R
Independent
Action
Climber
Owner’s Manual
Assembly and Operation
Table of Contents
Unpacking the 719e Independent Action Climber.......................................... 4
Understanding the Electronic Console .................................................. 10
Setting the Resistance Level ................................................................. 11
Working Out on the 719e Climber......................................................... 12
General Aerobic Training Information........................................................... 14
How Hard Should I Exercise?................................................................ 14
How Long Should I Exercise? .............................................................. 16
How Often Should I Exercise? .............................................................. 16
Cleaning the 719e Climber..................................................................... 17
Changing the Batteries ......................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................................... 18
Getting Service ..................................................................................... 18
page 3
Unpacking the 719e Independent Action Climber
All Precor products are thoroughly tested and inspected before shipment.
Precor ships the 719e climber in nine pieces:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
right and left handrails
upper and lower handrail console/clamps
electronic console display
base column support (short tube)
upright support (long tube)
base
hardware kit, owner’s manual, and warranty card
Diagram 1
The climber after unpacking.
Right and left handrails
Lower handrail clamp
Upper handrail console
Stair arms
Electronic console display
Upright support (long tube)
Base column support (short tube)
Base
Unpack the climber, placing all the pieces on the floor. For help in identifying
the various pieces, refer to Diagram 1. The packet containing the hardware kit,
owner’s manual, and warranty card is not shown.
Important: Do not pinch or crimp the reed switch cable during the unpacking or
assembly processes.
page 4
Diagram 2
Overview of hardware kit.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
K
L
M
H
I
J
Open the hardware kit and identify the following items. Diagram 2 provides an
overview of kit’s contents. As you identify the contents of the kit, check them off
below.
(A) Four base locknuts
(B) Two small black metal washers
(C) Four large black metal washers
(D) Four small button-head bolts
(E) Two frame-to-frame bolts
(F) Two screws
(G) Two plastic collars
(H) One small hex key
(I) One box wrench
(J) Four base bolts
(K) Four medium-sized washers
(L) Two plastic bushings
(M) One large hex key
If any items are missing, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the
climber, or call 1-800-4-PRECOR for the authorized Precor dealer nearest you.
page 5
Assembling the 719e Independent Action Climber
Follow the instructions in this section to assemble the 719e Independent Action
Climber. It is important to read through the entire procedure before assembling
your climber.
To assemble the 719e climber:
1. Prepare Upper Frame for Assembly. Carefully unpack the parts of the
719e climber and open the hardware kit.
Note: For the following steps, hardware callouts are identified by a letter in
parentheses. To be sure you are using the correct part, refer to Diagram 2.
Diagram 3
Place frame on base.
Reed switch cable
Upright support
(Long tube)
Lower handrail clamp
Bolt pad
Base column support
(Short tube)
Lower handrail console
2. Align Upper Frame Pieces. (Diagram 3) Use the lower console clamp and
remove two large, black metal washers (C) and two of the frame-to-frame
bolts (E) from the hardware kit. Ask for assistance to align the bolt holes in
the long tube with the matching holes in the short tube.
3. Prepare the lower console clamp. (Diagram 3) Place the lower handrail
clamp into position. Align the holes on the lower handrail clamp between
the long and short tubes.
Important: As you assemble the climber, be careful not to pinch the reed
switch cable that runs through the long tube.
4. Secure Upper Frame Together. (Diagram 3) Place one washer (C) onto
each of the two frame-to-frame bolts (E) and insert the bolts through the
aligned holes on the frame. Thread the bolts through the lower handrail
clamp and into the short tube. Fully tighten the bolts.
page 6
Diagram 4
Place frame on base
Upright support
(Long tube)
Base column support
(Short tube)
Base
Base cross tube
5. Place Frame on Base. (Diagram 4) Place the base on blocks (large books
will do) so you can access the underside of the base. Ask for assistance to
lift and place the upper frame on the base, positioned so that the stair arms
rest on the base cross tube.
