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The more educated you are about fitness and fitness products, the easier it is to achieve your intended results. To help in that effort, gathered here are some common fitness terms and their fitness-oriented definitions.
A \ B \ C \ D \ E \ F \ G \ H \ I \ J \ K \ L \ M \ N \ O \ P \ Q \ R \ S \ T \ U \ V \ W \ X \ Y \ Z
Aerobic Exercise - Long-term, moderate-intensity exercise (i.e., jogging, cycling, rowing, cross-country skiing) that uses oxygen, carbohydrates, and fat for energy.
AC Motor - Alternating current motor that operates with a power source where the voltage alternates or changes in magnitude and direction 60 times per second. The rate of change is expressed as 60 Hertz (Hz). In some countries, the motor changes 50 times per second and is expressed as 50 Hz.
Anaerobic Exercise - Short-term, high-intensity exercise (i.e., sprinting, weight lifting) that uses carbohydrates for energy.
Anodized Metal - Metal that has been coated with a protective oxide to strengthen it and make it resistant to damage. Precor uses anodized aluminum in the components of its machines.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) - The number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain normal body functions.
Biomechanics - The study of the mechanics of a living body, especially of the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure.
Box Channel Frame Design - Descriptive term of frame construction that closes on all four sides. Precor uses the boxed channel frame design because it is superior to typical non-closed frames.
C Channel Frame Design - Descriptive term of frame designs that in cross-section looks like a square "C". The open-sided "C" channel frame is susceptible to flexing. Generally, this design is less expensive and inferior to the box frame design.
CE (Conformance European) - is required by the European Union. CE in our documentation is our statement that the products meet or exceed the applicable requirements under the European Low Voltage Directive and Electro-Magnetic Compatibility Directive.
Calorie - The unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C at 1 atmosphere pressure. Also called a kilocalorie.
Carbohydrate - Organic compounds that include sugars, starches, celluloses, and gums and serve as a major energy source during exercise.
Chopped DC Power - A special kind of DC power used for motor speed controls. Created by rapidly interrupting a DC power source to control the amount of power delivered by using special switching circuits that moderate the amount of power from 0 to 100 percent. The switching takes place so rapidly that the motor maintains a nearly constant speed.
Continuous Duty Horsepower - The maximum hp the motor can produce continuously. Continuous duty ratings are based on motor temperature limitations.
Cool-Down - Period of low intensity aerobic activity to provide transition between high-intensity aerobic work and the end of a workout.
Cross Training - Engaging in a variety of physical activities to work different muscles in the body.
Crowned Rollers - Rollers that have thick centers and tapered ends. This shape makes them self-tracking, which means they are able to keep the belt centered without the aid of centering guides that can fray belt edges.
Current-limiting - An electronic feature that restricts current flowing through a treadmill to minimize the possibility of tripping the circuit breaker.
Direct Current (DC) Motor - A motor with a power source that is constant in voltage and whose current travels in only one direction. A car battery is one of the most common forms of DC power.
Drive Train - The mechanical system that transmits power or torque from one place to another. The drive train includes the running belt, drive belt, rollers, and motor. A car's transmission is part of the drive train because it transfers engine power to the wheels. The belt and pulley of a treadmill are parts of the drive train because they transfer the motor power to the belt.
Duty Cycle - Used with chopped DC power, it's the amount of time the current flows compared to the total cycle time (e.g., if a chopped DC power supply is on for 20 microseconds and then off for 80 microseconds, the duty cycle would be 20%).
ETL (Edison Testing Lab) - is an NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Lab) accredited under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. ETL in our documentation is our statement that the products meet or exceed the applicable safety requirements under the applicable safety standards.
Eddy Current - Resistance technology that works electromagnetically with a precision-balanced aluminum disk spinning freely between variable magnetic fields. Because it has few moving parts and no friction, eddy current resistance technology is extremely reliable and durable, requires little maintenance, and allows systems employing the technology to operate smoothly and quietly.
Ergonomics - The science of designing equipment to better fit the human body.
Exercise Intensity - The level of effort exerted during a workout as measured by the exerciser's heart rate. Since breathing rates and amount of sweat are highly individual, heart rate is the most reliable indicator of exercise intensity.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) - is mandated under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. FCC in our documentation is our statement that our products meet or exceed the limits for both conducted and radiated electro-magnetic emissions in accordance with part 15B of Title 47.
