Networked Exercise Machine

Abstract

Exercise machines are networked together to provide a user with an indication of the user's performance level compared to the performance levels of other users. Simulated characters corresponding to the users are shown on one or more displays viewable by the users. The simulated characters have a primary movement that may differ in type from the primary movement used in achieving the exercise by the corresponding user. Further, the primary movement used to achieve exercise by one user may differ from the primary movement used to achieve exercise by another user. Exertion transducers provide signals that are used in calculating parameters such as speed and acceleration. Biometric data may be measured from the users during exertion and displayed or uploaded onto the network.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exercise machines with network connectivity.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Fitness centers typically have exercise equipment for use by fitness-minded individuals. In addition, some individuals have exercise equipment in their homes. Using exercise machines can be mundane and boring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates multiple exercise machines in communication over a network;

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodied exercise machine;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates selected components of the exercise machine from FIG. 2 including an energy transducer and resistance unit;

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a representative graphical user interface presented to a user of the exercise machine in FIG. 2;

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates representative aspects of an embodied method for providing networked exercise machines; and

[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a data processing system operable to execute instructions in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

[0011] In one aspect, an exercise system is disclosed. The exercise system includes a first exercise machine manipulated by a first user. The first exercise machine includes a first display and a first energy transducer. The first energy transducer is for sensing a first level of exertion by the first user. The first energy transducer provides first exertion data based on the first level of exertion. The first exercise machine includes a first network interface and a first processor operable for executing instructions stored on computer readable medium. The instructions include a first module for processing the first exertion data. The instructions include a second module for generating a first simulated environment on the display. The first simulated environment includes a first simulated character that corresponds to the first user. A first rate of movement by the first simulated character is influenced by the first exertion data. The first simulated environment includes a second simulated character that corresponds to a second user of a second exercise machine. A second rate of movement by the second simulated character is influenced by the second exertion data received over the first network interface.

[0012] An additional aspect is a method for providing a plurality of networked exercise machines. The network includes coupling a first exercise machine to a second exercise machine. The first exercise machine includes a network interface for transmitting first exertion data. The first exertion data corresponds to a signal produced by a transducer coupled to the first exercise machine. The transducer is responsive to motion produced by a first user of the first exercise machine. The first exercise machine includes a first display for presenting the first user with a simulated environment including a first simulated character corresponding to the first user. The first simulated character has speed that corresponds to the first exertion data. The first simulated character has a first simulated motion that differs in type from a first motion of the first user. The simulated environment includes a second simulated character corresponding to a second user of the second exercise machine. The second simulated character has second simulated motion that differs in type from the second motion of the second user.

[0013] As yet an additional aspect, an exercise machine is disclosed. The exercise machine is operated by a first user. The first exercise machine comprises a network interface for receiving exertion data signals from a second exercise machine. The first exercise machine includes a display for presenting a simulated environment to the first user. The simulated environment includes a first simulated character corresponding to the first user. The first simulated character has a parameter determined by a level of exertion of the first user. The first similar character has a primary simulator movement that differs in type from a primary movement of the first user. In some embodiments, the second simulated character has a primary simulated movement that corresponds in type to that of the first simulated character and the primary movement of the first user differs in type from a primary movement of a second user. Further, the second user provides exertion that results in the exertion data signals received from the second exercise machine.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 of networked exercise machines 104. As shown, exercise machines 104 communicate directly with each other or may communicate over network 102. Network 102 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), or the Internet, as examples. Hub processor 112 communicates over network 102 with exercise machines 104. In some embodiments, processor 112 is a data processing system such as a server that receives exertion data, for example, from exercise machines 104 and uses the exertion data to process a compound simulated environment for sending to each exercise machine 104.