Diagram 5
Attach frame to base.
Washer
Bolt pad
Base bolt
Base
6. Attach Frame to Base. (Diagram 5) Place a medium-sized, black
washer (K) on each of the base bolts (J). Align the bolt pad with the base
frame holes and insert the base bolts through the bolt pad and into the
base. Attach the four locknuts (A) to the ends of the bolts. Firmly tighten
the base locknuts. Hold each bolt with the hex key (M) while tightening the
nut with the box wrench (I).
page 7
Diagram 6
Connect resistance cylinders to
frame.
Plastic collar
Upper axle
Plastic bushing
Washer
Resistance cylinder
Upright support (long tube)
7. Connect Resistance Cylinders to Upright Support. (Diagram 6) Slide the
plastic collar (G) over the upper axle, with the straight bevel toward the
frame. Lift up on the stair arm until you can push the top of the resistance
cylinder onto the upper axle, then attach the cylinder to the axle using a
bushing (L), washer (C), and button-head bolt (D). Repeat step 7 for the
other resistance cylinder.
Diagram 7
Install handrail console and
insert handrails into clamps
Upper handrail clamp
Upper handrail console
Electronic console mounts
Handrail (long, straight section)
Upright support (long tube)
Lower handrail clamp
8. Install Upper Handrail Console. (Diagram 7) Position the upper handrail
console on top of the long tube. Pull the excess reed switch cable up
through the large hole in the handrail console and tape it to the top of the
console. Locate two button-head bolts (D) in the hardware kit and place a
small, black washer (B) on each bolt. Secure the handrail console to the
frame by inserting the bolts and washers through the top of the handrail
console and into the upright support.
9. Install Handrails. (Diagram 7) Loosen the bolts in the handrail clamps
using the hex key provided. Orient the handrails so that the longer,
“straight” section of the handrails is positioned on top. Place the handrails
in the upper clamp. Rotate the lower portion of the handrails into position
and insert each handrail into the lower clamp. Finger-tighten the bolts into
both clamps.
page 8
10. Tighten Handrail Clamp. (Diagram 7) Look underneath the upper handrail
clamp and check to see that the handrail ends meet in the middle of the
clamp. If necessary, realign the handrails and then, tighten the handrail
clamps using the hex key (H) provided. Tighten the bolts securely.
Note: The black foam wrap on the handrails should be snug up against the
handrail clamps.
Diagram 8
Install electronic console display
Electronic console display
Upper handrail clamp
Upper handrail console
Screw mounts
Upright support (long tube)
Phillips head screwdriver
11. Install Electronic Display on Upright Support. (Diagram 8) Take the
following steps to install the electronic console display:
a. Remove the tape from the reed switch cable on the handrail console.
b. Align the tab on the connector plug with its receptacle on the back of
the electronic console display. Gently push the plug into its receptacle.
c. Feed the excess cable back through the hole and into the upright
support.
d. Place the electronic console display on the handrail console and align
the screw holes.
Important: Be careful not to trap or pinch the reed switch cable.
e. Attach the electronic console display to the handrail console using the
two screws (F). Insert the screws from the back of the console as
shown in Diagram 8.
12. Set Resistance Level. Set the resistance level by turning the adjustment
knob at the top of the resistance cylinder to a middle (4, 5, or 6) setting.
Once you have used the climber and are familiar with it, set the resistance
to a comfortable level. For this procedure, see Setting the Resistance Level
in the next section.
page 9
Using the 719e Independent Action Climber
In addition to providing an excellent cardiovascular, low-impact workout, one of
the advantages of the 719e Independent Action Climber is that it is simple to
use. In a very short time, you can learn how to use it effectively. This section
provides information about using the electronic console, setting the resistance
level, and working out on the climber.
