U.S. patent application number 12/111295 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for athlete training system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATHLETES' PERFORMANCE. Invention is credited to D. Craig Friedman, Mark A. Verstegen, Michael D. Verstegen.
Application Number | 20090269728 12/111295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41215358 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090269728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verstegen; Mark A. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2009 |
ATHLETE TRAINING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for training an athlete during a training period
includes a digital system that is programmed to: receive a
plurality of inputs regarding a current state of the athlete and a
training goal for the athlete; employ an expert system to generate
a training prescription for the athlete; and generate a plurality
of control outputs that correspond to the listing of training
activities. An exercise apparatus includes at least one activity
device that is configured to: facilitate the athlete performing a
predetermined exercise; receive the control output from the digital
system and to adjust an exercise parameter so as to correspond to
the training parameter indicated by the control output; and
generate an electronic result output indicative of use by the
athlete of the activity device wherein the result output is
transmitted to the digital system.
Inventors: |
Verstegen; Mark A.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Friedman; D. Craig; (Tempe,
AZ) ; Verstegen; Michael D.; (Bellevue, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRYAN W. BOCKHOP, ESQ.;BOCKHOP & ASSOCIATES, LLC
2375 MOSSY BRANCH DR.
SNELLVILLE
GA
30078
US
|
Assignee: |
ATHLETES' PERFORMANCE
Tempe
AZ
|
Family ID: |
41215358 |
Appl. No.: |
12/111295 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2230/40 20130101;
A63B 2230/04 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2024/0081
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101; G16H 50/20
20180101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; G16H 40/60
20180101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/00196 20130101; A63B
2230/30 20130101; G06F 19/00 20130101; A63B 2225/15 20130101; G16H
20/30 20180101; A63B 2230/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/247 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A system for training an athlete during a training period,
comprising: a. a digital system programmed to: i. receive a
plurality of inputs regarding a state of the athlete and a training
goal for the athlete; ii. employ an expert system to generate a
training prescription for the athlete, wherein the expert system
mimics a thought process of an athlete training professional and
wherein the prescription includes a listing of training activities
to be completed during each of a plurality of training sessions
during the training period; and iii. generate a plurality of
control outputs that correspond to the listing of training
activities, each control output corresponding to a training
activity listed in the prescription and providing an indicating of
a training parameter relating to the training activity; and b. an
exercise apparatus that includes at least one activity device, the
activity device configured to facilitate the athlete performing a
predetermined exercise, the activity device configured to receive
the control output from the digital system and to adjust an
exercise parameter so as to correspond to the training parameter
indicated by the control output, the activity device configured to
generate an electronic result output indicative of use by the
athlete of the activity device wherein the result output is
transmitted to the digital system.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus includes
at least one sensor that is configured to measure a performance of
the athlete.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the digital system is responsive
to the sensor and wherein the digital system is further configured
to modify the prescription based on the performance of the athlete
measured by the sensor.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the performance of the athlete
comprises a measurement selected from a group consisting of: a
metabolic state of the athlete; a power level exerted by the
athlete; an energy level expended by the athlete and combinations
thereof.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the digital system is configured
to modify an operational parameter of the exercise apparatus so as
to cause the metabolic state of the athlete to tend toward a
preselected target metabolic state.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the measured performance of the
athlete comprises a measurement of how the athlete interacts with
the exercise device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital system is configured
as a server that is coupled to a plurality of exercise
apparatuses.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the prescription includes a
nutritional component that includes a listing of specific
nutritional requirements that need to be met by the athlete at
specific times during the training period.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the nutritional component
includes an instruction to the athlete to consume a preselected
nutritional substance.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the training prescription
further prescribes at least one recovery activity to be executed by
the athlete.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inputs
regarding a current state of the athlete comprises physical data
indicative of a physical state of the athlete.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the physical data comprises
results of measurements of a performance by the athlete of at least
one physical task.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the physical data comprises at
least one measured physical parameter that describes at least one
attribute of the athlete's physique.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inputs
regarding a current state of the athlete comprises an input from
the athlete regarding a perception by the athlete of the state of
the athlete.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital system is programmed
to query the athlete regarding a new physical state of the athlete
before at least one of the training sessions and wherein the
digital system is further configured to modify the prescription
based on the new physical state.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital system is programmed
to query the athlete regarding a new physical state of the athlete
during at least one of the training sessions and wherein the
digital system is further configured to modify the prescription
based on the new physical state.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital system is further
programmed to communicate to a nutrition bar a description of a
nutritional serving to be supplied to the athlete at a
predetermined time.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital system is coupled to
a global computer network and is configured to receive input from a
remote station indicative of training activities performed by the
athlete while the athlete is away from the exercise apparatus.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises
a strength training apparatus
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises
an energy system development apparatus.