[0015] As shown, each exercise machine 104 includes a network interface 118. Network interface 118 may be wireless or Ethernet-based, as examples. Communication through each network interface 118 may occur over network 102 or directly with other network interfaces of other exercise machines. For example, network interface 118-1 may communicate with network interface 118-2 and 118-3 using Bluetooth or WiFi technology. In this way, exercise machines communicate with each other to share exertion data and other parameters so that the user of a particular exercise machine may gauge his or her performance against the performance of other users.

[0016] Each exercise machine 104 includes a display 106. The display 106 may be a CRT, liquid crystal diode-based display (LCD), or plasma display, as examples. Although each exercise machine 104 is shown having its own display 106, a centralized display (not shown) may be viewed by users of each exercise machine 104. On each display 106, a simulated environment is shown to the user of exercise machine 104. The simulated environment, for example, may include a ball field, rope climbing environment, rock climbing environment, swimming environment, or other such simulated environment. For each user, a simulated character is shown on the display. Energy exerted by the user of exercise machine 104 is translated in some way to a parameter associated with the simulated character shown on display 106. In some embodiments, the type of motion exerted by the user of exercise machine 104 differs in type from the type of movement of a simulated user shown on display 106. For example, the user of exercise machine 104 may provide a substantially circular, pedaling motion to influence the rate of ascent of a simulated character climbing a rope. Alternatively, the user of exercise machine 104 may provide a stair-stepping or elliptical stair-step motion to affect the speed of a simulated airplane shown on display 106. As a further aspect of some embodiments, the type of motion of one user may differ from the type of motion of another user. In other words, one user may achieve exercise and provide exerted force by pedaling, while another user may provide exerted force and achieve exercise through stair-stepping. Some embodiments provide for these two users having differing primary movement types to compete in a virtual environment shown on their respective displays. As yet another aspect of some embodiments, users of different exercise machines 104 may have differing simulated environments shown on their respective displays 106. For example, the user of exercise machine 104-1 may choose to show on display 106-1 a simulated rope climbing environment. Network interface 118-1 may receive from network interface 118-2, either directly or over network 102, exertion data representative of the level of exertion of the user of exercise machine 104-2. Similarly, network interface 118-2 may receive exertion data representative of the level of exertion of the user of exercise machine 104-1. The user of exercise machine 104-2 may choose to show on display 106-2 a simulated airplane flying environment. The user of exercise machine 104-2 may achieve exercise using an elliptical stair-stepping machine, while the user of exercise machine 104-1 achieves exercise using a recumbent bicycle machine, a benchpress machine, a treadmill, a rowing machine, or other type of exercise machine 104-1. In this way, users of embodiments may choose different simulated environments and get varied forms of exercise while participating in a networked exercise environment. Such systems provide users of exercise machine 104 with a choice of exercise and with a variety. Further, such systems provide users with the ability to participate in a networked exercise simulator environment regardless of the type of exercise machine 104 that the user chooses.

[0017] Exercise machine 104 includes energy transducer 108. In some embodiments, energy transducer 108 provides a signal representative of the level of exertion of the user of exercise machine 104. For example, mechanical or electrical energy representative of an exertion level of the user may be transformed into an electric signal used to determine an exertion level of the user of exercise machine 104. In other embodiments, energy transducer 108 converts mechanical or electrical energy representative of an exertion level of the user into a packet, datagram, or other digital signal representative of the exertion level of exercise machine 104. For simplicity, energy transducer 108 is shown in block diagram form but may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, and other means of calculating data and preparing it for sending to other exercise machines. In many cases, exercise machine 104 may vary greatly regarding the type of resistance that is provided to a user and the types of motions that may be used to achieve exercise. In some embodiments, energy transducer 108 uses the torque created by pedaling power to derive exertion data. In other embodiments, energy transducer 108 may calculate exertion data, for example, based on pedaling speed and data provided by a resistance unit (not shown). Pressure exerted in a hydraulic resistance cylinder, the amount of braking resistance presented to a rotating shaft, the amount of spring resistance to a user's movements, and the like may be employed by energy transducer 108 to provide exertion data regarding a user's level of exertion.

