WO2006053349A1 - An exercise system - Google Patents

An exercise system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006053349A1
WO2006053349A1 PCT/ZA2005/000166 ZA2005000166W WO2006053349A1 WO 2006053349 A1 WO2006053349 A1 WO 2006053349A1 ZA 2005000166 W ZA2005000166 W ZA 2005000166W WO 2006053349 A1 WO2006053349 A1 WO 2006053349A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
exercise
class
person
machine
data
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2005/000166
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gustav James Smit
Original Assignee
Gustav James Smit
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gustav James Smit filed Critical Gustav James Smit
Publication of WO2006053349A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006053349A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0084—Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
    • G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0075—Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
    • A63B2024/0081—Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
    • A63B2071/0627—Emitting sound, noise or music when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0638—Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
    • A63B2071/0641—Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment with a marker advancing in function of the exercise
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
    • A63B21/0053—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using alternators or dynamos
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters
    • A63B21/015—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/0076—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
    • A63B22/201—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising for moving a support element in reciprocating translation, i.e. for sliding back and forth on a guide track
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/20—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/04—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
    • A63B2230/06—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations heartbeat rate only
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/08—Measuring physiological parameters of the user other bio-electrical signals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/30—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood pressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an exercise system and, more specifically, to a system for monitoring the performance of persons exercising in a group as well as providing motivation to such persons to carry out the exercise they are partaking in.
  • the inventor therefore believes that a need exists for an exercise system that permits an instructor to monitor the performance of individual persons in a group of exercisers as well as to provide motivation to persons to follow the instructor's commands.
  • an exercise system including:- - two or more stationary exercise machines for use in a group exercise class;
  • - data capturing means connected to the stationary exercise machines to capture data associated with each machine and/or a person using the machine;
  • a central data processing means for receiving data from the data capturing means and for processing said data; - a first display means for displaying the processed data to an instructor of the group exercise class in a desired format to permit the instructor to monitor the performance of each person partaking in the exercise class; and
  • a second display means for displaying the processed data to a person partaking in the exercise class in a desired format to permit the person to view his or her performance relative to that of at least one other person partaking in the exercise class and/ or relative to that of the instructor.
  • the stationary exercise machines may be selected from the group including: a spinning bicycle, an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, an elliptical machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, a cross-country simulator, and a rowing machine.
  • Each exercise machine used in the group exercise class may be provided with one data capturing means.
  • the data capturing means may be configured to capture data directly from the exercise machine.
  • the data capturing means may capture the number of revolutions or repetitions per time unit executed on the machine.
  • the data capturing means may, for example, capture the number of revolutions per minute in the case of a spinning or upright bicycle, the number of strokes per minute in the case of a rowing machine, or the number of steps per minute in the case of a stair stepper.
  • each bicycle may be provided with a marker attached to a wheel of said bicycle and a sensor for sensing when the marker moves past it.
  • the data capturing means may furthermore capture the load intensity that the exercise machine is being used at. For example, it may capture the resistance set on a spinning bicycle, upright bicycle, or rowing machine.
  • each bicycle may be provided with a means for imparting frictional resistance to at least one of the wheels of the bicycle.
  • the magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel may be selectable.
  • each bicycle may be provided with a means configured to convert mechanical energy into electric energy by electric induction and may therefore be in the form of a dynamo mounted on at least one of the wheels of the bicycle.
  • the magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel by the dynamo may be selectable by manipulating the electrical load that generates the magnetic field in the dynamo.
  • the data capturing means may additionally be configured to capture biometric data from a person using the exercise machine.
  • the data capturing means may, for example, capture the pulse rate and/or blood pressure of the person.
  • the exercise machine may be provided with a data entering means into which a user may enter his or her gender, age, and/or weight.
  • the data entering means may be a suitable keypad and data storage device.
  • the person may furthermore enter a handicap into the data entering means which handicap will be taken into consideration when evaluating the performance of said person.
  • the handicap of each person may be recalculated after every exercise session attended.
  • an alarm signal may be activated.
  • the alarm signal may be visual and/ or audible and may be displayed to the relevant person as well as to the instructor.
  • the central data processing means may process the data from the data capturing means and display the performance of the persons partaking in the exercise class and that of the instructor as a graphical display. The performance of each person may be determined by the weighted product of the revolutions, steps, or strokes per unit of time recorded, the selected handicap, and the selected load intensity of the exercise machine.
