US20150134089A1

US20150134089A1 - Personalized high intensity interval training platform

Info

Publication number: US20150134089A1
Application number: US14/536,107
Authority: US
Inventors: Marcus J. Shanahan; Bill Burke
Original assignee: R2 Total Fitness LLC
Current assignee: R2 Total Fitness LLC
Priority date: 2013-11-08
Filing date: 2014-11-07
Publication date: 2015-05-14

Abstract

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a Personalized High Intensity Interval Training (PHIIT®) platform may be provided. The platform may be comprised of systems and methods disclosed herein. Embodiments of the PHIIT platform may be used by individuals to complete various predetermined workout plans. A predetermined workout plan may consist of, for example, a series of individual exercises performed in succession and in conjunction with workout equipment. The PHIIT platform may provide individuals with a number of workout plans that incorporate various workout equipment. A predetermined work out plan may be selected by an individual from a number of plans with a variety of durations and fitness goal focuses. For example, one plan may emphasize improving the cardiovascular fitness of the user, whereas another plan may emphasize improving the muscle strength of the user. Other plans may emphasize improving a user's power, speed, quickness, agility, balance, or flexibility.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/902,149, filed Nov. 8, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
It is intended that each of the referenced applications may be applicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referenced applications with different limitations and configurations and described using different examples and terminology.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to fitness methods and systems.

BACKGROUND

Exercising at a gym has long been a popular way for many people to achieve individual strength and fitness goals. Gyms typically have a wide variety of equipment, allowing individuals to focus their workout on a desired muscle group or achieve a particular cardiovascular state. However, without guidance, some new or less knowledgeable individuals may not be incorporating a healthy variety of exercises into their workouts.
Similarly, even a sophisticated and knowledgeable individual may have difficulty varying their workout regimen, as it is not uncommon for an individual to repetitively perform the same workouts incorporating the same machines. Moreover, if a gym is particularly busy, an individual may spend a significant amount of time waiting or, consequently, be deterred from performing their intended workout routine. In turn, there may be many variables that impede or prevent the individual from attaining a desired result in their workout regime. There are, therefore, more effective methods and systems for facilitating the achievement of an individual's strength and fitness goals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicants. The Applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a layout for a personalized high intensity interval training (PHIIT) platform;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a floor layout for a PHIIT platform;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a mirror and wall layout for a PHIIT platform;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a set of instructions for a station of a PHIIT platform;

