Abstract:
An exercise apparatus alters the elevation of a person based on the person&#39;s level of exertion. The exercise itself may involve bodily motion and/or isometric exercise performed by the person&#39;s arms and/or legs. The elevating process may be directly linked to the exercise motion and/or controlled electronically.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/575,468, filed on May 22, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/066,141, filed on Apr. 24, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,073). 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to exercise methods and apparatus and more particularly, to exercise methods and apparatus which selectively raise and lower an exercising person as a function of the person&#39;s level of exertion.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate a variety of exercise motions and/or to simulate a variety of real life activities. Although it is difficult to know for certain, the commercial success of an exercise product is often attributed to one or more specific factors. In some categories of products, such as cross-country ski machines, the quality of the exercise seems to be a significant factor. In other categories of products, such as treadmills, ease of use seems to be a significant factor, in addition to the quality of the exercise. In yet another category of products, known in the industry as rider machines, ease of use was a product feature, but the quality of the exercise was limited. Another possible explanation for the commercial success of rider machines is that the up and down movement of the exerciser&#39;s body added to the perceived value and/or overall enjoyment of the exercise. An object of the present invention is to provide exercise machines and methods which provide both quality exercise and psychological encouragement to the exerciser.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides an exercise apparatus having a seat which is selectively movable relative to a base as a function of exercise exertion and/or force applied against a force receiving member. Generally speaking, the seat is moved upward from an underlying floor surface during relatively vigorous exercise, and the seat is moved downward during less vigorous exercise. In other words, the elevation of the seat relative to the floor surface provides a physical indication of the exertion level of the person exercising. The exercise activity may include exercise motion and/or isometric exercise involving a person&#39;s arms and/or legs. Various means may be employed to move the person up and down and/or to control the implementation of such movements. Many of the features and advantages of the present invention may become more apparent from the detailed description which follows. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0005]    With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,  
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a first implementation of the present invention;  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 1;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 3 is a side view of another exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 1;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 1;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a second implementation of the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 6 is a flow chart for a control program suitable for use with the implementation of FIG. 5;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 7 is a side view of an exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 5;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 8 is a side view of another exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 5;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 9 is a side view of yet another exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 5;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a third implementation of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 11 is a flow chart for a control program suitable for use with the implementation of FIG. 10;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 12 is a side view of an exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 10;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a fourth implementation of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 14 is a flow chart for a control program suitable for use with the implementation of FIG. 13;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 15 is a side view of an exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention and implemented in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 13; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 16 is partially fragmented, side view of still another exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0022]    The present invention may be described conceptually in terms of an exercise workout involving application of force against a force receiving member by a person sitting on a seat. To the extent that the person exercises above a threshold level, the seat moves upward relative to an underlying floor surface. To the extent that the person exercises beneath a threshold level, the seat moves downward relative to an underlying floor surface. Although movement of the seat is a function of exertion relative to the force receiving member, the two members are not directly linked in a manner which requires contemporaneous motion. In other words, the seat may remain stationary in response to continuous movement of the force receiving member; or the seat may lower in response to discontinued movement of the force receiving member; or the seat may raise in response to continued pressure against a fixed force receiving member.  
         [0023]    Once the underlying principles of the present invention are understood, those skilled in the art will recognize numerous ways to implement the general concept. Some of the design considerations include the type of exercise(s) to be performed; the manner in which the seat is to be moved; and the relationship to be established between the level of exertion and the elevation of the seat.  
         [0024]    As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, one implementation of the present invention includes a seat  120  which is connected to a base  110  and movable in a generally vertical direction relative thereto for motivational purposes, and a force receiving member  130  which is connected to the base  110  and acted upon by an occupant of the seat  120  for exercise purposes. A moving means  140  is connected to the seat  120  and operable to move the seat  120  up and down relative to the base  110  under certain circumstances. As suggested by the dashed lines, a discrete resisting means  150  may optionally be connected to the force receiving member  130  to resist movement of the force receiving member  130  relative to the base  110 .  