  • the central data processing means may be located on the exercise machine of the instructor.
  • the graphical display may be in the form of a bar chart, showing the performance of each person and/or that of the instructor as a bar.
  • the graphical display may show a virtual position of each person in relation to the rest of the class and/ or the instructor.
  • Each exercise machine may have a number allocated to it which number may be used to identify each person partaking in the exercise class when his or her performance is displayed graphically.
  • the instructor may be able to view his or her performance as well as that of all persons partaking in the exercise class.
  • the persons partaking in the class may only be able to view their performance in relation to that of the instructor.
  • each person may be able to view their performance in relation to that of the remainder of the class and in relation to that of the instructor.
  • the instructor may verbally motivate persons that are performing well in relation to him or her to continue their good performance as well encouraging persons that are performing poorly in relation to the instructor and/or the remainder of the class to increase their performance.
  • Each exercise machine may be provided with a "lifeline" which, when activated will place the displayed performance of the person using the machine equal to that of the person in the class displaying the strongest performance.
  • the display means may indicate when a person has used the lifeline. Alternatively, this information may be displayed on a screen located so that all persons partaking in the class may view it. Provision of the lifeline is aimed at enabling poor performers to catch up to the remainder of the class so as not to become de-motivated.
  • Each person may be permitted to use the lifeline a predetermined number of times during one exercise class.
  • the number of times that a person is permitted to use the lifeline during one exercise class may be determined in accordance with that person's gender, age, and fitness level as well as in accordance with the degree of difficulty of the exercise class.
  • the first and second display means may be in the form of liquid crystal display screens.
  • the first and second display means may be mounted on the exercise machines being used by the instructor and persons partaking in the class respectively.
  • the captured information relating to each user may be displayed in a colour-coded block at the bottom of a screen.
  • Each colour code may correspond to a particular exercise machine and user.
  • the arrangement of the blocks may change dynamically to correspond to the position of the user in relation to the rest of the class e.g. the user in the first position may have his/her block displayed at the bottom left of the screen with the user in the next position having his/her displayed to the right of said first block.
  • the display means may display the persons partaking in the exercise class as a real group of cyclists wherein the person having the highest pedalling frequency will be shown at the front of the group with the remainder of the persons shown behind that person as a pelaton.
  • the graphic display may include computer generated three dimensional figures in the form of cyclists representing the participants of the exercise class.
  • the images may be projected onto a simulated terrain model which is typically a route through a city or through the country.
  • the position of the class participants relative to each other is determined by their performance as described above.
  • Each display means may show the person using the exercise machine associated with that display means in relation to the remainder of the person partaking in the class so that said person can view himself in relation to the remainder of the class.
  • virtual races may be carried out using stationary exercise machines whilst each participant can monitor his position relative to the remainder of the persons partaking in the race.
  • the lighting in the area where the exercise class is taking place may be dimmed so that the display means can be seen more clearly.
  • music having a high beat frequency may be played during the class to further motivate person partaking in the class.
  • the performance of each person partaking in the class relative to that of the instructor may be calculated and displayed as a percentage on a screen located so that all persons partaking in the class may view it.
  • the present exercise system may be used in combination with a virtual reality program wherein all persons participating in the exercise class are using the same program during the exercise class.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exercise system in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a first option of displaying the information captured by the data capturing means
  • Figure 3 shows a second option of displaying the information captured by the data capturing means
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a means for measuring the number of revolutions of a stationary bicycle wheel in use
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a first means for selecting the load intensity of a stationary bicycle when in use
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a second means for selecting the load intensity of a stationary bicycle when in use.
  • reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exercise system in accordance with the present invention.
  • An exercise system 10 includes a plurality of stationary exercise machines 12 for use in a group exercise class.
  • Each exercise machine 12 includes a data capturing means 14 connected thereto to capture data 16 associated with that machine 12 and a person (not shown) using the machine 12.
  • a central data processing means 18 is provided on an exercise machine 20 used by an instructor (not shown) of the class.
  • the central data processing means 18 is configured to receive data 16 from the data capturing means 14 and for processing said data 16.
