Patent Publication Number: US-7585251-B2

Title: Load variance system and method for exercise machine

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/605,989 filed on Aug. 31, 2004, entitled “LOAD VARIANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXERCISE MACHINE,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having an electronically-controlled resistance and, in particular, a system and method for controlling the pedal resistance of a stationary bicycle. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Relatively recent trends towards physical fitness awareness have led to an increase in the number of individuals exercising to keep physically fit. Stationary exercise machines, such as stationary bicycles, have become popular choices for exercise enthusiasts who want to avoid the attendant inconvenience of outdoor exercise. As a result, community fitness centers, hotels, and training facilities generally include various stationary exercise machines to accommodate the needs of their patrons whose modern lifestyles often allow only limited amounts of time to be set aside for exercise. 
     However, as more sophisticated bicycle simulating equipment has been developed through the years, stationary bicycles designs have taken on more complex designs and operating modes. For example, modern stationary bicycles often afford a plethora of preprogrammed routines or workout options and generally require a user to select a series of inputs when initializing an exercise routine. One major drawback of these more complex designs is that operation of the stationary bicycle has become more confusing and time-consuming for the user. 
     As a result, the user, and especially a first-time user, generally must spend a substantial amount of time familiarizing himself or herself with a particular exercise machine and setting up his or her exercise routine. For example, even before beginning the exercise routine, a user of a conventional stationary bicycle generally must make various programmatic selections and input various data, such as selecting the appropriate preprogrammed routine, choosing and adjusting the pedal resistance level, and so forth. If the user is not familiar with the exercise machine, these user selections and in-exercise adjustments can be time-consuming and even frustrating. Even if a user manual or operating instructions are provided for assistance, the user must expend time in accessing and reading the manual or in understanding and following the provided instructions. 
     Furthermore, even if users are is willing to spend the time familiarizing themselves with their own stationary bicycles, those users often exercise away from home, such as in fitness centers and hotels as they travel for business or pleasure. As can be expected, fitness centers and hotels often provide different brands or models of exercise equipment, which generally vary in available programmable options and in their resistance level calculations. In addition, fitness centers and hotels rarely offer travelers access to user manuals. Moreover, even if a user may be familiar a particular brand or model of exercise machine, oftentimes factors such as changes in elevation or physical injury may require the user to substantially change his or her exercise routine. 
     In addition, once the user begins his or her exercise routine, the user often needs to adjust the workout conditions by selecting among various resistance level controls. For example, the initial resistance level selected by the user is oftentimes too low or too high. Similarly, later in the exercise routine the user may need to adjust resistance levels because of user fatigue or other physical conditions. As can be seen, the user may expend time establishing and maintaining satisfactory exercise conditions for a particular workout, time that could otherwise be spent on physical exercise. 
     In response to at least some of the foregoing drawbacks, the stationary bicycle industry often includes a manual exercise program, where the user may manually adjust a resistance level control during his or her exercise routine. However, manual programs still suffer from the drawback of a need for user familiarity between the selected resistance level control and the desired application of resistance resulting from the selection. Moreover, manual exercise programs generally apply substantially the same resistance to the user regardless of the user&#39;s exercise intensity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, conventional stationary exercise machines do not provide the user with a straightforward exercise routine usable by operators with no or very little knowledge of the particular programmatic functions of the machine. Accordingly, what is needed is a stationary bicycle that provides the user with a more straightforward exercise routine regardless of the user&#39;s familiarity with the stationary bicycle. 
     Moreover, a need exists for an exercise machine with a straightforward control of exercise intensity during an exercise routine. In an embodiment of the invention, the exercise machine provides the straightforward control. In another embodiment, the exercise machine provides a hands-free exercise routine. 
