Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation and to reduce maintenance costs. These features include handlebars with an upwardly curved center section and outwardly flared side portions along with pivoting rear legs for the treadmill frame. The control panel features include snap-in user trays and an overlay covering the numerical key pad along with an auxiliary control panel having a subset of user controls that are larger and more easy to use than the same controls on the main control panel. Maintenance enhancing features include the provision for access panels in the treadmill housing and a belt lubrication system that uses a priming pulse to clear the wax spraying nozzle along with using treadmill operating criteria for scheduling and operating the lubrication system. For injection molded parts such as the control panel, structural strength is enhanced by utilizing gas-assist injection molding to form structural ribs.

Abstract: A free weight assistance and training device includes a base and a generally upright weight support structure mounted on and extending upwards from and over the base. A free weight support bar is connected to a computer-controlled weight tensioning device which is mounted on the base generally adjacent the upright weight support structure, the connection between the free weight support bar and the computer-controlled weight tensioning device consisting of at least two cables movably mounted on the upright weight support structure. The computer-controlled weight tensioning device, the at least two cables and the free weight support bar operatively cooperate with each other such that tensioning force applied by the computer-controlled weight tensioning device via the at least two cables to the free weight support bar controllably decreases the amount of downwards force exerted by the free weight support bar and weights thereon.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a plurality of exercise terminals, wherein a workout of an exerciser includes at least two exercises performed at one or more of the exercise terminals. Each exercise terminal includes a communication device for communicating to the exerciser information regarding an exercise of the workout subsequent to a current exercise in the workout.

Abstract: In a wheelchair training platform, a wheelchair is connected to a computer system through the training platform, and the training platform detects signals of a rotary speed and a forward direction or a reverse direction of two rear wheels of the wheelchair, and sends the signals to a computer system. The computer system reflects the foregoing rotary speed and direction to a virtual reality interactive software/game, such that the wheelchair has an interaction with the virtual reality interactive software/game.

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 preferably including the Internet 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: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.

Abstract: An aquatic treadmill comprising a base (10) affixed to the edge (1) of a swimming pool (2), externally to the area occupied by the respective body of water (3); a structural arm (20) articulated to the base (10), in order to be selectively angularly displaced, by an arm actuator (12), between an inoperative position, elevated and external to the area occupied by the body of water (3), and an operative position, in which it is downwardly projected, so as to have a free end penetrating into the body of water (3); a chassis (30) having an end articulated to a free end of the structural arm (20), in order to be selectively angularly displaced, by a chassis actuator (50), between an inoperative position, seated against the structural arm (20), and a substantially horizontal operative position; and a support frame (40) mounted to the chassis (30) and carrying a pair of end transversal rollers (47), around which an endless belt (41) is mounted.

Abstract: A training machine including a load unit (13) and a pedal (12) or the like for providing an exerciser with predetermined exercise and a display (17) for displaying an image, further including a storage unit (24) for storing a reference range of the heart rate of the exerciser being exercising, a storage unit (24) for storing a plurality of types of images, a heart rate sensor (21A) for sensing the heart rate of the exerciser, a sensor signal detection processing unit and display-audio output processing unit (27B, 27A) for judging whether the exercising state of the exerciser is proper, wherein the display-audio output processing unit (27A) retrieves the image corresponding to the exercising state from the storage unit (24) and displays it on a display unit (17).

Abstract: A conical strap-loop (1) of adjustable size which embraces part of a user's hand (7) in connection with his/her wrist. The loop includes a free-supporting elastic shaft (2) which projects forwards in the direction of the loop axis and includes a curved end-part (3) which is also free-supporting and springly elastic and which is curved through about one-half of a revolution in towards the palm of the user's hand. The width of the curved part (3) corresponds to the width of the user's palm. A handgrip (8), such as the bar of a barbell, can be positioned between the palm of the user's hand and the free end of the curved part so as to be accommodated within said curved part, which is able to straighten out elastically at low loads.

