Method for controlling training machine

Abstract

A method for controlling a training machine is provided. Data of the force applied to a reciprocation means of the training machine by a user with the reciprocation means being locked as the reference force in the forward direction is obtained, and the forward load opposed to the force in the forward direction applied by the user and the backward load opposed to the force in the backward direction applied by the user are determined. Also, a load more than the reference force is applied to the reciprocation means as a backward load opposed to force in the backward direction applied by the user when the user applies force to the reciprocation means in the backward direction of the reciprocation means. As such, a relatively large load can be applied to the user when the user contracts or stretches the muscles to work out.

1 . A method for controlling a training machine comprising:
 a reciprocation means being capable of reciprocating a linear translation or a pivotal motion, a force obtaining means for obtaining data of load applied to the reciprocation means by a user, and a load applying means for applying a load to the reciprocation means, the method comprising:   obtaining, via the force obtaining means, data of a force applied to the reciprocation means by the user with the reciprocation means being locked as a reference force applied in a forward direction of the reciprocation means; and applying, via the load applying means, a load less than the reference force to the reciprocation means as a forward load opposed to force in the forward direction applied by the user when the user applies force to the reciprocation means in the forward direction of the reciprocation means, and then or prior thereto, applying, via the load applying means, a load more than the reference force to the reciprocation means as a backward load opposed to force in the backward direction applied by the user when the user applies force to the reciprocation means in the backward direction of the reciprocation means.   
     
     
         2 . A method for controlling the training machine of  claim 1 , wherein the training machine further includes a position sensor to detect both of a starting position and a terminal position of the range in which the reciprocation means is moved by the user, the method further comprising
 preventing the load applying means the reciprocation means from moving to an outside of the starting position and the terminal position.   
     
     
         3 . A method for controlling the training machine of  claim 2 , wherein a respective forward load and a respective backward load corresponding to a respective position of the reciprocation means are each lower than a previous forward load and a previous backward load corresponding to the respective position of the reciprocation means of a previous reciprocation cycle whenever a single reciprocation cycle of the reciprocation means is repeated. 
     
     
         4 . A method for controlling the training machine of  claim 2 , wherein the forward load is gradually increased and then decreased with the movement of the reciprocation means in the forward directions; and
 wherein the backward load is gradually increased and then decreased with the movement of the reciprocation means in the backward directions.   
     
     
         5 . A method for controlling the training machine of  claim 1 , wherein a respective forward load and a respective backward load corresponding to a respective position of the reciprocation means are each lower than a previous forward load and a previous backward load corresponding to the respective position of the reciprocation means of a previous reciprocation cycle whenever a single reciprocation cycle of the reciprocation means is repeated. 
     
     
         6 . A method for controlling the training machine of  claim 1 , wherein the forward load is gradually increased and then decreased with the movement of the reciprocation means in the forward directions; and
 wherein the backward load is gradually increased and then decreased with the movement of the reciprocation means in the backward directions.