[0018] Exercise machine 104 optionally contains direction transducer 110. In some embodiments, direction transducer 110 is a joystick. Accordingly, a user of exercise machine 104 manipulates the joystick (direction transducer 110) with a series of directional inputs to affect a corresponding series of directions taken by the simulated character shown on display 106. As shown, exercise machine 104 further includes input device 114 which may be used, for example, to sense the pulse (i.e., heart rate) of the user of exercise machine 104. Further, input 114 may accept weight data either measured automatically from the user or provided by the user through a touch-screen, for example. As shown, exercise machine 104 includes output device 116. Output device 116 may provide audio output, for example, to the user as part of the simulated environment. For example, simulated traffic noise, noise related to simulated weather conditions, and the like may be provided that corresponds to the simulated environment on display 106. Accordingly, output device 116 may provide the user with a more realistic simulated experience. In some embodiments, output device 116 is a speaker. In alternative embodiments, output device 116 represents an output jack that a user plugs headphones into, for example.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an exercise machine 204. Exercise machine 204 may be identical to or similar to exercise machine 104 from FIG. 1. As shown, exercise machine 204 is a recumbent bicycle with pedals 205 that turn in a circular direction by force exerted by a user (not shown). Exercise machine 204 includes three supports 203 for steadying the exercise machine 204 during operation. As shown, output device 216 is a speaker incorporated into a headrest to provide the user with audio output to provide a more lifelike or entertaining simulated environment. For example, output device 216 could provide traffic noise or sounds of the wild, as examples, to correspond to a visual simulated environment provided on display 206. Directional transducer 210 accepts a series of directional inputs from the user that influences a series of corresponding directions taken by a simulated character illustrated in the simulated environment shown on display 206. Directional transducer 210 may be a joystick, for example. Input devices 214, as shown, are incorporated into handles that may be gripped by the user. Input devices 214 may measure, for example, the pulse of the user, the temperature of the user, or other biometric data associated with the user. This biometric data may be uploaded onto a network or provided to other users. In some embodiments, handles 209 may be moved up and down or side to side to provide the user with additional exercise. Additionally, in some embodiments, input devices 214 may measure the gripping power of the user. Unit 207 internally includes multiple devices, for example, a resistance unit for providing resistance to pedals 205 and an energy transducer for converting into usable form energy levels or exertion levels provided to pedals 205. Unit 207, in some embodiments, also includes a data processing system and associated hardware and software for providing the simulated environment to display 206 based on exertion levels calculated in part from signals received from the energy transducer and from exertion data for other users received over network interface 218. Network interface 218 provides wireless communication to exercise machine 204 for uploading exertion data associated with the user of exercise machine 204 to a network or to another machine for display on the other machine's simulated network environment. Network interface 218 also provides wireless communication for downloading exertion data associated with users of other exercise machines. In this way, display 206 is used to provide a simulated network environment that includes a simulated character corresponding to the user of exercise machine 204 and also an additional simulated character(s) corresponding to a user or users of other exercise machines.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates additional, selected details of an embodiment of unit 207 from FIG. 2. As shown, pedals 205 are moved in a rotational direction from the exertion of a user of exercise machine 204. As a result, gear assembly 301 rotates as shown, causing resistance unit 309 to rotate. Resistance unit 309 provides resistance to the turning of gear assembly 301, which in turn provides resistance to turning pedals 205. As a result, more exertion is needed to turn pedals 205 due to increased resistance provided by resistance unit 309. Energy transducer 313 turns as a result of gear assembly 301 turning. Energy transducer 313, for example, turns at a speed and acceleration corresponding to the speed in rotation of gear assembly 301. Accordingly, rotational speed and acceleration of pedals 205 translates into energy transducer 313 providing a signal or exertion data associated with the exertion level of the user of exercise machine 204. Processor unit 311 may automatically control resistance unit 309 based on user preferences. For example, input device 114 (FIG. 1) may be used by the user of exercise machine 104 to set a resistance level that