GB2311231A

GB2311231A - System for programming exercise

Info

Publication number: GB2311231A
Application number: GB9705422A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nerio Alessandri
Original assignee: Technogym SpA
Current assignee: Technogym SpA
Priority date: 1996-03-18
Filing date: 1997-03-15
Publication date: 1997-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-15
Also published as: NL1005560A1; FR2746022B1; IT1285622B1; FR2746022A1; ITBO960148A0; DE19710955A1; GB9705422D0; GB2311231B; ITBO960148A1; NL1005560C2

Description

2311231 1 A system for programming training on exercise apparatus or

machines and related method is The present invention relates to a system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines.

In particular, the system disclosed can be used to advantage in sport recreational structures such as gymnasiums, fitness centres, sports clubs, rehabilitation centres, clinics and similar locations.

In such structures (for the purpose of simplicity hereinafter referred to as gyms) users are supposed to perform a series of exercises or rehabilitative movements differentiated according to parameters relative to the type of training or rehabilitation, the user's physique and state of health, the objectives to be reached, etc.; in practice, a program of this kind defines a daily routine protocol which, in most cases, will vary in time in accordance with the athlete's achievements.

Each user or athlete is assigned a specific program to be followed during the various training The programs differ according to the sessions 2 is number of exercises, the order in which they are to be performed, their repeatability, length and intensity.

To this end, at the gym, once the instructor has evaluated the athlete's physical characteristics and the objectives to be reached, he or she prepares an exercise "routine", clearly indicating to the athlete the way in which these exercises must be performed.

The said routine is the athlete's program, and is accompanied by a written schedule which the athlete must carry during training for the necessary consultation during performance of the exercises.

The programs normally prepared relate to lengthy periods of attendance at the gym and, in any case, cannot be altered upon each visit for obvious organizational reasons, so that, in brief, for each cycle the athlete substantially repeats the same exercises.

The program is generally set as a kind of average between the initial training stage (during which the athlete is more likely to be less trained) and the final result for each cycle.

For this reason, it is possible that during the initial stage the athlete trains more intensively 3 than necessary, whilst during the f inal stage of each cycle, the exercises do not stretch the athlete's actual physical abilities to the full.

With programs of this type it is, therefore, impossible to constantly correlate the intensity of the training and the athlete's actual condition: this being of fundamental importance, since hyper or hypo intensive may not athlete and, in some cases, training which is be of use to the may even have negative consequences.

Exercise machines are currently available which are able to interact with feedback from the athlete relative to the latter's physiological parameters (e.g.: heart rate) varying the intensity of an exercise in accordance with the said feedback. However, the repeated use of such machines does not provide identical results.

Moreover, there is no link between exercises performed on different machines, because it is impossible to compare the data relative to exercises performed on more than one machine.

At present, it is impossible to prepare a program for a series of exercises based on the athlete's actual reactions to the training, relative to the exercise and physical effort involved.

I- 4 is This is particularly true if considered in relation to the large number and variety of machines which the athlete has to use when following a routine protocol, passing from stations with cardiovascular machines (bikes, treadmills, steps) to those with isokinetic machines (benches, etc.). In most gyms, these machines are all separate units in that there is no way of connecting them up, for example, in an interactive data network enabling them to communicate in real time with one another and with a server capable of recording and processing the data for the exercises completed and providing a report on the status of an individual user. Attempts have been made to achieve this sort of connection, using known networking techniques based on a central unit or server and peripheral units or personal computers: all these attempts envisage the establishment of a network of cables to physically connect all the machines concerned to one another, this solution, however, having proved decidedly unworkable considering the nature of the places of installation (gyms) and the fact that the machines to be connected are invariably scattered in all the furthest corners of the gym; not to mention that this type of connection is ill-adapted to gym r is machines and working conditions, network links being easily lost, as users of this kind of system well know.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the afore-mentioned disadvantages with a system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines, designed to provide a training or rehabilitation program which may be varied in accordance with the results achieved, that is to say, according to the performance of the various series of exercises to be performed during training sessions; the system disclosed may be accurately defined as a centralized system for the management of routine protocols. It permits a "virtual connection" to be made between all the machines present in a gym and a central unit for the programming of the training to be effected, and it allows the storage and even a graphic display of previous training.

