WO2016135499A1

WO2016135499A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016135499A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/050499
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Evans
Original assignee: David Evans
Priority date: 2015-02-26
Filing date: 2016-02-26
Publication date: 2016-09-01
Also published as: GB2535747A; GB201503190D0

Abstract

A user-operated exercise apparatus having a resistance member to provide a variable resistance force to exercise input from the user, wherein the resistance member comprises at least one turbine (1 ), a fluid flow circuit (2) having an inlet to the turbine and an outlet from the turbine, and at least one pump (3) the turbine being a bi-directional impeller arranged to create the resistance force of the resistance member when driven in one direction and an assistive force to assist the exercise when driven in the other direction. The apparatus may be a cycle trainer e having at least one front wheel and at least one driven rear wheel, the resistance member to be engaged by the driven rear wheel to provide the option of assistive or resistive rotational force in order to reproduce the forces encountered in a cycle ride.

Description

Exercise apparatus

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus which may be of the type employing a generally fixed structure (typically for use in leisure centres, dedicated fitness training centres, or the like) or of the type provided on a movable exercise device (such as a rider's own bicycle).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cycle trainers, rowing machines and the like have been used as exercise equipment in various forms, for many decades. Over time, technology has progressed to a point where exercise equipment such as stationary cycle trainers can be computerised for various training options. Such computerised exercise equipment allows a rider to experience simulations of riding on hills, by adjusting the position of the bicycle and by providing varying resistance to pedalling (typically, via a control system attached to the gears in place on the exercise equipment). One problem with stationary bicycles in such exercise equipment is that each rider or user has to adjust the settings for their own preferences. Additionally, the stationary bicycle must come in a one-size-fits-all version, meaning that the rider has limited options in matters such as downhill assistance, wind conditions and rider parameters such as torso size and weight. Now, the market has increased to a point where individualised cycle trainers have been developed, allowing a rider to attach his/her personal bicycle to a frame such that the combination of the bicycle and the frame permits the rider to train while the cycle trainer itself is stationary (for example, indoors). Examples of such trainers are disclosed in, for example, US patents 4958832, 561 1759, 7955228, 8162806 and 8313419. The cycle trainers described and illustrated in US patents 8162806 and 8313419 both employ a frame on which a bicycle may temporarily attached, with the rear wheel of the bicycle engaging a variable resistance. In the arrangement of US patent 8313419, the variable resistance is provided by a magnetic mechanism, while in the arrangement of US patent 8162806, the variable resistance is provided by a resistance cylinder and a pump arranged to move resistance fluid into and out of the resistance cylinder. Cycle trainers are generally bicycle training devices (that is, they have two wheels), but it is possible to envisage a cycle trainer having a plurality of either driven or free wheels. The present invention relates to a user-operated exercise apparatus having a resistance member to provide a variable resistance force to exercise input from the user, wherein the resistance member comprises at least one turbine, a fluid flow circuit having an inlet to the turbine and an outlet from the turbine, and at least one pump for driving a fluid through the turbine via the fluid flow circuit.

The improvement according to the invention is that the turbine comprises a bidirectional impeller arranged to create the resistance force of the resistance member when driven in one direction and an assistive force to assist the exercise when driven in the other direction. (The bi-directional impeller could alternatively be described as bi-rotational - that it is it is capable of being driven or rotated in either of two directions, namely clockwise or anticlockwise.)

The exercise apparatus may be in the form of a cycle trainer, of the type which comprises a support structure for receiving a cycle having at least one front wheel and at least one driven rear wheel, and the resistance member to be engaged by the driven rear wheel to provide variable resistance to rotation thereof. According to the present invention, the resistance member comprises at least one turbine, a fluid flow circuit, and at least one pump (such as an electric pump) for driving a fluid through the at least one turbine via the fluid flow circuit.

The essence of the invention is the provision of exercise apparatus which provides the option of assistive or resistive rotational forces, in order to reproduce the forces encountered in exercise; the assistive or resistive rotational force is provided by the bi-directional turbine, thefluid flow circuit and the pump. The turbine may be of any suitable type driveable by the fluid in the flow circuit; examples of suitable turbines include bladed (propeller-type) turbines, and Archimedes screw impellers.

