Schwinn 220 Recumbent Bike Assembly and Owner's Manual - Page 23

Level / HR (Heart Rate) The LEVEL/HR display field shows the current resistance level (1-16) for 6 seconds, then your Heart Rate for 6 seconds. The HR display shows the heart rate in beats per minute (BPM) from the Contact Heart Rate sensors. ! Consult a physician before you start an exercise program. Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in your chest, become short of breath, or feel faint. Contact your doctor before you use the machine again. Use the values calculated or measured by the machine's computer for reference purposes only. Contact Heart Rate Sensors Contact Heart Rate (CHR) sensors send your heart rate signals to the Console. The CHR sensors are the stainless steel parts of the Handlebars. To use, put your hands comfortably around the sensors. Be sure that your hands touch both the top and the bottom of the sensors. Hold firm, but not too tight or loose. Both hands must make contact with the sensors for the Console to detect a pulse. After the Console detects four stable pulse signals, your initial pulse rate will be shown. Once the Console has your initial heart rate, do not move or shift your hands for 10 to 15 seconds. The Console will now validate the heart rate. Many factors influence the ability of the sensors to detect your heart rate signal: • Movement of the upper body muscles (including arms) produces an electrical signal (muscle artifact) that can interfere with pulse detection. Slight hand movement while in contact with the sensors can also produce interference. • Calluses and hand lotion may act as an insulating layer to reduce the signal strength. • Some Electrocardiogram (EKG) signals generated by individuals are not strong enough to be detected by the sensors. CHR detection may be limited to walking or slow jogging due to the extreme muscle artifacts and hand motion generated by a comfortable running style. If your heart rate signal ever seems erratic after validation, wipe off your hands and the sensors and try again. Heart Rate Calculations Your maximum heart rate usually decreases from 220 Beats Per Minute (BPM) in childhood to approximately 160 BPM by age 60. This fall in heart rate is usually linear, decreasing by approximately one BPM for each year. There is no indication that training influences the decrease in maximum heart rate. Individuals of the same age could have different maximum heart rates. It is more accurate to find this value by getting a stress test than by using an age related formula. 23