Exercise support system

Abstract

This system aims to reduce barriers to exercise for users and provide a useful exercise support system to help them continue with appropriate exercise. [Solution] An exercise support system S according to one aspect of the present invention is an exercise support system having a computer 1 equipped with an input device that can be input by at least one of touch input and voice input, wherein the computer is equipped with a recording medium that stores an exercise support program, and the exercise support program causes the computer to perform the steps of recording dialogue data and recording target exercise amount data based on the dialogue data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise support system.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the automation of housework and work and the development of transportation means, the physical activity level of the general adult (hereinafter simply referred to as "adult") has been decreasing. Along with the change in diet, lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome and locomotive syndrome are said to be increasing. In addition, dementia caused by the increase in life expectancy has also become a problem in recent years. That is, preventing these lifestyle-related diseases and dementia and preventing their aggravation are very important for extending the healthy life span.

[0003] Exercise is said to be very important for this prevention. Adult physical activity has benefits for health outcomes such as all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, onset of hypertension, onset of site-specific cancers, onset of type 2 diabetes, improvement of mental health (reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression), cognitive health, and sleep, and obesity may also be improved. Therefore, adults are recommended to exercise regularly.

[0004] In addition, against the backdrop of the recent increasing health consciousness, the number of so-called fitness gyms and the like has been on the increase trend, and along with this, the number of users has also been on the increase trend. For example, regarding fitness gyms and their facilities, there is a description in Non-Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, while knowledge about the health benefits of physical activity and exercise is spreading among the public, the percentage of people who actually exercise remains low, with fitness gym participation rates being only about 3.7% as of 2022.

[0007] Fitness gyms typically have training machines such as treadmills, recumbent bikes, chest presses, and leg extension machines.

[0008] However, the type of exercise, intensity, and number of sets required for the above-mentioned training machines will vary depending on the adult (user)'s physique, physical fitness, and the purpose of the exercise. In such cases, there is a risk that the user may not be able to obtain sufficient results from the exercise.

[0009] In this regard, there are trainers who provide consultation and support for appropriate exercise for users, but the quality of their services is not consistent, and there are challenges in providing adequate support.

[0010] Furthermore, users face two major obstacles when it comes to exercise: psychological barriers such as lack of motivation, embarrassment, and inconvenience, and execution barriers such as insufficient physical function, knowledge, preparation, and economic conditions.

[0011] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an exercise support system that is useful for reducing the barriers to exercise for users and for continuing appropriate exercise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An exercise support system according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems is an exercise support system having a computer equipped with an input device that can be input by at least one of touch input and voice input, wherein the computer is equipped with a recording medium that stores an exercise support program, and the exercise support program causes the computer to perform the steps of recording dialogue data and recording target exercise amount data based on the dialogue data.

[0013] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the dialogue data includes at least one of the following: purpose data, age data, gender data, weight data, exercise type data, mood data, and resting heart rate data.

[0014] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the target exercise data include at least one of the target aerobic exercise data and the target resistance exercise data.

[0015] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the target aerobic exercise volume data include target heart rate range data.

[0016] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the target resistance exercise data include target exercise intensity data, target exercise repetition data, and target exercise set data.

[0017] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the computer also performs the steps of recording exercise performance data and correcting and recording target exercise volume data based on the exercise performance data.

[0018] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the system also includes the step of causing the computer to display instructions for using the exercise equipment on a display device based on pre-recorded data on how to use the exercise equipment.

[0019] Also, in this aspect, although not necessarily limited, it preferably includes a lighting device and a speaker device, the lighting device and the speaker device are connected to a computer, and the computer is configured to play music from the speaker device based on music data and control the brightness and color tone of the lighting device according to the music.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide an exercise support system that reduces the burden on the user regarding exercise and is useful for continuing appropriate exercise.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an image of a studio in the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an outline of the connection relationship in the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an outline of the connection relationship of devices in the studio in the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device at the time of input of the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device at the time of input of the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device at the time of input of the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device at the time of input of the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device at the time of input of the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device at the time of input of the exercise support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the exercise support system according to the embodiment during input. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific examples shown below.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an interior image of a studio (hereinafter referred to as "the studio") equipped with the exercise support system (hereinafter referred to as "the system") S according to this embodiment. The studio is equipped with multiple training machines T, a lighting device L, a speaker device M, and a computer 1 connected to them, and various processes are initiated by this computer 1. The system S is also equipped with a heart rate measuring device H for measuring the user's heart rate, which is connected to the computer 1 in the same way as the above device.