The turbine in the apparatus according to the invention is a bi-directional impeller, and the resistance member may, when the apparatus is a cycle trainer, include one or more rollers for engagement with the driven rear wheel, the one or more rollers arranged to be in driving engagement with the turbine, to be driven by the rollers or (depending on the mode of operation) to drive the rollers. The rollers may be assisted or resisted in their rotational movement to provide the resistive and assistive forces encountered during a ride. Specifically, the rollers are driven by the turbine in an assistive mode of operation; on the contrary, the rollers drive the turbine in a resistive mode of operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid flow circuit includes a turbine by- pass valve and turbine by- pass channel for causing at least some of the fluid in the circuit to selectively by-pass the turbine. Such a turbine by-pass valve may be provided with a microprocessor-controlled electric stepper motor, or similar, arranged to selectively control the positioning of the turbine by-pass valve. The apparatus according to the invention may further include a by-pass valve positioning control unit, configured to store predetermined changes in the positioning of the turbine bypass valve at predetermined times or events, and also a transmission unit to transmit the predetermined changes in the positioning to the microprocessor controller.

Typically, the by-pass valve control unit and the transmission unit are both provided at a remote server, and the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a receiver to receive signals from the transmission unit.

In a further preferred embodiment, the fluid flow circuit includes a diverter valve and a diverter channel arranged to selectively cause the fluid flow direction through the turbine to be reversed. The diverter valve may be provided with a microprocessor- controlled electric stepper motor, or similar, configured to selectively cause reversal of the fluid flow direction.

The apparatus according to the invention may further include a fluid flow direction control unit configured to store predetermined changes in the fluid flow direction at predetermined times or events, and a transmission unit to transmit the predetermined changes in the fluid flow direction to the microprocessor controller. Typically, the fluid flow direction control unit and the transmission unit are at a remote server, and the apparatus according to the invention is typically provided with a receiver configured to receive signals from the transmission unit. The by-pass valve control unit and the fluid flow direction control unit may both be provided in the same control unit (for example, in a remote server); equally the transmission unit for the by-pass control unit and the transmission unit for the fluid flow direction control unit may both be provided in the same transmitter. Such a transmitter may be provided in or at a remote server.

When the apparatus according to the invention is a cycle trainer, it can, by operation of the turbine, the fluid flow circuit, and the pump, provide a realistic and smooth ride simulation, in which the fluid flow through the turbine may selectively provide resistance or assistance, as required, and as will be explained in more detail in the following description

The ride simulation achieved using such a cycle trainer according to the invention may furthermore be a simulation of a predetermined route, depending on the mode and sequence of operations of the pump and the turbine. At the simplest level, the pump may be arranged to provide constant flow through the turbine, so that the cycle simulation is of a constant resistance (such as a constant speed on a flat path). At a slightly more advanced level, the pump may be arranged to provide increased or decreased resistance over time, for, example at the rider's selection (so, for example, permitting the rider to reduce the resistance when tiring in a prolonged exercise session, or alternatively to increase the resistance after the rider has warmed up at the beginning of an exercise session). Alternatively, the cycle trainer according to the invention may be programmed to provide increased or decreased resistance after defined events, such as a predefined number of rotations (corresponding to a simulated distance), a predefined time, or when a predefined speed of rotation has been achieved by the rider.

If these changes (increased or decreased resistance) correspond to those achieved on a predefined route, it will be understood that the cycle trainer according to the invention can be used to provide a simulation of that route, advantageously achieved in a stationary (and typically indoors) environment. For example, a stage of a famous race such as the Tour de France, or a local, popular ride can be simulated in this way. Such a simulation can be further enhanced by use of, for example, video imaging in front of the rider (typically as a projection on a screen), or a wind machine providing predetermined wind condition effects for the rider, or even smell-release sources to be triggered at predefined points on a simulated ride.

In one embodiment of cycle trainer according to the invention, the pump may be configured or controlled to maintain the same speed and force throughout a simulated ride.

One or more diverting valves may be employed to control the force and direction of the fluid flow. A first diverting valve may allow for different fluid force to the pump by bypassing the fluid into a relief line. In further embodiments, a second diverting valve may alter the fluid flow from the pump in the reverse direction and can therefore be arranged to change a resistive force into an assisting force. Such a second valve can thus simulate uphill and downhill gradients, and furthermore can also alter cycling resistance to simulate wind resistance encountered during an actual cycle ride. Selectively reversing the fluid flow generally alters the direction of the driven fluid pump. This reversal of flow is achievable using a fluid diverting valve, or with shut on and off valves that alter the flow to a split impeller pump, with one impeller providing a turning force in one direction and the other impeller providing a turning force in the opposite direction. Such a diverting valve can, for example, be either a turning mechanism or a plunging mechanism, typically controlled by an electric motor or by hand. The fluid force from one pump may also be controlled with a diverting valve.

