Abstract: A solution for managing access to exercise equipment in a fitness facility is provided. A planned exercise routine for a user, which includes data corresponding to a plurality of exercises desired to be performed by the user at the fitness facility is used for providing location information for presentation to the user. Each exercise can require use of an exercise apparatus. The exercise can be mapped to at least one exercise apparatus located at the fitness facility. A target exercise apparatus can be identified from the mapped exercise apparatus(es). Location information for one or more of the target exercise apparatuses can be provided for presentation to the user.

Abstract: In a redeemable coupon there is a housing, a motion detector coupled to the housing, wherein the motion detector detects an amount of motion of the coupon, and an indicator coupled to the motion detector, wherein the indicator is activated by the motion detector upon detecting the amount of motion. Additionally, in a method of providing an incentive for a user to exercise, providing the user with a coupon to be coupled to the user, monitoring the motion of the user with a motion sensor included in the coupon, and activating the coupon when the motion sensor has detected a predetermined amount of motion such that the coupon becomes redeemable by the user.

Abstract: A band formed to secure to a part of a human body. The band including a motion detection component. The motion detection component including circuitry for detecting and recording movement of the motion detection component. The motion detection component including a display defined to provide a visual indication of an amount of movement recorded by the circuitry. The circuitry including an electrical contact for electrical communication of signals associated with the detected and recorded movement of the motion detection component.

Abstract: An approach is provided for tracking and analyzing physical activities. Inputs are received from a plurality of users. The inputs specify one or more physical activities. The inputs are analyzed to quantitatively compare the activities among the users. A score is assigned to each user based on the analysis. The scores can be presented to the users over a communication network.

Abstract: In general, exercise devices of the present invention include one or more fans that can increase the flow of air in particular direction. Exercise devices of the present invention also include a sensing mechanism that can sense a physiological condition of a user performing an exercise on the exercise device. The sensed physiological condition could be pulse, blood pressure, respiration, caloric expenditure, weight, perspiration, temperature, blood oxygen level, metabolic equivalent of task (MET), carbohydrates burned, cadence or another physiological condition. The speed of the air flow created by the fan can depend on the physiological condition sensed by the sensing mechanism.

Abstract: A device for rebalancing the pelvis, has first and second support elements and a base, wherein the support elements are such that in a position of use for an individual standing on the base the support element is situated underneath a large part of the arch of the foot in such a way that the arch is raised above its usual position. Feedback signals indicate to a user the correct position of the feet and correct performance of a training and rebalancing routine.

Abstract: A method for processing biological information is provided, wherein the method includes receiving biological information from a monitoring device responsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regime and processing the biological information to generate resultant information responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the first party.

Abstract: The invention provides a real-time exercise coaching system on the basis of that the whole exercise course could be subdivided into 4 basic components: sprint (anaerobic or speeding), aerobic endurance (balancing aerobic endurance), compensating (compensating O2 debt), and dynamic recovery. The real-time exercise coaching system of the invention enables a user to realize his/her current physiological state and change of fitness condition and then the user can further decide which action (sprint, aerobic endurance, and dynamic recovery) is to be taken next. The system of the invention instantly and continuously provides information that assesses a user's current physiological state during exercising in view of the exercise situations and the environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, altitude and air quality).

Abstract: A device for joint rehabilitation after injury or surgery and a method of use are described and taught. The device automatically senses and manipulates performance parameters to optimize the rehabilitation process in response to user performance. In particular, device sets the pedal throw and other variables automatically to be in an optimum range for the patient based on the respective patient data. A motor resistance unit allows for the user to experience variable resistances while using the device. This not only increases the patient's range of motion but also strengthens and increases muscle tone. In order to use the device, the patient or user simply inputs preliminary parameters and the on-board computer then calculates a rehabilitation plan, and monitors patient performance and adapts to changes. The central data server permit central storage of all data associated with usage of the rehab devices and is fully HIPPA compliant.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the assisted performance of a fitness exercise, equipped with a fitness tool (2) configured to interact with the user (3) to enable the user to perform a movement along a preset path overcoming the force of a resistant load (7), comprises: sensing means (4) set up to provide a signal representing the movement of the user (3); feedback means (5) for transmitting a signal to the user (3) during performance of the exercise; a processor (6) connected to the sensing means (4) and to the feedback means (5) to provide the user (3) with feedback in real time on the correctness of performance of the exercise, based on a comparison between the signal representing the movement of the user and a predetermined reference pattern representing an ideal pattern for the movement of the user (3) corresponding to the exercise performed correctly.