         [0025]    The implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 1 is embodied on an exercise apparatus designated as  200  in FIG. 2. The apparatus  200  includes a base  210  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a beam  202  having a front end pivotally mounted to a front end of the base  210 ; a seat  220  mounted on a rear end of the beam  202 ; a pedal assembly  230  rotatably mounted on an intermediate portion of the beam  202 ; a hydraulic pump  241  connected to the pedal assembly  230  (and stepped up) by means of a belt  234 ; and a hydraulic cylinder  242  connected to the pump  241  and extending between an intermediate portion of the beam  202  and an intermediate portion of the base  210 .  
         [0026]    A person sits on the seat  220  and places his feet on respective pedals of the pedal assembly  230 . The seat  220  may be made adjustable along the beam  202  to accommodate people of different sizes, and/or that a flywheel may be connected to the pedal assembly  230  to add inertia to the system. In any event, rotation of the pedals drives the hydraulic pump  241 , which in turn, pressurizes the hydraulic cylinder  242 . Increased pressure in the cylinder  242 , encourages the cylinder  242  to elongate, thereby moving the beam  202  upward relative to the base  210  and the underlying floor surface. In this embodiment  200 , the pump  241  and the cylinder  242  cooperate to move the seat  220  and to resist movement of the force receiving members on the pedal assembly  230 . As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more vigorously a person pedals, the higher he will be raised into the air. Since the pedal assembly  230  and the seat  220  are both mounted on the beam  202 , they remain a fixed distance apart and in the same orientation relative to one another regardless of the elevation of the seat  220 .  
         [0027]    On this embodiment  200 , an optional conventional check valve is disposed in a first, output line, extending from the pump  241  to the cylinder  242 , in order to maintain pressure in the cylinder  242 . Also on this embodiment, an optional conventional bleed valve is disposed in a second, return line, extending from the cylinder  242  to a reservoir and then to the pump  241 , in order to allow the seat  220  to return downward in the absence of sufficient exercise activity. The bleed valve is adjustable to accommodate different exercise rates and/or people with different bodyweights.  
         [0028]    The implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 1 is also embodied on an exercise apparatus designated as  300  in FIG. 3. The apparatus  300  includes a base  310  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a rear stanchion  313  extending upward from the base  310 ; a seat  320  movably mounted on the stanchion  313  (by means of a vertical slot  321  and bolts  322 ); a pedal assembly  330  rotatably mounted relative to the seat  320 ; a relatively large diameter pulley  341  rotatably mounted relative to the seat  320  and connected to the pedal assembly  330  (and stepped down) by means of a belt  334  and a relatively small diameter pulley associated with the crank assembly  330 ; cranks  342  disposed on opposite sides of the pulley  341  and keyed thereto; and cylinders  345  disposed on opposite sides of the pulley  341  and extending between the pulley  341  and the base  310 .  
         [0029]    A person sits on the seat  320  and places his feet on the pedals of the pedal assembly  330 . The pedal assembly  330  may be made adjustable relative to the seat  320  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, rotation of the pedals drives the pulley  341 , which in turn, causes alternating extension and contraction of the cylinders  345 . The cylinders  345  are resistant to the latter but not the former, so when they are subjected to compressive force, the cylinders  345  encourage the seat  320  to move upward relative to the base  310  and the underlying floor surface. As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more vigorously a person pedals, the higher he will be raised into the air. Since the pedal assembly  330  is mounted relative to the seat  320 , they remain a fixed distance apart and in the same orientation relative to one another regardless of the elevation of the seat  320 .  
         [0030]    The cylinders  345  are provided with conventional bleed valves in order to allow the dissipation of pressure in the absence of sufficient exercise activity. The bleed valves are adjustable to accommodate different exercise rates and/or people with different bodyweights. The inertia of the assembly may be increased by connecting the pulley  341  to a flywheel, which may be “stepped up” by means known the art.  
         [0031]    The implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 1 is also embodied on an exercise apparatus designated as  400  in FIG. 4. The apparatus  400  includes a base  410  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a frame member  404  pivotally mounted on the base  410 ; a seat  420  mounted on the frame member  404 ; a pedal assembly  430  rotatably mounted relative to the frame member  404 ; a flywheel  441  rotatably mounted on the frame member  404  and connected to the pedal assembly  430  (and stepped up) by means of a belt  434 ; a torque transmitting assembly  444  having a first portion  445  which bears against the base  410  and a second portion  446  which bears against the flywheel  441 ; and a spring  448  which biases the second portion  446  of the torque transmitting assembly  442  toward the flywheel  441 . The pedal assembly  430  and the frame member  404  share a common axis of rotation relative to the base  410 .  
