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 training apparatus for the simulation of rowing training includes a rolling seat to be moved linearly back and forth on a guide on a frame. Two handles which can be rotated independently of one another are mounted on an oarlock shaft. The oarlock shafts are connected to a drive mechanism in a force-flow connection. Upon introduction of force to the handles, power is output to a braking device via a drive mechanism, which has a freewheel between the oarlock shafts and the braking device. Upon actuation of the handles in a first direction about the axis of the respective rowlock shafts, power is transmitted to the braking device, and, upon actuation of the handles in the opposite direction the handles return without power being transmitted to the braking device.

An electric generator which can be coupled to an exercise machine is described. The electric generator is connected to a power grid. Using the mechanical movements of the exercise machine, the generator can produce and feed electricity into the grid, thereby creating a decentralized grid system which is immune to node failures. The generator can communicate with a smart device of a user. The generator can inform the user of the amount of electricity generated by the user while working out. The generator or an application of the smart device can communicate this data to a service provider. Using this data, the service provider can pay the user for the electricity generated. In particular, the service provider can utilize a cryptocurrency to reward the user for the human generated electricity.

Stationary exercise machine. In one aspect of the disclosure, a stationary exercise machine may include one or more moveable members configured to be moved by a user, an actuator configured to selectively adjust the speed of, or the amount of resistance on, the one or more moveable members, and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to receive a video, execute the video set to a first difficulty level, receive a second difficulty level, and execute the video reset to the second difficulty level.

A method for controlling a fitness machine by a user, where the method includes storing intensity ratings within a memory device, and the intensity ratings correspond to an intensity for the user operating the fitness machine. The method includes displaying initial operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, where the intensity for the user varies for each of the initial operating levels. The method includes determining and displaying the intensity rating associated with each of the initial operating levels, receiving a selection from the initial operating levels and automatically controlling the fitness machine to operate according thereto, displaying, after receiving the selection among the initial operating levels, new operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, and determining and displaying the intensity ratings associated with each of the new operating levels. At least one of the new operating levels and one of the initial operating levels are different.

A water-resistance rowing machine has a frame body, a water-resistance unit, at least one blade wheel, a pulling strap, and a seat. The frame body has an elongated beam and a pulley rotatably mounted on the frame body. The water-resistance unit has a water tank extending along the elongated beam, a rotating shaft disposed in the water tank and extending along and being parallel to the elongated beam, and a strap wheel assembly connected with the rotating shaft to drive the rotating shaft to spin. The at least one blade wheel is mounted on and rotated with the rotating shaft. The pulling strap is wrapped around the pulley and has an end connected with the strap wheel assembly and a handle formed on another end of the pulling strap. The seat is mounted on the elongated beam.

A parallel resistance rowing machine is an apparatus that provides adjustable, independent resistance to a user to perform rowing exercises that isolate and emphasize various laterally opposed muscle groups. The parallel resistance rowing machine uses a first resistance assembly and a second resistance assembly mounted to an axle within a chassis. The first resistance assembly and the second resistance assembly are selectably interconnected by a clutch mechanism, enabling a first handle and a second handle to be moved independently or in concert under resistance from the first resistance assembly and the second resistance assembly, respectively. An elongate frame supports a slidable seat assembly, further supporting a full-body rowing action as the user exerts themselves against the first resistance assembly and the second resistance assembly.

Training equipment is configured for targeted muscle actuation. The training equipment contains a muscle-powered actuating element and a damping system having two components that can move in relation to one another. One of the components is operatively connected to the actuating element, such that a movement of the actuating element can be damped. A field-sensitive rheological medium and a field generation system are associated with the damping system, in order to generate and control the field strength. A damping characteristic can be influenced by the field generation system. A control system is suited and configured to control the field generation system in a targeted manner in accordance with a training parameter, such that the movement of the actuating element can be damped taking into account the training parameter.

The invention concerns exercise apparatus having a weight source (18) operably connected to a plurality of manual actuators (28, 32) by a cable and pulley system. The cable and pulley system (12) has a plurality of pulley wheels (16), a supporting frame (10) for the weight source (18) and pulley wheels (16), and a cable (22) defining a force path from the weight source (18) over the pulley wheels (16). The pulley wheels (16) and frame (10) are provided in a common plane with the weight source (18) at least when the exercise apparatus is not in use. The manual actuators (28, 32) are provided at spaced locations along the path defined by the cable (22) and are actuatable in a direction away from the common plane when in use. The frame (10) may supported in an upright orientation for use by a support structure, e.g. a wall, and may occupy a minimal space/depth.

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.