EXERCISE DEVICE WITH EXERCISE LOG AND JOURNAL

Abstract

In a system having an exercise device having an exercise mechanism, and a control panel operatively associated with the exercise mechanism and configured to vary one or more exercise parameters of the exercise mechanism, a method for storing and display exercise parameters in an exercise journal includes storing in a user specific exercise journal of the exercise device exercise data representative of one or more exercise parameters for each user, the exercise data corresponding to a range of time periods, displaying the user specific exercise journal within a display associated with the control panel with one or more selected time periods for a selected date range being displayed in a first portion of the display and cumulative exercise data for the selected user and the selected date range or the one or more time periods being displayed on a second portion of the display;

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/940,626 filed May 29, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Background and Relevant Art

In an attempt to improve their health and physical conditioning, consumers are purchasing home exercise devices in record quantities. Frequently, such consumers want to track their exercise parameters over time. These parameters may include such values as the time spent exercising on a given day as well as the distance covered. In addition to tracking values on a given date, users often seek to track exercise parameters over a given time period.

One approach sometimes utilized by users is to manually write down the exercise parameters in a log booklet once the workout is complete. Such an approach requires the user to locate a writing utensil and the journal each time the user finishes exercising or to find writing space near the exercise device to record the distance and time. Other systems track some of the user's exercise parameters using separate equipment. For example, heart rate monitors are available that track the exercise time as well as heart rate for a given period. With such approaches, exercise parameters are often difficult to track as the distance and other exercise parameters must be tracked separately.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve the foregoing disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, the foregoing background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In a system having an exercise device having an exercise mechanism, and a control panel operatively associated with the exercise mechanism and configured to vary one or more exercise parameters of the exercise mechanism, a method for storing and display exercise parameters in an exercise journal includes storing in a user specific exercise journal of the exercise device exercise data representative of one or more exercise parameters for each user, the exercise data corresponding to a range of time periods, displaying the user specific exercise journal within a display associated with the control panel with one or more selected time periods for a selected date range being displayed in a first portion of the display and cumulative exercise data for the selected user and the selected date range or the one or more time periods being displayed on a second portion of the display;

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the subject matter briefly described below will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exercise device which includes an exercise journal according to one example;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one example of providing access to exercise parameters in a hierarchal fashion on the display of an exercise device according to one example;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exercise device with an exercise journal according to one example;

FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate an exercise journal displayed on an exercise device according to one example; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an exercise device with an exercise journal according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exercise devices are described herein with an exercise journal function which allows multiple users to track exercise parameters. In one example, the exercise journal tracks exercise parameters on a per workout basis and cumulative exercise parameters over one or more time period. A user is then able to navigate through the time periods to view exercise parameters for a selected period, including cumulative exercise parameters for the selected period.

The exercise journal function is provided with devices that include one or more motors or other electrically driven actuators used to control one or more exercise parameters of the device. While one example will be described in the context of a motorized treadmill, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular type of exercise device. To the contrary, the present invention can be readily adapted to any motorized device or any other device that utilizes motors, solenoids, or any other electrically driven actuators to control any operating parameter of the device, such as speed, resistance, incline, time, temperature, or other similar exercise parameters.

The term “device” or “devices” shall refer broadly to any type of apparatus that includes one or more stepper motors, solenoids, or other electrically driven actuators or controllers. Additionally, the term “exercise devices” shall refer broadly to any type of device that takes the form of an exercise machine, including, but not limited to, treadmills, exercise cycles, Nordic style ski exercise devices, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, and elliptical or striding exercise devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exercise device 100 according to one example. The exercise device 100 includes a control panel 105, an exercise mechanism 110, and a mechanism controller 115. As will be described in more detail, the control panel 105 is configured to allow a user to store exercise parameters related to the use of the exercise mechanism 110. For ease of reference, parameters associated with the state of the exercise device and parameters associated with a user will be broadly referred to as exercise parameters.

The control panel 105 is also configured to allow a user to view and interact with the parameters, such as to navigate parameters for a cumulative period and/or one or more selected time periods within the cumulative period. Although shown separated, it may be appreciated that portions of each may be combined together.

The control panel 105 according to the present example includes a processor 120. The processor 120 coordinates the interaction between a user and the exercise device 100. In particular, the processor 120 receives input from one or more inputs, such as mechanism input 125 and interface control 130. The mechanism input 125 may relate to such controls as manual override, scaling control, and other controls and conditions related to the operation of the exercise mechanism 110 known to one skilled in the art.