processing unit 311 may use to adjust automatically resistance unit 309 to provide an increased or varied level of resistance to gear assembly 301. Alternatively, processing unit 311 may be provisioned to execute instructions that adjust resistance unit 309 according to preconfigured training sessions that simulate hillclimbing and the like. Processing unit 311 may calculate instantaneous energy being expended by the user of exercise machine 204 (FIG. 2) based on calculations performed using setpoints of resistance unit 309 and exertion data provided by energy transducer 313. In addition, processing unit 311 may calculate work expended over time by the user of exercise machine 204 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, processing unit 311 executes instructions stored on computer readable medium for providing an output to display 206 that includes a simulated environment including one or more simulated characters corresponding to users of exercise machine 204 and other networked exercise machines. As shown, processing unit 311 includes an input port 315. Input port 315 may be used for inputting or outputting data to and from processing unit 311. For example, usage statistics may be accumulated by processing unit 311 to provide an operator with data regarding the popularity of exercise machine 204. In addition, processing unit 311 may receive through input port 315 software updates. Alternatively, a user of exercise machine 204 may insert a USB thumb drive for example, to store an exercise log made up of accumulated parameters associated with the user. The user may then take the USB thumb drive to a separate personal computer (not shown) to view the exercise history. Processing unit 311 communicates with network interface 218 to upload exertion data from the user of exercise machine 204 and download exertion data from users of other exercise machines. Using the exertion data from users of other exercise machines, processing unit 311 creates a compound image that includes simulated characters associated with each user of each networked exercise machine. The user of exercise machine 204 may be provided with options for providing particular simulated environments that may differ from the simulated environments provided the users of other machines. For example, the user of exercise machine 204 may choose to display a simulated environment related to rope climbing, while the user of another exercise machine may choose to display a simulated environment related to airplane flying. In addition, the primary movement provided by the user of a particular machine may differ from the primary movement provided by the user of another machine. For example, the user of exercise machine 204 (FIG. 2) provides substantially circular, pedaling motion. However, the user of another networked exercise machine (not shown) may provide elliptical, stair-stepping movements, or other movements that are not substantially circular, pedaling motions. Regardless of the type of primary movement accepted by an exercise machine, the exercise machine may be networked with other exercise machines. This is because the primary movement accepted by each networked exercise machine is converted to exertion data that is transmitted to other exercise machines either directly, through a hub processor, or through a network. In addition, regardless of the type of simulated environment chosen by the particular user of a machine, embodiments disclosed herein provide the capability of providing users of other machines with different simulated environments. For example, the user of a first machine may choose a rope climbing environment and compete against a second user that has chosen an airplane flying environment, for example. The user that chooses the rope climbing environment is presented a simulated environment in which every simulated character climbs a rope, including the simulated character associated with the second user that chose the airplane flying environment.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates display 206 that shows a simulated environment including a rope climbing exercise. As shown, a simulated character 402 corresponds to a first user and is shown climbing a rope. A simulated character 404 corresponds to a second user and is shown climbing a different rope. Likewise, a simulated character 406 corresponds to a third user and is shown climbing a rope. As shown, simulated character 404 is higher than simulated character 402, suggesting that the exertion level of the second user is higher than the exertion level of the first user. Likewise, simulated character 406 is higher than simulated character 404, suggesting that the exertion level of the third user is higher than the exertion level of the second user. As shown, the graphical user interface shown on display 206 includes several data fields 408-412. The data fields are shown for illustrative purposes and are not meant as limiting or restrictive. Data field 408 includes the user of the exercise machine associated with display 206, which in this case is the first user that corresponds to simulated character 402. Data field 409 is a computation of the amount of watts expended by a use. Data presented in data field 409 may be calculated, for example, by