     For example, in an embodiment, the user selects a single input key, such as an “autopilot” key, and begins to pedal. If the user believes the pedal resistance is too low, the user pedals faster, and the exercise machine increases the pedal resistance. If the user believes the pedal resistance is too high, the user pedals slower, and the exercise machine decreases the pedal resistance. In an embodiment, the foregoing increases and decreases of the pedal resistance are influenced by, or relate to, the increases and decreases in the user&#39;s pedal cadence. For example, in a preferred embodiment, an increase in the pedal cadence relates to an increase in the pedal resistance through a proportional relationship. In a more preferred embodiment, the relation comprises a linear relationship. In an even more preferred embodiment, the relation comprises a non-linear relationship. In an even more preferred embodiment, the relation comprises a polynomial relationship, such as a fourth order polynomial relationship. In another embodiment, the relation may comprise a table or list of pre-determined values. 
     In one embodiment, the foregoing exercise routine is accomplished on a stationary bicycle including a one-touch control, wherein selection of the one-touch control activates a straightforward exercise routine. In an embodiment, the one-touch control may cause an electronic control system to adjust a pedal resistance based on sensed changes in the pedal cadence. The one-touch control may comprise a single input device located on an electronic display 
     In another embodiment, an electronic control system receives an input from the user to initiate an exercise routine during which the electronic control adjusts a flywheel resistive load based on changes in the user&#39;s pedal cadence. In particular, changes in the pedal cadence cause changes in the angular velocity of the flywheel. Upon sensing an increase in the flywheel angular velocity, the control system increases the flywheel resistive load, which increases the pedal resistance felt by the user. Upon sensing a decrease in the flywheel angular velocity, the control system decreases the flywheel resistive load, which decreases the pedal resistance felt by the user. In an embodiment, the increases and decreases in the flywheel resistive load are related to, or are a function of, the increases and decreases of the flywheel angular velocity. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, an electronic control system receives demographic and/or exercise preference data associated with the user to calculate a default flywheel resistive load. For example, a processor may receive demographic data such as, for example, data regarding the user&#39;s weight, age, sex, height, combinations of the same or the like. Exercise preferences may include data regarding general preferred exercise resistance levels (e.g., easy, medium, difficult, most difficult); desired workout parameters such as workout duration, caloric or power expenditure, or distance traveled; a preferred heart rate; combinations of the same or the like. When the user selects a one-touch control indicating the initiating of a customized exercise routine, the processor instructs a resistance mechanism to apply a default resistive load to the flywheel. Subsequent variations in the user&#39;s pedal cadence cause the processor to adjust the flywheel resistive load. In another embodiment, the user may adjust the default resistive load by moving to or from a more difficult resistance level, or the like. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an upright stationary bicycle according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a recumbent stationary bicycle according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronically controlled resistance mechanism usable by the stationary bicycles of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control system of the stationary bicycles of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electronic display of the stationary bicycles of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a simplified flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a resistance control process. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Traditional stationary exercise machines do not provide the user with a straightforward exercise routine usable by operators with no or very little knowledge of the particular programmatic functions of the machine. Accordingly, what is needed is a stationary bicycle that provides the user with a more straightforward exercise routine even when the user is unfamiliar with the stationary bicycle. 
     Moreover, a need exists for an exercise machine with a straightforward control of exercise intensity during an exercise routine. In an embodiment of the invention, the exercise machine provides the straightforward control without the need for a user manual. In another embodiment, the exercise machine provides a “hands-free” exercise routine. 
     The term “hands-free” routine as used herein includes its ordinary broad meaning, which includes an exercise routine that may be performed, or a program that can be executed, based at least in part without substantial use of the user&#39;s hands. For example, a hands free routine may adjust or adapt to the intensity of the user&#39;s performance, such as for example, how fast the user is pedaling. 
