Abstract: Exercise systems and methods are provided that create and run exercise programs that are custom tailored to individual users. An exercise program for a specific user is based upon the user's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate. The exercise programs may include a series of workouts for the user to perform. Each workout requires the user to exercise at various intensity levels so that the user's heart rate moves between different predetermined target heart rate zones. The target heart rate zones are calculated from data relating to the user's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate. As the user's fitness level changes, the user's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate also change. Creation of new exercise programs uses the most current heart rate data to calculate the target heart rate zones, thereby continuously tailoring the exercise programs to the user.

Abstract: A system incentivizes people to engage in physical activity. A person's physical activity may be monitored over a period of time. Such monitoring may occur by using a sensing device carried or worn by the user. In the system, one or more thresholds for physical activity are established. Information tracked using the sensing device can be compared to the thresholds. A percentage of physical activity relative to the threshold can be translated to a reward established for the physical activity, and the percentage may be used to determine a reward value for an electronic device relative to a full available value. Rewards may include times or amounts. Time values may indicate durations during which particular activities or devices may be used. Amount values may indicate an amount of a battery charge, a number of communications, a currency value, or other values relative to use of an electronic device.

Abstract: A squat exercise apparatus includes a support structure, a plurality of weight members, at least one lift arm, and an actuator. The plurality of weight members is positioned in the support structure. The at least one lift arm has a first end coupled to the support structure and a second end arranged for contact by a user to move the at least one arm vertically during a squat exercise. The actuator assembly is operable by the user to selectively couple the at least one lift arm to at least one of the weight members during the squat exercise. A portion of the actuator assembly is carried by the at least one lift arm.

Abstract: An exercise machine including an adjustable joint with a first part and a second part that are shaped to rotate with respect to each other such that when an orientation between the first part and the second part changes, a position of the user contact feature also changes. The machine also includes a locking mechanism that is positioned to secure the first part and the second part together. The locking mechanism being positioned to secure the first part and the second part in an axial locking direction and to release the first part from the second part in an axial release direction. When the first part and the second part are secured, at least two first part features are interlocked with at least two second part features simultaneously.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a base support structure, first and second reciprocating foot supports movably linked to the base support structure, first and second guide rails, and first and second rollers. The guide rails guide respective first and second foot supports to provide reciprocal movement of the foot supports. The guide rails each include a track surface having first and second end portions and at least first and second arch portions, respectively. The first arch portion is positioned at a location between the first and second end portions and having a first radius of curvature. The second arch portion is positioned at one of the first and second end portions and has a second radius of curvature that is less than the first radius of curvature. The first and second rollers are movable along the track surface of the guide rails.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to exercise devices and systems that can receive and run workout programs that include control command subsets that control the moveable members of a plurality of different exercise devices. Exercise devices of the present invention are able to ignore the control command subset(s) that do not control their moveable member(s) and recognize the control command subset(s) that control their moveable member(s). Exercise devices of the present invention are further able to, if necessary, perform a sizing restriction to the relevant control command subset(s). Motivational content may also be modified in connection with or independently from a sizing restriction made to the control commands. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling one or more exercise device with a workout file that includes control command subsets that control the moveable members of a plurality of different exercise devices.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine, in one aspect of the invention, includes at least one frame member, a rear rotational mechanism associated with the at least one frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism, a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism, a plurality of support pads, each support pad having an engagement surface lying substantially in a first plane and a plurality of support structures, each support structure having an engagement surface lying substantially in a second plane, the first plane being at a defined angle relative to the second plane. The entire elliptical machine may be rotated through the defined angle to place the elliptical machine in a storage position. In one embodiment, the first assembly may be pivotal relative to the second assembly.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a console connected to the frame. The console has first member in a surface of the console and a second member in an adjustable portion of the console. Also, the machine has an assembly movably connected to the second member to translate the second member toward the first member with a sufficient force to hold an object in compression between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A cable exercise machine includes a first pull cable and a second pull cable incorporated into a frame. Each of the first pull cable and the second pull cable are linked to at least one resistance mechanism. The at least one resistance mechanism includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit arranged to resist movement of the flywheel.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame having a cable and pulley system connected thereto. The cable and pulley system includes at least one pulley and at least one cable strand. The at least one cable strand has a handle connected thereto for use in performing exercises. One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the at least one pulley in order to vibrate the at least one cable strand. The vibrations from the vibration assemblies are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.

