U.S. patent application number 10/215621 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for anatomically-based personal fitness advisor method and system.
Invention is credited to Zarif, Alexander.
Application Number | 20040029684 10/215621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31494908 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040029684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zarif, Alexander |
February 12, 2004 |
Anatomically-based personal fitness advisor method and system
Abstract
An Anatomically-based Personal Fitness Advisor Method and System
is disclosed. Also shown is a system, that unlike prior systems,
provides a fitness plan in response to a user entering current and
goal dimensions of their physique. The system further permits the
user to select a current state and goal condition for specific
anatomic zones of their body. Still further, the system calculates
the delta or difference between the current and goal conditions or
dimensions and responsively creates a fitness plan. Finally, the
system permits the user or coach to track their progress by
entering ongoing dimensions and conditions, after which the system
responsively revises the fitness plan.
Inventors: |
Zarif, Alexander; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Karl M. Steins
Steins & Associates
Suite 120
2333 Camino del Rio South
San Diego
CA
92108
US
|
Family ID: |
31494908 |
Appl. No.: |
10/215621 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2230/00 20130101;
G16H 20/60 20180101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B 21/00 20130101; A63B
24/0075 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/9 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for creating a physical fitness plan, the method being
implemented in a programmed computer comprising a processor, at
least one data storage system, at least one input device, at least
one display device and at least one output device, the method
comprising the steps of: conducting an anatomic interview with said
individual, said interview including obtaining anatomic dimension
data and anatomic appearance data, said data being entered by said
individual into said input device and stored on said data storage
device; and preparing an exercise and nutrition plan responsive to
said anatomic dimension data and said anatomic appearance data,
said plan being prepared by operation of said processor.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said interview conducting step
further comprises: obtaining goal anatomic dimension data and goal
anatomic appearance data, said goal anatomic dimension data being
entered at said input device; and said preparing step is further
responsive to said goal anatomic dimension data and said goal
anatomic appearance data.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said plan preparing step further
comprises: computing delta-dimension data by comparing said
anatomic dimension data to said goal anatomic dimension data, said
comparing being conducted by said processor; and obtaining
recommended physical exercises responsive to said delta-dimension
data, said recommended physical exercises being obtained from a
data repository on said data storage device.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said plan preparing step further
comprises: computing delta-fitness data by comparing said anatomic
appearance data to said goal anatomic appearance data, said
comparing being conducted by said processor; and obtaining
recommended physical exercises responsive to said delta-fitness
data, said recommended physical exercises being obtained from a
data repository on said data storage device.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said plan executing step further
comprises periodically: re-computing said delta-dimension data;
re-computing said delta-fitness data; and re-obtaining recommended
physical exercises responsive to said re-computed delta-dimension
and said delta-fitness data, said recommended physical exercises
being obtained from a data repository on said data storage
device.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein: said obtaining step comprises
obtaining dimensions entered by a user through said input device
responsive to a body model displayed on said display device.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said obtaining step further
comprises obtaining said appearance data entered by a user through
said input device responsive to a set of anatomical fitness options
displayed on said display device.
8. A method for an individual obtaining physical fitness,
comprising: conducting an anatomic interview with said individual,
said interview including obtaining anatomic dimension data and
anatomic appearance data; preparing an exercise and nutrition plan
responsive to said anatomic dimension data and said anatomic
appearance data; and executing said prepared exercise and nutrition
plan.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said interview conducting step
further comprises: obtaining goal anatomic dimension data and goal
anatomic appearance data; and said preparing step is further
responsive to said goal anatomic dimension data and said goal
anatomic appearance data.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said plan preparing step further
comprises: computing delta-dimension data by comparing said
anatomic dimension data to said goal anatomic dimension data; and
obtaining recommended physical exercises responsive to said
delta-dimension data.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said plan preparing step
further comprises: computing delta-fitness data by comparing said
anatomic appearance data to said goal anatomic appearance data; and
obtaining recommended physical exercises responsive to said
delta-fitness data.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said plan executing step
further comprises periodically: re-computing said delta-dimension
data; re-computing said delta-fitness data; and re-obtaining
recommended physical exercises responsive to said re-computed
delta-dimension and said delta-fitness data.
13. A fitness planning system, comprising: a computer terminal
having an input device and a display device; a data storage device
in communication with said computer terminal, said data storage
device including a data module, said data module cross-referencing
delta-dimensions to recommended physical exercises; a processor in
communication with said terminal and said data storage device; and
whereby a user enters anatomic dimension and goal anatomic
dimension data into said terminal and said processor calculates
delta-dimension data and further obtains recommended physical
exercises from said data module.