The connection is defined as "virtual" because it is established without the use of network cables or transmission lines which would create a potential hazard on the gym premises: in other words, all the machines remain entirely separate and independent of one another.

r 6 is The present invention, as described in the claims, includes a central unit for the development of a training program to be performed on a plurality of exercise apparatus and/or machines, the latter having a plurality of stations to allow the exercises to be set on them, as well as to receive feedback relative to the exercises performed.

The interface between the central unit and the stations is constituted by a data storage device consisting of a contact-free, portable memory contained in a medium designed to interact with the central unit and stations with suitable bidirectional data transmission means.

The use of the portable memory as the training program's portable medium may also determine various means of access to other activities linked to the gym or sports centre. For example, the portable memory may be used to control access, as a means of payment, as a key for library references, to check attendance, etc.

The use of a contact-free, portable memory known in the trade as SMART KEY, allows the data storage medium to be totally customized, guaranteeing that the machine will be adapted to the requirements of the exercises fully automatically and in the t'll 7 is minimum amount of time.

In addition to what has been stated, the present invention may be used to manage exercise apparatus and machines which are not equipped with a computerized programming system, to program activities that are collateral to actual training sessions (as specified in detail further on), to interface exercise apparatus or machines of different types and/or makes, etc. In other words, with the present invention, an instrument that programs training and collateral activities is also provided which is capable of managing all the activities that are practised at or connected to sports and recreational structures such as gymnasiums, fitness centres, sports clubs, rehabilitation centres, clinics and similar locations.

In relation to what has just been stated on the socalled collateral or complementary training activities, a diet is usually included which is adequate and tailored to the training results to be obtained. In other words, depending on the sport practised, the time until the next competition, the need to lose or gain weight, etc., each athlete must follow a special diet that facilitates or in 8 is any case helps him/her in obtaining results.

With the invention disclosed, it is possible to define diets connected to physical activities performed and to the results to be obtained.

Among the sports activities that f orm. a training program, there are a few which are practised in areas other than gyms; said types of activities may comprise, for example, running outdoors, swimming or other activities. Up to now, said activities formed part of a program that was separate from the training or rehabilitation programs in the gym; with the present invention, the activities in question may be included in a single training program.

The training session programming system disclosed may also be extended to data relative to other activities or interests connected directly or indirectly to activities in the gym or in similar centres. By way of example, the system disclosed makes it possible to obtain data on the administration of a centre, payment of fees, lesson times, etc. Among data contained in this system, one may also use data relative to specialized publications, libraries that cover this sector, etc. so as to provide a more complete service 9 is which is also dedicated to theoretic training aspects.

Moreover, the system disclosed may be provided with comparator means equipped with data storage means relative to machines and apparatus of different types or makes so that the exercises may be standardized. In other words, the system disclosed may allow the performance of exercises on machines that utilize different parameters which measure the physical effort exerted, calories used, etc., averaging the relative data received by said machines (or by the users through readings on said machines) in a single protocol so as to allow training sessions to be programmed.

The technical features of the present invention, in accordance with the said aims, are clearly described in the claims herein and the advantages of the invention are more clearly shown in the detailed description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment by way of example only, and in which:

figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present invention; figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are schematic illustrations of possible graphic representations is of the set-up and layout of a training program in accordance with the present invention.

- figure 8 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines disclosed.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines disclosed is of the type which may be used for training or rehabilitation based on the performance, using a plurality of exercise apparatus and/or machines, of a series of exercises defining a personalized program.

