An improved method of physiotherapy includes loading muscles of a torso of a user with a torque acting substantially about a vertical axis; and the user using an exercise equipment while the torso is loaded with the torque.

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.

An improved exercise equipment including a stationary exercise apparatus, a lever arm pivotably biased about a pivot axis, and a support for supporting the lever arm above the stationary exercise apparatus. The pivot axis extends substantially in a vertical direction. The stationary exercise apparatus is of a type to cause the legs of a user to scissor as the user operates the stationary exercise apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the stationary exercise apparatus is a treadmill.

Devices and computer technology are configured to enable enhanced simulated bicycle steering for use with a stationary training system. For example, one embodiment includes a device configured to support and enable simulated steering of a bicycle front wheel, for use with a stationary training system, optionally including a sensor device configured to provide a steering signal for user by a bicycle simulator software application. Further embodiments include computer technology configured to provide bicycle simulation functionality, including steering. Simulation of steering is in some embodiments based on a combination of handlebars turning and bicycle tilt, and may account for counter-steering motions.

A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider's preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution.

Method for operating a bicycle trainer, and such a bicycle trainer comprising a stand with a seat, handlebars and rotatable pedals, or such a bicycle trainer comprising a stand for mounting a bicycle frame with a seat, handlebars and rotatable pedals, wherein the stand incorporates an electronically variable brake acting directly or indirectly on the rotatable pedals with a braking resistance that depends on a computer-controlled predetermined setting, wherein the pre-determined setting is variable and wherein said setting depends on selected parameters to reflect a simulated surface condition of a road.

A steering assembly for a mounted bicycle is disclosed herein. The steering assembly includes a support base and at least one omnidirectional roller assembly extending from a bottom surface thereof. The at least one omnidirectional roller assembly is operatively disposed in direct contact with a ground surface and is structured to facilitate movement of the support base along the ground surface in a plurality of different arcuate and linear paths to accommodate varying trail measurements of a bicycle. The varying trail measurements of the bicycle are defined by varying angles of the bicycle relative to the ground surface during operative use of the steering assembly.

A support device for a bicycle includes a support structure, a fixing group supported on the support structure and also includes a movable element and a retention element configured to hold the front fork of the bicycle. The support device also includes a lifting/lowering device of the fixing group, in which the retention element is integral in translation with the movable element. The support device further includes connection means configured for slidingly fixing said fixing group to the support structure in such a way as to allow displacements of the fixing group with respect to the support structure along a compensation direction transverse to the vertical direction.

A support device for a bicycle includes a support structure, a fixing group supported on the support structure and a movable element and a retention element configured to retain the front fork of the bicycle. The support device further includes a raising/lowering device of the fixing group, the retention element is translatable jointly with the movable element, and the retention element is rotatably connected to the movable element.

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.