The diverting valves and shut off valves can be computer controlled, using instructions provided by a computer that contains information regarding the simulated cycle ride, which in turn alters the position of the valves by electrical motors (such as stepping motors) in order to reproduce the forces that would be encountered on a previously ridden ride. Alternatively, valves could be arranged to be re-positioned manually, for example, with markings on one valve to indicate the force applied to the rear wheel of the bicycle on one of the diverting valves, and with another valve being employed to change the direction of flow. The use of the valves in this way may be regarded as simulating gear shifting; the valves therefore allow for a bicycle with only one fixed gearing setup to be used on the bicycle trainer according to the invention.

Ideally, however, a rider of the cycle trainer according to the invention would use his or her bicycle, and would use the gear changing mechanism on that bicycle in order to reproduce the feel of a real ride. In this situation, the diverting valves would be controlled electrically from signals received from the computer controlling software.

The progress of a simulated ride on the cycle trainer according to the invention could be displayed as a moving video image on a monitor (or projection screen) in front of the rider (or even a panoramic video display around 360°), with the image movement tuned to the speed attained by the rider. In other words, the faster the rider cycles on the cycle trainer according to the invention, the quicker the road movement will appear on any video image on the screen or the like. The screen or monitor may further be programmed so that the video image shows realistic cloud movement, or natural elements such as flying birds or the like.

The cycle trainer according to the invention may further provide simulation of road surfaces, for example, by means of a vibrating platform for both front and rear cycle wheels. The simulation of a ride on, for example, pebbled roads would need a more advanced vibrating platform. Tilting mechanisms may further be employed to simulate uphill and downhill gradients, as well as left and right tilting for simulating cycling around corners.

A cycle trainer according to the invention can therefore provide variable resistance to pedalling and allow for a rider to simulate pre-recorded bicycle rides, stored on electronic memory devices and reproduced with all relevant information associated with the ride, including rider statistics. If the same ride is chosen by more than one rider, then they would be able to compete with one another as in a real situation, typically with weather conditions and body weight and body torso parameters see of each rider pre-programmed to reproduce forces relevant to each rider during the simulation.

As indicated, the ride simulation may be achieved using two electrically or manually controlled diverting valves in a system that utilizes fluid flow provided by an electric pump to drive a turbine offering resistive or assisting forces to the rear wheel of a bicycle when the rear wheel is resting upon, or attached directly to, a cycle trainer according to the invention.

The resistive and assisting forces can therefore simulate riding conditions throughout the whole of the ride chosen by the rider, including uphill and downhill gradients encountered during the ride, as well as wind conditions encountered during a particular ride. Computer software can be provided to analyse this information, for example, taking into consideration the rider's weight and torso dimensions, therefore controlling adjustment the resistive and assistive forces proportionally.

A cycle trainer according to the invention could be further programmed to automatically adjust forces so that a heavier rider would benefit from a greater assistive force travelling downhill and a greater resistive force when travelling uphill. Similarly, a rider with large body size will encounter a greater assistive force when the wind blows in the direction of cycling and a greater resistive force when cycling into the wind.

Tilting and vibrating platforms may also be adjustable for the rider's body characteristics, with a heavier rider encountering a more "juddering" ride on pebbled surfaces, for example, by an arrangement which alters the vibration intensity. The computer software employed to control a cycle trainer according to the invention can also indicate whether the rider travels too quickly around corners and, by adjusting the varying frictional forces for wet and dry conditions, will also determine whether the rider remains stable, and thereby provide appropriate feedback. A program for providing such ride simulation may be provided on a microprocessor on the cycle trainer, on a remote server which is in communication with the cycle trainer, or on a portable storage device (such as a USB stick) arranged to connect to the cycle trainer according to the invention. It is furthermore envisaged that such a simulation could be provided by an "App" on a hand held device such as a mobile phone (cell phone) or a portable computing device such as a tablet computer, laptop, notebook or the like.

Attaching a rider's bicycle to the preferred embodiment of cycle trainer according to the invention requires a connection of the rear wheel of the rider's bicycle to a shaft driven by the turbine. This connection can be accomplished by connecting this driven shaft to a twin roller setup upon which the rear wheel rests. Alternatively, the driven shaft may be connected to a V-slotted drum with the rear bicycle wheel resting in the V-slot provided. Frictional forces between the rear bicycle wheel tyre and the twin rollers of V-slotted drum would therefore provide the traction that the bicycle wheel will require when resistive or assistive forces are employed.