Abstract: An exercise device may comprise at least one joint. The at least one joint may comprise at least one first surface positioned adjacent to at least one second surface, the at least one second surface movable relative to the at least one first surface at at least one interface. A damping grease having a dynamic viscosity greater than about 100 Pascal seconds at standard temperature and pressure may be positioned at the at least one interface between the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface of the at least one joint.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine, in one embodiment, includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly and at least one assist mechanism. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rotational resistance mechanism associated with the first frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism and a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member, a second reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member. In one embodiment, the assist mechanism may include a folding assist mechanism to provide resistance between the assemblies during a folding transition. In another embodiment, the assist mechanism may include a rotational assist mechanism to assist a user in transitioning the elliptical machine to an upright storage position.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current signal is obtained from a power supply. The power supply includes power factor correction circuitry. A control command is obtained from an exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a direct current motor. A pulse-width modulation signal is generated from the direct current signal based on the control command. The pulse-width modulation signal is provided to the direct current motor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a strength training apparatus and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the strength training apparatus includes a base member and a tower structure coupled with the base member. At least one arm is pivotally coupled with the tower structure. A flywheel and a cable and pulley system are associated with the at least one arm, wherein displacement of at least one cable of the cable and pulley system effects rotation of the flywheel. The strength training apparatus may include a selectively adjustable magnetic braking mechanism associated with a flywheel that is configured to apply a selected resistance to the rotation of the flywheel. A torque sensor may be associated with the flywheel and the measured torque during operation of the apparatus may be used to calculate the work expended in rotating the flywheel. In one embodiment, the calculated work may be expressed in units of watts.

Abstract: A telescoping extension device includes a lead cylinder having a bore extending at least partially therethrough with at least a portion of the bore being threaded and a first lead screw disposed at least partially within the bore of the lead cylinder with at least a portion of an outer surface of the first lead screw having threads that engage the threads within the bore of the lead cylinder. A second lead screw is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first lead screw with at least a portion of an outer surface of the second lead screw having threads that engage the threads within the bore of the first lead screw.

Abstract: A treadmill includes an impact absorption mechanism operatively positioned at least in part between a deck and a base frame of the treadmill so that the impact absorption mechanism enables the deck to move relative to at least a portion of the base frame during impact events on the deck and a selectively engageable deck stiffening mechanism that reduces the amount of movement of at least a portion of the deck relative to the base frame during impact events on the deck. The deck stiffening mechanism includes one or more generally rigid members and an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism selectively engages the one or more generally rigid members with the deck to provide support to the deck during impact events on the deck.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to exercise devices and systems that can receive and run workout programs that include control command subsets that control the moveable members of a plurality of different exercise devices. Exercise devices of the present invention are able to ignore the control command subset(s) that do not control their moveable member(s) and recognize the control command subset(s) that control their moveable member(s). Exercise devices of the present invention are further able to, if necessary, perform a sizing restriction to the relevant control command subset(s). Motivational content may also be modified in connection with or independently from a sizing restriction made to the control commands. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling one or more exercise device with a workout file that includes control command subsets that control the moveable members of a plurality of different exercise devices.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a support structure and a treadbase connected thereto. The treadbase has first and second opposing side rails extending along at least a portion of first and second sides of the treadbase, respectively. A deck is connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. Front and rear pulleys are connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. A continuous belt is trained around and rotatable about the front and rear pulleys. One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the deck and selectively create vibrations to cause the deck to vibrate. The vibrations are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.

Abstract: A high voltage direct current signal is obtained from a power supply. The power supply includes power factor correction circuitry. A control command is obtained from an exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a direct current motor. A pulse-width modulation signal is generated from the direct current signal based on the control command. The pulse-width modulation signal is provided to the direct current motor.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a track of an elliptical exercise machine has a base member, a clamp member, and a strap. The base member is coupled to a guide rail of the elliptical and has at least one base-fastener orifice. The clamp member is pivotally coupled to the base member and has at least one clamp-fastener orifice. The strap is proximate the base member and the clamp member and has at least one strap-fastener orifice. The at least one base-fastener orifice, the at least one clamp-fastener orifice, and the at least one strap-fastener orifice are positioned to collectively receive a securing fastener.