     For example, in an embodiment, the user selects a single input key, such as an “autopilot” key, and begins to pedal. If the user believes the pedal resistance is too low, the user pedals faster, and the exercise machine increases the pedal resistance. If the user believes the pedal resistance is too high, the user pedals slower, and the exercise machine decreases the pedal resistance. In an embodiment, the foregoing increases and decreases of the pedal resistance relate to the increases and decreases in the user&#39;s pedal cadence. For example, the magnitudes of the increases and decreases of the pedal resistance may be a function of the magnitudes of the respective increases and decreases in the user&#39;s pedal cadence. 
     The term “cadence” as used herein includes its ordinary broad meaning, which relates to the beat, time or measure of a rhythmic or repetitive motion or activity. For example, as used herein, the pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle relates to the rotational velocity of the pedals, which is typically measured in revolutions per minute. 
     In one embodiment, the foregoing exercise routine is accomplished on a stationary bicycle including a one-touch control, wherein selection of the one-touch control activates a straightforward exercise routine. In an embodiment, the one-touch control may cause an electronic control system to adjust a pedal resistance based on sensed changes in the pedal cadence. For example, the one-touch control may comprise a single input device located on an electronic display. 
     An electronic control system may advantageously apply a default resistance to a user. When the control system senses an increase in the intensity of the exercise, such as when the user pedals faster, the control system can increase the resistive load, which increases the pedal resistance felt by the user. Similarly, when the control system senses a decrease in the exercise intensity, the control system can decrease the resistive load, which decreases the pedal resistance felt by the user. 
     In an embodiment, an electronic control system uses demographic data associated with the user to calculate the foregoing default resistance. For example, a user may enter demographic information and/or exercise preferences. Demographic information may advantageously include data regarding the user&#39;s weight, age, sex, height, other demographic data an artisan may find useful in setting a resistive load, combinations of the same or the like. Exercise preferences may include data regarding general preferred exercise resistance levels; desired workout parameters such as workout duration, caloric or power expenditure, or distance traveled; a target, interval or preferred heart rate; combinations of the same or the like. 
     As discussed, once a default resistance is chosen, the electronic control system advantageously adjusts the resistance as the user&#39;s exercise cadence changes. In an embodiment, the change in resistance relates to the change in exercise cadence. For example, the magnitude of the change in resistance may be a function of the magnitude of the change in exercise cadence. In other embodiments, the user can adjust the default resistance up or down during exercise. In yet another embodiment, the electronic control system may advantageously store the default resistance values for a particular user, and alterations thereof. 
     The features of the system and method will now be described with reference to the drawings summarized above. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings, associated descriptions, and specific implementation are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exercise machine  100  comprising a stationary bicycle according to one embodiment of the invention. In particular, the stationary bicycle comprises a stationary, upright exercise bicycle. In other embodiments, the exercise machine may advantageously comprise other exercise machines having electronically controlled resistance mechanisms, such as, for example, stairclimbers, natural runners, elliptical machines and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exercise machine  100  comprises rider positioning mechanisms  102 , such as, for example, a handlebar and a seat, a resistance applicator  104 , such as pedals, an electronically controlled resistance mechanism  106  (not shown), and an interactive display  108 . 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates a particular innovative structure for the exercise bicycle, comprising two curved center posts combined to provide a more comfortable, ergonomic, stylish, and approachable design. The bicycle may also advantageously include inline skate-style pedal straps that facilitate user adjustments and that provide a more secure hold during cycling. 
     As will be understood by a skilled artisan from the disclosure herein, a user can sit on the seat, optionally balance using the handlebars, and perform exercises by pedaling the pedals similar to riding a road-going bicycle. 
     In one embodiment, the display  108  provides feedback on various exercise parameters, including, for example, current and aggregate data related to the current or historical workout. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  108  also provides for user input, such as, for example, the selection of a particular exercise routine, a resistance level, and other user-related data. 
