EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHODS

• US 20110201477A1
• Filed: 04/26/2011
• Published: 08/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yoga Today LLC
• Original Assignee: Yoga Today LLC
• Inventors: Blum, Scott Alan, Whitman, Kimberly Jane
• Granted Patent: US 8,152,696 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/9
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0078 Exercise efforts programmed as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0658 Position or arrangement of display
• 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 23/0244 with signalling or indicating means, e.g. of incorrect posture, for deep-breathing exercises
• 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 6/00 Mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping, gymnastics or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 having computer circuitry

Abstract

An exercise apparatus including a video display. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes an integrated platform. Memory within the apparatus contains a library of instructional exercise programs, such as yoga, Pilates, body toning and stretching routines. The apparatus may also connect to a network, such as the Internet to stream and/or download additional exercise programs. A user interface enables the user to select from available programs, which are shown on the video display. Audio for the programs may be provided via speakers or though headphones, which may be rechargeable and/or wireless.

Claims

1. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer usable storage medium having computer readable code embodied therein for assisting a user in exercising using an exercise apparatus, the computer readable code including

code for assisting a user in selecting an exercise program, the code enabling the user, with the aid of a video display and a user interface, to enter user-defined criteria into the exercise apparatus, the user-defined criteria including at least one of program duration, program skill level, program focus, program setting, and instructor;

code for enabling the user to browse a plurality of exercise programs that meet the user-defined criteria;

code for enabling the user to select one of the exercise programs and play back the selected exercise program; and

code for enabling the user to exercise by following instructions provided by the selected exercise program through visual images displayed on the video display and audio instructions provided via audio speakers.

2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the selected exercise program comprises a yoga routine, a Pilates routine, a body toning routine or a stretching routine.

3. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the code for enabling the user to browse further comprises code for enabling the user to view a description of the content of each program in the plurality of exercise programs.

4. The computer program product of claim 1, further comprising code for enabling the user to pause, fast-forward or rewind the selected exercise program during playback.

5. The computer program product of claim 1, further comprising code for providing audio corresponding to the selected exercise program.

6. The computer program of claim 5, further comprising code for providing the user with a selection of music playlists or nature sounds with a volume control that is separate from a volume control for the audio instructions.

7. The computer program of claim 5, further comprising code for enabling the user to select a playlist from a personal audio device to play in the background of the audio instructions with a volume control that is separate from a volume control for the audio instructions.

8. The computer program product of claim 1, further comprising code to provide the user with Internet access to subscribe to newsletters, join an online community, rate a class, read reviews, purchase accessories, or purchase audio or video downloads.

9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the audio or video downloads are direct to a handheld device.

10. The computer program product of claim 1, further comprising code to provide links for expanded information about products or poses displayed on the video display during the exercise program.

11. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer usable storage medium having computer readable code embodied therein for assisting a user in exercising using an exercise apparatus, the computer readable code including

code for assisting a user in selecting an exercise program from a plurality of exercise programs, the code enabling the user, with the aid of a video display and a user interface, to enter user-defined criteria into the exercise apparatus, the user-defined criteria including at least one of program duration, program skill level, program focus, program setting, and instructor;

code for displaying a plurality of thumbnail pictures and/or thumbnail movies representing a subset of the exercise programs that meet the user-defined criteria;

code for enabling the user to select one of the exercise programs and play back the selected exercise program; and

code for enabling the user to exercise by following instructions provided by the selected exercise program through visual images displayed on the video display and audio instructions provided via audio speakers.

12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the selected exercise program comprises a yoga routine, a Pilates routine, a body toning routine or a stretching routine.

13. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising code for enabling the user to pause, fast-forward or rewind the selected exercise program during playback.

14. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising code for providing audio corresponding to the selected exercise program.

15. The computer program of claim 14, further comprising code for providing the user with a selection of music playlists or nature sounds with a volume control that is separate from a volume control for the audio instructions.

16. The computer program of claim 14, further comprising code for enabling the user to select a playlist from a personal audio device to play in the background of the audio instructions with a volume control that is separate from a volume control for the audio instructions.

17. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising code to provide the user with Internet access to subscribe to newsletters, join an online community, rate a class, read reviews, purchase accessories, or purchase audio or video downloads.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the audio or video downloads are directly to a handheld device.

19. The computer program product of claim 11, further comprising code to provide links for expanded information about products or poses displayed on the video display during the exercise program.