The cycle trainer according to the invention thus generally comprises an electrical fluid pump, a turbine, at least two diverting valves, connecting pipework and detailed instructions for a chosen ride.

A basic cycling trip recorder may be attached to the rider's own bicycle in order to indicate the distance the cyclist has ridden. This information can be arranged to link with the instructions for the ride and will indicate when, and by how much, the rider on the cycle trainer according to the invention alters the positioning of the diverting valves, which as indicated may have incremental markings indicating positioning. The detailed instructions could be in the form of a printed sheet, leaflet or booklet, or could be provided in computer readable form (that is, as computer software). Another possibility is for the cycle trainer according to the invention to provide an audio description for the ride. If the rider listens to music on headphones while on the cycle trainer, computer control may be configured to interrupt when changes are to be made (in a similar way that traffic hazards are announced when car drivers are listening to an in-car radio). Audio description could enable the rider to alter manually the diverting valves during the ride, so as to simulate riding conditions during a ride (such as uphill gradients or the like). Conventional onboard cycle computers can provide a plethora of information, such as the cyclist's speed, distance, maximum speed, average speed, cadence, power output and heart rate, lap times, average lap times, time-outs and more. The cycle trainer according to the invention may therefore be configured to provide any or all of this information on a screen (such as a phone screen or a video projection on a wall).

In operation of the cycle trainer according to the invention, the pump (or pumps) may in some embodiments run at constant speed under electrical drive, so as to provide fluid flow in the circuit; in other embodiments, the speed of the pump may be varied either as a result of the rider's choice or as the result of pre-programmed features either on the trainer or on a remote computer in communication with the trainer according to the invention.

The at least one turbine in the cycle trainer according to the invention can react to the flow generated by the pump and turn with a force/power output and direction that is governed by the positioning of the appropriate diverting valve. One electrically controlled diverting valve can govern the quantity of fluid flow in the system to the respective turbine or to a relief conduit, which, in turn, governs the turning force applied to the turbine and therefore the power output. A second diverting valve can in some embodiments reverse the direction of the fluid flow in the circuit, which can therefore force the respective turbine to turn in the reverse direction, and in so doing provide either a resistive force, or an assistive force, to the rear bicycle wheel. The at least one turbine in the cycle trainer according to the invention is, as indicated, preferably bi-directional; the respective turbine is forced to turn in either or both directions by the fluid flow of the electrical pump in a similar way that water can turn a water wheel. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of cycle trainer, but it will be appreciated that the present invention may further be applied to other types of exercise apparatus, such as rowing machines, where resistive and assistive forces can be applied. In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 a is a schematic view of the essential components of a bicycle trainer according to the present invention, namely a turbine, a fluid flow circuit and a pump for driving the fluid through the fluid flow circuit and the turbine, the illustrated embodiment further including optional valves and channels for by-passing the turbine and for reversing the flow;

Figure 1 b is an expanded schematic view of Figure 1 a;

Figure 1 c is a three-dimensional view of the arrangement of Figures 1 a and 1 b;

Figures 2a and 2b are respectively similar to the views of Figures 1 b and 1 c, in an arrangement having more than one impeller (as shown more clearly in the three- dimensional view of Figure 2b, in which Figure 2 is in reversed orientation compared to Figure 2a);

Figures 3a and 3b are views similar to those of Figures 2a and 2b (again with Figure 3b being in reversed orientation compared to Figure 3a), with an additional relief valve compared to the arrangement of Figures 2a and 2b; and

Figure 4 is a schematic view showing how a cycle trainer according to the invention may be used together with a bicycle.

Referring to Figures 1 a to 1 c of the drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary system comprising a turbine 1 , a fluid flow circuit 2, and an electric pump 3 for driving a fluid through the turbine via the fluid flow circuit.

