Abstract: A portable system retrieves one or more exercise programs from a remote communication system that provides motivational content for a user exercising upon an exercise mechanism. The exercise program further includes at least one control signal that controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise mechanism. The portable system includes a control device configured to retrieve the exercise program and deliver the motivational content to the user by way of an audio delivery device, while delivering the control signals to the exercise mechanism. A sensor communicates with the control device and tracks one or more measurable parameters of the user during the user's performance of the exercise program. Data representative of the one or more measurable parameters can be delivered to the control device for delivery to the remote communication system.

Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine is disclosed. The folding elliptical machine has a frame that comprises a base support structure and an upright support structure, wherein the base support structure has a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the rear portion is rotatably attached to the front portion at a pivot mechanism such that the elliptical exercise machine is selectively moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The upright support structure extends upward from the first end of the front portion of the base support structure. The folding elliptical machine further comprises first and second reciprocating foot supports, each foot support having a first end and a second end, a drive assembly situated on the rear portion of the base support structure, and a ramp assembly situated at the first end of the front portion of the base support structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strength training exercise device that can be packaged in a substantially pre-assembled manner and that can be reoriented between a packaged position and a use position without the use of tools. The strength training device includes a frame, a resistance assembly, at least one exercise station, and a cable and pulley system linking the resistance assembly to the at least one exercise station. The frame includes a base portion having a stability member that can be moved between a packaged position and a use position. Similarly, an exercise station can be moved between a packaged position and a use position to facilitate packaging and shipping of the strength training device in a substantially pre-assembled manner. The cable and pulley system can link the resistance assembly to the at least one exercise station when the strength training device is in the packaged position.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine comprising a base support structure having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivot joint comprising a pivot mechanism configured to pivotally connect the front and rear portions, the pivot mechanism being configured to facilitate a breakaway of the base support and an upward rotation of the rear portion with respect to the front portion, thereby enabling the elliptical exercise machine to fold into a compact configuration; an upright support structure extending upward with respect to the base support structure; a drive assembly operably supported about the rear portion of the base support structure and comprising a drive component configured to rotate about a pivot axis; and a reciprocating foot support operable with the drive assembly and configured to travel about a closed path upon rotation of the drive component and operation of the elliptical exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles of a user has a frame that includes a front leg pivotally connected to a rear leg. The exercise machine also includes a seat and a backrest for supporting the back of a user during an exercise routine that is adjustably positioned and secured with respect to the seat. The backrest is adjustably flexible in order to provide resistance to the movement of a user in order to help strengthen the user's abdominal and back muscles. The backrest includes handles to facilitate engagement between the backrest and the user and to encourage the user to move against the adjustable resistance provided by the backrest. The exercise machine includes a non-use, storage mode that facilitates storage of the exercise machine.

Abstract: A combined anaerobic and aerobic exercise system comprises a multi-part frame, for example a telescoping frame, or a pivoting frame. The aerobic system may include an elliptical exercise device, while the anaerobic system may include a cable-based system wherein resistance is adjustable. An electronic console system at the exercise system allows a user to view progress in both anaerobic and aerobic workouts, and to send input signals that adjust anaerobic and aerobic resistance mechanisms.

Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine that allows for easy, safe, and quick storage and being capable, upon a single motion by a user, of changing its shape into a substantially compact form for storage, and vice versa, is provided. The elliptical exercise machine comprises first and second reciprocating foot supports interconnected to the frame, each foot support having a first end and a second end with a collapsible joint therebetween, wherein each reciprocating foot support is collapsible such that the exercise machine can be moved between the operating position and the storage position in a single step by rotating a rear portion of a base support structure upward and toward a front portion of the base support structure. A method for changing the position of the elliptical exercise machine of the present invention from an operating position to a storage position, and vice versa, also is provided.