  • a first display means in the form of a liquid crystal display screen 22 is mounted on the exercise machine 20 of the instructor for displaying the processed data in a desired format to permit the instructor to monitor the performance of each person partaking in the exercise class
  • a second display means in the form of a liquid crystal display screens 24 are mounted on the exercise machines 12 of the person partaking in the class for displaying the processed data 16 in a desired format to permit the person to view his or her performance relative to that of at least one other person partaking in the exercise class and/ or relative to that of the instructor.
  • the stationary exercise machines 12 are selected from the group including: a spinning bicycle, an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, an elliptical machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, a cross-country simulator, and a rowing machine.
  • the data capturing means 14 captures data 16 directly from the exercise machine 12 as well as from a person using the machine 12. In the case of for example, a spinning bicycle, the data capturing means 14 captures the number of revolutions per time unit executed on the machine 12 as well as the load intensity that the machine 12 has been set to.
  • a bicycle wheel 26 is provided with a metal marker 28 and a sensor 30 for sensing when the marker 28 moves past it.
  • the sensor 30 is attached to a frame 36 of the bicycle via a bracket 38.
  • the sensor 30 has a detection range which can be selected to correspond to the physical dimensions of the bicycle.
  • the marker 28 must be installed so that the wheel 26 is outside the detection range of the sensor 30 but the marker 28 is within the detection range when passing the sensor 30 during each revolution of the wheel 26.
  • the voltage output of the sensor 30 will correspond to the number of times that the marker 28 is detected. In this manner, the number of revolutions of the wheel 26 can be recorded and this data is then transferred to the central data processing means 18.
  • a bicycle wheel 26 provided with an actuator 32 for imparting frictional resistance thereto.
  • the magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel 26 by the actuator 32 is selectable.
  • the actuator 32 is attached to the frame 36 of the bicycle in such a manner that the force being exerted by the actuator 32 is substantially perpendicular to the wheel 26.
  • a friction pad is attached to the actuator shaft and is used to establish contact between the actuator 32 and the wheel 26.
  • the surface pressure between the wheel 26 and the actuator 32 is controlled by means of a controller forming part of the actuator 32 which determines the displacement of the actuator shaft.
  • the controller can be controlled by the person using the bicycle or by the instructor.
  • the bicycle wheel 26 is provided with a means configured to convert mechanical energy into electric energy by electric induction such as, for example, a dynamo 34 mounted on the wheel 26.
  • the dynamo 34 resists the rotation of the wheel 26.
  • the magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel 26 by the dynamo 34 is selectable by manipulating the electrical load that generates the magnetic field in the dynamo 34.
  • the data capturing means 14 also captures the pulse rate and/or blood pressure of the person using the machine 12.
  • Each exercise machine 12 is provided with a data entering means in the form of a keypad and data storage device (not shown) to permit a person using the machine 12 to enter his or her gender, age and/or weight.
  • the person typically furthermore enters a handicap into the data entering means which handicap will be taken into consideration when evaluating the performance of said person.
  • the handicap of each person recalculated after every exercise session attended.
  • an alarm signal is activated.
  • the alarm signal is typically audible so as to alert the instructor.
  • the central data processing means 18 processes the data 16 from the data capturing means 14 and displays the performance of the persons partaking in the exercise class and that of the instructor as a graphical display.
  • the performance of each person is determined by the weighted product of the revolutions, steps, or strokes per unit of time recorded, the selected handicap, and the selected load intensity of the exercise machine 12.
  • the graphical display can in the form of a bar chart, showing the performance of each person and/or that of the instructor as a bar.
  • the graphical display shows each person in relation to the rest of the class and/ or the instructor.
  • Each exercise machine 12 has a number allocated to it which number is used to identify each person partaking in the exercise class when his or her performance is displayed graphically as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the instructor and persons partaking in the class are able to view their performance in relation to that of the remainder of the class and in relation to that of the instructor.
  • the instructor can verbally motivate persons that are performing well in relation to him or her to continue their good performance as well encouraging persons that are performing poorly in relation to the instructor and/or the remainder of the class to increase their performance.
  • Each exercise machine 12 is provided with a "lifeline" (not shown) which, when activated will place the displayed performance of the person using the machine 12 equal to that of the person in the class displaying the strongest performance.
  • the display means 22 and 24 will indicate when a person has used the lifeline as can be seen for person 5 in Figure 3.
