U.S. patent application number 12/815914 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for exercise system with feedback analysis and related methods.
Invention is credited to Jose Cartaya.
Application Number | 20100317488 12/815914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43306919 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100317488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cartaya; Jose |
December 16, 2010 |
EXERCISE SYSTEM WITH FEEDBACK ANALYSIS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A self-contained automated exercise system attaches to a monitor
to allow a user to engage in a tailored exercise routine to provide
feedback analysis. The exercise system includes a foldable pad
having pressure sensors, adjustable dumbbells, ankle and wrist
weights, resistance bands, a telescoping pull-up bar and an
adjustable band worn on the user (containing blood pressure, pulse
and body temperature thermo-sensors) to wirelessly communicate to a
computer that determines exercise performance by the user.
Inventors: |
Cartaya; Jose; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HERBERT L. ALLEN;ALLEN, DYER, DOPPELT, MILBRATH & GILCHRIST, P.A.
255 SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE, SUITE 1401, P. O. BOX 3791
ORLANDO
FL
32802-3791
US
|
Family ID: |
43306919 |
Appl. No.: |
12/815914 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61187425 |
Jun 16, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0726 20130101;
A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101; A63B 2230/30
20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001; A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2220/56
20130101; A63B 2230/50 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B
2220/52 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/5 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/005 20060101
A63B021/005 |
Claims
1. An exercise system, comprising: a self-contained housing, said
housing having left and right side panels and top and bottom panels
connected to the left and right side panels, said housing also
containing an opening at the top panel for storing a foldable pad;
a first rack contained within the housing, said first rack having a
computer and a memory device connected to the computer capable of
storing a program in the form of machine readable code; a second
rack contained within the housing, said second rack capable of
storing one or more adjustable dumbbells, said adjustable dumbbells
capable of attaching weight plates as well as communicating with
the computer via an antenna; an adjustable band operable with the
computer for communicating therewith, said adjustable band
containing a blood pressure monitor and a pulse monitor; a
thermo-sensor attached to the adjustable band capable of measuring
body temperature; and an interface capable of connecting said
computer with a monitor to display an exercise routine, as well as
alert the user as to their blood pressure, pulse and body
temperature.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a player capable of
accepting and reading a DVD, Blu-Ray or compact disk to load a
program to be read by the computer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbells also
contain motion sensors to alert the computer of the user's movement
of the dumbbells during an exercise routine.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a third rack
contained within the housing, said third rack capable of storing
ankle weights, said ankle weights are capable of communicating via
antenna with the computer and contain motion sensors to alert the
computer of the user's leg movements.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the third rack also contains
wrist weights, said wrist weights are capable of communicating with
the computer and contain motion sensors to alert the computer of
the user's arm movements.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the foldable pad capable of
communicating with the computer and having pressure sensors capable
of tracking movement, measuring body weight, and determining a
shift in body weight.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is capable of
interfacing with a gaming system.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbell includes
a means for adding and removing weight plates.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbell includes
a vibration sensor which provides vibrational response if the user
does not comply with instructions provided in the exercise routine
or uses bad form.
10. A method for providing exercise for a user, the method
comprising the steps of: removing a foldable pad from a housing;
said housing having one or more doors, left and right side panels,
and top and bottom panels connected to the left and right side
panels; removing ankle weights stored within the housing; affixing
the ankle weights to the user; turning a computer on, said computer
stored in the housing and connected to a memory device capable of
storing programs in the form of machine readable code; placing an
adjustable band on the user; said adjustable band capable of
measuring blood pressure and heartbeat, said adjustable band
communicating with the computer; contacting a thermo-sensor
connected to the adjustable band onto the body of the user;
positioning the user on the foldable pad; calculating the user's
weight and body fat index through the foldable pad communicating
with the computer; selecting an exercise routine through the
computer accessing a program stored on the memory device; the user
engaging in the exercise routine; and providing physiological
response to the user through the computer communicating with the
foldable pad and ankle weights.
