Abstract: Systems and methods that provide two-way communication between an exercise device and a computer device. A computer device and an exercise device employ different protocol formats and communicate through a translator device, which includes a microcontroller specifically designed to translate data or signals deliverable by different communication protocols. The exercise device, the computer device, or a user at either the exercise or computer device may initiate the communication.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The programming includes motivational content and control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting and optionally instructional and educational content for the benefit of a user. The control signals can be carried in wireless carrier signals and can include bytes of data that define changes to the value of one or more operating parameters of an exercise device. The control signals can control one or more operating parameters of one or more exercise devices, whether at once, or device specific.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses. In more particular the present invention relates to a self-adjusting treadmill having a moveable console and a self-adjusting cushioning assembly. According to one aspect of the present invention, the moveable console and the self-adjusting cushioning assembly of the treadmill automatically adjust based on user parameters. The user parameters can be input by the user or automatically detected when the user steps on the treadmill by the movable console and/or the cushioning mechanisms. In one embodiment, when the user stands on the treadmill, the console detects the height of the user and is automatically raised or lowered to tailor the positioning of the console relative to the height of the user.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing two-way communication between an exercise device and a computer device. A computer device and an exercise device employ different protocol formats and communicate through a translator device, which includes a microcontroller specifically designed to translate data or signals deliverable by different communication protocols. The exercise device, the computer device, or a user at either the exercise or computer device may initiate the communication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling an exercise device with one or more control signals associated with an exercise program received from a telephone answering service. The exercise device includes an input device through which a user can request an exercise program from the telephone answering service. The telephone answering service delivers selectable options to the exercise device, which presents the options to the user. In response to the user selecting a particular option, the telephone answering service delivers the selected exercise program, including one or more control signals, to the exercise device. The exercise device identifies the one or more control signals, either by detecting the audible representation of the one or more control signals or analyzing the electronic representation of the received exercise program, and controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise device based upon such one or more control signals.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

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: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling an exercise device with one or more control signals associated with an exercise program received from a telephone answering service. The exercise device includes an input device through which a user can request an exercise program from the telephone answering service. The telephone answering service delivers selectable options to the exercise device, which presents the options to the user. In response to the user selecting a particular option, the telephone answering service delivers the selected exercise program, including one or more control signals, to the exercise device. The exercise device identifies the one or more control signals, either by detecting the audible representation of the one or more control signals or analyzing the electronic representation of the received exercise program, and controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise device based upon such one or more control signals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The programming includes motivational content and control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting and optionally instructional and educational content for the benefit of a user. The control signals can be carried in wireless carrier signals and can include bytes of data that define changes to the value of one or more operating parameters of an exercise device. The control signals can control one or more operating parameters of one or more exercise devices, whether at once, or device specific.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling an exercise device with one or more control signals associated with an exercise program received from a telephone answering service. The exercise device includes an input device through which a user can request an exercise program from the telephone answering service. The telephone answering service delivers selectable options to the exercise device, which presents the options to the user. In response to the user selecting a particular option, the telephone answering service delivers the selected exercise program, including one or more control signals, to the exercise device. The exercise device identifies the one or more control signals, either by detecting the audible representation of the one or more control signals or analyzing the electronic representation of the received exercise program, and controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise device based upon such one or more control signals.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

Abstract: A display controller system for use with a selectively adjustable exercise apparatus is disclosed. The hiking display controller system comprises a display device, a controller, and a selectively adjustable exercise device. The controller enables adjustments in the exercise apparatus according to a mountain exercise profile having trail workout segments that are digitally coded to enable the selectively adjustable exercise device. The mountain exercise profile may use topographical maps, GPS coordinates, or portable hike monitors to design the actual exercise program. A mountain exercise profile may also be obtained through an external interface located in the controller. The user can develop a virtual trail. These preprogrammed trail workouts are created by a trail workout designer who identifies the density of the trails and digitally codes the necessary adjustments for a specific exercise device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing two-way communication between an exercise device and a computer device. A computer device and an exercise device employ different protocol formats and communicate through a translator device, which includes a microcontroller specifically designed to translate data or signals deliverable by different communication protocols. The exercise device, the computer device, or a user at either the exercise or computer device may initiate the communication.

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 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.