Understanding the Electronic Console
Once you have assembled your 719e climber, it is ready to use. There are no
complex instructions to follow or mandatory programming steps required to
operate the climber—the electronic display is there only for reference. It
provides motivating feedback about your workout to help you monitor your
progress and meet your fitness goals.
The console has an automatic auto-pause feature, allowing you to stop
exercising briefly. Five minutes after you stop exercising the unique screen-
saver feature turns off the display and saves your position. When you resume
working out, the microprocessor continues counting from the point you left off,
for an accurate readout of your total workout time.
Diagram 9
Electronic console readout.
TOTAL STEPS
SCAN
TIME
ODOMETER X 100
STEPS / MIN
150
120
90
60
30
Diagram 9 shows the 719e electronic console display. You will find an
explanation of the displays and keys below.
Displays
TIME—functions like a stopwatch, giving you total exercise time per session,
up to 59 minutes and 59 seconds. The Time display starts or stops automati-
cally when you start or stop a workout. You must press the RESET key to reset
the Time display to 0 (for more information about RESET, see explanation of
keys). Use the Time display to keep track of how long you have exercised in a
given session.
STEPS/MIN—shows steps per minute, up to 199. The bar graphs on the left
side of the display also display this information, up to 150 steps. Use this
display to determine exercise intensity (how hard you are working out) at any
given moment.
TOTAL STEPS—shows the total number of steps during a workout, up to a total
of 9,999. You can use this display to measure total work done in a workout.
SCAN—alternates automatically between Time and Total Steps every five
seconds. Specify Scan to monitor your workout without having to constantly
press the keys.
page 10
PACER—blinks at a constant rate (up to 150 times per minute), as specified by
the user. When you are exercising at the same rate as the pacer, the Pacer
display stops blinking. It sets a tempo for you to follow, helping you maintain
your exercise intensity and providing motivation.
ODOMETER X 100—gives the total number of steps accumulated on the
climber over time, up to 999,900. Use this display to track the amount of
“mileage” your climber has on it.
Keypad
START/STOP—starts and stops your workout session. However, the electronic
console automatically begins displaying information when you move the stair
arms. You could use this key to start or stop your workout when you want to
keep your warm-up or cool-down sessions separate from your workout
statistics.
MODE—specifies the information you want displayed. Simply press this key
repeatedly until information from the desired display appears.
PACER—sets a pace tempo. When you press this key the pacer appears in the
bar graph on the left side of the display. The pace tempo can only be changed
by pressing the PACER key.
RESET—resets the displays on the electronic console to 0. Note that pressing
this key does not reset the Odometer and Pacer displays. Using the RESET key
is another way to keep your warm-up or cool-down sessions separate from
your workout statistics.
Setting the Resistance Level
Before using the 719e climber, you need to adjust the work level. The work
level, which is related to your body weight and your step height during the
workout, determines your step rate (the number of steps you can take per
minute). The relationship between body weight, step height, and step rate
determines how hard you work during a session.
CAUTION: Do not adjust the
resistance cylinders after
extended continuous use
because they can heat up to
the point of being
uncomfortable to touch.
Understanding the principles covered in General Aerobic Training Information
later in this manual will help you select the appropriate work level for your
fitness level and personal fitness goals. To achieve your goals, it is important to
use a work level that allows your heart rate to reach your training zone and then
maintains that rate for the desired length of time—while you maintain a step
height between 4 to 8 inches. (For information about your training zone, see
How Hard Should I Exercise? in the section titled General Aerobic Training
Information.)
Keep these guidelines in mind when selecting a work level:
•
•
Work level settings on the 719e climber range from “1” to “12.”
“1” provides a faster step rate due to less resistance in the stair arms than
“12.” A low setting is generally considered the easier aerobic workout
even though your step rate is fast because it is easier to push against the
stair arms.
•
The resistance cylinders operate more stiffly at the beginning of a workout
until they warm up through use.
