U.S. patent application number 13/843756 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for exercise system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael J. Shea. Invention is credited to Michael J. Shea.
Application Number | 20130217542 13/843756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25286551 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130217542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shea; Michael J. |
August 22, 2013 |
EXERCISE SYSTEM
Abstract
Example systems and methods for generating a training program
for an exerciser involve receiving information about a future
athletic event and selecting, based on the future athletic event
information, exercise data for controlling an exercise apparatus
for use by an exerciser training for the athletic event.
Inventors: |
Shea; Michael J.; (Vienna,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shea; Michael J. |
Vienna |
VA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
25286551 |
Appl. No.: |
13/843756 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10728880 |
Dec 8, 2003 |
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13843756 |
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09382684 |
Aug 25, 1999 |
6659916 |
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10728880 |
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08842113 |
Apr 28, 1997 |
6050924 |
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09382684 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2024/0078 20130101;
A63B 24/0084 20130101; Y10S 482/90 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 2230/01 20130101; A63B 2024/0065 20130101; G16H 10/60
20180101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 24/0075 20130101; Y10S
482/901 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2071/065 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2071/063
20130101; A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; Y10S
482/902 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/04 20130101; A63B
24/0062 20130101; A63B 71/0697 20130101; A63B 71/06 20130101; A63B
2225/15 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B
2230/30 20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 2225/30 20130101;
A63B 2230/065 20130101; A63B 2024/0081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise system computer comprising: a communication
interface configured to receive information about a future athletic
event; and a processing system configured to select, based on the
future athletic event information, exercise data for controlling an
exercise apparatus for use by an exerciser training for the
athletic event.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/728,880, filed Dec. 8, 2003, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 09/382,684, filed Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,659,916, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
08/842,113, filed Apr. 28, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,924. The
contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an exercise
system and, more particularly, to an exercise terminal network
including exercise terminals usable by an exerciser in a training
or rehabilitation program. The exercise terminal network
facilitates the use of different exercise terminals by an exerciser
during a workout.
[0003] An exerciser participating in a training or rehabilitation
program will generally perform a variety of exercise activities.
These activities can include stretching, walking, biking, swimming,
and jogging, as well as the utilization of one or more exercise
devices. Such exercise devices include, for example, weight
machines, stair climbers, steppers, rowing machines, ski machines,
treadmills, cross trainers, and stationary bicycles. Some of these
devices are part of exercise apparatus or machines and are
controllable by controllers (such as processors) in accordance with
exerciser-selected program data which sets and/or varies the
exercise level. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a stationary bicycle 5
which provides automatically-varying exercise levels as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,105 to Sweeney, Jr. The control system for
the stationary bicycle includes a microcomputer 10 which
communicates electronically with a keyboard 12, a read-only memory
14, and a display 16. The read-only memory 14 stores the operating
program for microcomputer 10 and a plurality of pre-stored exercise
programs which are selectable by an exerciser. Movement of pedals
20 rotates a sprocket 22, which causes a chain 24 to drive a small
diameter sprocket 26 attached to a flywheel 28. The variable load
which an exerciser must overcome in order to rotate sprocket 22 is
generated by an alternator 30, which provides a variable resistance
to the effort of the exerciser through its driving connection with
flywheel 28 by a gear belt 32. Microcomputer 10 controls the
loading circuit of alternator 30. The output of microcomputer 10 on
line 34 is a pulse width modulated signal, the width of which is
proportional to the effort required by the exerciser. The changes
in pulse width vary the field current in the alternator to cause
variations in the resistance of the alternator to the force exerted
by the operator. An exerciser using the stationary bicycle may
select a pre-stored exercise program from read-only memory 14 for
execution by microcomputer 10 to automatically vary the exercise
difficulty level by generating pulses whose width is a function of
the effort required by the exerciser. Using keyboard 12, an
exerciser is also able to select a difficulty level and an exercise
time.
[0004] Other exercise apparatus are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,708,337 to Shyu; U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,257 to Dyer et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,067,710 to Watterson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,504 to
Trulaske et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,025 to Dalebout et al.
[0005] From workout to workout, an exerciser will often vary
his/her exercise activities to achieve particular fitness goals
and/or to avoid injury. For example, the exerciser may vary the
time, the distance and/or the speed of his/her jogging from workout
to workout. Similarly, the exerciser may vary the exercise
apparatus used, as well as the exercise program, the different
difficulty level(s) and/or the total exercise time from workout to
workout. Thus, for example, an exerciser using an exercise
apparatus may select exercise program data (for example, an
exercise program, a difficulty level, and/or a total exercise time)
which defines a relatively easy workout on a day following a
relatively hard workout. Or, an exerciser may utilize a stationary
bicycle and a stair climber during one workout and a treadmill and
weight machines during another workout. In addition, after several
months of a training routine, an exerciser will likely find that
he/she is able to perform at higher activity levels. In the case of
jogging, this may mean the exerciser is able to jog for longer
times and distances at higher speeds. In the case of using an
exercise apparatus, it may mean that the exerciser is able to use
the exercise apparatus at higher difficulty levels and/or for
longer total exercise times.
[0006] However, exercisers attempting to achieve specific fitness
goals may have problems selecting exercises, exercise apparatus,
and/or exercise program data for each of the exercise apparatus to
best achieve their goals and to maximize the benefits of workouts.
While health clubs may have fitness consultants who assist
exercisers in the initial selection of exercise apparatus, exercise
program data, and other exercises which are best suited for the
exerciser and his/her fitness goals, exercisers are often left on
their own after this initial assistance. As the exerciser's fitness
level increases, the initial selections of exercise apparatus,
exercise program data, and other exercises may no longer be
suitable. While an exerciser could hire a fitness consultant, this
can be very expensive for exercisers participating in a long-term
training program.
[0007] Additionally, exercisers who use exercise apparatus at home
and exercise on their own generally do not have fitness consultants
available to guide them through the selection of particular
exercise apparatus, exercise program data, and other exercises to
achieve specific exercise goals. Such guidance may be particularly
important for persons following a program of exercise prescribed by
a doctor. For example, the Agency for Health Care Policy and
Research recently recommended that rehabilitation programs for
heart attack patients include exercise training customized to fit
the patient's heart condition and other physical traits. While
patients could undertake such rehabilitation programs on their own,
a panel of cardiologists gathered by the Agency reported that
studies have shown that patients who participate in comprehensive
rehabilitation programs under close physician scrutiny are more
likely to follow better heart habits for life, while those who try
on their own often fail. Particularly important is a customized
exercise program, where a doctor determines which exercises (e.g.,
walking or bicycling) are best, as well as how much exertion the
patient can take. Where such rehabilitation programs utilize
exercise apparatus such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, stair
climbers, and the like, the exercise program data selected by the
patient must be carefully chosen in view of the particular
patient's recovery and physical characteristics. Participation in
other exercises such as jogging or biking must also be based on the
patient's recovery and physical characteristics. The selection of
exercise apparatus, of exercise program data, and of other
exercises may be difficult for the patient.
[0008] For these and other reasons, exercisers frequently do not
receive the full benefits of their exercise because the selected
exercise program data or other exercises are either too easy or too
difficult or not well-suited to the ultimate fitness/medical goals
or medical history of the exerciser.
SUMMARY
[0009] One or more exercise terminals are connected via a
communications link to a central computer to form an exercise
terminal network. These exercise terminals may include exercise
apparatus terminals, exercise station terminals, and exerciser data
input terminals. The central computer has a memory for storing a
database which includes, inter alia, data regarding the exercisers
who use the exercise terminal network. An exerciser may consult
with a fitness consultant(s) (e.g., a physician, a physical
therapist, or a personal trainer) to develop an exerciser profile
and/or to set certain fitness goals. The profile and/or goal data,
along with any other desirable data, is entered into the database
using, for example, a display (such as a computer monitor) and an
input device (such as a keyboard and/or a pointing device such as a
mouse or trackball) of the central computer. The data in the
database may be used by a system control program of the central
computer and/or by the fitness consultant(s) to determine workouts
for each exerciser which will best help the exerciser achieve the
fitness goals which he/she has set.
[0010] The workouts may include the use of one or more of the
exercise apparatus terminals in the exercise terminal network. In
this regard, the system control program and/or the fitness
consultant(s) select exercise data for controlling these one or
more exercise apparatus terminals. This exercise data may include
an exercise program selection, an exercise time, and/or a
difficulty level(s) and is selected based exercise data selection
criteria which may include, but is not limited to, one or more of
the exerciser's profile data, the exerciser's fitness goal data,
and data regarding the exerciser's previous workouts.
[0011] The workouts may also include exercises such as stretching,
sit-ups, pull-ups, and the like which are performed without using
an exercise apparatus or machine. In this regard, the system
control program and/or fitness consultant(s) select exercise data
such as a number of repetitions and/or a time period for the
exercise. Again, this exercise data is based on criteria which may
include, but is not limited to, one or more of the exerciser's
profile data, the exerciser's fitness goal data, and data regarding
the exerciser's previous workouts. For such exercises, the exercise
data may be communicated to the exerciser using an exercise station
terminal.
[0012] Each exerciser using the exercise terminal network is
preferably assigned an exerciser identifier such as an exerciser
identifier number. An exerciser using a particular exercise
terminal enters his/her exerciser identifier using, for example, a
numeric keypad. A processor of the exercise terminal uses the
entered exerciser identifier to access the database stored at the
central computer. In the case of an exercise apparatus terminal,
for example, exercise data is retrieved and the processor of the
exercise apparatus uses the retrieved exercise data to control the
exercise apparatus. In the case of an exercise station terminal,
exercise data such as a number of repetitions and an exercise time
is retrieved and the processor communicates the exercise data to
the exerciser via a speaker and/or a display.
[0013] While the exerciser is exercising, one or more physiological
parameters of the exerciser such as heart rate, blood pressure, and
the like may be monitored. The system control program and/or the
fitness consultant can use such data in order, for example, to
select future exercise data, to select the next exercise to be
performed in the current workout, and/or to select or vary the
exercise data for the next exercise in the current workout.
[0014] At the end of an exercise, the exerciser is prompted using
aural and/or visual prompts as to which exercise should be
performed next or that the current workout is over.
[0015] The exerciser may periodically update his/her profile data
in the database using one of the exerciser data input terminals
connected in the exercise terminal network. These data input
terminals may, for example, include a device for measuring some
physiological parameter such as weight, heart rate, blood pressure,
and the like and a device for communicating these parameters to the
database of the central computer. Such updated profile data may be
used to determine the effect of the workouts on the exerciser and
to select exercise data for future workouts. The profile data may
also be updated using an exercise terminal or a computer having a
display and an input device(s).
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be better understood from a reading of the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art stationary
bicycle 5.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic control
system of stationary bicycle 5 of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exercise terminal network 100 in
accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a stationary bicycle
200 which may constitute one of the exercise apparatus terminals
104a in exercise terminal network 100 of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic control
system of stationary bicycle 200 of FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a graphical profile of exercise level versus time
for an exercise program which may be utilized by processor 201 of
FIG. 5 to control the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates display 208 and keypad 210 arranged on
display and keypad panel 220 of stationary bicycle 200.
