An adjustable resistance system for use with an indoor cycle comprising a magnetic resistance assembly, a friction brake assembly, and a resistance adjustment assembly.

There is disclosed a system for conducting multi-member group competitions involving physical exertion, the system includes a competition server that serves to designate a set of parameters for a competition involving at least two competing groups of individuals engaged in physical activity, the set of parameters defining a win condition requiring physical activity to be completed by at least two separate individuals within each group. The system further receives data representative of physical activity of multiple individuals in a first group, receives data representative of physical activity of multiple individuals in a second group, determines whether the win condition has been satisfied by the first group or the second group, and identifies a winner as the first group or the second group that completed the win condition.

A method for displaying archived exercise classes comprising displaying information about archived exercise classes that can be accessed by a first user via a computer network on a display screen at a first location, wherein the first user can select among a plurality of archived classes, outputting digital video and audio content comprising the selected archived class, detecting a performance parameter for the first user at a particular point in the selected class, displaying the performance parameter on the display screen, and displaying performance parameters from a second user at a second location on the display screen such that at least one of the performance parameters from the first user and at least one of the performance parameters from the second user at the same point in the class are presented for comparison.

A method for displaying archived exercise classes comprising displaying information about archived exercise classes that can be accessed by a first user via a computer network on a display screen at a first location, wherein the first user can select among a plurality of archived classes, outputting digital video and audio content comprising the selected archived class, detecting a performance parameter for the first user at a particular point in the selected class, displaying the performance parameter on the display screen, and displaying performance parameters from a second user at a second location on the display screen such that at least one of the performance parameters from the first user and at least one of the performance parameters from the second user at the same point in the class are presented for comparison.

An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, the first upper rear mounting point having an upper rear movable rotating joint, a seat connected to the frame and configured to support the user in a forward facing orientation, a wheel positioned in association with the frame, a set of pedals configured to interact with the wheel, a stem passing through the head tube, and a connection arrangement connecting the stem to a base. The frame is configured to pivot about the first upper rear mounting point and second lower front mounting point in response to leaning by the user, causing rotation of the stem by the connection arrangement.

The invention pertains to a stationary exercise bike along with a display that provides instruction to lead a rider through an exercise program. The invention allows a rider to obtain benefits of a group, instructor-led class though the rider's schedule does not permit the rider to participate in the class. The invention also describes a method of exercising with the foregoing bike and display.

An apparatus enabling a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise includes a frame, two mounting points defining an axis, the two mounting points comprising an upper rear mounting point comprising an upper rear rotating joint and a lower front mounting point comprising a pivoting connection arrangement proximate to and interacting with the frame, the pivoting connection arrangement comprising at least one resistive element configured to provide resistive force returning the frame to a neutral centered orientation from an off-centered orientation and pedals associated with a wheel and the frame, the pedals enabling the user, when facing forward, to apply force to the pedals and rotate the wheel. The frame is configured to receive forces from the user and dissipate the forces into frame leaning forces such that the user has an ability to cause the frame to pivot about the two mounting points by leaning to one side.

A method for displaying archived exercise classes comprising displaying information about archived exercise classes that can be accessed by a first user via a computer network on a display screen at a first location, wherein the first user can select among a plurality of archived classes, outputting digital video and audio content comprising the selected archived class, detecting a performance parameter for the first user at a particular point in the selected class, displaying the performance parameter on the display screen, and displaying performance parameters from a second user at a second location on the display screen such that at least one of the performance parameters from the first user and at least one of the performance parameters from the second user at the same point in the class are presented for comparison.

The invention pertains to a stationary exercise bike along with a display that provides instruction to lead a rider through an exercise program. The invention allows a rider to obtain benefits of a group, instructor-led class though the rider's schedule does not permit the rider to participate in the class. The invention also describes a method of exercising with the foregoing bike and display.

Systems and methods for adjusting resistance on an exercise apparatus include a first resistance apparatus having an adjusting bracket, magnetic members mounted on an inner surface of the adjusting bracket, a stepper motor having an adjusting shaft and operable to traverse a portion of the length of the adjusting shaft. At a first position, the magnetic members are disposed above a flywheel, and in a second position, the magnetic members are disposed on opposite sides of the flywheel, providing resistance thereto. A load cell couples the adjusting bracket to the frame and generates a signal corresponding to the movement of the adjusting bracket. A computing system calculates resistance, rpms, power from load cell signal, stepper motor position, shaft rotational position and other sensor inputs.