FIG. 5 illustrates an operative environment of the PHIIT platform; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.
I. Platform Overview
This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a Personalized High Intensity Interval Training (PHIIT®) platform may be provided. The platform may be comprised of systems and methods disclosed herein. Embodiments of the PHIIT platform may be used by individuals to complete various predetermined workout plans. A predetermined workout plan may consist of, for example, a series of individual exercises performed in succession and in conjunction with workout equipment. The PHIIT platform may provide individuals with a number of workout plans that incorporate various workout equipment. A predetermined work out plan may be selected by an individual from a number of plans with a variety of durations and fitness goal focuses. For example, one plan may emphasize improving the cardiovascular fitness of the user, whereas another plan may emphasize improving the muscle strength of the user. Other plans may emphasize improving a user's power, speed, quickness, agility, balance, or flexibility.
PHIIT platforms may be comprised of a number of exercise stations. The system may enable an individual to begin working out at a first exercise station, which may be designated by the system based in relation to a particular predetermined workout plan. After a duration of time, the system may instruct the user to progress to a second exercise station. Similarly, after another duration of time, the system may instruct the user to progress to a third exercise station, and so on, until the user has utilized all exercise stations necessary to complete a particular predetermined work out plan.
A system timer may dictate a workout duration to instruct a user when to start and stop using a given exercise station. A system timer may also dictate a rest duration to instruct a user when to start and stop a rest period in-between exercise stations. In addition, the PHIIT platform may incorporate biometric tracking technology. The tracking technology may monitor a user's biometrics and associate the readings with particular stations in the PHIIT platform as the user progresses the stations.
Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.
II. Platform Configuration
The PHIIT platform may be comprised of a number of exercise stations. Each exercise station may be comprised of one or more pieces of equipment designed to enable a user to do a particular exercise. Each exercise station may be characterized as focusing on a particular fitness goal, for example, improving a user's strength or cardiovascular fitness. As such, some embodiments of the system may include, for example, a set of “cardio stations,” which may be exercise stations comprising equipment and/or instructions for doing exercises that are geared towards improving a user's cardiovascular fitness. Cardio stations may be comprised of, but be not limited to, any of the following equipment: reAct Trainers, lateral trainers, cross trainers, tread climbers, step mills, stair climbers, stationary bikes, spin bikes, recumbent bikes, jacobs ladders, rowing machines, elliptical machines, treadmills, jump ropes, or an area for performing equipment-less exercises such as jumping jacks, mountain climbers, etc.
Similarly, some embodiments of the system may include a set of “strength stations,” which may be exercise stations comprising equipment and/or instructions for doing exercises that are geared towards improving a user's muscle strength. Strength stations may be comprised of, but be not limited to, any of the following equipment: pull up & suspension rig, plyo boxes, dumb bells, sandbag landmines, kettle bells, medicine balls, weight racks and bumper plates, free weights, resistance machines, or weight machines. In some embodiments, the type of station (i.e., whether it is characterized as a cardio station, a strength station or some other type of station) may be denoted by a symbol on the exercise station. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a PHIIT platform wherein the cardio stations are denoted by circles and the strength stations are denoted by squares.
The PHIIT platform may be comprised of, for example, cardio equipment and strength equipment. In some embodiments, the cardio equipment may be laid out in one row and the strength equipment may be laid out in an adjacent row. The rows may be separated by a distance. The distance may be, for example, 10 feet, or a length sufficient to accommodate a size of a room hosting the PHIIT platform. The PHIIT platform may be comprised seven types of equipment laid out in the first row and seven strength equipment laid out in a second row. A cardio routine and a strength routine may be derived from the equipment layout. For example, the cardio workout may involve a particular pattern and combination of strength and cardio equipment. Similarly, the strength workout may involve a different pattern and combination of strength and cardio equipment.
As shown in FIG. 1, symbols and indicators may denote a path for an individual to navigate through the PHIIT platform. The path may be a ZIG ZAG pattern, navigating the individual from cardio equipment to strength equipment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the precise layout, quantity, and location of the stations may vary from gym to gym and there could be any number of possible layouts. For instance, cardio equipment and strength equipment may both be laid out in the same row, in an alternating pattern. In this way, the individual may not need to ZIG ZAG between rows.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment with seven cardio stations ( stations # 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13) and seven strength stations ( stations # 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14), wherein each station may comprise equipment for the purpose of enabling a user to perform a particular exercise. In other embodiments, there may be different numbers of total stations. The described text associated with the station in FIG. 1 is used for illustrative, non-limiting purposes. For example, a PHIIT platform consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise 18 total stations, 16 total stations, 12 total stations, 10 total stations or 8 stations. There may be an equal number of unique strength stations and cardio stations.
The PHIIT platform may further comprise a system timer, a sound-making element and a display unit. The system timer may be operative to keep track of workout durations and rest durations. For example, a “3:1 timer” may endlessly oscillate between counting down a three minute workout duration and counting down a one minute rest duration. The system timer may be set to count down from any desired workout duration and rest duration. For example, in some embodiments the system timer may comprise a “5:1 timer” which oscillates between counting down a five minute workout duration and counting down a one minute rest duration. A similar oscillation may occur with a timer having a specification of 4:1, 2:1, etc. A sound-making element may be paired with a system timer and may be operative to notify users when the system timer finished counting off a workout duration or a rest duration. For example, the sound-making element may be a buzzer, a bell, a chime, a speaker, a horn, or any other device capable of making a noise that would be known by one of skill in the arts. In some embodiments, a display unit may be operative to display any number of predetermined workout plans. The display unit may consist of a television, a computer screen, a chalkboard, a whiteboard, or any other device or piece of equipment used to display information.
Still consistent with embodiments of the PHIIT platform, each user of the PHIIT platform may be provided with biometric tracking technology. The biometric tracking technology may be enabled to monitor vital signs of the user, such as, for example, the user's heart rate. In this way, an operator (e.g., a trainer) of the PHIIT platform may monitor each user's vital signs. Moreover, in some embodiments, a centralized server may tie a user's biometrics (as tracked by the biometric tracking technology) to a station at which the user's biometrics were measured by the technology.
