Abstract: Embodiments relate to exercise systems, and more particularly to adjustable exercise cycles. In accordance with at least some aspects, a stationary exercise cycle includes an incline mechanism that adjusts an incline of an upright support structure. The incline mechanism is aligned with a portion of an upright support structure on which a handle bar assembly is mounted. In some cases, the exercise cycle includes a console that can be rotated for viewing when not riding on the exercise cycle. The exercise cycle can also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a seat or the handle bar assembly. The adjustment mechanism can include a cam-based locking mechanism for selectively securing the seat or handle bar assembly in place.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to exercise systems, and more particularly to adjustable exercise cycles. In accordance with at least some aspects, a stationary exercise cycle includes an incline mechanism that adjusts an incline of an upright support structure. The incline mechanism is aligned with a portion of an upright support structure on which a handle bar assembly is mounted. In some cases, the exercise cycle includes a console that can be rotated for viewing when not riding on the exercise cycle. The exercise cycle can also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a seat or the handle bar assembly. The adjustment mechanism can include a cam-based locking mechanism for selectively securing the seat or handle bar assembly in place.

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: In general, the present invention discloses treadmills that include a monitor that detects foot falls of a person exercising on the treadmill. Various mechanisms are described that can be incorporated on a treadmill to detect foot falls. For example, load cells, vibration monitors, motor load variance monitors, and sound monitors can be used to detect foot falls. A processing unit on the treadmill can receive data from the foot fall monitor to calculate a cadence, or a number of foot falls per unit time. Information relating to cadence can be displayed to the person exercising. In addition to a foot fall monitor, the present invention also discloses a monitor that detects foot lifts of a person exercising on a treadmill. A processing unit can receive data from the foot fall and foot lift monitors to determine and display stride length.

Abstract: A method for improving running efficiency includes measuring power usage of a drive motor of a treadmill while a user is running on the treadmill for a first period of time and analyzing the measured power usage of the drive motor for the first period of time with a computer. The method further includes providing the user with information about the user's running form based on the analyzed data and providing the user with information on how the user can change their current running form to improve running efficiency.

Abstract: A treadmill may comprise a deck, a treadbelt covering at least a portion of the deck, and a drive motor configured for driving the treadbelt. The treadmill may further comprise a sensor, a console, and a computer. The sensor may be configured to detect an amount of power utilized by the drive motor, and the console may be configured to convey information to a user. The computer may comprise a memory and a processor, and be configured for electric communication with the sensor and the consol. The computer may be programmed to analyze data received from the sensor, to provide a communication to a user through the consol that provides information about the user's running form based on the analyzed data received from the sensor, and to provide a communication to the user through the consol that provides information on how the user may change their current running form to improve running efficiency.

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: 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: A treadmill may comprise a deck, a treadbelt covering at least a portion of the deck, and a drive motor configured for driving the treadbelt. The treadmill may further comprise a sensor, a console, and a computer. The sensor may be configured to detect an amount of power utilized by the drive motor, and the console may be configured to convey information to a user. The computer may comprise a memory and a processor, and be configured for electric communication with the sensor and the consol. The computer may be programmed to analyze data received from the sensor, to provide a communication to a user through the consol that provides information about the user's running form based on the analyzed data received from the sensor, and to provide a communication to the user through the consol that provides information on how the user may change their current running form to improve running efficiency.

Abstract: In general, the present invention discloses treadmills that include a monitor that detects foot falls of a person exercising on the treadmill. Various mechanisms are described that can be incorporated on a treadmill to detect foot falls. For example, load cells, vibration monitors, motor load variance monitors, and sound monitors can be used to detect foot falls. A processing unit on the treadmill can receive data from the foot fall monitor to calculate a cadence, or a number of foot falls per unit time. Information relating to cadence can be displayed to the person exercising. In addition to a foot fall monitor, the present invention also discloses a monitor that detects foot lifts of a person exercising on a treadmill. A processing unit can receive data from the foot fall and foot lift monitors to determine and display stride length.

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: 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: 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: A treadmill belt is provided having a base layer of synthetic fabric over which a stabilizing layer of polyvinylchloride is deposited. The combined base layer and stabilizing layer are formed into a continuous belt over which a compressible cushion layer is deposited. The opposing ends of the cushion layer are stitched together at a select angle relative to a transverse axis extending across the treadmill belt.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in combination with an incline adjustment mechanism having a support frame, a support rotatably associated with the support frame, a pawl positioned to interact with the support and a spring for urging the pawl into engagement with the support is disclose. The support defines a plurality of notches. The pawl is received into each resistive notch to form a detachable union of the pawl with the support. An engagement of the pawl with each notch orients the support in a predetermined position which corresponds to a respective incline for the exercise apparatus which is connected to the support frame.