIMB: Alternates high and low elevations, building to a peak and then gradually declining.

Diagram Description: A bar graph showing a gradual build-up to a peak, followed by a decline, representing hill climb elevation changes.

TARGET TIME: Targets a specific time duration. Elevation or speed do not change automatically but can be adjusted manually. Workout ends when target time is achieved.

TARGET DISTANCE: Targets a specific distance. Elevation or speed do not change automatically but can be adjusted manually. Workout ends when target distance is achieved.

TARGET CALORIES: Targets a specific number of calories burned. Elevation or speed do not change automatically but can be adjusted manually. Workout ends when target calorie goal is achieved.

Service and Technical Data

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Use a vacuum cleaner or a slightly damp cloth to remove dust periodically. Fold up the treadmill and vacuum the floor beneath and around it.

WARNING: Do not use any solvents on the deck or running belt, as these can reduce lubrication.

When and How to Obtain Product Service

Identifying Problems

If the treadmill shuts down due to electrical failure, restart it. If console displays or programs malfunction, try switching it off and on to reset the computer's memory. If the problem persists, contact Customer Support.

• No signal on monitor LCD: Restart treadmill. Check communication cable between monitor and motor controller for damage.
• "ERROR 1-SPEED SENSOR ERROR": Computer not receiving motor speed signal. Note if belt moves and at what speeds it stops.
• "ERROR 2-OVER SPEED ERROR": Safety feature; motor shuts down if belt speed exceeds detection range. Restart treadmill. If error persists or occurs on first use, mechanism may be damaged.
• "ERROR 3-SAFETY KEY TETHER ERROR": Emergency Stop Key not correctly inserted. Ensure key is properly inserted.
• "ERROR 5-INCLINE ERROR": Incline motor not functioning properly. May be overloaded or overheated. Wait for motor to cool, then try again. Check sensor connection cable and motor.
• "ERROR 11-COMMUNICATION ERROR": Restart treadmill. Check communication cable between monitor and motor controller for damage.

Obtaining Service

1. Verify the symptom and review operating instructions.

2. Locate and write down the unit's serial number (front of frame).

3. Contact Life Fitness Customer Support Services via the Web at: www.lifefitness.com, or call your nearest Life Fitness Customer Support group.

Contact Information:

• United States and Canada: Phone: (+1) 847.451.0036, FAX: (+1) 847.288.3702, Toll-free: 800.351.3737
• International Offices: Life Fitness Europe GmbH, Life Fitness (UK) LTD, Life Fitness Atlantic BV / Benelux, Life Fitness Italia S.R.L., Life Fitness Vertriebs GmbH, Life Fitness Asia Pacific Ltd, Life Fitness Latin America and Caribbean, Life Fitness Brazil, Life Fitness Japan, Life Fitness Iberia. (Full contact details available on page 19 of the original document).

Treadmill Specifications

Diagram Description: A table listing detailed specifications for the Essential FT4 Treadmill.