  • the provision of the lifeline is aimed at enabling poor performers to catch up to the remainder of the class so as not to become de-motivated.

Abstract

An exercise system (10) includes a plurality of stationary exercise machines (12) for use in a group exercise class. Each exercise machine (12) includes a data capturing means (14) connected thereto to capture data (16) associated with that machine (12) and a person (not shown) using the machine (12). A central data processing means (18) is provided on an exercise machine (20) used by an instructor (not shown) of the class. The central data processing means (18) is configured to receive data 16 from the data capturing means (14) and for processing said data (16). A first display means in the form of a liquid crystal display screen (22) is mounted on the exercise machine (20) of the instructor for displaying the processed data in a desired format to permit the instructor to monitor the performance of each person partaking in the exercise class.

Description

AN EXERCISE SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an exercise system and, more specifically, to a system for monitoring the performance of persons exercising in a group as well as providing motivation to such persons to carry out the exercise they are partaking in.
Background to the Invention
A growing trend in the fitness industry has been to offer exercise classes using stationary exercise equipment to a group of persons. A problem associated with such classes is that persons do not always follow the commands given by an instructor in respect of a desired speed or intensity to be carried out by the persons. This results in a general lack of co- operation between the instructor and the persons so that the persons do not obtain the maximum benefit from the class.
The inventor therefore believes that a need exists for an exercise system that permits an instructor to monitor the performance of individual persons in a group of exercisers as well as to provide motivation to persons to follow the instructor's commands.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention, there is provided an exercise system including:- - two or more stationary exercise machines for use in a group exercise class;
- data capturing means connected to the stationary exercise machines to capture data associated with each machine and/or a person using the machine;
- a central data processing means for receiving data from the data capturing means and for processing said data; - a first display means for displaying the processed data to an instructor of the group exercise class in a desired format to permit the instructor to monitor the performance of each person partaking in the exercise class; and
- a second display means for displaying the processed data to a person partaking in the exercise class in a desired format to permit the person to view his or her performance relative to that of at least one other person partaking in the exercise class and/ or relative to that of the instructor.
The stationary exercise machines may be selected from the group including: a spinning bicycle, an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, an elliptical machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, a cross-country simulator, and a rowing machine.
Each exercise machine used in the group exercise class may be provided with one data capturing means.
The data capturing means may be configured to capture data directly from the exercise machine.
The data capturing means may capture the number of revolutions or repetitions per time unit executed on the machine. The data capturing means may, for example, capture the number of revolutions per minute in the case of a spinning or upright bicycle, the number of strokes per minute in the case of a rowing machine, or the number of steps per minute in the case of a stair stepper.
In the case of a stationary bicycle, each bicycle may be provided with a marker attached to a wheel of said bicycle and a sensor for sensing when the marker moves past it. In this manner, the number of revolutions of the wheel to which the marker is attached can be recorded and this data may then be transferred to the central data processing means. The data capturing means may furthermore capture the load intensity that the exercise machine is being used at. For example, it may capture the resistance set on a spinning bicycle, upright bicycle, or rowing machine.
In the case of a stationary bicycle, each bicycle may be provided with a means for imparting frictional resistance to at least one of the wheels of the bicycle. The magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel may be selectable.
Alternatively, each bicycle may be provided with a means configured to convert mechanical energy into electric energy by electric induction and may therefore be in the form of a dynamo mounted on at least one of the wheels of the bicycle. The magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel by the dynamo may be selectable by manipulating the electrical load that generates the magnetic field in the dynamo.
The data capturing means may additionally be configured to capture biometric data from a person using the exercise machine. The data capturing means may, for example, capture the pulse rate and/or blood pressure of the person.
The exercise machine may be provided with a data entering means into which a user may enter his or her gender, age, and/or weight. The data entering means may be a suitable keypad and data storage device.
The person may furthermore enter a handicap into the data entering means which handicap will be taken into consideration when evaluating the performance of said person. The handicap of each person may be recalculated after every exercise session attended.
Should the captured pulse rate and/or blood pressure of a person using the exercise machine exceed a set value predetermined in accordance with the age and weight of that person, an alarm signal may be activated. The alarm signal may be visual and/ or audible and may be displayed to the relevant person as well as to the instructor. The central data processing means may process the data from the data capturing means and display the performance of the persons partaking in the exercise class and that of the instructor as a graphical display. The performance of each person may be determined by the weighted product of the revolutions, steps, or strokes per unit of time recorded, the selected handicap, and the selected load intensity of the exercise machine.