In addition, each controller, button, and the like may take the form of one or more switches, rheostats, potentiometers, touch-sensitive controls, voice-activated controllers, and the like. The input devices described herein are examples of structures capable of performing the function of interface means for gathering a first signal (such as a real-time signal) from the user. One skilled in the art may identify various other configurations of interface means that are capable of performing the desired function.

The interface control 130 allows the user to interact with other parts of the control panel 105, including a journal module. For example, the interface control 130 may include buttons or the like as previously described.

Generally, processor 120 may have various configurations to perform the above-described function as known by one skilled in the art. For example, processor 120 may take the form of one or more micro-controllers, central processing unit (CPU), state machines, programmable logic arrays, a network of logical gates, ASIC processor, software-based controllers, a combination of these components, or a variety of other controllers. The operation of the exercise device 100, including control of the exercise mechanism 110, will first be discussed, followed by a general discussion of the journal module and its functionality.

As introduced, the control panel 105 and mechanism input 125 provide one way for a user to control the operation of the exercise device 105 and to control the operation of the exercise mechanism 110 in particular. For example, the processor 120 may provide instructions to the mechanism controller 115. The instructions may be received from a user, may be stored on the device, and/or received from an outside source. Generally, mechanism controller 115 may communicate with control panel 105 by an I²C bus, a SPI bus, a microwire bus, a microbus, and the like.

The mechanism controller 115 may include a mechanism processor 132. The mechanism processor 132 may include various components and modules to control the operation of any desired characteristics of exercise mechanism 110. Mechanism processor 132 may include any combination of the components similar to those described above with reference to processor 120.

The mechanism controller 115 receives instructions from the processor 120 to control the operation of the exercise mechanism. The mechanism processor 132 processes the results and sends control signals to the exercise mechanism 110 to thereby control the operation of the exercise mechanism 110.

The exercise device 100, as depicted, optionally includes one or more sensor, collectively referred to as sensors 134. The sensors 134 gather exercise parameters of exercise device 100, such that control panel 105 may present outputs via the output devices that are indicative of the present operating state of the exercise device 100 at any given point in time. The exercise device 100 may include other sensors that gather various other exercise parameters associated with a user, such as, but not limited to, maximum pulse and heart rate, average pulse and heart rate, target heart rate, length of workout session, and the like.

Both the processor 120 and the mechanism processor 132 may be capable of receiving and transmitting feedback signals from the sensors 134. Each processor 120, 132 may be capable of converting the feedback signals for use by output devices, such as video output device 135 and audio output device 140. The processor 120 and/or mechanism processor 132 in turn may communicate the exercise parameters to an audio/video controller 145.

The audio/video controller 145 converts the signals received from the processor 120 into signals the video output device 135 and/or the audio device 140 convert into display and audio output, respectively. Accordingly, control panel 105 is able to provide the user with the exercise parameters of the exercise mechanism 110 in the form of visual and/or audio output.

The audio/video controller 145, may include one or more amplifiers, micro-controllers, central processing units, state machines, programmable logic arrays, network local logical arrays, gates, ASIC processors, software based controllers, combination logic, or combinations thereof to both manipulate audio and video signals that are to be transmitted to the output devices 135, 140.

Additionally, audio/video controller 145 may include memory, such as a buffer, to store and aid with real-time transmission and delivery of the audio and video signals. It may be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various audio/video controllers 145 are applicable and known in the art in light of the teaching contained herein.

The processor 120 and/or the mechanism processor 132 may be coupled to memory 150. The memory 150 is configured to store the exercise parameters received from the processors, 120, 132. The operational parameters may include such variables as the data and/or time of the workout, the duration of the workout, the workout, the average speed of the workout, and any parameters associated with the workout.

In particular, the exercise device 100 is configured to store exercise parameters in a personal exercise journal 155. The exercise parameters may be organized hierarchically according to time periods within a range of dates. The hierarchal organization of the exercise parameters may be accomplished within the memory 150 or may performed by the processor 132 in accessing the exercise parameters or may be accomplished by some combination of the two.

