A stationary exercise device comprises pedals mounted via cranks to opposite sides of a drive wheel; a flywheel with a magnetic rim coupled to the drive wheel; a brake with a motor and one or more permanent magnets mounted for movement relative to the magnetic rim; a measuring unit for measuring at least one of the drive force applied via the drive wheel and the related torque; a measuring device for measuring cadence; and a command module. The command module uses measurements from the measuring unit and the measuring device to calculate a performance parameter and compares the performance parameter against a predetermined performance profile. The command module also can control the motor to move the permanent magnets relative to the magnetic rim to adjust the braking force applied and thereby adjust the performance parameter to conform with the performance profile.

A method transmits audio signals to exercise machines of a training class including providing a control unit accessible to a trainer user managing a training class. Exercise machines operatively connect to the control unit by a data communication network. The exercise machines include a first group of exercise machines used in the training class. The control unit and each exercise machine of the first group establish a data communication channel for transmitting audio signals between the control unit and the first group of exercise machines. The control unit receives a first audio signal representative of a voice control by the trainer user and a second audio signal representative of a piece of music selected by the trainer user. The control unit sends the encoded first and second audio signals to all exercise machines of the first group of exercise machines by the communication channel.

A method includes receiving electronic content via a network, the electronic content comprising an exercise class, and receiving user data associated with a user participating in the exercise class using an exercise machine. The method also includes generating an executable control for a user interface based at least in part on the user data, and providing the executable control, via a display of the exercise machine, while the user is participating in the exercise class. In such a method, the executable control is operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine while the user is participating in the exercise class.

An exercise apparatus having a pulley, a pair of stabilizing assemblies each configured to couple a front portion of a respective pedal element to each side of the pulley, a looped belt configured to couple the pulley to a resistance assembly, a tension stabilizer configured to maintain a tension of the looped belt on the pulley, and the resistance assembly configured to assert an adjustable resistance to the pedal elements through the looped belt. The exercise apparatus also comprises a transport mechanism with a handle for transporting the exercise apparatus.

A weight sled that allows both linear and non-linear movements such that resistance training can be performed in the frontal, sagittal, and combined frontal/sagittal planes, and which allows easy movement for transportation, storage, and retrieval from storage. The weight sled uses one or more swiveling, pivoting, or omni-directional wheels that allow all or a portion of the sled to be moved laterally. The addition of wheel configurations allowing of lateral movement of all of, or a portion of, the weight sled greatly expands the utility of weight sleds because movement in any direction can be trained, whether in the sagittal body plane (forward/backward movements), the frontal body plane (lateral movements), or a combination of the two. Additionally, the plurality of wheel configurations allows for a variety of storage arrangements.

An interactive exercise system includes a mechanical support system and a display module held by the mechanical support system. A force-controlled motor is attached to the mechanical support system and a reel is driven by the force-controlled motor. The interactive exercise system also has a handle graspable by a user and includes a cord extending between the reel and the handle. The handle or other accessory can be attached by a quick release mechanism. Force applied through the force-controlled motor is based at least in part on detected user force input.

In various embodiments, a treadmill system may include one or more custom treadmill hardware devices and one or more accompanying pieces of software which may be configured to work in tandem to simulate one or more virtual terrains within a game on a physical treadmill. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to enable a user to control a direction of a virtual avatar as the avatar traverses the virtual terrain (e.g., while the user is using the treadmill). The system may then be configured to manipulate the treadmill (i.e., incline of the treadmill, speed of the treadmill, etc.) based on the terrain that the avatar is currently traversing. The system may utilize one or more imaging devices to identify particular gestures performed by the user. In this way, the system may be configured provide hands free control to the user while the user is using the treadmill.

A treadmill may be configured for gait training and/or therapy with attachable/detachable barriers affixable to a belt and/or with a vertical obstacle module and/or with sensor systems, but without requiring hoists, harnesses, attachments to the treadmill or base, or frame, and/or excessively high treadmill frames, such as those that exceed the height of the person on the treadmill. The barriers on the belt are configured to modify movement of only one foot of a person on the treadmill. The treadmill may use a single, integral belt. Methods of gait training and/or therapy may involve such treadmills without excessive expense and without excessive modification of standard treadmill equipment.

A system and method for aiding wearers with ataxia. The system and method embodying removably positioning vibratory devices adjacent to just above each hip bone of the wearer and adjacent to each ankle of the wearer. The vibratory devices can be selectively and programmatically controlled to provide haptic signals for improving proprioception and thereby improving the gait and balance of the wearer.

This invention relates to a mobile health and fitness reactive immersive activity space embodied with a plurality of modules and more particularly to a motorized or towed vehicle or vessel with its structural space embodied in modular assembly with sensory flooring and walls, providing a immersive platform for performing health assessments and treatments as well as physical and mental health fitness activities for functional training and therapy, using a plurality of sensors, electronics, electrical and ambient audio-visual stimulation that can be programmed to suit the specific needs of an individual or a group of individuals.