In figure 1, where the various elements of the not shown in proportion for the purpose claritv, system are of greater such exercise apparatus and machines are schematically represented by machines A for the performance of exercises which may be compared, respectively, to cycling, running, stepping (technically known as bike, jogger or treadmill and step), as well as a conventional bench A' for weight lifting with bar. All these machines are not interconnected in any way, that is to say, there is no form of reciprocal data network connection between them.

The system includes a central unit M with first r_ processing means MM and bi-directional data transfer means DM; the central unit M has means which may be used to write and read data relative to the personalized program, as well as to modify the program itself.

The processing means MM may be a personal computer with suitable software for the programming of personalized training, obviously by trained medical personnel responsible for programming the activities in the gym, the term "programming" being used to mean the defining of the different routine protocols which an athlete must follow during a session and on each single machine. For example, in the case of the bike, the protocol might be defined by a curve in a Cartesian plane where time is measured on the x-axis and any other variable connected with the effort exerted is measured on the y-axis. The bi-directional data transfer means DM, connected to the processing means MM, are suitable devices for writing to and reading from a portable memory, designed to transfer data between machines or units which are not directly connected. The portable memory is on a portable medium K and stores the data relative to the aforementioned personalized program.

r 12 is The system also includes a plurality of stations S, located at the corresponding plurality of exercise apparatus and/or machines A, A'.

The stations S, like the central unit, have second processing means MS and means DS for the bidirectional transfer of data from and to the portable medium K, so that they receive, as input, the data present in the memory relative to the exercise to be performed in order to define the programming of the apparatus and/or machine, and to transfer as output to the portable memory, upon completion of the exercise, the real data for the exercises and for the physical effort exerted so that this data can be checked.

The first processing means and bi-directional data transfer means DM of the said central unit can modify the personalized program according to the data received when the exercises are performed.

Obviously, the second processing means MS in the stations S need not process or reset the personalized program, since it is sufficient that they be able to read the data from the portable medium K and transmit to the latter the data relative to the exercises and physical effort exerted.

rj7 1 13 is The central unit M is best installed in an easily accessible area of the gym and may take the form of a multi-media station, of the type used, for example, in arts centres, stations or airports, equipped, for example, with "touch screen" type user interface devices to facilitate reference.

The various exercise apparatus or machines A, A' are not connected directly to the central unit M: this avoids the need for electrical or other connections, allowing the machines to be placed at any distance from the central unit, so that the system can be used in gyms or centres spread over more than one story, or over an extensive area.

The connection between the central unit M and apparatus and machines A, A', established virtually by means of the portable medium K, may consist of an electronic key K (for example, with an E2PROM type memory) which allows communication between the central unit M and the stations S.

The electronic key K may have a plastic enclosure designed to render it impermeable. The combination of a memory programmed through magnetic induction and a waterproof cover allows, on one hand, memory programming without the need for contacts, and on the other, allows easy use of the electronic key K r 14 even in environmental conditions which have negative ef f ects on other program media, e.g.: the presence of humidity. - The stations S may have a monitor V to display the exercises to be performed, and may vary according to the corresponding machines or apparatus.

For example, exercise machines which require electronic programming (such as the bike, jogging machine and step, denoted by A in f igure 1) can be linked to stations S connected directly to the machine controls, or the stations S may form part of the machine controls. In this way, the machines are "set" directly with the data obtained from the portable memory.

There may also be means which automatically detect the exercise and physical effort exerted, designed to control the exercise and physical effort exerted, providing the said data as output which may be used by the central unit M.

The displays VA envisaged on the machine may be used to display the program instead of the monitors V on the stations S.

In figure 1 the stations S linked to electronically programmed machines are shown by a broken line, since they may, as described above, be incorporated is is in the exercise machines.

For the machines which do not require automatic programming, such as the isokinetic machines or weights (in figure 1 represented by the bench A,), the data relative to the exercise and physical effort exerted can be entered "manually" using the keyboard T', or using the touch screen type monitor V.

