Patent Publication Number: US-2021174268-A1

Title: System for managing the use of exercise equipment and facilities

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/939,098, filed Nov. 22, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to health and fitness, and more specifically, to systems and methods for managing the use of exercise equipment, fitness studios, and recreation rooms. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Balancing the life of a busy professional or a college student can be very challenging. For example, for a college student, between class lectures, homework, labs, studying for tests, socializing and participating in extracurricular activities, fraternities/sororities, and clubs, little time is left for physical fitness. A professional also has little time left for physical fitness when he or she has to juggle work and family duties. So when the professional or the student desires to go to the gym, often times the gym is overcrowded so they will waste time by going to the gym and having to wait until equipment is available for use, time that could otherwise be used to do other work, to study for classes or complete homework. Presently, there is not an easy way to know what is happening at the gym (events, workout classes, etc.), so a user cannot readily ascertain whether the gym is crowded or not, or whether certain exercise equipment is available for use. 
     The results of proper and consistent exercise manifest better sleep habits, stress relief, long/short term improvement in mood, and increased mental alertness. Aerobic exercise can be fundamental in preventing and treating panic attacks as well as aiding people at risk of developing anxiety disorders. People often report higher levels of confidence, newfound abilities for coping with stress, and greater independence in their daily activities when they are involved in regular fitness. The positive development in mood is due to an exercise-induced increase in blood circulation to the brain, influencing physiologic reactivity to stress. Some studies demonstrate increased success of those who regularly engage in fitness training, including, for example, higher GPA&#39;s and graduation rates for students. 
     In addition, connecting users with similar hobbies and interests can be difficult. It is also difficult to monitor workouts and fitness progress and users can be intimidated by gym machines and equipment when they do not know how to properly use them. 
     Further, facility managers and health and wellness departments or programs presently do not have the ability to monitor the use of fitness equipment in real-time and to communicate services and opportunities that drive certain fitness behavior. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an equipment management system that addresses the aforementioned problems. With the use of the present disclosure, users will be encouraged and find it easier and more convenient to engage in physical fitness. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed here, therefore, are downloadable software application and computer-implemented techniques and systems for managing the use of exercise equipment. In some embodiments, a system of the present disclosure may include one or more exercise apparatuses and one or more stations forming an exercise activity network. The system may also include a mobile unit for communicating with the one or more exercise apparatuses. The mobile unit may include at least one processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable program instructions executable by the processor, a network interface, a user control interface, and data storage for storing at least a mobile application that, when executed, may activate content displayed on the user control interface. The mobile unit communicates with an electronic circuit coupled to the one or more exercise apparatuses when the mobile unit is placed in proximity to the electronic circuit. The mobile unit communicates with the electronic circuit via near-field communications. 
     The system may also include a booking server. The booking server may include at least one processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable program instructions executable by the processor, and a network interface configured to operatively connect the server in electronic communication with the mobile unit and the apparatuses. The booking server may receive information data concerning the status of the one or more apparatuses, store and transmit to the mobile unit information data concerning the status of the one or more exercise apparatuses. 
     In some implementations, the mobile unit may continuously broadcast a location identifier to the booking server. The location identifier may be unique to the mobile device and may include or represent location information of the mobile device relative to a certain object (e.g., equipment) receiving the location identifier. The location of the equipment may also be mapped in the system. Once a user is active on that equipment, the user&#39;s location may be shared via the network. If the equipment is moved or relocated, the location for the equipment may be re-mapped. 
     A method of managing the use of an exercise activity is also disclosed. The method includes populating a database stored on a computing device with information concerning one or more exercise activities. The information concerning one or more exercise activities include a unique serial number assigned to each exercise activity. 
     The method also includes launching a mobile application executed by a mobile unit. The mobile unit is in electronic communication with the database via a wireless connection for receiving and transmitting information about the status of the one or more exercise activities. 
     The method further includes energizing an electric circuit coupled to one or more exercise activities by placing the mobile unit in close proximity to the electric circuit. The electric circuit transmits data comprising an alphanumeric identifier to the mobile unit. The data is processed by the mobile application to generate a status signal comprising the alphanumeric identifier. 
     The method further includes transmitting the status signal from the mobile unit to the computing device where the database is searched to match the alphanumeric identifier with information concerning an exercise activity associated with a serial number having the name alphanumeric characters. The computing device delineates the exercise activity associated with a serial number having the same alphanumeric characters as the alphanumeric identifier. 
     The method moreover includes updating the status of the delineated exercise activity in the database from “available” to “in use.” 
     In some implementations, the method may further include energizing the electric circuit a second time by placing the mobile unit in close proximity to the electric circuit. The electric circuit transmits data comprising the alphanumeric identifier to the mobile unit. The data is processed by the mobile application to generate a second status signal comprising the alphanumeric identifier 
     In some implementations, the method may further include transmitting the status signal from the mobile unit to the computing device where the database is searched to match the alphanumeric identifier with information concerning an exercise activity associated with a serial number having the name alphanumeric characters. The computing device delineates the exercise activity associated with a serial number having the same alphanumeric characters as the alphanumeric identifier and updates the status of the delineated exercise activity in the database from “in use” to “available.” 
     The disclosure of the invention in this summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, it should be appreciated that many other features, applications, embodiments, and/or variations of the disclosed technology will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, while multiple embodiments are disclosed, however, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This disclosure may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a system for identifying persons who have been in contact with a person infected with an infectious disease, according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a detailed schematic diagram of the functions and features of a mobile application installed on a mobile unit, according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an example of a homepage of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying a “Home” page, “Check-In” page, “Select Friends” page, and “Alert Message” page of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying the Selectorized Equipment sub-feature of the Workouts feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying the Cardio Equipment sub-feature of the Workouts feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying the Group Fitness feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying various functions of the Workouts History feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying the Facilities feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying various functions of the Social feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a user control interface displaying various functions of the My Profile feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example logic chart of the Workout feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example logic chart of the User Profile feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an example logic chart of Settings feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an example logic chart of the Group Fitness feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example logic chart of the Facilities feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an example logic chart of the Social feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an example logic chart of the What&#39;s Happening feature Social feature of the mobile application of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 18  is a flow chart of a method of managing the use of exercise equipment, according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary overall platform in which various embodiments, implementations and process steps disclosed herein can be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Provided herein are example embodiments of systems and methods for effectively and efficiently managing exercise apparatuses. In some embodiments, the apparatuses may be located in a gym, in-dorm recreation, fitness room, recreation center, or other recreational and fitness facilities. The apparatuses may communicate with a user device, for example using short-range communication (e.g., near field communication (NFC)) and may communicate information regarding the apparatus to the user device. In some embodiments, the user device may be a mobile unit and may include a mobile application that may perform at least the following functions, in real-time: (a) display the availability and current and historical peak use times of an equipment to the user and the facility manager; (b) enable the user to add themselves to a virtual “waiting or queue” on the app and receive a notification when the equipment is available; (c) suggest alternative equipment and its location when a desired equipment is already in use; (d) capture workout metrics and provide tutorials; (e) enable the user to share his/her location with friends within the facility, etc. For purposes of the present disclosure, “near-field communication” refers to a short-range wireless technology where data is transmitted between two devices in close proximity through electromagnetic fields (i.e., electromagnetic induction). 
     In some applications, the system may assist a facility manager in using the workout metrics to optimize programming and equipment utilization and to plan for future purchases. In other applications, the system may facilitate the monitoring of the availability of facilities, for example, fitness gyms, exercise studios, study rooms, or other common study areas in a library, dormitory, study hall, or other academic facilities. 
     The terms “equipment,” “machine,” and “apparatus” may be used interchangeably herein, as well as the terms “user” and “client user.” 
