Motivational displays and methods for exercise machine

Abstract

A stationary exercise machine includes a system for simulating a climb of a landmark or other selected geographic location or structure. The exercise machine includes an electronic control system that monitors pedal movement and that controls a display for depicting a progress in the simulated climb. For example, the control system may include a processor that determines the height of a selected landmark, determines the height of each selected step, monitors the number of steps in the simulated climb, and that outputs a signal for displaying the progress of the user's simulated climb. For instance, the display may include a silhouette of a block pyramid whose levels are filled in based on a percentage of the climb. In certain embodiments, the control system also adjusts a resistive load based on a current force of the user in pumping the pedals.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 772,625, filed Feb. 13, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having a motivational display and electronic methods for motivating a user during a workout routine. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Trends towards physical fitness awareness have led to an increase in the number of individuals exercising to keep physically fit. Stationary exercise machines, such as stepping machines or “steppers,” have become popular choices for exercise enthusiasts who are unable to engage in outdoor exercise or who want to avoid the attendant inconvenience of outdoor exercise. [0006] Indoor exercise, however, does have disadvantages. For example, users of stationary exercise machines generally experienc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In certain embodiments of the invention, a stepper exercise machine provides a user with a workout program that allows the user to simulate the scaling of one or more landmarks. In further certain embodiments, the stepper exercise machine adjusts the pedal resistance experienced by the user during exercising in response to changes in the user's weight and / or pedal cadence.

Problems solved by technology

However, even in light of the foregoing, traditional stationary exercise machines do not provide the user with a motivational exercise routine that simulates or approximates the scaling of a particular object of general or specific interest, such as, for example, a well-known landmark.

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