At the central unit M there are manual data entry means T, such as, for example, a keyboard. The keyboard T can be used by the instructor /phys ic ian I to provide the first processing means MM (and, therefore, also the bi-directional data transfer means DM) with data about the athlete for the composition of the personalized program.

The description below illustrates some possible ways of using the system disclosed.

The f irst time a person goes to a gym, or in the event of a periodic review of the program followed so far, he/she has an interview with the instructor (and, if necessary, undergoes a medical examination) in order to establish the terms and objectives of the training, that is to say, the routine protocols that must be followed daily using the gym's exercise machines and apparatus: these r 16 is protocols are entered in the central unit M, which is the database containing all the training protocols of the entire gym. Each individual protocol is divided into single apparatus protocols each dedicated and correlated to the machine used.

During subsequent training sessions, that is, whenever the athlete goes to the gym for a training session, the portable medium K is inserted into the reading device defined by the first bi-directional data transfer means DM so as to receive instructions relative to the training for that particular day.

When the user arrives at the machine, if it is of the type with automatic programming, he/she inserts the electronic key K in the purpose-designed reading device on the station S linked to the machine, thus "setting" the machine, so that he/she then simply goes ahead with the training. Upon completion of the training, the station S "unloads" onto the key K the real data for the training just completed and the variations (if any) with respect to that envisaged by the protocol.

In the case of machines with manual programming (see bench A' in f igure 1) the user inserts the electronic key K into the station S reading device 17 and the monitor V displays the type of exercises, their order, repetitions and relative weights. Upon completion, it is the athlete who must confirm whether the training corresponded to that suggested, or specify any variations, so that all data may be stored on the electronic key K.

In both cases, for machines with automatic or manual control, following storage of data about the exercise and physical effort exerted, the monitor V of the station S may, in one possible embodiment of the invention, display the next exercise to be performed, indicating the most suitable sequence of machines.

At the end of the training session, the individual goes to the central unit M to "unload" the electronic key K and enter in a memory, with first processing means MM, the feedback on the exercise and physical effort exerted.

The final operation may envisage an indication which immediately reveals the quality of the exercise and physical effort exerted, thus providing an assessment of the training session, and which may or may not include a score or "well done" grading comment.

When the data is entered in the central unit, as 18 is well as facilitating the management of various schedules for a number of days, training, it is possible to control the training sessions effected by a user, set out timetables, types of exercises, analyze user attendance, etc.

The user interacts with the central unit by means of the electronic key K, as described above, loading the data relative to training and unloading the data about the exercise and physical effort exerted, and may, in some cases, interact using a touch screen type device.

Following the insertion of the electronic key K and/or the pressure of a fingertip on the screen VM (in the case of ',touch screen,, devices) on the central unit M, a screen page showing the main menu appears, similar to that illustrated in figure 2.

The main menu is divided into a series of icons 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 which correspond with the various functions of the main program; when the user touches one of the icons displayed on the screen, the program allows access to the selected environment which is described below.

The last icon or box 250 in figure 2 relates to the programs used only by the instructors to set training routines and enter various data.

19 One of the functions of the main program is the training load program (corresponds to box 210 in figure 2) which allows the training to be performed by the user to be loaded onto the electronic key K. The user employs this function each time he/she enters the gym and decides to begin training. While the electronic key K is loaded, the training schedule and/or the user's progress relative to the objective set may appear on the display.

The training schedule may resemble that shown in figure 3, where the athlete's name appears in one sector 211 of the screen, whilst another two sectors 212 and 213 respectively show the various exercises for the training session and the way in which they must be performed.

As well as being displayed on the central unit M screen VM, the training schedule can be printed on a printer P connected to the central unit.

The user's progress may be displayed as shown in f igure 4, where a graph 214 is used, the X-axis representing the time, and the Y-axis the level of fitness.

On the graph 214, a straight line r connects a first point 215, corresponding to the condition at the start of the training period, and a second r- point 216, relative objective. A curve straight line r, and is to the athlete's ultimate c is superimposed on the shows the athlete's actual progress over the same period of time.