[0024] FIG. 8A is a block diagram of an exercise station terminal
104b usable in exercise terminal network 100 of FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 8B is a diagram of a display for exercise station
terminal 104b.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exerciser data input
terminal 104c usable in exercise terminal network 100 of FIG.
3.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of central computer 102 of
exercise terminal network 100 shown in FIG. 3.
[0028] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate various database portions which
together constitute at least a portion of the exercise database of
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a table for defining a workout for an
exerciser.
[0030] FIGS. 13A and 13B are display screens which may be provided
to guide an exerciser using the exercise terminal network 100 of
FIG. 3.
[0031] FIGS. 14A-14C are flow charts illustrating operations of
exercise terminal network 100.
[0032] FIG. 15A-15E are display screens for communicating to an
exerciser which exercise terminals are currently in use and for
providing a terminal reservation capability.
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates a table which is stored in the memory of
an exercise apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exercise terminal network 100 which
includes a central computer (server) 102 and exercise terminals
(clients) 104a, 104b, and 104c connected together via a
communications link 106. Exercise terminal network 100 may be a
local area network (LAN) conforming to any conventional LAN
protocol. Communications link 106 may be a twisted pair, a coaxial
cable, or an optical fiber, or any other conventional
communications link. Exercise terminal network 100 may also be a
local area wireless network (LAWN) using radio transmissions in
which case communications link 106 is a wireless communications
link. Exercise terminal network 100 may also be arranged as a wide
area network (WAN), in which case the communications link 106 may
include telephone lines. For example, the exercise terminals of a
single health club location may be connected together as a LAN or a
LAWN, while the exercise terminals of a plurality of health club
locations may be connected together as a WAN.
[0035] As will be described below, the exercise terminals in
exercise terminal network 100 may include, but are not limited to,
exercise apparatus terminals 104a, exercise station terminals 104b,
and exerciser data input terminals 104c. The present invention is
not limited with respect to the type of exercise apparatus
terminals 104a which may be incorporated into network 100. Thus,
any exercise apparatus terminal having an exercise device
controllable by control circuitry such as a processor in accordance
with program data may be incorporated into the network. Such
exercise apparatus terminals include by way of example, but not by
way of limitation, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, steppers,
rowing machines, ski machines, treadmills, cross trainers, and
weight machines. Exercise terminal network 100 may also include one
or more exercise station terminals 104b. These terminals may be
arranged at locations where exercise is performed without the use
of an exercise apparatus controlled by control circuitry, e.g.,
free weights, stretching, pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.
Exerciser data input terminals 104c for supplying exerciser data to
central computer 102 may also be incorporated into network 100. For
example, an electronic scale may be provided for supplying the
weight of exercisers to central computer 102. Other devices for
supplying physiological data such as body temperature, blood
pressure, heart rate and the like may also be incorporated into
exercise terminal network 100 so that such data can be used in the
selection of exercise data for an exerciser. While FIG. 3 shows one
exercise apparatus terminal, one exercise station terminal, and one
exerciser data input terminal connected to central computer 102, it
will be appreciated that one or more of any or all of these
terminals maybe connected in the network 100.
[0036] Exercise terminal network 100 is not limited to
implementation in health club settings and the exercise apparatus
terminals, exercise station terminals, and exerciser data input
terminals described above can be provided at the same or at
different locations. For example, a single central computer may be
linked to terminals in one or more health clubs, exercisers' homes,
hotels, resorts, medical facilities, etc. Thus, for example, an
exerciser data input terminal for measuring blood pressure may be
provided in an exerciser's home and the blood pressure data
communicated to central computer 102 over communications link 106.
Fitness consultants may remotely access central computer 102 using
a personal computer and a modem, for example, in order to access
the exercise database and evaluate the progress of exercisers, as
well as to upload exercise data for exercisers. Similarly,
exercisers may remotely access the exercise database in order to
obtain a record of their exercise activities. Where such remote
access to the exercise database is provided, access to the data may
be limited. For example, an exerciser might only be given "read"
access to the database, while fitness consultants may be given
"read/write" access to the database. In some instances, the
read/write access of a fitness consultant might be limited to data
regarding only those exercisers with whom the consultant is
consulting. An exerciser whose weight and other physiological data
is communicated to the central computer over communications link
106 may be given "write" access to the fields of the exercise
database related to this information. Implementing a database
having different access levels using passwords, for example, is
well known and will not be described herein. In addition, if an
insurance company ("payor") is paying the fees for an exerciser's
health membership, the payor may be permitted access to the
exercise database to verify the exerciser's use of the health club.
For example, claim analysis software of the insurance company may
be modified to include a routine which accesses the exercise
database to verify the exerciser's use of the health club prior to
authorizing payment of a claim for the membership fees. Similarly,
if an insurance company is providing an exerciser certain discounts
on premiums based on the exerciser's participation in a training
routine, the insurance company may be provided access to the
exercise database to verify the participation.
[0037] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a stationary bicycle 200 which may
constitute one of the exercise apparatus terminals 104a of exercise
terminal network 100. Elements of stationary bicycle 200 which are
the same as those of stationary bicycle 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
are designated with the same reference numbers and descriptions
thereof are omitted. With reference to FIG. 5, the control system
of stationary bicycle 200 includes a processor 201 such as a
microprocessor for controlling the operation of stationary bicycle
200; an interface 202; a read-only memory (ROM) 203 such as an
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM or
EPROM); a RAM 205; a display 206; a keypad 207; one or more
speakers 208; a clock oscillator 209; an optional pulse monitor
210; and an optional input/output (I/O) port 211. Interface 202
controls the transfer of data over the network and may comprise,
for example, a modem or a LAN controller and a LAN driver. ROM 203
stores a control program for the stationary bicycle executable by
processor 201 and may also contain various pre-stored selectable
exercise programs for controlling stationary bicycle 200. Display
and keypad panel 220 (see FIG. 4) may include a port 219 (see FIG.
4) which is adapted to receive a portable memory module 212.
Portable memory module 212 may be utilized for transferring data
to/from ROM 203. Portable memory module 212 may alternatively or
additionally store exercise data including exercise programs and/or
program parameters (e.g., total exercise time, difficulty level)
usable by processor 201 to control stationary bicycle 200 as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,869, which is incorporated herein
by reference. Portable memory module 212 may comprise any
convenient portable magnetic or semiconductor memory modules such
as E.sup.2PROMs, EPROMs, floppy disks, or cards having magnetic
strips. So-called "smart cards" including both a memory and a
microprocessor may also be used. Portable memory module 212 should
mate with the control system of stationary bicycle 200 so that
processor 201 can read/write data from/to the portable memory
module.
[0038] Processor 201 generates control signals supplied over line
34 for controlling the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 in
accordance with an exercise program selected from ROM 203 (or from
a portable memory module, if provided, as mentioned above) and
corresponding exercise program parameters (e.g., total exercise
time, difficulty level). If desired, exercise programs for one or
more of the exercise apparatus terminals in the exercise terminal
network may be stored in the memory of central computer 102. In
this case, exercise programs are also selectable from the memory of
central computer 102. RAM 205 may be utilized for temporary storage
by processor 201. Display 206 includes, for example, a cathode ray
tube (CRT), light emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or liquid crystal
displays (LCDs) and is responsive to signals from processor 201 for
displaying various information to the exerciser including, but not
limited to, the elapsed exercise time, the exercise level, the
difficulty level, number of calories burned, pulse rate, and the
like as is known in the art. Keypad 207 includes exerciser-operable
keys for inputting various data as will be discussed below. Speaker
208 is responsive to processor 201 for providing audible sounds to
the exerciser to indicate, for example, the end of an exercise
program or an invalid key press. Clock oscillator 209 provides
clocking signals to processor 201 which are used for timing
purposes as is well known in the art. These clocking signals may
also be utilized by a real time clock algorithm of processor 201
for generating current real time. Pulse monitor 210 may be coupled
to processor 201 in order that processor 201 may monitor an
exerciser's pulse rate during exercise and provide a display of the
monitored pulse rate on display 206. Pulse monitor 210, for
example, may be of the wired type having a sensor at a first end
which is attached to the exerciser (such as at the ear, wrist,
chest, finger, or head) and having a plug at the second end which
is plugged into an input jack (not shown) of display and keypad
panel 220. Alternatively, pulse monitor 210 may be of the wireless
type which is attached to the exerciser and which includes a
wireless transmitter for transmitting signals indicative of the
exerciser's pulse rate to a wireless receiver (not shown) mounted
on display and keypad panel 220. Of course, any type of pulse
monitor may be used and the present invention is not limited in
this respect. I/O port 211 may be used for inputting/outputting
data to/from the control system of stationary bicycle 200. For
example, I/O port 211 maybe used to connect the control system to
an external device including a processor (such as a personal
computer) for changing and/or reading the contents of ROM 203. I/O
port 211 also may be used to couple stationary bicycle 200 to a
television. Display 206 and keypad 207 are arranged on display and
keypad panel 220 and are described in greater detail below with
reference to FIG. 7. Other input devices (shown generally as 213 in
FIG. 5) may also be provided. For example, a bar code or magnetic
strip reader may be provided in implementations in which an
exerciser is provided with a card having his/her exerciser
identifier encoded using a bar code or a magnetic strip.
[0039] An exercise program is executable by processor 201 for
controlling stationary bicycle 200. FIG. 6 is a graphical profile
of exercise level versus time for an illustrative, but
non-limiting, exercise program which may be utilized by processor
201 to control the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 (or
some other exercise apparatus terminal. As illustrated in the
profile of FIG. 6, from exercise time t.sub.0 until exercise time
t.sub.7, processor 201 generates control signals for setting the
exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 to exercise level El; from
exercise time t.sub.7 to until exercise time t.sub.19, processor
201 generates control signals for setting the exercise level of
stationary bicycle 200 to exercise level E2; from exercise time
t.sub.19 until exercise time t.sub.26, processor 201 generates
control signals for setting the exercise level of stationary
bicycle 200 to exercise level E3; from exercise time t.sub.26 until
exercise time t.sub.38, processor 201 generates control signals for
setting the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 to exercise
level E2; and from exercise time t.sub.38 until exercise time
t.sub.48 (the end of the program), processor 201 generates control
signals for setting the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 to
exercise level E1. When a program having the profile of FIG. 6 is
selected, a total exercise time over which processor 201 will
control stationary bicycle 200 may also be selected. The selection
of the total exercise time determines the time interval between the
exercise times t.sub.0 and t.sub.1, t.sub.1 and t.sub.2, etc. For
example, when an exercise program having the profile of FIG. 6 is
selected, a total exercise time of four, eight, twelve, sixteen, or
twenty minutes may be selected. Depending on which total exercise
time is selected, the time interval between the exercise times is
five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five seconds, respectively. A
difficulty level which determines the difficulty of the exercise at
the exercise levels of the program may also be selected. The
difficulty of exercise levels E1, E2, and E3 is generally less at
low difficulty levels than at high difficulty levels. Thus, for
example, as the fitness level of an exerciser increases, higher
difficulty levels may be utilized. It is possible for an exercise
program to have more than one difficulty level associated
therewith. For example, the difficulty of a treadmill may be
changed by changing either one or both of the tread speed and the
incline angle.
