EXERCISE SYSTEM

The function of this invention is to provide exercisers with a safe and easy way to convert a legs-only exercising device, such as a stationary trainer or bicycle, with the capacity to exercise their upper and lower body muscle groups simultaneously or separately. This invention is portable and can be moved easily from one legs-only exercising device to another. Once they are mounted onto the handlebar or attachment bar of the legs-only device, it is now a full-body trainer. Exercisers mount the trainer, place their feet on the cycling pedals, place their elbows onto the elbow holders, grasp the hand grips, and now start their full body exercising activity. The degree of difficulty of their exercise trek is easily accommodated by allowing the rider to adjust the resistance for moving the forearm bars up and down for an upright bike, or back and forth for a recumbent trainer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to an exercise system and more particularly an exercise system with adjustable resistance devices that can be used to exercise the hands, arms, shoulders, upper back, lower back, core, outer chest muscles and legs.

State of the Art

Most human powered stationary cycling trainers do not have combined arms, legs, shoulders, back, and core means for riders to aerobically and anaerobically exercise their bodies while exercising in a recumbent position. And the inventor is not aware of any portable upper body resistance exercise device that is easily detachable from the handlebars of one bicycle, and then immediately attach it onto the handlebars of another bicycle or training device. Examples of earlier attempts of providing hands and legs upright cycle training include USPTO #8,562,495 B2 by Ladd and Ladd as inventors. In their patent, exercisers ride a stationary trainer, and while pedaling the pedals, or not pedaling, they can pull-up with their hands on one or two handles connected to ropes that are wound-around a spindle inside a box, located on the front end of the trainer. The box also contains resistance making components and a transmission to transfer the resistance from one cable to another. The Ladd design is not remotely related to the instant invention because no cables are used with the new HANDLEBAR ATTACHMENT RESISTANCE DEVICE invention offered herein.

Another example of an upper body invention being used with a stationary trainer is USPTO #5,304,104 A by Wu, Chi H. The Wu patent is also completely different than the instant HANDLEBR ATTACHMENT RESISTANCE DEVICE. The Wu invention describes a dynamic physical fitness device that includes a motor, output shaft, and 2 timing wheels, amongst its other parts. The invention described herein does not use any such parts nor operating characteristics.

The only known competing recumbent full-body competitor is the recumbent full-body cycling ergometer. There are many manufacturers of such devices, but one such manufacturer is Sunny Health and Fitness with its Magnetic Recumbent Full-body Ergometer.

There is a need for an improved exercise system that can provide full body physical fitness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Despite the above-described prior art, the current cycling ergometers are not as desirable as the instant invention with which to exercise for the following reasons:

LIST OF PARTS USED IN INVENTION AND LOCATED IN DRAWINGS

List of the Invention's Component Parts:

Part #/Part Name or Description

Parts for Recumbent Installed “Push-Pull” Drive Train Assembly and Housing

Parts for the Combined Multi-Power Cycle and Rower

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description and accompanying drawings, like numbers refer to like parts whenever they occur. In addition, while the following enablement refers to many component parts of the invention operating at specific positions within the overall system, some of these parts may be shifted to different locations within the overall system and still maintain complete functionality.

MPC Drive Train Assembly

The Full-Body physical fitness exercise invention described herein relates generally to adjustable resistance devices that can be used to exercise the hands, arms, shoulders, upper back, lower back, core, outer chest muscles and legs. These applications are made possible because of the application of a new MPC drive train assembly that uses “push and pull” or “up and down” physical action produced by the arms, shoulders, back, core, or legs of exercisers on a handlebar or set of forearm bars. The purpose of this invention, the “Push-Pull” or “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4 is to provide the means for developing aerobic exercise equipment 1, that is different and more efficient than that which is on the market today. (See FIGS. 1-14) This goal is accomplished primarily by developing Full-Body exercise equipment in which exercisers energize muscle groups in both their upper and lower body. One of the new applications for the “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4, invention is to use it in conjunction with a rear wheel trainer. This allows riders to attach an aerobic training device 4 onto the handlebars 2, of an outdoor bicycle 1, or onto the Hand Holder of a recumbent stationary cycle 31c and exercise their upper body muscle groups while simultaneously exercising their legs. When bicycle riders are done exercising indoors, they just dismount from their outdoor bike, 1, remove their bike 1 from their rear wheel trainer, loosen and remove the “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4 from the handlebars 2, and head tube, 1b, and then take this same bike 1, outside and ride it outside on the roads or trails. (See FIGS. 1, 2,13)

