Patent ID: 12214260

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use aspects of the example embodiments described herein. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure include exercise machines, networked exercise systems, and corresponding methods whereby one or more exercise devices, such as treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, or any other suitable equipment may be equipped with an associated local system that allows a user to fully participate in live or recorded exercise classes from any location that can access a suitable communications network. The example exercise machines of the present disclosure include one or more displays configured to provide various controls operable to change parameters of the exercise machines. In particular, the displays of the present disclosure may be configured to provide user interfaces that include one or more executable controls operable to modify respective parameters of the exercise machine while the user of the machine is participating in an exercise class and/or otherwise using the exercise machine. In some examples, such executable controls may correspond to verbal cues, suggestions, directions, comments, or other performance commands uttered by an instructor during an exercise class. In some examples, such executable controls may include a setting corresponding to a relatively specific instruction or command given by the instructor. In other examples, on the other hand, such executable controls may include a setting corresponding to a relatively vague or abstract command given by the instructor during the exercise class. Additionally or alternatively, such executable controls may correspond to user data received from a plurality of exercise machines, wherein the user data includes respective settings used on the plurality of exercise machines during playback of an exercise class.

Thus, the exercise machines, executable controls, and corresponding methods described herein, may enable a user to easily and accurately modify one or more parameters of an exercise machine while participating in an exercise class, and according to a control setting that is unique to the particular exercise class in which the user is participating. Various aspects of such exercise machines and executable controls will now be described in more detail.

Referring generally toFIGS.1and2, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a local system100may include an exercise machine102, such as a treadmill, with integrated or connected digital hardware including one or more displays104for use in connection with an instructor-led exercise class and/or for displaying other digital content. While the exercise machine102may be described and/or otherwise referred to herein as a “treadmill102,” as noted above, example exercise machines102of the present disclosure may be any suitable type of exercise machine, including a rowing machine, stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, stair climber, etc. Accordingly, any of the examples described herein may be applicable to, incorporated in, performed by, and/or otherwise associated with a treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, stair climber, etc. For ease of description, however, an exercise machine102comprising a treadmill will be referred to below unless otherwise specified.

In various example embodiments, the one or more displays104may be mounted directly to the exercise machine102or otherwise placed within view of a user106. In various exemplary embodiments, the one or more displays104allow the user106to view content relating to a selected exercise class both while working out on the exercise machine102and while working out in one or more locations near or adjacent to the exercise machine102. In some examples, the exercise machine102may also include a hinge, joint, pivot, bracket138or other suitable mechanism to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of the display104relative to the user106whether the user106is working out on the exercise machine102, or working out near or adjacent to the exercise machine102.

In example embodiments in which the exercise machine102comprises a treadmill, the exercise machine102may generally include a lower assembly108and an upper assembly110. The lower assembly108may generally include a deck112of the exercise machine102that provides support for the user106while the user106is working out on the exercise machine102, as well as other components of both the lower assembly108and the upper assembly110. For example, the deck112may support a first motor (not shown) of the exercise machine102configured to increase, decrease, and/or otherwise change an incline of the deck112relative to a support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed. The deck112may also include one or more linkages116coupled to such a motor and configured to, for example, raise and lower the deck112by acting on the support surface when the motor is activated. The deck112may also include a second motor (not shown) configured to increase, decrease, and/or otherwise change a rotational speed of a belt120connected to the deck112. The belt120may be rotatable relative to the deck112and, in particular, may be configured to revolve or otherwise move completely around (i.e., encircle) the deck112during use of the exercise machine120. For example, in embodiments in which the exercise machine102comprises a treadmill, the belt120may support the user106and may repeatedly encircle the deck112as the user106runs, walks, and/or otherwise works out on the treadmill. Such an example belt120may include one or more continuous tracks (not shown) movably coupled to a gear, flywheel, pulley, and/or other component of the deck112. In such examples, such a gear, flywheel, pulley, and/or other component of the deck112may be coupled to an output shaft or other component of the second motor described above. In such examples, rotation of the output shaft or other component of the second motor may drive commensurate rotation of the belt120.

The belt120may also include a plurality of laterally aligned slats126connected to the one or more continuous tracks described above. For example, as shown inFIG.1, each slat126may extend substantially parallel to at least one adjacent slat126. Additionally, each slat126may be hingedly, pivotally, and/or otherwise movably coupled to the one or more continuous tracks of the deck120via one or more respective couplings. Such couplings may comprise, for example, a bracket, pin, screw, clip, bolt, and/or one or more other fastening components configured to secure a respective slat126to the continuous track described above, while allowing the slat126to pivot, rotate, and/or otherwise move relative to the track while the belt120revolves about the deck112.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the exercise machine102may also include one or more sidewalls128connected to the deck112. For example, the exercise machine102may include a first sidewall128on a left-hand side of the deck112, and a second sidewall128on the right-hand side of the deck112. Such sidewalls128may be made from cloth, foam, plastic, rubber, polymers, and/or other like material, and in some examples, the sidewalls128may assist in damping and/or otherwise reducing noise generated by one or more of the motors and/or other components of the deck112.

The exercise machine102may also include one or more posts130extending upwardly from the deck112. For example, the exercise machine102may include a first post130on the left-hand side of the deck112, and a second post130on the right-hand side of the deck112. Such posts130may be made from a metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, and/or other like material, and similar such materials may be used to manufacture the deck112, the slats126, and/or other components of the exercise machine102. In such examples, the posts130may be configured to support the display104, and in some examples, the display104may be directly coupled to a crossbar132of the exercise machine102, and the crossbar132may be connected to and/or otherwise supported by the posts130. For example, the crossbar132may comprise one or more hand rests or handles useful in supporting the user106during exercise. In some examples, the crossbar132may be substantially C-shaped, substantially U-shaped, and/or any other configuration. In any of the examples described herein, the crossbar132may extend from a first one of the posts130to a second one of the posts130. Further, in some examples, the posts130and the crossbar132may comprise a single integral component of the upper assembly110. Alternatively, in other examples, the posts130and the crossbar132may comprise separate components of the upper assembly110. In such examples, the upper assembly110may include one or more brackets134, endcaps136, and/or additional components configured to assist in coupling the one or more posts130to the crossbar132.

As noted above, the exercise machine102may also include a hinge, joint, pivot, bracket138and/or other suitable mechanism to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of the display104relative to the user106whether they are walking, jogging, running, and/or otherwise working out on the exercise machine102, or working out near or adjacent to the exercise machine102. For example, such brackets138may include at least one component rigidly connected to the crossbar132. Such brackets138may also include one or more additional components rigidly coupled to the display104. In such examples, the components of the bracket138connected to the display104may be moveable, with the display104relative to the components of the bracket138connected to the crossbar132. Such components may include one or more dove-tail slider mechanism, channels, and/or other components enabling the display104to controllably slide and/or otherwise move relative to the crossbar132. Such components may also enable the user106to fix the position of the display104relative to the crossbar132once the user106has positioned the display104as desired.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the exercise machine102may also include one or more controls144,146configured to receive input from the user106. The exercise machine102may further include one or more sensors147configured to sense, detect, and/or otherwise determine one or more performance parameters of the user106before, during, and/or after the user106participates in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. In any of the examples described herein, the controls144,146and the one or more sensors147may be operably and/or otherwise connected to one or more controllers, processors, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102.

The digital hardware148(shown in phantom inFIGS.1and2) associated with the exercise machine102may be connected to or integrated with the exercise machine102, or it may be located remotely and wired or wirelessly connected to the exercise machine102. The digital hardware148may include digital storage (e.g., a hard drive or other such memory), one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor) or other like computers or controllers, communications hardware, software, and/or one or more media input/output devices such as displays, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens, headsets, and/or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments these components may be connected to and/or otherwise integrated with the exercise machine102. All communications between and among such components of the digital hardware148may be multichannel, multi-directional, and wireless or wired, using any appropriate protocol or technology. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may include associated mobile and web-based application programs that provide access to account, performance, and other relevant information to users from local or remote exercise machines, processors, controllers, personal computers, laptops, mobile devices, or any other digital device or digital hardware. In any of the examples described herein, the one or more controllers, processors, and/or other digital hardware148associated with the exercise machine102may be operable to perform one or more functions associated with control logic of the exercise machine102. Such control logic may comprise one or more rules, programs, or other instructions stored in a memory of the digital hardware148. For example, one or more processors included in the digital hardware148may be programmed to perform operations in accordance with rules, programs, or other instructions of the control logic, and such processors may also be programmed to perform one or more additional operations in accordance with and/or at least partly in response to input received via one or more of the controls144,146, via one or more of the sensors147, and/or via various controls, user interfaces, or other components provided by the display104. In any of the examples described herein, the display104may comprise a touch screen, a touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitance-sensitive) display, and/or any other device configured to display content and receive input (e.g., a touch input, tap input, swipe input, etc.) from the user106.

In any of the examples described herein, one or more of the controls144,146associated with the exercise machine102may comprise an infinity wheel-type control. Such a control may be useful in changing and/or otherwise controlling, for example, the incline of the deck112, the speed of the belt120, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102associated with incremental increases or decreases. In an example embodiment, one or more of the controls144,146associated with the exercise machine102may include a rotary dial connected to a corresponding rotary encoder. In such examples, the rotary encoder may include one or more detents or other components/structures that may be tuned for a desired incremental change in a corresponding parameter of the exercise machine102. For example, the rotary encoder may be tuned such that each detent thereof may correlate to a0.5% increase or decrease in an incline angle of the deck112. Alternatively, the rotary encoder may be tuned such that each detent thereof may correlate to a 0.1 mph increase or decrease in a speed of the belt120. In still further examples, percentages, speeds, and/or other increments greater than or less than those noted above may be chosen. Additionally, one or more such controls144,146may include one or more additional buttons, wheels, touch pads, levers, knobs, or other components configured to receive additional inputs from the user106, and such additional components may provide the user106with finer control over the corresponding parameters of the exercise machine102. One or more such controls144,146may also include a respective control housing configured to assist in mounting the control144,146to the crossbar132or other components of the exercise machine102.

With continued reference toFIGS.1and2, in various example embodiments, the one or more sensors147of the exercise machine102may be configured to sense, detect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a range of user data, parameters of the exercise machine102, and/or other information, from both the exercise machine102and the user106, instantaneously and/or over time. For example, the exercise machine102may include one or more sensors147that measure the incline of the deck112, the speed of the belt120, a load applied to the deck112, the belt120, one or more of the motors described above, and/or other components of the exercise machine102, an amount of energy expended by the user106, a power output of the exercise machine102, user weight, steps, distance, total work, repetitions, an amount of resistance applied to the belt120by one or more of the motors described above and/or other components of the exercise machine102, a pedal cadence, a brake force or resistance, as well as any other information associated with, for example, a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, or other exercise machine102. The exercise machine102may also include sensors147to measure user heart-rate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, or any other physical performance metrics, or to receive such information from sensors provided by (e.g., worn by) the user106. Where appropriate, such information can be calculated as current/instantaneous values, maximum, minimum, average, or total over time, or using any other statistical analysis. Trends can also be determined, stored, and displayed to the user, the instructor, and/or other users. Such sensors147may communicate with memory and/or processors of the digital hardware148associated with the exercise machine102, nearby, or at a remote location, using wired or wireless connections. Such sensors147and/or the processors of the digital hardware148may also communicate with one or more processors disposed remote from the exercise machine102using such wired or wireless connections.

In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine102may also include one or more indicators (not shown) to provide information to the user106. Such indicators may include lights, projected displays, speakers for audio outputs, or other output devices capable of providing a signal to a user106to provide the user106with information such as timing for performing an exercise, time to start or stop exercise, or other informational indicators. For example, such indicators (e.g., lights or projected displays) could display information regarding the number of sets and repetitions performed by the user106at a location where it can be seen by the user106during the performance of the relevant exercise.