Another function of the main program is the unloading of training data. The user accesses this environment (corresponding to box 220 in figure 2) at the end of each training session; during this stage, the results of training, stored by the stations S on the electronic key K, are unloaded to the console and a graph may appear on the screen VM, allowing immediate evaluation of the exercise and physical effort exerted.

The image may resemble that shown in f igure 5 and can be displayed using the command denoted by 230 in f igure 2, which is a training schedule display function.

In f igure 5, where the athlete's name appears in the top sector 211, the training schedule loaded on the electronic key K is displayed, and for each type of exercise in the schedule (there being two in the example) there is an indication as to whether it has been performed (222) or not (221). The next exercise to be performed may also be indicated. The training schedule may be displayed 21 is at any moment and can be printed by the user if so required.

Another option in the main menu is to display the exercise and physical effort exerted by selecting box 240 in figure 2, allowing the display of data which has been archived, the image resembling that shown in figure 6.

The graph 214 on the top right is the same as that in figure 4 previously described, which shows the user's progress toward the objective set, with the relative reference straight line r and the curve c showing the actual exercises and physical effort exerted.

The individual's name and surname appear in the top left corner of box 211, together with other data such as his/her date of birth and weight. By selecting this icon it is possible to access a window which allows modification of the weight if necessary.

Box 241, lower down, is available for user information. The remaining icons 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247 can be used to display data relative to the various exercises performed, or for various kinds of comparisons.

22 For example, boxes 242, 243, 244, 245, 246 may display, respectively, the kilometres totalled on the "bike", the total number of floors covered on the "step", the kilometres totalled on the "jogging machine", the total kilograms lifted on isokinetic machines, the total kilo calories used.

When an icon is selected, a screen page appears, showing the relative data with graphics similar to those illustrated in figure 7, for example, for "bike" training.

Similarly to the illustrations in figures 3, 4 and 5, the graphics in figure 7 show the athlete's name at the top in area 211, whilst the kilometres totalled during training are shown at the side in area 248, said kilometres being divided into training periods, there being, at the side, a graphic indication in area 249 of the kilometres totalled relative to a known reference value (e.g.: a map of Italy, upon which the kilometres totalled are shown by a line starting at a known location).

Box 247, for comparisons, allows the graphic comparison of the user's performance relative to all other members of the gym and/or a given reference group.

Obviously, as already stated, the present 23 is description illustrates only some of the possible uses of the system disclosed, without limiting other possible applications which may be obtained through modification of the main program software, or the possibilities offered by the menu.

We have defined the portable medium K as a contactmeans and, in the simplest present invention, it activated free data storage embodiment of the electromagnetically permanent memory (with high capacity in relation to size, for example 2 Kbytes). In another embodiment, it might be an infrared transponder or another equivalent unit.

Basically, the system described above method for the management of gym apparatus which do not require a connection but which are 'virtually one another through the contact-free key K. This method may be summarized as defines a new machines and data network connected" to programmable follows:

a) a personalized program is created on a central unit M equipped with first data processing means MM for defining a series of routine protocols, each of which is related to a plurality of apparatus protocols correlated to the exercise to be performed on the said exercise apparatus and/or r_ ' 24 is machines; b) one of the routine protocols forming part of the personalized program is transferred by the bidirectional data transfer means DM in the central unit M, to a portable medium K constituting a contact-free data storage means having a portable memory designed to hold the said data; c) one of the said apparatus protocols is then transferred from the said portable medium K to one of the stations in the plurality of stations S, independent of one another, i.e., not connected in a data network, at one of the said exercise apparatus and/or machines A, A', each of the said stations being equipped with second processing means MS and bidirectional data transfer means DS; the said transfer from the said portable medium K to the said second processing means MS being such that the latter receive as input the data stored by the portable medium relative to the apparatus protocol to be followed on that machine in order to program the related apparatus and/or machine; d) the user performs the programmed training; e) upon completion of the training, the real data relative to the performance of the apparatus protocol correlated to the exercise is transferred is from the portable memory K to the second processing means MS; f) steps c) d) and e) are repeated for each of the remaining exercise apparatus and/or machines, that is to say, for each of the remaining correlated apparatus protocols; g) the real data for the correlated apparatus protocols completed, i.e., the data for the entire routine protocol really completed, is transferred by the bi-directional data transfer means DM from the portable memory K to the central unit M;h) the central unit M processes the real data for all the correlated apparatus protocols completed and, if necessary, modifies the personalized program, i.e., the series of routine protocols, accordingly.