     The System 
       FIGS. 1-19  illustrate examples of various embodiments and implementations of a system for managing the use of exercise facilities, activities, and equipment.  FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a system  100  comprising a plurality of exercise apparatuses  110  and  112 , a scanning station  114 , a booking server  120 , and an administrative panel  130 . In some implementations, the exercise apparatuses  110  and  112 , scanning station  114 , and booking server  120  may be networked by wired connection on a local area network (LAN) or by a wireless local area connection (WLAN), wide area network (WAN) via Internet connection, or cloud-based networking. For purposes of the present example, the exercise apparatuses  110  and  112 , scanning station  114 , and booking server  120  form an exercise activity network via system  100 . As used herein, an “exercise activity network” shall refer to the group of client user units, facilities, exercise apparatuses, and exercise activities recorded in a database stored on the booking server. 
     In the present example, apparatus  110  is a cardio machine (e.g., a treadmill), apparatus  112  is exercise equipment (e.g., a selectorized machine), and scanning station  114  is an NFC circuit or chip positioned near the entranceway, door, or check-in station of an exercise room conducting a fitness class. 
     While apparatus  112  is depicted in this example as selectorized strength equipment, namely, a selectorized machine, in other implementations, apparatus  112  may include free weight strength equipment or a plate-loaded strength machine. 
     For purposes of the present disclosure, “selectorized strength equipment” refer to machines that have one or more weight stacks, which are rectangular weight plates that are attached to the frame and utilize a system of pulleys. Users can choose how much weight they wish to lift by inserting a key into the desired weight stack. All the weights above the inserted key will also be lifted and are secured by two rods that run through each of the weights. 
     For purposes of the present disclosure, “free weight strength equipment” refers to any equipment, such as barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells, used for weight training that is not attached or otherwise connected to another structural device or external apparatus and is raised and lowered by use of the hands, legs, and arms. 
     For purposes of the present disclosure, “plate-loaded strength machines” refer to machines that require the use of conventional round plates, the same plates you find on barbells. These plates are hung on the machine. 
     In some implementations, exercise apparatuses  110  and  112 , scanning station  114 , and administrative panel  130  may all be located at the same site, such as a gymnasium, fitness center, dormitory, or the like. In other implementations, the administrative panel  130  may be located at a site remote from the exercise apparatuses  110  and  112  and scanning station  114 . The booking server  120  may be a cloud-based server computer, located at a remote site. 
     System  100  may further include a client user device, for example, a mobile unit  140 . The mobile unit  140  may be or include a smartphone, iPad, iPod, tablet, digital watch, portable computer, personal digital assistant, or any other suitable mobile device. The mobile unit  140  may communicate with the booking server  120  and the administrative panel  130  (when located remotely) via a wide area network, for example, the Internet. 
     Users of the mobile unit  140  may include individual people. Additionally or alternatively, users may include other entities, such as facilities managers of recreational facilities, fitness centers, gyms, learning institutions, departments of parks and recreation, or other entities. As disclosed herein, users may use the mobile unit  140  to determine when certain exercise equipment or exercise activities are available at a certain exercise facility. For purposes of the present disclosure, an “exercise facility” may refer to a recreation center, fitness center, gym, weight room, gymnasium, exercise room, dance studio, swimming pool, park, athletic field, or any other athletic facility. 
     Software, such as a mobile application, may be downloaded or otherwise installed on the mobile unit  140 . When a user launches the mobile application installed on the mobile unit  140 , a communication  102  may be established between the mobile unit  140  and exercise apparatuses  110  and  112  and scanning station  114 , and a user control interface of mobile unit  140  may be enabled to receive user commands from the user. The communication  102  between the mobile unit  140  and exercise apparatuses  110  and  112  and scanning station  114  may be a short-range wireless connection, such as a near-field communication or NFC. 
     Many exemplary functions herein are described as performed or provided by the mobile application (which may be simply referred to as the application). However, these functions may also be performed by a server computer or a combination of the application and the server computer. 
     In some implementations, the user control interface may include a touchscreen. In any case, the user can manipulate the user control interface to input or create user commands. In one example, when the user control interface receives a user command, the user command is transmitted to an electronic circuit unit of the mobile unit  140 . Thereafter, the electronic circuit unit converts the user command into a booking signal for the user command (the detail of the converting is well-known in the arts and will not be further described herein). 
     The user control interface may include interactive icons and features with embedded functionality, for example, for viewing YouTube® videos about certain exercise activity, while not requiring the user to switch out of the mobile application  200 . The interactive icons with embedded functionality may be implemented in an app, for example, a messaging app. The interactive icons with embedded functionality may also be implemented as a built-in function or built-in application of an operating system, for example, Windows, iOS, IoT, or Android. In an exemplary implementation, an interactive icon with embedded functionality built-in application or function may interface with the mobile application to provide the interactive icons with embedded functionality as described herein. 
     In some implementations, the exercise apparatus may include an exercise unit and an electronic circuit unit coupled to the exercise unit. The electronic circuit unit may include a hardware, software and firmware assembly which is configured to process each signal according to each corresponding command. For example, the electronic circuit unit may include a microcontroller unit, at least one electronic circuit, and at least one circuit board. A certain program may be read in the microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit and electronic circuit are assembled on the circuit board to define an assembly. In addition, the assembly is associated with one another, or an electronic device via a wired connection (such as bus wire) or a wireless connection (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). The electric circuit unit is configured to create a status signal which represents the status of the exercise unit. In some implementations, the status of the exercise unit may indicate whether there a user is operating the exercise unit, the identity of the user, the availability of the exercise unit, etc. 
     In other, preferred, implementations, the exercise apparatus may include an exercise unit and NFC circuit or chip affixed to the exercise unit. The NFC chip (also referred to herein as a “smart tag”) may be configured in the form of a decal or sticker that may be affixed to a piece of exercise equipment or the entrance, doorway, or check-in station of an exercise facility. In some implementations, the smart tags may communicate using the ISO 14443 type A and B wireless standards. The smart tags may be purchased as blank NFC tags where customized data may be written onto them then by, for example, an administrator or facilities manager. A smart tag may be customized with information regarding an exercise apparatus, exercise studio, or activity, including the name of the apparatus or activity, the location of the apparatus or activity, the name of the activity instructor, and a tag ID. Smart tags are generally rewritable but may also be blocked so they can&#39;t be overwritten. 
     Once the mobile application is launched, a smart tag may be energized by magnetic induction when the client user “taps” or otherwise places the mobile unit  140  near the smart tag of an exercise apparatus. When the smart tag is energized, this signals the start of usage (e.g., a workout) of an apparatus or facility, as data is transferred from the smart tag to the mobile unit  140  and, in turn, the mobile application may generate a signal that is transmitted from the mobile unit  140  to the booking server  120  a network connection to notify the system  100 , for example, that the exercise equipment is now in use (e.g., “busy”, “checked out”, or “unavailable”). 
     In other instances, the mobile application may be launched once the smart tag is energized by the mobile unit  140 . In these instances, the user does not have to launch the mobile application before checking-in an exercise activity. Instead, the exercise activity will be automatically checked-in when the user places the mobile unit  140  near the smart tag, thus launching the mobile application for use. 
     In some implementations, the activity or equipment may become “available” again for use once the user either ends their workout at a predetermined time, closes the session by tapping the smart tag with mobile unit  140  and, therefore, “logging it off,” or the system will automatically log the user off after a predetermined period of nonuse of the equipment or activity. 
     By coupling smart tags to every exercise apparatus, all equipment within a facility may be networked inexpensively, regardless of their model or manufacturer. For example, a Life Fitness™ elliptical may be networked with a Precor™ treadmill. Using smart tags also enables equipment that does not have networking electrical circuits built into the equipment to be networked. 