[0040] The exercise apparatus terminal, portable memory module,
and/or central computer preferably store a plurality of exercise
programs. These exercise programs may define exercises which range
from "easy" to "hard". As can be seen with reference to FIG. 6, an
exercise program defines exercise level as a function of time. A
first exercise program defining a greater area under the exercise
level curve (i.e., the integral of the exercise level from the
start time of the exercise until the end time of the exercise) than
a second exercise program generally may be viewed as being a
"harder" exercise program than the second exercise program. Also,
an exercise program executed at a higher difficulty level generally
may be viewed as being "harder" than the same exercise program
executed at a lower difficulty level. Further, an exercise program
which includes one or more peaks of very high exercise levels may
be viewed as being "hard", even when compared to another exercise
program which defines a greater area under its exercise level
curve. It will thus be appreciated features such as these or still
other features may be viewed as making one exercise program
"harder" or "easier" than another.
[0041] Of course, the exercise program of FIG. 6 is for
illustrative purposes, and the present invention is not limited to
any particular type of exercise program. For example, an exercise
program may be of a type which, in addition to varying exercise
level as a function of time, provides interactivity via a visual
display such as a television or display 206 of the exercise
apparatus terminal. For example, the execution of such a program
may cause processor 201 to monitor the activity level of the
exerciser (e.g., how fast the exerciser is pedaling) via the SENSOR
line shown in FIG. 5 and to output data based on this sensed
activity level via I/O port 211 to an output device such as a
television or to display 206 to thereby simulate a competition
between the exerciser and a computer-generated opponent or
opponents. Thus, an exercise program for a stationary bicycle may
generate a bicycle race between the exerciser and a
computer-generated opponent. The "ability" of the opponent and the
duration of the race may be set in accordance with the fitness
level of the exerciser. In a case where stationary bicycle 200
includes a graphics display controller (not shown) and a modulator
(not shown) for outputting a signal on channel 3/4, for example,
I/O port 211 may be directly connected to the television.
Alternatively, information may be supplied from I/O port 211 to an
I/O port of a suitably configured CATV subscriber terminal having a
graphics display controller and a modulator to thereby generate a
display on a television.
[0042] In a first exercise selection mode for an exercise apparatus
terminal, an exerciser may select an exercise program, a total
exercise time, and/or a difficulty level in a conventional manner.
In a second exercise selection mode for an exercise apparatus
terminal to be described in greater detail below, an exerciser
inputs an exerciser identifier into the exercise apparatus terminal
using a keypad and/or some other input device. The processor of the
exercise apparatus terminal supplies the input exerciser identifier
to central computer 102 in order to access the exercise database
and retrieve pre-selected exercise data or in order to generate
exercise data. The exercise data for use of an exercise apparatus
terminal such as a stationary bicycle may include, but is not
limited to, an exercise program identifier, an exercise time, and
difficulty level. The exercise program identifier may be used by
the processor of the exercise apparatus terminal to access an
exercise program stored in a ROM, a portable memory module, or the
memory of central computer 102. The processor then executes the
selected program in accordance with the corresponding exercise time
and/or difficulty level.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates display 206 and keypad 207 arranged on
display and keypad panel 220 of stationary bicycle 200. Display 206
includes various display portions 301-305. During the first
exercise selection mode, an exerciser may be prompted to enter a
total exercise time for an exercise program. For example, display
portion 301 may display a flashing colon ":" and a time indicator
311 may be illuminated to prompt the exerciser to enter the total
exercise time. In addition, during the first exercise selection
mode, the exerciser may be prompted to enter a difficulty level for
the exercise program. For example, display portion 302 may display
a flashing "L" and a difficulty level indicator 312 may be
illuminated to prompt the exerciser to enter the difficulty level.
During the second exercise selection mode, display portion 301
displays the total exercise time of the pre-selected or generated
exercise data, display portion 302 displays the difficulty level of
the pre-selected or generated exercise data, and time indicator 311
and difficulty level indicator 312 are illuminated. During
exercise, display portion 301 displays the elapsed exercise time
while display portion 302 alternately displays at a predetermined
interval (e.g., five or ten seconds) the current difficulty level
of the exercise program and the number of calories burned.
Difficulty level indicator 312 and a calories burned indicator 313
are appropriately illuminated to indicate which quantity is
displayed by display portion 302 during the execution of the
exercise program. Time indicator 311, difficulty level indicator
312, and calories burned indicator 313 may be, for example, LEDs.
Display portion 303 is a display portion such as an LED display
screen, a liquid crystal display screen or a CRT screen for
displaying video, textual and/or graphical information to an
exerciser. For example, display portion 303 may display program
names and descriptions; operating instructions; graphical profiles
of exercise level versus time for the exercise program such as is
shown, for example, in FIG. 6; and prompts such as the prompts
regarding the next exercise terminal to be used as described below
with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. Display portion 304 provides a
display relating to how fast an exerciser should be pedaling
stationary bicycle 200 at a current difficulty level and display
portion 305 provides a display relating to how fast an exerciser is
actually pedaling. Displays of other information may also be
provided, if desired. For example, if a pulse monitor 210 is
coupled to processor 201, a display portion may be provided for
displaying the currently monitored pulse or it may be displayed on
display portion 303. Of course, it will be appreciated that the
displays of stationary bicycles and other exercise apparatus may be
varied in accordance with the apparatus and with the information
which it is desired to display and the present invention is not
limited in this respect. For example, display 206 may be a single
LED display screen, liquid crystal display screen or CRT screen
which displays all of the information described above and any other
desired information.
[0044] Keypad 207 includes a numeric keyboard portion 330 having
numeric keys 0-9; a START key 332; a NEXT key 336; a PREV
(previous) key 338; a CLEAR/STOP key 340; and a PROFILE key 342. A
TIME/DATE key 344 may also be provided. When TIME/DATE key 344 is
pressed, the current time and date as maintained by control
computer 102 or by the real time clock algorithm of the stationary
bicycle are displayed on display portion 303. Alternatively, the
time and date may be displayed as part of the display on display
portion 303 whenever the stationary bicycle is used. PROFILE key
342 may be used to initiate a routine for entering exerciser
profile data as will be described in greater detail below.
[0045] As noted above, exercise station terminals 104b are
preferably positioned at locations ("or stations") where exercise
is performed without the use of an exercise apparatus controlled by
control circuitry, e.g., free weights, stretching, pull-ups,
push-ups, sit-ups, etc. These exercise station terminals function
to provide instructions and feedback to exercisers performing
exercise and include an input device such as a keypad, a bar code
reader, and/or a magnetic strip reader, a display device such as an
LCD screen, an LED screen and/or a CRT screen; one or more
speakers; and a control unit such as a processor. An exerciser
inputs his/her exerciser identifier into the exercise station
terminal using the input device. The processor of the exercise
station terminal supplies the input exerciser identifier to central
computer 102 in order to access the exercise database of central
computer 102 and retrieve pre-selected exercise data or in order to
generate exercise data, which exercise data is communicated to the
exerciser using the display device and/or the speaker. For example,
the exercise data could instruct the exerciser to perform a certain
number of pull-ups or sit-ups or lift a certain weight some number
of times or perform stretching or some other exercise for some
period of time. In the case of a timed exercise, a timer of the
exercise station terminal (implemented using the processor and a
clock oscillator, for example) may be set to provide the exerciser
with a visual and/or aural indication of elapsed exercise time,
remaining exercise time, and/or end of exercise time. When the
exerciser completes the exercise associated with the exercise
station, exercise station terminal 104b may also provide a visual
and/or aural prompt as to which exercise terminal should be used
next by the exerciser. Of course, one exercise station terminal may
be positioned at a location where more than one exercise is
performed. That is, one exercise station terminal may be positioned
near an exercise mat which is used for stretching, push-ups,
sit-ups, etc. and may provide instructions and/or feedback
regarding these various exercises. Thus, when a particular exercise
is completed, the exercise station terminal may prompt the
exerciser to perform another exercise at that same location, i.e.,
stretching may be followed by sit-ups.
[0046] FIG. 8A is a block schematic diagram illustrating one of
exercise station terminals 104b. Exercise station terminal 104b
includes a processor 261 such as a microprocessor for controlling
the operation of exercise station terminal 104b; an interface 262;
a ROM 263 such as an EPROM; a RAM 265; a display 266; a keypad 267;
a speaker(s) 268; a clock oscillator 269; an optional pulse monitor
270; an optional input/output (I/O) port 271; and a power supply
272. Interface 262 controls the exchange of data over the network
and may comprise, for example, a modem or a LAN controller and a
LAN driver. ROM 263 stores a control program of the exercise
station terminal executable by processor 261 and stores other data.
RAM 265 is usable by processor 261 for temporary storage. Display
266 such as an LCD screen, an LED screen, and/or a CRT screen is
used for displaying instructions or feedback to an exerciser.
Keypad 267 is usable by an exerciser for inputting data such as
exerciser identifiers into the exercise station terminal. Other
input devices (not shown) such as a bar code reader or a magnetic
strip reader may also be provided. Speaker 268 is responsive to
processor 261 for providing audible sounds to the exerciser to
indicate, for example, the end of an exercise or an invalid key
press. Clock oscillator 269 provides clocking signals to processor
261 which are used for timing purposes as is well-known in the art.
These clocking signals may also be used by timer routines for
timing exercise activities as described above or by a real time
clock algorithm of processor 261 for generating a current real
time. Pulse monitor 270 may be coupled to processor 261 in order
that processor 261 may monitor an exerciser's pulse rate during
exercise and provide a display of the monitored pulse rate on
display 266, for example. I/O port 271 may be used for
inputting/outputting data to/from the exercise station terminal,
e.g., to/from ROM 263 or to a display device such as a television.
Power supply 272 supplies an operating voltage for the operation of
the exercise station terminal. The operating voltage may be derived
from a battery or from an AC power outlet.