Abstract: An exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device, and an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system. The remote communication system is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine and generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. The exercise device is receptive to the exercise program, and the exercise program causes the exercise device to simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided a strike measurement system (44) for a punching bag (14). The measurement system (44) includes an accessory (10) for being installed on the punching bag (14). The accessory (10) has a number of sensors (16) for receiving strike data, and a communications facility (42) for use in transmitting strike information to a computing device (50); wherein the system (44) is adapted for utilising an intermediate computing device (46) between the computing device (50) and the communications facility (42). In the system (44) the intermediate computing device (46) configured for assisting with the transmission of the strike information to the computing device (50).

Abstract: Systems and methods permit remotely-monitored rehabilitation of a patient. A system can comprise a patient monitor configured to monitor a patient's physiological data. The patient monitor can monitor using a first monitoring mode. A patient communication device can be configured to present, to the patient, an option to perform an exercise regimen, and to receive a response indicating whether the patient will perform the exercise regimen. A configuration module coupled to the patient communication device can be configured to activate a second monitoring mode when the response indicates that the patient will perform the exercise regimen. When the exercise regimen is complete, the first monitoring mode can be re-established. When the response indicates that the patient will not perform the exercise regimen, the response can be recorded as a negative response, and the option to perform the exercise regimen can be presented again.

Abstract: A motion detection component is operated to detect movement of the motion detection component. The movement detected by the motion detection component is recorded. A display is operated to provide a visual indication of an amount of the recorded movement. Electrical signals are communicated from the motion detection component through an electrical contact. The electrical signals are associated with the detected and recorded movement of the motion detection component. The motion detection component, the display, and the electrical contact are included within a band formed to secure to a part of a human body.

Abstract: An exercise device including a frame having a proximal end and a distal end is presented, the frame further includes a first opening and a second opening, a first handle assembly configured to be coupled to the frame via the first opening, and a second handle assembly configured to be coupled to the frame via the second opening. The frame further includes an electronic circuit assembly for coaching a user, the coaching of the user involving at least counting, continuously and in real-time, a number of exercise repetitions performed by the user.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring device includes: a setting section which sets a user's age and resting pulse rate; a calculating section which calculates a pulse rate range of aerobic exercise on the basis of the age and the resting pulse rate set by the setting section; a sensor which measures a working pulse rate of the user; a monitoring section which monitors whether or not the pulse rate measured by the sensor is within the pulse rate range calculated by the calculating section; and a notifying section which notifies the user of a result of monitoring obtained by the monitoring section.

