EXERCISE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

Exercise systems, including Pilates reformer systems, configured to provide feedback and suggestions based on a performance or an activity of the user. A system includes sensors for sensing physical aspects of and producing sensor data related to the user's performance of an exercise. The sensor data is processed to compute real-time and historical parameters. Real-time performance may be compared with historical performance and used to generate feedback and suggestions to be delivered to the user such that the user may change their activity based on the feedback or suggestions.

Description

FIELD

The disclosure provides improved exercise equipment and systems, including Pilates exercise systems, that are configured to monitor a user's exercise activity in real-time and provide feedback to the user about their performance. The feedback may be used to adjust the user's technique for an exercise movement.

BACKGROUND

Pilates reformers are pieces of exercise equipment comprised of a frame attached to a linearly sliding platform, or carriage, by one or more springs. The frame includes two rails that slidingly receive wheels of the platform therein for bidirectional movement of the carriage. As the platform slides away from the frame and the springs are stretched, resistance increases, and as the platform slides toward the frame and the springs are relaxed, resistance decreases. A user may position himself or herself on the platform and resistively move the platform relative to the frame by pulling or pushing a foot bar, a post, pulleys, and the like, as part of an exercise movement of a Pilates program.

Pilates may require a certain degree of controlled movement that is reproducible by the user so that their athletic performance, fitness, and physique may be developed over an appropriate period. Many Pilates users may find that maintaining the consistency of exercise movements is difficult, and if this problem is left unaddressed, users may experience an increased risk of injury or a lower effectiveness of their exercises. Hiring a trainer may not be feasible, and there would be a great benefit from users being able to receive objective and actionable feedback regarding their Pilates movements to increase the safety and effectiveness of the movements.

Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise system configured to provide objective and actionable feedback to a user to increase the safety and effectiveness of an exercise. The present disclosure addresses this unmet need.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an exercise system, comprising a bias connected at a first end thereof to a frame and at a second end thereof to a bias mount plate. The bias mount plate is associated with a platform plate via a load cell configured to detect a load applied thereto, and the platform plate is affixed to a platform that is movable relative to the frame. During use of the system a positive movement of the platform lengthens the bias and increases the load applied to the load cell, and a negative movement of the platform shortens the bias and decreases the load applied to the load cell. The load cell may be operably connected to a processor and/or processor circuitry configured to compute real-time and historical parameters associated with the load, and to provide feedback and alerts to the user so that the user can change their movement and perform the exercise more effectively.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an exercise system, comprising a bias connected at a first end thereof to a frame and associated at a second end thereof with a platform that is movable relative to the frame, such that during use of the system, a positive movement of the platform lengthens the bias and increases a mechanical resistance of the bias, and a negative movement of the platform shortens the bias and decreases the mechanical resistance of the bias. The exercise system also includes a processor and a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions for performing methods and operations of the disclosure. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor is configured to receive sensor data related to a movement pattern associated with the positive movement and the negative movement, compute real-time parameters associated with the movement pattern, and provide feedback and alerts to an interface based on the movement pattern. The interface may be a device interface for transmitting data to a separate device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, or may be a user interface shown on a display included with the exercise system.

An object of the disclosure is to provide an exercise system for Pilates that includes an improved Pilates reformer device that is configured to monitor a user's exercises and movements and provide feedback based on the user's performance. In various implementations, the exercise system may be configured to detect a load associated with a bias (e.g., a spring, a plurality of springs, an elastic cord, an electromagnet bias, an electromechanical bias, etc.). The load of the bias may be used for resistance during the exercise or movement. The system may be configured to, in addition to or in alternative to the detection of the load, detect an acceleration of a carriage of the Pilates reformer device, and/or detect a position of the carriage. In various implementations, the load, the acceleration, and/or the position may be used to compute a movement pattern associated with the positive and negative movements. If the computed movement pattern is sufficiently dissimilar to a reference movement pattern, such as a historical or standard movement pattern, then the user may be alerted about the differences so that they have the opportunity to adjust their technique in real-time.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, exemplary implementations of the invention and manners in which they may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict top views of an exemplary exercise system with bias in retracted and expanded states, respectively.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict bottom views of a first exemplary exercise system with bias in retracted and expanded states, respectively.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict bottom views of a second exemplary exercise system with bias in retracted and expanded states, respectively.