14. The fitness planning system of claim 13, further comprising: a
network communications conduit interconnecting said computer
terminal, said processor and said data storage device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to physical fitness
maintenance and, more specifically, to an Anatomically-based
Personal Fitness Advisor Method and System
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The pursuit of physical fitness has become a multi-billion
dollar industry in the United States alone. In addition to diet
plans, personal caterers, personal trainers and retail exercise
equipment, the health club membership has become almost a standard
monthly expense and activity for many young and middle-aged adults.
In the past, health clubs often left their members on their own to
develop, execute and monitor their fitness programs; the trend has
now changed. In a typical health club today, you have access to
"sophisticated," "personalized" training supervision and tracking.
In fact, many clubs have implemented computer-based fitness
software to assist members in their trek to fitness.
[0005] The problem with the current fitness program methods, as
embodied in software is that the average person really doesn't know
or understand what exercises they should be doing, and how many of
these exercises they should be doing. Their goal is not to increase
the amount of weight that they can lift, or the number of
repetitions that they can do. All that the average health club
patron (or at-home fitness aficionado) knows is that they have a
particular part or area on their body that they wish to either
change or maintain. Common goals for women are that they would like
to reduce their hips or buttocks size or improve the definition of
their abdomen. Common goals for men are that they would like to
reduce their waist size or increase the definition in their chest.
In order to get from setting the goals to reaching the goals, the
patron must interface with a "health expert" manually to actually
develop the exercise plan to achieve the person's goal(s). Ongoing
interface is also necessary to fine tune the exercise regimen. If
we take a look at FIGS. 1-5, we can review what the typical fitness
improvement program might entail, whether manual or
software-based.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a flowchart depicting the prior art fitness
improvement method 10. The prior system 10 for fitness typically
commences with a interview 100 between the health expert (or
software program) and the individual seeking fitness. The purpose
of the interview is to establish the individual's personal physical
fitness, as well as to determine the individual's fitness goals.
Next, a fitness evaluation 102 will typically be conducted to
determine how the individual performs on specific physical
exercises. The evaluation will determine the individual's
cardiovascular and general physical fitness prior to commencing the
new plan to be developed.
[0007] Next, the health expert or software program will prepare an
exercise plan 104 that the expert believes will take the individual
from his or her current physical status to a point where their
fitness goals are met. Finally, the individual executes the
prepared fitness plan 106, and hopes for the fitness 108 that he or
she originally articulated. The individual steps in the process
will generally include the activities described in FIGS. 2-5.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts the fitness interview step 100 of the prior
art fitness improvement method. As shown, the typical interview
will request information from the individual, including the
person's age; health status such as weight, body fat estimate and
metabolic type (if determinable), as well as blood chemistry (if
known); any genetic profile or history of health issues; and the
person's fitness objectives. FIG. 3 discusses the next step in the
prior process.
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts the fitness evaluation step 102 of the prior
art fitness improvement method. Shown are only examples of the
types of tests that might be performed during the prior fitness
evaluation step; other tests might be performed, depending upon the
site and individual. A body fat test will often be performed; a
performance test will typically also be performed, such as to
determine the maximum weight that the person can lift per exercise
or machine for a predetermined set of exercises, the maximum
exercise repetitions that a person can complete at a series of
weights for a series of exercises, and how the individual's
cardiovascular system performs and then recovers from the exercise.
As the tests are conducted, the results are documented for later
use. FIG. 4 discusses the next step in the prior process.
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts the exercise plan preparation step 104 of the
prior art fitness improvement method. In this step, the expert and
the individual review and revise the person's fitness objectives;
compare the test performance results to the objectives and
estimates originally set; and create a plan that is based upon the
review and comparison. Finally, FIG. 5 discusses the next step in
the prior process.
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts the exercise plan execution step 106 of the
prior art fitness improvement method. Essentially, the expert (or
the individual, if using a software implementation of the method)
tracks the individual's exercise performance on each of the
exercises in the plan; compares the performance results to an
overall future fitness plan; and on an ongoing basis adjusts the
exercise plan so that the results and targets are in line.