Abstract: This invention relates to an exercise device and more particularly to an exercise device of the type that allows the user of the exercise device to exercise with part of their body in a negative pressure environment. These devices are becoming increasingly popular however the known devices are prone to frequent failure. The present invention provides a construction of exercise device that reduces the incidences of failure caused by failure of the electronics panel. The electronics panel being mounted in a separate dedicated enclosure internal the chamber with the negative pressure environment, the interior of the dedicated enclosure is isolated from the negative pressure conditions and atmosphere in the remainder of the chamber. The exercise device will be more reliable and cost effective to run. Furthermore, the construction of the present invention permits easier access to the interior of the casing for maintenance when maintenance is required.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing muscle development are disclosed. A method includes identifying a plurality of parameters of a user, and generating an exercise program based at least partially on the plurality of parameters. The exercise program includes a plurality of exercises. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of exercises, identifying one-rep maximum data associated with the exercise, and determining, for the exercise, a resistance to be applied by the exercise device during execution of the exercise program, in which the resistance is determined based at least partially on the one-rep maximum data associated with the exercise.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking physical activity of a person in order to help motivate that person to add more exercise to their lives. Each participant is provided a motion sensor that detects forces incurred by the participant. The motion sensor creates electronic data that corresponds to the forces detected. The data is analyzed to determine whether or not exercise has been performed. The analysis can also determine the type of exercise performed, when the exercise was performed, and the duration of the exercise performed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to power generation via fitness machines. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for generating power via the use and operation of fitness machines. Further, embodiments of the present invention are configured to utilize characteristics and/or data points associated with the use and operation of such fitness machines to calculate and reward users with one or more virtual currencies.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for providing outputs to an individual during a physical activity. The methods may include generating performance data based on an individual's performance during the physical activity, providing a first output based on performance data to the individual during the physical activity via a first output device, determining that a second output based on the performance data should be provided to the individual via a second output device that is different than the first output device, and providing the second output to the individual during the physical activity via the second output device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment for enabling a user to vary the effective muscle tension during the course of the performance of an exercise and, more particularly, to an exercise system for shifting an optimum length of peak muscle tension. In some embodiments, the system is an apparatus which comprises a force-generating element, e.g. a fluid cylinder, a user-input element which a user forcibly moves during the course of performance of an exercise, and also a coupling means, which is preferably a cable-pulley system, which transfers forces between the force-generating element and the user-input element. Finally, the apparatus comprises a control unit which controls and varies the level of force generated by the force-generating element during the course of performance of the exercise. The apparatus effectively varies the effective muscle tension through the generation of forces.

Abstract: An energy harvester system is provided in and responsive to movement of a motion control arrangement of an exercise machine for converting kinetic and ambient light energy supplied from an environment of the exercise equipment into electrical power which is delivered to a feedback system associated with the exercise equipment in order to provide information corresponding to the user of the exercise equipment.

Abstract: The invention measures propulsive force of an ambulating subject to provide real-time feedback, which may be used for clinical assessment or rehabilitation/training such as that related to walking ability, or any other form of ambulation. Subjects with propulsive deficits have a considerable and underutilized propulsive reserve available during level ambulation. The invention uses real-time propulsive feedback as a therapeutic strategy to encourage a subject to access the propulsive reserve and improve forward propulsion during ambulation.

Abstract: An exercise machine equipped with a device designed to be driven to move by the user during a workout, by applying a muscular force against a resistant load and which includes: a detector for detecting the muscular power applied by the user to the device; a display; a computer connected to the display and having access to a memory containing a plurality of values, representative of the power nominally absorbed by a plurality of corresponding electric household appliances, and digital data for graphically representing the plurality of electric household appliances, the computer being programmed for: comparing the power detected by the detector and at least one of the power values contained in the memory; and for generating on the display, depending on the comparison, a graphical output of the comparison, including a graphical representation of at least one of the electric household appliances, generated based on the digital data.

Abstract: A system and method manage distribution of fitness equipment units based upon automatically collected usage information for the fitness equipment units.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.

Abstract: A weight-lifting exercise machine enables an athlete to lift a mass from an initial resting position. After the athlete releases the mass, the machine cushions the fall of the mass, such that the mass returns to its resting position without assistance from the athlete. The movements of the athlete and the mass can be tracked, preferably by wireless accelerometers attached respectively to the athlete and the mass, and data on such movements can be stored and analyzed. The machine provides a monitor to enable the athlete to track the progress of the exercise, and to determine whether the exercise is being performed correctly.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes monitoring accelerations from an inertial sensor integrated into a garment. The accelerations are processed to determine one or more acceleration statistics, and transmit the acceleration statistics.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise device includes a handheld force sensor with complementary male and female connectors extending from opposite sides thereof. The force sensor senses pulling and/or pushing forces exerted between the opposing sides. The male connector may be resistant to travel through the female connector except in limited orientations. The connectors allow the exercise device to interface with any mobile or immobile device having complementary connectors. Non-complementary connectors can connect with the exercise device through a body passage. Depending on devices interfaced with the exercise device, force readings can be taken during a vast variety of motions using different muscle groups during training, exercise, and rehabilitation/physical therapy in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, health clubs, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, devices, and systems to monitor activity. One method to monitor activity includes monitoring activity of an individual including detecting a sensor activated by an individual during the individual's daily activities. The embodiment also includes comparing the sensor activation to a predetermined sensor activation timeframe, determining whether to initiate an alert based upon the comparison, and checking for at least one other sensor activation to confirm whether an alert should be initiated.

