Abstract:
An exercise apparatus having a support frame, a crank assembly, elongated footpads mounted pivotally to allow a user to engage in exercise without using the upper body, and an integral video game system, wherein the integral video game system is controlled or assisted in its operation through sensors located at various positions in said exercise apparatus.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/171,368, filed Apr. 21, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to exercise devices that provide a full lower body workout and a customized video game experience during an exercise session. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    The benefits of regular exercise are well known and recently there has been development in exercise products which are resistive in nature and designed to improve one&#39;s cardiopulmonary endurance. For example, various forms of exercise equipment are known, including stationary bicycles, stair climber type trainers, elliptical trainers, and the like. Some of these devices provide complicated motions that allow for the movement of foot pedals in a generally elliptical curved path and attempt to mimic walking or jogging. However, these devices fail to provide a full lower body workout and an integral video game system during a user workout session. 
         [0006]    For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,894 to Eschenbach describes an exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging wherein foot pedals are attached to foot support links. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,656 to Liao et al. describes two pedal assemblies that are fixed on a pedal axle. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,005 to Carlsen et al. describes pedals that are included on pedal arms. These apparatuses have pedal assemblies which are fixated to a support thereby limiting the motion of the ankle and other portions of the lower body. These designs fail to provide a foot pedal mounted pivotally, allowing a user to achieve a full lower body workout, and an integral video system which provides video game capabilities to a user during a workout session, wherein the integral video game system provides a video game experience customized to the user&#39;s workout session. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0008]    According to an aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus comprises a support frame, a crank assembly, rigid arm support, two actuator units, and two pedal units. The support frame includes a base support with opposite front and rear portions and a front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. The crank assembly has a crankshaft mounted rotatably on the rear portion of the support frame essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion of the base support, a resistance mechanism and a pair of crank members mounted respectively on two opposite ends of the crankshaft. The rigid arm support is mounted on the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. Each actuator unit includes a rocking arm connected pivotally to the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support and a longitudinal connecting unit connected pivotally to a respective one of the crank members and connected pivotally to the rocking arm. Each of the pedal units includes a frame, a pin, harness and a foot pedal connected to the longitudinal connecting unit. In an aspect, the foot pedals are elongated and provide a surface area suitable for an individual to step on. The foot pedal and harness are mounted pivotally to the longitudinal connecting unit. 
         [0009]    The crank assembly can be operatively connected to a resistance device by a belt or other suitable means. These other suitable means include, but are not limited to, a chain or use of a direct-drive. In addition, although the crank assembly and actuator units have been described as being mounted at specific points on the base support and front support extending upwardly from said base support, other embodiments are envisioned, including, but not limited to, the crank assembly being mounted on the front portion of the support frame, or at any other suitable position on the support frame with the actuator units connected thereto, providing a motion similar to that of walking, jogging or running. 
         [0010]    In an aspect, the exercise apparatus can be utilized in both a forward and reverse motion. By providing pivotally mounted foot pedals and allowing use of both a forward and reverse motion, a user has ability to strengthen various lower body muscles that current devices do not provide for, such as improving strength and flexibility of the user&#39;s ankles, shins, and calves. In an aspect, the present invention thereby creates a motion more similar to walking and jogging than previously known devices. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus comprises a support frame, a crank assembly, rigid arm support, two actuator units, two pedals units, and a console. The support frame includes a base support with opposite front and rear portions and a front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. The crank assembly has a crankshaft mounted rotatably on the rear portion of the support frame essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion of the base support, a resistance mechanism and a pair of crank members mounted respectively on two opposite ends of the crankshaft. The rigid arm support is mounted on the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. Each actuator unit includes a rocking arm connected pivotally to the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support and a longitudinal connecting unit connected pivotally to a respective one of the crank members and connected pivotally to the rocking arm. Each of the pedal units includes a frame, a pin, harness and a foot pad connected to the longitudinal connecting unit. The foot pedal is mounted pivotally to the longitudinal connecting unit. The console is mounted at or near the top of the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a set of rigid arm supports are mounted on opposite sides of the lower portion of the front face of the console. The rigid arm supports mounted on opposite sides of the lower portion of the front face of the console can be provided in conjunction with, or alternatively to, the first set of rigid arm support mounted on the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. In addition, although the rigid arm supports have been described as mounted on the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support and on opposite sides of the lower portion of the front face of the console, other embodiments are envisioned. For example, in an aspect, the exercise apparatus can include one or more, or no rigid arm supports. In addition, in accordance with another aspect, one or more rigid arm supports can be mounted on opposite sides of the upper portion of the front face of the console, or mounted to the back of the console, extending over the front face of the console. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the rocking arm connected pivotally to the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support can alternatively be mounted pivotally to the rigid arm support mounted on the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support. 
