Abstract: Systems and methods providing for the determination of an individual's rate of oxygen consumption, in order to determine the amount of work that is performed by the individual's body. A heart monitor measures the heart rate of the individual and an accelerometer measures the acceleration of the body. The heart rate and acceleration outputs are stored locally on a storage device. The outputs can be downloaded to a local base station, that in turn transmits the outputs to a central clearinghouse. The clearinghouse receives and stores the output on a central mass storage device. At the clearinghouse the raw data is processed into a usable form and the rate of oxygen consumption is mathematically determined in order to determine the amount of work that is performed on the individual's body.

Abstract: A treadmill with an adjustable cushioning mechanism configured to adjustably cushion the impact to a user who is exercising on the treadmill. The adjustable cushioning members allow the user to select the amount of cushioning that will be provided while the user is exercising on the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning members to individualize the amount of cushioning for a specific user as well as for a particular type of exercises. The treadmill comprises a frame and an endless belt trained on the frame. The belt has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed between the exercise section of the belt and the frame. The treadmill also comprises a plurality of cushioning members each having a plurality of portions with different cushioning properties. The cushioning members are positioned on opposing sides of the frame.

Abstract: A weight lifting system features (i) one or more weights; and (ii) a weight lifting bar configured to selectively engage the one or more weights. The weight has an upstanding first end, an upstanding second end, and at least one and preferably a pair of cross members extending therebetween. The weight lifting bar includes a handle having (i) a grip; and (ii) a cross member coupled to the grip. A gripping member is rotatably coupled to the cross member. Upon rotation of the gripping member, the handle selectively grips the cross members of a selected weight or weights. The weights can then be lifted by a user.