Systems and methods for electronically providing fitness activity feedback to a user are disclosed. The method may include collecting performance data, generating comparison data by comparing the respective performance and including identifying comparison performance data representative of performance differences, and displaying the comparison data and the comparison performance data.

An apparatus and method for gait training is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure having a base and at least one moveable platform connected to the base of the support structure, the at least one moveable platform having a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus further includes a drive system configured to control the movement of the at least one moveable platform. The drive system includes an actuator secured to the at least one moveable platform. A set of rollers is secured to the base and in contact with the at least one moveable platform. The set of rollers is configured to restrict movement of the at least one moveable platform to a one-dimensional axis. The apparatus further includes a first sensor located above the support structure. The first sensor is configured to determine an amount of downward pressure exerted on the training apparatus by a user. A second sensor is located above the support structure which is configured to determine the position of the user on the at least one moveable platform. The apparatus also includes a control system having a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is configured to control the drive system and to receive data from the first and second sensors. In response to data received from the first and second sensors, the actuator changes the movement of the moveable platform.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting the distance of portions of the body of a user (U) from a front part (121) of a gymnastic machine (1) provided with a detecting device (123), arranged on said front part (121) and a logic unit control (C), operatively connected to said detecting device (123), during the execution of a gymnastic exercise on an exercise surface (111), said method comprising the following step: detecting (100), by means of said detecting device (123), a plurality of distance values of at least one portion of the body (O) of said user (U) from said front part (121) of said gymnastic machine (1); processing (101), by means of said logic control unit (C), at least one first group of said plurality of distance values of at least one portion of the body (O) of said user (U), for calculating the distance of at least one portion of the chest (O.sub.1) of the user (U) from said detecting device (123); and/or processing (102), by means of said logic control unit (C), at least one second group of said plurality of distance values of at least one portion of the body (O) of said user (U), for calculating the distance of at least one portion of the right leg (O) of the user (U) from said detecting device (123); and/or processing (103), by means of said logic control unit (C), at least one third group of said plurality of distance values of at least one portion of the body (O) of said user (U), for calculating the distance of at least one portion of the left leg (O) of the user (U) from said detecting device (123).

The present invention also relates to an exercise machine that implements the method.

In some embodiments, the various devices, systems, methods, and apparatuses utilize sensors to control the operation of a treadmill based on a detected position, movement, or actions of a user on a moving treadmill. For example, a treadmill includes a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. The ToF sensor detects a position of a user (e.g., a runner on a moving belt or running surface of the treadmill), and, based on the detected position, controls the operation of the treadmill, such as by maintaining a current operation of the belt or running surface and/or modifying operation of the running belt or surface.

Systems and methods for electronically conducting a fitness activity challenge are disclosed. The method may include first collecting electronic fitness data related to a first fitness activity, collecting second electronic fitness data related to a second fitness activity, generating comparison data by comparing the first electronic fitness data and the second electronic fitness data, and displaying the comparison data.

Systems and methods for electronically creating and modifying a fitness plan are disclosed. The method may include receiving electronic user data, collecting electronic fitness data, and displaying a suggestion for a fitness activity based on the electronic user data and the electronic fitness data.

Systems and methods for providing a coaching message to a user are disclosed. The method may include receiving electronic coaching data, collecting electronic user data, and providing the coaching data to the user during a fitness activity based on the electronic user data.

Methods and apparatuses for athletic performance monitoring with body synchronization analysis are disclosed. In one example, a first sensor output associated with a movement of an user foot and a second sensor output associated with a movement of an user arm are received, the user arm on a body side opposite the user foot. The first sensor output and the second sensor output are analyzed to identify a degree of synchronization between the movement of a user foot and the movement of a user arm.

A system for evaluating an athlete's movement in real-time with respect to a predetermined target movement includes at least one sensor configured to detect a movement of the athlete's specific body part and generate a respective signal indicative of the detected movement. The system also includes a headset receiver configured to be worn by the athlete, in communication with the at least one sensor, configured to receive the respective signal from the sensor(s) and generate, in real-time, to the athlete a sensory feedback signal indicative of a quality of the detected movement. A method of evaluating an athlete's movement in real-time with respect to a predetermined target movement and using the above-described system is also disclosed.

A computer-implemented system for improving a circuit training exercise routine at an exercise facility having at least two pieces of exercise equipment. The system using a smart device, and having steps including: initiating a program on the smart device upon use of a first piece of exercise equipment; displaying exercise instructions to the user on the smart device; initiating a timer on the smart device with a pre-selected amount of time in which the user must complete the exercise instructions on the first piece of equipment; recording if the user is successful in accomplishing the first set of exercise instructions; and prompting the user to move to a second piece of exercise equipment. The steps may also include displaying additional exercise instructions. The system includes monitoring the user's health functions and rewarding the user for successful accomplishment of the first and additional sets of exercise instructions.