Another embodiment of a system for programming training sessions in accordance with the present invention is schematically represented in figure 8. In this embodiment, the processing means MM on the central unit M are also equipped with data storage means, that is, with a resident memory which contain various types of data (stored information and/or software), as described below.

As in the other embodiments, bi-directional data 26 transfer means DM have been envisaged to interact with the portable medium K in the same way as described previously.

Thanks to the special equipment of central unit M, the system may be utilized in different ways, for example, using the keyboard T or one or more buttons 251 on the central unit M.

As mentioned previously, among the so-called collateral or complementary training activities, a diet that is adequate and tailored to the results to be obtained is usually included. Programs designed to define diets may be envisaged among the data that can be processed by the appropriate means MM. In figure 8 said programs or data are represented by block DT. In practice, according to the data entered using the keyboard T (or buttons 251), or received by the portable medium K, the system disclosed is able to determine the diet. Not only are the data displayed on monitor V, but they may also be reproduced by a printer P. In addition to the age, weight and physical characteristics of the person for whom the diet is to be set, the system processes data relative to physical activity actually performed by the said person and can appropriately integrate the diet with physical 27 is exercises to be followed.

As mentioned previously, among the sports activities that are part of a training program, there are a few which are practised in areas other than the gym; these types of activities may include, for example, running outdoors, swimming or other activities. Using the keyboard T, or the buttons 251, data regarding which of activities is being performed (or is to performed) can be entered in the central unit M so as to integrate the gym program with the activities in question. This system feature is schematically represented by block OA in figure 8 which specifically corresponds to data and/or programs related to said activities.

Obviously, data relative to other activities OA may also be utilized in programming the afore-mentioned diets DT.

these be Moreover, the training session programming system disclosed may also be extended to data relative to other activities or interests connected directly or indirectly to activities in the gym or in similar centres. By way of example, the system disclosed allows data on the administration of a centre, payment of fees, lesson times, etc. (schematically 28 is represented by block AMM) to be obtained. Among the data and/or programs contained in this system, one may also use data relative to specialized publications, libraries that cover this sector, etc. (schematically represented by block BIB).

Lastly, the system disclosed may be provided with comparator means equipped with data storage means relative to machines and apparatus of different types or makes so that the exercises may be standardized. Said comparator means are schematically represented by block OM. Thanks to the presence of said comparator means OM, it is possible to utilize data relative to machines that use different parameters (for example, to measure the physical effort exerted, calories used, etc. as mentioned previously) in order to determine a single training program or to set a diet.

Data relative to exercises performed (or to be performed) on exercise machines and apparatus of other types or makes may be entered through readings effected by the user on said machines or in other ways.

The possibility of expanding the training session programming capacity is also extended to stations S, in ways that may differ from one station to r_ 29 is another.

In particular, for stations linked to electronically programmed machines, the second processing means MS may be equipped with data storage means relative to diets DT, administrative data AMM and library data BIB; in this way, with the portable medium K, in addition to presetting the machine A for the exercise, and storing the exercise performed on medium K (as previously described), diet, administrative or library data may be obtained.

In relation to the stations linked to machines that do not contemplate automatic programming (such as bench A,), station S may include, as shown in figure 8, processing means MS designed to manage data and programs relative to diet DT, other activities OA, administrative data AMM, library BIB, or correlation means with machines of other types or makes OM.

