FIRST DEGREE FITNESS APOLLO AR Indoor Rower User Guide

FIRST DEGREE FITNESS APOLLO AR Indoor Rower User Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Apollo AR Rower.

FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is proud to present the Rower as a home use product featuring patented Adjustable Fluid Resistance.

Our solid wood frames incorporate only the highest quality American Ash which is collected using the latest technology in sustainable harvesting from renewable plantations.

Note that slight variations of colour are normal and part of Mother nature’s artistry. The wood grain patterns and subtle hues of each Rower makes every unit highly individual and designed to compliment any environment.

Follow all instructions carefully for correct assembly, tank filling, water treatment, service and safety.

Access to our world-wide distributor and service network is available at www.firstdegreefitness.com

Check contents of Box 1 and 2 to assure all parts are present and correct prior to  assembly.

Training With The Apollo AR Rower

1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your Rower exercise program.

2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing techniques.

3. For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our international website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

CAUTION

1.  Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated in this manual.
2. The Rower can stand vertically for storage. Make sure a secure location is chosen, such as the corner of a room or against a wall on an even, secure surface.

Note: If the storage area is not level, an additional fixture is required (sold separately) to keep the Rower stable with vertical storage position.

Safety

Safety Information

• Before using this product, it is essential to read this ENTIRE operation manual and ALL
  instructions. The Rower is intended for use solely in the manner described in this manual.

•  UNDERSTANDING EACH AND EVERY WARNING TO THE FULLEST IS IMPORTANT

• As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your Rower exercise program.

• Please be aware that any fitness regiment, before being undertaken, is best preceded by a physical checkup from a certified physician.

• Injuries to health may result from incorrect or excessive training.

•  WARNING Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate. Over exercise may
  result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint, stop exercising immediately.

• Stop the machine immediately if any signs of excessive wearing is present on the belts, pulleys and bungee cords. Do not use unit until said parts are repaired or replaced.

• Do not allow children unattended access to the machine.

• The Rower can stand vertically for storage. When doing so, please follow the instructions given in the manual.

• Please keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning label on the mainframe of your machine.

• If any of the adjustment devices are left projecting, they could interfere with the user’s movement.

• Do not store in freezing conditions with water in the tank as it can expand and crack the components.

Installation

• Place on a stable, flat surface in a horizontal position during use for maximum stability.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are complete.

Proper Usage

•  Do not use any equipment in any way other than designed or intended by the manufacturer. It is imperative that FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment is used properly to avoid injury.

• Injuries may result if exercising improperly or excessively. It is recommended that all
  individuals consult a physician prior to commencing an exercise program. If at any time
  during exercise you feel faint, dizzy or experience pain, STOP EXERCISING and consult
  your physician.

• Keep body parts (hands, feet, hair, etc.), clothing and jewelry away from moving parts to avoid injury.

• Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing techniques.

• For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our International website
  www.firstdegreefitness.com

Inspection

• DO NOT use or permit use of any equipment that is damaged and/or has worn or broken
  parts. For all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment use only replacement parts supplied by FIRST DEGREE FITNESS.

• Cables and belts pose an extreme liability if used when frayed. Always replace any cable
  or belt at first sign of wear (consult FIRST DEGREE FITNESS if uncertain).

• EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE – Preventative maintenance is the key to smooth operating equipment as well as to keep your liability to a minimum. Equipment needs to be
  inspected at regular intervals.

• Ensure that any person(s) making adjustments or performing maintenance or repair of
  any kind is qualified to do so.

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE OR REPAIR ANY ACCESSORY APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE FIRST DEGREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT WHICH APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED OR WORN.

• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if needed.

• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.

• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
  complete.

Operating Warnings

• Keep children away from the equipment. Parents or others supervising children must
  provide close supervision of children if the equipment is used in the presence of children.

• Do not allow users to wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry while using equipment. It is
  also recommended to have users secure long hair back and up to avoid contact with
  moving parts.