With reference toFIG.2, and as noted above, the display104of the exercise machine100may comprise and/or may be driven by a user input device such as a touchscreen, mouse, voice control, or other suitable input device. In some examples, the display104or at least a portion thereof, may comprise a touchscreen configured to receive touch input from the user106. The display104may be any size, but optimally are large enough and oriented to allow the display of a range of information including one or more video streams, a range of performance metrics corresponding to the user106, a range of additional performance metrics associated with one or more additional users exercising on exercise machines remote from the exercise machine102, and a range of different controls. In various exemplary embodiments, the display104may include some or all of its area that can reflect the image of the user106to provide user feedback regarding their form and performance of various activities.

In various exemplary embodiments the user106can use the display104or one or more user interfaces200displayed on the display104to selectively present a range of different information including live and/or archived video, performance data, and other user and system information. In any of the examples described herein, such user interfaces200can provide a wide range of control and informational windows that can be accessed and removed individually and/or as a group by a click, touch, voice command, or gesture. In various exemplary embodiments, such windows may provide information about the user's own performance and/or the performance of other participants in the same exercise class both past and present.

Example user interfaces200presented via the display104may be used to access member information, login and logout of the system100, access live content such as live exercise classes and archived classes or other content. User information may be displayed in a variety of formats and may include historical and current performance and account information, social networking links and information, achievements, etc. The user interfaces described herein can also be used to access the system100to update a user profile (e.g., a user profile that is unique to the user106) or member information, manage account settings such as information sharing, and/or to modify one or more settings of a control included in the user interface200.

An example user interface200may also be presented on the one or more displays104to allow users to manage their experience, including selecting information to be displayed and arranging how such information is displayed on the display104. Such a user interface200may present multiple types of information overlaid such that different types of information can be selected or deselected easily by the user106. For example, performance metrics and/or other information may be displayed over video content using translucent or partially transparent elements so the video behind the information elements can be seen together with (i.e., simultaneously with) the performance metrics and/or other information itself. Further, example user interfaces200may present a variety of screens to the user106which the user106can move among quickly using the provided user input device, including by providing a touch input via the display104.

In any of the examples described herein, the processor and/or other components of the digital hardware148may control the display104and/or otherwise cause the display104to display the various user interfaces200of the present disclosure. For example, the processor or other components of the digital hardware148may cause the display104to display a user interface200comprising a home screen that provides basic information about the system100and/or the exercise machine102, as well as available options. Such a home screen may provide direct links to information such as scheduled classes, archived classes, a leaderboard, instructors, and/or profile and account information. The home screen may also provide direct links to content such as a link to join a particular class. The user106can navigate among the different portions of the home screen by selecting such links using the applicable input device such as by touching the display104at the indicated location, or by swiping to bring on a new screen. An example user interface200providing such a home screen may also provide other information relevant to the user106such as social network information, and navigation buttons that allow the user to move quickly among the different screens in the user interface200.

In various example embodiments, one or more of the user interfaces200may include various components configured to provide information to the user106while the user106is participating in an exercise class. For example, as will be described in greater detail below, one or more example user interfaces200may include a timeline202(e.g., a segmented timeline) indicating portions of an exercise class being displayed on the display104, and a position and/or location within the timeline corresponding to the current portion of the exercise class being displayed. An example user interface200may also include a scorecard204, leaderboard, or other component providing rankings, output, exercise machine parameters, user data, and/or other information related to other users participating in (either in real time, or previously) the exercise class being displayed on the display104. An example user interface200may further include various display bars206or other components providing performance metrics, performance information, and/or other user data associated with the user106. Such information may include, for example, various settings or other parameters of the exercise machine102(e.g., a current incline of the deck112, a current speed of the belt120, a current pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a current braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, etc.), an output of the user106, and/or other information corresponding to the user106participating in an exercise class. Additionally, in some examples the user interface200may include one or more executable controls210operable to modify an incline of the deck112, a speed of the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102while the user106is participating in an exercise class. As shown in at leastFIG.2, in such embodiments the timeline202, scorecard204, leaderboard, display bars206, executable controls210, and/or other components of the user interface200may be displayed on the display104together with (e.g., simultaneously with) content208comprising the exercise class that the use106is currently participating in.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user interfaces200described herein may be run through a local program or application using a local operating system such as an Android or iOS application, or via a browser-based system. Any of the performance metrics or other information described herein with respect to the various user interfaces200may also be accessed remotely via any suitable network such as the internet. For example, users106may be able to access a website from a tablet, mobile phone, computer, and/or any other digital device, and such users106may be able to review historical information, communicate with other participants, schedule classes, access instructor information, and/or view any of the information described herein with respect to the various user interfaces200through such a website.

FIG.3illustrates an example networked exercise system300of the present disclosure including one or more exercise machines102that are in communication via an example network. Such an example networked exercise system300may be used to, for example, capture and/or otherwise generate audio content, video content, and/or other content corresponding to an exercise class being performed by one or more instructors. The networked exercise system300may also be configured to generate a video file and/or any other electronic file, digital file, or the like comprising the captured audio content and video content. In some examples, the networked exercise system300may also be configured to generate one or more of the executable controls210described herein with respect to the user interface200(FIG.2), and to associate such executable controls with the video file such that playback of at least part of the video file by a processor of an exercise machine102(e.g., via a display104of the exercise machine102) may result in the display of the executable control210.

In further examples, the networked exercise system300may also be configured to provide a video file (e.g., a video file including content associated with an exercise class) to a plurality of exercise machines, and to receive corresponding user data from the plurality of exercise machines. For instance, such user data may include respective settings associated with a common performance metric, and the respective settings may comprise settings selected and/or otherwise used by users on the plurality of exercise machines during playback of a particular part of the video file. In such examples, a processor, server, or other component of the networked exercise system may identify a timestamp associated with the particular part of the video file. In such examples, the processor, server, or other component may also generate an executable control corresponding to the performance metric, and may generate an additional video file that includes the content associated with the exercise class, and the executable control. In such examples, playback of the additional video file may cause display of the executable control at a part of the additional video file corresponding to the timestamp described above. In any of the examples described herein, content captured and/or distributed by the networked exercise system300may comprise live and/or archived exercise classes, live and/or archived instructional content such as video content explaining how to properly perform an exercise, scenic or map-based content, videos, and/or animations that can be rendered in three-dimensions from any angle may be created and stored in various local or remote locations and shared across the networked exercise system300.

In various example embodiments, the networked exercise system300may be managed through one or more networked backend servers302and may include various databases304for storage of user data, system information, performance information, archived content, etc. Example local systems100(FIG.1) may be in communication with the networked backend servers302via any appropriate network306(e.g., a content distribution network306), including without limitation, the internet. As an example of an alternative distribution approach, in various exemplary embodiments the backend servers302could be eliminated and data could be communicated throughout the system in a distributed or peer-to-peer manner rather than via a central server network. In such a networked exercise system300, user data (e.g., performance data) may be broken up into small packets or “pieces” and distributed among user devices such that complete data sets are quickly distributed to all devices for display as required.

Content for distribution through the network306can be created in a variety of different ways. Content recording locations may include professional content recording studios, amateur and home-based locations, gyms, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, recording studios may include space for live instructor-led exercise classes with live studio participation, or may be dedicated studios with no live, in-studio participation. As shown inFIG.3, recording equipment including one or more video cameras308, microphones310, mp3 players or other music players312, and/or other components and can be used to capture the instructor and/or participants during the class. Multiple cameras308can provide different views, and 3D cameras308can be used to create 3D content. In various exemplary embodiments, content may also be generated locally by users106. For example, exercise machines102may be equipped with recording equipment including microphones310and cameras308. Users106may generate live or recorded classes that can be transmitted, stored in or by the networked exercise system300, and distributed via the network306.

With continued reference toFIG.3, class content (e.g., audio content and/or video content) may be generated by providing outputs of the one or more video cameras308, microphones310, and/or music players312as inputs to an audio mixer314. The audio mixer314may output content to an analog to digital converter316, which may provide converted data to a production switcher318. The production switcher318may send the production video to a video encoder320, which may store the encoded video to a local storage device322, and may also send it to a video transcoder324.

In some examples, the video encoder320may receive input from one or more users of the backend servers302comprising a command to associate an executable control210with the video file being created by the networked exercise system300. In such examples, the video encoder320may tag, save, embed, and/or otherwise associate such an executable control210with the video file, and at a desired location within the video file. Such a desired location may comprise and/or correspond to a timestamp associated with the input and/or associated with a particular part of the video file. Alternatively, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a verbal command from an instructor that is leading an exercise class. In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify the verbal command included in audio content received from a microphone310and/or from a video camera308. Such a command may correspond to a parameter of an exercise machine102(e.g., an incline of the deck112, a speed of the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, such a command may correspond to any other performance metric or parameter (e.g., a power zone, a stride type, a position of a seat associated with the exercise machine102, a stretching technique or form, etc.) associated with the exercise class being performed by the instructor. In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a timestamp associated with the command (e.g., a timestamp in the video content and/or the audio content corresponding to the command). In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may associate the executable control210with the video file by linking the executable control210to a part of the video file corresponding to the timestamp.

Additionally in any of the examples described herein, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify such a verbal command via natural language processing software or techniques. As will be describe in greater detail below, in still further examples, one or more such executable controls210may be generated based at least in part on user data received from a plurality of exercise machines102. In such examples, such user data may include respective settings associated with a common performance metric. For instance, such respective settings may be used on the plurality of exercise machines102during playback of a particular part of a video file comprising an exercise class (e.g., an archived exercise class or a live/real-time exercise class). In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a timestamp associated with the particular part of the video file, and may generate an executable control corresponding to the common performance metric noted above. In some such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may also generate an additional (e.g., a second) video file that includes audio and video content of the exercise class, as well as the executable control. Playback of such an additional video file may cause display of the executable control at a part of the additional video file corresponding to the timestamp.

Further, the video transcoder324may output transcoded data to a video packetizer326, which may then send a packetized data stream out through the network306to remote users106. In various exemplary embodiments, instructors and/or users106may be provided with access to a content creation platform that they can use to help them create content. Such a platform may provide tools for selecting and editing music, managing volume controls, pushing out chat or other communications to users106.

As described above with respect toFIGS.1and2, through the display104and/or other user interface on their exercise machine102, users106may access lists, calendars, and schedules of live and recorded exercise classes available for delivery through the display104. In various exemplary embodiments, once the user106selects an exercise class, the local system100may access and/or display a primary data stream for the class. This primary data stream may include video, music, voice, text, or any other data, and may represent a live or previously recorded exercise class. The local system100may be equipped for hardware video accelerated encoding/decoding to manage high definition video quality at up to1080pixels based on existing technology. The local system100may automatically adjust bitrate/quality of the data stream for the class in order to bring participant the highest quality video according to user's bandwidth/hardware limitations.

In various exemplary embodiments, networked exercise systems300and methods of the present disclosure may include multi-directional communication and data transfer capabilities that allow video, audio, voice, and data sharing among all users106and/or instructors. This allows users106to access and display multi-directional video and audio streams from the instructor and/or other users regardless of location, and to establish direct communications with other users106to have private or conferenced video and/or audio communications during live or recorded classes. Such data streams can be established through the local system100for presentation via the one or more displays104via one or more of the user interfaces200described above. In various exemplary embodiments, users106can manage multiple data streams to select and control inputs and outputs. The local system100may allow the user106to control the volume of primary audio stream for the class as well as other audio channels for different users or even unrelated audio streams such as telephone calls or their own music selections. For example, this would allow a user106to turn down the instructor volume to facilitate a conversation with other users.

For live classes, in various exemplary embodiments the instructor may have the ability to communicate with the entire class simultaneously or to contact individual users, and solicit feedback from all users regardless of location in real-time. For example, instructors could ask users verbally, or text a pop-up message to users106, seeking feedback on difficulty level, music choice, terrain, etc. Users106could then respond through components of the local system100by selecting an appropriate response, or providing verbal feedback. This allows instructors to use crowdsourcing to tailor a class to the needs of the participants, and to improve their classes by soliciting feedback or voting on particular class features or elements. In any of the examples described herein, one or more of the executable controls described herein may comprise such a text or pop-up message to users106seeking feedback, providing guidance or encouragement, providing further instructions related to the exercise class, and/or providing any other information.