For example, a centralized server may comprise a memory storage and a processing unit coupled to the memory storage. The memory storage may comprise a listing of all the predetermined workout plans of the PHIIT platform as well as registration of each user's tracking technology. The PHIIT platform may receive an indication from, for example, an operator of a particular workout plan, as well as a station at which the user began a predetermined workout plan. The centralized server may further be in communication with the timer of the PHIIT platform. Having the workout plan, the starting station, timer readings, and biometric readings, the centralized server may log a user's progression through the PHIIT platform and associate the biometric readings with the user's progression through the PHIIT platform.
The centralized server may be in operative communication with the sound-making element and the display unit. In this way, the centralized server may be configured to display information on, for example, the display unit. Moreover, the centralized server may provide a user interface to an operator of the PHIIT platform, controlling, for example, workout plan customizations and selections, timer durations, and information to display. In some embodiments, the centralized server may be configured to generate a report for each user. The report may comprise, for example, information corresponding to a user's performance for a particular workout plan, as well as, for example, a historical analysis for the user in relation to workout plans and specific exercise stations.
The centralized server may further be a part of a distributed network environment, such as, for example, a cloud-computing environment. In this way, the centralized server may be remotely updated or receive updates with, for example, new workout plans. These updates may be regular and a part of, for example, a franchised system attempting to synchronize a uniform workout system and methodology.
II. Platform Operation
As described above, the PHIIT platform may display any number of predetermined workout plans on a display unit, from which a user and/or operator may select their preferred workout plan. For example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes at least three predetermined workout plans: 1) PHIIT30 Cardio Evolution, 2) PHIIT30 Strength Evolution, and 3) PHIIT60 Evolution. In this embodiment, the PHIIT30 Cardio Evolution may comprise a 30 minute workout that places an emphasis on cardio fitness, the PHIIT30 Strength Evolution may comprise a 30 minute workout that places an emphasis on building strength, and the PHIIT60 Evolution may be a 60 minute workout combining the first two workouts.
Each workout plan may have a designated first work out station, at which the user may begin their workout. For example, if in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a user selected the PHIIT30 Strength Evolution workout plan, the user would begin at station #2 (i.e., Pull Up & Suspension Rig). In certain embodiments, the PHIIT30 Strength Evolution workout plan may specify a path for a user to follow, beginning at station #2, proceeding to station #4, then to station #6, then to station #8, then to station #10, then to station #12 and finally to station #14. Instructions for the progression through the stations may be displayed on the display unit. Similarly, the PHIIT30 Cardio Evolution workout plan may specify be a path beginning at station #1 and incrementally proceeding through the odd numbered stations until reaching station #13. Lastly, the PHIIT60 Evolution workout plan may include systems and methods for a user performing the PHIIT30 Cardio Evolution and the PHIIT30 Strength Evolution in succession or any mixed combination.
In some embodiments, a 3:1 timer may be continuously oscillating between counting off a three minute workout duration and a one minute rest duration. A user may wait until the beginning of a new workout duration to begin working out at the first work out station specified by the work out plan the user has selected. The user will be enabled to perform the specified exercise for a duration of three minutes, at which point the system timer will finish counting the workout duration and a sound-making element may notify the user that it is time to progress to the next station. A user may then have one minute to rest and progress to the next work out station specified by the chosen workout plan. In some embodiments, a user may be guided from one station to another by following images, for example, the path of the PHIIT30 Cardio Evolution may be denoted by the existence of images of circles depicted on the work out stations specified by the plan, whereas the path of the PHIIT30 Strength Evolution may be denoted by the existence of images of squares depicted on the work out stations specified by the plan.
By way of example, if a user selected the PHIIT30 Strength Evolution work out plan illustrated in FIG. 1, the user may begin at work out station #2. The user may be enabled to perform the exercise specified by station #2 for three minutes. At the end of three minutes a buzzer may sound, notifying the user that their time at that station is up, and the user may now have one minute to rest and proceed to station #4. When that one minute is up, a buzzer may again sound, notifying the user that their time rest time is up, and they may now be enabled to perform the exercise specified by station #4 for three minutes. This cycle of a three minute workout duration at a work out station followed by a one minute rest duration may continue as the user may proceed to station #6, followed by station #8, followed by station #10, followed by station #12 and finally onto station #14. In this manner, a user may be enabled to perform a series of exercises in three minute increments with one minute rest periods in-between. A user may be enabled to engage in each exercise at their own pace (i.e., in the three minutes that a user has to perform a given exercise, the user may do as many repetitions as they want, or perform the exercise at whatever speed they want).
In some embodiments, the predetermined work out plans may include a mix of both cardio stations and strength stations. Moreover, a PHIIT platform operator may adjust the predetermined work out plans as they see fit by, for example, replacing or removing equipment at a given station with different equipment and/or specifying a new exercise to be performed at a station. In this way, an operator or individual working in the PHIIT platform may design “Freestyle” or “Open” workouts. Still in other embodiments, equipment in strength stations may not be movable to other stations. The centralized server may comprise a user interface enabling the operator to update its memory storage with, for example, the customized layout. In this way, the operator may update and customize the workouts regularly, all the while keeping the centralized server up-to-date.
In some embodiments, the PHIIT platform may enable a user to use a heart-monitoring tool to enable user accountability and tracking of results. As described above, a PHIIT platform may be comprised of different numbers of stations, and differently calibrated system timers. For example, although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 depicts a PHIIT platform with 14 work out stations and a 3:1 system timer, wherein a user may select a work out plan that will provide them with a roughly 30 minute workout by specifying the use of half of the stations for 3 minutes each with corresponding 1 minute rest times, another embodiment may similarly achieve a roughly 30 minute workout while comprising, for example, 18 work out stations with a 2:1 system timer. It should be understood that these examples are illustrative and a PHIIT platform may be comprised of any number of different work out stations and differently calibrated system timers.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top-down perspective view of a portion of a floor layout that may be used with embodiments of the PHIIT platform. Each boundary surrounded by the white line illustrated in FIG. 2 denotes a workout station of the PHIIT platform. In certain embodiments of the PHIIT platform, there may not be a boundary indicator for the workout stations.