[0047] FIG. 8B illustrates a display and keypad panel 292 usable
for the exercise station terminal. The panel includes a keypad 293
similar to the keypad described above with respect to FIG. 7 and a
discussion thereof is omitted here. The panel further includes a
display portion 280 which may be an LCD screen, an LED screen, or a
CRT screen. Display portion 280 is used for displaying instructions
or feedback to an exerciser. It will be appreciated that other
arrangements of keypads and/or display portions may be utilized and
the present invention is not limited in this respect.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exerciser data input
terminal 104c usable in the exercise terminal network of the
present invention. Terminal 104c includes an exerciser data input
device 400 for inputting exerciser data. Suitable input devices
include, but are not limited to, a scale, a blood pressure device,
a pulse rate monitor, a thermometer, and the like. An interface 402
controls the transfer of data to/from input device 400 over the
network. Such an interface may be a modem, a LAN controller and LAN
driver, and the like. A power supply 404 supplies an operating
voltage for the operation of the exercise data input terminal. The
operating voltage may be derived from a battery or from an AC power
outlet.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of central computer 102. Central
computer 102 may, for example, be an IBM.RTM. PC-compatible
personal computer. It should be understood that central computer
102 is not limited to any particular type or brand of computer, and
thus contemplates microcomputers to supercomputers. Central
computer 102 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 501 such as
an IBM.RTM. PC-compatible CPU which is plugged into bus 503. The
system control program is loaded into memory (RAM) 505 during
operation. Memory 507 stores data which is accessible by CPU 501.
Memory 507 can be any standard memory device or combination of
memory devices such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a
magnetic tape, or an optical memory such as a CD-ROM. Central
computer 102 further includes input devices, generally shown as
508, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a
scanner, or any compatible or equivalent device. A visual display
device 511 such as a CRT is provided. Other output devices may
include a printer 517, speakers, etc. A ROM 513 may store certain
programs (e.g., a BIOS) and configuration parameters for central
computer 102. ROM 513 may be an EPROM, for example, to allow for
the updating of this information. The system control program and
the database of exercise network 100 may be stored in memory 507.
Interface 515 such a network control card or modem controls the
transfer of information over the network.
[0050] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate various database portions which
together constitute the exercise database for exercise terminal
network 100. The database portions are stored in memory 507 (e.g.,
a semiconductor memory such as an EPROM, a magnetic memory such as
a hard drive or a floppy disk, or an optical memory such as a
CD-ROM) of central computer 102 of exercise terminal network 100.
Of course, the organization of data shown in FIGS. 11A-11D is for
exemplary purposes only and the present invention is not limited in
this respect.
[0051] FIG. 11A shows an exerciser database portion which is
organized by exerciser identifier and stores exerciser data
relating to the exercisers using exercise terminal network 100.
Specifically, the exerciser database portion includes, but is not
limited to, some or all of the following data for each exerciser: a
unique exerciser identifier such as an exerciser identifier number;
the name, postal address (e.g., number, street, city, state, and
zip/postal code), and telephone number(s) (e.g., home, work, and/or
facsimile) of the exerciser; the electronic mail (e-mail) address
of the exerciser; messages for the exerciser from, for example, the
system administrator or the exerciser's fitness consultant; profile
data regarding the exerciser and the exerciser's goals which will
be used in the selection of exercise data; future exercise data;
and previous exercise data. It will be appreciated that each data
item which is identified as being stored in the exerciser database
portion and the other database portions which constitute the
exercise database may comprise one or more data fields or one or
more data tables. For example, the "name" stored in the database
portion of FIG. 11A may comprise a first name field, a last name
field, a middle initial field, etc. Generally, the data in the
database portion of FIG. 11A would be collected during a meeting or
meetings with a fitness consultant.
[0052] The profile data may include the exerciser's height, weight,
age, and an indication of current fitness level. The fitness level
may be determined by having the exerciser perform some exercise
while certain physiological parameters such as heart rate and/or
blood pressure are monitored. In this way, some general
determination may be made as to what exercise data should be
selected for the initial workouts of the exerciser. The exerciser
may also be asked whether he/she has any specific exercise goals.
In this way, exercise data may be selected to assist the exerciser
in achieving these goals. For example, an exerciser may be
interested in achieving a goal of weight loss or cardiovascular
fitness. Based on one or both of these goals and the exerciser's
age, the proper range for the pulse rate of the exerciser during
exercise may be determined by the system control program of central
computer 102 or the fitness consultant. Specifically, the
exerciser's maximum heart rate may determined by subtracting the
exerciser's age from 220. From this, the appropriate pulse rate
during exercise maybe determined as between about 65% and about 75%
of the maximum pulse rate for fat loss and between about 75% and
about 90% for cardiovascular fitness. Alternatively, a range in
which the exerciser's pulse rate should be maintained during
exercise may be directly entered into the exercise profile. Such a
pulse rate range may, for example, be determined by a physician.
The profile may also include other fitness goals of an exerciser,
e.g., training to run a ten kilometer race, a marathon, weight
training cycling, tennis, golf, skiing, etc. If the exerciser is
training for an event such as a race on a particular date, this
event date may also be entered. The system control program of
central computer 102 and/or the fitness consultant may utilize this
information in order to factor such desired fitness goals into the
selection of the exercise data. That is, the system control program
and/or the fitness consultant may select exercise data best suited
to assist the exerciser in achieving his/her goal by a particular
date. Dates for achieving other goals such as weight loss may be
included in the profile. For example, an exerciser may indicate a
goal to lose ten pounds over a three month period (about one pound
a week). The system control program and/or a fitness consultant can
then select exercise data to assist the exerciser in losing the ten
pounds over the three month period. By monitoring the exerciser's
weight throughout the three month period using an exerciser data
input terminal 104c, the system control program and/or fitness
consultant can, for example, select harder or longer exercises if
the exerciser is not making sufficient progress toward the weight
loss goal.
[0053] The profile data may also include an indication of how many
calories an exerciser desires to expend during a typical workout.
The system control program and/or a fitness consultant can then
select exercise data which is designed to cause the exerciser to
expend the desired number of calories.
[0054] The profile data of an exerciser may be periodically updated
using an appropriate exercise data input terminal, an exercise
apparatus terminal, an exercise station terminal, or a computer
within or linked to the network. For example, the exerciser's
weight may be periodically entered into the database to permit the
exerciser to determine how the workouts are affecting weight loss
if weight loss is a desired goal. Similarly, the exerciser's
resting and training pulse rate and resting and training blood
pressure may be periodically entered into the database to provide a
further indication of how the workouts are impacting on the
exerciser's fitness. In addition, the particular fitness goals of
the exerciser (e.g., a ten kilometer race, marathon, etc.) may be
periodically updated. In general, the profile data of an exerciser
may include any information which it is desired to utilize in the
selection of exercise data.
[0055] The future exercise data determines workouts for an
exerciser. Each exercise in a workout may include, but is not
limited to, some or all of the following data: a sequence number,
an exercise identifier; an exercise terminal type identifier
identifying the type of exercise terminal at which the exercise is
performed; and exercise parameters (such as total exercise time,
difficulty level(s), etc.) for setting parameters of the exercise.
As will be described in greater detail below, the future exercise
data may be pre-selected by the system control program and/or a
fitness consultant or may be dynamically generated or varied by the
system control program.
[0056] The previous exercise data is a record of the workout
activities of an exerciser and may include, but is not limited to,
some or all of the following data: exercise terminal used; exercise
performed; initial difficulty level; initial total exercise time;
final difficulty level; final total exercise time; certain
physiological data such as pulse rate at one or more times during
exercise; a flag indicating whether the exercise was completed; and
an indication of the exerciser's feelings about the exercise (e.g.,
"1"=too hard, "2"=too easy, "3"=about right).
[0057] The database portion of FIG. 11B is an exercise terminal
database portion which is organized by exercise terminal identifier
(or address) and contains data regarding the exercise terminals in
exercise terminal network 100. For example, for each exercise
terminal in exercise network 100, the exercise terminal database
portion may include, but is not limited to, some or all of the
following data: an exercise terminal identifier (or address);
exercise terminal type data; exercise terminal purchase data;
exercise terminal use data; exercise terminal location data;
exercise terminal maintenance data; and exercise terminal
manufacturer data. The exercise terminal type data may include
exercise terminal type identifiers for identifying an exercise
terminal as a stepper, a stationary bicycle, a station for
stretching, a station for pull-ups, a data input terminal for
weight, etc. The exercise terminal purchase data may include, but
is not limited to, terminal owner data, the terminal purchase date,
and the terminal price. The exercise terminal maintenance data may
include, but is not limited to, data regarding previous maintenance
checks (maintenance check dates, maintenance tests performed,
problems fixed, etc.) and a schedule for future maintenance checks.
The exercise terminal use data may include, but is not limited to,
a count of the number of times the terminal has been used. Such
terminal use data can provide valuable information to health club
operators as to which exercise terminals are popular with
exercisers and which are not. The use data may also be utilized in
the determination, either automatically by the system control
program or by the system administrator, of a schedule for future
maintenance checks. The exercise terminal location data may
include, but is not limited to, a postal address of the building in
which the terminal is located and data identifying the location of
the terminal within a particular building. This latter data is used
to provide the location information provided to an exerciser
regarding the next exercise terminal to be used as described below
with respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B. The location data can include
text string data such as "by the back wall" or "next to the free
weights". The location data can also include data used in
generating video, animated, and/or graphical displays indicating
the location of the exercise terminal relative to other exercise
terminals and/or features at a particular location. The terminal
manufacturer data may include, but is not limited to, terminal
model data (model name, model number, etc.), manufacturer name,
manufacturer postal address, manufacturer telephone number,
manufacturer facsimile number, warranty information, etc.
[0058] The database portion of FIG. 11C is an exercise database
portion organized by exercise identifier for identifying exercises.
"Exercise" may refer to an exercise program which is executable by
a processor of an exercise apparatus terminal, in which case the
exercise identifier is an exercise program identifier for indenting
an exercise program. "Exercise" may also refer to an exercise which
is performed without the use of an exercise apparatus controlled by
a processor. In this case, the exercise identifier identifies an
exercise such as stretching, pull-ups, etc. Thus, for example, a
first exercise identifier may identify the exercise program of FIG.
6, a second exercise identifier may identify sit-ups, etc. For each
exercise, this database portion may include, but is not limited to,
some or all of the following data: an exercise identifier; an
exercise type identifier, an exercise description; program profile
data for generating a graphical display of exercise level versus
time such as that shown in FIG. 6, if appropriate; and program
parameters. The exercise type identifier identifies the exercise as
an exercise program executable by a processor or an exercise to be
performed at an exercise station terminal (i.e., an exercise
performed without the use of an exercise apparatus under the
control of control circuitry). The exercise description may include
a textual description of the exercise (e.g., sit-ups). In some
cases, the exercise description may include data for generating a
video, graphical and/or animated display (along with accompanying
audio, if desired) regarding the exercise. This display and
accompanying audio may be communicated to the exerciser using the
display and speakers of the exercise terminal. The display and
audio may indicate the proper way of performing the particular
exercise, the muscles or muscle groups worked during the exercise,
etc. The audio and video may be presented to the exerciser in
response to a particular key press, for example. The profile data
may be used to generate a graphical display of exercise level
versus time which may be used by a fitness consultant or the
exerciser in the selection of exercises. The parameters define the
parameters which are used for the exercise. For example, the
parameters for the exercise "sit-ups" may include a number
parameter for the number of sit-ups and a time parameter for the
time within which the sit-ups should be completed. The parameters
for an exercise program executable by a stationary bicycle may
include a total exercise time parameter and a difficulty level
parameter.