21. An athletic training station for training an athlete,
comprising: a. an exercise apparatus configured to facilitate
performance of a plurality of exercises by the athlete; b. a
vibration platform, configured to generate vibrations of a
preselected amplitude and a preselected frequency, disposed in a
position relative to the strength training apparatus so that the
athlete is subjected to the vibrations when performing the
plurality of exercises; and c. a control circuit that is coupled to
the strength training apparatus and for the vibration platform and
that is configured to set operational parameters for the strength
training apparatus and for the vibration platform in response to a
predefined stimulus.
22. The athletic training station of claim 21, wherein the control
circuit is coupled to a digital system, wherein the digital system
is configured to transmit to the control circuit information
regarding an exercise prescription that is prescribed for the
athlete.
23. The athletic training station of claim 22, further comprising a
video monitor that is coupled to the athletic training station and
that is configured to transmit instructional information to the
athlete regarding at least one exercise that is included in the
prescription.
24. The athletic training station of claim 23, wherein the
instructional information comprises audiovisual content
demonstrating how an exercise is to be performed.
25. The athletic training station of claim 21, wherein the exercise
apparatus comprises a strength training apparatus.
26. The athletic training station of claim 25, wherein the strength
training apparatus includes at least one sensor that is configured
to sense information about an exercise performed by the athlete
with the strength training apparatus and wherein the control
circuit is coupled to the digital system, wherein the control
circuit is configured to transmit to the digital system the
information about the exercise.
27. The athletic training station of claim 26, wherein the digital
system is configured to analyze the information received from the
control circuit and to modify an athletic training prescription
stored in the digital system corresponding to the athlete.
28. The athletic training station of claim 25, wherein the strength
training apparatus is configured to set at least one exercise
resistance parameter in response to an input from the control
circuit, based on information corresponding to the prescription
received from the digital system.
29. The athletic training station of claim 25, wherein the strength
training apparatus comprises an electronically controllable air
resistance strength training apparatus.
30. The athletic training station of claim 22, wherein the exercise
apparatus comprises an energy system development apparatus that
includes an second control circuit that is coupled to the digital
system so as to receive at least one control input from the digital
system, wherein the energy system development apparatus is
configured to set at least one performance parameter so as to
correspond to a value of one the control input.
31. An exercise system for training an athlete, comprising: a. a
controllable exercise apparatus that includes at least one exercise
function and that is configured to set the exercise function to a
selected value within a range of values in response to a control
signal; b. a metabolic sensor that is configured to sense a
metabolic parameter of the athlete and to generate a metabolic
signal representative thereof; c. a processor that is responsive to
the metabolic signal and configured to: i. compare the metabolic
parameter to a preselected value; ii. modify the control signal so
that the selected value of the exercise function will cause the
metabolic parameter of the athlete to tend to the preselected
value.
32. The exercise system of claim 31, wherein the controllable
exercise apparatus comprises a resistance training device and
wherein the selected value comprises a resistance value.
33. The exercise system of claim 31, wherein the controllable
exercise apparatus comprises a treadmill and wherein the selected
value comprises a selected one of an angle and a speed at which the
treadmill is set.
34. A method for training an athlete, operable on a digital system
that includes a memory upon which is stored a program, the method
comprising the actions of: a. querying the athlete regarding at
least one goal that the athlete seeks to achieve; b. receiving data
indicative of a physical state of the athlete; and c. executing an
expert system on the digital system that mimics a thought process
employed by an athletic training professional to generate a
training prescription, based on the goal and the physical state of
the athlete, the prescription setting forth a schedule of when each
of a plurality of exercise sessions is to occur and which exercise
activities are to occur during each session, the prescription also
setting forth a description of a recovery activity that is to occur
as a part of each session and a nutritional activity that is to
occur after each session.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the action of
transmitting data from the digital system to an exercise apparatus
so as to configure the exercise apparatus according to the
prescription.