Abstract: A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, resistance assembly, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly contains a pair of link arms pivotally coupled to a pair of foot support members. The link arms have handles for the user to grip and the foot support members have foot platforms for the user to stand upon. The foot platforms have a wheel attached to them and the wheel rests upon curved or arced ramps of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the handles and/or foot platforms. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local, system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An exercise device includes an inflatable bladder and is partially stabilized with a small amount of filler. The bladder includes a first aperture to allow the filler to be easily placed in the bladder. The bladder also includes a valve main body that allows air to be easily injected into the bladder to inflate the bladder. In an exemplary method the filler is forced into the inflatable bladder using a mixture of air and filler. The air is under pressure and assists in forcing the filler into the bladder. After a proper amount of filler is in the bladder, the bladder can be deflated for packaging and/or shipping.

Abstract: An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise machine, and particularly a front or rear mount elliptical or elliptical-type machine, comprising: (a) a support structure; (b) a drive component pivotally coupled to the support structure and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis; (c) a reciprocating foot support configured to travel about a closed path having a stride length upon rotation of the drive component; (d) a coupling configuration configured to support the reciprocating foot support about the drive component at a position radially offset from the first pivot axis, the coupling configuration pivotally coupled to the drive component about a second pivot axis; and (e) an adjustment mechanism configured to enable the coupling configuration to pivot about the second pivot axis between at least two adjustment positions to vary the radial offset of the reciprocating foot support with respect to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, at least one ramp assembly, a pair of foot support assemblies, a foot location control assembly, and means for adjusting the maximum stride length of the foot support assemblies. The foot support assemblies may advantageously be coupled to the foot location control assembly by a flexible cable linkage. The foot support assemblies each include a foot platform for the user to stand on. The foot support assemblies are coupled to the one or more ramp assemblies of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the foot platforms and/or handles. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride.

Abstract: An exercise system including a support base and an operable member movably coupled to the support base. Electrically coupled to the operable member is an interface console. The interface console includes a plurality of speed level keys and a plurality of grade level keys. The speed level keys enable a user to selected different pre-set speeds of the operable member, while the grade level keys enable a user to select different pre-set grades of the operable member. Associated with the speed level and grade level keys are incremental keys that enable a user to incrementally increase and/or decrease the speed, grade, or resistance of the exercise system.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise system embodiment includes an exercise apparatus having a level of effort that is adjustable with an actuator. The exercise apparatus preferably provides a scripted virtual personal training experience for a user of the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus preferably includes a loudspeaker to provide a vocal forewarning of an impending change in the level of effort prior to a change in the level of effort by an automated control of the actuator. An exemplary method embodiment for creating an exercise experience includes providing a scripted virtual personal training experience for a user of an exercise apparatus including a vocal forewarning of an impending change in a level of effort required of the user and automatically changing the level of effort after the vocal warning.

Abstract: A portable system retrieves one or more exercise programs from a remote communication system that provides motivational content for a user exercising upon an exercise mechanism. The exercise program further includes at least one control signal that controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise mechanism. The portable system includes a control device configured to retrieve the exercise program and deliver the motivational content to the user by way of an audio delivery device, while delivering the control signals to the exercise mechanism. A sensor communicates with the control device and tracks one or more measurable parameters of the user during the user's performance of the exercise program. Data representative of the one or more measurable parameters can be delivered to the control device for delivery to the remote communication system.

Abstract: An exercise repetition sensor comprises an electricity generator, such as an electricity generator, which is coupled to an exercise system, where the electricity generator is capable of sensing exercise movements of any size or intensity on the exercise system. The electricity generator can be based on a number of electrical, magnetic, or optical sensing principles. For example, an electricity generator comprising an electricity generator includes a spindle that is coupled to one or more parts that move in proportion to an applied force. The voltage-generator generates an electrical current as the spindle moves, and sends the electrical current to an electronic display interface. In one embodiment, the voltage-generator sends a positive direct current through one of two circuit wires to the electronic console, such that the electronic console can immediately identify that the user has performed an exercise repetition.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.