In various exemplary embodiments, instructors may also be able to set performance targets, and the system can measure and display to the user106and the instructor their performance relative to the target. For example, the instructor may set target metrics e.g. target power and speed, then display this next to users' readings with a color coding to indicate whether or not the user is meeting this target. The system may allow the instructor to remotely adjust exercise machine settings for individual users106. In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine102may also automatically adjust based on information from the user106, the instructor, or based on performance. For example, the exercise machine102may adjust the difficulty to maintain a particular performance parameter such as heart rate within a particular range or to meet a particular performance target. Any of the executable controls described herein may be generated and/or configured to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102in order to assist the user106in meeting and/or exceeding such performance goals or targets.

With continued reference toFIG.3, in various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system300described herein may allow users106to create accounts (e.g., user profiles) and save and manage their user data (e.g., performance data). As discussed above, the system may allow users106to browse schedules for upcoming live classes, signup for future live streaming classes, and setup reminders. Users106may also be able to invite others to participate in a live class, and setup text, email, voice, or other notifications and calendar entries. Users106may be able to access system, account, performance, and all other data via web-based or application based interfaces for desktop and/or mobile devices, in addition to the user interface for the local system100associated with their exercise machine102.

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system300can provide for simultaneous participation by multiple users in a recorded class, synchronized by the system and allowing access to all of the same communication and data sharing features that are available for a live class. With such a feature, the participants simultaneously participating in the same archived class can compete against each other, as well as against past performances or “ghost” participants for the same class. In some of the examples described herein, one or more executable controls may be generated and/or configured to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102in order to assist the user106in keeping pace with such past performances, “ghost” participants, and/or other performance goals or targets.

In some examples, the networked computer system300may be configured to feed synchronized live and/or archived video content and live and/or archived sensor data to users over the network306. In various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated inFIG.3, the networked exercise system300may be configured with a plurality of user exercise machines102in communication with the video content distribution network306. The user exercise machines102may also be in communication with various other networks and servers. Additionally, in any of the examples described herein, a control station (not shown) may provide signals via the network306to control the collection, storage, and management of data (e.g., user data, video content, audio content, parameters of the various exercise machines102, etc.) across the networked exercise system300.

FIG.4illustrates an example user interface400of the present disclosure, and the user interface400may be similar to and/or the same as the user interface200described above with respect toFIG.2. In such examples, the user interface400may be provided to the user106during a selected exercise class. When an exercise class is being displayed, played back, and/or otherwise provided via the one or more displays104through the user interface400, in various exemplary embodiments the primary video feed may be shown as the background video full-screen or in a sub-window on the display104. Information elements may be provided on different parts of the display screen to indicate any performance metrics, including total time, elapsed time, time left, distance, speed (e.g., speed of the belt120), mile pace of the user106, incline (e.g., incline of the deck112), elevation, resistance, braking force, power, total work, energy expended (e.g., output), cadence (e.g., pedal cadence), power zone, heart rate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, and/or any custom performance scores that may be developed. The displayed information may also include the trend or relationship between different performance metrics. For example, the display104can indicate a particular metric in a color that indicates current performance compared to average performance for an exercise class or over time, such as red to indicate that current performance of the user106is below average or green to indicate above average performance. Trends or relative performance can also be shown using color and graphics, such as a red down arrow to show that current performance is below average. The displayed information may further include settings, parameters, or other information (e.g., actual settings or settings requested by the instructor) related to the activity being performed during one or more segments of the exercise class (e.g., a setting or position of a seat of the exercise machine102, a stride type, a stretch position or form, etc.).

In various exemplary embodiments, the display104may also display information that supports or supplements the information provided by the instructor. Examples include one or more segmented timelines402that are illustrated together with at least part of the selected exercise class in the user interface400. As shown in at leastFIGS.4and5, an example segmented timeline402may include one or more segments404a,404b,404c. . .404n(collectively, “segments404”) corresponding to respective portions, parts, or other exercise segments of the selected exercise class. The size, length, width, height, relative position, color, opacity, and/or other configurations of such segments404may be representative of, for example, the length of the corresponding portions or parts of the selected exercise class. The segmented timeline402may also provide an indication406of elapsed time and/or remaining time for the present workout segment and/or for the exercise class generally. The segmented timeline402may also include one or more visual indica408a,408b,408c. . .408n(collectively, “indicia408”) indicating an activity requirement (e.g., run, jog, sprint, lift weights, etc.), an equipment requirement (e.g., dumbbells), and/or other requirement associated with a respective exercise segment of the selected exercise class. For example, the indicia408amay indicate that the segment404acomprises a walking segment, indicia408dmay indicate that the segment404ccomprises a running segment, and the indicia408bmay indicate that weights are required for at least part of the segment404a.In any of the examples described herein, such segmented timelines402may also include one or more lists or windows identifying and/or describing upcoming workout segments or features, instructional information such as graphics or videos demonstrating how to properly perform exercises, or other information relevant to the exercise class in progress. Such segmented timelines402may also provide and/or otherwise include information409indicating the current segment of the exercise class and/or the current activity that the instructor is requesting the user106perform.

As shown in at leastFIG.4, the user interface400may include a primary window410configured to show the live or archived exercise class or other content that the user106selected. In various exemplary embodiments, the user interface400may further include one or more performance metric windows412(e.g., the “scorecard” illustrated inFIG.4) overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410. Such performance metric windows412may show a ranking, total output, current output, incline, belt speed, mile pace, one or more averages of such performance metrics, and/or other specific performance metrics for the user's current class, past classes, or other performance information. Such performance metric windows412may be presented anywhere on the display104, and may be user selectable such that they can be displayed or removed by a screen touch or gesture.

The user interface400may also allow the user106to toggle between display of maximum, average, and total results for different performance metrics. Additionally, the user interface400may allow the user106to hide or display information elements, including performance metrics, video streams, user information, etc. all at once or individually. Performance metrics and/or other performance information can also be displayed in various display bars414,416that can be hidden or displayed as a group or individually. The user interface400may provide for complete controls for audio volume, inputs, and outputs as well as display output characteristics.

In any of the examples described herein, the user interface400may also include one or more executable controls418. Such executable controls418may be executable by a processor of the digital hardware148upon playback of a video file comprising audio and/or video content of an exercise class. For instance, upon playback of such a video file, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide one or more such executable controls418during particular portions of the exercise class at which an instructor utters and/or otherwise provides a corresponding performance command. In any of the examples described herein, such executable controls418may correspond to the performance command uttered by the instructor and may comprise visual indicia (e.g., text, images, etc.) indicating, embodying, and/or otherwise corresponding to the performance command. In such examples, such executable controls418may comprise pop-up messages or other means by which the instructor may enhance engagement with exercise class participants. In this way, such executable controls may effectively convey performance commands, a desired performance parameter/metric, words of encouragement, guidance, instructions, and/or other information to exercise class participants. In some examples, such executable controls418may comprise text windows, images, pop-up boxes, graphics, icons, or other visual content that may not be configured to receive an input (e.g., a touch input) from the user106.

In other examples, on the other hand, one or more executable controls418of the present disclosure may be configured to receive an input (e.g., a touch input) from the user106. In such examples, an executable control418may be operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102while the user106is participating in an exercise class. For example, such an executable control418may be configured to modify a speed of the belt120in accordance with a desired speed or pace identified by the instructor. In further examples, one or more executable controls418of the present disclosure may be configured to modify an incline of the deck112, a resistance associated with the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102. For example, in embodiments in which the exercise machine102comprises a treadmill, the user interface400may include one or more relatively specific and/or relatively descriptive executable controls418indicating a particular setting of the exercise machine102that will be implemented in response to an input received via the executable control418. For instance, the relatively specific and/or relatively descriptive executable control418shown inFIG.4indicates that upon receipt of an input via the executable control418, the speed of the belt120will be adjusted to obtain a6.0minute mile pace. In other examples, on the other hand, one or more executable controls418provided by the user interface400may be relatively vague, nebulous, or nondescript. For instance, in some embodiments the user interface400may include a relatively vague “jog” executable control418, a “run” executable control418, a “sprint” executable control418, and/or other executable controls that do not specify a particular setting of the exercise machine102. Similar to the executable control418illustrated inFIG.4, such relatively vague executable controls may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the user106while the user106is participating in an exercise class using the exercise machine102, and may be operable to modify the speed of the belt120and/or other settings or parameters of the exercise machine102based at least in part on such an input.

For instance, a relatively vague “jog” executable control418may be associated with a first speed of the belt120such that, upon receipt of a touch input via the executable control418, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may control the motor of the deck112driving the belt120to cause the belt120to rotate about the deck112, at a speed corresponding to a jogging pace of the user106. In some examples, the speed associated with the relatively vague “jog” executable control418may be a default jogging pace stored in a memory of the digital hardware148and/or otherwise associated with the executable control418. Alternatively, in other examples the speed associated with the relatively vague “jog” executable control418may be customized, programmed, entered, and/or otherwise selected by the user106, when establishing a user profile unique to the user106, before the user106begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user106is participating in the exercise class, and/or at any other time. Accordingly, in such examples the user106may select a speed at which the user106desires the belt120to rotate when the user selects and/or otherwise, provides a touch input via the “jog” executable control418. In such examples, the speed of the belt120, and/or other parameter of the exercise machine102associated with the “jog” executable control418may be stored as part of the user profile of the user106in the memory associated with the digital hardware148and/or in, for example, the database304and/or other memory associated with the one or more servers302of the system300(FIG.3).

In still further examples, the speed associated with the relatively vague “jog” executable control418may be a speed that is identified, calculated, selected, and/or otherwise determined by, for example, the processor of the exercise machine102, and/or a processor or other component of the one or more servers302. In such further examples, the speed associated with the “jog” executable control418may be determined based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past user selections, past user performances, or other previous workouts of the user106. In such examples, for instance, the processor and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may sense, collect, and/or otherwise determine user data including belt speeds that the user106commonly selects during participation in exercise classes using the exercise machine102. In such examples, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may store such user data in a memory associated with the digital hardware148. The processor may also select, identify, and/or otherwise determine a belt speed frequently selected by the user106based at least in part on such user data, and may associate the selected speed with the “jog” executable control418. For instance, such a selected speed may be associated with a warm-up period/segment of previous exercise classes participated in by the user106, and such a speed may comprise a speed most frequently selected by the user106during such previous warm-up periods/segments.

In further examples, a speed of the belt120corresponding to such a relatively vague “jog” executable control418may be selected and/or indicated by the instructor of the exercise class either prior to the exercise class or during performance of the exercise class. In such examples, the one or more servers302may associate such a speed with the executable control418during generation of the executable control418. In still further examples, the speed of the belt120corresponding to such a “jog” control may comprise a mean, median, or mode belt speed included in user data received from a plurality of exercise machines102during one or more previous playbacks of the exercise class. It is understood that a “run” executable control418, a “sprint” executable control418, and/or any other relatively vague, nebulous, or nondescript executable controls418described herein may be configured in a similar fashion.

Relatively specific executable controls418, on the other hand (such as the executable control418illustrated inFIG.4), may include one or more settings that correspond to a specific performance command uttered by the instructor during the exercise class, one or more settings included in user data received from a plurality of exercise machines102, stored settings (e.g., settings stored in one or more user profiles), and/or settings based at least in part on information received from one or more additional sources. Further, although not illustrated inFIG.4, it is understood that the user interface400may additionally or alternatively include one or more additional executable controls configured to modify an incline of the deck112, a pedal cadence, a power zone, a braking resistance, a belt resistance, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102. In particular, such example executable controls may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the user106while the user106is participating in an exercise class using the exercise machine102, and such executable controls may be operable to modify the corresponding parameter of the exercise machine102based at least in part on such an input. One or more such executable controls may be configured through a process similar to that described above with respect to the executable control418.

Additionally, as noted above, any of the processes described herein with respect to configuring, generating, providing, causing the display of, and/or modifying one or more of the executable controls418of the present disclosure may be performed locally at the exercise machine102by the processor of the digital hardware148, remote from the exercise machine102by one or more processors of the server302, and/or by the processor of the digital hardware148operating in communication and/or in conjunction with one or more processors of the server302.