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps
of: removing one or more adjustable dumbbells from the housing;
changing the actual weight of each adjustable dumbbell by adding or
removing individual plates; moving the adjustable dumbbell in
accordance with an exercise routine; and communicating with
movement of the adjustable dumbbell to the computer.
12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step
of: affixing wrist weights to the user; and communicating each
wrist weight with the computer.
13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps
of: loading a DVD, Blue-Ray or Compact Disk within a player; and
accessing an exercise routine from the DVD, Blue-Ray or Compact
Disk.
14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step
of: determining the user's heartbeat, body temperature and total
calories burned during an exercise routine.
15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps
of: displaying the exercise routine on a monitor; and reporting the
user's heartbeat, body temperature and total calories burned on the
monitor during an exercise routine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application seeks priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/187,425 entitled "Exercise System with
Feedback Analysis and Related Methods of Use" filed on Jun. 16,
2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referenced
in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise systems, and more
particularly, to an exercise system that allows a user to engage in
a tailored exercise routine while receiving feedback analysis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Home exercise has become increasingly popular, especially
with advances in home entertainment and gaming devices. This trend
began with the advent of the VCR, which prompted the launch of
numerous home exercise videos which offered aerobics, dance and
other cardiovascular programs. These home exercise videos included
not only a series of VCR tapes but also ancillary exercise
equipment like floor pads and resistance bands.
[0004] Commercialization of DVDS and DVD players continued the
popularity of home exercise. Unlike VCR tapes, DVDs allowed the
user to individualize workouts to improve the variety of the
exercise program. In addition, DVDs allowed the user to alter
workouts by skipping through various chapters of the offered DVD
home exercise program. Although the DVD and DVD player greatly
advanced the art of home exercise, they still lacked the ability to
provide feedback analysis to the user.
[0005] By far, the largest advance in home exercise came with
commercialization of gaming devices--such as the Nintendo Wii.TM..
Instead of a traditional VCR or DVD player, these gaming devices
allow users to maneuver a consol or other peripheral to perform an
exercise routine. With the Nintendo Wii.TM., this has included a
floor pad and a hand wand to provide movement for purposes of
exercise. For example, the Nintendo Wii.TM. allows users to mimic
the game of tennis through use of a wand, or to perform yoga
through interaction with a floor pad and monitor. Despite improved
interactivity, current gaming devices still present many of the
same drawbacks as DVD home exercise programs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing background, an object of the
present invention is to provide an exercise system that attaches to
a television or monitor to display individualized workout routines
for a user to perform, along with the exercise system providing
feedback analysis of the user performing the workout routines.
[0007] Individualized workout routines may be created based upon
the participant's age, sex, weight, body fat index and any
preexisting health condition or disability. The system is
self-contained and can be easily attached to a monitor or existing
gaming device allowing a user to have a customized workout in the
comfort of their home.
[0008] One feature of the exercise system is the use of an exercise
monitor carried by the user. The exercise monitor may be in the
form of wrist/ankle weights, adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands
or a pull-up bar. These items may include motion or weight sensors,
and wirelessly provide feedback to a processor that analyzes
performance of the user's workout. Feedback analysis may be
provided to the user via the monitor. Alternatively, the feedback
analysis may be provided to the user via a speaker that is separate
from the monitor.
[0009] One exercise system according to the teachings of the
present invention may comprise a self contained housing having both
left and right side panels, along with top and bottom panels. An
opening at the top panel allows for storing of a foldable pad. The
four panels create a plurality of racks, wherein the first rack
maintains a computer and a memory device connected to the computer
capable of storing a program in the form of machine readable
code.
[0010] Positioned below the first rack is a second rack to store
adjustable dumbbells. The dumbbells are capable of attaching weight
plates as well as communicating with the computer via an antenna.
