A system for a manual treadmill having a tread that rotates around a front axle and a rear axle and side rails on opposing sides of the tread includes a brake configured to slow rotation of at least one of the front axle or the rear axle, a controller, and a first presence sensor in communication with the controller, the first presence sensor positioned on a side rail and configured to detect a user on the side rail. The brake is not normally engaged during operation of the treadmill when the tread is moving and the first presence sensor does not detect the user on the side rail. The controller is configured to, in response to the first presence sensor subsequently detecting the user on the side rail, engage the brake.

Disclosed are biofeedback methods and devices suitable for providing biofeedback useful for helping a user control an own breathing, for example, to help in inducing deep breathing, and such biofeedback devices further comprising a dispenser for dispensing an inhalable substance.

An exercise apparatus includes a motor, an operating member driven by the motor, a sensor operable to detect engagement of a user with the operating member, and a controller in communication with the operating member and the sensor. The controller is configured to generate exercise use data when the operating member is driven by the motor. A communication interface is in communication with the controller. In response to the controller determining that the user is engaged with the operating member, the controller is configured to report the exercise use data to the communication interface. In response to the controller determining that the user is not engaged with the operating member, the controller is configured to stop reporting the exercise use data to the communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate the reported exercise use data to a third party.

The present system (10) comprises a subject interface (22), a segmenter (12), a loosener (14), sensors (18), and computer processors (28). The segmenter is configured to selectively control gas flow through the subject interface to provide high amplitude pressure oscillations (44) during exhalation such that the high amplitude pressure oscillations aid cough productivity in the subject. The loosener controls gas flow through the subject interface to provide low amplitude pressure oscillations (43, 63) during inhalation (48, 68) and exhalation (49) such that the low amplitude pressure oscillations loosen respiratory secretions. The computer processors detect trigger events based on the output signals such that the one or more trigger events include a loosening trigger event and a segmenting trigger event (66); and responsive to detecting the loosening trigger event, control the loosener to provide the low amplitude pressure oscillations, and, responsive to detecting the segmenting trigger event, control the segmenter to provide the high amplitude pressure oscillations.

A system for a treadmill with a tread that rotates on front wheels supported on a front axle and rear wheels supported on a rear axle includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a first device associated with one of the front axle or the rear axle and configured to prevent rotation of respective front wheels or rear wheels in a first direction and a second device associated with another of the front axle or the rear axle and configured to prevent rotation of the respective front wheels or rear wheels in a second direction opposite the first direction. The system also includes a controller and a sensor configured to detect a user on the tread. The controller is configured to, in response to the sensor detecting no user on the manual treadmill, engage the locking mechanism to prevent movement of the front wheels and the rear wheels.

A system and method provides real-time coaching and adjustment to training. A wearable device may be configured for over-the-ear wear, which includes a speaker, a transceiver, and sensors to measure biometric activity in the user while worn during athletic performance training. The system uses a method which compares past performance to current performance and training goals to adjust a training plan during performance for maximizing training results. The system analyzes current and past performance and generates new training performance output goals in real-time based on the user's current performance. The system then transmits coaching output during a live training session instructing the user on how to adjust their performance output during a current training session. Some embodiments include connecting to smart gym apparatus which connect to the system and automatically increase/decrease resistance/speed depending on the system determining a need to change performance output for maximum gains.

A respiratory device of negative pressure type comprising a shell fastened to the user's chest and/or abdomen with minimal dead space, one or more vacuum and compressed air chambers attached to the shell; vacuum generating and compressed air generating sources connected to the vacuum and compressed air chambers respectively, one or more openings on the shell to allow exchange of the air enclosed between shell and user's body, with the vacuum and compressed air chambers; a valve shuttling between the vacuum and compressed air chambers. By having low dead space, pre-generated vacuum and compressed air close to the user, and the use of fast acting valves in some embodiments, the power requirement, weight, and size are reduced, making the device low cost and portable. In some embodiments, the vacuum and compressed air generating sources can be mounted on the shell itself, making the device ambulatory.

Disclosed are various approaches for determining the maximum oxygen consumption of a person, also known as maximum aerobic capacity or VO.sub.2 Max. A person is positioned on a treadmill. Attached to the person is a harness configured to apply a horizontal force to the person. A work rate for the person can be calculated based at least in part on the magnitude of the horizontal force applied by the harness and the velocity of the belt. The maximum oxygen consumption for the person can then be calculated based at least in part on the previously calculated work rate.

Tracking information is provided from one or more mobile communications devices indicating fitness activity recorded on personal fitness devices of multiple users over a predetermined baseline period of time. A mobile communications device of a challenging user communicates a fitness challenge that is to occur over a predetermined challenge period of time to one or more challenged users. Leveled challenged fitness metrics of the challenging user and of the challenged user is computed based on fitness activity of the challenging user and the challenged user that occurs during the challenge period of time and during the baseline period of time. The leveled challenged fitness metrics are communicated to the mobile communication devices upon completion of the challenge period of time to indicate a winner of the challenge.

A motorized treadmill provided for allowing a user to perform a programed workout. The 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 signal receiver, and a controller in communication with the motor and the signal receiver. The signal receiver is configured to receive a weight training signal when the user performs the programed workout with free weight equipment. The controller is configured to transmit validated exercise use data when the user is engaging the endless belt. When the signal receiver receives the weight training signal from the free weight equipment, the controller will determine that the user is not engaging the endless belt and stops transmitting the validated exercise use data.