     In some implementations, the physical location of each exercise apparatus  110 ,  112  and scanning station  114  in a facility, and their corresponding serial number, referred to herein as a “tag ID,” may be mapped into the system  100 , for example, by an administrator, as described in more detail below. The tag ID may include a series of numbers and/or letter assigned by an administrator to identify a specific piece of equipment, an exercise studio, or facility. The tag ID may be programmed by an administrator into a corresponding smart tag. 
     Once a user “checks into” or “logs into” an exercise apparatus  110 ,  112  or scanning station  114 , the tag ID of the exercise apparatus or activity is sent from the mobile unit  140  which, in turn, transmits a status signal, generated by the mobile application, to the booking server  120  and the server searches its database, by a computer program or routine, to find data, including the physical location of the exercise apparatus or activity corresponding to the tag ID. Using this data, the location of the client user may be identified by the physical location of the apparatus or facility the user is checked into. For example, if a client user checks-in, for example, treadmill #22, the user&#39;s physical location of the device may be determined based on its tag ID and the mapped location of the treadmill. Because the tag ID and the location of each exercise apparatus and activity has been uniquely assigned in the booking server database by an administrator, the booking server  120  may use this data from an activated exercise apparatus or activity to determine the location of a user in a facility. 
     In addition to tracking the location of a client user using its tag ID, a user&#39;s location may be determined by a geographical locator. For example, the mobile unit  140  may continuously broadcast a location identifier to the booking server  120 . The location identifier is unique to the mobile device and, further, includes or represents location information of the mobile device relative to a piece of equipment or a station receiving the location identifier. 
     The booking server  120  may comprise a computer that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. The booking server  120  comprises a database of information relating to each client user, facility, exercise apparatus, and exercise activity in the network. The booking server  120  may communicate with the mobile unit  140  via network connection  104 . The network connection  104  may be a public network, such as Internet, cellular-based wireless, Wi-Fi, or cloud-based networking. 
     In some implementations, when the mobile application of a client user is activated, the mobile application may transmit a status signal and booking signal to the booking server  120  via network connection  104 . Thereafter, the booking server  120  may create at least one feedback signal according to the status signal and the booking signal. In some implementations, the status signal and the booking signal may be combined in a single signal. The booking server  120  may then transmit the feedback signal to the mobile unit  140  via the network connection  104 . The electronic circuit unit of the mobile unit  140  converts the feedback signal into media content. The media content may include text content, image content, video content, sound content, or the combination thereof. The media content is provided to the user via the user control interface of the mobile unit  140 . As described herein, the media content may be displayed in graphical user interfaces, or simply referred to as user interfaces. For purposes of the present disclosure, the “status signal” refers to an electronic signal that contains information about the status of an exercise apparatus or activity, including the tag ID associated with the exercise apparatus or activity. For purposes of the present disclosure, a “booking signal” refers to an electronic signal that contains other information about a facility, exercise apparatus, or activity, such as the name of the facility or activity, the location of the activity or activity, the time of use, and other information. 
     In some implementations, the administrative panel  130  may comprise a computer with software that allows an administrator (e.g., a facilities manager) to input data into the booking server  120 , for example, to name and map the location of equipment, upload and update listings of fitness classes, manage user profiles, and perform other administrative tasks. In particular, an administrator may input information into booking sever  120  regarding an athletic facility, such as, for example, the name of the facility, map the location of the facility, the hours of operation, photographs of the facility, its corresponding tag ID, and other useful data. Similarly, an administrator may input information into booking sever  120  regarding an exercise apparatus, such as, for example, the name of the equipment, the name and tag ID of the facility where the equipment is located (including the floor level of the facility and room number), a description of and information on how to use the equipment, videos and graphics illustrating how to use the equipment, its corresponding tag ID, and other useful data. For exercise activities, an administrator may input information into booking sever  120  regarding the exercise activity, such as, for example, the name of the activity, the name and tag ID of the facility where the activity may be performed (including the floor level of the facility and room number), a description of and information about the activity, the time(s) of the activity, videos and graphics showing the activity, the name and image of the activity instructor, if any, its corresponding tag ID, and other useful data. 
     Every facility, exercise apparatus, and exercise activity is assigned a tag ID. The booking server  120  uses the tag ID to identify a facility, exercise apparatus, or exercise activity and recall information stored in its database relating thereto. The tag ID of a facility may be linked to every exercise apparatus or exercise activity so the mapped location of the exercise apparatus or exercise activity may be identified by the facility in which the apparatus or activity is located. 
     If an exercise apparatus or class is moved or relocated, the new location of the equipment or class may be manually re-mapped or otherwise updated in the database of the booking server  120  by an administrator. 
     In some implementations, a service provider of the mobile application may also access the administrative panel  130  to provide maintenance for the application, upload software updates, and other service administration tasks. 
     The administrative panel  130  may be electronically coupled to the system  100  via network connection  106 . The network connection  106  may be an Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular-based wireless, cloud-based networking, or other wireless connection. In some implementations, through network connection  106 , a designated user (e.g., an administrator) may use the administrative panel  130  to access information on the booking server  120  or add or change information, functions, and features of the mobile application. 
     When the client user launches the mobile application on his or her mobile unit  140 , the mobile unit  140  may communicate with the booking server  120  via local wireless connection  104 . As a result, the user may manipulate the user control interface of the mobile unit  140  (as shown in  FIGS. 2-16 ) to activate features of the application and access data and other information stored on the booking server  120 . 
     Mobile Application Function and Features 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of the exemplary functions and features of a mobile application  200  installed on mobile unit  140 , according to the teachings of the disclosure. As shown, the mobile application  200  may include, for example, a “Workouts” feature  202 , a “Group Fitness” feature  204 , a “Social” feature  206 , a “Intramurals” feature  208 , a “Facilities” feature  210 , a “What&#39;s Happening” feature  212 , a “My Profile” feature  214 , and a “Settings” feature  216 . In other implementations, additional functions and features may be provided. Mobile application  200  operates a computing device (i.e., mobile unit  140 ) that may have one or more operating systems including Windows, Android, iOS or IoT operating system. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts an example of a homepage  220  of mobile application  200  displayed on the user control interface of the mobile unit  140 . As shown, the mobile unit  140  includes a touchscreen  220  that can display or provide user interfaces by which the mobile unit receives and/or detects user input. In some implementations, the mobile unit  140  may comprise a touchscreen device with at least one surface upon which a user may perform touch gestures (e.g., laptop, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a mobile phone). Additionally or alternatively, the mobile unit  140  may include any other suitable input device, such as a touchpad. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a graphical user interface (the “GUI”)  222  of the mobile unit touchscreen  220 . In this example, the mobile application  200  may include a user interface manager. The user interface manager provides, manages, and/or controls the GUI  222 , which displays content and allows the user to activate features of the mobile application  200 . For example, the user interface manager may facilitate the display of a user interface composed of a plurality of graphical components, objects, and/or elements that allow a user to activate features of the mobile application  200 . More particularly, the user interface manager may direct the mobile unit  140  to display a group of graphical components, objects and/or elements on the GUI  222  that enable a user to activate certain features of the mobile application  200 . 
     As shown, the GUI  222  may display a series of interactive icons  224  or other content corresponding to each feature of the mobile application  200 . Each feature may be accessed by touching or otherwise engaging an icon  224  corresponding to the desired application feature. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “content” will generally refer to text, images, digital media, files, videos, maps, location information, payment information, and other data displayed on the GUI  222 . 