An adjustable band operable with the computer for communication
therewith is also stored in the second rack, having a blood
pressure monitor, pulse monitor and thermo-sensor to measure body
temperature. The system may also include an interface capable of
connecting the computer with a monitor to display an exercise
routine, as well as alert the user as to their blood pressure,
pulse and body temperature. Optionally, a DVD, Blu-Ray or compact
disk player may be used to load a program to be read by the
computer (and viewed by the monitor) to offer an exercise
routine.
[0011] The technology is further directed to a related method,
which may comprise the step of removing a foldable pad from a
housing, where the housing has left and right side panels, a top
and bottom panel and a door. Next, the method contemplates removing
ankle weights stored in the housing and then affixing those ankle
weights to the user. Upon securing the ankle weights, the method
next contemplates turning a computer on, wherein the computer is
stored in the housing and includes a memory device capable of
storing programs in the form of machine readable code. Next, an
adjustable band is placed on the user. The adjustable band is
capable of measuring both blood pressure and heartbeat, and is in
communication with the computer.
[0012] After placing the adjustable band on the user, the method
contemplates contacting a thermo-sensor on the adjustable band onto
the body of the user. Next, the user is positioned onto the
foldable pad, which calculates the user's weight and body fat index
via communication with the computer. The user next selects an
exercise routine through the computer accessing a program stored on
the memory device. Upon engaging in an exercise routine, the
computer provides physiological response to the user through
communicating with the foldable pad and ankle weights.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
made to the following detailed description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of
the present invention, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-contained exercise
system, including the housing, computer, foldable pad and monitor
in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front cutaway view showing the components of an
adjustable dumbbell to hold multiple weight plates, including a
weight holder, a circular flat ring, a motion sensor and a pressure
sensor in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective, cutaway view showing the components
of the ankle weight including the motion sensor, self-contained
power source, antenna and vibration sensor in accordance with the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view showing the components
of the wrist weight including the motion sensor, self-contained
power source, antenna and vibration sensor in accordance with the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance band in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view of the telescoping pull-up bar
showing the varying grip handles, weight sensor, self-contained
power source and antenna in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable band
including the buckle, blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor, body
temperature thermo-sensor, self-contained power source and antenna
in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0022] A preferred embodiment of the self-contained home exercise
system is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. FIG. 1 identifies three
core parts: a housing 100, a foldable pad 200 stored within the
housing 100, and a monitor 300 which connects to the housing 100 to
display the exercise routine and provide feedback to the user.
[0023] The housing 100 is of sufficient size and dimension to store
various exercise equipment and includes a left side wall 1 and a
right side wall 2. Both side walls 1 and 2 connect to a top panel 3
and bottom panel 4. It is preferable (but not necessary) for the
housing 100 to include a left door 5 connected to the left side
wall 1 and a right door 6 connected to the right side wall 2. The
housing 100 can be manufactured from any resilient, lightweight and
fire-resistant material, such as metal or plastic.
[0024] The housing 100 preferably includes an illuminated button 7
located in the front center portion of the top panel 3. The
illuminated button 7 controls the automated opening of the spring
action left 5 and right 6 doors. By pressing the illuminated button
7, both doors (5 and 6) mechanically swing open to reveal the
internal components. The housing 100 is portable, relatively
lightweight and can fit in a bedroom, home office, living room or
garage. Such housing 100 can also be easily stored away in a
closet.
[0025] FIG. 1 further illustrates how the housing 100 includes at
least four separate racks (110, 120, 130 and 140) to store
components of the system. One or more of these racks can contain
recharging stations for the various exercise equipment. The first
rack 110 located at or near the top portion of the housing 100
stores the electronic components. This includes a computer 8A
capable of processing programs 8B comprised of machine readable
code. These programs 8B are stored on a memory device 9 capable of
communicating with the computer 8A. The memory device 9 can be any
commercially available hard or flash drive, or similar data storage
device known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Both the computer
8A and memory device 9 receive electricity from a power source 8C,
which can either be a battery or external plug connected to a
standard electrical socket.