[0059] The database portion of FIG. 11D determines which exercises
can be performed at each exercise terminal type. Thus, the database
portion of FIG. 11D relates exercise identifiers and exercise
terminal type identifiers. It is possible for two exercises (e.g.,
sit-ups and stretching) to be associated with the same exercise
terminal type. It is also possible for one exercise (such as the
exercise program of FIG. 6) to be associated with more than one
exercise terminal type (e.g., steppers of different manufacturers
or a stepper and a stationary bicycle).
[0060] In a first implementation of the present invention to be
described below, exercise data for a workout is pre-selected for an
exerciser and stored in the exercise database as the future
exercise data. This pre-selection of exercise data for a workout
may be performed by, for example, an exercise selection routine of
the system control program of central computer 102, a fitness
consultant, or even the exerciser himself/herself. A workout
comprises one or more exercises to be performed by an exerciser. In
general, the exercise data for each exercise includes, for example,
a sequence number, an exercise identifier; an exercise terminal
type identifier identifying the type of exercise terminal at which
the exercise is performed; and exercise parameters for the exercise
(e.g., a total exercise time, a difficulty level, a number of
repetitions, and the like). As will be described in greater detail
below, the system control program of the present invention uses the
sequence numbers associated with exercises to guide an exerciser
through a workout by providing, for example, aural and/or visual
prompts which inform the exerciser which exercise terminal type or
which specific exercise terminal should be used next in the
workout.
[0061] In a second implementation of the present invention,
exercise data for a workout is at least partly based on one or more
factors which are evaluated during a workout, such as an
exerciser's performance during one or more exercises in the current
workout; the availability or unavailability of certain exercise
terminals for use by the exerciser; an indication by an exerciser
as to certain physical limitations (e.g., the exerciser has a sore
shoulder and cannot perform certain weight filing exercises); an
indication by an exerciser as to certain time limitations (e.g, the
exerciser has only 45 minutes to complete the workout); the burning
of a particular number of calories; and the like. Using such
factors, the system control program can dynamically determine a
workout for an exerciser or can modify a pre-selected workout for
an exerciser.
[0062] A description of the first implementation will now be
described with reference to the workout for a particular exerciser
defined by the exercise data of FIG. 12. The exercise data of FIG.
12 defines a workout in which an exerciser performs three
exercises: stretching, pedaling a stationary bicycle, and using a
stepper. As can be seen, each exercise is defined by a sequence
number, an exercise identifier; an exercise terminal type
identifier identifying the type of exercise terminal at which the
exercise is performed; and exercise parameters for the exercise.
The sequence number includes a workout sequence portion and an
exercise sequence portion. The workout sequence portion identifies
a particular workout and the exercise sequence portion identifies a
particular exercise within the workout. For example, the stretching
exercise of FIG. 12 is designated by a workout sequence number of
1-1 which indicates that stretching is the first exercise of
workout number 1. The stationary bicycle exercise is designated by
a workout sequence number of 1-2 which indicates that the
stationary bicycle is the second exercise of workout number 1.
Finally, the stepper exercise is designated by a workout sequence
number of 1-3 which indicates that the stepper is the third
exercise of workout number 1. The exercise identifier identifies
one of the exercises in the database portion of FIG. 11C. The
exercise terminal type identifier identifies the type of exercise
terminal at which the exercise is performed (e.g., a stretching
station terminal, a stationary bicycle, a stepper). The exercise
parameters may include parameters such as total exercise time,
difficulty level(s), number of repetitions, etc. With specific
reference to the exercise data of FIG. 12, the first exercise,
stretching, is defined by a workout sequence number of 1-1; an
exercise identifier of 01 (which will be assumed to identify
"stretching" as the exercise); an exercise terminal type identifier
of 01 (which will be assumed to identify an exercise terminal for
stretching exercises as the exercise terminal to be used); and a
time parameter of 5:00 minutes which defines how long the exerciser
should stretch. The second exercise, pedaling a stationary bicycle,
is defined by a workout sequence number of 1-2; an exercise
identifier of 02 (which will be assumed to identify an exercise
program stored in ROM 203 of the stationary bicycle which is
executable by processor 201); an exercise terminal type identifier
of 02 (which will be assumed to identify a stationary bicycle); a
total exercise time parameter of 12 minutes; and a difficulty level
parameter of 8. The third exercise, using a stepper, is defined by
a workout sequence number 1-3; an exercise identifier 03 (which
will be assumed to identify an exercise program stored in the ROM
of the stepper which is executable by the processor of the
stepper); an exercise terminal type identifier of 07 (which will be
assumed to identify a stepper); a total exercise time parameter of
8 minutes; and a difficulty level parameter of 9. At the end of
each exercise in the workout, the system control program uses the
workout sequence number to determine the next exercise in the
workout. The system control program then uses the exercise terminal
type identifier associated with this next exercise to prompt the
exerciser as to which exercise terminal should be used next in the
workout. For example, at the end of stretching, the system control
program determines that the next exercise uses a stationary
bicycle. Similarly, at the end of the exercise using the stationary
bicycle, the system control program determines that the next
exercise uses a stepper. Finally, at the end of the exercise using
a stepper (the last exercise in workout sequence number 1), the
system control program determines that the workout is over. If
desired, the exercise data of FIG. 12 may be modified to include an
exercise terminal identifier whereby a specific exercise terminal
(e.g., a specific stationary bicycle or a specific stepper) is
identified for use by the exerciser.
[0063] To begin the workout, the exerciser enters his/her exerciser
identifier at the exercise station terminal for stretching using,
for example, a numeric keypad of the exercise station terminal.
Processor 261 uses the entered exerciser identifier to retrieve the
appropriate pre-selected exercise data for the exerciser from the
exercise database which, in this case, is the exercise identifier
for stretching and the total exercise (stretching) time of 5:00
minutes. The exerciser is provided with a prompt which indicates
the exercise (stretching) and the total exercise time. If the total
exercise time is acceptable to the exerciser, he/she may begin to
exercise. The exerciser may, if desired, change the total exercise
time. A video, graphical and/or animated display suitable for the
total exercise time may be provided for the exerciser to follow.
When the total exercise time has elapsed, the exercise database is
updated with any desired exercise data (such as exercise time,
pulse rate at one or more times during the exercise, etc.) and the
exerciser is provided with an aural and/or visual prompt regarding
the next exercise terminal to be used based on the next exercise in
the workout as determined with reference to the exercise sequence
number. In this case, the exerciser is provided with an aural
and/or visual prompt which identifies a stationary bicycle such as
stationary bicycle 200 as the next exercise terminal to be used.
The prompt may be provided in the manner described below with
reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. The exerciser then proceeds to the
stationary bicycle and enters his/her exerciser identifier using,
for example, the numeric keypad. Processor 201 uses the entered
exerciser identifier to retrieve exercise data from the exercise
database. In this case, the retrieved exercise data includes the
exercise identifier 02, a total exercise time parameter of 12:00
minutes, and a difficulty level parameter of 8. The exercise
identifier 02 identifies an exercise program which is executable by
the processor of the stationary bicycle. If the exercise program
corresponding to the retrieved exercise identifier, the total
exercise time, and the difficulty level are acceptable to the
exerciser, he/she may begin to exercise. The exerciser may, if
desired, change one or more of these exercise data items. Upon
completing the exercise, the exercise database is updated with any
desired exercise data regarding the exercise and the stationary
bicycle prompts the exerciser using the display and/or the
speaker(s) that the stepper is the next exercise terminal to be
used in the workout. This prompt may be provided in the manner
described below with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. The exerciser
then proceeds to the stepper and enters his/her exerciser
identifier using, for example, the numeric keypad. Processor 201
uses the entered exerciser identifier to retrieve exercise data
from the exercise database. In this case, the retrieved exercise
data includes an exercise identifier 03, a total exercise time
parameter of 8:00 minutes, and a difficulty level parameter of 9.
The exercise identifier 03 identifies an exercise program which is
executable by the processor of the stepper. If the program
corresponding to the retrieved exercise identifier, the total
exercise time, and the difficulty level are acceptable to the
exerciser, he/she may begin to exercise. The exerciser may, if
desired, change one or more of these exercise data items. Upon
completing the exercise, the exercise database is updated with any
desired exercise data regarding this exercise and the exerciser is
visually and/or aurally prompted that the workout is over. The
prompt may, for example, be "Congratulations! Your workout is
over." The prompt may also include workout summary information such
as exercises performed, total calories burned during the workout,
and the like. If desired, the exerciser may (by using the keypad of
the last exercise terminal used in the workout, for example) cause
a print-out to be printed by printer 517 which identifies the
exercises performed during the workout, the total number of
calories burned, pulse rate during the exercises, etc.
[0064] In the second implementation, the exerciser begins the
workout at an exercise terminal for stretching in order to warm-up.
The exerciser enters his/her exerciser identifier using, for
example, a numeric keypad of the exercise terminal. The system
control program then uses the entered exercise identifier to access
the exercise database and evaluate factors such as the previous
exercise data of the exerciser, when the exerciser last exercised;
and/or any other desirable factors in order to determine the
parameters for exercise at the current terminal. For example, the
system control program may determine that the exerciser should
perform five minutes of stretching as a warm up. At the end of the
five minutes of stretching, the system control program then
determines a next exercise to be performed by the exerciser. The
exercise is defined in the same manner as the exercises of FIG. 12.
Specifically, the system control program generates and stores in
the exercise database an appropriate workout sequence number, an
exercise identifier, an exercise terminal type identifier, and
exercise parameters. The exerciser is provided with an aural and/or
visual prompt as to the exercise terminal type at which this next
exercise is to be performed. Similar to the first implementation,
an exercise terminal identifier may be generated whereby a specific
exercise terminal is identified for use by the exerciser. In this
case, assume the exerciser is prompted to use a treadmill. The
exerciser then proceeds to a treadmill and enters his/her exerciser
identifier using, for example, a numeric keypad. The control system
of the treadmill accesses the generated exercise identifier, total
exercise time, and difficulty level(s) and displays these exercise
data items to the exerciser. If these exercise data items are
acceptable to the exerciser, he/she may begin exercise. If desired,
the exerciser may modify one or more of the exercise data items
prior to exercise. At the end of the exercise using the treadmill,
the system control program determines what, if any, exercise should
be performed next by the exerciser. This determination may be based
on factors including a total number of calories burned, a total
predetermined time during which the exerciser's heart rate is a
zone appropriate for achieving a particular fitness goal, and the
like. For example, if the exerciser is having difficulty with a
current exercise, the system control program may determine that the
next exercise is an easy exercise. The exerciser's difficulty with
a current exercise may be determined based on one or more of the
following: the CLR/STOP key was used to prematurely end the current
exercise; the exerciser has lowered the difficulty level during the
current exercise; the exerciser indicates he/she found the current
exercise too hard; and physiological parameters (such as pulse
rate) measured during the current exercise indicate the exerciser
is having difficulty.