     Turning now to the application  200  functions and features, in some implementations of the Workouts feature  202 , the user can access the availability of exercise equipment, view suggested workouts and training, connect data to fitness apps and smartwatches, record workout data, and perform other functions. In some implementations of the Group Fitness feature  204 , the user can access a schedule of group exercise classes, reserve class spots, set class reminders and alerts, save information regarding the user&#39;s favorite classes and instructors, participate in third-party virtual classes, and perform other functions. In some implementations of the Social feature  206 , the user can communicate with friends, find other users with similar interests, connect with fitness trainers and mentors, and perform other functions. 
     In the Intramurals feature  208 , in some implementations, the user can create an intramural team, join a team, input team schedules, message teammates, and perform other functions. In the Facilities feature  210 , in some implementations, the user can monitor real-time facility availability (e.g., gym, sports court, sports field, etc.), see “peak” and “best times” for equipment and facility availability, find alternate indoor facilities and equipment, determine the availability of sports fields and other sports facilities, link the user&#39;s application programming interface (API) to other gym management systems, and perform other functions. In the What&#39;s Happening feature  212 , in some implementations, the user may access information about, for example, events and promotions or schedules of athletic teams, and perform other functions. In other implementations, the mobile application  200  may include additional features, such as an “Awards and Badges” feature that records awards obtained by the user for participating in certain exercises or attaining certain personal fitness goals. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates how a client user uses the mobile unit  140  to “checks-in” an exercise apparatus. As shown, at  302 , the mobile application homepage  220  is displayed when the user initially launches the application. To check-in the apparatus, the user may “tap” the client user device on or place the client user device (e.g., mobile unit  104 ) near the scanning hub (comprising a smart tag) or, in the alternative, an NFC tag (symbol) affixed to a piece of exercise equipment or scanning station located as an exercise facility. For example, as shown at  302 , when the user is near the facility “LIL BOB”, the application indicates at graphic  301  that the user can check in to LIL BOB. 
     As the “Check-In” page  304  is displayed, e.g., after the user taps the client user device on the smart tag at the scanning station at LIL BOB, the user may select the Alert Friends feature  303 , which causes the “Select Friends” page  306  to be displayed. Using this feature, the user may select friends that the system may alert, for example, that the user has checked into LIL BOB, by selecting friends from the friends listing and pressing the “PROCEED TO MESSAGE” text leader  305 . 
     Once the text leader  305  is pressed, the application  200  may then display an “Alert Message” page  308  that allows the user to select a preset alert text  307  or type in an alert text in window  309 , to be sent to the selected friends. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary process  400  by which a user may utilize the Workouts feature  202 . In some implementations, after the user selects the Workouts feature  202  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), the application  200  may display an available-equipment display  402  showing a listing of workout equipment available for use. The application  200  may display categorized groups of equipment (e.g., cardio), show individual types of cardio equipment (treadmill, elliptical machines, upright bike, etc.), and how many are currently available. As shown in this example, the user can select “Cardio Machines”, “Selectorized Machines”, or “Weight Machines”. When the user selects, for example, Selectorized Machines feature  401 , the application  200  may display a “Selectorized” equipment page  404 . 
     In this example, page  404  provides a listing  405  of selectorized equipment available for use. As shown, the user may select “Leg Extension”, “Chest Press”, or “Seated Leg Press” from the list of available selectorized machines. When the user selects, for example, “Leg Extension” from the listing, the application  200  may display an instructional page  406 . 
     In some implementations, once the user selects a piece of equipment, the instructional page  406  may include text and a media window  409  for displaying instructional videos on how to use the equipment. In some implementations, the media window  409  may deep link and display, for example, instructional videos from YouTube® or other web-based media platforms. The instructional page  406  may also display at  407  the status and location of the equipment. In this example, page  406  shows the Leg Extension equipment as “Now Free” and located at “Lil Bob/2 nd  Floor”, which may be the nearest available equipment. The application may also instruct the user to go to the nearest available equipment, for example, by using the location identifier of the user device. 
     Once the user has located the equipment that it desires to use and is near the equipment, the mobile unit  140  and application  200  will detect the smart tag coupled to the equipment and displays a check-in display  408 , allowing the user to check in to the equipment. Using the mobile unit  140 , the user may scan the smart tag of the selected exercise equipment to “check-in” the equipment. 
     Once the equipment is checked-in, the application  200  will send a status signal to the booking server  120  and the booking server  120  will update the system  100  to now list the status of the selectorized equipment as, for example, “busy” or “in use.” Thus, subsequent users wish to use the equipment, the user interface will show the status of the equipment as “busy” or “in use” until the user currently using the equipment “check-out” of the equipment. 
     In some implementations, the system may provide displays  410  to  416  for the user to monitor his or her workout results. As shown, at display  410 , the application may display the user&#39;s current workout data at the equipment, and a pull-down history. The application may include the ability to add exercise detail, for example, sets of leg extension workouts, etc. The system may then receive data from the equipment and keep the historical data with dated detail, and store in the user profile, e.g., in a database. For example, as shown in display  412  and  414 , in Set 1 the user did 10 reps of 100 lbs., in Set 2, 10 reps of 110 lbs. and so on. At display  416 , the application may display a total of all sets. By engaging icons  417 , a user may post their workout results to third-party social-networking systems, such as Instagram®, Facebook®, or Twitter®. 
     The messaging and notification between different components can be implemented using API calls, extensible markup language (“XML”) or Javascript Object Notation (“JSON”) config file interfaces between different interfaces, Hypertext Preprocessor (earlier called, Personal Home Page) (“PHP”), Python, Nodejs, Java/C++ object-oriented programming or simple web-based tools. 
     Different components may also implement authentication and encryption to keep the data and the requests secure. Authentication of a device may be accomplished using public/private key, passwords, token, transaction, biometrics, multi-factor authentication or other methods known in the industry. Encryption may use data encryption standard (DES), TripleDES, RSA, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or other methods known in the industry. 
     In some implementations, the system  100  may also allow users to see historical peak usage times and most available times for each piece of equipment. In these implementations, the application  200  may allow administrators to limit user usage of exercise activities during, for example, “peak use” time. For example, during peak use times, the application  200  may enable an administrator to limit a user&#39;s use of an exercise apparatus to thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, the application  200  would send a signal to the booking server  120  to update the exercise apparatus to “free” or “available.” 
     In other implementations, a user interface may provide a check-out or “done” selection for the user to check-out of the equipment. In the alternative, the equipment may be checked-out by bringing the mobile unit  140  near the scanning station of the equipment to energize the smart tag. In this case, the application  200  may generate a status signal that is transmitted to the booking server  120 . Once the user checks-out of the equipment, the booking server  120  will update the status of the equipment to, for example, “free” or “available.” If the equipment is not manually checked out by the user, the equipment may automatically check-out out if the booking server  120  determines that the equipment is no longer in use. For example, if a user schedules to use the equipment for 30 mins, but the equipment is still check-in after 35 minutes of use. 
     If a user wishes to use a certain type of equipment, for example, a treadmill, but all of the treadmills in the facility are in use, the application  200  may allow the user to add himself or herself to a virtual queue for a certain type of equipment. In this example, the application  200  may notify and direct the user to the next treadmill available for use. This allows users to monitor the availability of fitness equipment in real-time and determine how crowded a fitness facility is. 
     Similarly, the mobile application may allow a user to monitor the availability of events and classes, e.g., fitness classes. If a fitness class is filled to capacity, the application  200  may notify the user when and where the next class is available and may give the user the ability to register for the class to secure attendance in the class. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another example of the Workouts feature  202  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In this example, the user selects Cardio Machines in display  502  (also shown in display  402  in  FIG. 4 ). After the user selects Cardio Machines, the application may display an equipment-type display  504 , listing various types of available cardio machines. In this example, the display  504  allows the user to select “Upright Bike”, “Semi-recumbent Bike”, or “Treadmill” as the available machines. When the user selects Upright Bike equipment, for example, the application may show display  506 . In this example, it shows the Upright Bike equipment as having “2 out of 6” available and located at “Lil Bob/1st Floor”, which may be the nearest available equipment. The application may also instruct the user to go to the nearest available equipment. 