[0026] A player 10 capable of reading DVD, Blu-Ray and/or compact
discs can be included within the first rack 110. The computer 8A
can access the player 10 to read and process discs and/or upload
programs 8B onto the memory device 9. The computer 8A and/or player
10 can communicate with the user by displaying graphics on the
connected monitor 300, which can be a television, to display an
exercise routine as well as the user's physiological statistics. An
interface 11 allows communication between the housing 100 and
monitor 300 through a wire, which can be a standard video cable,
HDMI cable or any connection known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0027] The second rack 120 within the housing 100 stores one or
more adjustable dumbbells 12 capable of attaching additional weight
plates 13. FIG. 2 offers a more detailed perspective of the
components of an adjustable dumbbell 12. As shown in FIG. 2, each
adjustable dumbbell 12 comprises a handle 14 and two weight holders
15 at each opposite end of the handle 14 to load and unload
multiple weight plates 13. A pressure sensor 16 located within the
handle 14 determines if a user is gripping the handle 14, as well
as the amount of force exerted when squeezing the adjustable
dumbbell 12 during exercise. Each adjustable dumbbell 12 further
comprises a motion sensor 17 (which can be an accelerometer, a
gyro-sensor or any known sensor known to those of ordinary skill in
the art) to determine how a device is being operated and moved by
the user during exercise.
[0028] In addition, the adjustable dumbbell 12 further comprises a
self-contained rechargeable power source 18, which can be (but is
not necessarily) a battery. Such adjustable dumbbell 12 is capable
of communicating wirelessly with the computer 8A located in the
housing 100, through an antenna 19 located within the handle 14.
This wireless communication can be accomplished through use of RF
ID technology, radio transmission, Bluetooth or any other wireless
communication means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Each adjustable dumbbell 12 weighs approximately a pound (without
the addition of plates), is essentially 5 inches in length and
measures about 1 inch in diameter.
[0029] FIG. 2 also provides a detailed view as to how weight plates
13 are affixed to each opposite end of an adjustable dumbbell 12 at
each weight holder 15. First, the shape and dimension of the weight
holder 15 functions to help secure the weight plates 13.
Specifically, a circular flat ring 20 is placed between the weight
holder 15 and handle 14 to hold the weight plate(s) 13 in place.
Second, each weight holder 15 includes a high strength magnet 21.
Each weight plate 15 can include a corresponding high strength
magnet 21.
[0030] Once a weight plate 13 is placed onto a weight holder 15,
the high strength magnet 21 helps ensure each weight plate 13 will
not become dislodged from the adjustable dumbbell 12 during
exercise. Third, a removable pin 22 can be placed at the varying
holes 23 on the weight holder 15. This helps sandwich the weight
plates 13 between the circular flat ring 20 and the removable pin
22.
[0031] FIG. 1 also illustrates a third rack 130 which maintains a
set of ankle weights 24 and wrist weights 25 within the housing
100. As suggested by their names, these weights (24 and 25) are
placed upon the ankles and wrists of the user to track movement
during an exercise routine. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide a perspective
view of the individual components of the ankle weights 24 and wrist
weights 25.
[0032] Now turning to FIG. 3, each ankle weight 24 is essentially
round, adjustable and can fit comfortably around the user's ankle.
Each ankle weight 24 includes a motion sensor 26 (which can be an
accelerometer, a gyro-sensor or any similar device known to one of
ordinary skill in the art), a self-contained rechargeable power
source 27 (which can be a battery), and an antenna 28 capable of
wirelessly communicating (via radio, RF IR technology, Bluetooth or
other commercially available signal) with the computer 8A.
[0033] Through use of a motion sensor 26, the ankle weight 24
reports to the computer 8A the user's leg movements. Moreover, the
computer 8A can send a wireless signal to the antenna 28 to report
to the user that he or she is not conducting the correct leg
movements during an exercise routine. Such is typically reported
through the antenna 28 sending a signal to a vibration device 29
within the ankle weight 24. Moreover, if a gyro-sensor is used as
the motion sensor 26, the ankle weight 24 can help direct the user
as to the correct leg movement.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the wrist weight 25.