         [0032]    In the depicted embodiment  400 , the torque transmitting assembly  444  includes an elongate bar having an intermediate portion rotatably mounted relative to the frame member  404  and sharing an axis of rotation with the flywheel  441 . The first portion  445  of the torque transmitting assembly  444  is a roller that is rotatably mounted on a first end of the bar and engages a bearing surface on the base  410 . The second portion  446  of the torque transmitting assembly  444  is a brake pad that is movably mounted on a second, opposite end of the bar and engages a bearing surface on the flywheel  441 .  
         [0033]    Other torque transmitting assemblies may be substituted for the one shown in FIG. 4 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, one end of a bar could be rotatably mounted to the frame member; an opposite end of the bar could bear against the base, and a brake pad could be disposed therebetween and biased against the flywheel. In any event, a force dampening cylinder may be rotatably interconnected between the frame member and the base to dampen downward movement of the seat relative to the base.  
         [0034]    With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a person sits on the seat  420  and places his feet on the pedals of the pedal assembly  430 . The pedal assembly  430  may be made adjustable relative to the seat  420  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, rotation of the pedals drives the flywheel  441 , which in turn, rubs against the brake pad  446 . Frictional forces between the brake pad  446  and the flywheel  441  apply a moment force against the elongate bar (clockwise in FIG. 4), thereby encouraging the frame member  404  to move upward relative to the base  410  and the underlying floor surface. As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more vigorously a person pedals, the higher he will be raised into the air. Since both the seat  420  and the pedal assembly  430  are mounted on the frame member  404 , they remain a fixed distance apart and in the same orientation relative to one another regardless of the elevation of the seat  420 . The bias force acting on the brake pad  446  is adjustable to accommodate different exercise rates and/or people with different bodyweights.  
         [0035]    Another way to implement the present invention is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5. This second implementation of the present invention includes a seat  520  which is connected to a base  510  and movable in a generally vertical direction relative thereto for motivational purposes, and a force receiving member  530  which is connected to the base  510  and acted upon by an occupant of the seat  520  for exercise purposes. A moving means  540  is connected to the seat  520  and operable to move the seat  520  up and down relative to the base  510  under certain circumstances. As suggested by the dashed lines, a discrete resisting means  550  may optionally be connected to the force receiving member  530  to resist movement of the force receiving member  530  relative to the base  510 .  
         [0036]    A controlling means  560  is connected to both the moving means  540  and to a sensing means  570  in communication with the force receiving member  530 . This arrangement is well suited for controlling the moving means  540  as a function of the speed of exercise movement and/or the magnitude of force applied during exercise movement, but independent of the resisting means  550 , if any. For example, as long as a person continues to perform a given amount of work, the seat  520  will move or remain upward. At times when the person is not performing the prescribed amount of work, the seat  520  will move or remain downward.  
         [0037]    The controller  560  may also be programmed to facilitate interval training and/or allow brief periods of rest during a workout. For example, the person may be required to perform a certain amount of work within a time interval in order to move upward one level. The person may then be afforded a time interval within which to relax or exert less energy without dropping a level. Subsequently, the person may again be required to repeat the higher exertion of energy in order to move upward another level or remain elevated.  
         [0038]    The controller  560  may be programmed in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, for example. First, parameters are established, including determination of a target level of exertion (a “user entered” exercise speed will be used for purposes of discussion). A timer is reset and then the speed of exercise motion is measured for a time interval A. At the end of the time interval A, if the measured or actual speed is greater than the target speed, then the seat is either raised or maintained at the highest elevation. A rest signal is transmitted to the person in the seat, and a delay (which may be another parameter entered by the user) occurs before a subsequent exercise signal is transmitted to the person in the seat. The process then repeats with the reset of the timer. If the measured or actual speed is less than the target speed, then the seat is either lowered or maintained at the lowest elevation, before the rest signal is transmitted to the person in the seat.  