In either case, a hierarchal organization may be utilized which allows a user to see a top level of exercise parameters, which may include cumulative exercise parameters over a selected time period, such as for the last calendar year, for the present calendar year, for the life of the treadmill, or some other cumulative duration. Other periods within the cumulative period may be searched, such as months, weeks, days, or any other time period, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The interface control 130 is configured to allow the user to navigate the hierarchical organization of the exercise parameters stored on the memory 150. The group of exercise parameters stored on the device may be generally referred to as an exercise journal. The ability to view exercise parameters in the journal may allow the user to rapidly access the desired parameters. The ability to rapidly access the desired exercise parameters may allow the user to conveniently view the exercise parameters, which in turn may increase the user's satisfaction with the workout experience. In addition to numeric or textual output, other visual output, such as graphical displays, may be utilized to indicate exercise parameters.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one example of providing access to exercise parameters in a hierarchal fashion on the display of an exercise device. One exemplary method will be briefly introduced in FIG. 2 and will be discussed in more detail with reference to an exemplary user interface, which will be illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A-4F. The method begins at step S200 when the system receives input from the user selecting the journal.

In one example, prior to receiving the journal selection input, the system may display a default screen, at step S20. The default screen may vary according to the operational condition of the exercise device. For example, if the exercise device is in use, the default screen may be a display of the current exercise parameters of the device. Similarly, if the exercise device is not in use, the default screen may include instructions for activating the device, graphics, instructions for activating the journal, or any output as desired.

Once the system has received an input to open the journal, at step S205, the control panel displays a profile selection screen. The profile selection screen may include a menu that allows a user to select a user profile. Any number of user profiles may be stored on the control panel for selection by the user. At step S210 the system receives the user's selection.

In one example, the user is able to navigate the user profile menu using the interface controls to indicate a selection. At step S215, the system then determines which screen to display based on the user's selection. The user's selection may include a selection to return to the default screen parameter (END, step S215) or a selection chosen from the menu in the profile selection screen (SELECT, step 215), which in this case may include a selection of one of the user profiles displayed on the profile selection screen. If the user selection is to END, the default screen is again displayed as illustrated in step S20.

If the user has selected a profile, at step S220 the system displays a cumulative parameters screen associated with the profile. According to one example, the cumulative parameters screen displays the cumulative exercise parameters for a selected cumulative period, such as a date range covering a desired number of months or years or any other period of time. Any date range may be identified for which a user is able to view cumulative results. Such time periods may include such intervals as years, months, weeks, and/or days.

In general, selectable time periods within an indicated time period may be displayed on a first display portion of a video output device in the system. Similarly, the indicated time period itself as well as cumulative exercise parameters for the indicated time period may be displayed on a second display portion of the same video output device. Once a selectable time period is selected, the selected time period then becomes the indicated time period displayed on the second display portion while additional selectable time periods, if available, are displayed on the first display portion.

In step S220, the indicated time period is a cumulative time period, such as a year. Accordingly, the selectable time periods are months that may be displayed in the first display portion of the video output device while the year and cumulative exercise parameters for the year are displayed on the second display portion of the video display device.

Any number of additional time periods within the date range corresponding to the indicated time period may be identified in which cumulative exercise parameters may be provided. For ease of reference, a hierarchal architecture will be described in which the longest indicated period is described as the cumulative period or a date range. The cumulative period is navigated by month, each month is navigated by week, and each week is navigated by day. Accordingly, in addition to displaying the cumulative exercise parameters for the cumulative period, at step S220 the system may also display a calendar or list of months that are within the cumulative period. The user is able to navigate through the months using the interface controls.

At step S225, the system receives the user's selection. At step S230, the system determines which input has been received. In particular, the system may determine whether the input is a command to end the session (END), to select one of the items from the menu (SELECT), or to view the previous screen (BACK). Identifying an END command will cause the system to again display the default screen at step S20. Identifying a BACK selection will cause the system to display the user selection profile screen at step S205.

If a SELECT input is identified, at step S235 the system displays the screen associated with the user selection. In one example, identifying the SELECT input includes identifying the month screen to display. The month screen according to one example includes a display of the exercise parameters for the time period in the second display portion. The month screen may include a graphical menu, such as a display in which the days of the month are organized into weeks on the display as if viewed on a daily calendar on the first display portion. The month screen is displayed until the system receives a selection from the user at step S240. The system then again identifies what input has been received at S245. Identifying the selection may include identifying the END input to cause the system to display the default screen at step S20 while identifying a BACK input to cause the system to display the cumulative parameters screen at S220.