With continued reference toFIG.4, in some examples the user interface400may include one or more additional windows420,422and/or other portions configured to provide additional information to the user106during an exercise class. For example, in some embodiments the server302and/or the processor of the digital hardware148may receive user data collected while one or more of the executable controls418are displayed via the user interface400. In such examples, the received user data may include a first setting of the exercise machine102selected by the user106during a particular part of an exercise class being participated in using the exercise machine102. In such examples, the server302and/or the processor of the digital hardware148may determine a difference between such a first setting and a second setting of the displayed executable control418. The server302and/or the processor of the digital hardware148may also determine an accuracy metric based at least in part on the difference, and may provide the accuracy metric via, for example, one or more of the windows420,422of the user interface400shown on the display104.

In such examples, an accuracy metric may comprise any number (e.g., a difference, an average, a mode, a median, etc.), parameter, or other indicator of how accurately or inaccurately the user106is following the performance command corresponding to the executable control418. Such an example accuracy metric (e.g., -3%) is shown in the window420. Additionally or alternatively, such an accuracy metric may comprise one or more graphics, images, figures, colors, flashing schema, or other visual indicia included in the window420to provide an indication of how accurately or inaccurately the user106is following the performance command corresponding to the executable control418.

In some examples, one or more of the windows420,422included in the user interface400may also include, encouraging messages, explanations, comments, questions, dialogue (e.g., closed captioning), notifications, and/or other information provided by the instructor during the exercise class. Such an example encouraging message (e.g., “C'mon, let's pick up the pace!”) is shown in the window422. Such a window422may also be configured to provide one or more notifications to the user106based at least in part on the accuracy metric described above. In some examples, such a window422may or may not be configured to receive an input (e.g., a touch input) from the user106. Such an example window422may be formed by any of the processes described above with respect to, for example, the executable control418. For example, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a verbal command from an instructor that is leading an exercise class. In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a verbal command, a message, a suggestion, an instruction, or other such utterance included in audio content received from a microphone310and/or from a video camera308. Such an utterance may correspond to a parameter of an exercise machine102, or alternatively, such an utterance may correspond to any other non-performance metric-based message associated with the exercise class being performed by the instructor. In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may associate a window422providing such a message with a video file comprising the exercise class. In any of the examples described herein, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify such a message via natural language processing software or techniques. Alternatively, in further examples, an operator of the system300may use the video encoder320and/or the server302to generate the window422manually.

FIG.5illustrates another example user interface500of the present disclosure. In such examples, the user interface500may be substantially similar to the user interface400described above with respect toFIG.4and/or may be substantially similar to the user interface200described above with respect toFIG.2. As shown inFIG.5, such an example user interface500may include, among other things, a leaderboard502that is displayed so as to allow the user106to see his or her performance in comparison to other users participating in the same exercise class. In various exemplary embodiments, a leaderboard502may comprise a separate window overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410. An example leaderboard502may be configured to display the relative performance of all participants, and/or of one or more subgroups of participants. For example, the user106may be able to select a leaderboard502that shows the performance of participants in a particular age group, male participants, female participants, male participants in a particular age group, participants in a particular geographic area, etc. For instance, in the example shown inFIG.5, the leaderboard502has been configured to show the performance of a group of female participants in their20′s. Users106may have the ability to individually curate and/or otherwise configure a leaderboard502, or have the local system100curate a leaderboard502by selecting an appropriate group of participants relative to the user106. Users106may be able to curate their own leaderboards502for specific previously recorded classes to create a leaderboard502that provides the maximum personal performance incentive to the user106.

Users106may also be provided with the ability to deselect the leaderboard502entirely and remove it from the user interface500. In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine102may incorporate various social networking aspects such as allowing the user106to follow other participants, or to create groups or circles of participants. User lists and information may be accessed, sorted, filtered, and used in a wide range of different ways. For example, other users can be sorted, grouped and/or classified based on any characteristic including personal information such as age, gender, weight, or based on performance such as current power output, speed, or a custom score.

The leaderboard502may be fully interactive, allowing the user106to scroll up and down through the participant rankings, and to select a participant to access their detailed performance data, create a connection such as choosing to follow that participant, or establish direct communication such as through an audio and/or video connection. The leaderboard502may also display the user's personal best performance in the same or a comparable class, to allow the user106to compare their current performance to their previous personal best. In some examples, such performance information may also be displayed in one or more of the display bars414,416. The leaderboard502may also highlight certain participants, such as those that the user106follows, or provide other visual cues to indicate a connection or provide other information about a particular entry on the leaderboard502.

In various exemplary embodiments, the leaderboard502may also allow the user106to view their position and performance information at all times while scrolling through the leaderboard502. For example, if the user106scrolls up toward the top of the leaderboard502such as by dragging their fingers upward on the display104, when the user106reaches the bottom of the leaderboard502, it may lock in position and the rest of the leaderboard502will scroll underneath it. Similarly, if the user106scrolls down toward the bottom of the leaderboard502, when the user's window reaches the top of the leaderboard502, it may lock in position and the rest of the leaderboard502will continue to scroll underneath it. In various exemplary embodiments, performance information about other users may also be presented on the leaderboard502or in any other format, including formats that can be sorted by relevant performance parameters. Users may elect whether or not to make their performance available to all users, select users, and/or instructors, or to maintain it as private so that no one else can view it.

As shown inFIG.5, in some examples the leaderboard502may provide information504indicating the ranking of one or more of the users participating (currently or previously) in the present exercise class. Such a ranking may be, for example, a numerical ranking (e.g., 1-6,936 users, as indicated in the example leaderboard502ofFIG.5) indicating the position, ranking, or rating of one or more of the users. Such ranking may be based on output, pace, speed, accuracy, or any of the other performance metrics described herein. In the example shown inFIG.5, the leaderboard502may also include information506indicating the actual values associated with the rankings or other information504. For instance, in the example shown inFIG.5, the user “Stephanie” may have a ranking of “3,” and this ranking for Stephanie may correspond to her output of 2,686 Watts. Similarly, the user “Ashley” may have a ranking of “4,” and this ranking for Ashly may correspond to her output of 1,890 Watts. Moreover, in some examples the leaderboard502may include information508indicating the accuracy with which each of the listed users are following the current instruction provided by the instructor. For instance, in the example shown inFIG.5, the user “Stephanie” may have an accuracy rating of 13%, and such an accuracy rating may indicate that Stephanie is running at a pace that is 13% above the 6.0 minute mile pace that is currently being requested by the instructor (and as indicated by the executable control418). Similarly, in the example shown inFIG.5, the user “Ashley” may have an accuracy rating of 11%, and such an accuracy rating may indicate that Ashley is running at a pace that is 11% above the 6.0 minute mile pace that is currently being requested by the instructor (and as indicated by the executable control418). While the leaderboard502shown inFIG.5provides information504ranking the various users based on, for example, their respective output (as indicated by the information506), it is understood that in further examples, the leaderboard502may rank the various users based on their respective accuracy rating (as indicated by the information508), and/or based on any other performance metrics or other information.

FIG.5Aillustrates another example user interface500aof the present disclosure. In such examples, the user interface500amay be substantially similar to the user interface500described above with respect toFIG.5and/or may be substantially similar to the user interface200described above with respect toFIG.2. As shown inFIG.5A, such an example user interface500amay include, among other things, a primary window410that includes the segmented timeline402, leaderboard, display bars414,416, and/or other items described above with respect to at leastFIG.5. Additionally, the example user interface500may include one or more windows510,516overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410. In such examples, the windows510,516may include respective executable controls configured to receive inputs, and to direct a corresponding signal to the processor of the digital hardware148based at least in part on such inputs. In such embodiments, the processor of the digital hardware148may be configured to modify one or more corresponding parameters of the exercise machine102based at least in part on the signal and/or the input.

In some embodiments, one or more of the windows510,516may correspond to a respective one of the parameters displayed, indicated, and/or identified by the display bar414or the display bar416. For example, the window510may be positioned above, below, near, integral with and/or otherwise in association with the “resistance” information provided in the display bar414. In such examples, the window510may include an executable control512configured to receive an input associated with and/or indicative of a desired increase in, for example, a resistance of the belt120. The window510may also include an executable control514configured to receive an input associated with and/or indicative of a desired decrease in the resistance of the belt120. In such examples, the executable controls512,514may be configured to direct respective signals to the processor of the digital hardware148based at least in part on such inputs.

Similarly, as shown inFIG.5Athe window516may be positioned above, below, near, integral with and/or otherwise in association with the “cadence” information provided in the display bar414. In such examples, the window516may include an executable control518configured to receive an input associated with and/or indicative of a desired increase in, for example, a speed or cadence of the belt120. The window516may also include an executable control520configured to receive an input associated with and/or indicative of a desired decrease in the speed or cadence of the belt120. In such examples, the executable controls518,520may be configured to direct respective signals to the processor of the digital hardware148based at least in part on such inputs. While example windows510,516and corresponding executable controls512,514,518,520have been described with respect to the resistance and cadence information provided by the user interface500a,it is understood that in other examples, the user interface500amay include one or more additional windows and/or executable controls associated with any other information or parameters provided by the user interface500a.

FIG.6illustrates another example user interface600of the present disclosure. In implementations of this disclosure, the user interface600may be a workout summary interface. As illustrated, the user interface600may include a plurality of sections or windows, including a user identification window602, a workout window604, and a workout summary window606. Although the illustrated interface600includes the three windows602,604,606, more or fewer windows may be present in the interface.

The user identification window602may include information about the user. Such information may include, among other things, an identification of the user106, e.g., a picture, name, avatar, or the like, a number of followers the user106has, a number of fellow participants that the user106is following, the total lifetime runs, rides, circuits, or other workouts in which the user106has completed and/or been a participant, an identification of achievements or rewards the user has earned, records or goals, a timeline of the user's recent workout activity, and/or other such general information associated with the user106and/or the user's workout activities. In further examples, the information provided in the user identification window302may be provided in alternative formats, windows, or locations.

The workout window604may include information about workouts, including available classes and/or classes already completed by the user106. In some implementations, the workout window604may list upcoming live classes or available, pre-recorded on-demand classes. The workout window604may also include associated filters and/or search tools allowing the user106to customize the information contained in the workout window604. In the illustrated embodiment, the workout window604includes a listing of workouts or other exercise classes performed by the user106. The workouts are illustrated as arranged in a chronological list, although the workouts may be otherwise represented. Moreover, the workout window604may further include one or more of a score achieved by the user106during each exercise class (e.g., an output score), the date and/or time of the class, an identification of the instructor, and/or other information. The user interface600may also include one or more additional windows and/or other formats useful in providing additional information regarding the workout history of the user106.

The workout summary window606may provide information about a specific workout, including performance metrics indicative of the user's performance for the specific workout. For instance, the workout summary window606may include information about a completed workout selected in the workout window604. The workout summary window606may include workout information608indicative of the workout detailed in the workout summary window606. By way of non-limiting example, the workout information608may include one or more of a date, time, duration, workout name, instructor name, workout type (e.g., cycling, walking/running, combined workout, circuit workout, etc.) targeted muscle group(s) for the workout, and/or other information.

In some examples, the workout summary window606may also include at least part of the segmented timeline402described above with respect toFIG.4. For instance, in the example user interface600illustrated inFIG.6the summary window606may correspond to a treadmill-based circuit workout, and the illustrated segmented timeline402may include one or more segments404a,404b,404c. . .404n(collectively, “segments404”) corresponding to respective portions, parts, or other segments of an exercise class. The segmented timeline402may also include visual indicia indicating an activity requirement (e.g., run, jog, sprint, lift weights, etc.), an equipment requirement (e.g., dumbbells, yoga mat, etc.) and/or other requirement associated with a respective segment of the exercise class. Together, the segments404and corresponding visual indicia of the segmented timeline402may provide a graphical representation of the entire workout.

