Abstract: An exercise machine is described which is entirely self-contained without any source of outside power. A rechargeable battery is used to maintain the exercise system operative for a time-out period. At all other times the machine is powered by the user. The machine is compact, light, rigid and sized to fit through a standard doorway. The entire exercise machine is provided with a wrap-around handrail into which a display input/output unit has been integrally provided. The exercise machine or stepper utilizes a dynamically controllable load or alternator which is controlled by a computer circuit to maintain the power input into the exercise machine or to maintain metabolically energy consumption rate within a user of the exercise machine at a predetermined, approximately constant level, regardless of the speed of stepping or the actual or effective weight of the user. The alternator is dynamically controlled by pulse width modulating its field coils.

Abstract: An exercise machine is described which is entirely self-contained without any source of outside power. A rechargeable battery is used to maintain the exercise system operative for a time-out period. At all other times the machine is powered by the user. The machine is compact, light, rigid and sized to fit through a standard doorway. The entire exercise machine is provided with a wrap-around handrail into which a display input/output unit has been integrally provided. The exercise machine or stepper utilizes a dynamically controllable load or alternator which is controlled by a computer circuit to maintain the power input into the exercise machine or to maintain metabolically energy consumption rate within a user of the exercise machine at a predetermined, approximately constant level, regardless of the speed of stepping or the actual or effective weight of the user. The alternator is dynamically controlled by pulse width modulating its field coils.

Abstract: This invention provides a system which allows users to personally create his or her own individual exercise program using any existing type of exercise machine, such as treadmills, bicycles, stair-climbers, weight lifting and the like. The invention provides a point-based incentive program to encourage the user to stay with an exercise program. Each user is supplied a personal data "key" on which is stored the individual's fitness program and on which is stored the person's progress in reaching or maintaining his or her fitness goal. The system provides a continuing incentive to the user to continue his or her exercise program by awarding points for: (i) time the user is on the machine; (ii) time the person indicates their heart rate is at a level that will allow the person to achieve their fitness goal; and/or (iii) time the person's measured heart rate is at a level that will allow the person to achieve his fitness goal.

Abstract: An exercise machine is described which is entirely self-contained without any source of outside power. A rechargeable battery is used to maintain the exercise system operative for a time-out period. At all other times the machine is powered by the user. The machine is compact, light, rigid and sized to fit through a standard doorway. The entire exercise machine is provided with a wrap-around handrail into which a display input/output unit has been integrally provided. The exercise machine or stepper utilizes a dynamically controllable load or alternator which is controlled by a computer circuit to maintain the power input into the exercise machine or to maintain metabolically energy consumption rate within a user of the exercise machine at a predetermined, approximately constant level, regardless of the speed of stepping or the actual or effective weight of the user. The alternator is dynamically controlled by pulse width modulating its field coils.

Abstract: Cardiopulmonary interval training between a user high target heart rate and a user low target heart rate is obtained with an exercise apparatus by increasing the load of the exercise apparatus at a first predetermined rate until either the maximum machine load is obtained or the high target heart rate. When this event occurs, the load can then be maintained at a fixed level for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the load is decreased until the low target heart rate is obtained, or the user-set exercise duration expired. The heart rate of the user is monitored during the exercise. In the event that measurement of a valid heart signal is lost at any time, any increase or decrease of the load of the exercise apparatus is terminated until a valid heart rate signal is reacquired. In the case when an exercise apparatus is a treadmill, the load can be varied by increasing or decreasing both the speed adjustment and the elevation adjustment of the treadmill.

Abstract: Cardiopulmonary interval training between a user high target heart rate and a user low target heart rate is obtained with an exercise apparatus by increasing the load of the exercise apparatus at a first predetermined rate until either the maximum machine load is obtained or the high target heart rate. When this event occurs, the load can then be maintained at a fixed level for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the load is decreased until the low target heart rate is obtained, or the user-set exercise duration expired. The heart rate of the user is continuously monitored during the exercise. In the event that measurement of a valid heart signal is lost at any time, any increase or decrease of the load of the exercise apparatus is terminated until a valid heart rate signal is reacquired. In the case when an exercise apparatus is a treadmill, the load can be varied by increasing or decreasing both the speed adjustment and the elevation adjustment of the treadmill.

Abstract: An improved exercise treadmill device having a continuous belt upon which an exercise user walks or runs, which belt is supported by cushioned deck. The deck is disposed within the chassis of the treadmill underneath the belt and in turn is supported by a recessed shelf provided by the chassis on a peripheral shock absorber or resilient foam pad. An antifriction panel is disposed between the underside of the belt and the upper side of the deck between the belt and the deck. The resilient panel is removable so that when worn or ineffective it can be easily and quickly replaced without requiring replacement of the deck. An upper belt recess provided by the chassis fully encloses the end of the deck and belt. A shock absorber is provided on the chassis above the belt and deck so that any rebound contact caused by heavy foot falls on the belt are cushioned by the upper shock absorber.