The flow circuit comprises a line 4 which connects one side of pump 3 to a first diverter valve 5 and a line 6 which connects the other side of pump 3 to a second diverter valve 7. (As illustrated in Figure 1 b, the pump 3, circled, comprises an electric motor 16, and an impeller 18, shown face on in Figure 1 a and in perspective in Figure 1 c.) The diverter valve 5 is connected to one side of turbine 1 via a line 8 and to the diverter valve 7 via a further relief line 9. The line 8 has a T-junction 10 which provides a branch connection 1 1 to the diverter valve 7 and a main connection line 12 to the one side of the turbine 1. (As illustrated in Figure 1 b, the turbine 1 , circled, comprises an impeller 19, similar to that of pump 3, the impeller being in perspective in Figure 1 c.) The other side of the turbine 1 is connected via a line 13 to a second T-junction 14 which permits connection back to the pump 3, either via a line 15, the valve 7 and the line 6, or via the relief line 9, the valve 5 and the line 4. In a first mode of operation, when the valve 5 prevents communication to the relief line 9 and the valve 7 prevents communication from the line 1 1 , fluid is driven by the pump 3 along the lines 4, 8 and 12, through the turbine 1 , and then along the lines 13, 15 and 6 to complete the circuit back to the pump 3. This arrangement permits creation of a resistive force by the impeller 19 in the turbine 1 to be transmitted to rollers (not shown in Figures 1 a to 1 c).

In a second mode of operation, when the valve 5 prevents communication to the line 8 and the valve 7 prevents communication from the line 15, fluid is driven by the pump 3 along lines 4, 9 and 13, through the turbine 1 , and then along the lines 12, 1 1 and 6 to complete the circuit back to the pump 3. This arrangement permits creation of an assistive force by the impeller 19 in the turbine 1 to be transmitted to rollers (not shown in Figures 1 a to 1 c).

In a third mode of operation, when the valve 5 prevents communication to the line 8 and the valve 7 prevents communication from the line 1 1 , fluid is driven by the pump 3 along lines 4, 9, 15 and 6 to complete the circuit back to the pump 3. This arrangement completely by-passes the impeller 19 in the turbine 1 and enables the latter to be used in a fully freewheeling mode with back pressure forces created by the rider being compensated for by an assistive influence.. Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, in which like parts are denoted by like reference numerals, the pump 3 (again comprising an electric motor 16 and an impeller 18) is connected via lines 4,21 ,22 and a valve 5a via lines 23 or 24 to turbine 1. (As illustrated in Figure 2a, the turbine 1 , circled, comprises a dual flow impeller 19a; the impeller is shown in perspective in Figure 2b.) From the turbine 1 , there is a connection via lines 25, 26 and 27, back to the pump 3 (that is, without any further valve corresponding to valve 7 of Figures 1 a to 1 c).

As illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 3a and 3b, the valve 5a is provided to prevent flow to the impeller 19a via line 23; lines 23 and 24 are of the opposite senses (that is, the flow along the respective lines results in drive in opposite directions). Thus when the valve 5a gradually prevents flow to line 24, increase in flow in line 23 causes the impeller 19a to be driven in the opposite sense. Impeller 19a of the turbine 1 of Figures 3a and 3b is provided on a common drive shaft 17 for driving a roller or the like (not shown) on to which a cycle may be located. Because (as indicated) the roller may be driven either clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on the position of the valve 5a, the drive shaft may be used to produce either a resistive or assistive force to a cycle wheel.

Figures 3a and 3b show an additional relief valve 7a and a relief channel 28 connected to junction 30 in line 21 , and channel 29 connecting to line 26 at junction 31 , which permits impeller 19a of turbine 1 to receive less fluid flow force or to accommodate excessive back pressure build up created by the rider.

In the embodiment of Figures 1a to 1 c, when the electric pump 3 is turned on, fluid flows through the circuit 2, controlled by diverting valves 5 and 7, thus to provide a resistive, assistive or freewheel mode. If the rider rotates a cycle wheel on a roller or the like connected to the drive shaft 17, this forces foe turbine 1 to turn in the opposite direction and this acts as a pump to try and reverse the flow created by the turbine 18. In so doing a back pressure builds up which produces a non-linear force for the cycle wheel. Altering the position of the relief valve 7 can compensate for back pressure by diverting the fluid through the relief line 9 in order to maintain the linear forces which are experienced on cycle rides. Controlling software may be provided to analyse the speed and acceleration of the cycle wheel and deduce the amount of fluid relief required to maintain a linear force and alter the position of the valve 7 in the embodiment of Figures 1 a to 1 c.

When a hill has a variable gradient variation in back pressure will occur which is will also be taken into consideration in maintaining linear forces.

It is also a possibility that the force generated by the cyclist could cause the driving pump 3 to slow down or even reverse, and adding excessive pressure on the unit and causing it to break down. It is envisaged that sensors could be provided to trigger switch off should this excessive pressure situation arise.