The workout summary window606may also include one or more workout summary graphics610,612,614illustrated in association with the segments404of the segmented timeline402. For example, as shown inFIG.6a first workout summary graphic610shows an output (e.g., a measure of performance, which may be a combination of one or more factors normalized across participants) for the user106over the duration of the workout, the second workout summary graphic612shows a speed for the user106over the duration of the workout, and the third workout summary graphic614the accuracy with which the user106followed various instructor commands over the duration of the workout. As illustrated, the workout summary graphics610,612,614may be rendered as graphs including respective plot lines616a,616b,616c(collectively, “plot lines616”) indicating user performance throughout the workout. The respective plot lines616may represent sensor information received from sensors associated with exercise equipment (e.g., the exercise machine102, body-worn sensors, etc.) used by the user106. For instance, speedometers, pedometers, accelerometers, position sensors, gyroscopes, biometric sensors, or the like, associated with the exercise machine102and/or with one or more wearable devices, may sense information associated with the exercise equipment and/or the user106, and such information may be used to create the respective plot lines616.

The workout summary graphics610,612,614may also include respective axes618representing an average value for the specific metric. In the illustrated implementations, the axes618represent a user-specific average (e.g., an average specific to the user106) of the respective metrics, as determined based on the entire workout. However, in other embodiments, the axes618may indicate an average for all participants of the workout, e.g., so the user106can see her performance relative to other participants. In other implementations, the axes618may not be representative of an average, but may instead be a predetermined reference value, which may include a target value or a value associated with a previous undertaking of the workout.

In further examples, graphics other than the workout summary graphics610,612,614may also or alternatively be provided in the workout summary window606. For example, as illustrated in the graphic612, the user106may be able to select a “pace” graphic instead of the illustrated “speed” graphic. For example, such a pace graphic may show a minute-per-mile plot as opposed to the illustrated mile-per-hour. Moreover, the displayed and/or available workout summary graphics may vary based on the workout type and/or available information. For instance, workout summary graphics associated with weight-based segments of a workout may be rendered based on information from user-worn sensors or sensors disposed on weights used to perform those segments of the workout. Moreover, sensors on other types of equipment may also be used. By way of non-limiting example, a workout may include segments executed on a cycle, such as a stationary cycle. In such examples, sensors associated with the cycle may be used to render the workout summary graphics. Other modifications and alternatives may also be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG.6Aillustrates another example user interface600aof the present disclosure. In such examples, the user interface600amay be substantially similar to the user interface600described above with respect toFIG.6. For instance, the user interface600amay include, among other things, a user identification window602, a workout window604, a workout summary window606, workout information608, a segmented timeline402, and/or other components described above with respect toFIG.6.

As shown inFIG.6a, in some examples the workout summary window606may include one or more workout summary graphics620,622illustrated in association with the segments404of the segmented timeline402. For example, a workout summary graphic620may be indicative of a cadence of the user106(e.g., a cadence of the belt120) over the duration of the workout, and an additional workout summary graphic622may be indicative of a resistance of the belt120over the duration of the workout. As illustrated, the workout summary graphics620,622may be rendered as graphs including respective plot lines616d,616eindicating user performance throughout the workout. As described above with respect toFIG.6, the respective plot lines616d,616emay represent sensor information received from sensors associated with exercise equipment (e.g., the exercise machine102, body-worn sensors, etc.) used by the user106, and in such examples, such information may be used to create the respective plot lines616d,616e.

As described with respect toFIG.6, the workout summary graphics620,622may include respective axes618representing an average value for the specific metric. In the illustrated implementations, the axes618represent a user-specific average (e.g., an average specific to the user106) of the respective metrics, as determined based on the entire workout. However, in other embodiments, the axes618may indicate an average for all participants of the workout, or may be a predetermined reference value (e.g., a target value).

In the example user interface600aofFIG.6A, the workout summary graphics620,622may also include respective visual indicia624,626indicating average ranges associated with the respective metrics. For example, the visual indicia624may comprise a series of bars, boxes, line segments, shaded/hatched/colored areas, or other objects indicating an average cadence range associated with a corresponding segment of the workout. Likewise, the visual indicia626may comprise a series of bars, boxes, line segments, shaded/hatched/colored areas, or other objects indicating an average resistance range associated with a corresponding segment of the workout. Similar to the axes618, the visual indicia624,626may comprise user-specific average ranges, average ranges determined based on all participants of the workout, predetermined reference ranges (e.g., target ranges), and/or other ranges of values corresponding to the particular workout identified by the workout information608. In any of the examples described herein, one or more of the workout summary graphics620,622of the user interface600amay also include information628indicating an amount of time, a percentage of the workout, and/or other indicia representing the user's adherence to, for example, a target range (e.g., a target cadence range) indicated by the visual indicia624. One or more of the workout summary graphics620,622may also include information630indicating a user-specific best value (e.g., a best cadence, belt speed, etc.) for the workout corresponding to the parameter associated with the respective workout summary graphic620,622. One or more of the workout summary graphics620,622may further include information632indicating a user-specific average value (e.g., an average cadence, average belt speed, etc.) for the workout corresponding to the parameter associated with the respective workout summary graphic620,622.

FIG.7illustrates still another example user interface700of the present disclosure. Such an example user interface700may include a window702showing a variety of pre-workout information704that may be useful to a user106when selecting a particular workout. For example, such information704may assist the user106in comparing a particular workout to various other available workouts so that the user106may select a workout based on difficulty level, activities included in the workout (e.g., workout content), and/or other criteria. As shown inFIG.7, such information704may include a plurality of metrics706associated with the particular exercise class. Such metrics706may include, among other things, a difficulty ranking, an indication of various exercise equipment needed to participate in the class (e.g., an icon, image, text, or other indicia of a dumbbell, a yoga mat, etc.) an average rating, an average accuracy, and/or other metrics associated with (e.g., descriptive of) the exercise class. In some examples, such information704may also include an indication (e.g., an icon, image, text, or other indicia) of various muscle groups or other areas (e.g., arms, legs, cardio, abs, core, etc.) that the exercise class will focus on.

Additionally or alternatively, the information704may include a class plan708providing a breakdown of the different activities (e.g., jog, run, walk stretch, lift, etc.) included in the exercise class, a length of time associated with each respective activity, an icon, image, symbol, or other visual indicia associated with each activity, etc. In some examples, such a class plan708may also include a listing, summary, or other indication of the respective executable controls included in the exercise class and corresponding to the different segments of the exercise class. For example, the exercise class corresponding to the example class plan708may have an 11-minute run segment that includes a “6.0” minute mile pace executable control418. The exercise class corresponding to the example class plan708may also have a10-minute run segment that includes a “6.0” minute mile pace executable control418. It is understood that such executable controls may be generated based at least in part on respective performance commands uttered by an instructor during the exercise class and/or based at least in part on user data including respective settings (associated with a common performance metric) used on a plurality of exercise machines during playback of the exercise class. In some examples, such a class plan708may further include one or more indications710,712,714of an accuracy metric associated with segments of the exercise class. For example, the indication712may indicate that, on average, previous users participating in the exercise class corresponding to the class plan708achieved an accuracy rating/metric of 5.0% when the “6.0” minute mile pace executable control418was provided (e.g., during the 11-minute run segment). Similarly, the indication714may indicate that, on average, previous users participating in the exercise class achieved an accuracy rating/metric of 5.0% when the “6.0” minute mile pace executable control418was provided during the10-minute run segment. A user106considering participating in the exercise class may find the information704included in the window702useful in determining whether the particular exercise class is appropriate for her. Such information may also be useful in evaluating the difficulty and/or accuracy of the various executable controls418provided during the exercise class.

FIG.7Aillustrates yet another example user interface700aof the present disclosure. The user interface700amay be substantially similar to the user interface700described above with respect toFIG.7, and may include one or more substantially similar components. For instance, the example user interface700amay include a window702ashowing a variety of pre-workout information704that may be useful to a user106when selecting a particular workout. As shown inFIG.7a, such information704may include a plurality of metrics706associated with the particular exercise class. Such metrics706may include, among other things, a difficulty ranking, an indication of various exercise equipment needed to participate in the class (e.g., an icon, image, text, or other indicia of a dumbbell, a yoga mat, etc.) an average rating, an average accuracy, and/or other metrics associated with (e.g., descriptive of) the exercise class. Additionally or alternatively, the information704may include a class plan708providing a breakdown of the different activities (e.g., jog, run, walk stretch, lift, etc.) included in the exercise class, a length of time associated with each respective activity, an icon, image, symbol, or other visual indicia associated with each activity, etc. In some examples, the class plan708may include an indication (e.g., an icon, image, text, or other indicia) of various muscle groups or other areas (e.g., arms, legs, cardio, abs, core, etc.) that the exercise class will focus on.

As shown inFIG.7A, the information704may also include one or more target metrics716associated with the exercise class. For instance, such target metrics716may include a target cadence plot, a target cadence range, an average cadence/belt speed, and/or other target cadence information718corresponding to the exercise class. Such target metrics716may also include a target resistance plot, a target resistance range, an average resistance value, and/or other target resistance information720corresponding to the exercise class. It is understood that the target cadence information718may correspond to one or more of the visual indicia624described above with respect toFIG.6A. Likewise, the target resistance information720may correspond to one or more of the visual indicia626described above with respect toFIG.6A. In some examples the information704provided by the window702amay further include an indication722of the number of members or other users106currently working out and/or otherwise participating in the exercise class corresponding to the information704.

FIG.7Billustrates portions of the user interface700ain further detail. For instance, as shown inFIG.7B, the user interface700amay comprise a window702providing the pre-workout information704, metrics706, target metrics, and/or indication722of the number of members or other users106currently participating in the exercise class, as described above with respect toFIG.7A. Additionally, as shown inFIG.7B, the user interface700amay provide an indication724of the number of friends (e.g., linked/stored/affiliated friends of the user106) that have taken the particular exercise class in the past. Such an indication724may also indicate whether the particular user106has taken the exercise class in the past and/or a number of times the user106has taken the exercise class.

FIG.8illustrates a flow chart depicting another example method800of the present disclosure. The example method800is illustrated as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the steps represent computer-executable instructions stored in memory. When such instructions are executed by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by one or more processors of the server302described above, such instructions may cause the processor of the digital hardware148and/or the one or more processors of the server302to perform the recited operations. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described steps can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. Additionally, the method800may include any of the operations described herein with respect to additional and/or other methods of the present disclosure, and vice versa. For discussion purposes, and unless otherwise specified, the method800is described with reference to the networked exercise system300, an instructor using a first exercise machine102to perform an exercise class in a studio or other location comprising one or more of the video cameras308, microphones310, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, a user106using a second exercise machine102, one or more user interfaces200,400,500,600,700, and/or other items shown inFIGS.1-7. In particular, although any part of and/or the entire method800may be performed by the processor of the digital hardware148, unless otherwise specified, the method800will be described below with respect to the one or more processors of the server302, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300for ease of description.

With reference toFIG.8, at802the server302and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may capture content associated with an exercise class being performed by an instructor. In such examples, the instructor may be utilizing a first exercise machine102to perform the exercise class in a studio, gym, and/or other workout facility. In such examples, one or more video cameras308, microphones310, music players312, audio mixers314, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may be utilized by and/or in conjunction with the server302to sense, record, and/or otherwise capture the exercise class content at802. For example, at802the server302may capture audio content corresponding to the exercise class being performed by the instructor, as well as video content corresponding to the exercise class.

At804, the server302may generate a video file comprising the audio content, the video content, and/or any other content captured at802. For example, audio content may be captured at802in an audio track, and video content may be captured at802in a video track separate from the audio track. In such examples, at804the analog to digital converter316, the video encoder320, the video transcoder324, and/or other components of the server302may merge the audio track and the video track to form a single digital video file at804. Additionally or alternatively, the audio content and the video content may be captured at802utilizing at least one analog device. In such examples, at804, the analog to digital converter316and/or other components of the server302may convert any such analog content to digital content, and may generate a digital video file at804comprising digital audio content and digital video content. In still further examples, at802, the audio content and the video content may be captured in digital form and in a single content capture (e.g., digital recording) process. In such examples, a video file (e.g., a digital video file) may be generated at802upon and/or as part of capturing the audio content and video content.