         [0039]    The implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 5 is embodied on an exercise apparatus designated as  700  in FIG. 7. The apparatus  700  includes a base  710  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a beam  707  having a front end pivotally mounted to a front end of the base  710 ; a seat  720  mounted on a rear end of the beam  707 ; a user interface  790  mounted on an intermediate portion of the beam  707 ; a pedal assembly  730  rotatably mounted on the front end of the base  710  (such that the rotational axis defined by the pedal assembly  730  coincides with the pivotal axis defined by the beam  707 ); sensing components  797  and  798  mounted on the pedal assembly  730  and the front end of the base  710 , respectively; a first pulley  741  rotatably mounted on the base  710  and connected to the pedal assembly  730  (and stepped up) by means of a belt  734 ; a flywheel  742  rotatably mounted on the base  710  and rigidly connected to the first pulley  741 ; a second pulley  743  rotatably mounted on the base  710  and connected to the first pulley  741  by means of a conventional electric clutch  744 ; and a cable  745  extending from the second pulley  743 , through a pulley system  746  on the rear end of the base  710 , to the rear end of the beam  707 .  
         [0040]    A person sits on the seat  720  and places his feet on the pedals of the pedal assembly  730 . The seat  720  may be made adjustable along the beam  707  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, rotation of the pedals drives the first pulley  741  and flywheel  742 , which in turn, act upon the electric clutch  744 . Sufficient torque on the electric clutch  744  encourages the second pulley  743  to rotate (clockwise in FIG. 7) and wind up some of the cable  745 , thereby pulling the beam  707  upward relative to the base  710  and the floor surface. As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more vigorously a person pedals, the higher he will be raised into the air. Since the seat  720  pivots about the rotational axis of the pedal assembly  730 , they remain a fixed distance apart and in the same orientation relative to one another regardless of the elevation of the seat  720 .  
         [0041]    The sensing components  797  and  798  function in a manner known in the art to measure the rotational velocity of the pedal assembly  730 . The user interface  790  compares the actual velocity to the target velocity and adjusts the electric clutch  744  accordingly to effect changes in the elevation of the seat  720 . One or more lights on the user interface  790  are used to indicate when the seat occupant should be exercising vigorously and/or when he should be conserving energy. The electric clutch  744  may be replaced by a slip clutch arrangement which provides resistance to torque as a function of rotational velocity.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 16 shows an exercise apparatus  1700  that shares certain operational characteristics with the preceding embodiment  700 . The exercise apparatus  1700  includes a frame  1710  having a base designed to rest upon a floor surface, and a mast or stanchion extending upward from a rearward end of the base. A bracket  1717  is slidably mounted on the mast, and extends forward to support a seat  1720 . A user interface  1790  is mounted on a discrete portion of the frame  1710  (another stanchion extending upward form a forward end of the base, for example).  
         [0043]    A differential assembly  1740  is mounted on a lower portion of the bracket  1717 , generally beneath the seat  1720 . A first shaft on the differential is connected to a pedal assembly  1730 , which provides left and right pedals  1733  that are positioned for use by a person sitting on the seat  1720 . A second shaft on the differential is connected to a drum or sheave  1760 . A cable  1761  has a first end secured to the sheave  1760 , and an opposite, second end secured to an upper end of the rearward mast on the frame  1710 . A third shaft on the differential is connected to a rotating member  1750 , and a conventional resistance device, such as friction brake  1751 , is connected to the member  1750 . Sensing components may be mounted on the pedal assembly  1730  and/or the bracket  1717  to sense the rotational velocity of the pedals  1733 .  
         [0044]    A person sits on the seat  1720  and places his feet on the pedals  1733  of the pedal assembly  1730 . The seat  1720  may be made adjustable along the bracket  1717  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, rotation of the pedals  1733  is linked to rotation of the first differential shaft. In response to a control signal, the differential  1740  transmit the energy associated with rotation of the pedals  1733  to the member  1750  and/or the sheave  1760 . Sufficient torque on the sheave  1760  causes winding of the cable  1761  and upward movement of the seat  1720 . Conversely, insufficient torque on the sheave  1760  results in unwinding of the cable  1761  and downward movement of the seat  1720 . The resistance device  1751  acts on the member  1750  to dissipate excess energy in the system. As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more vigorously a person pedals, the higher he will be raised into the air.  