Akin to the ankle weight 24, the wrist weight 25 comprises a motion
sensor 30 (which can be an accelerometer, a gyro-sensor or any
similar device known to one of ordinary skill in the art), a
self-contained rechargeable power source 31 (which can be a
battery), and an antenna 32 capable of wirelessly communicating
(via radio, RF IR technology, Bluetooth or other commercially
available signal) with the computer 8A. Through communicating with
the computer 8A, the wrist weight 25 can receive a warning that the
user is not complying with the exercise routine. Accordingly, a
vibration device 33 within the wrist weight 25 can alert the user
that his or her movement is incorrect. In addition, the monitor 300
(or alternative a speaker) can send encouragement to the user, akin
to a virtual personal trainer. Included on the exterior 34 of the
wrist weight 25 is a female notch 35 capable of receiving a male
attachment 36 (discussed in greater detail in FIG. 5 discussed
below).
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates one use of resistance bands 37 as part of
the exercise routine. Resistance bands 37 of varying length and
thickness can be stored within the fourth rack 140 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates how each resistance band has a male attachment
36 of sufficient size and shape to connect with each wrist weight
25. By attaching both wrist weights 25 to each end of a resistance
band 37, the user can strength train. Moreover, the computer 8A can
relay information to the user through the monitor 300 and vibration
device 33 within the wrist weight 25 during exercise.
[0036] In addition to use of adjustable dumbbells 12, resistance
bands 37, and ankle weights 24 for strength training, the system
can also include a pull-up bar 38 illustrated in FIG. 6. The
pull-up bar 38 is of sufficient size and dimension to fit into the
door frame 39 of an interior door 40. Moreover, the pull-up bar 38
is preferably telescoping 41 to adjust to the unique width of the
interior door. As further shown in FIG. 6, the pull-up bar 38 has
handles 42 sufficient to alternate the user's hand grip on the
pull-up bar 38 during an exercise routine.
[0037] In addition, the pull-up bar 38 should contain a sensor 43
capable of predicting the user's repetition of performing each
pull-up, a self-contained rechargeable power source 44 (which again
can be a battery) and an antenna 45 to relay data to the computer
8A (which can be through radio, RF IR technology or other wireless
transmission technology known to one of ordinary skill in the art).
Accordingly, the computer 8A can calculate the number of pull-ups
the user has performed as part of the exercise routine and display
this information on the monitor 300.
[0038] Returning to FIG. 1, the system also includes a foldable pad
200 capable of measuring weight through use of various
interconnected pressure sensors 46 placed throughout its surface in
communication with one another. Through communication of these
equally spaced pressure sensors 46, the foldable pad 200 is capable
of tracking shifts in the user's weight during exercise. Moreover,
the foldable pad 200 connects with the housing 100 to communicate
wirelessly or through a wired connection 47 to the computer 8A. The
foldable pad 200 can be stored in the housing 100 through a slit 48
located in the top panel 3. However, such foldable pad 200 can be
stored separate from the housing 100, or in a slit 48 located on
any surface of the housing 100.
[0039] Apart from the racks (110, 120, 130 and 140) within the
housing 100, the system also includes various monitors and sensors
to measure exercise performance and physiology of the user before,
during and after a workout routine. The principal component is an
adjustable band 49 preferably worn on the arm, forearm, ankle or
thigh. Illustrated in FIG. 7, the adjustable band 49 has a left end
50 and a right end 51. The left end 50 can attach to the right end
51 through a fastener 52 sufficient to secure the adjustable band
49 around the user. The fastener 52 can be a buckle, Velcro or any
other connecting means known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0040] As further shown in FIG. 7, the adjustable band 49 has a
blood pressure sensor 53 capable of measuring the systolic and
diastolic blood pressure of the user during exercise. In addition,
the adjustable band 49 has a pulse monitor 54 capable of assessing
heartbeat. A thermo-sensor 55 is also included in the adjustable
band 49 to measure the user's body temperature. An antenna 56 is
connected to the blood pressure sensor 53, the pulse monitor 54 and
the thermo-sensor 55 to allow wireless communication with the
computer 8B. A self contained rechargeable power source 57 provides
electricity to these various monitors, sensors (53, 54 and 55) and
the antenna 56. Again, such power source 57 and be recharged
through recharging stations located within one or more racks of the
housing 100.