This new “Push-Pull” or “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4 has a moving plunger or resistance rod 5 that is operatively connected to a set of moving handlebars 2 or forearm bars 3. The plunger or resistance rod 5 is pushed and pulled through an Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6 that creates resistance by pushing and pulling the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 through the adjustable pressure mechanism that may include component part such as, but not limited to, a set of adjustable wheels (see FIGS. 1-6), permanent magnets, or an electro-magnet (see FIGS. 7, 8, 8a and 13 for magnets or the electro-magnet).

In some applications, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the MPC drive train assembly 4 is portable and can easily be detached and moved from one set of handlebars 2 of a bicycle or stationary trainer to another. In these applications, MPC drive train assembly 4 may be coupled to the exercise apparatus through the use of attachment assembly bracket 7. This bracket 7 may include a handlebar orifice 16 and handlebar clasps 7a the operate together to couple to handlebars 2 or forearm bars 3. The drive assembly 4 may also include a lower bracket attachment strap 8 that may operate to attach the assembly bracket 7 to the front the frame 1, such as, but not limited to, the head tube 1b. The MPC drive train assembly 4 may also include attachment bracket 11 for operatively coupling the moveable resistance rod 5 to a yoke 17 of the forearm bars 3, thereby allowing an exerciser to operate the forearm bars 3 with the elbow rests 13 about the forearm bar fulcrum 15 to operate the drive train device 4. The moveable resistance rod 5 is moved into and out of the adjustable pressure mechanism 6. On the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the adjustable pressure mechanism 6 include wheels and may include a resistance pressure regulating knob and rod 14 that operates in conjunction with the axle 18 holding the adjustable pressure mechanism 6 that includes an adjustment wheel to adjust the resistance provided by the adjustable pressure mechanism 6. The rotation of the knob and rod 14 in one direction increases the resistance and the rotation in the other directions decreases the resistance. For embodiments where the resistance is permanent magnets, the rotation of the control knob 14 rotated in one direction moves the permanent magnets closer to the moveable resistance rod 5 to increase resistance or rotated in an opposite direction moves the permanent magnets away from the moveable resistance rod 5 to decrease resistance. For embodiments with an electro-magnet, rotation of the control knob 14 in one direction increases the current through the electro-magnet to increase the resistance and rotation in the opposite direction decreases the current through the electro-magnet to decrease the resistance. While it has been discussed that the resistance is adjusted using a pressure control knob 14, it should be understood that the MPC drive train assembly may include a pressure control device that is may be an electric pressure control device wherein depressing buttons adjusts the resistance. In some embodiments, the resistance control is a pressure control knob wherein rotation of the pressure control knob in one direction increases resistance of the adjustable pressure mechanism and rotation of the pressure control knob in the opposite direction decreases resistance of the adjustable pressure mechanism. In some embodiments, the resistance control device is a combination of the electric pressure control device and the pressure control knob selector.

In other applications this invention also becomes the resistance making component part in such other application. Examples of the various applications are a) road riding bicycles, b) stationary cycling trainers, c) arms and legs powered stationary training cycles, d) rowing machines, and e) combinations of these applications. This invention can work dependently or independently of energy being created by exercisers energizing their leg and hip muscles.

In addition to exercising one's upper body muscle groups, it can also cause more nitric oxide to be delivered to the blood stream and red blood cells from relevant reoxygenation signals emitted by tissues, such as muscle tissue, and nitric oxide being secreted from blood vessel lining epithelial cells. The development of this additional nitric oxide resting on hemoglobin proteins allow for more “useable oxygen” and blood nutrients to diffuse into tissue adjacent to the relevant blood vessels adjacent to the signaling cells. This additional secretion of nitric oxide occurs as a result of conducting full-body exercising using both the arm plus leg muscle groups compared to just legs-only muscle groups.