         [0045]    Operation of the exercise apparatus  1700  may be controlled in a manner similar to the previous embodiment  700 , or in other suitable ways. Operation of the exercise apparatus  1700  may also be described with reference to various states of operation. In an initial state of operation, the bracket  1717  rests on a lower stop that is secured to the frame  1710 . The stop  1707  preferably includes a rigid plate  1708  and a resilient bumper  1709 . The control program will measure the rotational speed of the pedals  1733  and cause the differential  1740  to begin lifting the bracket  1717 , assuming that any performance requirements are being met.  
         [0046]    During steady state operation, the bracket  1717  occupies a position above the stop  1707  and beneath an upper stop  1703  on the frame  1710 . The upper stop  1703  similarly includes a rigid plate  1704  and a resilient bumper  1705 . So long as any performance requirements are being met, the control program will continue to adjust the differential  1740  to keep the bracket  1717  in this intermediate position. The stops  1707  and  1703  are provided to limit travel of the bracket  1717 , and to absorb energy if and when the bracket  1717  moves to either extreme. In the alternative, the control program may be designed to prevent the bracket  1717  from reaching its upper extreme, and to gently lower the bracket  1717  to its lower extreme. The control program may also be designed to advise the user to decrease exercise activity in order to keep the bracket  1717  from reaching its upper extreme, or to increase exercise activity in order to keep the bracket  1717  from reaching its lower extreme. This same sort of method may be used in response to exercise force, as opposed to speed, and/or to lift inanimate weights, as opposed to body weight.  
         [0047]    Another embodiment of the implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 5 is designated as  800  in FIG. 8. The apparatus  800  includes a base  810  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a beam  808  having a front end pivotally mounted to a front end of the base  810 ; a seat  820  mounted on a rear end of the beam  808 ; a force receiving member  831  or  832  rigidly mounted on an intermediate portion of the beam  808  (by welding, for example); a user interface  890  rigidly mounted on the force receiving member  830 ; a sensor  898  connected to the force receiving member  830 ; and a motorized lead screw or linear actuator  840  interconnected between the base  810  and the beam  808  and in communication with the user interface  890 .  
         [0048]    A person sits on the seat  820  and places his hands on the force receiving member  830 . The seat  820  may be made adjustable along the beam  808  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, force applied against either force receiving member  831  or  832  is measured by the sensor  898  (using piezoelectric technology or another method known in the art) and transmitted to the controller  890 , which compares the measured force to a preset range of forces. The controller  890  then signals the actuator  840  to move the beam  808  to an elevation indicative of the relationship between the measured force and the preset range of forces. As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more force a person exerts, the higher he will be raised into the air. Since the seat  820  and the force receiving member  830  are both mounted on the beam  808 , they remain a fixed distance apart and in the same orientation relative to one another regardless of the elevation of the seat  820 . As discussed above, if so desired, rest intervals may be programmed into the routine without corresponding reductions in elevation.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 shows a modified embodiment  800 ′ of the previous embodiment  800 . In particular, the force receiving members  831  and  832  are rigidly mounted on an upper end of a bar  830 . An intermediate portion of the bar  830  is rotatably mounted on the beam  808 , and a lower end of the bar  830  supports a roller  835  which bears against the base  810 . In this modified embodiment  800 ′ the adjustable length member  840 ′ may be a motorized lead screw or linear actuator (like on the previous embodiment  800 ) which helps the user force himself upward, or in the alternative, it may be a linear damper which dampens downward movement of the beam  808  relative to the base  810  in the absence of sufficient user-supplied force. When a linear actuator is provided, a sensor should be included to measure how much force is being exerted by the user.  
         [0050]    Yet another implementation of the present invention is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10. This third implementation of the present invention includes a seat  920  which is connected to a base  910  and movable in a generally vertical direction relative thereto for motivational purposes, and a force receiving member  930  which is connected to the base  910  and movable relative to the base  910  for exercise purposes. A moving means  940  is connected to the seat  920  and operable to move the seat  920  up and down relative to the base  910  under certain circumstances. A discrete resisting means  950  is connected to the force receiving member  930  to resist movement of the force receiving member  930  relative to the base  910 .  