FIGS. 4A-4F depict several images of features of an exemplary exercise system.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict diagrams of electronic components of an exemplary exercise system that includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor for performing operations and methods.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict flowcharts of an exemplary exercise system configured for use with a personal computing device.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict graphs of acceleration, position, and load data associated with controlled and uncontrolled movements, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals may be used in the drawings to indicate like or similar elements of the description. The figures are intended for representative purposes, are not drawn to scale, and should not be considered limiting.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms and phrases used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As used in the description and in the claims, the terms “comprising” and “comprises” do not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g., “a,” “an,” or “the,” this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the implementations of the disclosure described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to the usual error range for the respective value readily known to the skilled person in this technical field. Reference to “about” a value or parameter herein includes and describes implementations that are directed to that value or parameter per se.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are depicted top views of an exemplary exercise system with bias in retracted and expanded states, respectively. The exercise system shown is a Pilates reformer device; however, alternate devices and configurations are envisioned and do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. An exercise system 1 includes a frame 2 with a pair of tracks 3 which slidably receive wheels of a platform 4 therein such that the platform 4 slides bidirectionally along the tracks 3 and moves relative to the frame 2.

In various implementations, the platform 4 may include platform pads 5 thereon, against which a user may engage with and move the platform 4 during exercise. Similarly, the frame 2 may include a frame pad 6 thereon such that the user may push against the frame pad 6 during the exercise. Other features of exercise systems and Pilates systems that may be used by a user to move the platform 4 relative to the frame 2, which may not be explicitly shown in the figures, are envisioned as being entirely within the scope of the disclosure. Such features may include, without limitation, ropes, chains, posts, grips, bars, and the like, as may be used with exercise systems and equipment. Generally, a positive movement of the platform 4 (i.e., from FIG. 1A to FIG. 1B) stretches a bias 7 and increases a load applied to a load cell (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B), and a negative movement of the platform 4 (i.e., from FIG. 1B to FIG. 1A) relaxes the bias 7 and decreases the load applied to the load cell. The resistance supplied by the bias 7 enables the user to perform movements and exercises with greater effort to better build strength, agility, endurance, and form.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, there are depicted bottom views of a first exemplary exercise system with bias in retracted (FIG. 2A) and expanded states (FIG. 2B), and bottom views of a second exemplary exercise system with bias in retracted (FIG. 3A) and expanded states (FIG. 3B). The exercise system 1 comprises a bias 7 affixed at a first end 8 thereof to a frame 2 and at a second end 9 thereof to a bias mount plate 10. The bias mount plate 10 is associated with a platform plate 11 via a load cell 12 configured to detect a load applied thereto, and the platform plate 11 is affixed to the platform 4 that is movable relative to the frame 2. A positive movement of the platform (from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B and from FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B) stretches the bias 7 and increases the load applied to the load cell 12, and a negative movement of the platform (from FIG. 2B to FIG. 2A and from FIG. 3B to FIG. 3A) relaxes the bias 7 and decreases the load applied to the load cell 12. In the first exemplary system (FIGS. 2A and 2B), the bias mount plate 10 is connected to the platform plate 11 via the load cell 12, and the load applied to the load cell is a tension load, such that the load attempts to stretch or expand the load cell, which the load cell detects. In the second exemplary system (FIGS. 3A and 3B), the bias mount plate 10 abuts against the platform plate 11 via the load cell 12, and the load applied to the load cell is a compression load, such that the load attempts to compress the load cell, which the load cell detects. Unless stated otherwise, either configuration (i.e., the configuration of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the configuration of FIGS. 3A and 3B) may be used in a particular implementation according to need.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4F, there are depicted several images of features of an exemplary exercise system. FIG. 4A explains how reformers typically function. The bias mount plate 10 may include a plurality of bias attachment points (e.g., hooks or holes configured to secure a bias, such as a spring, thereto). In the shown implementation, a plurality of load cells 12 are attached to the bias mount plate 10 (FIG. 4C). The platform plate includes a cutout portion to allow a plurality of biases to pass thereover. In this configuration the load applied to the load cells 12 would be a compression load, such that the load attempts to compress the load cells 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there are depicted diagrams of electronic components of an exemplary exercise system that includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor for performing operations and methods. The electronic components 25 include one or more sensors, such as a load sensor 13 (operably connected to load cell(s) for detecting loads), an accelerometer 14 (attached to the platform or carriage for detecting acceleration), a position sensor 15 (configured for detecting a position of the platform or carriage), or a combination thereof, configured to generate sensor data associated with use of the exercise system and transmit the sensor data to a workstation 16 to be processed.

Load sensor(s) 13 are operably connected to load cell(s) (not shown) and are configured to receive load cell signals from the load cell(s) and transmit load data to processor circuitry configured to compute real-time parameters associated with the load. Accelerometer(s) 14 are configured to detect an acceleration of the platform or carriage and transmit acceleration data to processor circuitry configured to compute real-time parameters associated with the acceleration. Position sensor(s) 15 are configured to detect a position of the platform and transmit position data to processor circuitry configured to compute real-time parameters associated with the position. In certain implementations, the accelerometer(s) 14 may be used to quantify acceleration, which can then be used to compute speed and position of the platform or carriage according to known mathematical formulas. In such implementations, the accelerometer 14 may be used for determining position instead of or in addition to the position sensor 15.

