A stationary exercise device includes a support structure and one or more input members such as pedals, handles, or other feature movably connected to the support structure. A movable output member such as a wheel is movably mounted to the support structure, and operably connected to the one or more input members such that movement of the one or more input members causes the output member to move. A resistance member interacts with the output member when the output member is moving to generate a variable resistance force tending to prevent movement of the output member. The variable resistance force may at least partially simulate the effects of inertia and/or momentum.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a green information measuring system, including: a first device configured to measure an electrical characteristic of soil through at least one electrode when a first condition is satisfied; and a second device configured to receive soil information of the soil from the first device and to transmit the soil information to a server when a second condition is satisfied.

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 method for measuring physical properties, e.g., firmness, smoothness, trueness, green speed, of a playing surface on a golf course, includes performing measurements via a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a spherical sensor, which in turn includes an accelerometer for measuring motion data relating to motion of the spherical sensor, a memory for storing the motion data, and a communication module for wirelessly transmitting the motion data to a computing device.

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.

The present disclosure relates to a stationary exercise apparatus for indoor cycle training (1), i.e. a stationary exercise bicycle, preferably provided with a magnetic resistance unit (15). One embodiment relates to a stationary exercise bike comprising a flywheel (10) defining a radial gap (25) in the periphery wherein at least the periphery of the flywheel (10) has ferromagnetic properties, and wherein a magnetic resistance unit (15) is configured to controllably insert one, two or more magnets into said radial gap.

The present invention relates to a treadmill belt having an artificial grass, turf, and/or rocky surface. In some embodiments, the belt may have rocky terrain. The belt is configured to be removably attached to existing treadmill machines or can be integrated to specifically designed machines. A treadmill with attached tread belt features a screen that enables users to choose a specific type of running surface available on the belt. In some embodiments, the screen displays a representation or imitation of the specific surface disposed on the belt. The turf can be raised or lowered to simulate different terrain and grass heights to practice running on hiking trails and other elevated outdoor areas. The treadmills come in different sizes, configurations, and sizes and can be used in athletic training and simulation. The treadmill helps prevent injuries to users when transitioning from running on a treadmill to outdoor terrain surfaces.

An exercise treadmill includes a frame, an endless belt, and a motor assembly for guiding the belt between front and rear ends of the frame while a user walks or runs on the belt. An impact absorbing assembly is supported beneath a region of the treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet when the user walks or runs on the belt. The assembly has physical properties that serve to define degrees of damping or springiness of the belt in the region impacted by the user. A control system including a user interface is coupled to the absorbing assembly, and the system is configured and operative to vary the physical properties of the assembly in response to an output from the user interface. The region of treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet then simulates a desired one of a number of different surfaces entered by the user on the interface.

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.