     Moreover,  FIG. 1  depicts the display  108  including an “autopilot” or one-touch control  110 . In an embodiment, the one-touch control  110  provides the user with a program selection for initiating a straightforward exercise routine. For example, the one-touch control  110  may initiate an “autopilot” workout program in which changes in pedal resistance are based on changes in pedal cadence. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exercise machine  200  comprising a stationary, recumbent exercise bicycle. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the exercise machine  200  comprises rider positioning mechanisms  202 , a resistance applicator  204 , an electronically controlled resistance mechanism  106  (not shown), and an interactive display  208 , each similar in function to those of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the display  208  further comprises a one-touch control  210 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates further details of an electronically controlled resistance mechanism  300  used by exercise machines, such as those exercise machines of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the electronically controlled resistance mechanism  300  comprises a flywheel  302 , a resistance applicator  304 , such as pedals, a crank  306 , a rotational resistance device  308 , such as, for example, an electromagnetic device, and a load control board  310 . 
     As illustrated, the flywheel  302  is operatively coupled to the resistance applicator  304  and the crank  306 . A user-applied force to the resistance applicator  304 , such as through a pedaling motion, causes rotation of the crank  306 , which in turn causes rotation of the flywheel  302 . The rotational resistance device  308  applies a resistive load to the flywheel  302 , which translates back to a resistance at the pedals. Thus, as the rotational resistance device  308  increases the applied resistive load, a user encounters a greater resistance at the pedals and must exert more force to rotate them. 
     In an embodiment, the load control board  310  communicates with the rotational resistance device  308  to adjust the resistive load to the flywheel  302 . The load control board  310  preferably receives at least one control signal, such as from a processor, indicative of the resistive load to be applied by the rotational resistance device  308 . In one embodiment, the load control board  310  translates a signal from the processor into a signal capable of affecting the resistance device  308 . A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the load control board  310  may advantageously include amplifiers, feedback circuits, and the like, usable to control the applied resistance to the manufacturer&#39;s tolerances. In other embodiments, the load control board  310  forwards the received signal to the rotational resistance device  308 . 
     Although disclosed with reference to one embodiment, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety mechanisms, devices, logic, software, combinations of the same, or the like, usable to control the application of the resistive load. For example, the load control board  310  may comprise a processor or a printed circuit board. In yet other embodiments, the resistance mechanism  300  may operate without a load control board  310 . For example, the rotational resistance device  308  may receive a control signal directly from a processor located in the display or in other locations on the exercise machine. 
     As will be understood by a skilled artisan from the disclosure herein, the rotational resistance device  308  may comprise any device or apparatus usable to apply a resistive load to the flywheel. For example, the rotational resistance device  308  may comprise an electromagnetic device that applies a resistive load by a generating an electromagnetic field. The magnitude of the electromagnetic field corresponds to a field coil current induced by the load control board  310 . 
     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates the foregoing electronically controlled resistance mechanism  300 , the skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein other resistance mechanisms usable to adjust a resistance felt by a user while performing an exercise routine on an exercise machine. For example, the resistance mechanism  300  may advantageously be suited to the type of exercise device and the particular structures used to cause a user to perform exercises. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control system  400  usable by an exercise machine, such as the exercise machines  100  and  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown, the control system  400  comprises a processor  402  that communicates with at least one sensor  404 , an electronically controlled resistance mechanism  406 , a memory  408 , and a display  410 . 
     In an embodiment, the processor  402  comprises a general or a special purpose microprocessor and communicates with the at least one sensor  404  to receive input relating to the operation of the exercise machine. In an embodiment, the sensor  404  provides the processor  402  with a signal indicative of the user&#39;s cadence while performing one or more exercises. For example, the sensor  404  may output a signal indicative the user&#39;s pedal cadence, or pedal speed, while riding a stationary exercise bicycle. In an embodiment the sensor  404  generates a tach pulse each partial or full revolution of the flywheel  302 . By examining the amount of time that passes between each tach pulse, the processor  402  is able to determine the angular velocity, and any changes in the velocity, of the flywheel  302 . 