36. The method of claim 34, wherein the training prescription
includes a plurality of training activities that is designed to
achieve the goal that the athlete seeks to achieve.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the training activities include
a plurality of exercises, each of which is to occur at a time
determined by the expert system.
38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the actions of: a.
receiving data indicative of a revised physical state of the
athlete after completion of one of the exercise sessions; and b.
executing the expert system so as to revise the prescription based
on the revised physical state.
39. The method of claim 34, further comprising the actions of: a.
receiving data from the athletic training station regarding
performance by the athlete; and b. executing the expert system so
as to revise the prescription based on the data received from the
athletic training station.
40. The method of claim 34, further comprising the action of
transmitting instructional information to an athletic training
station, the instructional information relating to an exercise that
is part of the training prescription.
41. The method of claim 34, wherein the data regarding a current
physical state of the athlete includes data regarding a physical
condition of the athlete.
42. The method of claim 34, wherein the data regarding a current
physical state of the athlete includes data regarding a measured
performance metric relative to the athlete.
43. The method of claim 34, , further comprising the actions of: a.
receiving a revised goal for the athlete; and b. revising the
prescription to facilitate achieving the revised goal.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the revised goal includes a
desire to be trained for a specific athletic event.
45. The method of claim 34, further comprising the actions of: a.
receiving an identification of the athlete; and b. taking a
predetermined action based on the identification of the
athlete.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the predetermined action
comprises: a. directing the athlete to a specific athletic training
station; and b. configuring the specific athletic training station
according to the training prescription corresponding to the
athlete.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to systems for training
athletes and, more specifically, to a system that automates the
functions of an athlete training professional.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The growth in popularity of professional and amateur sports
has resulted in a substantial growth in the athletic training
business. Professional athletes and premium amateur athletes (such
as Olympic athletes) often hire athletic training professionals
(such a strength coaches, exercise physiologists, physical
therapists and the like) to prepare them for the sports in which
they participate. The purpose of such preparation might be general
(such as maximizing an athlete's physical condition) or it might be
quite specific, for example a football receiver might come to a
trainer to optimize his ability to receive a specific style of
pass. It may also be directed to overcoming a specific injury or
deficiency on the part of the athlete. Such training typically
involves a highly specialized training and nutritional regimen
based on data collected about the athlete and the considerable body
of knowledge that has been accumulated in the field of sports
physiology.
[0005] A typical trainer, in preparing a training regimen for an
athlete, typically evaluates the current physical state of the
athlete and the athlete's training goals. He then develops a
training prescription for the athlete. The training prescription,
which sets forth a schedule of training activities, is based on the
athletes physical state and training goals in view of the trainer's
knowledge of sports physiology and his experience with similar
athletes. Typically, the trainer goes through an extensive thought
process is developing the prescription and repeats the process
before each training session with the athlete. In fact, a trainer
will often spend as much as one hour preparing for a one hour
training session for a professional athlete.
[0006] Such preparation and training can be quite expensive.
Professional athlete-caliber trainers have a highly-specialized
education and experienced trainers are in high demand. As a result,
only higher tiers of athletes can afford such training. There is a
desire on the part of lower tier athletes for similar training, yet
many such lower tier athletes simply cannot afford such training.