If the system identifies a SELECT input, at step 250 the system displays a screen corresponding to the selection received with the input. In one example, a week screen may be identified at step 245 such that at step 250 the system displays a week screen. The week screen may include a display of the operational parameters associated with that week.

The week screen is displayed until at step 255, the system receives the user's selection. At step 260 the system again identifies the user's input. Identifying END or BACK selections causes the same results discussed above. If the SELECT input is identified, a day screen corresponding with the selected day is displayed, which includes a display of the exercise parameters for the day. At this point, several time periods have been identified at which a user is able to view cumulative results, from such date ranging from years, to months, to weeks, to days.

Any number of additional time periods may be identified in which cumulative exercise parameters may be provided. For ease of illustration, the day screen will be described as the shortest period for which exercise parameters are stored. Accordingly, in one example the system will continue to display the day screen at step S265 until input is received at step S270 and identified at step S275 as an END input to cause the system to display the default screen as step S20 or as a BACK input to cause the system to display the week screen at step S255. Accordingly, the present method allows a user to navigate and view cumulative statistics for a variety of periods on the exercise device. One example of a treadmill will now be discussed followed by a discussion of the interaction between the treadmill and the control panel.

FIG. 3 illustrates a treadmill 312, in one embodiment, includes a control panel 105′ supported on a generally upright support structure 324 and a tread base 326. Upright support structure 324, in this illustrative embodiment, includes two side members 328, 330 coupled together by way of one or more cross members 332. Side members 328, 330 and cross members 332 may have various configurations and may be fabricated from various materials so long as they are capable of supporting control panel 105′ and tread base 326. For example, the elements of upright support structure 324 may be fabricated from, but not limited to, metals, plastics, composites, combinations thereof, and the like. Additionally, one skilled in the art may appreciate that various other exercise devices may have different upright support structures, side members, and cross members, or may be devoid of one or more of such structures and members.

The tread base 326 typically includes a pair of side rails 334, 336 each having a front portion proximal to and a rear portion distal from the upright support structure 324 when tread base 326 is in a downward exercisable position. Pulleys are disposed between and supported by side rails 334, 336, while a continuous belt 342 extends between and around the pulleys.

A deck, commonly fabricated from wood, typically supports the upper run of belt 342 and supports an exercising individual resting upon belt 342. In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed of belt 342, treadmill 312 also permits the degree of incline of tread base 326 relative to the floor, or other surface upon which tread base 326 rests, to be varied.

In particular, the control panel 105′ includes mechanism inputs 125′ which are configured to operate and vary the exercise parameters of the treadmill 312, including the speed of the belt 342 and the incline of tread base 326. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the mechanism inputs 125′ may include several buttons configured to operate and vary the exercise parameters of an exercise mechanism associated with the control panel 105′, which in the illustrated example may relate to a treadmill. These buttons include a start button 400, a stop button 405, and a dead-man key 407. The mechanism inputs 125′ also include a speed increase button 410 and a speed decrease button 415 as well as an incline increase button 420 and an incline decrease button 425. The mechanism inputs 125′ according to the illustrated example also include a row of indexed speed selection keys 430 and indexed incline keys 435.

In order to operate the treadmill 312 (FIG. 3), a user initially inserts the dead-man key 407 into a corresponding slot in the control panel 105′. Upon insertion of the dead-man key 407, the treadmill 312 is capable of being operated, i.e., power is allowed to flow to the various internal and external components of the treadmill 312, and the treadmill 312 has an active status. While the treadmill has an active status, the user may use the mechanism inputs 125′ to vary the exercise parameters of the treadmill 312 as desired. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, when the treadmill 312 is active, the video display device 135′ may provide a default display, which may include the current exercise parameters associated with the user and/or the device or any other selected default display.

The user is also able to interact with the interface controls 130′ to activate a journal module. The interface controls 130′ may include a journal selection button 440, a navigation pad 445, a back button 450, and other buttons or controls as desired. In the present example, the user activates the journal module by pressing the journal selection button 440. Once the user has pressed the journal selection button 440, the video output device 135′ displays a profile selection screen.