     In some implementations, once the user has located the equipment and is near the equipment, the mobile unit  140  and application  200  may detect the smart tag coupled to the equipment and display a check-in display  508 , allowing the user to check-in the equipment. Using the mobile unit  140 , the user may scan the smart tag of the selected exercise equipment to “check-in” the equipment. 
     Once the equipment is checked-in, the application  200  will send a status signal to the booking server  120  and the booking server  120  will update the system  100  to now list the status of the cardio equipment as, for example, “busy” or “in use.” 
     In some implementations, the system may provide displays  510  to  516  for the user to monitor his or her workout results. As shown, at display  510 , the application  200  may display the user&#39;s current workout data at the equipment and rolling history. The application may then receive data from the equipment and keep the historical data with dated detail, and store in a database. For example, as shown in display  510 , the application  200  may display an elapsed timing feature  511  to allow the user to set a time counter for the workout and “Start Fixed Time Workout”. At display  512 , the application  200  may allow the user to start an open time workout (“Start Open Run Workout”). In this example, the user selects a fixed time run of 30 minutes (at  510 ). At displays  514  and  516 , the application may display a timer  513  and status of the workout. Once the workout is complete, the application  200 , as shown at display  518 , may display the results of the workout, e.g., “Time Spent” for the workout, “Distance” run, and “Calories” burned. The application  200  may store the results in the user&#39;s profile, e.g., in the booking server  120  database. In some implementations, at display  520 , the application  200  may also allow users to recall historical workout data. 
     In some implementations, the user interface may provide a check-out or “done” selection for the user to check-out of the equipment, facility, or exercise class. In the alternative, the equipment may be checked-out by bringing the mobile unit  140  near the scanning station of the equipment to energize the smart tag. In their case, the application  200  may send a status signal to the booking server. Once the user checks-out of the equipment, facility, or exercise class, the booking server  120  will update the status of the equipment, facility, or exercise class to, for example, “free” or “available.” If the equipment is not manually checked out by the user, the equipment may automatically check-out out if the booking server  120  determines that the equipment is no longer in use. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example of the Group Fitness feature  204  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). At display  606 , the application may display a listing of available Group Fitness categories, e.g., “Mind-Body”, “HIT”, “Cardio” and “Dance” for the user to select. In this example, when the user selects the “Mind-Body” category, the application may show display  604 , showing what exercises in this category are available and their details, e.g., types (Pilates, Yogilates, etc.) are shown in display  604 , including, for example, the name of the instructor of the exercise activity, and the date, time, and location of the class. When the user selects, for example, “Date &amp; Time” feature, as shown at display  602 , the application  200  may display an interactive digital calendar  601  where the user may scroll through available date and time slots. 
     In some instances, a user may desire to search for fitness classes according to the types of classes (e.g., yoga classes). This may be accomplished using a Filter sub-feature of the Group Fitness feature  204 . In some implementations, when the user selects the Filters feature at display  608 , the application  200  may show display  608 , which allow the user to more efficiently select for exercise activities by category, type, instructor, date and time, and location, among other parameters, without going through multiple user interfaces. In this example, from display  608  filters, the application  200  receives and determines what the user wants, and displays the matched classes (e.g., “Pilates” and “Body Pump”) in display  610 . The user may then select a class, e.g., “Pilates” as shown in display  612 . 
     Once the user selects a class, the application  200  may provide a video (at  612 ) showing a preview of the class or instructions. The application  200  may also instruct the user to attend the class. 
     In some implementations, once the user has located the equipment and is near the equipment, the mobile unit  140  and application  200  may detect the smart tag coupled to the equipment and display a check-in display  614 , allowing the user to check in to the class. By scanning the smart tag at the scanning station, the mobile unit  140  may check the user into the class. 
     Once the user checks into a class, the application  200  will send a status signal to the booking server  120  and the booking server  120  will update the system  100  to now list the user as, for example, “attending class.” The system  100  may, further, update the number of attendees in the class, and the number of remaining available spaces. The application  200  may show display  616 , showing the user in the class and the time remaining in the class session. When the user completes the class, the user may select the “FINISH WORKOUT” text leader  617 , which may cause the application to display an evaluation page at display  618 . There, the user may post an evaluation about the class, by rating the class and posting the rating via the “SUBMIT FEEDBACK” text leader  619  but selecting feedback about 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the Workouts History feature. In some implementations, the system  100  may store all workout data of the user in their user profile. For example, display  702  displays the selectorized workout history saved in a user profile. Displays  704  and  706  provide filters the user can use to select more specific desired workout histories (e.g., equipment, workout, etc.). For example, the user may filter their past workout history by type of equipment and group, and by selecting an “APPLY FILTERS” text leader  705 , a list of prior workouts may be listed, as shown at display  706 . Once the workout histories of certain exercise activities are selected at display  706 , a count of the number of workout histories selected will appear at text leader  707  (e.g. “SELECT 4”) along the bottom of display  706 . By selecting text leader  707 , the application  200  may show display  708 , which displays the results of the prior exercise activities selected. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example of the Facilities feature  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Generally, the application may provide the ability for users to view images and check the availability of a facility, for example, a gym, studio, or fitness facility. When a user selects the Facilities feature  210 , the application  200  may show display  802 . Display  802  may list or otherwise display the available facilities and their open/close status. When the user selects a facility, for example, “Lil Bob”, the application  200  may display further details about the facility. As shown, for example, display  804  displays photo images of various locations of the “Lil Bob” facility, such as its “Basketball Courts” and “Yoga Studios.” When a user selects an image, the application  200  may provide additional information about the status of the facility. For example, the application  200  may show display  806 , which provides information about the facility, for example, its location, status, capacity, classes, and other information. In the example shown, the application  200  may display a location field  805  (e.g., in “Lil Bob/2 nd  &amp; 3 rd  floor”), the status field  807  (e.g., “Open”), and class field  809  (e.g., “Pilates”). In another example, shown at display  808 , the application  200  indicates that the Basketball Court in “Lil Bob/1 st  floor” is Closed, and the classes available at the facility include, Volleyball at Gym  1  at 4:00 pm. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example of the Social feature  206  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Generally, the application  200  may provide the ability for users to connect and communicate with other users individually as well as in a group. As shown, a user can message other users, create a fitness group for exchanging fitness data, and posting personal content, for example, information about a group class, a workout, or workout results. 
     When a user selects the Social feature  206 , application  200  may show display  902  containing a text field  901  where the user may type in the name of other users to add to a friends list. The search field  901  also includes a user listing  903  where the client user may click on text (e.g., “ADD FRIENDS”) to add other users to their friends list. The user listing  903  further lists friends with pending friend invitations. 
     Display  904  illustrates an example of a Friends List sub-feature of the Social feature  206 . Display  904  includes a “NEW REQUEST” section, where the client user may receive friend requests from other users, and a “YOUR FRIENDS” section, comprising a listing of the client user&#39;s friends. In the NEW REQUEST section, the user may accept a friend request by clicking, for example, the “√” symbol, or reject the friend request by clicking the “X” symbol. At display  904 , the user may create a “group” listing for friends by clicking on the “CREATE GROUP” text in the YOUR FRIENDS section. By clicking on the “CREATE GROUP” text, the application  200  may show display  906 , which allows the user to select one or more persons of the user&#39;s Friends List to create a group. 