There is also a desire among professional sports teams and the like
for more cost effective training of their athletes.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a system that automates a
substantial portion of the athletic training process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the
present invention which, in one aspect, is a system for training an
athlete during a training period. The system includes a digital
system that is programmed to receive a plurality of inputs
regarding a current state of the athlete and a training goal for
the athlete. The digital system is also programmed to employ an
expert system to generate a training prescription for the athlete,
wherein the expert system mimics a thought process of an athlete
training professional and wherein the prescription includes a
listing of training activities to be completed during each of a
plurality of training sessions during the training period. The
digital system is also programmed to generate a plurality of
control outputs that correspond to the listing of training
activities, each control output corresponding to a training
activity listed in the prescription and providing an indicating of
a training parameter relating to the training activity. An exercise
apparatus includes at least one activity device. The activity
device is configured to facilitate the athlete performing a
predetermined exercise. The activity device is also configured to
receive the control output from the digital system and to adjust an
exercise parameter so as to correspond to the training parameter
indicated by the control output. The activity device is further
configured to generate an electronic result output indicative of
use by the athlete of the activity device wherein the result output
is transmitted to the digital system.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention is an athletic training
station for training an athlete, in which an exercise apparatus is
configured to facilitate performance of a plurality of exercises by
the athlete. A vibration platform (such as a whole body vibration
platform) is configured to generate vibrations of a preselected
amplitude and a preselected frequency and is disposed in a position
relative to the strength training apparatus so that the athlete is
subjected to the vibrations when performing the plurality of
exercises. A control circuit is coupled to the strength training
apparatus and for the vibration platform and is configured to set
operational parameters for the strength training apparatus and for
the vibration platform in response to a predefined stimulus.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention is an exercise system for
training an athlete that includes a controllable exercise apparatus
that includes at least one exercise function and that is configured
to set the exercise function to a selected value within a range of
values in response to a control signal. A metabolic sensor is
configured to sense a metabolic parameter of the athlete and to
generate a metabolic signal representative thereof. A processor
that is responsive to the metabolic signal is configured to compare
the metabolic parameter to a preselected value. The processor is
also configured to modify the control signal so that the selected
value of the exercise function will cause the metabolic parameter
of the athlete to tend to the preselected value. The preselected
value may change during an exercise session based on input from the
athlete or a coach.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the invention is a method for
training an athlete, operable on a digital system that includes a
memory upon which is stored a program. The athlete is queried
regarding at least one goal that the athlete seeks to achieve. Data
indicative of a physical state of the athlete is received. An
expert system is executed on the digital system that mimics a
thought process employed by a professional trainer to generate a
training prescription, based on the goal and the physical state of
the athlete. The prescription sets forth a schedule of when each of
a plurality of exercise sessions is to occur and which exercise
activities are to occur during each session. The prescription also
sets forth a description of a recovery activity that is to occur as
a part of each session and a nutritional activity that is to occur
after each session. Data are transmitted from the digital system to
an exercise apparatus so as to configure the exercise apparatus
according to the prescription.
[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will become
apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings. As
would be obvious to one skilled in the art, many variations and
modifications of the invention may be effected without departing
from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing various components of
a training system according to one representative embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing interaction between a
digital system, an exercise apparatus and components of a training
facility.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a representative
strength training apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a process executed by an
athlete and a training system.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a detail of a user
interface screen on one embodiment of an exercise device.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a typical training
system.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an athletic training system
architecture.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing a commercial embodiment of a
strength training apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in
detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts
throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Also, as
used herein, "global computer network" includes the Internet.
[0022] The invention is a system that automates the process used to
train highly accomplished athletes. It receives data regarding the
athlete's conditions and goals, employs an expert system that
mimics the thought process of an athlete training professional
(e.g., a strength coach, an exercise physiologist, a personal
coach, a physical therapist, etc.) to generate a training
prescription for the athlete, and guides the athlete through a
plurality of training sessions according to the prescription. The
system also sets operating parameters on exercise equipment and
receives data regarding the training sessions to monitor compliance
with the prescription and to modify it in view of changing
circumstances. Such data can relate to such parameters as: number
of repetitions performed, power, speed, rate at which an action
occurs, heart rate, user input and the like. The system also
provides nutritional monitoring to ensure optimal results.
[0023] In one embodiment, the athlete is initially queried
regarding his or her desired goals. For the example, the athlete
might be training for a professional athletic league scouting
combine, or he might be a professional athlete who is training to
overcome a specific injury, or is just trying to stay in shape
during an off-season period. The athlete might also be an amateur
who is training for a specific event, such as a marathon, or the
athlete might be seeking to improve general fitness.
[0024] Various biometric measurements are measured from the
athlete, including such things as: height, weight, body composition
(i.e., body fat, lean body mass, etc.), etc. A baseline metabolic
measurement indicative of the athlete's current physical state is
also taken. This might include information such as how long it
takes the athlete's heart rate to recover to a first predetermined
heart rate from a second predetermined heart rate and how the
athlete's heart rate and respiration in respond to a variety of
work loads (e.g., incline and speed on a treadmill). Based on this
information and other information regarding the physical state of
the athlete (including: injury history, training history, how the
athlete currently fees, current state of an injury and future
physical goals), the system executes a computer-based expert system
that mimics the thought processes employed by a professional
trainer to generate a training prescription. The expert system
could be something as simple as a decision tree that is based on an
expert trainer's responses to a series of questions involving the
different possible goals and condition parameters of the athlete.