• All bystanders must stay clear of all users, moving parts and attached accessories and
  components while machine is in operation.

•  WARNING Do not insert fingers into tank!

• CAUTION After rowing exercise, please allow the unit to sit for 5 minutes before
  standing it up for storage.

•  CAUTION Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on the tank level sticker
  or water spillage can occur.

•  WARNING Never operate this rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
  or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

Assembly

Specifications

Product Class: HC
Braking System: Speed Independent
Product Net Weight: 32.7kg(72.09lb)
Product Gross Weight: 39.5kg(87.08lb)
Minimum Safe Operating Surface Area: 333cm (131.09”) x 172cm (67.71”)
Dimensions: 2135mm(84.06”) Length x 520mm (20.47”) Width x 560mm(22.04”) Height
Maximum User Weight: 150kg (330lb)
Compact Footprint: 2,135mm x 550mm or upright 550mm x 540mm

Product Highlights

The live area shall be not less than 60cm (23.62”) greater than the training area in the directions from which the equipment is accessed. The live area must also include the area for emergency dismount.

Live area and Training area

Note: Rower is not suitable for therapeutic purposes

Rower Box 1 & 2 Contents

Assembly Instructions

STEP 1

Installing the Rear Brace and Transport Wheel Assembly to Seat Rail

REQUIRED

Side Rail Left / Right [2] Rear Brace [4] Bungee Hook Mount [5] Transport Wheel Assembly [6] 4x M6x15mm Bolts [10]

WARNING
Rotate Rear Brace to correct orientation before assembly onto Side Rails

WARNING

Note Transport wheels must be mounted on the outside of Side Rails As shown below.

Do not over tighten the Transport Wheel Axle as it may inhibit Transport Wheel rotation.

a) Start with the Rear Brace and on the underside you will find a Pre- installed bolt. From the hardware kit, take the Bungee Hook Mount and install it onto the Rear Brace as shown. Note the orientation of the Brace and hook must be correct in order to hold the end of the Bungee Shock Cord as depicted by the arrow in the illustration, which points toward the front of rower.

b) Next, connect the Side Rail Left and Side Rail Right[2] using 4x M6x15mm Bolts[10] and Rear Brace[4]. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
Tip: Bumpstops facing inside of rail for correct assembly orientation.

c) Once the Rear Brace and Side Rails are assembled, mount the Transport Wheel Assembly[6] onto the Left/Right Side Rails[2].

Note: One washer on outside and one washer on the inside of the side rail.

STEP 2

Mounting Rower Seat and Upper Mainframe

REQUIRED
Left / Right Side Rail [2] Rower Seat [3]

To Install the rower seat, spread the Left/Right Side Rails[2] slightly and drop the Rower Seat[3] into the track.

Note: Seat indentation must face rearward.

STEP 3

Mounting Rower Seat and Upper Mainframe

REQUIRED
Mainframe [1] Side Rails Assembly [2] 16x M8 Washers [7] 8x M8 Standard Nuts [8] 8x Nyloc Nuts [9] 8x M8x45mm Bolts [11]

  CAUTION
Nyloc nuts must be outside the standard nut and washer to properly secure assembly.

Note: Clean wheels and tracks weekly with a soft dry cloth in order to decrease the rate of wear on both wheels and track.

Next, install the Mainframe[1] onto the Side Rail Assembly[2] as shown. You will need 8x M8x45mm Bolts[11], 16x M8 Washers [7], 8x M8 Standard Nuts[8] and 8x M8 Nyloc Nuts[9].

Secure the front Lower Bracket first, then the Footboard but DO NOT TIGHTEN. You may find that the Lower Bracket Bolts can be difficult to access. You can tighten these bolts completely once the Rower is standing in the vertical position so for the moment, simply align and loosely thread lower bolts/nuts.

STEP 4

Completing the Rower Assembly

Once the Bungee Cord is attached to the Rear Brace, tighten the bolts holding the Footboard, the Mainframe to Side Rail Bolts as they are easier to access from the vertical position.