     Although disclosed with reference to one embodiment, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the sensor  404  may be any device known to an artisan to measure exercise cadence. For example, the sensor  404  may be capable of measuring the angular velocity of the flywheel, the movement or rotation of the resistance mechanism  406 , the force applied by the user, combinations of the same, or the like. The sensor  404  may comprise an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a potentiometer, combinations of the same or the like, and may employ one or more encoding devices, such as, for example, one or more rotating magnets, encoder disks, combinations of the same or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the processor  402  also communicates with the electronically controlled resistance mechanism  406 . In an embodiment, the processor  402  outputs a control signal to adjust the amount of resistance applied by resistance mechanism  406 . For example, the processor  402  may output the control signal based on input received from the display  410  and/or the sensor  404 . 
     In an embodiment, the processor  402  communicates with the memory  408  to retrieve and/or to store data and/or program instructions for software and/or hardware. The memory  408  may store information regarding exercise routines, user profiles, and variables used in calculating the appropriate resistive load to be applied by the resistance mechanism  406 . As will be understood by a skilled artisan from the disclosure herein, the memory  408  may comprise random access memory (RAM), ROM, on-chip or off-chip memory, cache memory, or other more static memory such as magnetic or optical disk memory. The memory  408  may also access and/or interact with CD-ROM data, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, laptops, portable computing systems, wired and/or wireless networks, combinations of the same or the like. 
     Furthermore,  FIG. 4  illustrates the processor  402  communicating with the display  410 . The display  410  can have any suitable construction known to an artisan to display information and/or to motivate the user about current or historical exercise parameters, progress of the user&#39;s workout, and the like. In one embodiment, the display  410  advantageously comprises an electronic display. 
     Although the processor  402 , the sensor  404 , the resistance mechanism  406 , the memory  408 , and the display  410  are disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide number of alternatives for the processor  402 , the sensor  404 , the resistance mechanism  406 , the memory  408 , and the display  410 . For example, the processor  402  may comprise an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or one or more modules configured to execute on one or more processors. The modules may comprise, but are not limited to, any of the following: hardware or software components such as software object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, methods, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, applications, algorithms, techniques, programs, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, variables, or the like. 
     Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the processor  402  communicates with the display  410  to provide user output through at least one display device  412  and to receive user input through at least one user input device  414 . For instance, the display device  412  may provide the user with information relating to his or her exercise routine, such as for example, the selected preprogrammed workout, the user&#39;s cadence, the time expended or remaining in the exercise routine, the simulated distance remaining or traveled, the simulated velocity, the user&#39;s heart rate, a combination of the same or the like. The display device  412  may comprise, for example, light emitting diode (LED) matrices, a 7-segment liquid crystal display (LCD), a motivational track, a combination of the same and/or any other device or apparatus that is used to display information to a user. 
     Furthermore, the user may input information, such as, for example, initialization data or resistance level selections, through at least one user input device  414  of the display  410 . Such initialization data may include, for example, the weight, age, and/or sex of the user, the exercise routine selections, other demographic information, or the like. In fact, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of data usable to calculate exercise progress or parameters. The user input device  414  may comprise, for example, buttons, keys, a heart rate monitor, a touch screen, PDA, cellular phone, or the like. Moreover, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of devices usable to collect user input. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the at least one input device  414  comprises program keys  416 . In an embodiment, the program keys  416  comprise user-selectable inputs that identify particular preset programs. For example, when the user selects a certain program key  416 , the display  410  outputs to the processor  402  a signal identifying the user-selected program, which corresponding program may be stored in the memory  408 . A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of preprogrammed routines that may be associated with the program keys  416 . 