         [0051]    In addition to the components provided in the first implementation, a controlling means  960  is connected to the moving means  940 , the resisting means  950 , and a sensing means  980 . This arrangement is well suited for controlling the moving means  940  independent of the resisting means  950 . In one scenario, for example, the sensing means  980  is a conventional pulse monitor which functions to measure the heart rate of the occupant of the seat  920 . As long as a person&#39;s heart rate is within a desired range, the seat  920  moves upward or remains elevated, and the resistance remains constant. At times when the person&#39;s heart rate is below the desired range, the seat  920  moves downward or remains low, and the resistance is increased. At times when the person&#39;s heart rate is above the desired range, the seat  920  moves upward or remains elevated, and the resistance is lowered. Many other control methods may be implemented in the alternative. For example, the apparatus may simply advise the user to speed up or slow down under certain circumstances, or in the case of a direct drive force receiving member, the apparatus may simply cause the force receiving member to move faster or slower when appropriate.  
         [0052]    The controller  960  may be programmed in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 11, for example. First, parameters are established, including determination of a heart rate range, which may be calculated based on entry of the user&#39;s age, and perhaps adjusted at the discretion of the user. As the seat occupant begins exercising, his heart rate is measured and then compared to the target range. If the heart rate is too low, then the resistance is increased, and the seat  920  remains bottomed out or is lowered if the previous comparison also indicated an infrequent heart rate. A flag is then set to zero to indicate that the latest comparison indicated a heart rate which is too low. If the heart rate is too high, then the resistance is lowered, and the seat  920  remains topped out or is raised if the previous comparison also indicated a relatively high heart rate. The flag is then set to one to indicate that the latest comparison indicated a heart rate which is at least high enough. If the heart rate is within the acceptable range, then the resistance is maintained, and the seat  920  remains topped out or is raised if the flag is one. The flag is then set to one. In any event, after the flag has been set, the value of the flag is used to send an appropriate output signal to the seat occupant. After a pause (which may be a user-programmed parameter), the current heart rate is compared to the target range, and the process is repeated.  
         [0053]    The implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 10 is embodied on an exercise apparatus designated as  1000  in FIG. 12. The apparatus  1000  includes a base  1010  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a beam  1001  having a front end pivotally mounted to a front end of the base  1010 ; a seat  1020  mounted on a rear end of the beam  1001 ; a pedal assembly  1030  rotatably mounted on an intermediate portion of the beam  1001 ; a user interface  1090  mounted on the pedal assembly; a pulse monitor  1080  in communication with the user interface  1090 ; a motorized lead screw  1040  extending between the beam  1001  and the base  1010  and in communication with the user interface  1090 ; a flywheel  1041  connected to the pedal assembly  1030  (and stepped up) by a belt  1043 ; and an electronically adjustable brake  1050  operatively connected to the flywheel  1041  and in communication with the user interface  1090  (as indicated by a dashed line).  
         [0054]    A person sits on the seat  1020  and places his feet on the pedals of the pedal assembly  1030 . The seat  1020  may be made adjustable along the beam  1001  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, rotation of the pedals drives the flywheel  1041  subject to resistance from the brake  1050 . The pulse monitor  1080  measures the person&#39;s heart rate, and the user interface  1090  functions in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 11 to adjust the brake  1050  and/or the lead screw  1040  accordingly. As a result of this arrangement (and subject to certain limits), the more vigorously a person pedals, the higher he will be raised into the air. Since the seat  1020  and the pedal assembly  1030  are both mounted on the beam  1001 , they remain a fixed distance apart and in the same orientation relative to one another regardless of the elevation of the seat  1020 .  
         [0055]    Still another implementation of the present invention is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 13. This third implementation of the present invention includes a seat  1120  which is connected to a base  1110  and movable in a generally vertical direction relative thereto for motivational purposes, and force receiving members  1131  and  1132  which are connected to the base  1110  and movable relative to the base  1110  for exercise purposes. A moving means  1140  is connected to the seat  1120  and operable to move the seat  1120  up and down relative to the base  1110  under certain circumstances. Discrete resisting means  1151  and  1152  are connected to respective force receiving members  1131  and  1132  to resist movement thereof relative to the base  1110 .  