In various implementations, the sensors (e.g., load sensor(s) 13, accelerometer(s) 14, and/or position sensor(s) 15) are operably connected to a workstation 16. The workstation 16 may be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a networked server, and/or another computer device configured for receiving sensor data from the sensors and providing feedback and alerts to the user based on analyses of the sensor data. The workstation 16 may comprise an interface 17, a processor 18, and a memory 19 (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.) which are operably connected and configured for receiving data, processing data, and producing results, and transmitting the results to the user. The memory 19 may include instructions 20 encoded thereon which, when executed by the processor 18, cause the processor 18 to perform methods and/or operations of the disclosure. The interface 17 may be a device interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from a separate device (not shown) (e.g., a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a networked server, etc.) via a wired interface and/or a wireless interface. In implementations, the interface 17 may be a user interface shown on a display (not shown) of the workstation 16, such as a monitor, which may include graphical indicia for communicating information to the user about their technique or performance during a workout and/or receiving input from the user related to the user, the exercise system, and/or the workout. Information may be communicated with audio, visual, image, video, tactile or haptic feedback, or any combination thereof according to need for a particular implementation.

The instructions 20 stored in the memory 19 may be organized into any number of local and/or remote software modules, executable programs, executable scripts, configuration files, etc., as is known in the art. When executed by the processor 18, the instructions 20 may cause the processor to receive sensor data 21 related to a movement pattern associated with the positive movement and the negative movement, compute real-time parameters 22 associated with the movement pattern, and provide feedback and alerts 24 to an interface based on the movement pattern. The instructions 20 may also cause the processor to compute historical parameters 23 associated with the movement pattern and compare the real-time parameters to the historical parameters for a comparison. If the real-time parameters sufficiently or significantly deviate from the historical parameters, then the system may provide feedback and alerts 24 to the interface and/or the user based on the comparison or deviation. In this manner, the user may have the opportunity to quickly adjust their technique in real-time and improve their workout.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, there are depicted flowcharts of an exemplary exercise system configured for use with a personal computing device. To use the exercise system 1, a user may interact with a personal computing device, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, and may receive audiovisual instructions and/or video from the personal computing device for a particular workout or Pilates routine. The personal computing device may depict a class video during use and may provide a user interface (UI) for interacting with content of an online course for Pilates. The UI may be provided as part of a software application (“app”) executable by the personal computing device.

The personal computing device may be networked and configured to communicate with a remote server, e.g., a cloud server, having a database. The cloud server may include a suitable device interface for receiving requests from the personal computing device and responding with data and information retrieved from the database that may be relevant to the user. The personal computing device may send summative reports related to the user's performance to the cloud servers. The summative reports may relate to a movement pattern or form or technique of the user for one or more current or previous workout sessions or classes. The cloud servers may evaluate the received summative reports and send recommendations for future exercises to the personal computing device for viewing and implementation by the user.

The personal computing device may be operably connected to the interface of the exercise system and may thereby be configured to send and receive data through suitable wireless and/or wired protocols. The personal computing device may send information to the interface of the exercise system related to which algorithms or procedures the exercise system should run or execute, and the exercise system may send reports on the algorithms that were run or executed. The reports may include a rating or score for quality of movement, cleanness or smoothness of movement, consistency of movement, and the like. The rating or score may be expressed as a percentage (e.g., 0-100). The reports sent from the exercise system may be incorporated into communications from the personal computing device to the cloud servers. Similarly, the recommendations for future exercises may be incorporated into communications from the personal computing device to the exercise system. In this manner, the personal computing device may act as an intermediate communication point between the exercise system and the cloud servers. However, in implementations, the exercise system may be configured to communicate with the cloud servers directly (e.g., without use of the personal computing device). In such implementations, the exercise system may include a display, such as a built-in display, for showing the user information about exercises and performance.