         [0014]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, the console mounted at or near the top of the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support comprises at least one or more of one or more monitors, one or more speakers, one or more game pads, one or more input and output devices, or other types of control units. The monitor can be visualized by a user from the front face of the console. The monitor can be any type of monitor unit, including, but not limited to, a Cathode Ray Tube, a television unit, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) unit, plasma unit, flat panel unit, rear projection unit, microdisplay unit or any other similar useful device. The speakers comprise any one or more of the following type of audio unit including, but not limited to, a dynamic enclosure unit, an electrostatic speaker, horn-type, planar-magnetic speaker, coaxial speaker, horns, midbases, one or more subwoofers or any other device. The game pad comprises a pad mounted on the console, a pad wirelessly connected thereto, a pad connected to said console via one or more input ports, or any other device or apparatus that provides for controlling the functions of a game system or other device. Each of these devices, in an aspect, is coupled to at least one or more of the other devices, providing input and/or output signals thereto. 
         [0015]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the console comprises an integral video game system. The integral video game system comprises at least one or more of one or more video game systems, video game software or hardware, one or more displays, one or more sound devices, and one or more controller(s). The video game software or hardware comprises one or more of a game cartridge, CD, or any other type of video game memory device which can be utilized to provide a game experience. The sound device comprises any device that produces sound waves, including, but not limited to, software or hardware units. The controller comprises one or more buttons or other devices mounted on the console providing use of and interaction with the game software or hardware. 
         [0016]    In accordance with alternative aspects of the invention, the one or more controllers comprise a game pad mounted on the console or connected thereto via wire, wireless or other method. In an aspect, the one or more controllers can be positioned at or near the one or more rigid arm supports, or mounted thereon to provide a more convenient gaming and workout experience. In accordance with another aspect, the one or more controllers can be attached to an interlocking mechanism located on a support mounted at or near the top of the front support extending upwardly from the front portion of the base support, or to the one or more rigid arm supports. Said interlocking mechanism allows for the user to attach the one or more controllers to the workout apparatus. Alternatively, the one or more controllers can be disengaged from said interlocking mechanism, allowing for the user to utilize the one more controllers via wire, wirelessly, or other method during use. Each of these devices, in an aspect, is connected to at least one or more of the other devices providing input and/or output signals thereto. 
         [0017]    In yet another aspect of the invention, the exercise apparatus comprises one or more sensors or monitors coupled or mounted to at least the integral video game system and to one or more of the one or more foot pedal units, the one or more rigid arm supports, or any other portion of the apparatus. In an example, one or more sensors can be coupled to the rigid arm support and comprises a heart rate monitor. Alternatively, one or more sensors can be coupled to the foot pedals, monitoring the rate at which the user is utilizing the exercise apparatus. In an aspect, the one or more sensors coupled to either, or both, the foot pedals or rigid arm supports are coupled to the integral video game system. For example, the one or more sensors are coupled to the hardware or software of the integral video game unit. The pace or rate at which the video game being utilized on the integral video game system can be changed or controlled based on the input received from said one or more sensors. Therefore, the invention provides for adapting an integral video game system, and the game, software or hardware being utilized thereon, according to the pace of the workout of the individual making use of the exercise apparatus. It is to be understood that all of the devices, apparatuses, controllers, monitors, and sensors and there equivalents comprise input and output capabilities, utilizing input and output ports or equivalents thereof. 
         [0018]    One aspect of the present invention provides one or more pivotally mounted foot pedal units that provide a user with a full lower body workout, while limiting the engagement of the upper body during said workout. In an aspect, the one or more foot pedal units can be mounted on either the interior or exterior side of said longitudinal connecting unit. 
         [0019]    Another aspect of the present invention provides one or more, or no rigid arm supports to the user. In an aspect, where no rigid arm supports are provided to a user, the user is required to utilize only lower body muscles during the workout session, thereby producing a full, more precise, lower body workout. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, an additional aspect of the present invention is to tailor the workout experience to a particular user workout session, through one or more integral video game systems. Another aspect of the present invention provides one or more sensors or monitors coupled to said integral video game system and to one or more sections of the workout apparatus, wherein the information obtained, the input, from said one or more sensors or monitors adapts the integral video game system, and the game being played thereon, according to the input received. 