Start exercising at a setting that will gradually allow you to work your way to
step at a comfortable rate (about 110 to 120 steps per minute) and at a step
height between 4 to 8 inches for 20 minutes or longer.
To adjust the cylinder’s resistance level, turn the adjustment knob at the top of
the cylinder. Make sure that both cylinders are set at the same resistance level
to ensure a smooth, balanced feel during your workout.
page 11
Working Out on the 719e Climber
This section explains how to work out on the climber safely and effectively.
When using the climber, follow these general guidelines:
CAUTION: Before beginning
any fitness program, you
should have a complete
physical examination by your
physician.
•
At the beginning of a workout, take several minutes to bring your heart
rate into your training zone (see Diagram 11 later in this manual). After your
workout, walk slowly for several minutes to cool down your body and
lower your pulse rate.
•
•
•
Protect your knees by keeping them directly over your toes.
Keep your shoulders and back relaxed.
Hold your head up—looking at your feet or the floor strains your neck and
back muscles.
•
•
Keep your feet on the footpads—moving your feet too far forward may
cause you to bump the cylinders with your knees.
Set the adjustment knob at the top of each resistance cylinder to a medium
level (between 4 - 6) initially until your muscles warm up and your heart
rate reaches its training zone (see Diagram 11). You can then change the
level to the desired setting for working out.
•
Gently stretch your lower body and back after a workout to help prevent
stiffness or soreness.
Photo 1
Working out on the 719e
To use the 719e climber refer to Photo 1 and follow these steps:
1. After you have set the adjustment knob to a comfortable setting and
finished any desired pre-workout stretching, step onto the climber. Make
sure that your weight is balanced and your hands and feet are positioned
securely.
2. Start your workout by taking steps 4 to 8 inches in height, at a step rate
that will allow your heart rate to reach your training zone within 5 minutes.
To get your heart rate into your training zone, you might have to turn the
adjustment knobs to an appropriate setting for you.
page 12
3. After your warm-up period, maintain your heart rate in your training zone
during your aerobic session. As you work out, vary your body position to
reduce localized muscle fatigue and to exercise all your lower body
muscles.
You can vary body position by changing the angle of your upper body and
your footstep. Use the upright upper body position to work your entire leg;
use the forward lean to concentrate on the gluteal muscles. Three types of
footsteps are explained below; you can use one of these or your own
footstep when working out.
•
Forefoot step with heel press down—start by pressing down with the ball
of your foot, then press the heel down and straighten the supporting leg.
This step helps to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon to prevent
them from becoming too tight during your workout.
•
•
Midfoot step with heel press down—step with your arch, then press the
foot pedal down with your heel. This step concentrates on your entire leg,
working muscles in both the front and back.
Forefoot step with toe press down—step on the ball of your foot for the
entire stroke. This step concentrates on your calves.
4. When you are finished exercising, cool down for 3 to 5 minutes by
gradually reducing your step rate and step height. If earlier you decreased
the resistance level for your aerobic session, move the level to a higher
setting to help your body cool down. A proper cool-down helps to
transport excess lactic acid out of the working muscles, allowing them to
recover faster.
For best results, vary your workouts by changing duration, intensity, footstep,
body position, and type of work (such as interval training). We recommend that
you keep track of your workouts by writing them down; this way you can
monitor your progress toward your fitness goals and use the information as a
reference in planning interesting, challenging workouts.
page 13
General Aerobic Training Information
A workout on the Precor 719e Independent Action Climber provides excellent
and efficient cardiovascular conditioning, while strengthening and toning all the
major muscle groups in the lower body. Darkened areas in Diagram 10 indicate
the muscles improved. Because the motion on the 719e climber is low-impact,
all the aerobic, toning, and strengthening benefits can be achieved with little
stress to the joints and less wear on the body than traditional exercise activities.
Diagram 10
Muscles exercised during a
stairclimber workout.