     The Social feature  206  also includes a text messaging function. Display  908  is an example of a messaging interface of the application  200 , comprising a text input field  907 , where the user may input alphanumeric text, symbols, and emojis, and a messaging field  909  that displays the messaging communications between the client user and other users. Display  908  illustrates an example of a one-on-one chat between the client user and an individual friend. Display  910  illustrates an example of a “group” chat between the user and a group of friends. 
     An additional function of the Social feature  206  is an alert function. In some implementations, as shown in display  912 , the application  200  may allow the user to create alerts to notify friends. For example, the user can select a pre-transcribed text alert  911  to let friends know that “I&#39;M TRAINING ON THE TREADMILL”, or “I&#39;M TAKING YOGA CLASS”. Or, as shown in display  914 , the user can transcribe an alert in a text input field  913 . 
     In some implementations, a user may search through their friends list and the application  200  may display the status and current activity of each friend. Display  916  comprises a friends ID window  915  that identifies the name of the other user, a location section  917  that identifies the location of the other user, and an activity section  918  that identifies the exercise activity that the other user is currently engaged in. In this example, display  916  shows that friend Lucy Miller is currently active and doing Semi-Recumbent Bike on the 2 nd  floor of the Lil Bob facility. In another example, display  918  shows that friend Lucy Miller is currently active and doing Yogilates in Lil Bob, Room  203 . Once a friend has been selected by the user, the client user may send the friend a text message by selecting SEND MESSAGE  919 . 
     An additional feature of the application  200  allows users to create and store user profile data in the booking server  120  database.  FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a “My Profile” feature of the application  200 . A user may access this feature by selecting a user profile icon  240  (see  FIG. 2B ) in the upper left-hand corner of homepage  220 . Generally, the application  200  may allow the users to enter their personal information, view fitness awards and achievements, set a workout calendar, change user settings, set passcodes, other information. The application  200  may also provide the users with certain incentives, such as awards and merit badges, based on their successful completion of certain fitness activities. This may incentivize users to meet certain fitness goals. 
     As shown, display  1002  depicts a main page of a user profile. The main page may display the client user&#39;s name, an image of the user, and recent exercise goals and awards recently achieved by the user. If the user selects panel  1003 , the application  200  may show display  1004  and  1006 , which identifies various goals and achievements obtained by the user. Display  1008  displays a workout calendar that shows, for example, the user&#39;s workout calendar and dates when certain fitness awards and achievements were received by the user. 
     By clicking the info icon  1001  on the user profile main page, the application  200  may display display  1010 . Unser interface  1010  is a My Info function that allows the user to enter and store persona information about the user, including the user&#39;s name, username, email address, personal tagline, date of birth, gender, height, weight, and user identification number. By clicking an edit icon  1011 , the user may enter and edit their personal information. 
     By pressing icon  1005 , display  1012  allows the user to change their account settings, such as the user&#39;s alert settings, privacy and security settings (e.g., show status setting, share location settings, and change password settings), and help and support settings. In the help and support settings, the user may find answers to frequently asked questions, obtain more information about the mobile application, and access the mobile application terms of use. 
     In some implementations, the My Profile may, further, include an electronic locker function. As shown in display  1016 , when the mobile unit  140  is brought near an electronic or “smart” locker, the mobile unit  140  and application  200  may detect the smart tag coupled to the locker. Once the user has stored their clothes in the locker, the user may scan the smart tag coupled to the locker to lock the locker. After the user completes their workout, the user may, once again, scan the smart tag coupled to the locker to unlock the locker. By scanning the smart tag at the scanning station, the mobile unit  140  may check the user into the class. 
     By pressing icon  1003 , display  1014  also displays other information for the locker, e.g., locker location, locker number, locker passcode/password, etc. Display  1018  allows the user the ability to change and save the passcode/password to the electronic locker. 
     Logic Charts for Mobile App Features 
       FIGS. 11 to 16  illustrate examples of high-level logic charts for the various mobile application  200  features. For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates an example logic chart  1100  for the Workouts feature  202 . As shown, the Workouts feature  202  may include a New Workout sub-feature  1102 , a Cardio Machines List sub-feature  1104 , a selector&#39;s eyes machine List sub-feature  1106 , and a Workouts History sub-feature  1108 . 
     When a user selects the New Workout sub-feature  1102 , the user will be prompted to select between a Cardio Equipment sub-feature  1110 , a Selectorized Equipment sub-feature  1112 , and a Free Weights sub-feature  1114 . 
     The Cardio Equipment sub-feature  1110  enables a user to search only for cardio machines without having to access the entire list of available equipment and activities. If the user selects the Cardio Equipment sub-feature  1110 , the user will be prompted to scan an NFC tag affixed to an exercise apparatus (e.g., a treadmill) with their mobile unit  140 . Once the user scans the NFC tag, the user will be logged into the machine and information regarding the exercise apparatus will be transmitted to the mobile unit  140 , and the user will then be permitted to begin their workout. The user will be able to use the exercise apparatus for an “open” or unlimited amount of time, or, in the alternative, the user can set their workout on the exercise apparatus for a fixed duration of time. During the workout, the mobile application  200  tracts and records data for the current workout including, for example, the elapsed time of the workout, and the amount of calories burned by the user during the workout. In some implementation, the mobile application  200  may be synchronized with the exercise apparatus through the network, such that real-time data from the exercise apparatus is 
     Once the user has completed their workout on a cardio machine, either by scanning the smart tag to check-out the machine or, by elapsed time, the results of the workout will be saved in the mobile application  200 . 
     The Selectorized Equipment sub-feature  1112  enables a user to search only for selectorized machines without having to access the entire list of available equipment and activities. If the user selects the Selectorized Equipment sub-feature  1112 , the user will be prompted to scan an NFC tag affixed to an exercise apparatus (e.g., a lateral delt raise machine) with their mobile unit  140 . Once the user scans the NFC tag, the user will be logged into the machine and information regarding the exercise apparatus will be transmitted to the mobile unit  140 , and the user will be permitted to begin their workout. During the workout, the mobile application  200  tracts and records data for the current workout including, for example, the number of sets completed, the number of exercise repetitions per set, the amount of weight lifted during each set, and an estimated amount of calories burned by the user during the workout. 
     Once the user has completed their workout on the selectorized machine, the user may scan the NFC tag to check-out of the exercise apparatus and the results of the workout will be saved in the mobile application  200 . Once saved, the user will further be permitted to edit the workout results. 
     The Free Weights sub-feature  1114  enables a user to search only for free weight equipment without having to access the entire list of available equipment and activities. If the user selects the Free Weights sub-feature  1114 , the user will be prompted to scan an NFC tag affixed to an exercise apparatus (e.g., a weight bench) with their mobile unit  140 . Once the user scans the NFC tag, the user will be logged into the machine and information regarding the exercise apparatus will be transmitted to the mobile unit  140 , and the user will be permitted to begin their workout. During the workout, the will be permitted to record information regarding the current workout including, for example, the number of sets completed, the number of exercise repetitions per set, and the amount of weight lifted during each set. 
     Once the user has completed their workout on the free weight machine, the user may scan the NFC tag to check-out of the exercise apparatus and any results recorded by the user concerning the workout will be saved in the mobile application  200 . Once saved, the user will further be permitted to edit the workout results. 
     As further shown, when a user selects the Cardio Machines List sub-feature  1104 , a listing of cardio machines in the network is displayed on the GUI  222 , including details about machines such as the location and other information about each individual machine. When a user selects the Selectorized Machines List sub-feature  1106 , a listing of selectorized machines in the network is displayed on the GUI  222 , including details about the machines such as the location and other information about each individual machine. 