         [0021]    It is to be understood that the integral video game system comprises any and all devices necessary to provide a user with a video game experience. In an aspect, when video game software or hardware is activated and coupled to a monitor and speakers, it conveys the necessary data to a user to provide a video game experience. The user can input signals to said video game hardware and/or software via a controller or other device, providing an interactive experience with said video game. The visual and audible signals and input/output signals sent between the user and the video game hardware and software enable the gaming experience. 
         [0022]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an exemplary environment for implementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer or integral gaming device, both hereinafter referred to as computer. The computer includes a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus. The system bus couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory to the processing unit. The processing unit can be any of various available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures also can be employed as the processing unit. 
         [0023]    The system bus can be any of several types of bus structure(s) including the memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and/or a local bus using any variety of available bus architectures including, but not limited to, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus (PCMCIA), Firewire (IEEE 1394), and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI). 
         [0024]    The system memory includes volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines to transfer information between elements within the computer, such as during start-up, is stored in nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory includes random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). 
         [0025]    The computer also includes removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. For example, disk storage units can be provided. The disk storage units include, but are not limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, Jaz drive, Zip drive, LS-100 drive, flash memory card, game cartridges, or memory stick. In addition, disk storage can include storage media separately or in combination with other storage media including, but not limited to, an optical disk drive such as a compact disk ROM device (CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive (DVD-ROM). To facilitate connection of the disk storage devices to the system bus, a removable or non-removable interface is typically used. In an aspect, the integral video game system provides the user with the ability to store game progress on one or more of the above mentioned storage devices and to utilize game progress at a later date, or workout session. 
         [0026]    It is to be appreciated that software acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer resources described in a suitable operating environment. Such software includes an operating system. The operating system, which can be stored on the disk storage, can act as a control and allocate resources of the computer system. System applications take advantage of the management of resources by the operating system through program modules and program data stored either in system memory or on disk storage. It is to be appreciated that the subject invention can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems and applications. 
         [0027]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a user enters commands or information into the computer through one or more input device(s). The input devices include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, web camera, sensor, monitor, and the like. These and other input devices connect to the processing unit through the system bus via interface port(s). Interface port(s) include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and a universal serial bus (USB). Output device(s) use some of the same type of ports as input device(s). Thus, for example, a USB port may be used to provide input to computer and to output information from computer to an output device. An output adapter can be provided to adapt some output devices like monitors, speakers, and printers, among other output devices, which require special adapters. The output adapters include, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and sound cards that provide a means of connection between the output device and the system bus. It should be noted that other devices and/or systems of devices provide both input and output capabilities such as remote computer(s). 
         [0028]    In an aspect, the computer can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers. The remote computer(s) can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based appliance, a peer device, another integral video game system, or other common network node and the like, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to computer. Remote computer(s) is logically connected to computer through a network interface and then physically connected via communication connection. Network interface encompasses wire and/or wireless communication networks such as local-area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN). LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like. WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon, packet switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). 
         [0029]    Communication connection(s) refers to the hardware/software employed to connect the network interface to the bus. While communication connection can be inside computer, it can also be external to the computer. The hardware/software necessary for connection to the network interface includes, for exemplary purposes only, internal and external technologies such as, modems including regular telephone grade modems, cable modems and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards. 
         [0030]    In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspects of the invention. In this regard, it will also be recognized that the invention includes a system for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods of the invention. 
         [0031]    Other aspects, advantages, and certain illustrative aspects and novel features of the invention are described herein in connection with the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or can be learned by practice of the invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed and the subject invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
         [0032]    In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an elliptical stepper apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the elliptical stepper apparatus in accordance with an additional aspect of the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the console element of the elliptical stepper apparatus in accordance with an additional aspect of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the console element of the elliptical stepper apparatus in accordance with an additional aspect of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    The forgoing as well as other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and other material, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject invention. It may be evident, however, that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. It should also be appreciated that although specific examples presented may describe or depict certain aspects of the subject invention, the invention is not limited to those aspects. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed invention can be used for other purposes and in other manners other than those described. 