[0012] As discussed above, the problem with this prior method is
that all of the targets, tests and performance monitors are defined
in terms of weights and repetitions; as a result, it is difficult
for the individual to understand how or why they are executing a
particular plan. What is needed is a method, implementable in
software for use in health clubs, as well as over the World Wide
Web, that makes it easy for individuals to set goals based on their
anatomical appearance, rather than being based on some
weight/repetition structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the
prior devices and systems, it is an object of the present invention
to provide an Anatomically-based Personal Fitness Advisor Method
and System. Unlike prior systems, the system should provide a
fitness plan in response to a user entering current and goal
dimensions of their physique. It is a further object that the
system permit the user to select a current state and goal condition
for specific anatomic zones of their body. It is yet another object
that the system calculate the delta or difference between the
current and goal conditions or dimensions and responsively create a
fitness plan. Finally, it is an object that the system permit the
user to track their progress by entering ongoing dimensions and
conditions, after which the system should responsively revise the
fitness plan.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The objects and features of the present invention, which are
believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the
appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization
and manner of operation, together with further objects and
advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following
description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a flowchart depicting the prior art fitness
improvement method;
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts the fitness interview step of the prior art
fitness improvement method;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts the fitness evaluation step of the prior art
fitness improvement method;
[0018] FIG. 4 depicts the exercise plan preparation step of the
prior art fitness improvement method;
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts the exercise plan execution step of the prior
art fitness improvement method;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the
anatomically-based personal fitness improvement method of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts the fitness interview step of the method of
FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 depicts the exercise plan preparation step of the
method of FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts the exercise plan execution step of the
method of FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of an anatomical profile input
form for user interface with the system of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 depicts a second embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form for user interface with the system of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 depicts a third embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form for user interface with the system of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 depicts a fourth embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form for user interface with the system of the present
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 14 depicts a fifth embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form for user interface with the system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The following description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles
of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to
provide an Anatomically-based Personal Fitness Advisor Method and
System.
[0030] The present invention can best be understood by initial
consideration of FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an
embodiment of the anatomically-based personal fitness improvement
method 12 of the present invention. Even at this high-level of
analysis, the method 12 of the present invention differs from the
prior art method previously discussed.
[0031] The first step in this method involves conducting an
anatomic interview 600. The anatomic interview is somewhat similar
to the prior fitness interview, but defines many of the
individuals' current and goal physical status' in terms of anatomic
appearance. Further detail will be discussed below in connection
with FIG. 7.
[0032] Next, based upon the results of the anatomic interview, an
exercise plan is prepared 602. At the nuts-and-bolts level, the
exercise plan created under this method may use exercises and
equipment conventionally available, however, the components
included in the plan will be driven by the results of the anatomic
interview.
[0033] Next, the exercise plan is executed 604 by the individual,
until and during which fitness 606 is sure to follow in the places
that the individual wishes for them to result. If we now turn to
FIGS. 7-9 we can examine the individual steps in the method of the
present invention 12 in more detail.
[0034] FIG. 7 depicts the fitness interview step 600 of the method
of FIG. 6. As shown, many of the same pieces of information are
obtained in this step as with the prior method, namely age, health
status, genetic profile and fitness objectives. What is different
here is that the interviewer (health expert or software system)
importantly also queries the individual about their current
anatomic dimensions and appearance and their goal anatomic
dimensions and appearance. These anatomic measurements and
appraisals (as will be discussed further below in connection with
FIGS. 10-14) are very easy for the individual to understand and
evaluate without the need for professional assistance. Essentially,
the individual has the opportunity to indicate what physical
feature(s) are in need of change or improvement, so that
those-desires will be factored into the fitness plan. Now turning
to FIG. 8, we can continue to examine the new method.
[0035] FIG. 8 depicts the exercise plan preparation step 602 of the
method of FIG. 6. Once the current anatomic status and goal
anatomic status are known, the difference between them (on a
measurement-by-measurement or physical feature-by-physical feature
basis), referred to as the "delta-dimensions" are compared to an
anatomic exercise data table. The anatomic exercise data table can
be on paper or in a computer database; it is a cross-reference
between dimensional change amounts for different parts of the body,
and a particular exercise focused on changing/improving that part
of the body.
[0036] The fitness objectives are compared to a fitness exercise
table; the fitness exercise data table is a cross-reference between
certain fitness objectives and a particular exercise focused on
changing/improving that part of the body.
[0037] The results of the two comparisons are then combined in way
to create a fitness plan that is driven by the fitness objectives
and delta-dimensions both now and in the future, the execution of
which is described in additional detail in FIG. 9.
[0038] FIG. 9 depicts the exercise plan execution step 604 of the
method of FIG. 6. During the execution of the newly-developed
fitness program, the individual will track their dimensional
changes (i.e. the change in dimensions in the anatomical areas that
they previously identified). The overall fitness will also be
tracked by a variety of conventional methods, including
cardiovascular response, recovery time, among others.
[0039] A critical difference between the plan execution step of the
prior method and that of the present invention is that under the
present method, the delta-dimensions and delta-fitness are compared
to the plan--these metrics do not exist under conventional plans,
and therefore they cannot be used for diagnosis of the individual's
progress. Here, the delta-dimensions and delta-fitness trends are
used to drive any changes to the fitness plan. For example, if the
thigh circumference was an anatomical feature that was sought to be
reduced by a certain amount, then this dimension would be tracked
while the plan is being executed to verify that progress is as
expected. In the event that progress is not as expected, it will
appear in the form of a lack of change in the delta-dimension (i.e.
the difference between the originally-measure dimension and the
goal dimension); this will be used to alter the fitness program.
Alterations could include changes in exercises or even changes in
diet. If we now turn to FIG. 10, we can examine example user
interface pages of the present method.