At806, the server302may identify one or more performance commands (e.g., a performance command included in the audio content captured at802) uttered by the instructor during the exercise class. For example, natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software operating on the server302may identify a verbal command uttered by the instructor during the exercise class, and/or after the exercise class has been completed. In such examples, at806the natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate an executable command. In some examples, the natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software may additionally or alternatively provide the indication of the verbal command to one or more operators of the server302(e.g., via a display or other output device operably connected to the server302), and such operators may confirm, for example, the accuracy of the identified verbal command and/or the placement of a corresponding executable control within the video file generated at804. In still further examples, at806the performance command may be identified and/or recognized by an operator viewing the exercise class (in real time and/or upon playback of the exercise class) without the use of natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software.

As noted above, in some embodiments the instructor may utter a relatively specific performance command during an exercise class. Examples of such relatively specific performance commands may include, “run at a 6.0 minute mile pace,” “go to a5.0incline,” “reach your Zone4power output for the next 2 minutes,” or any other relatively definite command corresponding to a desired speed of the belt120, a desired running speed of the user106, a desired incline of the deck112, a desired power zone of the user106, a desired output level of the user106, a desired braking force or resistance of the exercise machine102, a position of a seat associated with the exercise machine102, a stride type, a pedal cadence of the user106, and/or any other such parameter. In such examples, at806the server302, an operator of the server302, and/or any other operator of a control station associated with the location (e.g., a studio) in which the instructor is performing the exercise class, may identify the verbal command uttered by the instructor. In some examples, at806natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software operating on the server302may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate an executable command. Additionally, at806the server302may identify a timestamp associated with the command (e.g., an elapsed time in the video file generated at804). Such a timestamp may identify the time during the exercise class at which the instructor uttered the command.

In additional embodiments, the instructor may utter a relatively abstract or vague command during an exercise class. Examples of such relatively abstract or vague commands may include, “jog for a few minutes,” “let's go up this hill,” or any other command that may have a different meaning for respective users106participating in the exercise class, but that may still correspond to the current exercise segment and/or current part of the exercise class being performed by the instructor. In such examples, at806the server302, an operator of the server302, and/or an operator of a control station associated with the location (e.g., an exercise studio) in which the instructor is performing the exercise class, may identify the relatively abstract verbal command uttered by the instructor. In some examples, at806natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software operating on the server302may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate an executable command. Additionally, at806the server302may identify a timestamp associated with the relatively abstract command.

At808, the server302may generate an executable control418corresponding to the exercise class being performed by the instructor. As noted above, in some examples, one or more executable controls418generated at808may be operable to modify a parameter of an exercise machine102(e.g., a second exercise machine102used by a user106to participate in the exercise class). For example, at808the server302may generate an executable control418corresponding to the performance command identified at806. One or more executable controls418generated at808may comprise data files, text files, digital files, metadata, instructions, and/or any other electronic file executable by the processor of the digital hardware148. When an example executable control418generated at808is executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, the processor may cause display of the text or other information associated with the executable control418via a user interface (e.g., user interface400). In some examples, such text (e.g., guidance, an encouraging statement, etc.) may be displayed via one or more respective windows422included in the user interface400. In some examples, such windows422, executable controls418, and/or other portions of the example user interfaces400described herein may be provided to the user106during an exercise class as a means of communicating with, guiding, and/or encouraging the user106. In some examples, such windows422and/or executable controls418may not be configured to receive user input and may not be operable to modify on or more parameters of the exercise machine102. In additional examples, on the other hand, one or more of the executable controls418described herein may be configured to receive a touch input from the user106via the display104. In such examples, the one or more of the executable controls418may be configured to modify at least one parameter of the second exercise machine102(e.g., the exercise machine102that the user106is utilizing to participate in the exercise class), based at least in part on such an input. In example embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the executable controls418generated at808may comprise one or more settings associated with modifying a parameter of the second exercise machine102.

For example, in embodiments in which the command identified at806comprises a relatively specific command, the server302may configure the executable control418such that, when the executable control418is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., of the second exercise machine102), the processor of the digital hardware148may cause a component of the exercise machine102(e.g., a motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120) to operate and/or perform an action specifically defined by the executable control418. For example, in embodiments in which an example relatively specific command identified at806comprises “run at a6.0minute mile pace,” at808the server302may generate a corresponding executable control418that includes instructions, metadata, and/or other information or components which, when executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, will cause the motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120to drive the belt120to rotate at a belt speed corresponding to a6.0minute mile pace. Similar instructions may be included in an executable control418directed to a particular power zone, a particular incline of the deck112, a particular pedal cadence, a particular stationary bicycle braking resistance, and/or any other parameter of the exercise machine102.

On the other hand, in embodiments in which the command identified at806comprises a relatively vague or abstract command, the server302may configure the executable control418such that, when the executable control418is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., of the second exercise machine102), the processor of the digital hardware148may determine an appropriate (e.g., a best fit) response corresponding to the executable control418before causing one or more components of the exercise machine102to operate in a modified manner. For example, in embodiments in which an example relatively abstract command identified at806comprises “jog for a few minutes,” at808the server302may generate an executable control418including instructions, metadata, and/or other information which when executed by a processor of an exercise machine102(e.g., a second exercise machine102) may cause the belt120of such an exercise machine102to rotate at a4.0minute mile pace, and/or at any other relatively common jogging pace, and such a setting of the executable control418may comprise a default setting. Such a default setting may be associated with the executable control418at808in situations in which relatively little user data is available corresponding to the particular user106, a user profile of the user106does not include user data associated with a setting or preference of the user106related to the abstract command identified at806, and/or in any other situation in which the server302does not have access to adequate information corresponding to the user106. Alternatively, in examples in which a user profile of the user106identifies a preferred jogging pace, and/or in which the database304includes stored user data or other information indicating previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered jogging speeds of the particular user106, a weight, height, age, gender, or other physical characteristics of the user106, and/or other such information, at808the server302may generate an executable control418configured to cause the belt120to rotate at a jogging pace that corresponds to such user-specific information.

In any of the examples described herein in which a relatively vague or abstract command has been identified, the server302may generate an executable control418at808corresponding to such a command, and upon receiving a touch input via the executable control418while the exercise class is being presented to the user106via the user interface500, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine an appropriate response (e.g., an appropriate modification of one or more parameters of the exercise machine102) based on user data stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or stored within the database304associated with the server302. As noted above, such an appropriate response, may comprise a default setting (e.g., a default jogging speed, and/or a default deck incline associated with jogging), a previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered setting (e.g., a jogging speed and/or a jogging deck incline included in the user profile of the user106), and/or a setting that is determined by the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by the processor of the server302based at least in part on user data (e.g., aggregate user data corresponding to the user106participating in one or more previous exercise classes using the exercise machine102) stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or stored within the database304.

At810the server302may embed, link, and/or otherwise associate the executable control418with the video file generated at804such that playback of at least part of the video file by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., by the processor of the second exercise machine102) via the display104may result in display of the executable control418. In particular, at810the server302may link the executable control418to a part of the video file corresponding to the timestamp associated with the command and identified at806. In such examples, the timestamp may comprise an elapsed time of the video file generated at804and/or during the exercise class at which the instructor uttered the command. As a result, when providing the exercise class to the user106via the user interface500(e.g., either in substantially real time via live streaming, and/or upon playback of the exercise class using an archived video file), the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., the processor of the second exercise machine102) may provide the executable control418at the point in time during the exercise class in which the instructor uttered the verbal command.

At812, the server302may provide the executable control418, together with the video file generated at804, to the processor of the digital hardware148. In such examples, the video packetizer326of the server302may provide one or more signals to the exercise machine102(e.g., the second exercise machine102) via the network306, and such signals may include, at least part of the video file and/or the executable control418embedded therein. In some examples, such as an example in which a user106is live streaming the exercise class in substantially real-time, the server302may provide the video file generated at804and the executable control418generated at808, via the network306, as part of a live stream of the exercise class. Alternatively, in examples in which the user106is participating in an archived exercise class, at812, the server302may provide the video file generated at804and the executable control418generated at808, via the network306, as part of a transmission of the archived exercise class.

Further, at814, the server302may save and/or otherwise store the executable control418generated at808together with the video file generated at804. In such examples, the executable control418may be linked to, embedded within, associated with, and/or otherwise stored with the video file such that, upon playback of the video file, the executable control418may be displayed as part of a user interface500presented to the user106via the display104. Further, while the previous disclosure indicates that the server302may perform one or more operations of the method800, in any of the examples described herein, any of the operations described above with respect to the method800may be performed, in whole or in part, by the server302, an operator of the server302, an operator of a control station at which an exercise class is being performed by an instructor, and/or by any combination thereof

FIG.9illustrates a flow chart depicting another example method900of the present disclosure. Similar to the method800described above, the example method900is illustrated as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof In the context of software, the steps represent computer-executable instructions stored in memory. When such instructions are executed by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by one or more processors of the server302described above, such instructions may cause the processor of the digital hardware148and/or the one or more processors of the server302to perform the recited operations. Such computer-executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described steps can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. For discussion purposes, and unless otherwise specified, the method900is described with reference to the local system100, the exercise machine102, the user106, the user interfaces200,400,500,600,700, and/or other items shown inFIGS.1-7. In particular, although any part of and/or the entire method900may be performed by the one or more processors of the server302, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, unless otherwise specified, the method900will be described below with respect to the processor of the digital hardware148for ease of description.

With reference toFIG.9, at902the processor of the digital hardware148may receive, at an exercise machine102and via the content distribution network306described above, a video file including content associated with an exercise class. For example, such a video file may include audio content and video content associated with an instructor performing an exercise class via an additional (e.g., a remote) exercise machine102. In such examples, the instructor may be utilizing an exercise machine102to perform the exercise class in a studio, gym, and/or other workout facility. In such examples, one or more video cameras308, microphones310, music players312, audio mixers314, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may be utilized by and/or in conjunction with the server302of the networked exercise system300described above to sense, record, and/or otherwise capture the exercise class content included in the received video file. Additionally, as noted above with respect to at least the method800ofFIG.8, the video file may include, among other things, one or more executable controls. Further, in some examples the processor of the digital hardware148may receive the video file at902via a live stream of the exercise class. In such examples, the instructor may perform the exercise class in the workout facility described above, and the processor of the digital hardware148may receive the video file at902substantially simultaneously (e.g., in substantially real-time). Alternatively, the video file received at902may comprise a stored recording of an exercise class previously performed by the instructor, and in such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may receive the video file at902at a later time and/or date.

At904, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide the content included in the video file via a display104associated with the exercise machine102being utilized by a user106wishing to participate and/or participating in the exercise class. For example, as noted above, one or more displays104may be mounted directly to the exercise machine102or otherwise placed within view of a user106. In various exemplary embodiments, the one or more displays104allow the user106to view content relating to a selected exercise class both while working out on the exercise machine102and while working out in one or more locations near or adjacent to the exercise machine102. The display104may comprise a touch screen, a touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitance-sensitive) display, and/or any other device configured to display content and receive input (e.g., a touch input, tap input, swipe input, etc.) from the user106.

Accordingly, providing the content at904may include playing back (e.g., displaying) the exercise class via the display104and/or via one or more speakers associated with the display104or the exercise machine102. Providing the content at904may also include displaying one or more executable controls418included in the video file, via the display104, during a particular part of the video file. For example, as noted above with respect to the method800, the server302may generate an executable control418corresponding to the exercise class being performed by the instructor. For example, the server302may generate an executable control418corresponding to a performance command uttered by the instructor as the instructor performs the exercise class. Alternatively, the server may generate an executable control418based at least partly on user data received from a plurality of exercise machines and associated with a common performance metric. Such executable controls418may be embedded within and/or otherwise associated with the video file received at902. When such an executable control418is executed by the processor of the digital hardware148at904, the processor of the digital hardware148may cause display of the text or other information associated with the executable control418via a user interface (e.g., user interface400). In some examples, such text (e.g., guidance, an encouraging statement, etc.) may be displayed via one or more respective windows422included in the user interface400. In some examples, such windows422, executable controls418, and/or other portions of the example user interfaces400described herein may be provided to the user106during an exercise class as a means of communicating with, guiding, and/or encouraging the user106. In some examples, such windows422and/or executable controls418may not be configured to receive user input and may not be operable to modify on or more parameters of the exercise machine102. In additional examples, on the other hand, one or more of the executable controls418provided at904may be configured to receive a touch input from the user106via the display104. In such examples, the one or more of the executable controls418may be configured to modify at least one parameter of the exercise machine102that the user106is utilizing to participate in the exercise class based at least in part on such an input.

