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4) LIFE FITNESS FIT TEST
The Lifecycle Upright Bike Fit Test program is another exclusive feature of this versatile exercise bike. The
Life Fitness Fit Test measures cardiovascular fitness and can be used to monitor improvements in
endurance every four to six weeks. The user must grasp the hand sensors when prompted or wear a heart
rate chest strap, as the test score calculation is based on a heart rate reading. The workout duration will be
five minutes at the chosen resistance level. Immediately afterward, the console will take the user's heart
rate reading, calculate a fitness score, and display the score in a results window.
The Fit Test is considered to be a submax VO2 (volume of oxygen) test. It gauges how well the heart sup-
plies oxygenated blood to the exercising muscles, and how efficiently those muscles receive oxygen from
the blood. Physicians and exercise physiologists generally regard this test as a good measure of aerobic
capacity. Please note that the estimated VO2 max scores achieved will be 10 percent to15 percent lower
on stationary exercise bikes than those achieved on other Life Fitness cardiovascular equipment. Stationary
cycling has a higher rate of isolated muscle fatigue of the quadriceps when compared to walking/running on
a treadmill, climbing on a stairclimber, or utilizing a cross-trainer. This higher rate of fatigue corresponds to
lower levels of estimated VO2 max scores.
To set up the Fit Test:
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Choose PERSONAL TRAINER, then LIFE FITNESS FIT TEST.
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Go through the setup screens for the Fit Test, including WEIGHT, AGE, AND GENDER. Press Enter
after each selection to record the entry.
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Choose a workout level (ENTER LEVEL). Consult the following recommended fit test level chart for
an appropriate effort level based on your age, gender and activity level. Use the NUMERIC BUT-
TONS or UP/DOWN ARROW BUTTONS to enter the corresponding level.
After the five-minute FIT TEST is completed, a FIT TEST score will be displayed.
FIT TEST PROGRAM SUGGESTED EXERTION LEVELS
Inactive Active Very Active
Bike Fit Test Level L4-6 men L5-10 men L8-14 men
L2-4 women L3-7 women L6-10 women
Suggested exertion levels should be used as a guideline for setting up the Fit Test program. The goal is to
elevate the user's heart rate to a level that is between 60%-85% of their theoretical maximum heart rate
(220-age).
Within each suggested range, these additional guidelines can be used:
Lower Half of Range Upper Half of Range
higher age lower age
lower weight higher weight*
shorter taller
* In cases of excessive weight, use lower half of range.