Electronic data gathering and processing for fitness machines

Abstract

Fitness machines with attached machine parameter sensors send machine parameter data over a local area network to a computer where the sensed data is stored and processed. The processed data is made available to a user to show machine adjustments made in previous workouts, the number of repetitions made as well as other exercise or health related parameters. Other data which can be entered into the computer includes, for example, a user's body dimensions, if any soreness was felt during or immediately after a workout and data from body monitors worn during the workout to monitor, for example, heart rate. The computer can have data on different exercise regimes and application data for suggesting a workout regime for a particular user.

1 . A system for monitoring exercise comprising: 
 a) a fitness machine for use by a user;    b) a sensor mounted on said fitness machine for sensing an machine parameter of said fitness machine and for converting said sensed parameter into digital data;    c) a local area network for transferring said digital data to a first computing device which receives and processes said digital data.    
   
   
       2 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , further including an output device in the area of said fitness machine for providing information over said local area network to said user.  
   
   
       3 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 2 , wherein said output device is a visual display.  
   
   
       4 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , further including an input device in the area of said fitness machine whereby said user can identify one of himself and herself over said local area network.  
   
   
       5 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , further including a body measurement device whereby data about a user's physical parameters can be sensed, converted to digital data and transferred over said local area network to said first computer.  
   
   
       6 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , further including a body monitor for monitoring, during exercise, said user's body parameters which may change when said user is using said fitness machine, converting said body parameters into digital data and transmitting said digital data to said first computer over said local area network.  
   
   
       7 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , further including a second computer coupled to said local area network for viewing data stored in said first computer and for entering data at said second computer which is then sent over said local area network to said first computer.  
   
   
       8 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , further including a large area network connectable to said first computer for transferring data from said first computer to a remote location.  
   
   
       9 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 8 , wherein said remote location processes said transferred data from said first computer and provides a result of said processing to said first computer over said large area network.  
   
   
       10 . The system for monitoring exercise, according to  claim 1 , wherein said local area network uses one of direct physical connections and wireless connections.  
   
   
       11 . A method for monitoring an fitness machine comprising the steps of: 
 a) converting an machine parameter of said fitness machine into digital data; and    b) transferring said digital data over a local area network to a first computer.    
   
   
       12 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of transferring information from said first computer over said local area network to a user of said fitness machine.  
   
   
       13 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 12 , wherein the transfer of information is the transfer of visual information.  
   
   
       14 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of receiving data manually entered by said user while in the area of said fitness machine and transferring said data over said local area network to said first computer.  
   
   
       15 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of measuring, at a location remote from any of said fitness machines, a physical parameter of a user, converting said physical parameter to digital data, and transferring said data over said local area network to a first computer.  
   
   
       16 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of monitoring a body parameter of a user of said fitness machine, wherein said body parameter may change when said user is using said fitness machine, converting said body parameter into digital data and transmitting said digital data to a first computer over said local area network.  
   
   
       17 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of transferring data over said local area network from said first computer to a second computer for viewing at said second computer data stored in said first computer and for entering data at said second computer which is then sent over said local area network to said first computer.  
   
   
       18 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of transferring data from said first computer over a large area network to a remote location.  
   
   
       19 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 18 , including the additional step of processing at said remote location said data transferred from said first computer and providing a result of said processing to said first computer over said large area network.  
   
   
       20 . The method for monitoring an fitness machine, according to  claim 11 , including the additional step of transferring data over said local area network by one of direct connections and wireless connections.