       FIG. 4  also illustrates the program keys  416  comprising a one-touch control  418 . In one embodiment, selection of the one-touch control  418  causes the processor  402  to initialize a hands-free, or autopilot, workout program, during which the resistance applied by the resistance mechanism  406  varies according to the intensity of the user&#39;s exercise. In one embodiment, actuation of the one-touch control  418  causes the processor  402  to control the flywheel resistive load applied by the resistance mechanism  406  based on sensed changes in the user&#39;s pedal cadence. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electronic display  500  usable by exercise machines  100  and  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown, the display  500  includes a message window  502 , a motivational track  504 , a profile window  506 , and information windows  508  that are capable of providing information to a user. In addition,  FIG. 5  shows the display  500  comprising a numeric keypad  510 , a fan control  512 , a resistance level control  514  and program keys  516 , which are capable of receiving input from the user. 
       FIG. 5  shows the message window  502  displaying information regarding the duration of a workout, the user&#39;s pedal cadence in revolutions per minute (RPM), and the heart rate of a user. In other embodiments, the message window  502  may provide informational messages to the user, instructions during program initialization, feedback during the exercise routine, and summaries of workout data when the user completes the routine. 
     Furthermore,  FIG. 5  illustrates the motivational track  504 , which provides the user with his or her progress throughout the exercise routine, the profile display  506 , which illustrates simulated terrain changes during the routine, and the information window  508 , which displays current and aggregate data related to the current workout, such as calories expended, the distance traveled, and the current speed. 
     The illustrated display  500  also comprises the numeric keypad  510  usable to enter specific values for exercise parameters or like data, the fan control  512  usable to manually control the operation of a personal cooling fan, and the resistance level control  514 , usable to manually increase or decrease the resistance level of an exercise routine. 
       FIG. 5  further illustrates the display  500  comprising multiple program keys  516  usable to select a desired preset program. In an embodiment, selection of a particular program key  516  initiates a preset workout program. For example, program keys  516  may comprise: a “warm up” key that provides the user with resistance level settings designed to warm-up the user&#39;s muscles prior to working out; a “random hill” key that provides the user with exercise routines that simulate riding on hills; an “alpine pass” key that provides the user with an exercise routine that includes a multi-peak ride; and a “training tools” key that provides the user with an opportunity to exercise in particular heart rate zones or watt ranges or to complete a preprogrammed fitness test. A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of preset programs that may be associated with the program keys  516 . 
     According to one embodiment, the program keys  516  also comprise an “autopilot” key  518 . The “autopilot” key  518  is a one-touch control that provides the user with a straightforward exercise routine. For example, selection of the “autopilot” key  518  may initiate a workout program that varies the resistance felt by the user upon sensed changes in the intensity of the user&#39;s exercise performance. In one embodiment, a control system increases the pedal resistance in response to changes in the user&#39;s pedal cadence. That is, as the user increases his or her pedal cadence, the control system increases the pedal resistance. As the user decreases his or her pedal cadence, the control system decreases the pedal resistance. 
     A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of straightforward exercise routines that may be associated with the “autopilot” key. For example, a control system may calculate and apply a default resistive load based on demographic data or other input from the user. The control system may then vary the resistive load based on sensed changes in the user&#39;s cadence while performing the exercise routine. In one embodiment, the load variance may relate to the changes in the user cadence. For example, the magnitude of the load variance may be a function of the magnitude of the change in the user&#39;s cadence. This function may be based on one or more of a wide variety of predefined correlations, such as, for example, a proportional relationship (i.e., if the user doubles his or her cadence, the control system increases twofold the resistive load, thus causing the user to feel twice the pedal resistance); a linear relationship; a non-linear relationship (e.g., exponential relationship, polynomial, differential equation, third- or fourth-order equation, or higher order polynomial); a table or list of pre-determined values; combinations of the same or the like. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a simplified flowchart of a resistance control process  600  executable by the control system  400  of  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the process  600  begins with Block  602 , wherein the control system  400  receives a user selection of a preset program. In an embodiment, the user selects the preset program through one of the program keys  516  of the display  500 . 