[0065] Similarly, if the current exercise is too easy for an
exerciser, the system control program may determine that the next
exercise is a hard exercise. The ease of the current exercise may
be determined based on one or more of the following: the exerciser
increased the difficulty level during the current exercise; the
exerciser indicates he/she found the current exercise too easy, and
physiological parameters (such as pulse rate) measured during the
current exercise indicate the exerciser is not exercising at a high
enough exercise level.
[0066] In these cases, the system control program can use this
information to dynamically select a next exercise as described
above. Alternatively, this information can be used to vary the
exercise data which was pre-selected by the system control program
or a fitness consultant. In this way, for example, an exerciser can
avoid overexertion or injury which might result from attempting to
complete a workout which is beyond his/her current fitness level.
In addition, such a dynamic workout determination or modification
can avoid psychological effects which might be associated with
failing to complete a workout. That is, if the system control
program "eases up" or ends a workout based on an exerciser's
performance on a given day, the exerciser can still have a feeling
that he/she accomplished what he/she should have. This provides a
positive feedback encouraging the exerciser to return for his/her
next workout. In the case of making the next exercise a hard
exercise, the exerciser who is finding a workout too easy is able
to obtain the benefits of a workout better suited for his/her
fitness level.
[0067] Other factors may also be used in the dynamic determination
of next exercises or the varying of pre-selected exercise data. One
such factor is the availability of exercise terminals. For example,
if no steppers are currently available, the system control program
can prompt the exerciser to use a terminal which is currently
available. This avoids the "cooling down" (and frustration) of an
exerciser who is waiting for a terminal of a particular type to be
free.
[0068] Of course, it should be kept in mind that the system control
program or fitness consultant may desire to provide "hard" and
"easy" workouts for an exerciser. Thus, an exerciser's indication
that he/she finds a particular exercise to be too bard/too easy may
not always be used as a factor in determining or varying the next
exercise to be performed. However, for example, where an exerciser
is clearly struggling (e.g., the difficulty level is significantly
lowered from an initial difficulty level or an exercise is stopped
after only a very short period of time by pressing the CLR/STOP
key), such factors may advantageously be considered in the
determination or variation of a next exercise to be performed.
[0069] As noted above, the exercise system provides an
identification on the display of an exercise terminal (e.g., on
display portion 303 of stationary bicycle 200 shown in FIG. 7 or
display portion 280 of FIG. 8B) which identifies for the exerciser
the exercise terminal to be used next in the workout. Such an
identification may include a textual identification such as "NEXT
EXERCISE TERMINAL: STEPPER", "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: TREADMILL",
or "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: FREE WEIGHTS". In a health club setting
in which there are more than one exercise terminal of the same
type, the textual identification provided on the display of the
exercise terminal can, if desired, be more specific such as "NEXT
EXERCISE TERMINAL: STEPPER #2", "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: TREADMILL
#3", or "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: FREE WEIGHTS #2". In such a health
club setting, the exercise terminals may have tags or labels
associated therewith which identify them by number. Of course, the
exercise terminals may have tags or labels with identifiers other
than numbers and such other identifiers could be provided as part
of the textual identification on the display. The prompt may also
include location information regarding the location of the next
exercise terminal to assist the exerciser in locating the terminal.
For example, the prompt could be "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: STEPPER
ALONG BACK WALL" or "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: TREADMILL BY WINDOW".
The prompt could also be in the nature of "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL:
STEPPER TO YOUR LEFT" or "NEXT EXERCISE TERMINAL: TREADMILL BEHIND
YOU". Of course, the present invention is not limited to the
above-described examples of textual identification. In general, the
textual identification may be any information which provides
meaningful guidance to the exerciser with regard to the
identification of an exercise terminal to be used next by the
exerciser and/or the location of an exercise terminal to be used
next by the exerciser.
[0070] The prompt may also include graphical information as shown
in FIGS. 13A and 13B. This prompt including graphical information
may be displayed on the display of the exercise terminal (e.g.,
display portion 303 of stationary bicycle 200 shown in FIG. 7 or
display portion 280 of FIG. 8B). FIG. 13A is a prompt which
includes a graphical representation of the exercise terminals at a
location such as a health club in which a plurality of indicators
(in this case, dots) are provided on the display to identity the
arrangement and locations of the exercise terminals at the health
club. For example, in FIG. 13A, indicators 301, 311, 312, and 313
indicate "steppers"; indicator 314 indicates an exercise station
terminal for performing sit-ups; indicator 315 indicates an
exercise station for pull-ups; indicators 316 and 317 indicate
treadmills; and indicators 303, 318, 319, and 320 indicate
stationary bicycles. The display also indicates an entrance to the
workout facility to provide an indication to the exerciser of the
location of the next terminal to be used relative to a "fixed"
feature of the facility. While an entrance is utilized as such a
"fixed" feature in FIG. 13A, other features such as a window or a
pool may be utilized. In FIG. 13A, the indicators indicating
steppers (i.e., indicators 301, 311, 312, and 313) are visually
distinguished from the other indicators in order to indicate to the
exerciser that the next exercise terminal to be used is a stepper.
The indicators may be distinguished by color, brightness, blinking,
etc. A first textual identification portion 302a of the next
terminal to be used may be provided adjacent to the visually
distinguished indicators 301, 311, 312, and 313 and a second
textual identification portion 302b of the next terminal to be used
may be provided at the bottom portion of the display. The display
of FIG. 13A also provides the exerciser with an indication of the
location of the exercise terminal currently being used.
Specifically, indicator 303 is visually distinguished from the
other indicators by brightness, color, blinking, etc.) and a
textual indication 304 (such as "YOU ARE HERE") is provided
adjacent to indicator 303. In this way, the relative location of
the exercise terminal currently being used and the next exercise
terminal to be used can be provided to the exerciser. If desired, a
path indication 331 may be provided to guide the exerciser to the
next terminal. Also, if desired, textual identifications
corresponding to each indicator or group of indicators of the same
terminal type may be provided, not just the current terminal and
the next terminal.
[0071] The display of FIG. 13A identifies the stepper as the next
exercise terminal to be used and the indicators for all of the
steppers in the health club facility are visually distinguished
from other indicators. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13B, a
particular stepper of all the steppers in the health club facility
may be identified as the next exercise terminal to be used by the
exerciser. The identification of a particular stepper may be made
in order to identify a stepper which is not currently being used or
is being "reserved" for use by the exerciser who has just finished
using the stationary bicycle indicated by indicator 303.
[0072] It will be appreciated that although each exercise terminal
is indicated by a dot in FIG. 13A, the invention is not limited in
this respect. For example, each exercise terminal may be indicated
by an icon or some other graphical (including photographical),
video, or animated representation. In this case, each exercise
terminal type may have a different icon associated therewith.
Video, photographic or animated images of the exercise terminals
and/or the health club facility may be used to guide the exerciser
through his/her workout. As with the textual information, the
graphic display may be any graphic display which provides
meaningful guidance to the exerciser with regard to the
identification of an exercise terminal to be used next by the
exerciser and/or the location of an exercise terminal to be used
next by the exerciser.
[0073] An operation of the exercise terminal network in accordance
with the present invention will be described with reference to the
flowcharts of FIGS. 14A-14C. It will be assumed for purposes of
this discussion that the exercise terminals to be used during the
workout have keypads and displays such as those shown FIGS. 7 and
8B. To begin, the exerciser presses START key 332 (ST 501). At this
time, a count of a retry counter to be described below is set to
one. At ST 502, the exerciser is prompted via a prompt on display
portion 280 or 303 to enter an exerciser identifier such as a
personal identification number (PIN). The entered exerciser
identifier is utilized to access the exercise database. As
described above, each exerciser using exercise terminal network 100
is preferably assigned a unique exerciser identifier. In a health
club setting, unique exerciser identifiers may, for example, be
assigned to each exerciser by the health club operator. If the
exerciser identifier is a PIN, the exerciser may enter the
exerciser identifier using the numeric keys 0-9 on numeric keypad
portion 293 or 330. In alternative embodiments, exercise terminals
in the network may be provided with a bar code reader and the
exercisers may be provided with exerciser identification cards
which include a bar coded exerciser identifier. The exerciser may,
for example, swipe the identification card through the bar code
reader to enter his/her exerciser identifier. Of course, other
types of identification cards such as magnetic, optical, or
semiconductor memory cards may be used in combination with
appropriate readers operatively connected to the exercise terminal
and the invention is not limited in this respect.
[0074] The processor of the exercise terminal accesses the exercise
database to determine whether the entered exerciser identifier is
in the exercise database at ST 503. If the entered exerciser
identifier is not in the exercise database, control passes to ST
504 and ST 505, where the exerciser is prompted via a prompt on
display portion 280 or 303 to re-enter the exerciser identifier. A
counter is incremented at ST 504 each time the exerciser enters an
exerciser identifier which is not found in the exercise database at
ST 503. If the count of the counter is greater than a predetermined
retry number n (such as three) at ST 505, the exerciser is prompted
via the display portion and/or the speaker(s) at ST 514 that the
entered exerciser identifier is not valid and that the system
administrator should be contacted.
[0075] At ST 503, if the exerciser identifier is in the exercise
database, control passes to ST 506 and exercise data is retrieved
from the exercise database based on the entered exerciser
identifier and the exercise terminal currently being used.
Specifically, the processor of the exercise terminal uses the
entered exerciser identifier and the exercise terminal identifier
to access the exercise database to retrieve the appropriate
exercise data. For example, in the case of an exercise apparatus
terminal such as stationary bicycle 200, the retrieved exercise
data includes an exercise identifier identifying an exercise
program executable by the processor of the exercise apparatus
terminal for varying the exercise level of the stationary bicycle
as a function of time and any corresponding exercise parameters
(for example, a total exercise time and/or a difficulty level). The
retrieved exercise identifier is used by the processor of the
exercise apparatus terminal to access one of the exercise programs
stored in the ROM of the exercise apparatus terminal, for example.
As noted above, the present invention is not limited to the
selection of exercise programs stored in the ROM of the exercise
apparatus terminal and exercise programs stored in the memory of
central computer 102 and/or in a portable memory module may also be
accessed. The display of the exercise apparatus terminal displays
to the exerciser information regarding the exercise program such as
the program name and/or a graphical display of exercise level
versus time similar to that of FIG. 6, as well as any corresponding
exercise parameters. In the case of an exercise station terminal,
the retrieved exercise data may include an exercise identifier
identifying an exercise such as stretching, sit-ups, pull-ups, and
the like, and any associated exercise parameters (for example, a
number of repetitions and/or a total exercise time). The display of
the exercise station terminal displays a text string identifying
the exercise (e.g., "stretching", "pull-ups", etc.) and the number
of repetitions and/or total exercise time.