Lower the Rower back to the Horizontal position and test for proper bungee recoil.

Check Seat Rollers/Runners for dirt or debris before sitting on the rower seat. Small objects captured between the seat rollers and runners can damage the wheels or running surface. Check runners for debris prior to each use and clean regularly.

Note: The Rower Frame Bolts require periodic checking for tightness. Do this at the end of the first month of use and again after every 12 months

Choose a suitable location when standing the product for storage.

The Rower frame can be polished with any high grade furniture polish to further highlight the rich luster of the wood finish.

Install supplied 2x AA Duracell battery and check computer function. Details regarding can be found in the Computer section of this manual.

Choose a flat, level surface on which to use your Rower, to avoid rocking and potential premature wear.

Operation Instructions

Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank

The Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank, developed and patented by FIRST DEGREE FITNESS. offers a true multi-level experience. Water is moved between the “storage” and “active” chambers of the AR Tank. Your new Rowing Ergometer can adapt – at the turn of a dial – to the resistance preferred by each user in the home environment.

Getting Started

To achieve minimum resistance, select “MIN” on the tank adjuster. It takes 10 strokes to fill the central (storage) tank, leaving a minimal amount of water in the outer (active) tank. This process is always required if minimum resistance is desired. Row hard at a steady pace (20 to 25 strokes per minute [SPM]) and put some effort into the stroke, ensuring that good form is maintained. You can make adjustments to the resistance level while you row. Your Rowing Ergometer will adapt almost instantly to increases in resistance but will take up to 10 strokes to reduce the effort required, as the central (storage) tank fills up.

Developing Your Routine

Once you have found a level that gives you the exercise required, changes can be made to SPM and to stroke intensity to further vary your energy input. Interval training is used by most Rowers, where a period of low intensity is combined with short intervals of high intensity. Your FDF Rowing Ergometer allows for changes ‘on the fly’, to achieve multi-level resistance profiles during a single workout. For more information on exercise routines, please visit our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

Tank Filling and Water Treatment Procedures

REQUIRED Siphon [17]

  CAUTION
Resistance adjuster must be set to ’Max’ to allow for accurate filling capacity.

  WARNING
Do not overfill the tank beyond the maximum indicated level of 17 liters. Refer to the tank level decal on the lower side of the tank.

a) Remove rubber fill plug from the top of the tank.
b) Place a large bucket of water next to the rower. Position the Siphon[17] with rigid hose in the bucket, and flexible hose in the tank.
Note: Make sure small breather valve on siphon is closed before filling.
c) Squeeze siphon to begin filling. Important: Do not overfill tank
d) When full, open the valve on the top of the siphon to allow excess water to escape.
e) Once filling is completed follow the water treatment schedule below, then replace the tank plug.

INITIAL WATER TREATMENT

Add 1 x Water Treatment Tablet per full tank. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, USE A WATER TREATMENT TABLET OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR UNIT. Your unit purchase includes 4 x Water Treatment Tablets, which is sufficient for several years of use. To purchase additional chlorine tabs, please consult your nearest regional dealer/distributor or check our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

Removing/Changing Tank Water

Row a minimum of ten complete strokes before commencing tank draining. Remove tank plug, insert rigid end of siphon into tank and begin draining.

a) Set Adjuster handle to “MIN”
b) Row at least ten strokes to fill the storage reservoir as completely as possible.
c) Remove Tank Plug.
d) Insert rigid end of siphon into the tank, and flexible hose into a large bucket.
e) Drain tank (approx. 40% of water will remain) and then refill following directions for Tank filling as described in the Tank Filling section of this manual.

Note:

• The valve on top of the siphon must be closed to allow proper drainage.
• Water treatment will preclude the need to change tank water if the treatment schedule is maintained. Additional Water Treatment Tablet is required only when discoloration appears in the water.
• Exposure to full sunlight reduces the life of the Water Treatment Tablets. Storing the rower away from direct sunlight will extend the time between water treatments.
• Approximately 40% of tank water will remain. It is not possible to completely drain the A/R tank without disassembly.

Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation

Do not use any water treatment other than the tablets supplied with this unit.

For replacement tablets, contact your local First Degree Fitness distributor. Water treatment schedules for the FLUID ROWER will vary according to the fluid tanks exposure to sunlight, but expect 8-12 months near a bright, sunlit window and 2 years or more for a darker location. At the point of finding the water slightly cloudy, add a Water Treatment Tablet.

  CAUTION
It is strongly recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid tank whenever the tank plug is opened for water treatment.

Start Rowing

There are six phases to completing a rowing stroke

1.  Sit with straight legs and back, leaning forward slightly at the hips with arms out straight and hands level with the lower ribs. Swing back.

2.  Legs and back straight, leaning slightly forward from the hips, arms out in front. Lean and slide forward.
   Note: Hands should now be around your knees, keeping legs straight.

3. Legs come forward, aiming to get the shins vertical. Back is still straight, and posture leaning slightly forward with arms still out front. Now drive hard, this is the CATCH.

4.  Knees partially straightened so seat is now at mid-point of travel, back and arms still straight. Maintain the stroke.

5.  Knees are nearly straight, back is still straight but now leaning slightly back from the hips. Arms straight. Now squeeze through.

6. Legs now fully extended. Back straight and leaning slightly back, now pull with the arms so they are close to the chest, forearms horizontal and elbows close in to the rib cage. This is the FINISH.

For more information on correct rowing technique and workout tips visit our website
www.firstdegreefitness.com/indoor-rowing- technique

  CAUTION Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program. Stop immediately if you feel faint or dizzy.

Adjust Footplates

The Slider Footplate accommodates most foot sizes, and is designed to keep your feet securely in place as you row.

TO ADJUST:

Lift the top of the footplate from the mounting peg and slide vertically between 1-6 to suit your foot length. Secure by hooking the footplate back onto the mounting peg and pushing down firmly to lock it into position. Place feet on the foot plates and tighten the foot straps to ensure your feet sit firmly against the heel captures.

Note: The heel capture should bend to allow your foot to pivot naturally as you row.

  WARNING: Never operate this Rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps, or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

Using the FIRST DEGREE FITNESS USB Interface

Description:

The USB connectivity now built in to all new models of FDF Console and IPM allow you to enhance your exercise experience by connecting to your home PC or Laptop. Using FDF’s own sample applications you can exercise while enjoying your favorite movies. NetAthlon 2 XF for Rowers lets you race with other Internet connected rowers in a Virtual Reality 3D environment or train solo.

Setting Up USB connectivity

1. Download and Install the USB Device Driver (CDM2xxxx_Setup.exe for 32 and 64 bit
   Windows 7/Vista/XP) from the FDF Website.

2. Download and Install the Sample USB Applications from the FDF Website
   (www.firstdegreefitness.com).
   Download and Install NetAthlon 2 XF for Rowers from. http://www.webracing.org/downloads.htm

Connecting Your Console

• The USB Connector is located on a flying lead at the rear of the IPM, along with the
  Sensor and Heart Rate Monitor Connectors.

• Connect to a Laptop or PC using a standard USB cable, you may need to wait while
  Windows starts the USB Device Driver.

Note: Please refer to computer manual where applicable or for further information refer
to our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

Computer Operation

Functions

Auto Start: Commence rowing to activate.
Reset all values: Press and hold RESET button for 3 seconds.
Distance: Each single press of RESET adds 100m distance, up to 1000m then adds 500m.
Auto-Pause: A temporary halt in exercise will result in the following:
For over 5 seconds and under 5 minutes:

a）SPM/500METER/WATT to zero.
b）Distance/TIME values are saved.
c）CAL per hour defaults to Total CAL.
d）A Resumption in exercise in less than 5 minutes will resume Distance/TIME from saved values automatically.