[0024] Furthermore, this system S has a computer 1 equipped with an input device that can be used for input by at least one of touch input and voice input. The computer 1 is equipped with a recording medium that stores an exercise support program. The exercise support program causes the computer 1 to perform the steps of (S1) recording dialogue data and (S2) recording target exercise amount data based on the dialogue data. In addition, this system S performs the steps of (S3) recording exercise performance data and (S4) correcting and recording target exercise amount data based on the exercise performance data. The specific details of these steps will be described in more detail later.

[0025] This studio is equipped with multiple training machines, and we will suggest the appropriate training machine to use, along with the appropriate exercise intensity and volume, to the user according to their mood and physical condition at the time. The training machines are not limited to these, but examples include, but are not limited to, treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, abdominal crunches, rotary torso machines, back extensions, chest presses, lat pulldowns, leg curls, leg extensions, adduction machines, and abduction machines.

[0026] Furthermore, in this studio, speaker device M can output sound, specifically, play music within the studio. This music may be based on music data recorded in computer 1 when speaker device M is connected to computer 1, or it may be a so-called smart speaker device that can play music based on music data recorded on the internal recording medium of a smartphone or similar device owned by the user or studio operator.

[0027] Furthermore, in this studio, the lighting device L is capable of illuminating the studio and, although not particularly limited, it is preferable that its brightness and color tone can be adjusted, and more preferably that it is connected to computer 1 and that its brightness and color tone can be adjusted by computer 1. It is also preferable that this adjustment of brightness and color tone can be adjusted in accordance with the music played by the speaker device M described above.

[0028] The computer 1 used in this system S is not limited insofar as it can perform each of the above steps, but it is preferably, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), non-volatile recording media such as hard disks and flash memory, volatile recording media such as memory, a bus connecting these, input devices such as keyboards, mice and microphones, and display devices such as monitors, which are components of a typical computer.

[0029] The computer mentioned above may be a so-called laptop or desktop computer, but it may also be a personal digital assistant (PDTA), specifically a smartphone or tablet, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. A typical PDTA integrates the CPU, display device, and other components into a single cover, and by placing a sensor on the display device to create a touch panel, it can also function as an input device, making it very easy to use and therefore preferable. Furthermore, this system S can also be equipped with an integrated microphone for voice input. In the case of a PDTA, the program that executes this method can be recorded and displayed as an application on the PDTA, and the method can be easily executed by launching this application.

[0030] Furthermore, this system S can be implemented via telecommunications such as the Internet. Specifically, multiple computers can be connected via telecommunications, and the steps of this method can be executed by these different computers. Figure 2 shows an illustrative diagram of the connection relationships of computer 1 in this case. In this diagram, for example, multiple studios are each equipped with computer 1, while a server V for integrating this information is located in a remote location, and these computers 1 and server V are connected by a telecommunications line, also known as the Internet N, making it possible to manage information integrally. However, as mentioned above, this system S can be implemented even without a telecommunications line connection, simply by connecting equipment within a single studio. Figure 3 shows the connection relationships of the equipment in this case.

[0031] Next, we will explain each step performed by the exercise support program (hereinafter referred to as "this program").

[0032] First, in this system S, the execution of this program realizes the step of (S1) recording dialogue data. Here, "dialogue data" refers to data containing information necessary for the user to set target exercise intensity data. Specifically, it is data created by the user selecting or freely inputting multiple options, but because it appears as if the computer and the user are interacting to set it, it is referred to as dialogue data in this specification.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dialogue data in this step includes at least one of the following: objective data, age data, gender data, weight data, height data, exercise type data, mood data, and resting heart rate data. Including this data makes it possible to suggest a suitable target amount of exercise for the user.