Fatigue - Weariness or exhaustion resulting from exertion.
Fall-Rate - The rate and consistency at which footplates on a climber move downward.
Fall-Rate Center - The electronic feature on a climber that guarantees that the actual climbing rate matches the desired climbing rate. This feature works by constantly adjusting the magnet current up or down, which in turn increases or decreases the eddy current until the actual disc speed matches the desired speed.
Footprint - The amount of floor space a machine requires.
Ground EffectsTM impact control system - Precor's proprietary low-impact treadmill bed technology. It minimizes shock that can lead to stress injuries in ankles, knees, and other joints. The bed "floats" on specially formulated elastomaric inserts that cushion impact and control uncomfortable lateral motion. This system is designed to absorb impact without recoil and responds similarly to all weight users, whether the person is running or walking.
Heart Rate - The number of times the heart pulses in a given period of time.
Horsepower (hp) - A measure of power calculated by multiplying torque times speed and dividing by a constant based on the unit of measure used. At the same torque, or pull on the belt, a reduction of speed results in a proportional reduction in hp.
Independent Step - Descriptive of the step action on a climber where each step moves independently of the other. Stepping down on one footplate does not cause the other footplate to go up.
Inertia - The tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest or a body in motion to remain in motion unless disturbed by an external force.
Integrated FootplantTM technology (IFT) - Precor's microprocessor-regulated motor control system that replicates the natural walking and running motion of your legs. IFT allows slight speed decreases during foot plant, thus absorbing impact at the point of contact with the treadmill and preventing shock from being transferred back into the body.
Intermittent Duty Horsepower Rating - The maximum hp the motor can produce for short time periods but cannot hold continuously due to temperature limitations.
Load - The amount of electrical or mechanical power required to operate a machine; usually the power required to hold you up while climbing or move you on the treadmill while running.
MET - A measurement of oxygen consumption. One MET equals the approximate amount of oxygen consumed per minute by a person at rest. An individual exercising at two METs is consuming oxygen at twice his or her resting rate.
Metabolism - The sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the body at rest or during exercise.
Pacer - An electronic marker that an exerciser can set to travel at a certain speed on the display and then race against or keep time with.
Perceived Exertion - A self-descriptive measure of one's effort and intensity level during exercise. Precor's products are designed to minimize perceived exertion.
Phenolic - A plastic resin used on some treadmill decks that permeates the wood, making waxing unnecessary.
Polyelastomer - Having to do with or consisting of more than one type polymer that has the elastic properties of natural rubber. Polymers are natural or synthetic compounds consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units. These properties prevent treadmill belts from stretching out of shape, thereby increasing usability.
Power - The amount of energy used per second. Power is calculated by multiplying current times voltage.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) - A type of chopped DC power where the width of the pulse is varied to control the average voltage (see "chopped DC power").
Recovery Heart Rate - Heart rate measure taken at the conclusion of exercise. The amount of time it takes to return the heart rate to pre-exercise rates is an indication of cardiovascular fitness.
Recumbent - Descriptive of a cycle position; the rider is sitting with legs extended in front. Recumbent cycling works all the muscles of the thighs and buttocks. It is an excellent exercise for people with high blood pressure since the elevated leg position facilitates blood circulation and reduces cardiovascular stress.
Resting Heart Rate - Heart rate measure taken during rest.
Safety Clip - A monitoring device attached to the exerciser's clothing and to the emergency stop switch on treadmills. If the exerciser stumbles, this device becomes disengaged and turns off the treadmill, allowing the belt to come to a stop.
Static Stretch - Stretching/elongating a muscle and holding a steady point without bouncing for a period of 20 seconds.
Target Heart Rate Zone - The heart rate range determined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to be optimum for improving aerobic fitness. The formula for obtaining a target heart rate equals 220 minus age x 60% to 85%, depending upon individual's fitness goals and physical condition.
Torque - The twisting force at the motor shaft that drives the rollers on a treadmill and pulls the belt. The amount of torque is one of the variables used to calculate the amount of horsepower required.
Tracking - An adjustment or design consideration that is intended to keep the belt centered on the treadmill. Some manufacturers use belt "keepers" or metal rods on the underside of the frame to keep the belt centered. A disadvantage of this design is that keepers tend to fray the edges of the belt, since they are constantly rubbing against it when the treadmill is in motion. Rollers that are crowned, or tapered on the ends, are a much more effective way to keep the belt centered.
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