     The Workouts History sub-feature  1108  allows a user to recall information about their previous workouts. If the user selects the Workouts History sub-feature  1108 , a listing of the user&#39;s past recorded workouts will be displayed on the GUI  222 , sorted by date and times. The user may then activate the touchscreen by touching an icon corresponding to one of the listed workouts and, once engaged, detailed information about the listed workout will be displayed on the GUI  222 . The Workouts History sub-feature  1108  further includes a workout history filter function, where the user may search for past workouts by category, time and date, machine type, or by exercise class type. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example logic chart  1200  for the My Profile feature  214 . As shown, the My Profile feature  214  may include a User Profile Info sub-feature  1202 , a Rewards sub-feature  1204 , and a locker  1206  sub-feature. When a user selects the User Profile Info sub-feature  1202 , the user may view profile information corresponding to the user such as a profile picture, the user&#39;s name, a user name, a gym ID number, the user&#39;s weight, the user&#39;s height, the user&#39;s date of birth, the user&#39;s gender, and a user tag line. The User Profile Info sub-feature  1202  includes an edit profile function that allows the user to input, edit and/or save the user&#39;s respective profile information. 
     When a user selects the Rewards sub-feature  1204 , the user may view activity badges awarded to the user based upon reaching certain exercise milestones. This sub-feature also includes a daily activity calendar of exercises and workouts to be completed by the user. The daily activity calendar is populated with exercise activities that the user is scheduled to complete. 
     When a user selects the Locker sub-feature  1206 , the user may use the mobile unit  104  to lock or unlock an electronic locker coupled to an NFC scanning station. Using this feature, the user may add a new electronic locker to their user profile by scanning the NFC tag coupled to the electronic locker. This feature may include an add new locker feature that enables the mobile application  200  to download and store information corresponding to the newly added electronic locker. A new electronic locker may also be added to the user&#39;s profile by scanning and OCR code coupled to the newly added electronic locker. Under this feature, a listing of the electronic lockers stored in the user&#39;s profile may be displayed on the GUI  222  and once the user engages an icon corresponding to an electronic locker, information about the locker, such as the location of the locker in its locker ID, may be displayed on the GUI  222 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an example logic chart  1300  for the Settings feature  216 . As shown, the Settings feature  216  may include a Notification Preferences setting  1302 , a Status setting  1304 , a Location setting  1306 , a Change Password setting  1308 , and a Links setting  1310 . When a user selects the Notification Preferences setting  1302 , the user may change the mobile application push notification settings. For example, the user may select a setting that causes the mobile unit  140  to vibrate when a notification is sent to the user. 
     The Status Settings sub-feature  1304  is a default visibility setting that allows the user to change who can view the user&#39;s profile and status. For example, the user may permit “Everyone” to view their profile and status. Or, in the alternative, the user may restrict permission to only “Friends” or “Private.” The Private setting still allows the system  100  to see and track a user&#39;s status and register their activity. This setting just does not allow other users to access a client user&#39;s profile information. 
     When a user selects the Location setting  1306 , the user may turn on or turn off the mobile unit&#39;s  140  global positioning systems (GPS) or location services feature. This setting allows the mobile application  200  to gather and use information based on the current geographical location of the mobile unit  140 . 
     When a user selects the Change Password settings  1308 , the user is permitted to change the user password. In particular, when this setting is selected, a text input field is displayed on the GUI  222  for entering the old password, and a new desired password. In the Links setting  1310 , the user can obtain information about the mobile application  200 , can view the terms of use, or obtain help on how to use the mobile application via a FAQ feature. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an example logic chart  1400  for the Group Fitness feature  204 . As shown, the Group Fitness feature  204  may include a Classes sub-feature  1402 , a Search for Classes sub-feature  1404 , a Favorites sub-feature  1406 , and a Filter Classes sub-feature  1408 . When a user selects the Classes sub-feature  1402 , the user may obtain information about a particular exercise class, such as the class schedule, photos, images, or a description of the class, the class name, the room number, and the name of the instructor. In some instances, a photo image or avatar may be displayed next to the name of the instructor. 
     In the Classes sub-feature  1402 , the user may also be prompted to scan, with their mobile unit  140 , an NFC tag affixed to an apparatus at the exercise classroom. Once the user scans the NFC tag, the user will be checked into the class, the NFC tag will transmit information about the fitness class to the mobile unit  140 , and the user will be permitted to begin the class. Once the user has completed the class, the user may scan the NFC tag to check-out of the class and the class will be saved in the mobile application  200  as part of the user&#39;s workout history. 
     In the Search for Classes sub-feature  1404 , the user may search for a fitness class based on the type of class, the geographic location of the class, or class instructor. In the Favorites sub-feature  1406 , the user may add fitness classes to their favorites listing. In this feature, instead of using the Classes sub-feature  1402 , or the Search for Classes sub-feature  1404 , a user may access information about fitness classes that the user regularly attends. 
     In the Filter Classes sub-feature  1406 , the user may filter a listing of fitness classes to group them by class type, dates and times, instructor name, or by favorite class or instructor. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example logic chart  1500  for the Facilities feature  210 . As shown, the Facilities feature  210  permits the user to access a list of exercise facilities that may be grouped by indoor facilities or outdoor facilities. Once an exercise facility is selected, details about the facility may be displayed on the GUI  222 , such as the facility name, images of the facility, hours of operation, the facility status (i.e., is it open or closed), the location of the facility, the types of activities performed at the facility, and reservation schedule. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an example logic chart  1600  of the Socials feature  206 . As shown, the Socials feature  206  may include an Alert Friends sub-feature  1602 , a Friends List sub-feature  1604 , a Messaging sub-feature  1606 , and a Post (Social Media) sub-feature  1608 . When a user selects the Alert Friends sub-feature  1602 , the user may send alerts, comprised of messages composed by the user, all users listed in the user&#39;s Friends list, to a group of users listed in the user&#39;s friend list, or only to a specific user. The Alert Friends sub-feature  1602  includes a check-in setting where a notification may automatically be sent to alert friends when the user checks-in to a particular exercise apparatus or fitness class. The setting allows the user to limit who the notification may be sent to when the user checks in to a particular exercise apparatus or fitness class. In particular, the user may disable the notification or enable the notification to be sent to all users on the network, only to friends, or particular users. 
     In the Friends List sub-feature  1604 , the user may be able to add other users to their Friends list, respond to a request or invitation from other users to be added to a Friends list, create a Group list from users in the Friends list, invite other users to join a Friends list, and create a friend profile. In the Messaging sub-feature  1604 , a text input field, along with an alphanumeric keyboard, may be displayed on the GUI  222  to permit the user to compose and send text messages to another user in a one-to-one chat, or to a group of other users in a group chat. 
     In the Post (Social Media) subfeature  1608 , the user may be permitted to access third-party social-networking systems, such as Instagram®, Facebook®, or Twitter®, to post content (e.g., videos of a yoga class) or communicate with persons outside of the network. A social-networking system may enable its users (such as persons or organizations) to interact with the system and with each other. The social-networking system may, with input from a user, create and store and the social-networking system a user profile associated with the user. The user profile may include demographic information, communication-channel information, and information on the personal interests of the user. The social-networking system may also, with input from a user, create and store a record of relationships of the user with other users of the social-networking system, as well as provide services (e.g., wall post, photo-sharing, online calendars and event organization, messaging, games, or advertisements) to facilitate social interaction between or among users. Also, the social-networking system may allow users to post photographs and other multimedia content items to a user profile page (typically known as “wall post” or “timeline post”) or in a photo album, both of which may be accessible to other users of the social networking system depending upon the user&#39;s configured privacy settings. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example logic chart  1700  of the What&#39;s Happening feature  212 . The What&#39;s Happening feature  212  provides information about local events and activities taking place in the geographic area of the user. As shown, the What&#39;s Happening feature  212  may include an Events List sub-feature  1702 , a Filters sub-feature  1704 , a Search of Events sub-feature  1706 , and a Check-In to Events sub-feature  1708 . 
