Schwinn 213 Recumbent Bike Owner's Manual - Page 9

OPERATION Nautilus OM 113/213 08/18/2004 12:00 AM Page 9 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 ■ Foot positioning/pedal strap adjustment Place the ball of each foot on the pedals. Rotate the pedals until one foot is within arms reach. Then, reach down carefully and fasten the rubber strap over your shoe and secure it to the pedal by slipping the nub at the end of the pedal through one of the slots in the strap. Pull down on the strap until it snaps into place (Fig. 6). Repeat for the other foot. Point your toes and knees directly forward to ensure maximum pedal efficiency. Pedal straps can be left in place for subsequent workouts. ■ Handlebar Adjustment The upright bike offers an adjustable handlebar to ensure a variety of comfortable hand positions. To adjust the angle of the handlebars, loosen knob, adjust the handlebars to the desired position and re-tighten (Fig. 7). ■ Console Adjustment The upright and recumbent bike both feature a console position adjustment that enables you to position the console closer or farther away from your body to make the console buttons easier to reach, the LCD screen easier to view, and your body position more comfortable so you don't feel too cramped or too stretched out while exercising. To adjust the console position, loosen the knob, adjust the console to the desired position and re-tighten (Fig. 8). Experiment by moving the seat and console sliders closer together or farther apart to totally customize the most comfortable exercise position possible. ■ Resistance adjustment Using the console, you have control over the levels of resistance integrated into your workout. Typically, lower resistance levels enable you to move at a faster pace, placing increased demand on your cardiovascular system. Higher resistance levels will typically deliver more of a muscle / endurance workout at lower RPMs. But everyone is different! So experiment and find the beginning of resistance that is comfortable for you. ■ Lower body workout Once you are in position and sitting comfortably, slowly begin pedaling, with your arms relaxed and with your hands resting on the hand grips. Pedal at an easy pace, at a low resistance level until you feel comfortable and secure. As you feel more comfortable, experiment with the range of resistance levels available via the console. 10