A symbol may be placed adjacent to each workout station denoting, for example, an order and a type of workout that may be performed at the station. The symbol may be, for example, a square symbol denoting a strength-biased workout station or a circle denoting a cardio-biased workout. Each workout station may further comprise a matt on which a corresponding exercise is to be performed.
FIG. 3 illustrates mirrors that may be placed on a wall adjacent to each workout station. In some embodiments, a single extended mirror may be used, while in other embodiments, no mirrors may be used. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the symbol indicating the workout station order and type may be placed adjacent to the mirror. Moreover, a set of instructions that may be displayed at a workout station of the PHIIT platform. The set of instructions may be adjacent to, for example, the mirror or mirrors accompany each workout station, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The text in FIG. 6 is used for illustrative, non-limiting purposes only.
Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart.
For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
IV. Platform Architecture
FIG. 5 illustrates one possible operating environment through which a platform consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided. By way of non-limiting example, a PHIIT platform 500 may be hosted on a centralized server 510, such as, for example, a cloud computing service (i.e., the centralized server referred to in the platform configuration section of this disclosure). A user 505 may access platform 500 through a software application. The software application may be embodied as, for example, but not be limited to, a website, a web application, a desktop application, and a mobile application compatible with a computing device 600.
The server may comprise a processing unit and a memory storage configured to perform a method comprising selecting a series of exercise stations to be employed in a workout plan, wherein the series of exercise stations alternates between cardio stations and strength stations; determining a time for each station in the series of exercise stations; calculating a path between each station; and displaying the path on a display device located in the proximity of the cardio stations and the strength stations. Calculation of the path comprises calculating a route that alternates between a first set of exercise stations and a second set of exercise stations adjacent to the first set of exercise stations. Such route may be a part of a predetermined workout plan or a customized workout plan.
As will be detailed with reference to FIG. 6 below, the computing device through which the platform may be accessed may comprise, but not be limited to, for example, a desktop computer, laptop, a tablet, or mobile telecommunications device. As will be detailed with reference to FIG. 6 below, the computing device through which the platform may be accessed may comprise, but not be limited to, for example, a desktop computer, laptop, a tablet, or mobile telecommunications device. Though the present disclosure is written with reference to a mobile telecommunications device, it should be understood that any computing device may be employed to provide the various embodiments disclosed herein.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, portions of the PHITT platform 500 may be embodied as, for example, but not be limited to, a website, a web application, a desktop application, and a mobile application compatible with a computing device. The computing device may comprise, but not be limited to, a desktop computer, laptop, a tablet, or mobile telecommunications device. Moreover, the platform 500 may be hosted on a centralized server, such as, for example, a cloud computing service.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system including computing device 600. Consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure, the aforementioned memory storage and processing unit may be implemented in a computing device, such as computing device 600 of FIG. 6. Any suitable combination of hardware, software, or firmware may be used to implement the memory storage and processing unit. For example, the memory storage and processing unit may be implemented with computing device 600 or any of other computing devices 618, in combination with computing device 600. The aforementioned system, device, and processors are examples and other systems, devices, and processors may comprise the aforementioned memory storage and processing unit, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.
With reference to FIG. 6, a system consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure may include a computing device, such as computing device 600. In a basic configuration, computing device 600 may include at least one processing unit 602 and a system memory 604. Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, system memory 604 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. random access memory (RAM)), nonvolatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination. System memory 604 may include operating system 605, one or more programming modules 606, and may include a program data 607. Operating system 605, for example, may be suitable for controlling computing device 600's operation. In one embodiment, programming modules 606 may include application 620. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 6 by those components within a dashed line 608.
Computing device 600 may have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 600 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 6 by a removable storage 609 and a non-removable storage 610. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 604, removable storage 609, and non-removable storage 610 are all computer storage media examples (i.e., memory storage.) Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by computing device 600. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 600. Computing device 600 may also have input device(s) 612 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 614 such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used.
Computing device 600 may also contain a communication connection 616 that may allow device 600 to communicate with other computing devices 618, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet. Communication connection 616 is one example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein may include both storage media and communication media.
As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in system memory 604, including operating system 605. While executing on processing unit 602, programming modules 606 (e.g., application 620) may perform processes including, for example, one or more of the methods and systems as described above. The aforementioned process is an example, and processing unit 602 may perform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include electronic mail and contacts applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aided application programs, etc.
Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.
Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, solid state storage (e.g., USB drive), or a CD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the disclosure.
All rights including copyrights in the code included herein are vested in and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reserves all rights in the code included herein, and grants permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.
V. Claims
While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.