In practice, station S located at the corresponding machine A' that cannot be automatically programmed, or located next to machines of this sort, may be utilized as described below once the portable medium K has been inserted into the reading device DS (bi-directional data transfer means).

is It allows the training program to be learnt and enter the data relative to the effort exerted to be entered, similarly to what was stated for the embodiment shown in figure 1.

It displays diets (DT) or administrative (AMM) and/or library (BIB) data on the monitor V.

It allows the user to enter, using the keyboard T or buttons 251 or touch screen buttons on monitor V, the data relative to collateral activities performed (OA), if any, or data relative to exercises performed on machines of other types or makes.

In cases in which the user enters data, the portable medium K, once it has been inserted into the central unit M again, can be used to change the programming for the subsequent exercises and/or the diet.

If there is an interaction with machines of other types and/or makes, these may be cardiovascular or isokinetic machines: in other words, with the types of data may be entered in the training program even without using the portable medium to transfer data. In practice, if isokinetic apparatus or machines are used (that is to say, not managed by a computer), the data nresent svstem different is corresponding to the number of repetitions, the relative weight, the number of routine protocols, etc. is entered by keys or keyboard (at the central unit or at the peripheral stations or both); in the case of the so-called cardiovascular machines, the data to be entered may be relative to other parameters, such as, exercise frequency, for example, the distance covered, calories used, etc. Said data, which provided by displays envisaged on the mentioned cardiovascular machines, is manually by the user (or by an instructor) filed or in any case utilized by the program.

average step, may be aforeentered and then training The present invention, thus designed for the said objects, may be subject to numerous variations, all encompassed by the original design concept, and all components may be replaced with technically equivalent parts.

32 claims 1) A system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines, which may be used for training or rehabilitation based on the performance, using a plurality of exercise apparatus and/or machines, of a series of exercises defining a personalized program, or routine protocol, for a particular person, characterized in that it includes:

- a central unit with f irst processing means and bi-directional data transfer means, that is to say, means which may be used to write and read data relative to the personalized program, as well as to modify the program itself; constituting a contact-free means having a portable memory designed to hold the said data; - a plurality of stations, independent of one another, that is to say, not connected in a data network, located at the said plurality of exercise apparatus and/or machines, having second processing means and means for the bi-directional transfer of data from and to the portable medium, - a portable medium data storage t 33 so that they receive, as input, the data present in the memory relative to the exercise to be performed in order to program the apparatus and/or machine, and to transfer as output to the portable memory, upon completion of the exercise, the real data relative to the exercises and physical effort exerted in order that they be checked; said central unit first processing means and bidirectional data transfer means being designed to modify the program in accordance with the said real data for the exercises completed.

2) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the said exercise machines is electronically programmable, being designed to be controlled by the said data received as input by the second processing means and bi-directional data transfer means, having automatic means which detect the exercise and physical effort exerted and which are designed to define the said control, providing as output the said real data for the exercises completed.

34 3) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said contact-free, portable medium has an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (E2PROM).

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said contact-free portable medium consists of an enclosure that is impermeable at least to liquids, containing a memory which is programmed by means of magnetic induction.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit is connected to manual data entry means, designed to supply the. first processing means and bidirectional data transfer means with data about the individual for the composition of the personalized program.

6) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of stations, at least at the apparatus for manually programmed exercises, has manual data entry means, designed to supply the second processing means and bi-directional data transfer means with data relative to the exercise performed.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to allow a diet to be set.

8) 9) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage means, connected to said first processing means, and relative to administrative data.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit also 36 has data storage means, connected to said f irst processing means, and relative to library data.

10) 11) 12) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to allow the use of data relative to complementary activities in setting said personalized program.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to allow, in setting said personalized program, the use of data relative to exercises performed on apparatus and/or machines which utilize different parameters.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of 37 stations also has data storage means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the obtaining of data relative to a diet.