The instant “push and pull” or “up-down” resistance-making device can be used to exercise the arms, shoulders, and upper back while pedaling an upright stationary trainer or bike, or it can also be used on a recumbent cycling trainer to exercise the user's upper body. In the upright cycling trainer application, riders “up-down” movement of their arms on their forearm bars can move the Moveable Resistance Rod up and down along the circumference of an arc. This in turn will move the Moveable Resistance rod/bar up and down through an arc within the Adjust-able Pressure Mechanism containing, but not limited to, adjustable wheels, permanent magnets, or electro-magnet.

When the rider is exercising on a recumbent stationary trainer, exercisers can move their handlebars “back and forth” horizontally and operatively through the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism. Examples of such a resistance device can include, but are not limited to pressure adjustable wheels, a permanent magnet, or electromagnet, or any other such Adjustable Pressure Mechanism. In both these upper body exercise applications, riders have the choice of performing their upper body exercise activity or not. And if they choose to perform their upper body exercise activity at the same time as cycling on the pedals with their legs, they can choose to modulate the number of watts of energy at completely different rates of energy from each set of muscle groups involved in their full-body exercise activity. Thus, the use of full-body exercising is ON DEMAND, the choice is always up to the rider as to how much, if any, energy to exert from the upper body and lower body muscle groups. For example, if riders are exercising both their arms and legs, but their arms get tired, they just modulate energy levels from their arms to having more energy from their leg muscle groups, which are not yet tired. Then, when their legs get tired, they reduce energy from their legs and increase it in their arms. In doing so, exercisers have the opportunity of performing the most efficient exercise experience possible.

Converting a Legs Only Cycling Trainer into a Full-Body Cycling

Trainer Using an After-Market Version of this Invention

The “Push-Pull” MPC Drive Train Assembly 29, 29a, can be used with a stationary recumbent cycling trainer that otherwise operates as a legs-only trainer. (See FIGS. 8 and 13 To accomplish this, the rider simply takes the Attachment Bar 24 and slides it over one of the two hand grips 31c positioned in the front corners of the two bottom sides of the seat 31. Attachment Bar 20 is then fastened onto the seat's hand grip 31c, the “Push-Pull” MPC Drive Train Assembly 29, 29a, is mounted onto this Attachment bar 20 and is ready to provide the exerciser with a full-body work-out. (See FIG. 13)

Applying this Invention as Original Equipment to a Legs-Only Stationary Trainer

The “Push-Pull” MPC Drive Train Assembly 29, 29a can also be mounted on a stationary recumbent cycling trainer by attaching it onto the side of the console 19, the display's vertical support bar, or an independent vertical rod. (See FIG. 8) Then the movable resistance rod 5 is pushed and pulled, back and forth by the exercisers. The movable resistance rod 5 is attached operatively to the console 19 with, for example linear bearings 32, and on the back end closest to the rider, is a perpendicular attached handlebar 23 with hand grips on each end. (See FIGS. 8,9, and 11.)

The reason people turn their legs-only aerobic training cycles into full-body ones 19 is that the full-body trainers are far more efficient at improving exerciser's levels of VO2Max, Lactate Threshold, and other positive health related reasons. Our independent tests, conducted in two different fitness centers with a total of 12 exercisers, showed that after 12 days of aerobic training, conducted every other day during one month, full-body exercisers achieved, on average, 95% greater incremental VO2 Max scores, and 165% greater incremental Lactate Threshold levels, compared to the legs-only exercisers. Thus full-body aerobic exercising takes less time to achieve a person's desired physical fitness level compared to legs-only aerobic training. It can also take them to higher fitness levels. This is why exercisers prefer to perform full body exercising when using upright bicycles 1, with rear wheel and upper body resistance trainers, 1, 4,7, recumbent stationary cycles, 19, 24,29, and combined rowers with recumbent cycling trainers. 19,24,29a, 23.