The expert system could also be a more complicated system in which
numerous case studies are put into a neural system and the neural
system is programmed to converge on an optimal prescription for
each set of input data regarding the current state of the athlete.
As will be clearly appreciated by those of skill in the art, many
other types of expert system could be employed without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0025] Based on the goal and the physical state of the athlete the
expert system will generate the prescription, which sets forth a
schedule of when each of a plurality of exercise sessions is to
occur and which training activities are to occur during each
session. The prescription will also set forth a description of the
recovery activities that are to occur after each exercise or
combination of exercises. The prescription will also set forth a
description of the nutritional requirements of the athlete to
maintain optimal results. Specifically, the system will indicate
specific nutritional activities that are to occur after each
session.
[0026] Periodically, either before or after each training session
(or both), the system can query the athlete regarding his current
physical state and current goals. This process might be something
as simple as querying whether the athlete feels good or bad. The
system might also ask about the degree to which an injury has
healed, or whether the athlete is tired from external influences.
The system might inquire about the athlete's compliance with the
nutritional aspect of the training prescription while at home. Many
other pieces of information about the athlete may be requested from
the athlete. The system can also inquire about training activities
that have been executed by the athlete away from the training
facility. The system can use this information, along with
performance data and metabolic data received from the exercise
devices used in the training sessions to reevaluate the
prescription and revise it to reflect the new information.
[0027] Once the prescription has been generated, the training
period, which includes a plurality of training sessions, will
commence. At each training session, the system will transmit data
to the exercise apparatus that the athlete is to use to configure
the exercise apparatus according to the prescription. The system
may also measure performance or results of the training
session.
[0028] Generally, the invention includes a system for training
athletes that includes a user interface, a server that receives
input from the user interface, a computer-controllable exercise
machine that is coupled to the server and a software program that
runs on the server. The software program receives user input and
provides information regarding a training regimen to both the user
and control inputs the exercise machine. The program also receives
feedback from both the user and the exercise machine and makes
adjustments to the training regimen based thereon.
[0029] When the athlete reports for a training session, he checks
in at a check-in computer that includes a user interface, where he
is asked about his current physical state. The check in can include
an initial identification through, for example: the swiping of a
magnetic card, the reading of a bar code card, RFID or the sensing
of a near field communication chip in a cell phone, etc. The server
sets several parameters of the exercise machine to levels set forth
in the prescription. For example, the exercise machine may employ
pneumatic dampers to provide resistance in a given exercise. The
server can set the exercise machine to have a desired resistance
level for the exercise by controlling the pressure in the pneumatic
damper.
[0030] Once the athlete begins a training session, information
about the exercises being performed may be displayed on a screen on
the exercise machine. Such information can include requirements and
videos showing proper performance on an exercise. The system can
also provide the athlete with prompts (e.g., verbal or visual
prompts) relating to the exercise.
[0031] As an exercise progresses, the exercise machine measures and
records information about the athlete's progress and provides
feedback to the server. The program can then adjust the
prescription based on the feedback received according to the expert
system being employed. The athlete indicates completion of an
exercise by activating an input. Once an exercise in completed, the
system starts the athlete on a next exercise. This continues until
all of the scheduled exercises have been completed. Once a training
session has finished, the system instructs the athlete regarding
cleanup, etc. and the athlete is allowed to make a reservation for
a subsequent training session. Once the athlete indicates
completion of the training session, the system releases the
exercise machine.
[0032] The server is in communication with the Internet so that the
athlete can log on to his account remotely. For example, when the
user is traveling, he may have to conduct training sessions at a
hotel fitness center. In this case, the athlete can log on to the
system, receive training instructions and provide information about
the progress of a training session to the system. The system
maintains this information in a database.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, in one representative embodiment, an
athlete training system 100 includes a digital system 110 that runs
software 112. The digital system 110 could include a central server
114, data storage and a plurality of distributed processors 116
(including, e.g., processors embedded in exercise devices) in
communication with the central server 114. A user interface 130 is
in data communication with the digital system 110. A remote user
may communicate with the digital system 110 via a global computer
network 142. An exercise system 120 communicates with the digital
system.
[0034] A typical performance center 200, that would part of the
athlete training system 100, is shown in FIG. 2. The server 114 is
in communication with a plurality of devices, such as a touch
screen and a computer 220, a plurality of exercise systems 120, an
access to training-related services (such as a shower room) 250,
and a nutrition bar 260. A typical exercise system 120 includes a
strength training apparatus 230 (such as a resistance training
apparatus well known to the art of athletic training) and an energy
system development apparatus 246, such as a cardiovascular training
apparatus.