[0034] Here, "age data" refers to data containing information about the user's age. This data is optional, but entering the age allows the system to provide exercises appropriate for that age. The user may be asked to enter their exact age at that time, or they may use broad categories such as teenagers, 20s, 30s, 40s, etc. As mentioned above, this data is entered using an input device that allows input via touch or voice, but before that, the user is prompted to enter the data by a display device. As an example, Figure 4 shows an example of the display device screen during this input process.

[0035] Furthermore, "gender data" here refers to data that includes information about the user's gender. Although this data is optional, inputting gender data allows for more appropriate exercise suggestions, as appropriate exercise levels may differ depending on gender. As mentioned above, this data is entered via an input device that allows input by either touch or voice, but before that, the display device prompts the user for input. For example, Figure 5 shows the screen of the display device during this input process.

[0036] Here, "weight data" refers to data containing information about the user's weight. This data is optional, but it is very important for calculating appropriate exercise intensity and other factors for weight loss, such as dieting. As mentioned above, this data is entered via an input device that allows input by at least one of touch input or voice input, but before that, the display device prompts the user to enter the data. Figure 6 shows an example of the display device screen during this input process.

[0037] Here, "height data" refers to data that includes information about the user's height. This data is optional, but when combined with weight data, it becomes possible to measure obesity levels such as BMI (Body Mass Index), and can be very important data for calculating appropriate exercise intensity for weight loss, such as for dieting. As mentioned above, this data is entered using an input device that allows input via at least one of touch input or voice input, but before that, the display device prompts the user to enter the data. Figure 7 shows an example of the display device screen during this input process.

[0038] In addition to the above, "personal identification data" may also be included. Here, "personal identification data" refers to data that includes information necessary to identify the user. By including personal identification data, it becomes possible to record the user's weight data, etc., or exercise history data, including information about exercise history, and to provide appropriate exercise suggestions to each user. As described above, this data is entered by an input device that can be entered by at least one of touch input and voice input, but the input is prompted by a display device beforehand.

[0039] Furthermore, the dialogue data includes "purpose data" as described above. "Purpose data" is data that includes information about the purpose of exercise. As described above, this data is entered by an input device that allows input by at least one of touch input and voice input, but before that, the display device prompts for input. The purpose data may be created by the user freely entering text, or multiple options may be set and the user may be asked to select one of them. For example, Figure 8 shows the screen of the display device during this input. In this figure, an example is shown where the purpose is set to the options "I want to reduce body fat," "I want to get a toned body," and "I want to increase muscle."

[0040] Here, "exercise type data" refers to data containing information about the type of exercise. Various types of exercise can be performed using different exercise equipment, and by identifying this exercise type data, it becomes possible to determine which exercise to perform. Examples of exercise types include, but are not limited to, treadmills, recumbent bikes, chest presses, shoulder presses, leg presses, lat pulldowns, leg extensions, and leg curls. Furthermore, exercise type data may be recorded as a single entry, or multiple entries may be recorded.

[0041] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display device when the user selects "I want to reduce body fat" in Figure 8, Figure 10 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display device when the user selects "I want to aim for a toned body" in Figure 8, and Figure 11 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display device when the user selects "I want to increase muscle" in Figure 8. By selecting one of the exercise types shown in each of these figures, this is recorded as "exercise type data".

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable to include exercise classification data in the exercise type data, which includes information such as whether the exercise is aerobic or resistance exercise. Generally, exercise can be classified as either aerobic or resistance exercise. Therefore, including data that includes this classification information makes it possible to suggest more efficient exercises.