Claims

The following is claimed:

1. A system comprising:

a first set of exercise stations laid out in a first row, wherein the first set of exercise stations comprises strength equipment;

a second set of exercise stations laid out in a second row, wherein the second set of exercise stations comprises cardio equipment; and

a timer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first set of exercise stations contains an equal number of stations as the second set of exercise stations.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the timer is configured to issue an alert at regular intervals, the alert indicating to a user of the system to switch from a first station to a second station.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first station is part of the first set of exercise stations and the second station is part of the second set of exercise stations.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display unit.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the display unit is configured to display a path by which a system user is to transition between the first set of exercise stations and the second set of exercise stations.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the display unit is configured to display a location of the system user relative to the path, the first set of exercise stations, and the second set of exercise stations.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the path is configured by a system operator.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the display unit is configured to display biometric data associated with a system user.

10. A method comprising:

selecting a series of exercise stations to be employed in a workout plan, wherein the series of exercise stations alternates between cardio stations and strength stations;

determining a time for each station in the series of exercise stations;

calculating a path between each station; and

displaying the path on a display device located in the proximity of the cardio stations and the strength stations.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein calculation the path comprises calculating a route that alternates between a first set of exercise stations and a second set of exercise stations adjacent to the first set of exercise stations.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising tracking a user along the path.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein tracking the user along the path comprises employing a timer configured to indicate a time for transitioning between a first station and a second station in the series of exercise stations.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the serious of exercise stations comprises selecting from a preconfigured workout plan.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the serious of exercise stations comprises customizing a workout plan.