[0035] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the
strength training apparatus 230 includes an exercise machine 232
and a vibration platform 234, both of which are coupled by a
control circuit 238 (which might include a local processor and
associated circuitry) that is in communication with the server 114.
The exercise machine 232 could be an air resistance training
machine of the type known to the art of fitness training or one of
many other types of strength training devices (e.g., a weight set,
an elastic resistance training set, a flexible bow training set,
etc.). The control circuit 238 is configured to apply resistance
settings to the exercise machine 232 and to receive performance
data therefrom. One type of suitable exercise machine 232 is the
Infinity Functional Trainer, available from Keiser Corp., 2470 S
Cherry Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93706.
[0036] The vibration platform 234 is controlled by the control
circuit 238 and applies vibrations to the athlete 10 during an
exercise session with the exercise machine 232. The vibrations
cause increased muscle activity during the training session, added
skeletal development and improved neuromuscular coordination. One
type of suitable vibration platform 234 is the Power Plate,
available from Power Plate North America, Inc., 400 Skokie Blvd,
Suite #105, Northbrook, Ill. 60062.
[0037] The energy system development apparatus 246 could be a
cardio trainer, such as an exercise bicycle, a vertical climber, an
elliptical trainer or a treadmill. A control circuit 248 coupled to
the energy system development apparatus 246 controls operating
parameters of the apparatus 246 (such as pedal resistance in the
case of an exercise bicycle, or incline and speed in the case of a
treadmill, etc.). A biometric sensor 280 (such as a heart rate
sensor, a respiration sensor, a galvanic skin resistance sensor, a
blood pressure sensor, one of the many other types of biometric
sensors known to the art, or combinations thereof) could be in
communication with the control circuit 248 and provide information
to the server 114 regarding the athlete's 10 current metabolic
state.
[0038] The system can work as a closed loop control system (which
can be designed employing well know control system design theory)
by: receiving metabolic input from the biometric sensor 280,
adjusting a parameter (e.g., the incline of a treadmill) of the
energy system development apparatus 246 to cause the athlete's
metabolic rate tend toward a preselected metabolic rate, and repeat
these actions until the athlete's metabolic rate is stable within a
target range of metabolic rates.
[0039] As an illustrative example, if the athlete is on a treadmill
and the prescription calls for a sustained heart rate in the range
of 162 to 168 beats per minute for a given period of time and if
the athletes heart rate is 135 beats per minute, then the system
can increase the incline of the treadmill by five degrees and
increase the speed. If, in response, the heart rate levels off at
170 beats per minute, the system can reduce the incline by three
degrees and decrease the speed. If the resultant heart rate then
levels off at 160 beats per minute, the system could increase the
incline by one degree. If the heart rate levels off at 165 beats
per minute, then the system would maintain the incline for the
reminder of this portion of the training session in which the heart
rate stays within the desired range.
[0040] The system could also employ several different ranges for
different periods. For example, the system could warm up the
athlete using a target heart rate range of 110-120 beats per minute
for four minutes, then increase the range to 160-170 beats per
minute for four minutes, then have a wind down period where the
target range is 90-100 beats per minute for another four minutes.
The system could then assign a five minute rest/recovery period to
the athlete, at the end of which time another exercise activity is
assigned.
[0041] It is also possible to execute a closed loop system without
necessarily adjusting the functionality of a device. For example, a
video monitor could instruct the athlete to pedal faster (or
slower) in response to his heart rate not being within the desired
range. Similarly, a pace ticker (similar to a metronome) could
speed up or slow down in response to a heart rate outside the
desired range.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the strength training apparatus
230 has an audiovisual user interface 236 that is used to provide
information to, and receive information from, the athlete 10. It is
in data communication with the control circuit 238. The user
interface 236 can include a video display 240 (which could include
a touch screen display capable of receiving input from the athlete
10 and transmitting it to the server 114), a user input button 242
and audio speakers (not shown). The user input button 242, which in
one embodiment includes an image of a palm and is called a "high
five button," is used to signal datum inputs from the athlete 10,
such as an indication that the athlete 10 has completed an
exercise, thereby causing the system to begin the next exercise in
the prescription.