13) 14) 15) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage means, connected to said second processing means, and relative to administrative data.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage means, connected to said second processing means, and relative to library data.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the entry of data relative 38 to complementary activities personalized program.

16) 17) in setting said The system for programming training on exercis apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the entry of data relative to exercises performed on apparatus and/or machines which utilize different parameters.

A method f or the programming and training on exercise apparatus which may be used for training or based on the performance, using a exercise apparatus and/or machines, of exercises defining a personalized routine protocol, the method being in that it envisages: a) that a personalized program be created on a central unit equipped with first data processing means for defining a series of routine protocols, each of which is related to a plurality of apparatus protocols correlated to the exercise to performance of and machines, rehabilitation plurality of of a series program or characterized 1---;1 39 be performed on the said exercise apparatus and/or machines; b) that one of the routine protocols forming part of the personalized program be transferred by the bi-directional data transfer means in the central unit, to a portable medium constituting a contact-free data storage means having a portable memory designed to hold the said data; c) that one of the said apparatus protocols be then transferred from the said portable medium to one of the stations in the plurality of stations, independent of one another, i.e., not connected in a data network, at one of the said exercise apparatus and/or machines, each of the said stations being equipped with second processing means and bi-directional data transfer means, the said transfer from the said portable medium to the said second processing means being such that the latter receive as input the data stored by the portable medium relative to the apparatus protocol to be followed on that machine in order to program the related apparatus and/or machine; d) that the user perform the programmed training; e) that, upon completion of the training, the real data relative to the performance of the apparatus protocol correlated to the exercise be transferred from the portable memory to the second processing means; f) that steps c) d) and e) be repeated for each of the remaining exercise apparatus and/or machines, that is to say, for each of the remaining g) that the real data for the correlated apparatus protocols completed, i.e., the data for the entire routine protocol really completed, be transferred by the bi-directional data transfer means from the portable memory to the central unit; and h) that the central unit process the real data for all the correlated apparatus protocols completed and, if necessary, modify the personalized program, i.e., the series of routine protocols, accordingly.

correlated apparatus protocols 18) The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said contact-free portable medium has an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (E2PROM).

/.7- 41 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said portable medium consists of a waterproof enclosure containing a memory which is programmed by means of magnetic induction.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to allow a diet to be set.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage means, connected to said first processing means, and relative to administrative data.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage means, connected to said first processing means, and relative to library data.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to 11 42 allow the use of data relative to complementary activities in setting said personalized program.

24) 25) The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to allow, in setting said personalized program, the use of data relative to exercises performed on apparatus and/or machines which utilize different parameters.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the obtaining of data relative to a diet.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage means, connected to said second processing means, and relative to administrative data.

43 27) The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage means, connected to said second processing means, and relative to library data.

28) 29) 30) The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the entry of data relative to complementary activities in setting said personalized program.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the entry of data relative to exercises performed on apparatus and/or machines which utilize different parameters.

The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said first processing means, and 44 designed to allow, in setting said personalized program, the use of data relative to exercises performed on isokinetic and/or cardiovascular apparatus and/or machines, by manually entering the said data in the said first processing means.

31) 32) The system for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines as described in claim 1, characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the entry of data relative to exercises performed on isokinetic and/or cardiovascular apparatus and/or machines that do not have data transfer means on the said portable medium.

The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said central unit also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said first processing means, and designed to allow, in setting the said personalized program, the use of data relative to exercises performed on isokinetic and/or cardiovascular apparatus and/or machines, by manually entering the said data in the said first processing means.

33) 34) The method as described in claim 17 characterized in that the said plurality of stations also has data storage and/or comparator means, connected to said second processing means, and designed to allow the entry of data relative to exercises performed on isokinetic and/or cardiovascular apparatus and/or machines, that do not have data transfer means on the said portable medium.

The system and method for programming training on exercise apparatus and machines substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.