processor 311 (FIG. 3) using parameters associated with resistance unit 309 in conjunction with energy levels or exertion levels detected by energy transducer 313. Similarly, data field 410 is populated using a module executed by a processing unit 311, for example, with the number of calories per hour that are being burned by the user of the exercise machine associated with display 206. Data field for 411 includes the speed of the simulated character 402. Alternatively, data field 411 may contain the speed of the recumbent exercise bicycle 204 (FIG. 2). Data field 412 includes biometric data associated with the user. As shown, data field 412 includes a pulse rate of 120 beats per minute. Data field 412 may be populated, for example, by processing unit 311 (FIG. 3) using data obtained by input unit 114 (FIG. 1) or input unit 214 (FIG. 2). In addition to the data fields illustrated in FIG. 4, other data fields may be provided such as blood pressure, elapsed time, percentile of exertion level compared to other users, and the like. Display 206 may also include picture-in-picture services for viewing television content, for example, in addition to the graphical unit user interface displayed in FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates representative aspects of an embodied method 500. Block 501 includes coupling a first exercise machine to a second exercise machine. Block 503 includes transmitting first exertion data to the second exercise machine from the first exercise machine. In some embodiments, the first exertion data corresponds to a signal produced by a transducer coupled to the first exercise machine. The transducer may be responsive to motion produced by the first user. Block 505 includes presenting to the first user on a first display a simulated environment including a simulated character corresponding to the first user. In some embodiments, the first simulated character has speed that corresponds to the first exertion data. The first simulated character may have a first simulated motion that differs in type from a first motion of the first user. In other words, the first user may perform a stair-stepping motion on an exercise machine to cause the first simulated character to perform rope climbing, for example. The simulated environment also includes a second simulated character corresponding to a second user of the second exercise machine. The second simulated character has simulated motion that differs in type from the motion of the second user. In other words, the second user may perform a pedaling motion on a recumbent bicycle for example, to influence the speed of rope-climbing by the second simulated character. In some embodiments, the first simulated character has a series of simulated direction changes that correspond to a series of directional inputs provided to a direction transducer by the first user. For example, the first user may operate a joystick to cause an aircraft in the first simulated environment to change directions. If the first user is exercising using a recumbent bicycle, for example, the speed and energy expended by the first user may influence the speed of the aircraft in a simulated environment. The exercise machines may include one or more processors for calculating exertion data from energy transducer data. For example, a processor may use data from a resistance unit and from an energy transducer that monitors the speed of pedaling, for example, along with other parameters to determine the amount of energy expended or the rate of energy use by a user.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system 600 within which a set of instructions for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a digital video recorder (DVR), a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a cable box, a satellite box, an electronic programming guide box, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0024] The example computer system 600 includes a processor 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, which communicate with each other via a bus 608. The main memory 604 and/or the static memory 606 may be used to store exertion data obtained during exercise. The computer system 600 may further include a video display 610 (e.g., a television, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)) on which to display simulated environments as well as other programs, for example. The computer system 600 also includes an alphanumeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard or a remote control), cursor control device 614 (e.g., a remote control, or a mouse), a disk drive unit 616, a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 620. The alphanumeric input device 612 and/or the cursor control device 614 (e.g., the remote control) may include a processor (not shown), and a memory (not shown). The disk drive unit 616 includes a machine-readable medium 622 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., instructions 624) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein (e.g., the software to access the channel history data in the database 186). The instructions 624 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604 and/or within the processor 602 during execution thereof by the computer system 600.