[0043] A detail of a typical screen 282 that could be shown on the
video display 248 is shown in FIG. 4. This screen 282 displays
information to the athlete regarding the current training activity.
For example, the screen 282 could include such information as:
which movement out of the total movements assigned that the athlete
is currently working on, the athlete's current metabolic state,
movement specific parameters and average power exerted by the
athlete (including a histogram showing the power exerted in each
repetition). The screen 282 can also include control inputs, such
as: audio controls, lighting controls, manual resistance settings,
timeout controls, a control that pages a coach, etc. The screen 282
can also include video content 284 such as a video representation
or an animation of someone demonstrating the current exercise
assigned to the athlete. In addition, the screen 282 can include
timers, counters and other cues to help the athlete maintain
cadence and correct timing for repetitive movements or timed
movements. The screen 282 can also include information to assist
the coach in interacting with or assisting the athlete.
[0044] The screen 282 could also be tailored to maximize
communication with a specific user. For example, the screen 282
could display the athlete's name, or it could display a preferred
nickname of the athlete. The system can make a personality test
(such as a DISC-type test) part of the initial testing of the
athlete. The resulting profile can be used to determine the optimal
manner in which the screen 282 communicates with the athlete. For
example, if the athlete is systems oriented, the screen 282 might
display a message such as "heart rate below target: increasing
incline," whereas if the athlete is more socially oriented the
screen 282 might display a message such as "John, your heart is
below the target so we are going to raise the incline of your
treadmill." A coach may also adjust the communication style to
reflect the needs or the preferences of the athlete.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, a typical athletic training session
would start with the athlete entering a user identification 310
into the system. This could be done, e.g., at the check-in computer
or at a remote computer by entering a personal identification
number or swiping a machine-readable card. The athlete would answer
several preparatory questions 312 regarding, e.g., the athlete's
current state, recent activities by the athlete, the athlete's
current training goals and the athlete's preferences for an
after-workout nutritional supplement (e.g., the athlete's
preference for flavor of a protein shake). Based on this
information, the system updates the athlete's prescription,
generates a revised training program for the current session and
presents an overview 314 of the current session to the athlete. The
system then instructs 316 the athlete on commencing the session
(e.g., assigning a training apparatus to the athlete and providing
the athlete with instructions on how to commence training) and the
athlete commences the training session 318. The training session
318 could include several different exercises (using different
exercise devices) interleaved with predetermined recovery
activities. Once the training session 318 is completed, the athlete
is instructed to execute a quitting protocol 320, which could
include such activities as wiping down the exercise apparatus and
proceeding to a nutrition bar to receive an after-workout
nutritional supplement. At this stage, the system can update the
athletes prescription based on data regarding the athlete's
performance (including data received during the training session.
The athlete is then given a summary of the training session 322 and
is given access to a shower room.
[0046] The training prescription includes a nutritional component.
Because of the demands of each training session on the athlete's
body, the athlete will require a specific nutritional regimen to
ensure that the athlete achieves optimal results. Therefore, after
each training session, the athlete is given a nutritional
supplement, such as a protein shake. The system inquires from the
athlete about his preferred flavor at the beginning of each session
and transmits this information to the nutrition bar. When the
system senses the end of a training session, the system instructs
the nutrition bar to prepare the nutritional supplement according
to the athlete's preferences and instructs the athlete to go to the
nutrition bar. Other nutritional information may be given to the
athlete regarding meals taken away from the training facility. This
information can include a listing of specific nutritional
requirements that need to be met by the athlete at specific times
during the training period to achieve optimal results. The
nutritional information can provide a complete nutritional plan,
including meal plans, supplementation (vitamins, minerals, etc.)
and individual nutritional supplements (such as protein shakes,
etc.).
[0047] One embodiment of a training system 400 is shown in FIG. 6,
in which the athlete 10 can interact with the system 400 through a
remote Web site 410, a check-in computer 414 or a sales computer
station 430. When an athlete 10 is using the system for the first
time, he would access the sales computer station 430 and then would
be given a sales presentation 432, which could be viewed on one of
the exercise devices 230. The athlete 10 would the undergo an
evaluation input session 434 in which he answered a baseline
questionnaire 436, demonstrated his current physical state using
exercise equipment 438 and was screened 440 for such things as
height, weight, body composition, etc. The information acquired
through the evaluation input session 434 is saved in a database 462
and used as input for the expert system engine 460. The expert
system 460 then generates the prescription and stores it in the
database 462.