         [0038]    As used herein, the appended claims and other related documents, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include the plural. Reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value. Ranges may be expressed herein as “from,” “about,” “near,” or “approximately” to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, values that are expressed as approximations, by use of the other antecedent “about,” “approximately” or “near” will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment and the variations thereof form additional embodiments. 
         [0039]    As used herein, the terms “connect,” “connected,” “mount,” “mounted,” “attach,” “attached,” “secure,” and “secured” are intended to refer to their generally known meaning. However, these terms are not limited to such construction. In addition, said terms shall also comprise, but are not limited to, any various combinations of links or other connectors, which can include any suitable alternative, be it rolling, sliding, a pivoting rocker, screw, bolt, nut, cap, glue, solder, weld, wire, conductor, or so on, as the principles of the present invention apply. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The elliptical stepper apparatus  10  is shown to comprise a support frame  40 , a crank assembly  34 , one or more rigid arm supports  60 , two actuator units  30 , two pedal units  20 , and a console  50 . 
         [0041]    The support frame  40  is intended to rest on a floor or other support surface and can be mounted to said surface. The support frame  40  comprises a base support with a front portion  41  and a rear portion  42  opposite one another. Additionally, the support frame  40  comprises a front support  43  extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40 . In an alternative aspect, the support frame  40 , and exercise apparatus described herein, can be designed to be folded into a compact profile that can be stored or moved more efficiently. 
         [0042]    In an aspect, the front portion  41  and rear portion  42  of the support frame  40  may include one or more feet, braces or support members to provide stability and rigidness of the elliptical stepper  10 . The support frame  40  can be made of any material that provides adequate strength and resistance to wear. In addition, the support frame  40  can be enclosed within a casing to provide esthetic elements. Said casing, not numbered, can comprise of any material that provides a resistant, esthetically pleasing look to the exterior of said elliptical stepper  10 . 
         [0043]    The crank assembly  34  is mounted on or near the rear portion  42  of the support frame  40  and has a crankshaft  35  mounted rotatably on or near the rear portion  42  of the support frame  40  essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion of the support frame  40 . In addition, the crank assembly  34  comprises a resistance mechanism (not shown), and a pair of crank members  36  mounted respectively on two opposite ends of the crankshaft and at such a location as to provide an elliptical motion when used in conjunction with the remainder of the device. 
         [0044]    The rigid arm support  60  is located at or near the top of the front support  43  extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40 . The rigid arm support  60  is secured to opposite sides of the front support  43 . According to another embodiment of the invention, a second set of rigid arm supports  61  can be provided in conjunction with, or alternatively to, rigid arm support  60 . The second set of rigid arm supports  61  is mounted on opposite sides of the lower portion of the front face of console  50 . In accordance with another aspect, the exercise apparatus  10  can comprise zero rigid arm supports. 
         [0045]    In an aspect, the one or more rigid arm supports  60  and  61  comprise one or more sensors  70  coupled at least to the console  50  and the software or hardware included therein. In an aspect, the one or more sensors  70  comprise a heart rate monitor. In an alternative aspect, the one or more sensors  70  included in the one or more rigid arm supports  60  and  61  can be used in conjunction with, or alternatively to, one or more sensors coupled to foot pedal units  20  monitoring the rate at which the user is utilizing the exercise device. In an aspect, the one or more sensors  70  coupled to either, or both, the foot pedal units  20  or rigid arm supports  60  and  61  can be coupled to an integral video game system included within console  50 . 
         [0046]    The actuator units, represented generally at  30 , comprise a rocking arm  32 , and a longitudinal connecting unit  31  connected pivotally to a respective one of the crank members  36  and connected pivotally to the rocking arm  32 . The rocking arm  32  is connected pivotally to both the longitudinal connecting unit  31  and to the front support  43  extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40 . In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the rocking arm  32  connected pivotally to the front support  43  extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40  can alternatively be mounted pivotally to the rigid arm support  60  located at or near the top of the front support  43  extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40 , wherein the rigid arm support  60  is mounted to front support extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40 . 