The central data processing means may be located on the exercise machine of the instructor.
The graphical display may be in the form of a bar chart, showing the performance of each person and/or that of the instructor as a bar. Alternatively, the graphical display may show a virtual position of each person in relation to the rest of the class and/ or the instructor.
Each exercise machine may have a number allocated to it which number may be used to identify each person partaking in the exercise class when his or her performance is displayed graphically.
The instructor may be able to view his or her performance as well as that of all persons partaking in the exercise class.
The persons partaking in the class may only be able to view their performance in relation to that of the instructor. Alternatively, each person may be able to view their performance in relation to that of the remainder of the class and in relation to that of the instructor.
In this way, the instructor may verbally motivate persons that are performing well in relation to him or her to continue their good performance as well encouraging persons that are performing poorly in relation to the instructor and/or the remainder of the class to increase their performance.
Each exercise machine may be provided with a "lifeline" which, when activated will place the displayed performance of the person using the machine equal to that of the person in the class displaying the strongest performance. The display means may indicate when a person has used the lifeline. Alternatively, this information may be displayed on a screen located so that all persons partaking in the class may view it. Provision of the lifeline is aimed at enabling poor performers to catch up to the remainder of the class so as not to become de-motivated.
Each person may be permitted to use the lifeline a predetermined number of times during one exercise class. The number of times that a person is permitted to use the lifeline during one exercise class may be determined in accordance with that person's gender, age, and fitness level as well as in accordance with the degree of difficulty of the exercise class.
The first and second display means may be in the form of liquid crystal display screens. The first and second display means may be mounted on the exercise machines being used by the instructor and persons partaking in the class respectively.
In one embodiment, the captured information relating to each user (e.g. the number of revolutions, strokes, or steps per unit of time, their handicap, number of lifelines used, etc) may be displayed in a colour-coded block at the bottom of a screen. Each colour code may correspond to a particular exercise machine and user. The arrangement of the blocks may change dynamically to correspond to the position of the user in relation to the rest of the class e.g. the user in the first position may have his/her block displayed at the bottom left of the screen with the user in the next position having his/her displayed to the right of said first block.
If the stationary exercise machine is a bicycle, the display means may display the persons partaking in the exercise class as a real group of cyclists wherein the person having the highest pedalling frequency will be shown at the front of the group with the remainder of the persons shown behind that person as a pelaton.
In this embodiment, the graphic display may include computer generated three dimensional figures in the form of cyclists representing the participants of the exercise class. The images may be projected onto a simulated terrain model which is typically a route through a city or through the country. The position of the class participants relative to each other is determined by their performance as described above.
Each display means may show the person using the exercise machine associated with that display means in relation to the remainder of the person partaking in the class so that said person can view himself in relation to the remainder of the class. In this manner, virtual races may be carried out using stationary exercise machines whilst each participant can monitor his position relative to the remainder of the persons partaking in the race.
The lighting in the area where the exercise class is taking place may be dimmed so that the display means can be seen more clearly. In addition, music having a high beat frequency may be played during the class to further motivate person partaking in the class.
At the end of an exercise class, the performance of each person partaking in the class relative to that of the instructor may be calculated and displayed as a percentage on a screen located so that all persons partaking in the class may view it.
The present exercise system may be used in combination with a virtual reality program wherein all persons participating in the exercise class are using the same program during the exercise class.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now be described by way of the following non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exercise system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a first option of displaying the information captured by the data capturing means; and
Figure 3 shows a second option of displaying the information captured by the data capturing means;
Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a means for measuring the number of revolutions of a stationary bicycle wheel in use;
Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a first means for selecting the load intensity of a stationary bicycle when in use; and
Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a second means for selecting the load intensity of a stationary bicycle when in use.
In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exercise system in accordance with the present invention.
An exercise system 10 includes a plurality of stationary exercise machines 12 for use in a group exercise class. Each exercise machine 12 includes a data capturing means 14 connected thereto to capture data 16 associated with that machine 12 and a person (not shown) using the machine 12.