Applying this Invention as an After-Market Product for Bicycles

To operate the “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4, and its Housing and Attachment Bracket 7, on an upright bicycle 1 the following steps occur:” (See FIG. 1,2)

The rider operatively installs the “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4, 7, onto the bicycle's handle bars 2. This can be accomplished by opening the horizontal attachment clasp 7a, move the Assembly Bracket 7 onto the bicycle handle bars 2, close the handlebar clasp 7b, and operatively lock the clasp 7b into place over the Handlebars 2. A non-limiting example for locking the clasp 7b onto the Handlebars 2 is to screw two screws into holes on the clasp 7b and into receptacles on Assembly Bracket 7; (See FIG. 6)

The exerciser then takes the attachment holding mechanism (can be a rubber strap) 8 on the lower rear section of the Assembly Bracket 7, and attaches it to the cycle 1 frame by, for a non-limiting example wrapping it around the head tube 1b, and fastening it back onto the lower rear section of the Assembly Bracket 7;

Riders then mount their elbows onto the forearm bars 3, clasp their hands onto the forearm bar hand grips 3, and start to move their hands up and down while keeping their elbows positioned directly on top of the elbow holders 3. (See FIGS. 1,2,3, and 4)

If riders wish to simultaneously exercise their lower body, then they rotate the pedals 28a contemporaneously with the up and down movement of their forearms 3;

Exercisers then adjust the amount of resistance they wish to experience by both their arms and legs to their desired levels. They do this by turning the resistance adjustment knob 114, located on the front top of the “Up-Down” Assembly Housing Bracket 4, 7, as well as the resistance adjustor for the rear wheel positioned in the rear wheel trainer; (See FIGS. 3, 4, and 5)

When the rider turns the resistance adjustment knob 14, this causes its attached rod 14 to simultaneously rotate to the desired location, which in-turn causes the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6 to operatively create more or less resistance for upper body exercising by riders. Non-limiting examples of this resistance modification are by moving the pressure-creating wheels or permanent magnets in-or-out relative to the sliding Movable Resistance Rod 5. (See FIGS. 2, 3, and 4)

The amount of resistance is operatively controlled by creating more or less resistance to push or pull the Movable Resistance Rod 5 through the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6. For example, the desired resistance can be created by: a) moving closer together, or further apart, the 2 wheels through which the Movable Resistance Rod travels, b) moving closer together or further apart 2 permanent magnets through which the Movable Resistance Rod travels, or c) increasing or decreasing the electric current flowing through the electro-magnetic coil, located within the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6. (See FIG. 2)

The amount of resistance being utilized by the upper body and its forearms, shoulders, and hands of the exerciser can be operatively measured at any moment during the exercise activity. Some of the non-limiting means for measurement include strain gauges placed in an appropriate location (such as the handle grips on the forearm bars) 3, 3a of this invention or measuring the electrical current necessary to create the desired amount of resistance on pushing and pulling the forearm bars 3. (See FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4)

During the exercise activity, if riders decide they wish to not exercise their forearms and upper bodies, they just quit moving their arms, but can continue to rotate the pedals 25 and cranks with their legs. This is because both exercising motions are separate one from the other. This feature for exercising individual muscle groups individually or all together is called ON DEMAND.

When riders have completed their exercise activity, they simply release their hands from the forearm bar hand grips 3a, remove their forearms from the forearm bars 3, and dismount themselves from the resistance exercising device 1. (See FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4)

Exercising with Invention Mounted on a Recumbent Stationary Cycling Trainer

To operate a stationary recumbent cycling trainer 19 that already has a “Push-Pull” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4 and Housing 24 installed on it, the following steps occur: (See FIG. 8)

1) Exercisers mount the recumbent seat 31, then take the Handlebars 23 into their hands. These handlebars 23 rest horizontally and are attached perpendicularly to the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 in its horizontal plane 5; (See FIGS. 8, 9, and 13)

2) Exercisers then use their arms and hands to push and pull the horizontal Moveable Resistance Rod 5 back and forth through the rear section of the Assembly Bracket 22, and its Assembly 29; (See FIGS. 8)

3) This back-and-forth movement of the Handlebars 23, which are attached to Moveable Resistance Rod 5, moves it 5 through the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6, in the same manner the invention does when attached to the handlebars 2 of a road bike 1 and its “Up-Down” MPC Drive Train Assembly 4; (See FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)

If riders wish to simultaneously exercise their lower body, then they rotate the pedals 25 contemporaneously with the back-and-forth movement of their forearms and Handlebar 23. Resistance is operatively controlled and created for the pedals 25 with a resistance mechanism similar to that used in a common rear-wheel trainer by Wahoo KickR or Omnium Over Drive;

Riders control the resistance to the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 through turning the Resistance Control Knob 14, which increases or loosens the pressure being created on the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 by the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6;

The Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6 that operatively controls the resistance against the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 can be of many designs, but in a non-limiting way, it can use pressurized wheels, permanent magnets, an electro-magnet, or a resistance motor. The Pressure Control Knob 14 is attached to and rotates the Pressure Control Rod 14, which then adjusts the desired pressure being placed on the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 by the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6.