[0076] The exerciser may use these displays of the exercise
terminals to verify the exercise data prior to beginning the
exercise. Of course, other data may be displayed and the invention
is not limited in this respect. If the exercise data is acceptable
to the exerciser at ST 507, the exerciser presses START key 332 to
begin exercise ST 508. The exerciser may, if desired, change any of
the retrieved exercise data at ST 509.
[0077] During exercise, the processor of the exercise terminal
controls the display to display relevant exercise data. In the case
of an exercise apparatus terminal, such exercise data may include
the elapsed exercise time, current difficulty level, desired
activity level, actual activity level, and the like. An
appropriately illuminated display of exercise level versus time to
indicate an exercisers progress through the exercise program may
also be provided. If a pulse monitor is used, the display may also
provide either a readout of the exerciser's pulse or a graphical
display indicating whether the exerciser's pulse is in an
appropriate target range for the exerciser. In the case of an
exercise station terminal for stretching, the display may provide
an indication of exercise time elapsed, exercise time remaining,
and/or some graphical indication of the progress of the
exerciser.
[0078] The processor of the exercise terminal may monitor the
exerciser's pulse rate during exercise using a pulse monitor. For
example, the processor of the exercise terminal may monitor the
exerciser's pulse rate at regular predetermined intervals or at
predetermined times during exercise. The monitoring of the
exerciser's pulse rate permits a determination of whether the
exerciser's pulse rate is generally within a range appropriate for
achieving the exerciser's goals (e.g., cardiovascular fitness or
fat loss). At the end of the exercise when the elapsed time equals
the total exercise time (ST 510) or if the CLEAR/STOP key 340 is
pressed (ST 511), the processor of the exercise terminal drives the
display and/or speaker(s) to output a prompt indicating the end of
the program at ST 512 (see FIG. 14B). The processor of the exercise
terminal then causes the exercise database to be updated to include
an indication that the exercise was completed by the exerciser. The
exercise database may also be updated to indicate whether the
exerciser changed the pre-selected exercise data and, if so, the
exercise data (e.g., exercise program, the total exercise time,
and/or difficulty level) which was changed. The exercise database
may also be updated to include data regarding the exerciser's pulse
rate during exercise. This pulse rate data may be the exerciser's
actual pulse rate at various points during the exercise or some
average pulse rate over exercise time of the exercise. Further, the
system may also store data regarding whether the exerciser changed
the exercise parameters of an exercise apparatus terminal during
exercise. The exercise terminal may also prompt the exerciser to
enter an indication of whether the exerciser felt the exercise was
too hard, too easy, or about right. The stopping of exercise prior
to completion may also be recorded in the exercise database. It
will be appreciated that not all of the above data needs to be
stored and that this or other data may be stored for use by the
control program and/or the fitness consultant in the pre-selection
of exercise data.
[0079] At ST 513, a determination is made whether the current
exercise is the last exercise in the current workout. If so, a
prompt is provided to the exerciser at ST 514 indicating that the
workout is over. If not, a prompt is provided to the exerciser at
ST 515 indicating which exercise terminal should be utilized next
by the exerciser. Such a prompt was discussed above with respect to
FIGS. 13A and 13B and the accompanying description.
[0080] FIG. 14C is a flow chart illustrating a process for updating
the exercise database. The updating may be performed periodically.
For example, the exerciser may be prompted to perform such an
update after the last exercise of a workout. The updating of the
exercise database may be accomplished using an input device and
display device associated with the central computer or using a
computer connected to the central computer. The updating can also
be performed using an input device(s) and display(s) of an exercise
apparatus terminal or an exercise station terminal. In the case of
an exercise terminal, the updating process may be started at ST 601
by pressing PROFILE key 342 on keypad 207. At this time, the count
of a retry counter is reset to one. Similarly, a predetermined key
sequence or a menu selection may be utilized to start the updating
process using the central computer or some other computer connected
to the central computer. At ST 602, the exerciser inputs an
exerciser identifier using the input device which may be a keypad
or a bar code reader, for example. The exercise database is
accessed to determine whether the entered exerciser identifier is
in the exercise database at ST 603. If the entered exercise
identifier is not in the exercise database, control passes to ST
604 and ST 605 where the exerciser is prompted via a prompt on the
display device of the central computer, a display device of the
computer connected to the central computer, or the display device
of the exercise terminal to re-enter the exerciser identifier. A
counter is incremented at ST 604 each time the exerciser enters an
exerciser identifier which is not found in the exercise database at
ST 603. If the count of the counter is greater than a predetermined
retry number m (such as three) at ST 605, the exerciser is prompted
via the appropriate display and/or speaker(s) at ST 606 that the
entered exerciser identifier is invalid and that the system
administrator should be contacted. If the exerciser identifier is
found in the exercise database at ST 603, information and messages
may be communicated to the exerciser visually and/or aurally at ST
607. The information may, for example, inform the exerciser about
upcoming health club matters such as closings, changed hours, etc.
or about upcoming health club events. Messages to the exerciser
from the system administrator or a fitness consultant may also be
reviewed at this time. When the exerciser is finished reviewing any
information or messages at ST 607, the exerciser may be prompted
for various inputs, for example, to update the exerciser profile at
ST 608. The exerciser may be prompted to input, for example,
his/her current weight; to update any exercise goals such as a race
in which the exerciser will participate; etc. It will be
appreciated that various interfaces for updating profile data may
be utilized and the invention is not limited in this respect. When
the exerciser's input is complete, the process ends at ST 609. This
updating may even take place while an exerciser is exercising using
prompts displayed on the display of an exercise apparatus terminal
or exercise station terminal.
[0081] Various factors which may be utilized in the selection of
exercises and workouts by the system control program and/or a
fitness consultant will now be described. In a first instance,
suppose the exerciser had entered an exerciser profile indicating a
fitness goal of fat loss. If the pulse rate of the exerciser as
monitored by the processor of an exercise terminal during the
exercises of previous workouts is generally outside the range for
fat loss, for example, below 65% of the exerciser's maximum heart
rate, the system control program or the fitness consultant may
subsequently select exercises which are "harder" in order to
increase the exerciser's pulse rate up into the range which is best
suited to achieve fat loss, i.e., between about 65% and 75% of the
exerciser's maximum heart rate. Similarly, if the pulse rate of the
exerciser as monitored by the processor of an exercise terminal
during the exercises of previous workouts is generally too high for
achieving fat loss, i.e., above 75% of the exerciser's maximum
heart rate, the system control program or the fitness consultant
may subsequently select exercises which are "easier" in order to
decrease the exerciser's pulse rate down into the range which is
best suited to achieve fat loss, i.e., between about 65% and 75% of
the exerciser's maximum heart rate. As an exerciser continues a
training routine, it will be likely that harder exercises will need
to be selected to ensure that an exerciser's pulse rate is within
the range best suited for achieving fat loss so that the full
benefits of workouts may be obtained.
[0082] In a second instance, the system control program or the
fitness consultant may base the exercise selection on a particular
fitness goal of the exerciser, e.g., playing soccer, playing
tennis, playing golf, playing basketball, playing hockey, playing
baseball, skiing, etc. Such a fitness goal may be entered in the
exerciser's profile and then utilized by the system control program
or the fitness consultant in the selection, over time, of a
sequence of exercises and workouts designed to train the exerciser
for the selected fitness goal. For example, for an exerciser who
plays tennis, the system control program or the fitness consultant
may select exercises and workouts which are best suited for getting
an exerciser in "tennis shape", e.g., exercises which have
alternating relatively short periods of high exercise levels
(corresponding to volleys) and relatively short periods of low
exercise levels (corresponding to the time between points).
Similarly, for an exerciser who plays soccer, the system control
program or fitness consultant may select exercises and workouts
which are best suited for getting an exerciser in "soccer shape",
e.g, exercises which have relatively long periods of moderate
exercise levels and relatively short periods of high activity
levels. In addition, the system control program or fitness
consultant may also base the selection for complementing the
training of an exerciser for some event, for example, running a
five kilometer race, running a ten kilometer race, running a
marathon, bicycling in a bicycle race of some distance, etc. The
event may even be more specifically defined, e.g., running a ten
kilometer race on a particular date in the future. Taking into
account the current date, the system control program or fitness
consultant may select a sequence of exercises and workouts designed
to complement other training of the exerciser (e.g., road work) for
the race on the particular day. The information as to the
exerciser's fitness goals may also permit the system control
program or the fitness consultant to select exercises which
"balance" utilization of various muscle groups. For instance, if an
exerciser selects a goal associated with running, the system
control program or fitness consultant may select exercises which
attempt to compensate for the greater use of certain muscles during
running Of course, the system control program or fitness consultant
may base the exercise selection on a combination of the first and
second instances, i.e., a combination of a particular fitness goal
such as running, basketball, etc. and an indication of whether fat
loss or cardiorespiratory fitness is desired.
[0083] In a third instance, the system control program or fitness
consultant may base the exercise selection on pulse rates
determined by a physician for a rehabilitation program of a
patient. For example, the physician may determine that the
patient's pulse rate during exercise should be in range defined by
a first, lower pulse rate and a second, higher pulse rate. Thus, if
the processor of an exercise terminal monitors that the patient's
pulse rate was generally below the first pulse rate during one or
more previous exercises or workouts, the system control program or
the fitness consultant may subsequently automatically select harder
exercises and workouts. Similarly, if the patient's pulse rate
generally exceeded the second pulse rate during one or more
previous exercises or workouts, the system control program or the
fitness consultant may subsequently select easier exercises. In
situations where a patient's pulse rate must be carefully
controlled, the system control program may include a routine for
automatically changing the difficulty level and/or exercise time
during exercise if the patient's pulse rate is too high or too low.
Such changes may be stored in the exercise database and utilized by
the system control program or fitness consultant in the subsequent
selection of exercises and workouts.
[0084] In a fourth instance, the system control program or fitness
consultant may base the exercise selection on a current date. For
example, persons are more likely to gain weight during the year-end
holidays. Accordingly, the system control program or fitness
consultant may select exercises which are designed to achieve fat
loss during this time of the year. In addition, during winter
months, e.g., December, January, and February, an exerciser's
outdoor activities may be reduced. Accordingly, the system control
program or the fitness consultant may select exercises of increased
exercise time and/or difficulty in order to compensate for the
reduced outdoor activities in order to better maintain the
exerciser's fitness level.
[0085] The system control program of central computer 102 may
include additional routines for implementing various other features
of the present invention. For example, the system control program
may include a routine for permitting the periodic and/or automatic
tracking of the progress of one or more the exercisers. Such a
routine may periodically scan the exercise database to determine,
for example, if there are any exercisers who have missed one or
more workouts, who have not worked out for some period of time, or
whose physiological data collected during exercise indicates
inadequate progress. The routine of the system control program may
then output data on a display screen or on printing device which
identifies such exercisers so that the administrator of the central
computer can notify the appropriate fitness consultants. In an
alternative implementation, the routine of the control program may
output and forward an e-mail (electronic mail) message to the
fitness consultant. In either case, the fitness consultant can
quickly be made aware of possible problems in the exerciser's work
habits or of some illness or injury preventing the exerciser from
working out. This feedback of the exerciser's activities permits a
more hands-on approach to be taken by the fitness consultant. In
still another alternative embodiment, the routine of the control
program may output and forward an e-mail message to the
exerciser.