     The process  600  then proceeds to Block  604  wherein the processor  402  of the control system  400  determines if the user selected a one-touch control, such as the “autopilot” key  518  of  FIG. 5 . If the user did not select the one-touch control, the processor  402  in Block  606  launches another preset program, such as one described above with reference to the program keys  518  of  FIG. 5 . On the other hand, if the user did select the one-touch control, the process  600  proceeds to Block  608 . 
     At Block  608 , the control system  400  determines the pedal speed, or pedal cadence, of the user. In an embodiment, the processor  402  calculates the pedal speed from at least one signal received from the sensor  404 . For example, the sensor  404  may be capable of outputting to the processor  402  a signal that is indicative of the rotational velocity of the flywheel  302 , which rotational velocity correlates to the pedal speed of the user. In other embodiments, the sensor  404  senses rotation or movement of other components of the exercise machine, such as, for example, the pedals  304  or the crank  306 . A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of ways and devices usable to measure and/or determine the pedal speed of the user. 
     The process  600  proceeds to Block  610 , wherein the processor  402  calculates the resistive load to be applied. In an embodiment, the processor  402  calculates a default resistive load based on initialization data, such as data entered by the user or data stored in the memory  408 . For example, the processor  402  may calculate a default resistive load based on demographic data, such as information relating to the user&#39;s age, weight, height, sex, combinations of the same or the like. Furthermore, the processor  402  may receive input regarding the user&#39;s exercise preferences, such as, for example, a user selection of a general preferred exercise resistance level (e.g., easy, medium, difficult, most difficult). In yet another embodiment, the processor  402  calculates the default resistive load without any input from the user. Moreover, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of data and information usable to calculate a resistive load. 
     After calculating the resistive load, the resistance mechanism  406  of the control system  400  applies the resistive load, as shown in Block  612 . In one embodiment, the resistance mechanism  406  applies a resistive load to the flywheel  302 , which resistive load is translated back to the pedals  304 . 
     The process  600  then moves to Block  614 , wherein the control system  400  again determines the pedal speed. At Block  616 , the control system  400  determines if the pedal speed has changed since the previous determination. In one embodiment, the processor  402  identifies variations in the pedal speed that exceed a certain threshold. For example, the processor  402  may detect changes in pedal speed that exceed two percent. Changes in pedal speed that do not exceed this threshold are filtered out. In yet other embodiments, other threshold values may be used, such as thresholds less than two percent or thresholds greater than two percent. For instance the processor  402  may determine there has been a change in pedal speed when any detectable variation is sensed. 
     If the pedal speed has not changed, the process  600  returns to Block  612  to apply the resistive load. On the other hand, if the pedal speed has changed, the process  600  proceeds to Block  618  wherein the control system  400  adjusts the resistive load. In one embodiment, the control system  400  adjusts the resistive load as a function of the sensed change in the pedal speed. For example, if the pedal speed increased by fifty percent, the processor  402  may instruct the resistance mechanism  406  to increase the resistive load fifty percent or another amount based on a predetermined function or table. Likewise if the pedal speed decreased by a particular amount, the processor  402  would instruct the resistance mechanism  406  to decrease the resistive by the corresponding, predetermined amount. 
     A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of ways or calculations useable to adjust a resistive load in response to sensed changes in pedal speed. For example, the correlation between sensed changes in the pedal speed and the load variance may have a linear or exponential relationship. In other embodiments, the correlation between sensed changes in the pedal speed and the load variance may not be proportional or may be determined from preprogrammed variables or stored tables. After the control system calculates the new resistive load, the process  600  returns to Block  612  to apply the adjusted resistive load. 
     A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the blocks described with respect to the foregoing process  600  are not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed or may be executed in parallel, or multiple blocks may be combined in a single block. For instance, the control system may execute Block  610 , wherein the processor  402  calculates a resistive load, prior to Block  608 , wherein the processor  402  determines the user&#39;s pedal speed. In addition, not all blocks need to be executed or additional blocks may be included without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.