1
3
1
1. Trapezius
2. Deltoid
3. Pectorals
4. Rhomboids
5. Triceps
6. Biceps
7. Latissimus Dorsi
8. Forearm Flexors/Extensors
9. Abdominals
10. Erector Spinae
11. Gluteals
12. Hip Flexors
13. Quadriceps
2
6
2
5
8
4
9
7
8
10
12
11
13
14
14. Hamstrings
15. Gastrocnemius/Soleus
16. Peroneus Longus/Brevis
15
16
16
To get the most out of each workout, a general understanding of the principles
behind aerobic training is invaluable. The best source of fitness information is
your specialty fitness dealer. In addition to providing information on which
exercise equipment is the best for your individual needs, your specialty fitness
retailer can provide useful advice on training, technique, and exercise physiol-
ogy. Your retailer can also recommend good books on these subjects.
To help you get started in planning and carrying out your fitness program, this
section provides some basic information on aerobic exercise—such as how
hard you should work out, how long each session should be, and how often you
need to exercise to benefit from a regular program.
How Hard Should I Exercise?
Studies show that to achieve the benefits of aerobic exercise, it is necessary to
work out hard enough to raise your heart rate to a certain minimum level, called
a “training zone.” Your training zone depends on your age and level of fitness.
Diagram 11 shows your recommended heart rate training zone, which is
calculated using your age and your maximum attainable heart rate. The chart is
based on a resting heart rate of about 72 for males and 80 for females. Your
optimum training zone is between 65% and 80% of your maximum heart rate.
For efficient aerobic exercise, work only hard enough to keep your heart rate in
this zone. You will obtain the greatest fat-burning benefits when you exercise
within the optimum training zone.
page 14
Diagram 11
Heart rate training zone
HEART RATE TRAINING ZONE
200
195
190
185
180
175
170
165
160
200
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
160
130
155
156
150
120
97
152
148
145
116
94
144
140
MAX.
HEART
RATE
136
132
RECOMMENDED TRAINING ZONE
128
124
100
127
124
120
117
114
111
107
104
80% OF
MAX.
HEART
RATE
90
80
65% OF
MAX.
HEART
RATE
20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
YOUR AGE
Pushing yourself beyond the recommended range, (that is, exercising so hard
that your heart rate rises above 80% of maximum) can overstress your muscles.
To increase cardiovascular improvement, exercise longer, not harder.
Keep in mind that this zone is an approximation, to be used as a guideline—
individual heart rates vary according to several physiological factors. To
determine your training zone, find your age on the diagram, and then find the
area where they intersect. For example, if you are 35 years old, your training
zone is between 120 and 148 beats per minute. Remember this zone—this is the
heart rate zone you should try to maintain as you work out.
You can determine your heart rate by taking your pulse at a place that you can
reach easily and comfortably while you exercise. Typical places for measuring
heart rate are directly over the heart on the left side of the chest, on either side of
the neck, over the temple, or on the thumb side of either wrist. Wherever you
measure your pulse, make sure that you use your index and middle fingers—not
your thumb. Your thumb has a strong pulse that can affect your pulse rate
reading.
Once you locate your pulse, look at a clock with a second hand and count the
beats for six seconds. Multiply that number by 10 to determine the total number
of beats per minute. For example, if you count 14 beats over six seconds, the
total number of beats per minute is 140. Compare the total number of beats with
your training zone as identified in Diagram 11. If necessary, increase or decrease
your activity level to bring your heart rate into your training zone. You can
increase your activity level by decreasing the resistance which increases your
step rate. Similarly, raising the resistance and decreasing your steps per minute
will lower your heart rate. Remember—your heart rate is the definitive measure
of how hard you are working.
page 15
Regardless of your fitness level, avoid doing too much too soon. Setting the
resistance cylinders too high, stepping too deeply (taking large steps) or
stepping too quickly for too long are common errors. Give yourself time to
become familiar with your climber and improve your fitness level. Then you can
gradually change the resistance settings to make your workouts more
challenging.
How Long Should I Exercise?
The length of each exercise session depends on your fitness level. Exercise
physiologists have determined that, to attain cardiovascular benefits from
exercise, you should maintain your heart rate in the training zone for at least 15
minutes. This is in addition to your warm-up time, and does not include cool-
down. You should always allow several minutes to bring your heart rate into the
training zone, by starting out slowly and gradually increasing the work level.
Similarly, use several minutes of light exercise after the workout to bring your
heart rate down to near resting level.
The higher your fitness level, the longer your should maintain your heart rate in
the training zone (between 20 and 30 minutes). Beginners should always start
slowly, and gradually increase their sessions up to 20 minutes or more.
How Often Should I Exercise?
Research indicates that aerobic sessions of 20 minutes or more should be done
at least three to five times a week to obtain significant cardiovascular benefits.
Most experts agree that sensible eating habits and regular aerobic exercise are
the keys to weight control and fitness. A recent study, which tracked several
subjects over a period of years, conclusively shows that exercise, not dieting, is
the key factor to successful long-term weight loss.
page 16
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
The 719e climber requires very little maintenance. The only maintenance you
need to do periodically is to clean the climber. You will also need to change the
batteries when they wear down. Instructions for these procedures are provided
in this section.
If you encounter problems with the 719e climber, refer to Troubleshooting Tips
in this section for help.
Cleaning the 719e Climber
Clean the 719e climber periodically with mild soap and water or a general
household cleaner. Wipe the surface of the electronic console with a damp
sponge or soft cloth. Dry with a clean towel. Do not pour or spray liquids on the
electronic console.
Changing the Batteries
The 719e climber comes with two “AA” alkaline batteries installed. When your
electronic console no longer shows a digital readout or the count becomes
erratic, you need to change the batteries.
To change the batteries:
1. Press down on the latch to open the door on the side of the electronic
console and replace the old batteries with two new “AA” alkaline batteries.
The entire display lights up momentarily, the console beeps twice, and then
the display shows “002.”
2. Press the MODE key once. The display shows “001.”
NOTE: If you happen to press the MODE key more than once, do not worry.
You can scroll through all the options on the display by pressing MODE
repeatedly until “001” appears. Pressing START/STOP backs up the display
one option.
3. Press RESET to activate the climber.
4. If you have not already done so, close the door on the side of the electronic
console display. You can now work out on the climber.
page 17
Troubleshooting Tips
Check the chart below to see if your problem is listed. If the following information
does not solve a particular problem, call your authorized Precor dealer. See
Getting Service in this section for information.
Problem
Solution
Electronics—no display
or erratic count
•
•
•
Dead batteries. Replace batteries (see
Changing the Batteries in this section).
Battery connections are dirty or are not making
contact. Clean or adjust the connections.
Incorrect spacing between the reed switch and
the magnet. Make sure that the spacing is
between 1/8" to 1/4".
Adjust spacing by moving the reed switch
in or out of the rubber collar with your
fingers. See Photo 2 below.
Photo 2
Adjusting reed switch spacing.
Resistance cylinder
Magnet (1/8" to 1/4" spacing)
Reed switch
Stair arm
Squeaks
•
Frame loose. Check and tighten handrails and
the base and frame bolts.
Getting Service
Do not attempt to service the 719e climber yourself except for changing the
batteries or performing other maintenance tasks as described in this manual.
For further information about product operation or service, contact an
authorized Precor dealer (or a Precor Factory Authorized Service Company).
To locate the Precor dealer nearest you, call 1-800-4-PRECOR.
page 18
page 19
R
Precor Incorporated
P.O. Box 3004
Bothell, WA USA 98041-3004
P/N 33914-102
5/93
Precor is a registered trademark of Precor Incorporated.
© 1993 Precor Incorporated.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
1-800-4-PRECOR
|