[0086] The control program of central computer 102 may also include
a routine which monitors which exercise terminals are currently
being used by exercisers. Such a routine is particularly useful in
a health club setting, although its implementation is not limited
in this respect. By monitoring which exercise terminals are
currently in use, the routine can verify that an exercise terminal
of the type to be used next by an exerciser is available. In this
way, the display of FIG. 13B which indicates a specific exercise
terminal to be used next may be generated. If an exercise terminal
of the type to be used next is not available, the system control
program can select an exercise terminal which is available. For
example, if the next exercise terminal to be used by an exerciser
in a pre-selected workout is a stepper, but all the steppers are
currently being used, the system control program can direct the
exerciser to a stationary bicycle. If appropriate, after using the
stationary bicycle, the exerciser may be directed to the stepper.
In this way, the exerciser is not kept waiting to use exercise
terminals.
[0087] In addition, a routine for monitoring which exercise
terminals are currently being used may be used to inform exercisers
which exercise terminals are currently available and how much time
remains in the exercises for exercise terminals which are currently
being used. This routine is particularly useful at peak use times
of a health club and permits exercisers to determine when certain
exercise terminals may be free. The exercisers may access this
information using a display and a keyboard and/or pointing device
(such as a mouse) of central computer 102. An example of a screen
which may be presented on the display of central computer 102 to
inform exercisers is shown in FIG. 15A. The upper portion 350 of
the display is similar to the displays of FIGS. 13A and 13B and
shows the arrangement and locations of the exercise terminals at
the health club. The list box 351 lists the types of exercise
terminals at the health club, i.e., steppers, stationary bicycles,
treadmills, sit-up station, and pull-up station. A cursor 353 may
be positioned to highlight one of the terminal types in this list
using the keyboard or the pointing device. The indicators in the
upper display portion 350 which correspond to the highlighted
terminal type are visually distinguished from other indicators. In
this case, the cursor 353 is positioned on the list choice
"STEPPERS" and thus indicators 301, 311, 312, and 313 are visually
distinguished from other indicators. The list box 355 lists each
terminal in the health club of the type highlighted in list box
351. Thus, in this case, list box 355 lists the four steppers
corresponding to indicators 301, 311, 312, and 313 of the upper
display portion 350. For each stepper, an indication is provided as
to whether that stepper is free (i.e., not currently being used) or
as to how much time remains in the current exercise program which
is being executed. As shown in FIG. 15A, stepper 1 has 12:15 (12
minutes, 15 seconds) remaining in the current exercise program;
stepper 2 has 8:12; stepper 3 has 2:12; and stepper 4 is free. In
FIG. 15B, the cursor has been positioned to highlight "STATIONARY
BICYCLES" in list box 351. Thus, indicators 316 and 317 are
visually distinguished from other indicators and list box 355 lists
the stationary bicycles corresponding to indicators 316 and 317. As
shown in FIG. 15B, stationary bicycle 1 has 3:14 remaining in the
current exercise program and stationary bicycle 2 has 2:25
remaining As shown in FIG. 15C, the cursor may be positioned in the
list box 355 and positioned to highlight one of the stationary
bicycles, e.g., stationary bicycle 2. In this case, only indicator
317 corresponding to stationary bicycle 2 is visually distinguished
from other indicators.
[0088] The system control program may also include a routine which
permits exercisers to reserve particular exercise terminals using,
for example, their exerciser identifiers. The reservation may be
for a particular time, e.g., 6:30 p.m.; for a particular terminal
when it becomes free; or for any terminal of a particular type when
it becomes free. The exerciser may then begin exercising on another
terminal. When the reserved terminal becomes free, the exerciser is
provided with a prompt at the terminal at which he/she is currently
exercising. The prompt may be either visual (e.g., on the display
of the exercise terminal) or aural (using the speaker of the
exercise terminal). The exerciser may then confirm his/her
intention to use the reserved exercise terminal or may cancel the
reservation to free the exercise terminal. If the exerciser
confirms his/her intention to use the reserved exercise terminal,
the reserved terminal is then available only for his/her use for
some period of time, e.g., two minutes. During this time, other
exercisers will be "locked-out" from using the exercise terminal.
Specifically, the exercise terminal can be used only by entering
the exerciser identifier or some password of the exerciser who
reserved the exercise terminal. Alternatively or in addition, the
central computer may cause an announcement over a loudspeaker (or
loudspeakers) positioned in the health club. Still further, when
the reserved terminal becomes free, the exerciser may be paged
using a paging system. Such a pager system could, for example, be
similar to a pager system used in restaurants. The reservation may
be placed using an interface similar to the interface described
above with respect to FIGS. 15A-15C. For example, a predetermined
keypress from the screen of FIG. 15C may bring up a reservation
screen such as the screen of FIG. 15D. As suggested by FIG. 15D,
the exerciser may reserve stationary bicycle 2 "NEXT", i.e., at the
end of the current exercise program or at a "PARTICULAR TIME". The
exerciser is also given the option to reserve the first available
stationary bicycle, i.e., whichever one of stationary bicycles 1
and 2 is free first. Selection of these choices leads the exerciser
to a screen such as that of FIG. 15E where the exerciser is
prompted to enter his/her exerciser identifier or password in order
to complete the reservation process. It will be apparent that more
sophisticated reservation processes, taking into account, for
example, reservations by other exercisers, may be implemented
within the spirit of the present invention.
[0089] In addition, a display such as the display of FIG. 15A may
be provided on the display of an exercise terminal. Such a display
may, for example, be automatically generated as an exerciser's
current exercise at an exercise terminal is finishing up, e.g.,
when there is less than a minute left in the current exercise. The
exerciser may use NEXT and PREV keys 336 and 338 to position a
cursor so as to highlight one of the exercise terminal types in
list box 351. The exerciser can use this information in making
his/her determination as to which exercise terminal he/she should
use next. In another implementation, the exerciser may press a
numeric key corresponding to one of the steppers, for example, to
reserve that stepper for some predetermined period of time. It is
noted that these features for providing information regarding other
exercise terminals and for reserving exercise terminals may be
implemented independently of the automatic "next exercise terminal"
feature described above.
[0090] The system control program of central computer 102 may also
include a lock-out routine for locking out other exercisers when a
first exerciser is finishing up a program (e.g., less than two
minutes remaining) on a first exercise terminal and the exercise
database includes workout data whereby the first exerciser is to
use a second exercise terminal when he/she is finished using the
first exercise terminal. Assuming the second exercise terminal is
currently available, the lock-out routine of the system control
program would not permit other exercisers to begin using the second
exercise terminal. For example, when the second exerciser enters
his/her exerciser identifier into the second exercise terminal, a
prompt may be displayed on the display portion of the exercise
terminal indicating the exercise terminal is not currently
available to be used. However, when the first exerciser enters
his/her exerciser identifier, the lock-out routine does not lock
out the first exerciser from using the second exercise
terminal.
[0091] Central computer 102 may also utilize an e-mail link for
communication to/from exercisers. For example, a fitness consultant
may advise an exerciser that workout days using the exercise
terminal network should be intermixed with workout days of other
exercises including, but not limited to, walking, swimming, biking,
tennis, golf or jogging. In one implementation, another routine of
the system control program may query an exerciser via e-mail as to
whether any such activity was performed on a day when the exerciser
does not go to the health club. For example, the routine of the
system control program may scan the exerciser database to determine
which exercisers did not work out using an exercise terminal
connected in the exercise terminal network on a previous day. The
routine may then generate and forward an e-mail message to these
exercisers asking about any activity or activities which they may
have performed on that previous day. The e-mail message may, for
example, comprise a form-like message having check boxes and edit
fields which the exerciser can "fill-in" and return to the central
computer as an e-mail reply. The form-like message for a particular
exerciser may be a generic message suitable for all the exercisers
using the network or may be generated based on activities in which
the exerciser indicates to the fitness consultant that he/she
participates. The e-mail reply is used by central computer 102 to
appropriately update the exercise database. In this way, an
accurate record of all activities by the exerciser may be
maintained in the exercise database and utilized in selecting
appropriate work-outs which use the exercise terminals of the
exercise network and which involve other exercise activities.
[0092] Yet another routine of the control program may generate and
forward to an exerciser an e-mail message setting forth a workout
for the exerciser on a particular day or days. The exerciser may
then indicate via a reply e-mail message whether he/she performed
the suggested work-out (or some other workout, if any).
[0093] While the invention has been described in terms of terminals
connected to a central computer, certain features may be
implemented in a stand-alone terminal by providing a table such as
the table of FIG. 16 in the memory (e.g, E.sup.2PROM) of each
exercise terminal. The table of FIG. 16 defines a relationship
between exercisers and exercises. Specifically, the table of FIG.
16 includes exerciser identifiers each of which is associated with
an exerciser. The exerciser identifiers may, for example, be
exerciser identifier numbers. For each exerciser identifier, the
table identifies exercise data such as an exercise identifier,
exercise parameters (e.g., a total exercise time and a difficulty
level), and "next" exercise data. For example, exercise program 1,
a total exercise time parameter of 8:00 minutes, a difficulty level
parameter of 8, and an exerciser terminal type identifier of 13 may
be associated with exerciser identifier 1. It will be appreciated
that the total exercise time and/or the difficulty level may be
omitted, if desired. The exercise terminal type identifiers may be
provided in order to provide a prompt to an exerciser regarding the
next exercise terminal to be used by the exerciser. In this regard,
when an exercise program is completed, a database portion such as
the database portion of FIG. 11B is accessed using the exercise
terminal type identifier to generate a prompt for prompting the
exerciser as to which exercise terminal type should be utilized
next. This prompt may be a visual prompt using a display, an aural
prompt using a speaker(s), or a combined visual and aural prompt
using both a display and a speaker(s) as described above with
respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B. In order to use the stand-alone
terminal, the exerciser enters his/her exerciser identifier and the
processor uses the entered exercise identifier to access the table
of FIG. 16. From the table, the processor selects a program from
memory and sets the appropriate total exercise time and/or
difficulty level. The exerciser may, if desired, change these
pre-selected data items. The user may then begin exercise. The
memory may also be configured to allocate some memory for storing
data such as pulse rate during exercise and/or to store any changes
which were made to the program data by the exerciser. The data
constituting the table of FIG. 16 may be periodically provided to
the ROM of the exercise terminal using, for example, a portable
memory module or a computer connected to the exercise terminal
using the I/O port.
[0094] Each of the above-referenced issued patents and patent
applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the instant
specification.
[0095] While there has been shown and described various embodiments
of the present invention, it will be evident to those skilled in
the art that various modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention which is set forth in the
appended claims.
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