Regardless of whether the information is conveyed with a display of the exercise system or on a personal computing device, the user may receive alerts related to improper form. Such alerts may include, for example, communicating that the user is traveling too fast, that the user has paused or walked away from the device, that the user is struggling and a different level of resistance should be used, that the user is not moving as far in a current exercise compared to a previous exercise and provide encouragement to move further, etc. Similarly, information about the workout itself may be provided, such as number of repetitions completed, amount of load moved, how well a movement is performed, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, there are depicted graphs of acceleration, position, and load data associated with controlled (FIG. 7A) and uncontrolled movements (FIG. 7B), respectively. FIG. 7A shows an example of waveforms captured by the sensor array when the user smoothly pushes out and controls the return movement. The Y-values have been normalized to allow demonstration of the differences between acceleration, distance and load. In various implementations, the instructions implement novel algorithms for distinguishing between effective and non-effective movement patterns. The sensors may capture data as a user smoothly pushes out and controls their movement (FIG. 7A), and this may be compared to data captured as a user irregularly pushes out and does not control their movement (FIG. 7B). FIG. 7B shows a snapshot of the user jumping (explosive movement outward and abruptly stopping on the return movement). In various implementations, the algorithms can determine which movement pattern the user is demonstrating and can initiate feedback and/or alerts to prompt the user with suitable instructions to modify their movement behavior (if incorrect) or sustain their movement behavior (if correct). For example, algorithms can determine which movement pattern the user is demonstrating and prompt the user with an appropriate instruction to modify or sustain their movement behavior. In this manner, the user may receive feedback from the system related to their performance in real-time.

Implementing the devices and systems described herein may be performed with variations in features disclosed herein, whether such variations are known or may be known in the future. For example, methods and operations may be performed by a hardware-software combination (e.g., a hardware processor executing software on a non-transitory memory), and/or may be performed by dedicated hardware, without software elements. Processor circuitry may be implemented as a processor capable of being configured by executable software, and/or may be implemented with dedicated hardware circuitry. Connections between features and elements of the drawings and description may be made according to any suitable approach, including wired and wireless approaches, and the structures and functions of these approaches are referenced in the description only inasmuch as they may enhance understanding of the disclosed invention, and are not intended to be limiting. With regard to the load cells, these elements may be configured to function with compression loads, tension loads, or both compression loads and tension loads, according to need. In general, any particular type of load cell may be used in any particular implementation of the exercise system. However, in certain implementations, a plurality (e.g., two) bridge cells may be used for tension loads and/or a plurality (e.g., four) half-bridge cells may be used for compression loads. With regard to the bias(es), it is contemplated that any suitable bias may be used, including but not limited to springs, pneumatic springs, elastic cords, cables and weights, and the like. In certain implementations, an electromagnetic bias and/or an electromechanical bias may be used to provide the resistance. In such implementations, the bias may include a sensor and/or a load cell for sensing loads, which may be built-in and/or integral with the bias.

The foregoing descriptions of specific implementations have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teaching. The exemplary implementations were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its implementations with modifications as suited to the use contemplated.

It is therefore submitted that the invention has been shown and described in the most practical and exemplary implementations. It should be recognized that departures may be made which fall within the scope of the invention. With respect to the description provided herein, it is submitted that the optimal features of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner of operation, assembly, and use. All structures, functions, and relationships equivalent or essentially equivalent to those disclosed are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise system, comprising: a bias connected at a first end thereof to a frame and at a second end thereof to a bias mount plate, wherein the bias mount plate is associated with a platform plate via a load cell configured to detect a load applied thereto, wherein the platform plate is affixed to a platform that is movable relative to the frame;wherein a positive movement of the platform lengthens the bias and increases the load applied to the load cell; andwherein a negative movement of the platform shortens the bias and decreases the load applied to the load cell.

2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the bias mount plate is connected to the platform plate via the load cell, wherein the load is a tension load.

3. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the bias mount plate abuts against the platform plate via the load cell, wherein the load is a compression load.

4. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the bias comprises a spring.

5. The exercise system of claim 1, further comprising a load sensor configured to receive load cell signals from the load cell and transmit load data to processor circuitry configured to compute real-time parameters associated with the load.

6. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein the processor circuitry is further configured to compute historical parameters associated with the load and provide feedback and alerts to an interface.

7. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein the real-time parameters include a movement pattern associated with the positive movement and the negative movement.

8. The exercise system of claim 7, wherein the processor circuitry is further configured to provide feedback and alerts to an interface based on the movement pattern.

9. An exercise system, comprising: a bias connected at a first end thereof to a frame and associated at a second end thereof with a platform that is movable relative to the frame, wherein a positive movement of the platform lengthens the bias and increases a mechanical resistance of the bias, and wherein a negative movement of the platform shortens the bias and decreases the mechanical resistance of the bias;a processor; anda non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive sensor data related to a movement pattern associated with the positive movement and the negative movement;compute real-time parameters associated with the movement pattern; andprovide feedback and alerts to an interface based on the movement pattern.

10. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the non-transitory machine-readable medium is further storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: compute historical parameters associated with the movement pattern;compare the real-time parameters to the historical parameters for a comparison; andprovide feedback and alerts to the interface based on the comparison.

11. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the bias comprises an electromagnet bias or an electromechanical bias.

12. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the mechanical resistance results from a tension load or a compression load.