A motorized treadmill includes a base, an endless belt movable relative to the base for allowing a user to exercise thereon, a motor coupled to the endless belt for driving the endless belt to rotate, a current sensor coupled to the motor, and a controller in communication with the motor and the current sensor. The current sensor is configured to detect a motor current of the motor when using the motorized treadmill. The controller is configured to analyze fluctuations of the motor current to determine whether objects or children interfere with rotation of the endless belt. When the current sensor detects a current change does not associated with the user of the motorized treadmill, the controller determines that the endless belt is interfered by objects or children and stops operation of the motor to slow or stop rotation of the endless belt.

A haptic simulation exercise device includes a frame, a contact point supported by the frame, and an actuator. The contact point is configured to allow user contact with the exercise device during use of the exercise device. The actuator is configured to displace the contact point relative to the frame.

A haptic simulation exercise device includes a frame, a contact point supported by the frame, and an actuator. The contact point is configured to allow user contact with the exercise device during use of the exercise device. The actuator is configured to displace the contact point relative to the frame.

An exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable article. The exercise device includes a frame and a user contact point connected to the frame. The wearable article is configured to be worn on a user's body. The wearable article includes a magnetic connector that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact point.

An exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable article. The exercise device includes a frame and a user contact point connected to the frame. The wearable article is configured to be worn on a user's body. The wearable article includes a magnetic connector that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact point.

In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.

In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.

A method determines running phases of a user on a treadmill having first and second rotating elements rotating about respective rotational axes transverse to a longitudinal axis of the treadmill. A physical exercise surface connects to the rotating elements. An electric motor operatively associated with one rotating element rotates the rotating elements and the physical exercise surface. A processor connects to the electric motor and controls the electric motor. The processor determines a magnitude variable over time, which is correlated to user interaction with the exercise surface while exercising and has a periodic trend. The processor determines time instants of at least two points of the periodic trend. The time instants of each point representing instants of user interaction with the exercise surface. The processor determines a running phase of the user on the exercise surface as a function of the respective time instants of the periodic trend.

An apparatus and method of use thereof for exercising on a treadmill, the apparatus includes a frame that mounts to handles of the treadmill. The frame is an arch shape having opposite a proximal bar and a distal bar, and a curved portion extends between adjacent ends of the proximal bar and the distal bar. The proximal bar is coupled to the handles. A protective cushioned seat extends between the proximal bar and the distal bar. To use the apparatus, an individual can unhook a proximal end of the seat from the proximal bar, position the seat behind the buttocks and between the legs, reengage the proximal end of the seat to the proximal bar, and can then walk or run on the treadmill.

An apparatus and method of use thereof for exercising on a treadmill, the apparatus includes a frame that mounts to handles of the treadmill. The frame is an arch shape having opposite a proximal bar and a distal bar, and a curved portion extends between adjacent ends of the proximal bar and the distal bar. The proximal bar is coupled to the handles. A protective cushioned seat extends between the proximal bar and the distal bar. To use the apparatus, an individual can unhook a proximal end of the seat from the proximal bar, position the seat behind the buttocks and between the legs, reengage the proximal end of the seat to the proximal bar, and can then walk or run on the treadmill.