In the embodiment of Figures 3a and 3b, when the electric pump 3 is turned on, fluid flows through the circuit, controlled by diverting valve 5a into channels 23, 24 thus to provide a resistive, assistive or freewheel mode. If the rider rotates a cycle wheel on a roller or the like driven by connection to the drive shaft 17, this causes the impeller 19a to rotate in one sense, and impeller 19b to rotate in the opposite sense, depending on the position of valve 5a.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a cycle 100 on two pairs of rollers 101 , 102 on a roller bed 103. Bed 103 is itself supported by adjustable or movable legs 105. Front wheel 106 of the cycle is supported by a first pair of rollers 101 and rear wheel 107 of the cycle is supported by a second pair of rollers 102. One of the pair of rollers 102 is connected via a universal joint 108 to drive shaft (corresponding to drive shaft 17 of the arrangements shown in Figures 1 a to 1 c, 2a and 2b and 3a and 3b) extending from a drive unit 109. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit also includes a receiver/transmitter combination, and a screen for display of a ride simulation in front of the user of the cycle trainer. The transmitter 1 10 is programmed to transmit predetermined changes in fluid flow direction to the receiver 1 1 1 which in turn controls operation of the turbine in the drive unit 109 as described above.

The operation of the cycle trainer according to the invention generally depends on the precise control of the relevant diverting or by-pass valves, as described above. The response of such valves is required to be quick and accurate, in order to accomplish true ride simulation in real time.

A control unit may be provided to be input with data gathered from a real ride, and the data used to recreate the ride on the trainer according to the invention. The input data may include parameters such as weather conditions, road surface, gradients and corner angles for each cycle ride, and may provide adjustments for traction in dry, wet and muddy conditions. Suitable software can thus allow a control unit to carry out its function in replicating such a real ride by continually repositioning the diverting or by-pass valves.

Currently available control units are unable to take into account variables such as (for example) wind, rider weight and torso dimensions, and downhill simulation. The trainer according to the invention can further use a vibrating or pulsing platform (for example by vibrating the legs 105 of the arrangement shown in Figure 4). The bicycle can rest on such a platform, which may be driven or vibrated in such a way as to replicate road conditions typical of those experienced when riding on pebbled road surfaces, tarmac, concrete or the like.

The trainer according to the invention may also display data, such as visual input from the ride being simulated, on a screen or the like in front of the rider. Data displayed can also give information regarding weight and weight loss of a rider during a long and arduous ride and suggest liquid and food input intervals during the ride.

Claims

1 . A user-operated exercise apparatus having a resistance member to provide a variable resistance force to exercise input from the user, wherein the resistance member comprises at least one turbine, a fluid flow circuit having an inlet to the turbine and an outlet from the turbine, and at least one pump for driving a fluid through the turbine via the fluid flow circuit, characterised in that the turbine comprises a bi-directional impeller arranged to create the resistance force of the resistance member when driven in one direction and an assistive force to assist said exercise when driven in the other direction.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , which is a cycle trainer comprising a support structure for receiving a cycle having at least one front wheel and at least one driven rear wheel, and the resistance member is arranged to be engaged by the driven rear wheel to provide either the resistance force or the assistive forceto the driven rear wheelt.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the resistance member comprises one or more rollers for engagement with the driven rear wheel, the one or more rollers arranged to be in driving engagement by the turbine.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid flow circuit further comprises a turbine by-pass valve and turbine by-pass channel for causing at least some of the fluid to selectively by-pass a respective said turbine.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said turbine by-pass valve is provided with a microprocessor-controlled electric stepper motor, or like, arranged to selectively control the positioning of the turbine by-pass valve.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a by-pass valve positioning unit to store predetermined changes in the positioning of the turbine bypass valve at predetermined times or events, and a transmission unit to transmit the predetermined changes in the positioning to the microprocessor.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the by-pass valve positioning unit and the transmission unit are at a remote server, and wherein the trainer has a receiver to receive signals from said transmission unit.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluid flow circuit further comprises a diverter valve and diverter channel arranged to selectively cause the fluid flow direction through the respective turbine to be reversed.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said diverter valve is provided with a microprocessor-controlled electric stepper motor to selectively cause reversal of the fluid flow direction through the respective turbine.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a fluid flow direction unit to store predetermined changes in the fluid flow direction at predetermined times or events, and a transmission unit to transmit the predetermined changes in the fluid flow direction through the respective turbine to the microprocessor.

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said fluid flow direction unit and the transmission unit are at a remote server, and wherein the trainer has a receiver to receive signals from said transmission unit.