Abstract:
A programmable workout device for leading a user in a workout. A user interface is attached to a housing. A microprocessor is in operative connection with the user interface and is installed within the housing. A memory unit is in operative communication with the microprocessor and is installed in the housing. A database is stored in the memory unit. The database includes a bank of prerecorded workout routines. The microprocessor and memory unit operate in conjunction to randomly present the prerecorded workout routines to a user who is exercising so that the user can follow the workout routine.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates to exercise aids, and in particular, to programmable exercise instruction devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Physical fitness is a major concern in modern society. As technology has improved, it has become easier for people to live a sedimentary lifestyle. People seldom have to walk to get to where they need to be. Automobiles are commonly owned and allow easy transportation to most locations. Food is readily available for most people to such an extent that even the poorest of people in developed countries have adequate food and are in fact often overweight. 
         [0003]    Although most people understand the importance of exercise, it is only the relatively few who are able to have the discipline to stick with a regular exercise program. A major hurdle for people is developing the proper motivation to exercise regularly. Hiring a personal trainer is very expensive and not an option for the vast majority of people. Workout videos are an inexpensive option, but they quickly become very boring after having been viewed several times. 
         [0004]    What is needed is an inexpensive, improved automated exercise instruction device that maintains the interest of the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a programmable workout device for leading a user in a workout. A user interface is attached to a housing. A microprocessor is in operative connection with the user interface and is installed within the housing. A memory unit is in operative communication with the microprocessor and is installed in the housing. A database is stored in the memory unit. The database includes a bank of prerecorded workout routines. The microprocessor and memory unit operate in conjunction to randomly present the prerecorded workout routines to a user who is exercising so that the user can follow the workout routine. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows flowchart utilizing a preferred database of prerecorded workout routines. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a preferred 110 day exercise program. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 4-6  show other preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0010]      FIG. 1  shows programmed workout device  1 . Workout device  1  allows a user of the device to view a randomly generated prerecorded workout routine. The user can follow along with the workout routine to improve his physical fitness. Because the workout routine is randomly generated, the user does not get bored viewing the exact same workout routine on a repeated basis. 
         [0011]    Workout device  1  includes microprocessor  2  and memory  3 . Workout device  1  may be powered via battery  4  or via normal AC home power source connection  5 . Software and data updates are preferably downloaded via the Internet via wired or wireless internet connection  6 . Workout device  1  may be connected via a wire connection (for example, a USB port) to a variety of viewing and listening devices, such as television  7 , laptop  8  or desk top computer  9 . 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, workout device  1  is programmed to display a variety of workout routines. The user connects workout device  1  to a preexisting viewing device, such as television  7 . The user controls workout device  1  via user interface  10 . In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, user interface  10  includes multiple buttons for selecting, playing, stopping, pausing and rewinding a workout. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user interface is a display screen. The user inputs his commands into workout device  1  by tapping with his fingers on images and commands displayed on the display screen. In preferred embodiment, the user utilizes a wireless remote controller  103  to input his commands into workout device  1 . 
         [0013]    Workout device  1  is preferably small, lightweight and compact so that the user can carry it with easily from room to room or as he travels. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention workout device  1  housing is approximately 5 inches by 10 inches and workout device  1  weights approximately 1.5 lbs. As stated above workout device  1  can be connected to a variety of viewing devices. Workout device  1  preferably accepts numerous methods of connection, including, but not limited to USB cables, RCA cables and HDMI cables for connection to display devices. 
       Random Workout Feature 
       [0014]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention workouts are presented to the user in a random fashion so that the user is unaware of exact nature of the workout exercises until he begins to view them. For example,  FIG. 2  shows a flowchart depicting one preferred workout. The user connects workout device  1  to television set  7 . Then using user interface  10 , the user selects a core muscle group that he wants to focus on. In the example shown in  FIG. 2  the user selects chest workout  15 . The user then views the screen of television set  7  and is led through a 5 minute warm up session  16 . After the warm up session is completed the user is then led through a 25 minute full intensity work out session  17  focused on the chest. There are very many types of chest exercises. In order to prevent the user from becoming bored of a constant presentation of the same chest exercise, workout device  1  is programmed to randomly select a specific set of chest exercises from a bank of chest exercises  18 . In the present example, workout device  1  randomly chooses the chest exercises of decline bench press, push-ups, and isometric chest squeeze. A 25 minute video presentation of these three exercises in succession is displayed over television  7 . The user follows along with the video image he sees presented. At t=30 minutes, television  7  will finish displaying the series of randomly chosen chest workouts and begin to display an abdominal exercise workout  19 . Workout device  1  is programmed to randomly select a specific abdominal exercise from a bank of abdominal exercises  20 . In the present example, workout device  1  randomly chooses the abdominal exercise of reverse crunch. A 5 minute video presentation of the reverse crunch exercise is displayed over television  7 . At t=35 minutes, television  7  will finish displaying the reverse crunch workout and begin to display 15 minute full intensity cardio/muscle endurance exercise  21 . Workout device  1  is programmed to randomly select a specific cardio exercise from a bank of cardio exercises  22 . In the present example, workout device  1  randomly chooses the cardio exercise of jump rope. A 15 minute video presentation of the jump rope exercise is displayed over television  7 . At t=50 minutes, television  7  will finish displaying the jump rope workout and begin to display a 5 minute cool-down and stretch exercise preferably that is specific to the chest exercise. The 5 minute cool-down exercise is then displayed over television  7 . 