[0040] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of an anatomical profile input
form 14 for user interface with the system of the present
invention. Prior to discussing this drawing figure, it should be
understood that the present invention is intended to be implemented
either manually (pen-and-paper with expert assistance) or through
interaction with software (individually or with expert assistance).
It is expected that any software embodiment of the present
invention would be available at conventional desktop computer
interface located in the home or at the health club, with the
software and databases residing either at the local computer or
being accessed remotely such as through the World Wide Web.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 10, the first anatomical input form 14
displays the silhouette of a person 15A (either male or female) in
either 2-dimensions as shown, or as a 3 dimensional, rotatable
figure. The forms to be discussed in FIGS. 10-14 could be presented
in any order; they are labeled as first, second, etc. merely to
distinguish between them. This first form 14 might be used for
obtaining a person's body weight (which is why the body model 15A
is standing upon a scale model 17). To complete this first form,
the user would measure the circumference of their neck (C.sub.NECK)
and enter it in field 16; they would measure the circumference of
their waist (C.sub.WAIST) and enter it in field 22; they would
enter their weight (W) in field 24; they would measure and enter
the thickness of the pinchable flesh at their waist (T.sub.WAIST)
in field 20; and they would measure and enter the pinchable flesh
at their upper arm (T.sub.ARM) in field 18. Upon completion of this
form 14, the data necessary to compute an estimate of the
individual's body fat percentage would be possible. Now turning to
FIG. 11, we can examine another input form.
[0042] FIG. 11 depicts a second embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form 26 for user interface with the system of the present
invention. In this form 26, additional dimensions are obtained from
the individual and entered into the appropriate locations
represented on the body model 15B. The individual will be required
to measure the circumference of their neck (if it hasn't been done
already pursuant to the first anatomical profile input form)
(C.sub.NECK) and enter it into field 16; they will measure the
circumference of their upper arm (C.sub.U-ARM) and enter into field
28; they will measure the circumference of their lower arm
(C.sub.L-ARM) and enter into field 30; they will measure the
circumference of their waist (C.sub.WAIST) and enter into field 32;
they will measure the circumference of their buttocks area
(C.sub.BUTTOCKS) and enter into field 34; they will measure the
circumference of their thigh (C.sub.THIGH) and enter it into field
36; and they will enter the circumference of their calf
(C.sub.CALF) and enter it into field 38. As shown in FIG. 12, other
anatomical dimensions might also be obtained.
[0043] FIG. 12 depicts a third embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form 40 for user interface with the system of the present
invention. In this example form 40, additional dimensions are
obtained from the individual and entered into the appropriate
locations represented on the body model 15C. The individual will be
required to measure the circumference of their shoulders
(C.sub.SHOULDERS) and enter it into field 42; and they will measure
the circumference of their chest (C.sub.CHEST) and enter into field
44.
[0044] The completion of the input forms previously-discussed will
serve to update the "current anatomic dimensions" as discussed
above in connection with FIG. 7; essentially, the identical forms
would be then used for the individual to enter their "goal anatomic
dimensions" as discussed above in connection with FIG. 7. Each
input form may permit the entry of only current or only goal (as
discussed above in connection with FIGS. 10-12), or it may permit
the entry of both current and goal dimensions on a single form (as
discussed below in connection with FIGS. 13-14).
[0045] It should be understood that while the body-model-based
dimensions have been arranged in specific groupings in this
writing, this is not to be a limitation of the method; it is
possible that additional measurement locations could be added in
some embodiments, or that the previously-described groupings would
be rearranged for ease of input (for example). In FIG. 13, the
individual's muscle definition by zone might be entered for use in
the plan.
[0046] FIG. 13 depicts a fourth embodiment of an anatomical profile
input form 46 for user interface with the system of the present
invention. In this type of input form, descriptions or photographs
of example muscle definitions for particular popular zones of the
anatomy would be presented for use by the individual in both rating
their current status and their goal appearance (first anatomical
fitness options 50). In this example, different example muscle
definitions are shown or described, ranging from minimal muscle
definition 50A through highly defined muscles 50D.
[0047] The individual simply selects the current status of their
musculature 48, as compared to the pictures or descriptions
50A-50D, and then selects their goal status 52 by selecting from
the same options 50A-50D. These choices will be used to develop the
delta-fitness numbers discussed above in connection with FIGS. 6-9.
FIG. 14 depicts a final example of an anatomical profile input form
54 for user interface with the system of the present invention.
Similar to the chest example in FIG. 13, here an abdomen example is
shown. Again, first the user selects their current status 48 from
the second anatomical fitness options 56 and then 52 selects their
goal status from the options 56. Again, these selections will be
used to determine the delta-fitness numbers discussed above.
[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that,
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced other than as specifically described herein.
* * * * *