Auto Power Down: Over 5 minutes. All values revert to zero after restart.

WARNING:

Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate, Over exercising may result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint stop exercising immediately!

Detaching the Rower Belt

1. To detach belt, simply pull beyond the range of the normal rowing stroke until the belt detaches from the belt bungee pulley.
   Tip: You’ll hear the Velcro separating just before the belt detaches.

2. Unhook the Bungee Shock Cord from the Rear Brace. Then, push out the Inner Clip from the Bungee Hook. Pull the Bungee through the Inner Clip until free. This will allow for the Bungee Shock Cord to be threaded completely out of the Main Frame and up to the Belt Bungee Pulley where it will be re-attached once the Rower Belt is in the proper position.

Reattaching the Rower Belt

Maintenance

All preventive maintenance activities must be performed on a regular basis. Performing routine preventive maintenance actions can aid in providing safe, trouble-free operation of all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment.

FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is not responsible for performing regular inspection and maintenance actions for your machines. Instruct all personnel in equipment inspection and maintenance actions and also in accident reporting and recording.

Troubleshooting

Optional Fixture Kit Instructions

A fixture kit for upright storage can be purchased separately

Product Exploded Diagram

International Warranty

HOME USE
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS Limited warrants that the Apollo Hybrid AR (model HYBAR), purchased from an authorized agent and in its undamaged original packaging, is free from defects in materials and workmanship. FIRST DEGREE FITNESS Limited or its agent will, at their discretion, repair or replace parts that become defective within the warranty period, subject to the specific inclusions and exclusions below.

Main Frame – 5 Year Limited Warranty
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS will repair or replace the Metal Frame of the Rower should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 5 years of the original purchase. Warranty does not apply to frame coating.

Polycarbonate Tank & Seals – 3 Year Limited Warranty
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS will repair or replace the polycarbonate tank or seals should they fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 3 years of the original purchase.

Mechanical Components (of a non-wearing nature) – 2 Year Limited Warranty
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS will repair or replace any mechanical component should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 2 years of the original purchase.
Specific Inclusions
Seat Frames
Stainless Steel Impeller Assembly

All Other Components (of a wearing nature) – 1 Year Limited Warranty
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS will repair or replace any component should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 1 year of the original purchase.

Specific Inclusions
Bungee Recoil Cord
Hand Grips & Foot Straps
Polyester Rowing Belt
Seat and Seat Runners
All pulleys, rollers & bearings
All rubber components
Computer & speed sensor (excluding replaceable batteries)
Footplates (pivoting & sliding)

General Exclusions
Damage to the finish of any part of the machine
Damage due to neglect, abuse, incorrect assembly or use of the machine
Any charges for freight or customs clearance associated with the return or dispatch of parts
Any damage to or loss of goods during transport of any kind
Any labour cost associated with a warranty claim

General Conditions

• The serial number of the machine must be correctly registered with FIRST DEGREE FITNESS Limited or one of its appointed distributors

• FIRST DEGREE FITNESS Limited reserve the right to examine any part where replacement is claimed under warranty

• Warranty period applies only to the original purchaser from the date of purchase and is not
  transferable

• The product must be returned to your place of purchase in original packaging with transportation, insurance and associated charges paid for by you and risk of loss or damage assumed by you

• FIRST DEGREE FITNESS makes no other warranties except as stated here and expressly
  disclaims all warranties not stated in this warranty. Neither FIRST DEGREE FITNESS nor its associates shall be responsible for incidental or consequential damages

• Manufacturer’s warranty automatically commences upon sale of the product to end user or
  upon the expiration of one (1) year from month of manufacture, whichever occurs first

CONTACT US
For customer support please visit
firstdegreefitness.com/support

TAIWAN
T: +886 3 478 3306
764 Chung Shan South Rd
Yangmei Taoyuan
Taiwan R.O.C.

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