[0041] In addition to the aforementioned system, the invention also
relates to a method of home exercise. The preferred method includes
the step of first removing a foldable pad 46 from a housing 100
having a left side 1 and a right side 2, as well as a top panel 3
and a bottom panel 4 connected to both side panels 1 and 2. Second,
the user turns a computer 8A on to process a program 8B stored in a
memory device 9 accessible by the computer 8A. The computer 8A and
memory device 9 are preferably maintained in the first rack 110 of
the housing 100.
[0042] Next, the user affixes ankle weights 24 and/or wrist weights
25 to the user's ankles and wrists. Each ankle weight 24 (as shown
in FIG. 3) has a motion sensor 26 a self-contained rechargeable
power source 27, an antenna 28 capable of communicating with the
computer 8A, and a vibration device 29 capable of alerting the user
of improper form or movement during an exercise routine. Fourth,
the user place's an adjustable band 49 (shown in FIG. 7) around
their arm or leg. The adjustable band measures the user's blood
pressure 53, pulse 54 and body temperature 55 before, during and
after the exercise routine.
[0043] The user then positions himself or herself onto the foldable
pad 200 which is connected to the computer 8A via a wired
connection 47. A plurality of interconnected pressure sensors 46
calculate the user's weight and transmit this data to the computer
8A to determine the user's body fat index (through pre-programmed
parameters like the user's age, height, sex and ethnicity). Now
that the computer 8A is aware of the user's weight, body fat index,
body temperature, blood pressure and pulse, the computer 8A helps
select an exercise routine (which is stored on the memory device
9), including difficulty level. This can include parameters like
the last time the user logged onto the computer 8A, and the user's
typical exertion level.
[0044] Throughout the exercise routine, the computer 8A
communicates with the monitor 300 (and/or speaker) to display
information to the user. This includes (but is not limited to) the
user's body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. The monitor 300
(which can be a television) will instruct the user to select
various exercise equipment from the various racks (120, 130 and/or
140) from the housing 100. Thus, the monitor 300 also acts as a
virtual personal trainer by instructing the user as to the number
of repetitions to be performed during the exercise routine.
Exercise equipment in which this virtual personal trainer shall
instruct the user to use includes adjustable dumbbells 12 (shown in
FIG. 2), resistance bands 37 (shown in FIG. 5), and a pull-up bar
38 (shown in FIG. 6).
[0045] Should the monitor 300 instruct the user to select the
adjustable dumbbells 12, for example, a motion sensor 17 alerts the
computer 8A whether the user is complying as to the number of
repetitions called for by the exercise routine. It preferable that
the recharging station within the housing 100 alert the computer 8A
that a specific piece of equipment has been dislodged to notify
compliance by the user of the virtual personal trainer's
commands.
[0046] If the monitor 300 instructs the user to install the pull-up
bar 38 onto an interior door frame 39, a weight sensor 43 will
measure the number of repetitions performed and relay this
information via antenna 45 back to the computer 8A. Should the user
fail to perform the necessary repetitions on the pull-up bar 38 or
the adjustable dumbbell 12, the monitor 300 motivates the user
through pre-programmed audible statements. In addition, the
computer 8A and program 8B can decide to alter the exercise routine
to perform a less intensive program.
[0047] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention
is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included
within the illustrated embodiment.
* * * * *