This increase or decrease in the desired pressure placed on the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 is accomplished by moving-in-or-out the Resistance Creating Wheels or Permanent Magnets, located in the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6, and through which the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 is pushed and pulled by the hands and arms of the exerciser; When an electro-magnet is used for creating resistance, the portion of the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 that moves through the electromagnet must be made of a material that conducts an electric current, such as, but not limited to aluminum or copper.

Exercisers then adjust the amount of resistance they wish to experience by both their arms and legs to their desired levels. To adjust the pressure and resistance against their legs, this can be accomplished by separately adjusting the resistance placed against the flywheel;

The amount of resistance is operatively controlled by creating more or less resistance on the push or pull function of the Movable Resistance Rod 5 through the Adjustable Pressure Mechanism 6. For example, the desired resistance can be created by: a) moving closer together, or further apart, the 2 wheels through which the Movable Resistance Rod travels, b) moving closer together or further apart 2 permanent magnets through which the Movable Resistance Rod travels, or c) increasing or decreasing the electric current flowing through the electro-magnetic coil. (See FIG. 9)

The amount of resistance being utilized by the upper body and its forearms, shoulders, and hands of the exerciser are operatively measured at any moment during the exercise activity. Some of the means for measurement include strain gauges placed in appropriate locations (such as on the Hand Grips or Handlebar) on this invention or measuring the electrical current necessary to create the desired amount of resistance on pushing and pulling the forearm bars. (See FIG. 11)

During the exercise activity, if riders decide they wish to not exercise their forearms and upper bodies, they just quit moving their arms, and the Handlebars 23 and Moveable Resistance Rod 5 will quit moving in or out. However, exercisers can continue to rotate the pedals 25, 28 and cranks with their legs. This is because both exercising motions from their arms and legs are separate one from the other. This feature for exercising muscle groups individually or all together is called ON DEMAND.

When riders have completed their exercise activity, they simply release their hands from the Handlebar Hand Grips 23, remove their feet from the Pedals 25, 28 and dismount themselves from the Multi-Power Stationary Cycling Trainer. (See FIG. 8)

The Recumbent “Push-Pull” MPC Drive Train Assembly 29 and its Housing and Bracket 24, shown in FIG. 7 can also be used as a Full-Body Combined Stationary MPC cycling Trainer and Rowing Machine 19, as shown in FIGS. 8, 8a, and 13. To accomplish this, the following changes in the Recumbent “Push-Pull” MPC Drive Train Assembly 29 and Housing 24 mounted on a Stationary MPC Cycling Trainer need to be made: (See FIG. 8)

The Moveable Resistance Bar 5 needs to be extended to a length that will accommodate the full-length travel of rowing exercisers completing all 6 positions of a rowing stroke. These steps are a) Catch, b) Leg Drive, c) Finish, d) Hands Away, e) Body Over, and f) Recovery.

This means that in addition to accommodating the length of the hands and arms moving from the fully extended position in Recovery to the fully pulled against the chest position during the Finish, there also needs to be added a length equivalent to this fully extended legs position. This includes the distance of the legs moving from the folded-up position in Recovery to the fully open and extended position finishing the Leg Drive;

Alternatively, a circular standard rowing machine resistance/rope device 30 can just be attached to the console 19 or vertical bracket mounted near the front of this combined rowing machine, recumbent stationary legs-only cycle, and recumbent stationary Multi-Power cycling trainer. (See FIG. 8) The resistance in the standard circular re-winding rope holder 30 is usually created from water, air, hydraulics, or magnetics;

The Swinging Horizontal Bar Support 34 needs to be moved from its open position to the closed position. To do this the rower rotates the Swinging Horizontal Bar Support 34, stored under the seat 31, to the closed position with its front end 34a attached to its vertical front support bracket 35. (See FIGS. 8, 12 and 14)

Once moved into the “closed” position, the rower inserts the “locking plug” into the holes that pierce through the front end of the Swinging Horizontal Bar Support 34a and the rear end of the vertical support bracket 35. (See FIG. 12)

The rower then takes the horizontal support part 34d and inserts it into the cut-out in the side of the Stationary Seat Support Bar 31b and Swinging Horizontal Support Bar 34. (See FIG. 14). The rower then closes the rotating cover over it 34d to locks it 34d into position for a rowing exercise. (See FIGS. 8, 9 and 14)

The crank axle 26 also needs to be extended. It 26 needs to be extended to allow footrests 27 to be installed between the console 19 or console's vertical supports and its rotating foot pedals 28.

In addition to extending the length of the crank axle 26, these footrests 27 need to be added for the purpose of holding in place the rower's feet during all 6 steps of using good technique while exercising a “stroke”.

The footrests 27 can be positioned in many different locations including, but not limited to: a) over and covering the extended crank axle 26 with bearings separating the footrests 27 from the extended rotating crank axle 26 during a cycling exercise, b) over the extended crank axle 26, but not touching the extended rotating crank axle 26 during a cycling exercise, c) any location not within the volume of space defined by the circumferential area of the rotating pedals 28 multiplied by the distance of the increased length of the extended crank axle 26 from its attachment point to the console 19 or console's vertical support rod, or any other useful position not within the circumferential area defined by the preceding clause.

The purpose for generally defining the location of the footrests 27 is to ensure that the exerciser can utilize the pedals 25 without interference from the footrests 27. For example, if footrests 27 were to be mounted on the extended crank axle 26, but outboard of the rotating pedals 25, but within the circumferential plane of the rotating pedals, the legs of the rower would come into contact with and hit the crank axle during its 360-degree circular rotation of each pedal in its circumferential plane. Accordingly, the location of the footrests must be such that it does not interfere with the operation of the pedals when the exerciser is in the action of pedaling.

Clips 27a or foot baskets 27b can also be used to hold the feet in position onto the footrests 27 during all 6 steps of performing a stroke using good technique;

For example, clips 27a, or baskets 27b, can be used as a “foot holder” by rowers when they push themselves backward during the Catch, Leg Drive, and Finish steps;

They can also be useful to hold the rowers' feet in place as rowers pull themselves forward during the Hands Away, Body Forward, and Recovery steps;

So that footrest 27 remain stationary on the bearing or bushing while the extended crank axle may be rotating during a cycling exercise, the footrests 27 may be held in a stationary position by being attached to a bracket that is mounted on the housing which holds the extended crank axle 26, or a bracket mounted upon another conveniently located solid stationary component;

3) The open walk-through space between the seat 31 and the handlebars 23 also needs to have a swinging Horizontal Moveable “Sliding-Seat” Bar Support 34 placed into this space so that the seat 31 can be safely and smoothly moved on rollers backward and forward during all 6 steps of a rower's rowing stroke using good technique;

4) In some situations, it may be the case that exercisers do not have the room nor space to permit the Moveable Resistance Rod 5 to slide the entire horizontal distance required during a complete 6 step rowing stroke.

5) In order for a rower exerciser to be able to achieve good technique through all 6 positions of a complete stroke, it will be necessary for the rower to be able to “Finish” with his or her back bent somewhat beyond 90 degrees to the plane of the seat slider bar 31b. To accomplish this, the back of the seat 31b needs to be able to be removed or tilted. (See FIG. 8)

One of the major benefits of having a combined cycling plus rowing exercise device is that by using one single exercise machine, (See FIG. 8) people can enjoy both aerobic and anaerobic exercise activities from using just one exercise machine and not 2 or 3 machines.

Another major benefit is that from an occupied space viewpoint, people do not need to use up the extra space in their home required for the footprint of 3 separate exercise devices including, but not limited to: a) Legs-only stationary cycle trainer, b) Arms-only ergometer, and c) rowing machine. Instead, in the total space limited to just one Combined MPC Stationary Full-Body Cycling Trainer and Rowing Machine, all 3 types of aerobic and anaerobic exercises can be accomplished in the floor space used for just a single standard rowing machine.

Controlled Energy Modulation

FIGS. 15A-15B depict a compilation of equipment that receives, transmits, and processes data. Electronic screen 345 operates to display exercise information and contemporaneous bio marker readings from a bio marker sensor 349 coupled to the rider that are collected and transmitted to a bio marker data bank storage 346 having a processor. In some embodiments, the bio marker data bank storage 346 is a computing device. A connection may be established between the databank storage 346 and the display 345 allowing the data bank storage 346 to process data and send instruction to the display 345 to display certain information through a user interface viewable on the display. The system operates to calculate the rider's optimum amount of energy (Watts) that the exerciser should modulate between at least two different muscle groups; plus antennae or other means for wireless radio transmission and receiving data, and modulation recommendations for energy (watts) output between the exerciser's at least two different muscle groups, as requested by the exerciser at any given point on the exercise session. As an example, the incremental differential between the total number of watts created when the rider uses at least two muscle groups to power the exercise system as opposed to just his legs is approximately sixteen percent (16%). This example, from one specific rider, represents one of the classifications of data which the computing device can use in calculating the number of watts the rider should be delivering from one muscle group such as only his legs, or simultaneously in at least two muscle groups such as both his arms and legs together to optimize the cyclist's best exercise performance. This may be utilized for the rider/exerciser to reach his goal, such as, but not limited to, to finish a particular virtual trek or pass other riders depicted in the virtual trek displayed on electronic display 345.

The computing device 346 may include but is not limited to: a radio to receive and transmit data, data storage system, and processor to process such stored and newly received data within the data storage system. The computing device 346 will perform various functions including, but not limited to the following: 1) store, in a biologic, geographic, and watt output database, a library of historical biologic metrics, geographic, and watt output information for a particular exerciser or exercisers developed during prior exercising activities; 2) Store other biologic data regarding the specific exerciser gathered from the riders' prior physical exercising activities; this biologic data can include, but is not limited to: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen uptake capacity, red blood cell count, lactate clearance and threshold, and oxygenation condition; 3) Store the geographic characteristics of prior and current treks which include for example: total elevation, number of hills, their grade and length, total surface distance of the treks, and location of the rider on the trek at specific times when asking the processor to make its muscle group modulation recommendations; 4) store the watt readings associated with each biomarker reading; 5) utilizing historical bio-marker, geographic, and relevant watt data, the processor will calculate and establish a base line of optimum watt output levels for the exerciser's various classes of muscle groups on an on-going basis; 6) contemporaneously, while various muscles are currently being exercised, bio-marker sensors will measure the current condition of a given bio-marker, such as its hemoglobin oxygen concentration, heart rate, or in immediate-time levels of measured watt output; 7) the bio-sensors will wirelessly transmit this contemporaneous bio-marker data to the bio-marker library and processor, where it will be processed; 8) watt meters measuring watts on the components of the exercise apparatus will transmit their contemporaneous watt readings to the data storage bank for further processing; 9) receive relevant contemporaneous geographic data from satellites or micro-cell towers defining the location of the exerciser, store, and process this geographic data along with the biomarker and watt reading data; 10) based upon the processor's comparison of the base-line bio-marker and watt reading data to that gathered and stored in the database of computing device 346 of the current contemporaneous reading for that bio-marker or markers, the computing device 346 will calculate the amount of energy (watts) the participant should be delivering to the exercise apparatus from at least two different muscle groups simultaneously together, in order to optimize the exerciser's physical performance; and 11) once the processor has processed the relevant biomarker data from the exerciser, and geographic data down loaded from a satellite or micro cell, it will transmit its recommended energy (watts) output that each of the exercising and monitored sets of muscle groups should be exerting. This recommended modulation muscle output data will be transmitted to the display screen 345 on the bike (See FIG. 15A), or display screen on the surface of goggles or glasses worn by the exerciser. The recommendations may also be broadcast verbally, or by some other useful means to the exerciser. Additionally, embodiments may include an assist device, such as an electric motor, that may be operated by the computing device 346 to calculate modulation recommendations between the muscle groups of the exerciser and an assist device to cause the assist device 500 to deliver power to the exercise apparatus under a condition wherein the bio marker sensor 349 senses a bio marker reading greater than a predetermined maximum reading for that particular bio marker.