The profile selection screen illustrated in FIG. 4B includes one or more profile. The user is able to navigate the profile selection screen using a navigation pad 445. The navigation pad 445 according to the present examples may include arrows indicating a navigation direction and a center selection portion. The process used for navigating the journal may be similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 2. Accordingly, once a user has selected a user profile, the video output device 135′ displays a cumulative screen for the selected user, as illustrated in FIG. 4C.

As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the cumulative screen for the selected user may includes selectable time periods corresponding for an indicated time period on the first display portion 455 of the video output device 135′ and cumulative exercise parameters for the time period as well as the indicated time period itself on a second display portion 460. The screen illustrated in FIG. 4C may correspond to an indicated time period which covers several months, such as a year. Accordingly, the cumulative exercise parameters are displayed on the second display portion 460 of the video output device 135′ and a list of months are displayed on the first display portion 455 of the video output device 135′. The cumulative exercise parameters illustrated in FIG. 4C include the total time the user exercised during the cumulative period, the total distance traversed, as well as the total number of calories burned during the cumulative period indicated.

These examples illustrate only a few of the exercise parameters that may be displayed. Other exercise parameters may be selected for display as desired. For example, such parameters may include heart rate data for a user during a specified time period. Accordingly, the control panel 105′ may include heart rate sensors such as manual heart rate sensors 465. The sensors 134 (FIG. 1) may also include a wireless heart rate sensor configured to receive heart rate data from a wireless strap worn by the user. In either case, the control panel 105′ may be configured to monitor, display, and/or store heart rate data.

Returning to the display illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F, selecting the back button 450 causes the video output device 135′ to output the previous screen, such as the screen illustrated in FIG. 4B. Pressing the journal select button 440 may end the journal session and cause the video output device 135′ to display the default screen. Consequently, selecting the journal selection button 440 may allow the user to toggle the output of the video output device 135′ between the journal module and current exercise parameters. The interface controls 130′ may also include a workout selection key 447. The workout selection key 447 may further allow a user to cause the video output device 130′ to display workouts, which may be stored in memory 150 (FIG. 1).

If the user selects one of the selectable time periods displayed in the first display portion 455, in this case months, the video output device 135′ displays a month screen, as illustrated in FIG. 4D. The month screen provides a cumulative display for the selected month in the second display portion 460 and additional time periods within the month. For example, the selected month becomes the indicated time period and is displayed in the second display portion 460. Additional, the month screen may provide a display of the days of the month arranged by weeks to represent a calendar displayed on the first display portion 455. The weeks and days then become selectable time periods.

The days for which exercise parameters have been stored have a display treatment applied thereto. The application of a display treatment to days with exercise parameters may allow a user to rapidly determine for which days the system does or does not have data stored. The display treatment applied in FIG. 4D may include highlighting days for which exercise parameters are stored. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C-4D, selecting a selected time period from the available time periods displayed on first display portion 455 causes the first display portion 455 to display additional time periods, if any, which are available within the selected time period. Thus, the display in the second display portion 460 changes with the first display portion 455 to include a display of cumulative exercise parameters for the selected and displayed time period.

The user may use the navigation pad 445 to navigate the calendar displayed in first display portion 455 to select a week that has exercise parameters. The user may then select a week, also using the navigation pad. If the user selects a week, the video output device 135′ displays a week screen as illustrated in FIG. 4E.

The week screen illustrated on the video output device 135′ in FIG. 4E includes a cumulative total of the exercise parameters for that week on the second display portion 460. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4E, the video output device 135′ also displays the days for which exercise parameters are available in the first display portion 455. In the illustrated example, a single day, the May 6, has exercise parameters associated therewith, and as such is the only day illustrated in the first display portion 455.

In another example, the week screen may display all of the days in the week and apply a display treatment to selected days to differentiate between days for which exercise parameters are stored from days for which exercise parameters are not stored. Accordingly, the control panel 105′ includes a journal module running thereon which allows a user to view and navigate various time periods while viewing the cumulative exercise parameters associated with the time periods.

As illustrated in FIG. 4F, selecting the date within the week screen (FIG. 4E) causes the video output device to display the selected time period, in this case a day, in the second display portion 460 as well as cumulative exercise parameters for the selected time period. In the present example, no additional time periods are available within the day. Additional exercise parameters are illustrated for the day in the first display portion 455.

FIG. 5 illustrates an elliptical exercise device 500 that includes a control panel 105″ that includes personal exercise journal functionality. According to one example, the control panel 105″ allows a user to interact with an exercise journal module, as described above.