At906, the processor of the digital hardware148may receive user data collected while the executable control418is displayed via the display104. Such user data may include, for example, one or more sensor signals, control settings, speed settings, incline settings, resistance settings, cadence settings, and/or other settings of the exercise machine102selected by the user106during playback of the video file. For example, the processor of the digital hardware148may display the executable control418during a particular part of the video file received at902. In such examples, the user data received at906may comprise one or more settings (e.g., a first setting) of the exercise machine102selected by the user106during playback of the particular part of the video file to which the executable control418corresponds. In some examples, the first setting of the exercise machine102may comprise a current speed of the belt120, a current incline of the deck112, a current resistance associated with the belt120, a current braking resistance, pedal cadence, seat position, and/or other operating parameter of the exercise machine102, a current power zone of the user106, and/or any other performance metric. In other examples, the first setting may comprise a setting of the exercise machine102selected by the user106via one or more controls of the exercise machine102separate from the executable control418and during display of the executable control418. In still further examples, the first setting may comprise a setting of the exercise machine102that the user106selects by providing a touch input via the executable control418itself. In such examples, the displayed executable control418may be configured to receive a touch input from the user106, and to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102based at least partly on such a touch input.

At910, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine a difference between the first setting included in the user data received at906, and a second setting associated with the executable control418included in the video file received at902. For example, as noted above executable controls418of the present disclosure may include one or more respective settings. In embodiments in which the executable control418is generated based on a relatively specific performance command uttered by the instructor, the server302may configure the executable control418such that, when the executable control418is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, the processor of the digital hardware148may cause a component of the exercise machine102(e.g., a motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120) to operate and/or perform an action specifically defined by the corresponding setting of the executable control418. For example, in embodiments in which an instructor utters the relatively specific command “run at a6.0minute mile pace,” the server302may generate a corresponding executable control418that includes instructions, metadata, and/or other information or components (e.g., settings) which, when executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, will cause the motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120to drive the belt120to rotate at a belt speed corresponding to a6.0minute mile pace. Similar settings may be included in an executable control418directed to a particular power zone, a particular incline of the deck112, a particular pedal cadence, a particular stationary bicycle braking resistance, and/or any other parameter of the exercise machine102.

On the other hand, in embodiments in which the instructor utters a relatively vague or abstract command, the server302may configure the executable control418such that, when the executable control418is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine an appropriate (e.g., a best fit) response corresponding to the executable control418settings before causing one or more components of the exercise machine102to operate in a modified manner. For example, in embodiments in which an example relatively abstract instructor command comprises “jog for a few minutes,” the server302may generate an executable control418including settings which when executed by the processor of an exercise machine102may cause the belt120of such an exercise machine102to rotate at a 4.0 minute mile pace, and/or at any other relatively common jogging pace, and such a setting of the executable control418may comprise a default setting. Alternatively, in examples in which a user profile of the user106identifies a preferred jogging pace, and/or in which the database304includes stored user data or other information indicating previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered jogging speeds of the particular user106, a weight, height, age, gender, or other physical characteristics of the user106, and/or other such information, the server302may generate an executable control418configured to cause the belt120to rotate at a jogging pace that corresponds to such user-specific information.

In any of the examples described herein, at908the processor of the digital hardware148may determine a difference between a current setting of the exercise machine102and one or more settings of the executable control418. For example, in instances in which, upon viewing the executable control418displayed at904, the user106modifies the various settings of the exercise machine102to match the settings associated with the executable control418, the difference, determined at908may be approximately zero. In such examples, the user106may be operating the exercise machine102, in accordance with the settings of the executable control418. For instance, the user106may have provided a touch input via the displayed executable control418, and as a result, the processor of the digital hardware148may have modified the settings of the exercise machine102to match the settings of the executable control418. Alternatively, upon viewing the executable control displayed at904, the user106may have provided an input via one or more controls of the exercise machine102, separate from the executable control418, to modify the settings of the exercise machine102to match the settings of the executable control418. The processor of the digital hardware148may have modified the settings of the exercise machine102, based at least in part on such input.

In still further examples, on the other hand, the user106may wish to approximate the settings of the executable control418. For instance, the user106may wish to exceed the settings indicated by the executable control418(e.g., although the executable control418includes a “6.0 minute mile pace” setting, the user106wishes to run at a 5.0 minute mile pace). Alternatively, the user106may wish to exercise at a slightly reduced intensity level (e.g., although the executable control418includes a “6.0 minute mile pace” setting, the user106wishes to run at a 7.0 minute mile pace). In any of the examples described above, at908the processor of the digital hardware148may determine a difference between the setting of the exercise machine102and the corresponding setting of the executable control418.

At910, the processor of the digital hardware148may generate an accuracy metric based at least in part on the difference, determined at908. Such an accuracy metric may comprise, among other things, any number (e.g., a difference, an average, a mode, a median, etc.), parameter, or other indicator of how accurately or inaccurately the user106is following the settings of the executable control418. It is understood that in some examples, such settings of the executable control418may correspond to the performance command uttered by the instructor. Such an example accuracy metric (e.g., −3%) is shown in the window420illustrated inFIG.4. Additionally or alternatively, such an accuracy metric may comprise one or more graphics, images, figures, colors, flashing schema, or other visual indicia to provide an indication of how accurately or inaccurately the user106is following the settings of the executable control418. In any of the examples described herein (e.g., in the examples described above with respect to at leastFIGS.4-6), the accuracy metric generated at910may be displayed and/or otherwise provided via the display104.

At912, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether the accuracy metric generated at910is outside of a desired accuracy range. For example, at912the processor of the digital hardware148may compare the accuracy metric generated at910to a range of values, comprising such an accuracy range. In examples in which the determined accuracy metric (e.g., a determined accuracy value) is either above the upper bounds or below the lower bounds of such an accuracy range (912—Yes), the processor of the digital hardware148may cause the display of and/or may otherwise provide a notification to the user106via the display104. Such an example notification may comprise an encouragement, helpful tips, guidance, and/or other information that may be useful to the user106, in order to achieve the settings corresponding to the displayed executable control418. As shown inFIG.4, an example notification or other corresponding information (e.g., “C'mon, let's pick up the pace!”) may be provided at914via one or more windows422of a user interface400. At914, and based at least in part on determining that the accuracy metric generated at910is outside of the accuracy range, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide a notification to the user106, via a window422, associated with the setting of the executable control418.

Alternatively, if the determined accuracy metric (e.g., a determined accuracy value) is less than or equal to the upper bounds of the accuracy range, and is greater than or equal to the lower bounds of such an accuracy range (912—No), at916the processor of the digital hardware148may provide the accuracy metric to the user106via the display104. For example, as shown in at leastFIG.4, such an accuracy metric may be provided via a window420and/or other portion of a user interface400configured to provide information to the user106during participation in an exercise class. In some examples, if the determined accuracy metric (e.g., a determined accuracy value) is less than or equal to the upper bounds of the accuracy range, and is greater than or equal to the lower bounds of such an accuracy range (912—No), operation914may be omitted.

It is understood that in any of the examples described herein, providing the accuracy metric at916may include providing the accuracy metric generated at910to a processor (e.g., a processor of the server302) remote from the exercise machine102via the content distribution network306. In such examples, and as illustrated by the example user interface500ofFIG.5, the processor of the digital hardware148may receive, from the remote processor (e.g., from the processor of the server302), and based at least in part on providing the accuracy metric to the remote processor, information indicative of a plurality of additional accuracy metrics. In such examples, each metric of the plurality of additional accuracy metrics may be associated with a respective user participating in the exercise class. As described above, via the content distribution network306, a plurality of additional users106may utilize respective exercise machines102, at disparate locations, to participate in the exercise class substantially simultaneously or at dates/times that are convenient for the respective users106. In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may display and/or otherwise provide at least a portion of the received information, via the display104, while providing the content via the display104at904. For example, as shown inFIG.5an example user interface500may include, among other things, a leaderboard502. Such a leaderboard502may provide information504indicating the ranking of one or more of the users participating (currently or previously) in the present exercise class. Such a ranking may be, for example, a numerical ranking (e.g., 1-6,936 users, as indicated in the example leaderboard502ofFIG.5) indicating the position, ranking, or rating of one or more of the users. Such ranking may be based on output, pace, speed, accuracy, or any of the other performance metrics described herein. For instance, the leaderboard502may include information508indicating the accuracy with which each of the listed users are following the current instruction provided by the instructor.

It is also understood that in any of the examples described herein, providing the accuracy metric at916may include displaying a user interface that includes a plot line indicative of the accuracy metric over time. For example, as illustrated inFIG.6, an example user interface600may include, among other things, a workout summary window606providing a plurality workout information608. In such examples, such workout information608may include one or more workout summary, graphics610,612,614. As described above, such workout summary graphics610,612,614may each include a respective plot line616a,616b,616b.Such plot lines616a,616b,616bmay be illustrative of performance metrics associated with a particular user106, and recorded during participation of the user106, in an exercise class. For example, the plot line616amay be indicative of changes in the output of the user106over the duration of a particular exercise class, the plot line616bmay be indicative of changes in the speed at which the user106jogged or ran over the duration of the exercise class, and the plot line616cmay be indicative of changes in the accuracy metric described above over the duration of the exercise class. In such examples, providing the accuracy metric may also include displaying a user interface600that includes a timeline, such as the segmented timeline402shown inFIG.6, identifying one or more segments of the exercise class. As noted above with respect toFIG.6, in such examples, the segmented timeline402may be displayed in association with the respective workout summary graphics610,612,614such that activities/segments of the workout corresponding to respective portions of, for example, the plot lines616a,616b,616bcan be easily identified by the user106via the user interface600.

FIG.10illustrates a flow chart depicting still another example method1000of the present disclosure. Similar to the method800, the example method1000is illustrated as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the steps represent computer-executable instructions stored in memory. When such instructions are executed by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by one or more processors of the server302described above, such instructions may cause the processor of the digital hardware148and/or the one or more processors of the server302to perform the recited operations. Such computer-executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described steps can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. For discussion purposes, and unless otherwise specified, the method1000is described with reference to the networked exercise system300, the one or more processors of the server302, one or more remote exercise machines102in communication with the server302via the content distribution network306, the user interfaces200,400,500,600,700, and/or other items shown inFIGS.1-7. In particular, although any part of and/or the entire method1000may be performed by the processor of the digital hardware148, the method1000will be described below with respect to the one or more processors of the server302, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, unless otherwise specified, for ease of description.

In example embodiments of the present disclosure, the example method1000of FIG.10may include, among other things, providing a first video file to a plurality of exercise machines102. For example, the method1000may include providing, with the one or more processors of the server302, a video file to a plurality of exercise machines102via the content distribution network306. In such examples, the video file may include audio content and video content of an instructor performing an exercise class. Further, it is understood that in some examples the video file may comprise a live stream of the instructor performing the exercise class in substantially real-time. In other examples, on the other hand, the video file may comprise a recording of the instructor performing the exercise class at a previous date/time.

At1002, the one or more processors of the server302may receive user data from the plurality of exercise machines102. For example, such user data may include respective settings (e.g., exercise machine settings) associated with one or more performance metrics. In some examples, the respective settings included in the user data received at1002may be associated with a common performance metric (e.g., an incline of the deck112, a speed of the belt120, a resistance of the belt120, pedal cadence, heart rate, pace, output, etc.). For example, respective settings (e.g., exercise machine settings) included in the user data received at1002may be settings utilized by users106of the plurality of exercise machines102during playback of a particular part of the first video file. For example, at a particular part of the first video file, the instructor may provide a performance command requesting that the users106participating in the exercise class run at a 6.0 minute mile pace. Based at least in part on hearing such a performance command, the users106participating in the exercise class may modify one or more settings of their respective exercise machines102in order to achieve (or attempt to achieve) the pace corresponding to the performance command. Similarly, one or more settings of the respective exercise machines102may be modified by the users106in order to achieve a resistance, an incline, a heart rate, a pedal cadence, and output, and/or any other performance metric corresponding to a performance command uttered by the instructor during the exercise class. The user data received by the one or more processors of the server302at1002may include respective settings associated with any such performance metrics.