         [0047]    The pedal units  20  comprise a frame  21 , a pin  22 , harness  23  and a foot pad  24  connected to the longitudinal connecting unit  31 . The frame  21 , in an aspect, is rectangular in nature and secured at least to two points of the exterior portion of the longitudinal connecting unit  31 , wherein the median of said two points lies at or near the center of the length of the longitudinal connecting unit  31 . The foot pad  24  and harness  23  are mounted pivotally within frame  21  and are connected to the longitudinal connecting unit  31  and frame  21  by pin  22 , wherein pin  22  is positioned at or near the midpoint of the elongated side of foot pad  24 . The pin  22  has two ends opposite one another. One end of pin  22  being attached at or near the center of the length of the longitudinal connecting unit  31  and the other end connected at or near the center of frame  21  on the portion of frame  21  that is parallel to longitudinal connecting unit  31 . In an alternative aspect, the pedal units  20  can be secured to the interior portion of the longitudinal connecting units  31 . 
         [0048]    In an aspect, the foot pad  24  is elongated with padding made from any material, including, but not limited to, rubber, cloth, or steel. The foot pad  24  is elongated to support most, if not all, foot lengths and user weights. Mounting foot pad  24  and harness  23  on a pivot provides a user with rotational motion allowing the user to engage in an exercise that provides a full lower body workout without utilizing the upper body. 
         [0049]    The console  50  is mounted at or near the top of the front support  43  extending upwardly from the front portion  41  of the support frame  40 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 , an embodiment of the console in accordance with an aspect of the invention is provided. In accordance with an aspect, the console  50  comprises one or more rigid arm supports  61 , or no rigid arm supports, and an integral video game system comprising sensors  70 , monitor  71 , speakers  72 , game pad  73 , and removable or non-removable storage media  80 . In an aspect, the console  50  additionally comprises video game software or hardware, not shown, which can be utilized by said removable or non-removable storage media  80 . 
         [0051]    The integral video game system comprises video game software or hardware, not shown, which provides a user with a video game experience during a workout. The software or hardware is generally known to those skilled in the art and can be any type of hardware or software which provides a gaming experience to a user. The integral video game system comprises various hardware and software devices and applications, and in an aspect, can comprise said removable or non-removable storage media  80 . The integral video game system comprises utilizing software or hardware to provide a user interface to a user through at least one or more if monitor  71 , audibly through speakers  72 , or through some other human perceivable medium. In an aspect, the user can interact with said video game software or hardware through one or more of a game pad  73 , voice technology (not shown), and headphones (not shown). The user interface provides the user with various choices which provide a unique game experience. The integral video game system can be built-in console  50 , be located at another location or comprise of both a built-in and exterior devices. In an aspect, the integral video game system can be located at a location where it is wirelessly, wired, or connected otherwise to console  50  and exercise apparatus  10 . 
         [0052]    In an aspect, the rigid arm supports  60  and  61  not only provide a user with stability during a workout session, but also provide a user with an input to the integral video game system via sensors  70 . In addition, sensors placed at other various locations on the exercise device, such as pedal unit  20 , can provide alternative or additional inputs to the integral video game system. Sensors  70  are coupled to said integral video game system via wire, wireless, network or other method or means. The pace of the video game being utilized on the integral video game system can be changed or controlled based on the input received from said sensors  70 . Therefore, in an aspect, the invention provides for adapting and customizing an integral video game system, and the game being played thereon, according to the pace of the workout of the individual utilizing the exercise apparatus. 
         [0053]    In an aspect, the user can interact with the integral video game system through game pad  73  which is coupled to said integral video game system. Game pad  73  can be coupled and used in combination with, or alternatively to, sensors  70  in providing the integral video game system with input signals. The game pad  73  comprises at least one or more of one or more buttons, one or more joysticks, a four-way pad, or other devices which can provide signals to the integral video game system. Game pad  73  is shown as mounted within, or on, console  50 , however, other embodiments are envisioned, such as coupling game pad  73  to console  50  and the integral video game system via wire, wireless, infrared, Bluetooth, or other signal emitting methods. In addition, game pad  73  can be mounted within, or on, rigid arm support  60  or  61 , providing both a convenient location of the input devices and stability during a workout session. 
         [0054]    In an aspect, a user can initiate the exercise device by engaging pedal unit  20  in either a forward or reverse motion. In accordance with another aspect, the exercise device may be initiated via input from sensor  70  or game pad  73  coupled to console  50 . 
         [0055]    It is understood that aspects of the invention can be utilized on devices other than those described. For instance, providing an integral video game system in combination with other exercise devices or apparatuses is envisioned. Furthermore, providing a custom video game experience via various inputs, such as sensors  70  and game pad  73 , is envisioned as being applicable to numerous exercise devices. 
         [0056]    What has been described above includes examples of aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the invention are possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes,” “has” or “having” or variations in the form thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.