Abstract: A trampoline system has a rebounding bed and a resilient member located below the bed at such a position that the bed depresses the resilient member when the bed is sufficiently depressed by a person jumping on the bed. The presence of the resilient member makes it easy to tune the system to adjust the performance of the trampoline and to minimize impacts on a jumper and thereby reduce the likelihood of bed-impact injuries.

Abstract: An exercise device is described having a motor assembly (28) and an electronic control system (36) including a circuit board (40) and electronic components for controlling the exercise device and the motor power output. The main heat-generating electronic components are accumulated into a power control module (44) that is attached to one side of the circuit board. A cooling system (50) is connected to the power control module. The cooling system has a heatsink (60) and a fan (62). In one embodiment, the heatsink includes a base plate (64) that contacts the power control module and a plurality of fins (66) projecting in an array from the other side of the base plate. A fan is positioned within the circle of fins to blow cooling air thereover. The fan is preferably powered by a source independent of the motor power output.

Abstract: Exercise/therapy apparatus that allows a user to change one or more workout parameters without dismounting from the apparatus and without interrupting the workout. Several embodiments for inclined surface apparatus are disclosed, using vertical, tiltable and curvilinear surface support structures.

Abstract: A speed control device for a treadmill includes at least one contact switch mounted on a corresponding one of the arms of the treadmill and causing an analogy signal when a user touches the at least one contact switch. A control circuit assembly is mounted in the treadmill and electrically connected to the at least one contact switch for receiving the analogy signal transmitted from the at least one contact switch. The control circuit assembly includes a signal transform circuit receiving the analogy signal and transforming the analogy signal into a digital signal. A waveform process circuit receives the digital signal and transforms the digital signal into a 1/0 or 0/1 signal. A signal output circuit receives the 1/0 or 0/1 signal, amplifies and transmits the signal to a central process unit of the treadmill for controlling a speed of the treadmill.

Abstract: Various aspects of one or more methods, apparatuses and data processor program products capable of enabling administration of an athleticism development program are disclosed herein. These various aspects include facilitating an athleticism training routine by an athleticism development program subscriber and facilitating a present athleticism level assessment by the athleticism development program subscriber after facilitating the athleticism training routine. After facilitating the present athleticism level assessment, an attained standardized athleticism level corresponding to the present athleticism level evaluation is determined. The implementation of standardized athleticism levels is advantageous as it supports a measurable plan of progress for motivating a subscriber and trainer to meet their individual and mutual goals.

Abstract: A speed control device of a treadmill includes a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter end circuit and a receiver end circuit. The transmitter serves to generate and transmit ultrasonic wave, while the receiver serves to receive reflected ultrasonic wave. The transmitter end circuit has an oscillating IC circuit and an analog-digital converting circuit. The oscillating IC circuit serves to oscillate the ultrasonic wave generated by the transmitter to high frequency. The analog-digital converting circuit serves to convert digital signal into analog signal. The receiver end circuit has an amplifying circuit and an analog-digital converting circuit. The amplifying circuit serves to amplify the reflected ultrasonic wave received by the receiver into high frequency. The analog-digital converting circuit serves to convert the reflected analog signal into digital signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides resistance to train for acceleration and the stretch-shortening cycle through a range of motion that simulates a particular sport or motion of a particular sport or activity such as running. The joint is isolated using a three contact point stabilization system. The isolated joint is trained using supra-maximal techniques designed to achieve both maximum acceleration and a minimum stretch-shortening cycle.

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 muscle group isolation device for weightlifters, worn when performing weightlifting exercises primarily for the triceps and biceps to assist the weightlifter in maintaining proper arm position while exercising. The muscle group isolation device includes an elongated flexible strap with a fastening means to adjustably connect the two ends of the strap together and form a continuous loop.

Abstract: A running machine having a.reduced height from the ground to a running surface on an endless belt without decreasing the outside diameter of a driving roller. The running machine includes a driving roller for rotating the endless belt mounted in an inner portion of a frontal end of the endless belt, and a tension member mounted near the driving roller, depressing the upper portion of the endless belt toward a lower portion thereof to maintain a tensioned state of the endless belt. Thus, the distance between the upper portion and the lower portion of the endless belt is made smaller than the diameter of the driving roller.