A direct-drive bicycle training system and methods of using the same are provided. The system includes a bicycle trainer that rests on a support surface and supports a bicycle frame in an upright manner with respect to the support surface. The bicycle trainer includes a stator, a rotor that rotates with respect to the stator, a cassette affixed to the rotor, a support frame supporting the stator, rotor, and cassette, and a resistance applying mechanism that operatively couples to a portion of a drivetrain of the bicycle frame and applies varying levels of resistance to the portion of the drivetrain. The support frame moves with respect to the support surface in response to a force applied to the drivetrain of the bicycle frame during use of the bicycle training system, generating a more natural movement of the bicycle and simulating on-road use.

A direct-drive bicycle training system and methods of using the same are provided. The system includes a bicycle trainer that rests on a support surface and supports a bicycle frame in an upright manner with respect to the support surface. The bicycle trainer includes a stator, a rotor that rotates with respect to the stator, a cassette affixed to the rotor, a support frame supporting the stator, rotor, and cassette, and a resistance applying mechanism that operatively couples to a portion of a drivetrain of the bicycle frame and applies varying levels of resistance to the portion of the drivetrain. The support frame moves with respect to the support surface in response to a force applied to the drivetrain of the bicycle frame during use of the bicycle training system, generating a more natural movement of the bicycle and simulating on-road use.

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 dynamic training system provides elevated load and energy demand on a rider of a moving bicycle out on the road or track. Resistance to movement of the bicycle is provided by a resistance unit which may include an eddy current brake. A processor may generate a control signal that adjusts the resistance to replicate the effort of riding a predetermined course or training protocol. Multiple riders at different times or locations can compete on a common virtual course. A stronger rider can be restrained by a heavier imposed load to keep pace together with a weaker rider, without compromising total power expenditure to keep the riders together.

A bicycle trainer for removably loading with a bicycle that is at least provided with a back wheel, which bicycle trainer comprises a floorstanding frame with a wheel supporting roller at its rear end and a fork supporting unit at its forward end, wherein the fork supporting unit is pivotally supported by the frame enabling it to move back-and-forth. The fork supporting unit and the frame connect to each other with a hinge enabling back-and-forth movement of the fork supporting unit in a longitudinal direction of the frame, wherein the fork supporting unit is spring-loaded with a spring at or near the hinge to provide the fork supporting unit with a preferential upright position at square angles with the frame so as to arrange that in use whenever the bicycle is moved forward or backward, said bicycle is inclined to return to an average position on the bicycle trainer wherein the fork support unit is perpendicular to the horizon.

An electricity generating system using fitness equipment, wherein the fitness equipment can be used to produce electricity with a generator. The electricity produced can be transferred from the generator to a splitter. A controller can be used to receive identifications and decisions on transfer of the produced electricity from a fitness center. The controller can be used to track in real time electricity produced as watts or as amperage associated with a user identification, a fitness class identification, or an administrator identification input less than 10 minutes before the electricity is produced or at a preset time, which can then transfer in real time energy credits equivalent to electricity produced or transfer produced electricity to a destination designed in the a user decision, a fitness class decision, or an administrator decision.

A muscle strengthening system is provided having a functional core endurance training device and a pair of rolling blocks for supporting the functional core endurance training device. Each rolling block in the pair of rolling blocks includes an elongated opening for receiving a wheel of the functional core endurance training device. Additionally, each rolling block in the pair of rolling blocks includes a pair of rollers, a stabilizer and a bumper guard for grounding the surface of the wheels of the functional core endurance training device allowing the wheels to spin with increased intensity. Optionally, an individual may utilize a stationary foot pedestal or a wheeled foot pedestal that provides for both the strengthening of the muscles of the individual while simultaneously stimulating an endurance building effect on the muscular and fascial systems of the body, all of which is achieved with minimal to no impact/pounding on the joints.

A dynamic training system provides elevated load and energy demand on a rider of a moving bicycle out on the road or track. Resistance to movement of the bicycle is provided by a resistance unit which may include an eddy current brake. A processor may generate a control signal that adjusts the resistance to replicate the effort of riding a predetermined course or training protocol. Multiple riders at different times or locations can compete on a common virtual course. A stronger rider can be restrained by a heavier imposed load to keep pace together with a weaker rider, without compromising total power expenditure to keep the riders together.

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.

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.