A central data processing means 18 is provided on an exercise machine 20 used by an instructor (not shown) of the class. The central data processing means 18 is configured to receive data 16 from the data capturing means 14 and for processing said data 16.
A first display means in the form of a liquid crystal display screen 22 is mounted on the exercise machine 20 of the instructor for displaying the processed data in a desired format to permit the instructor to monitor the performance of each person partaking in the exercise class A second display means in the form of a liquid crystal display screens 24 are mounted on the exercise machines 12 of the person partaking in the class for displaying the processed data 16 in a desired format to permit the person to view his or her performance relative to that of at least one other person partaking in the exercise class and/ or relative to that of the instructor.
The stationary exercise machines 12 are selected from the group including: a spinning bicycle, an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, an elliptical machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, a cross-country simulator, and a rowing machine.
The data capturing means 14 captures data 16 directly from the exercise machine 12 as well as from a person using the machine 12. In the case of for example, a spinning bicycle, the data capturing means 14 captures the number of revolutions per time unit executed on the machine 12 as well as the load intensity that the machine 12 has been set to.
With reference to Figure 4, a bicycle wheel 26 is provided with a metal marker 28 and a sensor 30 for sensing when the marker 28 moves past it. The sensor 30 is attached to a frame 36 of the bicycle via a bracket 38. The sensor 30 has a detection range which can be selected to correspond to the physical dimensions of the bicycle.
The marker 28 must be installed so that the wheel 26 is outside the detection range of the sensor 30 but the marker 28 is within the detection range when passing the sensor 30 during each revolution of the wheel 26.
The voltage output of the sensor 30 will correspond to the number of times that the marker 28 is detected. In this manner, the number of revolutions of the wheel 26 can be recorded and this data is then transferred to the central data processing means 18.
With reference to Figure 5, there is shown a bicycle wheel 26 provided with an actuator 32 for imparting frictional resistance thereto. The magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel 26 by the actuator 32 is selectable. The actuator 32 is attached to the frame 36 of the bicycle in such a manner that the force being exerted by the actuator 32 is substantially perpendicular to the wheel 26. A friction pad is attached to the actuator shaft and is used to establish contact between the actuator 32 and the wheel 26. The surface pressure between the wheel 26 and the actuator 32 is controlled by means of a controller forming part of the actuator 32 which determines the displacement of the actuator shaft. The controller can be controlled by the person using the bicycle or by the instructor.
Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the bicycle wheel 26 is provided with a means configured to convert mechanical energy into electric energy by electric induction such as, for example, a dynamo 34 mounted on the wheel 26. The dynamo 34 resists the rotation of the wheel 26. The magnitude of the frictional force applied to the wheel 26 by the dynamo 34 is selectable by manipulating the electrical load that generates the magnetic field in the dynamo 34.
The data capturing means 14 also captures the pulse rate and/or blood pressure of the person using the machine 12.
Each exercise machine 12 is provided with a data entering means in the form of a keypad and data storage device (not shown) to permit a person using the machine 12 to enter his or her gender, age and/or weight. The person typically furthermore enters a handicap into the data entering means which handicap will be taken into consideration when evaluating the performance of said person. The handicap of each person recalculated after every exercise session attended.
Should the captured pulse rate and/or blood pressure of a person using the exercise machine 12 exceed a set value predetermined in accordance with the age and weight of that person, an alarm signal is activated. The alarm signal is typically audible so as to alert the instructor.
The central data processing means 18 processes the data 16 from the data capturing means 14 and displays the performance of the persons partaking in the exercise class and that of the instructor as a graphical display. The performance of each person is determined by the weighted product of the revolutions, steps, or strokes per unit of time recorded, the selected handicap, and the selected load intensity of the exercise machine 12.
As shown in Figure 2, the graphical display can in the form of a bar chart, showing the performance of each person and/or that of the instructor as a bar. In Figure 3, the graphical display shows each person in relation to the rest of the class and/ or the instructor.
Each exercise machine 12 has a number allocated to it which number is used to identify each person partaking in the exercise class when his or her performance is displayed graphically as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
The instructor and persons partaking in the class are able to view their performance in relation to that of the remainder of the class and in relation to that of the instructor.
In this way, the instructor can verbally motivate persons that are performing well in relation to him or her to continue their good performance as well encouraging persons that are performing poorly in relation to the instructor and/or the remainder of the class to increase their performance.
Each exercise machine 12 is provided with a "lifeline" (not shown) which, when activated will place the displayed performance of the person using the machine 12 equal to that of the person in the class displaying the strongest performance. The display means 22 and 24 will indicate when a person has used the lifeline as can be seen for person 5 in Figure 3. The provision of the lifeline is aimed at enabling poor performers to catch up to the remainder of the class so as not to become de-motivated.
It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to any specific embodiment or configuration as hereinbefore generally described or illustrated.

Claims

Claims
1. An exercise system including:-
- two or more stationary exercise machines for use in a group exercise class; - data capturing means connected to the stationary exercise machines to capture data associated with each machine and/or a person using the machine;
- a central data processing means for receiving data from the data capturing means and for processing said data;
- a first display means for displaying the processed data to an instructor of the group exercise class in a desired format to permit the instructor to monitor the performance of each person partaking in the exercise class; and
- a second display means for displaying the processed data to a person partaking in the exercise class in a desired format to permit the person to view his or her performance relative to that of at least one other person partaking in the exercise class and/ or relative to that of the instructor.
2. An exercise system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the stationary exercise machines are selected from the group including: a spinning bicycle, an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, an elliptical machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, a cross-country simulator, and a rowing machine.
3. An exercise system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each exercise machine used in the group exercise class is provided with one data capturing means.
4. An exercise system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the data capturing means captures the number of revolutions or repetitions per time unit executed on the machine.
5. An exercise system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the data capturing means captures the load intensity that the exercise machine is being used at.
6. An exercise system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the data capturing means is configured to capture biometric data from a person using the exercise machine.
7. An exercise system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exercise machine is provided with a data entering means into which a user is able to enter his or her gender, age, and/or weight.
8. An exercise system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the user may furthermore enter a handicap into the data entering means which handicap will be taken into consideration when evaluating the performance of said person.
9. An exercise system as claimed in claim 6, wherein, should the captured pulse rate and/or blood pressure of a person using the exercise machine exceed a set value predetermined in accordance with the age and weight of that person, an alarm signal is activated.
10.An exercise system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central data processing means processes the data from the data capturing means and displays the performance of the persons partaking in the exercise class and that of the instructor as a graphical display.
11.An exercise system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the performance of each person is determined by the weighted product of the revolutions, steps, or strokes per unit of time recorded, the selected handicap, and the selected load intensity of the exercise machine.
12. An exercise system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the graphical display is in the form of a bar chart, showing the performance of each person and/or that of the instructor as a bar.
13.An exercise system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the graphical display shows a virtual position of each person in relation to the rest of the class and/ or the instructor.
14.An exercise system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein each exercise machine is allocated a number or colour code which is used to identify each person partaking in the exercise class when his or her performance is displayed graphically.
15.An exercise system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the persons partaking in the class are able to view their performance in relation to that of the instructor or in relation to that of the remainder of the class and in relation to that of the instructor.
16.An exercise system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein each exercise machine is provided with a "lifeline" which, when activated will place the displayed performance of the person using the machine equal to that of the person in the class displaying the strongest performance and each person is permitted to use the lifeline a predetermined number of times during one exercise class.
17. An exercise system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second display means are in the form of liquid crystal display screens mounted on the exercise machines being used by the instructor and persons partaking in the class respectively.
18. An exercise system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the stationary exercise machine is a bicycle, and the display means displays the persons partaking in the exercise class as a real group of cyclists wherein the person having the highest pedalling frequency will be shown at the front of the group with the remainder of the persons shown behind that person as a pelaton.
19. An exercise system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the graphic display includes computer generated three dimensional figures in the form of cyclists representing the participants of the exercise class projected onto a simulated terrain model which is typically a route through a city or through the country.
20. An exercise system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting in the area where the exercise class is taking place is dimmed so that the display means can be seen more clearly and wherein music having a high beat frequency is played during the class to motivate person partaking in the class.
21. An exercise system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at the end of an exercise class, the performance of each person partaking in the class relative to that of the instructor is calculated and displayed as a percentage on a screen located so that all persons partaking in the class may view it.
22. A system according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.
23. A system as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
24. A system including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.
PCT/ZA2005/000166 2004-11-09 2005-11-08 An exercise system WO2006053349A1 (en)

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