[0025] The instructions 624 may further be transmitted or received over a network 626 (e.g., a television cable provider or WAN connecting one or more exercise facilities) via the network interface device 620 utilizing any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., broadcast transmissions, HTTP). While the machine-readable medium 622 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.

[0026] Aspects of a number of embodiments have been described. It should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An exercise system comprising: a first exercise machine manipulated by a first user, the first exercise machine including: a first display; a first energy transducer for: sensing a first level of exertion by the first user; and providing first exertion data based on the first level of exertion; a first network interface; a first processor operable for executing instructions stored on a computer readable medium, the instructions including: a first module for processing the first exertion data; a second module for generating a first simulated environment on the first display, wherein the first simulated environment includes a first simulated character that corresponds to the first user, wherein a first rate of movement by the first simulated character is influenced by the first exertion data, wherein the first simulated environment includes a second simulated character that corresponds to a second user of a second exercise machine, wherein a second rate of movement by the second simulated character is influenced by second exertion data received over the first network interface.

2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the second exercise machine and the first exercise machine communicate through a wide area network.

3. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein the first network interface utilizes wireless communication.

4. The exercise system of claim 3, wherein a second processor in communication with the second exercise machine executes instructions for associating a timestamp with the second exertion data, wherein the timestamp is associated with the second exertion data prior to receipt of the second exertion data through the first network interface.

5. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first user manipulates the first exercise machine using a first type of motion, wherein the first simulated character exhibits a second type of motion that differs from the first type of motion.

6. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein the first user manipulates the first exercise machine using a substantially circular, pedaling motion.

7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first user manipulates the first exercise machine using a third type of motion, wherein the first type of motion corresponds to a stairstep motion, wherein the third type of motion includes arm movements.

8. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first exercise machine further includes a resistance unit, wherein the first module takes into account a resistance setting of the resistance unit in calculating a power parameter.

9. The exercise system of claim 5, further comprising: a pulse monitor for monitoring a heart rate of the first user.

10. The exercise system of claim 9, further comprising a hub processor for processing the first exertion data and the second exertion data, wherein the hub processor provides multicasted data used by the first processor to display the first simulated environment and used by the second processor to display the second simulated environment.

11. The exercise system of claim 9, further comprising: an audio output device for providing the first user with an audio output signal corresponding to the first simulated environment.

12. The exercise system of claim 5, further comprising: a steering mechanism coupled to the first exercise machine for receiving directional input from the first user, the directional input used by the first processor to affect a direction of the first simulated character.

13. A method of networking exercise machines, the method comprising: coupling a first exercise machine to a second exercise machine, transmitting first exertion data from the first exercise machine, wherein the first exertion data corresponds to a signal produced by a transducer coupled to the first exercise machine, wherein the transducer is responsive to motion produced by a first user of the first exercise machine; presenting to the first user on a first display a simulated environment including a first simulated character corresponding to the first user, wherein the first simulated character has speed that corresponds to the first exertion data, wherein the first simulated character has a first simulated motion that differs in type from a first motion of the first user, wherein the simulated environment includes a second simulated character corresponding to a second user of the second exercise machine, and wherein the second simulated character has second simulated motion that differs in type from a second motion of the second user.

14. The method of claim 14, wherein the motion from the first user is a substantially circular, pedaling motion.

15. The method of claim 15, wherein the first simulated character has a series of simulated direction changes that correspond to a series of directional inputs provided to a direction transducer coupled to the first exercise machine.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the second motion of the second user differs in type from the first motion of the first user, wherein the second simulated motion of the second simulated character corresponds in type to the first simulated motion of the first simulated character.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second motion includes a substantially circular, pedaling motion, wherein the first motion includes a stair-stepping motion.

18. The method of claim number 14, wherein the first exercise machine includes a processor for calculating the exertion data from energy transducer data.

19. An exercise machine operated by a first user, the exercise machine comprising: a network interface for receiving exertion data signals from a second exercise machine; a display for presenting a simulated environment to the first user, wherein the simulated environment includes a first simulated character corresponding to the first user, wherein the first simulated character has a parameter determined by a level of exertion of the first user, wherein the first simulated character has a primary simulated movement that differs in type from a primary movement of the first user.

20. The exercise machine of claim 19, wherein the second simulated character has a primary simulated movement that corresponds in type to that of the first simulated character, wherein the primary movement of the first user differs in type from a primary movement of a second user, wherein the second user provides exertion that results in the exertion data signals received from the second exercise machine.