In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a display system for a fitness trainer is provided. The display system (28) includes a processor, a hardware circuit board in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the hardware circuit board and the processor. A base portion (20) is provided in communication with the processor and the memory. The base portion provides exercise information to the user. At least two modules (122,180) are provided that can be removably attached to the base portion. In one embodiment, the removable modules comprise entertainment modules.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a display system for a fitness trainer is provided. The display system (28) includes a processor, a hardware circuit board in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the hardware circuit board and the processor. A base portion (20) is provided in communication with the processor and the memory. The base portion provides exercise information to the user. At least two modules (122,180) are provided that can be removably attached to the base portion. In one embodiment, the removable modules comprise entertainment modules.

The present invention relates to a method for measuring a user's cardiorespiratory endurance by a fitness equipment, which uses a fitness equipment such as an electric treadmill having a speed control meter panel and a heartbeat monitor to operate with an optimal human heartbeat rate (which is 60% - 90% of our maximum heartbeat rate), a basic exercise safe heartbeat rate (which is 40% - 60% of our maximum heartbeat rate) and a predetermined mid-strength testing exercise procedure for easily measuring the reference value of the cardiorespiratory endurance (also known as cardiorespiratory function) of a user at the time of the measurement, so as to provide the user a reference of physical conditions and a basis for future physical trainings and exercises.

An apparatus for connecting support bars of a sport equipment, having a first bar (30), a second bar (40) and means for connecting both bars. The connecting means contains two screwing nuts (52) and a bolt (55). A connecting portion (32) is formed on the head of the first bar, and a plurality of guiding pieces (36) is disposed within the connecting portion. The screwing nuts (52) are screwed on both ends of the bolt (55). Therefore, in connecting two bars, the connecting means is placed within the connecting portion such that the chamfers (24) of the guiding pieces (36) fit in place into the guide slots (54) of the screwing nuts, respectively. Then, the connecting means is mounted on the connecting portion of the first bar. Thereafter, a hand tool is attached to the adjusting head (56) of the bolt for turning the bolt so that the screwing nuts (52) are synchronously extended outwards against the guiding pieces (36) for a firm connection of the bars.

An exercise machine has a universal holder that is adapted to facilitate communication between the machine and a variety of portable electronic device configurations. The universal holder can be formed of a material that is generally transparent to infrared signals, but that is generally optically opaque.

An exercise apparatus includes a pair of discs (17, 18) arranged for rotation about a common axis, handles (29, 30) for effecting rotation of the discs (17, 18) and restraint means (31) acting on the discs (17, 18) to resist rotation thereof, the restraint means (31) acting on one disc (17 or 18) being independent of the restraint means (31) acting on the other disc (18 or 17).

An exercise machine (1) comprises means (10) for performing an exercise, allowing a user to perform at least one predetermined gymnastic exercise, and adjusting means (20), for adjusting the operation of the means (10) for performing an exercise. The exercise machine (1) also has a predetermined number of sensors (30), for detecting at least one exercise machine (1) operating parameter (100). A processing unit (40) receives the operating parameter (100) and generates one or more web pages (110) incorporating the operating parameter (100). Connecting means (60) create a permanent connection between the Internet network (150) and the processing unit (40). A receiver - transmitter block (50) receives a request signal (120) from a remote processor (70) by means of the permanent connection, and transmits a transmission signal (130) incorporating one or more web pages (110) to the remote processor (70).

In an exercise apparatus comprising a fixed support member (3) and a moving part (2) which can perform movements correlated to the exchange of forces between a user and the apparatus, a support device (1) comprises: elastic supporting means (4); means (6) for damping the movements of the moving part (2) and adjusting means (7). The damping means (6) are arranged parallel with the supporting means (4) and comprise a magnetic actuator (8), in which a first, moving component (9) has an electroconductive element (11), and a second, fixed component (10) comprises a permanent magnet (12) and a non-permanent magnet (13) connected to one another to form at least one air gap (14) which houses the electroconductive element (11). Electrical energising of the electroconductive element (11), whether generated or induced, applies to the first component (9) of the actuator (8) a reactive magnetic force which opposes the translational movement.

A device and method for activating the circulation of the lymphatic system in the legs of a user (100), is described. The device includes a T-shaped support 12 having a main shaft 14 with a cross shaft 16 mounted at the proximal end 14B and a base 18 mounted at the distal end 14A. Coil springs (26, 28) are mounted at one end to ends (26A, 28A) of the cross shaft or arm and at the other end (26B and 28B) to the supporting stirrups (30, 31) for the heel 103A of the user in a sitting position. The base is comprised of a first crossbar 18A and a second crossbar 18B which can be disassembled for shipping and storage. To activate the circulation of the lymphatic system, the heels of the user are first inserted into the supporting stirrups. Next, the user applies a downward force on the stirrups with the heels and finally, the user releases the downward force on the stirrups. The springs are constructed so that the legs of the user are moved in a vertically oscillating direction without significant exercise of the leg muscles and is particularly adapted for users who are unable to participate in normal activity due to age, illness or accident.

Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.