System and Related Methods for Signalling Movement Phases in an Exercise Routine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a programmable system configured to, through various combinations of optical and audio signals, automatically implement a timed exercise routine according to specifications input by a user. Concentric and eccentric movement phases are signalled, allowing the movements to be executed correctly at the optimal velocity, and allowing fitness professionals the freedom to focus on other aspects of a fitness class.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for synchronising exercise movements, the system comprising:
 a user interface;   a controller in communication with the user interface, the controller being configured to receive exercise data inputs for a routine from the user interface, the exercise data inputs including at least: a number of sets, a number of repetitions for each set, a concentric movement time period for each set, and an eccentric movement period for each set;   the system further comprising one or more visual or audio devices in communication with the controller; and   the controller further being configured to generate a set of timed signals based on the exercise data inputs and to output the set of timed signals to coordinate the one or more visual or audio devices to signal concentric movement periods and eccentric movement periods for each repetition of each set of a routine in accordance with the received exercise data inputs.   
     
     
         2 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more visual or audio devices comprise one or more visual displays, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more visual displays to show a first animation or video for each concentric movement period and a second animation or video for each eccentric movement period. 
     
     
         3 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 2 , wherein the first animation comprises a set of up arrows and the second animation comprises a set of down arrows. 
     
     
         4 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more visual or audio devices comprise one or more lighting devices, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more lighting devices to light up with a first colour for each concentric movement period and to light up with a second colour for each eccentric movement period. 
     
     
         5 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more visual or audio devices comprise one or more speakers, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more speakers to output a first sound effect for each concentric movement period and to output a second sound effect for each eccentric movement period. 
     
     
         6 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 1 , wherein, if the number of sets entered is greater than 1, the user interface prompts the user to input a number of repetitions for each one of the different sets, a concentric movement time period for each one of the different sets, and an eccentric movement period for each one of the different sets. 
     
     
         7 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 1 , wherein the exercise data inputs further comprise a rest period input, and wherein the controller is configured to incorporate the rest period into the set of timed signals between each set. 
     
     
         8 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 7 , wherein the one or more visual or audio devices comprise one or more visual displays, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more visual displays to show a rest period animation during each rest period. 
     
     
         9 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 7 , wherein the one or more visual or audio devices comprise one or more lighting devices, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more lighting devices to light up with a specific colour during each rest period. 
     
     
         10 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 7 , wherein the one or more visual or audio devices comprise one or more speakers, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more speakers to output a specific sound effect during each rest period. 
     
     
         11 . A system for synchronising exercise movements according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a database, and wherein the controller is further configured to save entered sets of exercise data inputs as pre-built custom exercise routines having the associated set of timed signals generated by the controller.