[0048] The athlete may then use a computer-based reservation system
450 to make an appointment for one or more training sessions. This
information is then transmitted to the check-in computer 414.
[0049] When the athlete 10 arrives for a training session, he
identifies himself to the check-in computer 414. The system
verifies his reservation and then directs him to the first exercise
device 230 (e.g., a strength training device) via a dispatch
display screen 416 at the check-in computer 414. The system then
looks up the prescription and sets the internal control device 418
for the first exercise machine to the settings prescribed for the
particular training session. The system also transmits audiovisual
content to the user interface of the first exercise device 230.
While the athlete 10 is training on the first exercise device 230,
the system acquires data about the athlete's performance and
transmits it to the database 462.
[0050] Once the athlete has completed the first portion of a
training session on the first exercise device 230, the system will
instruct him to begin a training portion of the second exercise
device 246 (e.g., an energy system training device). Once that
portion of the session is complete, the athlete 10 will be directed
to a recovery station 420 where he is debriefed about the session
and given a nutritional component required by the prescription. He
may then be directed to a retail point of sale 422 to pay for the
session. The athlete might use another payment method, such as
prepayment for a number of sessions and subscription for a given
period of time.
[0051] The athlete 10 can access the prescription while away from
the training facility 410 using a client Web site 410. Thus, he can
exercise on external devices 412 and report the results via the
client Web site 410.
[0052] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the architecture 512
of the digital system includes a log in routine 510, whose input
queries a database 522 of the system's users to indicate the type
of member 512 to the system. The athlete can maintain parts of his
profile in the user database 522 via a user administration function
524. The athlete can also provide other direct input 514 to the
system. This input, along with input from a reservation system 516
from a computer network 518 (via an interfacing application 519)
can be fed into the prescription engine 520, which generates and
revises the prescription.
[0053] The prescription engine 520 creates the prescription based
on business logic integrating the various data points collected by
the other entities. The parameters used by the business logic
include: the athlete's goal (acquired from the interview in the
athlete profile); the most recent functional movement screen test;
the achievement of past prescriptions (based on percent of peak
power); the athlete's past attendance record; the athlete's current
state(s) in activity progression(s) from the user database 522; the
athlete's the response to a current "how do you feel?"-type
question; the athlete's multi-day training plan with the location
of the equipment used (e.g., on-site or off-site) for each day; and
the amount of time the athlete currently has available for the
present training session.
[0054] The prescription is stored in a prescription database 528,
and can also be edited directly by a supervisory professional
trainer via a prescription editor 526. The prescription database
528 holds the prescription information for each athlete in the
system, including prescriptions created for future use and the
results of past performance. The prescription database 528 also
includes one or more prescription containers, which maintain all
the pieces of the prescription and which control delivery of the
information to a rendering engine 536.
[0055] The rendering engine 536, receives input from the
prescription container, a movement database 530 and a content
database 532. The movement database 530 stores all of the movements
that can be part of a training prescription, matched with equipment
resources that match location of workout (e.g., training facility,
home, gym, hotel, etc.). The content database 532 stores video and
metadata that accompanies each movement. Each of these databases
may be driven by the content management system (CMS) 534. The
rendering engine 536 creates presentation layer according to
specific output and will drive both the exercise equipment in the
training facility and the remote website (when it is being used by
the athlete while away from the training facility).
[0056] The rendering engine 536 will generate output in several
different formats, including: (1) the format 540 required by the
exercise devices 550 at the training facility; an HTML or XML
format 542 for transmission to a partner Web site 552; a portable
document format (PDF) 544 for remote downloading by the athlete; a
personal storage device format 546 (e.g., the iPOD format) for use
by the athlete while traveling; and any other format 548 that could
be needed by the athlete.
[0057] In one embodiment, the system could embed sensors, such as
accelerometers, in pieces of exercise equipment to collect data
about the exact movements of the athlete. The system could also use
sensors to determine exactly which weight settings an athlete
applies to a weight training machine to ensure compliance with the
prescription. Embedded sensors (along with wireless transmitters)
could be used with dumbbells, barbells and other exercise
implements.
[0058] The above described embodiments, while including the
preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to
the inventor at the time of filing, are given as illustrative
examples only. It will be readily appreciated that many deviations
may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in this
specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be
determined by the claims below rather than being limited to the
specifically described embodiments above.
* * * * *