Embodiments herein may comprise a special purpose or general-purpose computer including various computer hardware, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments may also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise SD Cards, MMC card, general removable flash memory device, USB drives, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. In a system having an exercise device having an exercise mechanism, and a control panel operatively associated with the exercise mechanism, the control panel being configured to vary one or more exercise parameters of the exercise mechanism and further comprising an exercise journal, a method for storing exercise parameters for a plurality of users from multiple exercise sessions for each of the plurality of users in the exercise journal and later displaying the exercise parameters stored in the exercise journal, the method comprising:

storing a user specific exercise journal in the exercise journal associated with the control panel for a specified user of the plurality of users;

selecting the user specific exercise journal for the specified user from a plurality of stored user specific exercise journals;

storing in the user specific exercise journal of the exercise device exercise data representative of one or more exercise parameters for the specified user, the exercise data corresponding to a range of time periods and spanning multiple workout sessions; and

displaying the user specific exercise journal within a display associated with the control panel with one or more selected time periods for a selected date range being displayed in a first portion of the display and with cumulative exercise data for the selected user and the selected date range or the one or more time periods being displayed on a second portion of the display.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of receiving input to cause the display to display current exercise data.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of receiving input to cause the display to display information associated with a workout program.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein storing exercise parameters includes storing exercise data associated with movement of a continuous belt, the continuous belt being coupled to a tread base.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein storing exercise data includes storing at least one an exercise duration period, and an exercise day.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein storing exercise data includes storing an exercise parameter for an elliptical exercise device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the date range includes one or more days, weeks, and months.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a display treatment to a representation of a portion of the time period if exercise data are associated with the time period.

9. A control panel for use with an exercise device, comprising:

memory residing on the exercise device, the memory being configured as an exercise journal to store exercise data representative of one or more exercise parameters for a plurality of users, wherein the exercise parameters correspond to a range of time periods and span multiple workout sessions for each of the plurality of users;

a user input operatively associated with the memory, the user input being configured to receive input to select a user from the plurality of users for each of the plurality of users;

an output device operatively associated with the memory, the output device having: a first display portion and a second display portion, the first display portion indicating selectable and navigable time periods within an indicated time period, the second portion indicating cumulative exercise data for the indicated time period, wherein selecting a selectable time period within the first display portion causes the output device to display cumulative exercise data for the selected time period in the second display portion.

10. The control panel of claim 9, wherein the output device is configured to apply display treatment to selectable time periods having exercise data associated therewith.

11. The control panel of claim 9, wherein the output of the output device is selectable between the selectable time period and cumulative exercise data and current exercise parameters.

12. The control panel of claim 11, wherein the user input includes a journal selection key and a navigation pad.

13. The control panel of claim 9, the control panel being configured to be operatively associated with a treadmill.

14. The control panel of claim 9, the control panel being configured to be operatively associated with an elliptical exercise device.

15. The control panel of claim 9, wherein the selectable time period ranges from years, months, weeks and days

16. An exercise device, comprising:

an exercise mechanism; and

a control panel operatively associated with the exercise mechanism, the control panel having an output device, wherein the output device comprises a multi-functional display having at least one journal display and at least one current exercise data of the exercise mechanism, the journal display for displaying exercise data for a plurality of users, wherein the exercise data corresponds to a range of time periods and spans multiple workout sessions for each of the plurality of users.

17. The exercise device of claim 16, the output device including a first display portion and a second display portion, the second display portion indicating an indicated time period ranging from years, months, weeks and days that may be navigated with the user input display portion, the second display portion displaying cumulative exercise data for the indicated time period, the first display portion displaying selectable time periods within the indicated time period, wherein selecting a selectable time period within the first display portion causes the output device to display a selected time period in the second display portion and to display cumulative exercise data for the selected time period in the second display portion.

18. The exercise device of claim 17, the first and second regions being configured to selectively display both the journal display and the current exercise data representative of current operating parameters of the exercise mechanism.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the output device is configured to display cumulative exercise data that include at least one of speed of a continuous belt, an incline of a tread base, exercise duration period, and exercise day.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of time periods includes days, weeks, and months.

21. The device of claim 18, wherein the control panel is configured to control at least one of a speed of a continuous belt and an incline of a tread base.

22. The device of claim 16, wherein the exercise mechanism includes an elliptical exercise device.