         [0015]    In the preferred embodiment described above, the exercise routine displayed by workout device  1  includes the following features:
       A warm-up and cool-down are done to prevent injury and increase flexibility,   The core muscle group is exercised to an extreme level for 20 minutes,   A 15 minute cardio segment that works endurance on all body parts,   Abdominals are exercised every day.       
 
         [0020]    In one preferred embodiment the total duration of the exercise program is 110 days. The exercise program is broken into two 55 day parts. Table 1 ( FIG. 3 ) shows one example of a preferred 110 day exercise program. 
       Other Preferred Features 
     Piracy and Copyright Protection 
       [0021]    Preferably, the producer of workout device  1  has a very high level of protection against software piracy and copyright infringement. It is difficult to copy workout device  1  and the software that enables random functionality of the exercise presentations. 
       Selection of Exercise Level and Intensity 
       [0022]    In a preferred embodiment, the bank of exercises can be selected based on the general exercise goals of the user. For example, in one preferred embodiment workout device  1  is sold with two categories of workouts based on difficulty and intensity. The easier category is preferably referred to as Superfit 55 and it is geared toward non-competitive athletes wanting to be in the best shape that they can. The focus is on endurance, strength and flexibility. The more difficult category is preferably referred to as Pro-fit 55 and it is geared toward competitive athletes at the high school level and above. The focus is on endurance, power balance and dexterity). 
       Additional Logical Programming 
       [0023]    In a preferred operation of the device, the exercises will be selected from a large bank of stored exercises, and the programming of the device will ensure that the same specific exercise will not be repeated within a given workout series. In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, workout device  1  stores further subcategories of exercises and logical controls to optimize the workout while still maintaining a large degree of randomness and uniqueness to each day&#39;s workout. As an example, the invention may randomly select 5 exercises from one category of difficult chest exercises, followed by 5 exercises of less difficult chest exercises to allow for randomness and variety with the more difficult exercises being at the beginning of the workout. 
       Software Upgrade and Download 
       [0024]    Preferably, the software (including but not limited to the video recordings of exercises, coaches giving instruction, and/or ability to add new modules of exercises) can be upgraded via the Internet. 
       Workout Coaches Varied 
       [0025]    Preferably the workout coaches displayed via workout device  1  are skilled athletes who are experts in their workout that is being coached. To add interest to the workout there is preferably a variety of coaches that can be randomly displayed. For example, in one preferred embodiment there is a pool of 35 coaches. Each coach records the eight 25 minute chest exercises for the bank of chest exercises  18  displayed  FIG. 2 . Because there is a variety of coaches and a variety of exercises it is very unlikely that a user will see the same coach conducting the same exercise repeatedly. This makes the workout more interesting to the user and makes it more likely that the user will be motivated to continue the program. 
       Programmed Home Computer 
       [0026]    Although the above preferred embodiment showed the functionality of workout device  1  in great detail, it is also possible to program a home computer to randomly generate workouts in a fashion similar to that described above. For example,  FIG. 4  shows home desktop computer  50 . Desktop computer  50  includes a microprocessor and memory and software that work in conjunction to display workout routines to a user. For example, the software allows the user to select workout routines in a fashion similar to that described above in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Likewise,  FIG. 6  shows laptop computer  70 . Laptop computer  70  includes a microprocessor and memory and software that work in conjunction to display workout routines to a user. For example, the software allows the user to select workout routines in a fashion similar to that described above in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
       Other Personal Programmable Computing Devices 
       [0027]    It is also possible to utilize the present invention via a variety of hand held personal computing devices. For example,  FIG. 5  shows hand held personal computing device  60 . Personal computing device includes a microprocessor and hard drive and software that work in conjunction to display workout routines to a user on screen  61 . For example, the software allows the user to select workout routines in a fashion similar to that described above in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0028]    Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention.