EXERCISE TRAINING AND MONITORING
SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise monitoring devices and, more specifically, to an exercise training and monitoring system including individual hand held devices able to monitor a weightlifting program of a respective user by sensing the movements of the weights during a workout and determining the number of repetitions and speed of repetitions performed by the user whereby the device is able to determine the effectiveness of the workout for the user.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Numerous types of training and monitoring devices have been provided in the prior art. FIG. 1 illustrates a person 10 lifting weights 12 on a weight bench 14 in a conventional manner. The user simply lifts the weights 12 off of the stand 16 and continually lowers the weight to his chest 18 and back up into the air again. When the user completes the desired number of repetitions, the weights 12 are placed back upon the stand 16 in an at rest position. In the conventional method of weight lifting, the user does not know if he is working out in an optimal fashion. The only manner of judging the effectiveness of the workout is based upon the feel of the user and whether the user is able to watch the workout in a mirror to thereby critique the form. Alternatively, a user 10 may videotape the workout and view the video tape at a later time. Professional trainers are also used by weightlifters 10 to observe the workout. The trainer can then inform the user 10 if the weights are being lifted at the correct pace and with the correct form for optimal results.
[0005] Other examples of training and monitoring systems are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,784,591; 3,643,943; 3,725, 650; 3,848,467; 4,139,764; 4,831,242; 5,410,472; 5,769, 755; 5,890,997; 5,893,817; 6,077,193 and 6,132,337 all are illustrative of such prior art.
[0006] A cycle ergometer, comprising: a coupled-together motor-generator unit; a source of electric current for operating the motor portion of said unit; electrical resistance means interposed between said source and said motor portion for controlling the speed of the latter; patient-operable means for effecting rotation of said generator portion; and, means for measuring the output of said generator portion.
[0007] Exercise apparatus such as a treadmill, rowing machine, pedaling device or the like which includes as indicator arranged to be driven at a rate in proportion to the degree of difficulty of the exercise expended for recording work done. The apparatus in its embodiment employs an operating member on which the person exercises and adjustable controls for varying the difficulty of the exercise. The indictor is driven by the operating member through a drive connection, and the apparatus includes adjustment means incorporated in the drive connection which is connected directly to the adjustable controls so that the rate of operation of the indicator is in proportion to the degree of difficulty of the exercise.
[0008] Data obtained in industrial production or office work, such as rate or quantity of output of a machine or a
worker, are applied to computers for deriving electric signals characterizing the operation with regard to efficiency, profitableness, etc. Indicator boards are provided having electroluminescent strips or discs, or cathode ray tubes the extent of the luminous portions of which are controlled by the computers.
[0009] A proportional resistance exercise servo device. User interfacing means is connected to a drive shaft so that the user applies force to said drive shaft and vice versa. The device applies braking force to the drive shaft as it is rotated in a first direction by user-exerted force on the interfacing means, in a braking mode; and it applies power to drive the drive shaft in a second direction and thereby exerts force on the interfacing means, in a power mode. Direction reversal means automatically stops the braking at a first limit and thereafter applies power thereto, and automatically stops the power at a second limit and thereafter begins braking it. Both the braking and powering are programmed, but feedback alters the program in accordance with the user's performance. Acceleration and deceleration are controlled. Various performance parameters are displayed or recorded.
[0010] A method and system for monitoring court games is described in which a counter is actuated by a card bearing a pre-determined code. Upon being actuated, the counter is pre-set to a pre-determined period of play for a game in a court with which the monitor is associated. The counter then counts the elapsed period of play and displays to other players waiting to use the court the period of play still remaining, confirming to them in a positive fashion the period they must wait to use the court. Upon expiration of the pre-determined period of play, the event monitor signals this condition permitting the other players to actuate the system and commence their use of the court.
[0011] A control system for a health club which stores user records including user activity data in order to monitor and control use of the club's facilities. A central controller includes a memory for storing the user records including attendance data and accounting data, and a main control which is responsive to the user record data for determining whether a user is authorized to use the club's facilities. The central controller is coupled to various club facilities and equipment such as a computerized scale to prevent use thereof if a user is not authorized. The central controller also stores user history data such as user weight data for the computerized scale to alleviate data storage problems.
[0012] A distributive method of physical rehabilitation and conditioning using an ergometer on which exercise protocols or workouts are performed by a subject is described. The intensity and duration of the workouts are defined as the independent variables and physiological and psychological variables are measured and treated as dependent variables. The exercise protocol is stored on a portable medium and the exercise program further defines a series of successive exercise sessions conducted over time in which the same exercise protocol is repeatedly performed by the subject; and, during the performance of which protocol, physiological and psychological variables are measured. The relative changes in one or more of the dependent variables which occur over the course of the series of sessions of the exercise training program measure progress and provide the basis for modification of the exercise protocol for the next exercise training program for that subject.