[0043] Here, "mood data" refers to data that includes information about the user's mood. This data is also optional, but a user's mood is also reflected in their physical condition; if they are feeling better than usual, they can increase their exercise, while in normal circumstances, there is no need to increase their exercise. By using mood data, it becomes possible to distinguish between these and suggest an appropriate amount of exercise. As mentioned above, this data is entered via an input device that allows input by at least one of touch input or voice input, but before that, the display device prompts the user to enter the data. Figure 12 shows an example of the display device screen during this input process. In this figure, two examples are shown for the user's mood for the day: "I feel like I can do my best today" and "I'll take it easy today."

[0044] Here, "resting heart rate data" refers to data containing information about the user's heart rate while at rest. Resting heart rate data can be acquired by the heart rate measurement device H. In this case, it is preferable to display the value on the display device. Figure 13 shows an example of this instruction screen. The resting heart rate data may be automatically acquired by connecting the heart rate measurement device H to the computer 1, but it may also be acquired if it is not connected to the computer 1. In that case, it is preferable to have the user directly input the result. Figure 14 shows an image of the screen in this case. By having the user input resting heart rate data, it becomes possible to suggest appropriate exercise intensity, etc., by setting target heart rate data for aerobic exercise, for example.

[0045] Furthermore, this system S makes it possible to record target exercise volume data based on the above-mentioned dialogue data. That is, as described above, the execution of this program realizes the step of recording target exercise volume data based on the dialogue data (S2). Here, "target exercise volume data" refers to information about the target amount of exercise, specifically data including information about the intensity of the exercise performed by the user, the number of repetitions, and the number of sets (referred to as "exercise intensity data," "exercise repetition data," and "exercise set data," respectively). By setting the dialogue data in this way, it becomes possible to set the target exercise volume. Figure 15 shows an example when lat pulldown, shoulder press, leg press, and treadmill are selected as exercise type data and displayed on the screen. Here, "exercise intensity data" refers to data including information about the intensity of the exercise. For example, in the case of aerobic exercise, it is preferable to include data including information about the target heart rate (target heart rate data), and in the case of resistance exercise, it is preferable to include data including information about the weight (weight data), etc. Exercise repetition data, etc. will be explained again below.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in this figure, in this step, if the exercise category data is aerobic exercise data, it is preferable that the target exercise volume data includes target heart rate range data. By setting a target heart rate, it becomes possible to specifically evaluate the exercise volume. In this case, the target heart rate can be considered exercise intensity data. In this case, it is also preferable to include data that includes information on the time it takes to maintain the target heart rate (heart rate maintenance time data). That is, by considering the target heart rate and the time it takes to maintain that heart rate, it becomes possible to set the target exercise volume.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in this figure, in this step, if the exercise category data is resistance exercise intensity data, it is preferable to include target weight data, target number of exercise reps data, and target number of exercise sets data. "Target weight data" is data that includes information on the weight required for resistance exercise and can be included in the exercise intensity data mentioned above. Target number of exercise reps data is data that includes information on the number of repetitions (reps) of the exercise within a set. For example, if one unit is lifting a 10kg barbell 10 times, the information regarding "10 reps" can be called the target number of exercise reps data. Also, target number of exercise sets data is information on the number of repetitions (sets) of the unit (set) to be repeated. For example, if you perform three sets of lifting a 10kg barbell 10 times, the information regarding "3 sets" can be called the target number of exercise sets data. By specifically setting the content of the number of exercise reps and the number of sets, the target amount of exercise can be achieved.

[0048] Furthermore, this system S allows the user to input data after performing an exercise. Specifically, as described above, the execution of this program (S3) enables the recording of exercise data. Here, "exercise data" refers to data that includes information about the results of performing an exercise. For example, Figure 16 shows an example where the user inputs the number of repetitions they were able to perform when chest press is selected as the type of exercise. This has the advantage of enabling feedback, as will be described later. Note that this step of recording exercise data may be performed only once, or multiple times. It may also be performed for each set of exercises.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferable that the system S also includes, in the step of (S3) recording exercise data, (S3-1) a step of instructing the start of exercise and (S3-2) a step of inputting the end of exercise. It is also preferable that, at least between the step of (S3-1) instructing the start of exercise and the step of (S3-2) inputting the end of exercise, the system also executes the step of (S3-3) playing music from a speaker device based on music data and controlling the brightness and color tone of the lighting device in accordance with the music. Synchronizing music and lighting while the user is exercising has the advantage of enhancing the user's exercise efficiency and sense of immersion. Of course, this step may be performed not only from the start to the end of exercise, but also from the moment the user enters the studio to adjust the lighting in accordance with the music.

