Exercise training and monitoring system

Abstract

An exercise training and monitoring system for analyzing a workout of a user on an exercise machine. The device includes a portable housing receivable within a cradle positioned on the exercise machine and a sensor lifting and lowering repetitions of weights on the exercise machine. A processor is positioned within the housing and is connected to the sensor for counting a number of repetitions sensed by the sensor and determining a time taken for completing each repetition. The processor compares the number of repetitions counted and time taken to complete each repetition with predetermined values to determine if the user is obtaining an optimal workout. A display is positioned on the housing for providing a visual indication of the number of repetitions counted and the time for completion of each repetition determined by the processor. The display is a touch screen whereby data regarding the user is provided to the processor via contacting with the touch screen or activation of control keys. A speaker generates an audible signal indicative of the determinations of the processor.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:  
     
         1 . A device for monitoring and analyzing a workout of a user on exercise machines, said device comprising: 
 a) a portable housing receivable within a cradle positioned on the exercise machine;    b) means for sensing lifting and lowering repetitions of weights on the exercise machine;    c) a processor positioned within said housing and connected to said sensing means for counting a number of repetitions sensed by said sensing means and determining a time taken for completing each repetition; and    d) a display positioned on said housing and connected to said processor for providing a visual indication of the number of repetitions counted and the time for completion of each repetition determined by said processor.    
     
     
         2 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said display is a touch screen whereby data regarding the user is provided to said processor via said touch screen.  
     
     
         3 . The device as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said processor controls said touch screen to display a plurality of icons for entering data regarding the user, each icon being representative of a respective piece of information and said data being entered via contacting said display at a position of a desired one of said plurality of icons.  
     
     
         4 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of control keys positioned on said housing for entering data concerning the user.  
     
     
         5 . The device as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of control keys include a start key positioned, wherein activation of said start key causes said sensing means to begin sensing for repetitions.  
     
     
         6 . The device as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of control keys include a stop key positioned, wherein activation of said start key causes said sensing means to cease sensing for repetitions.  
     
     
         7 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a speaker connected to said processor for generating an audible signal indicative of the number of repetitions counted and a time taken to complete each repetition determined by said processor.  
     
     
         8 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said processor compares the number of repetitions counted and time taken to complete each repetition with predetermined values to determine if the user is obtaining an optimal workout.  
     
     
         9 . The device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said processor generates a signal indicating whether the user is obtaining an optimal workout and said display screen displays an image representative of the determination of said processor.  
     
     
         10 . The device as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a speaker connected to said processor for generating an audible signal when said processor determines that the repetitions performed by the user are either too fast or too slow to provide an optimal workout.  
     
     
         11 . The device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said data input using the touch screen includes at least one of a name or code identifying the user, workout criteria for the user, physical criteria of the user, a date and time of a workout, desired results for the workout, and values for optimum workout results.  
     
     
         12 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said display provides a visual display of at least one of advertising and promotional data during use of the device.  
     
     
         13 . A system for monitoring and analyzing a workout of a user on an exercise machine, said system comprising: 
 a) a cradle connected to the exercise machine, said cradle including: 
 i) means for sensing lifting and lowering repetitions of weights on the exercise machine; and  
 ii) a first input/output port positioned at a base of the cradle; and  
   b) a handheld unit including: 
 i) a portable housing receivable within said cradle;  
 ii) a processor positioned within said housing;  
 iii) a second input/output port connected to said processor and positioned on a side of said housing for mating with said first input/output port for connecting said processor to said sensing means, wherein said processor counts a number of repetitions sensed by said sensing means and determines a time taken for completing each repetition; and  
 iv) a display positioned on said housing and connected to said processor for providing a visual indication of the number of repetitions counted and the time for completion of each repetition determined by said processor.  
   
     
     
         14 . The device as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said display is a touch screen whereby data regarding the user is provided to said processor via said touch screen.  
     
     
         15 . The system as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said processor controls said touch screen to display a plurality of icons for entering data regarding the user, each icon representative of a respective piece of information and said data is entered by contacting said display at a position of a desired one of said plurality of icons.  
     
     
         16 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of control keys positioned on said housing for entering data concerning the user.  
     
     
         17 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said plurality of control keys include a start key positioned, wherein activation of said start key causes said sensing means to begin sensing for repetitions.  
     
     
         18 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said plurality of control keys include a stop key positioned, wherein activation of said start key causes said sensing means to cease sensing for repetitions.  
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising a speaker connected to said processor for generating an audible signal indicative of the number of repetitions counted and a time taken to complete each repetition determined by said processor.  
     
     
         20 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said processor compares the number of repetitions counted and time taken to complete each repetition with predetermined values to determine if the user is obtaining an optimal workout.  
     
     
         21 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said processor generates a signal indicating whether the user is obtaining an optimal workout and said display screen displays an image representative of the determination of said processor.  
     
     
         22 . The system as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising a speaker connected to said processor for generating an audible signal when said processor determines that the repetitions performed by the user are either too fast or too slow to provide an optimal workout.  
     
     
         23 . The system as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said data input using the touch screen and stylus include at least one of a name or code identifying the user, workout criteria for the user, physical criteria of the user, a date and time of a workout, desired results for the workout, and values for optimum workout results.  
     
     
         24 . The device as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said display provides a visual display of at least one of advertising and promotional data during use of the device.