         [0056]    In addition to the components provided in the first implementation, a controlling means  1160  is connected to the moving means  1140 , both resisting means  1151  and  1152 , and a discrete sensing means  1181  and  1182  for each of the force receiving members  1131  and  1132 . This arrangement is well suited for controlling the moving means  1140  independent of the resisting means  1151  and  1152 . In one scenario, for example, the sensing means  1181  and  1182  are conventional sensors which function to measure the combined work being performed by a user&#39;s arms and legs. As long as the person performs sufficient work, the seat  1120  moves upward or remains elevated, and a signal is transmitted to indicate satisfactory performance. At times when the person is not performing sufficient work, the seat  1120  moves downward or remains low, and a signal is transmitted to indicate unsatisfactory performance.  
         [0057]    In another scenario, the controller  1160  may be programmed in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 14, for example. First, parameters are established, including determination of a heart rate range, which may be calculated based on entry of the user&#39;s age, and perhaps adjusted at the discretion of the user. As the seat occupant begins exercising, his heart rate is measured and then compared to the target range.  
         [0058]    If the heart rate is too low, then the seat  1120  remains bottomed out or is lowered if the previous comparison also indicated an infrequent heart rate. Action is then taken to encourage an increase in the heart rate. Such action may include a signal urging the user to go faster and/or an increase in the resistance to exercise. A flag is then set to (−1) to indicate that the latest comparison indicated a heart rate which is too low.  
         [0059]    If the heart rate is too high, then the seat  1120  remains topped out or is raised if the previous comparison also indicated a relatively high heart rate. Action is then taken to encourage a decrease in the heart rate. Such action may include a signal urging the user to go slower and/or a decrease in the resistance to exercise. The flag is then set to (+1) to indicate that the latest comparison indicated a heart rate which is too high.  
         [0060]    If the heart rate is within the acceptable range, then the seat  1120  remains “centered” or is moved toward the middle of its range of motion. The flag is set to (0), and a signal may be transmitted to indicate acceptable performance. Depending on the routine, the resistance may or may not be altered.  
         [0061]    The implementation set forth diagrammatically in FIG. 13 is embodied on an exercise apparatus designated as  1200  in FIG. 15. The apparatus  1200  generally includes a base  1210  designed to rest upon a floor surface; a beam  1212  having a front end pivotally mounted to a front end of the base  1210 ; a seat  1220  mounted on a rear end of the beam  1212 ; left and right arm exercise members  1231  rotatably mounted on an intermediate portion of the beam  1212 ; conventional friction brakes (not shown) interconnected between the beam  1212  and respective arm exercise members  1231 ; left and right leg exercise members  1232  rotatably mounted on an intermediate portion of the beam  1212 ; conventional dampers  1252  rotatably interconnected between the beam  1212  and respective leg exercise members  1231 ; a controller/interface  1260  mounted on the pedal assembly; a pulse monitor  1268  in communication with the controller  1260 ; and a linear actuator  1240  rotatably interconnected between the beam  1212  and the base  1210  and in communication with the controller  1260 .  
         [0062]    A person sits on the seat  1220  and places hands on the arm exercise members  1231  and his feet on the leg exercise members  1232 . The seat  1220  may be made adjustable along the beam  1212  to accommodate people of different sizes. In any event, the pulse monitor  1268  measures the person&#39;s heart rate as he exerts force against the arm exercise members  1231  and/or the leg exercise members  1232 . The controller  1260  functions in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 14 to provide an indication of performance and/or make adjustments to either or both resistance mechanisms. As a result of this arrangement, the apparatus  1200  will encourage a person to exercise at a preferred rate and also position the person at an elevation which is indicative of the person&#39;s actual heart rate relative to a target heart rate. Since the seat  1220  and the exercise members  1231  and  1232  are mounted on the beam  1212 , their spatial relationships relative to one another are unaffected by change in the elevation of the seat  1220 .  
         [0063]    The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth specific embodiments and particular applications of the present invention. Recognizing that many features and/or observations associated with different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various ways to arrive at additional embodiments, and/or that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to recognize still more embodiments and/or improvements, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the extent of the claims which follow.