[0050] Furthermore, in this system S, it is preferable that the execution of this program enables the step of (S4) correcting and recording target exercise volume data based on exercise performance data. By having the user record exercise intensity data, it is possible to determine whether the set target exercise intensity data was appropriate or not, and if the set target exercise intensity data was not reached, the target value needs to be lowered. Specifically, it is preferable, but not limited to, at least one of the following: reducing the exercise intensity included in the exercise intensity data (for example, reducing the weight), making the set contents of the exercise rep data lighter (reducing the number of repetitions), or reducing the number of sets themselves (reducing the number of sets). This makes it possible to correct the exercise volume to be more appropriate for the user. Note that this step may be performed each time the step of inputting exercise performance data is performed, or it may be performed only at the time of the first input.

[0051] In this case, it is also preferable to record the user's sensory data. An example of the input screen displayed on the screen in this case is shown in Figure 17. As shown in this figure, considering this sensory data in addition to the exercise performance data has the advantage of allowing for efficient resetting of the target exercise intensity data. In the example in this figure, examples of "I could easily do 10 more reps", "I could do 10 more reps if I tried hard", "I don't think I can do 10 more reps", and "I couldn't do 10 reps" are shown. If "I couldn't do 10 reps" is selected, it becomes possible to modify the target exercise intensity data. Conversely, if "I could easily do 10 more reps" is selected, it becomes possible to modify the target exercise intensity data by increasing the weight, for example, and if "I could do 10 more reps if I tried hard", it becomes possible to maintain that number of reps. An example of the screen in this case is shown in Figure 18.

[0052] Furthermore, in this system S, it is preferable to have the computer (S0) display the instructions for using the exercise equipment on a display device based on pre-recorded data on how to use the exercise equipment. This has the effect of making it possible to explain how to use the exercise equipment in an easy-to-understand manner even when there are no professional staff such as trainers in the studio where this system S is implemented.

[0053] In summary, this system S makes it possible to provide an exercise support system that is useful in reducing the barriers users face to exercise and in continuing appropriate exercise. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] This invention has industrial applicability as an exercise support system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] S... Exercise support system T... Training machine L…Lighting device M...Speaker device H... Heart rate measuring device 1… Computer

Claims

1. A motor support system having a computer equipped with an input device that allows input by at least one of touch input and voice input, The computer is equipped with a recording medium that stores an exercise support program. The exercise support program is an exercise support system that causes a computer to perform the steps of recording dialogue data and recording target exercise amount data based on the dialogue data.

2. The exercise support system according to claim 1, wherein the dialogue data includes at least one of purpose data, age data, gender data, weight data, exercise type data, mood data, and resting heart rate data.

3. The exercise support system according to claim 1, wherein the target exercise data includes at least one of target aerobic exercise data and target resistance exercise data.

4. The exercise support system according to claim 3, wherein the target aerobic exercise volume data includes target heart rate range data.

5. The exercise support system according to claim 3, wherein the target resistance exercise data includes target exercise intensity data, target exercise repetitions data, and target exercise sets data.

6. The aforementioned computer, Steps to record exercise data, The exercise support system according to claim 1, which also includes the step of correcting and recording the target exercise amount data based on the exercise performance data.

7. To the aforementioned computer, The exercise support system according to claim 1, which also includes the step of displaying instructions for using exercise equipment on a display device based on pre-recorded data on how to use the exercise equipment.

8. Lighting equipment, It is equipped with a speaker system, The lighting device and the speaker device are connected to the computer. The aforementioned computer, The exercise support system according to claim 6, which also includes the step of playing music from the speaker device based on music data and controlling the brightness of the lighting device in accordance with the music.

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