Abstract: A visual display is coupled to an exercise machine. The exercise routine progress of the user is graphically displayed as one or more shapes, each having a perimeter and an identifiably different interior portion. As the routine progresses, the appearance of a part of the interior portion gradually changes, which allows the user to visualize the relative completion of the entire routine and, optionally, the relative completion of an intermediate stage of the routine. A method of visualizing an exercise routine includes generating a starting image, one or more intermediate images and a finished image. The one or more intermediate images show the user's exercise progress during the routine relative to a given stage of the routine and the entire routine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise device comprising a biasing element intended to be moved by the force of a user, an electric actuator (1) comprising a mobile part, the biasing element being connected to the mobile part and the biasing element being able to move the mobile part, a computer (12) able to generate a control signal for the electric actuator, an acceleration sensor coupled to the mobile part in order to measure the acceleration of the mobile part and to transmit the measured acceleration to the computer (12), the electric actuator being able to exert a force on the biasing element by way of the mobile element in response to the control signal, characterized in that the computer (12) is able to generate the control signal depending on the measured acceleration such that the force exerted by the electric actuator (1) includes a contribution of artificial inertia substantially proportional to the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A device for joint rehabilitation after injury or surgery and a method of use are described and taught. The device automatically senses and manipulates performance parameters to optimize the rehabilitation process in response to user performance. In particular, device sets the pedal throw and other variables automatically to be in an optimum range for the patient based on the respective patient data. A motor resistance unit allows for the user to experience variable resistances while using the device. This not only increases the patient's range of motion but also strengthens and increases muscle tone. In order to use the device, the patient or user simply inputs preliminary parameters and the on-board computer then calculates a rehabilitation plan, and monitors patient performance and adapts to changes. The central data server permit central storage of all data associated with usage of the rehab devices and is fully HIPAA compliant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method are provide for an obstacle course including first and second lanes associated with first and second difficulty ratings, respectively. The first lane includes a first plurality of obstacles associated with the first difficulty rating and the second lane includes a second plurality of obstacles associated with the second difficulty rating. The first difficulty rating indicates greater difficulty than the second difficulty rating.

Abstract: A sledge hammer with an elongate handle having a longitudinal axis and a flexible generally geometrically uniform removable mass affixed to the handle at a distal end thereof. The mass is secured to the handle with a bolt adapted to extend through the mass and into the distal end of the handle. The bolt is threaded and engages mating threads in the handle. A cone is disposed on the distal end of the handle between the handle and the mass to secure the mass to the handle In the best mode, the mass is a ball which may be perfectly round or have one or more flat surfaces. The ball should have some dampening properties.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating an athletic training program and selecting music for playing during the training program are described. Based on specified parameters, a training program module may generate a customized training program intended to help an athlete reach a goal. In conjunction therewith or independently thereof, a music selection module may generate a music playlist for playing during a training program. Music selection parameters may include training intensity, user speed, user location, user mood, a user's currently performance (e.g., as compared to an expected performance) and the like. The music selection module may select songs from a personal library or a public database of music. Music selection may be made to maximize user motivation/inspiration.

Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for annotating information collected about an individual engaged in a physical activity. The methods may include a server computer system receiving information collected about an individual from a remote computing device, the server computer system receiving an annotation associated with the information collected about the individual from the remote computing device, the server computer system generating visual display data based on the information collected and the associated annotation, and the server computer system transmitting the visual display data to a remote computing device for generating an output.

Abstract: An interactive device includes a housing and a finger ladder held within the housing and having a number of parallel rungs. Each rung includes at least one sensor. A display system, which may include panels attached to either side of the ladder, produce sounds and/or images when the rungs of the ladder are contacted sequentially. Alternately, the display system may be integral with the finger ladder. The sounds and/or images may produce a song or a familiar sequence, such as the alphabet. The sequential activation of the sensors results in the development of both gross and fine motor skills, for example, in children, persons with developmental differences, and persons needing physical or occupational therapy.

Abstract: A computer system for assessing dynamic bone quality is provided, including a memory that stores executable instructions, a central processing unit (CPU) capable of accessing the memory and executing the instructions to provide an output, and a receiver for receiving data input and transmitting it to the CPU, wherein the receiver is operably connected to: (1) a plurality of accelerometers, each accelerometer adapted to contact an exterior surface of a human subject at a load-bearing anatomical site and to receive input from each point of contact including acceleration response data; and (2) a force plate adapted to receive input including vertical ground reaction force data provided by a heel strike on the force plate, wherein the CPU executes the instructions to process the input data transmitted from the receiver to provide the output as a bone damping value. A method for assessing dynamic bone quality is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and program products for providing heart rate information are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for providing heart rate information about a user includes the steps of defining a plurality of heart rate zones as ranges of percentages of a maximum heart rate of the user, determining upper and lower limits for said heart rate zones based on the maximum heart rate of the user, associating a color with each of said heart rate zones, receiving heart rate information from the user, and initiating a graphical display in response to receiving heart rate information from the user, wherein a color of a portion of the graphical display corresponds with the color associated with one of said heart rate zones.

Abstract: An athletic device is worn by a participant during an athletic event (e.g., a race). In one example, a race course is provided with a plurality of mats or signal devices along the race course. The mats may have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The device may include a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the participant progress along the course, the tag is triggered at each mat and race data may be displayed on the device. Data relating to a location of the participant may also be provided to the participant during the athletic event.

Abstract: An exercise tool includes an elongated bar configured to be positioned behind a user such that a midpoint of the elongated bar is substantially aligned with a spine of the user. The exercise tool includes a sensing unit configured to be operational during rotation of the bar by the user about the midpoint of the elongated bar. The sensing unit is configured to sense at least one of a speed associated with the bar, an acceleration associated with the bar, a number of times the bar has been rotated, an angle between a plane of rotation and a reference plane or reference line, a range of rotation, and an amount of deviation from which the plane of rotation varies from a standard or a measured plane.

Abstract: A person's step length and rate may be measured, for example, through sensors that collect spatial and temporal gait parameter data. The measurements are then used to determine the rate of a rhythmic auditory cue to improve the person's gait. For example, a system links sensors to detect step rate and length to an audio cue provided to headphones, while providing the appropriate algorithms to accomplish real time adjustments to the audio cues as needed to better help change the person's step length vs. step rate ratio in a desired direction depending on therapeutic or performance goals.

Abstract: A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.

Abstract: Data is received from an activity tracking device. The received data indicates an amount of movement of the activity tracking device. The received data is associated with an account of a user of the activity tracking device. Feedback is generated for the user based on the amount of movement of the activity tracking device as indicated by the received data. The feedback is presented on a website with an indication of points accumulated by the user for the amount of movement of the activity tracking device over time.

Abstract: Systems and methods applicable, for instance, in gaming. Functionality might, for instance, be provided wherein one or more users are, in the context of a video game, presented with one or more real-world fitness tasks to be performed. Various monitoring operations might, for example, be performed. Various compensatory operations might, for example, be performed. Such compensatory operations might, for instance, take into account user fitness levels and/or environments in which real-world fitness tasks are performed.