As described above, example exercise machines102of the present disclosure may include one or more sensors147configured to sense, collect, measure, and/or otherwise determine performance metrics of the user106, settings of the exercise machine102, and/or other information. For example, one or more such sensors147may comprise a heart rate monitor, a proximity sensor, and/or other biometric sensor configured to sense, collect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a heart rate, a blood pressure, a body temperature, and/or other physical characteristics of the user102as the user participates in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. The exercise machine102may also include one or more additional sensors configured to sense, collect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a speed of the belt120, an incline of the deck112, a resistance of the belt120, a rotational speed of an output shaft of the motor utilized to drive the belt120, a position of an output shaft of the motor utilized to modify the incline of the deck112relative to the support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other settings of the exercise machine102. In such examples, the one or more sensors147may include, among other things, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or other sensors configured to determine speed, motion, position, and/or other parameters or settings. In any of the examples described herein, at1002one or more such sensors147may provide signals (e.g., continuously, substantially continuously, and/or at regular intervals) to the one or more processors of the server302, via the content distribution network306, including such user data.

At1004, the one or more processors of the server302may determine whether the user data received at1002comprises greater than a first minimum amount of user data required to generate an executable control418of the present disclosure. For example, in order to determine, with a relatively high degree of confidence, one or more settings of an executable control418being generated by the one or more processors of the server302, the one or more processors of the server302may determine whether a minimum amount of user data has been received. For instance, in embodiments in which user data associated with only a single user106(e.g., a minimum amount equal to two users106or two exercise machines102) has been received at1002, the one or more processors of the server302may determine that the amount of user data received at1002is less than the minimum required amount (1004—No). In such embodiments, the one or more processors of the server302would proceed to step1002. On the other hand, in embodiments in which user data associated with three or more users106(e.g., a minimum amount equal to two users or two exercise machines102) has been received at1002, the one or more processors of the server302may determine that greater than a minimum required amount of user data (e.g., first user data associated with a first user106, combined with second user data associated with a second user106, and combined with third user data associated with a third user106) has been received at1002(1004—Yes). In such embodiments, the one or more processors of the server302would proceed to step1006.

At1006, the one or more processors of the server302may determine whether the user data received at1002is characterized by, is indicative of, and/or otherwise corresponds to one or more metrics above a required threshold. For example, even in embodiments in which greater than a minimum amount of user data has been received at1002(1004—Yes), such user data may or may not be sufficient to determine one or more settings of an executable control418and/or otherwise sufficient to generate such an executable control418. For instance, one or more minimum percentage thresholds, minimum length of time thresholds, frequency ranges, minimum and/or maximum parameter values, and/or other metrics may be established and/or otherwise utilized in the process of generating an executable control418. In any of the examples described herein, at1006the one or more processors of the server302may compare the user data received at1002with one or more such thresholds and/or other metrics in order to determine whether the received user data satisfies such thresholds and/or other metrics.

For example, in one embodiment, one or more such thresholds and/or other metrics may comprise a second minimum percentage (e.g., 50% of all users106, 60% of all users106, 70% of all users106, etc.) or amount (e.g., 100 users, 200 users, 300 users, etc.) of user data that is determined to be indicative of a common performance metric across the plurality of exercise machines102used to participate in the exercise class. In such an example embodiment, if greater than a second minimum amount of users106(e.g., 50% of all users106; 100 users, etc.) utilized a common belt speed (e.g., a speed corresponding to a 6.0 minute mile pace) during playback of a particular part of the first video file at which the instructor provided a performance command (1006—Yes), the one or more processors of the server302would proceed to step1008. Alternatively, if less than or equal to such a second minimum amount of users106(e.g., 40% of all users106; 90 users, etc.) utilized a common belt speed (e.g., a speed corresponding to a 6.0 minute mile pace) during playback of a particular part of the first video file at which the instructor provided a performance command (1006—No), the one or more processors of the server302would proceed to step1002.

At1008, the one or more processors of the server302may generate one or more executable controls148for a user interface400,500based at least in part on the user data received at1002. In such examples, the one or more executable controls148generated at1008may correspond to the common performance metric associated with the respective settings included in the user data received at1002. Further, in some examples, one or more executable controls418generated at1008may be operable to modify a parameter of an exercise machine102being utilized by a user106to participate in the exercise class. In other examples, on the other hand, one or more executable controls418generated at1008may comprise a message or information provided by the instructor and may not be configured to receive an input from users106.

As noted above, one or more executable controls418may comprise data files, text files, digital files, metadata, instructions, and/or any other electronic file executable by the processor of the digital hardware148. When an example executable control418generated at1008is executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, the processor may cause display of the text or other information associated with the executable control418via a user interface (e.g., user interface400). In some examples, such text (e.g., guidance, an encouraging statement, etc.) may be displayed via one or more respective windows422included in the user interface400. In some examples, such windows422, executable controls418, and/or other portions of the example user interfaces400described herein may be provided to the user106during an exercise class as a means of communicating with, guiding, and/or encouraging the user106. In some examples, such windows422and/or executable controls418may not be configured to receive user input and may not be operable to modify on or more parameters of the exercise machine102. In additional examples, on the other hand, one or more of the executable controls418described herein may be configured to receive a touch input from the user106via the display104. In such examples, the one or more of the executable controls418may be configured to modify at least one parameter of an exercise machine102that a user106is utilizing to participate in the exercise class based at least in part on such an input. In example embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the executable controls418generated at1008may comprise one or more settings associated with modifying a parameter of the exercise machine102.

For example, at1008the one or more processors of the server302may identify a timestamp associated with the particular part of the video file at which the respective settings associated with the common performance metric described above are used. At1008, the one or more processors of the server302may also generate the executable control418corresponding to the performance metric. In particular, at1008the one or more processors of the server302may configure the executable control418such that, when the executable control418is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., of an exercise machine102), the processor of the digital hardware148may cause a component of the exercise machine102(e.g., a motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120) to operate and/or perform an action specifically defined by the executable control418. For example, in embodiments in which the respective settings associated with the common performance metric described above correspond to rotating the belt120at a 6.0 minute mile pace, at1008the one or more processors of the server302may generate a corresponding executable control418that includes instructions, metadata, and/or other information or components which, when executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, will cause the motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120to drive the belt120to rotate at a belt speed corresponding to a 6.0 minute mile pace.

At1010, the one or more processors of the server302may generate a video file (e.g., a second video file) comprising the audio content, the video content, and/or any other content of the first video file described above. For example, such a second video file may comprise audio content and video content of the exercise class performed by the instructor.

At1012, the one or more processors of the server302may embed, link, and/or otherwise associate the executable control418(generated at1008) with the second video file (generated at1010) such that playback of at least part of the second video file by the processor of the digital hardware148via the display104may result in display of the executable control418. In particular, at1012the one or more processors of the server302may link the executable control418to the particular part of the second video file corresponding to the timestamp described above (e.g., the particular part of the second video file at which the instructor utters the performance command corresponding to the executable control418). In such examples, the timestamp may comprise an elapsed time of the second video file generated at1010. As a result, when providing the exercise class to the user106via a user interface400,500(e.g., either in substantially real time via live streaming, and/or upon playback of the exercise class using an archived video file), the processor of the digital hardware148may provide the executable control418at the point in time during the exercise class in which the instructor uttered the verbal command. In particular, playback of the second video file may cause display of the executable control148at a part of the second video file corresponding to the timestamp. Further, it is understood that in some examples, the processes described herein with respect to step1012may be performed during step1010. In such examples, step1012may be omitted.

At1014, the one or more processors of the server302may provide the executable control418, together with the second video file generated at1010, to one or more exercise machines102via the content distribution network306. In such examples, the video packetizer326of the server302may provide one or more signals to a plurality of exercise machines102via the network306, and such signals may include, at least part of the second video file and/or the executable control418embedded therein. In some examples, such as an example in which a user106is live streaming the exercise class in substantially real-time, the server302may provide the second video file generated at1010and the executable control418generated at1008, via the network306, as part of a live stream of the exercise class. Alternatively, in examples in which the user106is participating in an archived exercise class, at1014, the server302may provide the second video file generated at1010and the executable control418generated at1008, via the network306, as part of a transmission of the archived exercise class.

In any of the examples described herein, user data may be received, at1002, from a first plurality of exercise machines102used by a first plurality of users106to participate in the exercise class. In such examples, the first video file described above may be displayed to the first plurality of users106via respective displays104of the first plurality of exercise machines102. Accordingly, the user data received at1002may be user data corresponding to the first plurality of users106. Thus, at1014the one or more processors of the server302may provide the second video file (generated at1010) to a second plurality of exercise machines102separate from the first plurality of exercise machines102. The second plurality of exercise machines102may be used by a second plurality of users106to participate in the exercise class associated with the second video file generated at1010. In such examples, the second video file may be displayed to the second plurality of users106via respective displays104of the second plurality of exercise machines102. Accordingly, in embodiments of the method1000, the one or more processors of the server302may receive additional user data corresponding to the second plurality of users106. The receipt of such additional user data may be similar to the processes described above with respect to step1002.

Further, at1016, the server302may save and/or otherwise store the executable control418generated at1008together with the second video file generated at1010. In such examples, the executable control418may be linked to, embedded within, associated with, and/or otherwise stored with the second video file such that, upon playback of the second video file, the executable control418may be displayed as part of a user interface400,500presented to the user106via the display104. Further, while the previous disclosure indicates that the one or more processors of the server302may perform one or more operations of the method1000, in any of the examples described herein, any of the operations described above with respect to the method1000may be performed, in whole or in part, by the server302, an operator of the server302, an operator of a control station at which an exercise class is being performed by an instructor, and/or by any combination thereof

In still further embodiments, any of the methods (e.g., the methods800,900,1000) described herein may be utilized to generate a content file that does not include video content. Such a content file may then be used (instead of the video files described herein with respect to the methods800,900,1000) for one or more of the remaining steps in such methods.

For instance, and by way of example, in some embodiments of the method800described above with respect toFIG.8, at802the server302and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may capture content associated with an exercise class being performed by an instructor, and in such examples, one or more video cameras308, microphones310, music players312, audio mixers314, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may be utilized by and/or in conjunction with the server302to sense, record, and/or otherwise capture the exercise class content at802. For example, at802the server302may capture at least audio content corresponding to the exercise class being performed by the instructor. In such examples, at804, the server302may generate a content file comprising the audio content captured at802. For example, audio content may be captured at802in an audio track, and the content file generated at804may comprise the audio track without a corresponding video track. In such examples, while video content may also be captured at802, such video content may not be incorporated into the content file at804.

In such example embodiments, at806the server302may identifying a performance command included in the audio content, and the performance command may comprise a command uttered by the instructor during the exercise class. At806, the server302may also identify a timestamp associated with the performance command. In such examples, at808the server302may generate an executable control corresponding to the performance command as described above, and at810the server302may associated the executable control with the content file generated at804. In doing so, at810the server302may generate an augmented or otherwise modified content file comprising the audio content and the executable control. As noted above, such an augmented or otherwise modified content file may not include video content. Additionally, playback of such a content file may cause display of the executable control and/or output of audio corresponding to the executable control at a part of the content file (e.g., at a part of the audio track) corresponding to the timestamp. At812, the server302may provide the content file to an exercise machine, via a network, based at least in part on a request received via the network. Further, at814the server302may store the content file.

In any of the examples described herein, such a content file (e.g., a content file that does not include video content) may be utilized in place of the various video files described above. For instance, in some embodiments of the example method900, such a content file may be received at902, and the content included in the content file may be provided at904. Similarly, in some embodiments of the example method1000, such a content file may be generated by the server302at1010instead of one or more of the video files described above. In such examples, the server302may generate an augmented content file at1012by, among other things, associating an executable control with the content file. The server302may provide the content file at1014, and may store the content file at1016.

CONCLUSION

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. Various modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter described herein without following the examples and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.