     When a user selects the Events List sub-feature  1702 , a listing of local activities and the events are displayed on the GUI  222 . The user may select a listed event to obtain information about the event or activity including, for example, the event name, images of the event, a description of the event, the location of the event, the date of the event, and the start and in time of the event. In the Filters sub-feature  1704 , local activities and events may be listed and grouped, for example, by date and time, event type, or geographical location. In the Search of Events sub-feature  1706 , the user may search for certain activities or events, and in the Check-In to Events sub-feature  1708 , the user may check-in to an event by scanning an NFC tag at a scanning station located at the event. 
     Use Management 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a flow chart of a method  1800  of managing the use of exercise equipment according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The method  1800  includes an act  1802  of populating a database stored on a computing device with information concerning one or more exercise activities. The information entered for each facility into the database may include the name of the facility, the geographic location of the facility, the times of operation, and a tag ID number. This information may be input and stored in the booking server  120  by an administrator through the administrator panel  130 . Similarly, information regarding each exercise apparatus located at an exercise facility, including the name of the apparatus, the geographic location of the apparatus, and a tag ID number associated with the apparatus, may be input and stored in the booking server  120  by an administrator through the administrator panel  130 . In addition to information regarding a facility or exercise apparatus, the administrator may also input additional information or content into the booking server  120  concerning a facility or exercise apparatus, such as photographs, images, instructional information, and videos showing how to use the apparatus. 
     The method  1800  also includes an act  1804  of launching a mobile application  200  on its mobile unit  140  to see what exercise activities are available when the user desires to engage in an exercise activity (e.g., use an exercise apparatus or attend a fitness class). When the user launches the mobile application  200 , the mobile application  200  communicates with the booking server  120  via wireless connection  104  to obtain information about available exercise activities. The mobile application  200  enables the user to search through a listing of available exercise activities by name, location, type, or, additionally, for fitness classes, by the name of the instructor conducting the class. 
     The method  1800  also includes an act  1806  of using the mobile application to check-in an exercise activity when the user begins to engage in the activity. For example, the user may check-in an exercise apparatus by bringing the mobile unit  140  near a scanning station affixed to the exercise apparatus. Once the mobile unit  140  is brought into proximity to the smart tag comprising the scanning station, the mobile unit  140  will energize or activate the smart tag and the smart tag will transmit data to the mobile unit  140  concerning the apparatus, namely the name of the apparatus, the type of apparatus, and the smart tag ID. 
     The method  1800  further includes an act  1808  of, once the mobile unit  140  receives the data from the smart tag, the application  200  sending data, along with a status signal to the booking server  120  to notify the booking server  120  that the exercise activity corresponding to the smart tag ID is currently in use. 
     The method  1800  further includes an act  1810  of the booking server  120  updating its database to identify that a particular exercise apparatus as being in use. 
     In some implementations, the method  1800  may further include an act of the mobile unit  140 , through mobile application  200 , locally storing other information regarding the exercise apparatus, such as the name of the apparatus used, the date in which the apparatus was used, and the length of time that the apparatus was used, calories that were exerted by the user, and other information. This information may be backed up in the booking server  120  under the user&#39;s profile. 
     In other implementations, the method  1800  may further include an act of checking-out of the exercise activity after the activity has been completed. In this act, once the user has completed their exercise activity, the user may check-out of the exercise activity by, once again, bringing the mobile unit  140  near the scanning station coupled to the exercise activity to activate the smart tag. Once the smart tag is activated a second time, the mobile application  200  will send a status signal to the booking server  120  letting the booking server  120  know that the exercise activity connected with the smart tag ID has been checked-out and is now available for use. 
     In other implementations, the method  1800  may further include an act of updating the database in the booking server  120  to reflect that the exercise activity connected to the smart tag ID is now available for use. As mentioned above, information regarding a user&#39;s completed exercise activity may then be stored on the mobile unit  140  and/or backed-up on the booking server  120 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary overall platform (e.g., server, device, etc.)  1900  in which various embodiments, implementations and process steps disclosed herein can be implemented. In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, an element (for example, a host machine or a microgrid controller), or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with a processing system  1914  that includes one or more processing circuits  1804 . Processing circuits  1904  may include micro-processing circuits, microcontrollers, digital signal processing circuits (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. That is, the processing circuit  1904  may be used to implement any one or more of the various embodiments, systems, algorithms, and processes described above. In some embodiments, the processing system  1914  may be implemented in a server. The server may be local or remote, for example in a cloud architecture. 
     In the example of  FIG. 19 , the processing system  1914  may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by the bus  1902 . The bus  1902  may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system  1914  and the overall design constraints. The bus  1902  may link various circuits including one or more processing circuits (represented generally by the processing circuit  1904 ), the storage device  1905 , and a machine-readable, processor-readable, processing circuit-readable or computer-readable media (represented generally by a non-transitory machine-readable medium  1906 ). The bus  1902  may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further. The bus interface  1908  may provide an interface between bus  1902  and a transceiver  1910 . The transceiver  1910  may provide a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium. Depending upon the nature of the apparatus, display  1912  (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, touchscreen, motion sensor) may also be provided. 
     The processing circuit  1904  may be responsible for managing the bus  1902  and for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the machine-readable medium  1906 . The software, when executed by processing circuit  1904 , causes processing system  1914  to perform the various functions described herein for any apparatus. Machine-readable medium  1906  may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by processing circuit  1904  when executing software. 
     One or more processing circuits  1904  in the processing system may execute software or software components. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. A processing circuit may perform the tasks. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory or storage contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc. 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure reflect an inventive concept in the arrangements and combination of the devices, components and method steps utilized in equipment management and utilization. The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide for improvements over prior modes in the field of equipment management and utilization. These improvements can include, for example, optimization of computer resources, improved data accuracy and improved data integrity, to name only a few. In a number of embodiments and implementations, instructions stored in the memory of computing devices (e.g., software) can cause one or more processors of the system to perform the steps of the embodiments described herein. 
     While the present disclosure describes electronic communications between the mobile unit and the exercise apparatuses by near field communication, electronic communication between the mobile unit and the exercise apparatuses may be facilitated by any other suitable wireless technology. 
     While the present disclosure describes a system used to monitor exercise equipment in a gymnasium or fitness center, a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the present disclosure may apply to managing various forms of equipment in various facilities, such as dormitories, libraries, and common areas. The system of the present disclosure may also be used to monitor the availability of study rooms or other common study areas in, for example, a library, dormitory, study hall, or other academic facilities. 
     In general, terms such as “coupled to,” and “configured for coupling to,” and “secured to,” and “configured for securing to” and “in communication with” (for example, a first component is “coupled to” or “is configured for coupling to” or is “configured for securing to” or is “in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to be in communication with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components. 
     A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media 
     Various aspects have been presented in terms of systems that may include several components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all the components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used. The various aspects disclosed herein can be performed on electrical devices including devices that utilize touch screen display technologies and/or mouse-and-keyboard type interfaces. Examples of such devices include computers (desktop and mobile), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other electronic devices both wired and wireless. 
     In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     Operational aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. 
     Furthermore, one or more versions of the present disclosure may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer or mobile unit to implement the disclosed aspects. Non-transitory computer-readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), BluRay™ . . . ), smart cards, solid-state devices (SSDs), flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick), memory of a server hosting an application store that permits downloads of an application, and other mediums on which one or more applications may be stored. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the disclosed aspects. 
     Although the previous description illustrates particular examples of various implementations, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing illustrative examples. A person skilled in the art is aware that the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents can be applied in various further implementations and modifications. In particular, a combination of the various features of the described implementations is possible, as far as these features are not in contradiction with each other. Accordingly, the foregoing description of implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description.