High efficiency strength training apparatus

Abstract

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus in which an impingement member is driven between a selectable start point and a selectable endpoint. When coupled with suitable instrumentation and electronic circuitry, the inventive strength training device allows the measurement, tracking, and computation of force exerted, repetitions performed, measurement and display of position, velocity, acceleration, work, impulse, etc. In addition, archived data can be used to show improvement or problem areas as well as provide an indication of the quality of each repetition and the quality of the workout in general. Such an exercise apparatus comprises: a frame including a base; a linear actuator supported from the frame; an impingement member movable relative to the frame and driven by the actuator; and a controller for controlling the actuator.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to an efficient system and method for exercise testing and prescription. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention provides an exercise apparatus such that the performance of a user can be precisely monitored or controlled.[0003]2. Background of the Invention[0004]People exercise for any number of reasons, such as to improve performance in a sport, to lose weight, general conditioning, to feel better, or even as a social activity. Since many people find it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain an exercise regimen for any meaningful period of time, measuring performance and producing noticeable gains in the shortest period of time are an important part of motivating an individual to maintain an exercise program.[0005]Exercise machines for aerobic conditioning have provided measurements of a user's performance for many years. Even if such machines have historically in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]In each of the preceding embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention will preferably be able to measure and utilize the quantity “effort” as a consistent, repeatable, exterior measure of human muscular output capacity for given exercise. “Effort,” will be defined herein as the total momentum generated during an exercise repetition, or set, and has units of Newton-seconds in the metric system. It is a superior measure compared to “work” in that work (which is traditionally measured in Joules) depends on the existence of motion during exercise. In contrast, effort, as used herein, is independent of the state of motion since it is the calculus integral of force over time, not force over displacement (as is the case for the work performed). The present invention allows for the practical, consistent, and repeatable measurement of effort for exercise protocols, such as bench press, squat, rows, etc. Using the real-time feedback loop described below, the present invention will preferably not only measures effort, but also use that measurement to provide the user with feedback concerning the performance in real-time. Additionally, in the preferred arrangement the instant invention will also allow customization, in real time or at a later date, of a given user's exercise program.

Problems solved by technology

Traditionally strength training devices have not provided users the same benefit.

Unfortunately, tracking a strength training regimen by only weight and repetitions is very likely misleading and may actually de-motivate a user rather than encourage.

Further, simply adjusting the weight and counting repetitions do not readily allow an individual to identify day-to-day factors which can effect the number of times the user can lift a given weight.

Further still, merely counting repetitions does not reflect intra-rep performance factors, i.e., power, inertia, relative concentric / eccentric speeds, etc.

However, a primary reason many people abandon an exercise program is the lack of discernible improvement.

Disadvantages of the Noffsinger device include: the horsepower of the motor required for high-end users is substantial; the device is relatively heavy; the range of motion is limited because it is mechanically set; and sinusoidal movement of the impingement member is inherent in the device.

Finally, Noffsinger does not suggest or utilize the use of real-time feedback to control the exercise motion during its execution.

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