GROUP FITNESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20080207401A1
• Filed: 01/31/2008
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: POWERbahn LLC
• Original Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
• Inventors: Warner, Patrick A., Harding, Michael H.
• Application Number:
  US12/023,888
• Publication Number:
  US 20080207401A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/4
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0009 Computerised real time comparison with previous movements or motion sequences of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0078 Exercise efforts programmed as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0053 using alternators or dynamos
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0076 Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system seats moving during exercise A63B22/0087; training appliances for rowing or sculling on boats A63B69/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/04 with movable multiple steps , i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders steppers with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0048
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/065 within a certain range
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

A group exercise system may include: a master exercise device including a variable parameter and being operatively associated with a control system; and a servant exercise device including the variable parameter and being in communication with the control system. In some embodiments, the control system may include a exercise control program configured to control the variable parameter in both the master exercise and the servant exercise device. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to receive communication signals from at least the master exercise device to alter control of the variable parameter in both the master exercise and the servant exercise device from the control by the exercise control program. Some embodiments may involve a group exercise method. Still further embodiments may involve a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for performing a group exercise method when executed on a computer device.

Claims

1. A group exercise system, comprising:

at least one master exercise device including a variable gradient parameter and being operatively associated with a control system; and

at least one servant exercise device including the variable gradient parameter and being in communication with the control system;

wherein the control system includes a exercise control program configured to control the variable gradient parameter in both the at least one master exercise and the at least one servant exercise device and is configured to receive communication signals from at least the at least one master exercise device to alter control of the variable gradient parameter in both the at least one master exercise and the at least one servant exercise device from the control by the exercise control program.

2. The group exercise system of claim 1, wherein the at least one master exercise device and the at least one servant exercise device comprise a virtual group over the Internet.