Method of exercise using a spinning cycle

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a method of exercise, utilizing an audio-visual device incorporated into the body of a stationary bicycle (specifically a “spinning” cycle) which instructs the user (through graphics and text) on proper body positioning, and leads the user through the “ride”.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art Including Information disclosed under 37 CFR Secs. 1.97-1.99.

[0005] Every day, more and more people are recognizing the benefits of including some sort of aerobic exercise into their lifestyle. Many choose to join health clubs, in order to take advantage of the various instructional classes offered, such as step aerobics, kickboxing or “Spinning”. Of the aerobic classes offered, most avid gym goers would agree that the best way to get an intense and exhilarating workout is through “Spinning”.

[0006] “Spinning” is a cycling class, led by an instructor, during which riders (each on their own stationary “Spinning” cycle) are taken through a very intense workout that includes various positions on the bicycle, such as “climbing” (cycling while standing), “jumping” (alternately sitting and standing, for a period of time), and “free-wheeling” (cycling at a very fast pace). All of the requlisite positions and exercises are possible due to the physical construction of the “Spinning” cycle, which differs from standard stationary bicycles, in that it contains a 45-pound “flywheel” which allows for manual resistance control and for constant resistance. Thus, the user may stand or sit on the cycle, without having the pedals “give way”, as they would with a stationary cycle.

[0007] The ability to get a smooth and intense ride has made “Spinning” a very popular class. Yet, if one happens to miss any of the scheduled rides provided at the gym (either because the class is full, due to a limited amount of cycles, or due to personal scheduling conflicts), there is presently no other way to get a similar aerobic workout. One is relegated to the standard stationary bikes that do not allow for a smooth ride while “climbing”, “jumping”, or “free-wheeling”.

[0008] Gymnasiums with “spinning” cycles typically do not allow the cycles to be used without a qualified instructor. This invention solves the problem by allowing a rider to get the full benefit of a “spinning” workout by utilizing, an interchangeable cartridge with appropriate instruction and music at any time. One no longer would need to be present at a class to derive the benefit of a “spinning” workout.

[0009] The method of exercise is designed to allow a solo exerciser to derive the full benefit of a “spinning” cycle aerobic workout by offering appropriate instruction with suitable music at any time the “spinning” cycle is available and the rider is desirous of a workout. The invention uses a spinning cycle with a display screen with cartridge that plays music for the exerciser and gives tile exerciser directions, while exercise directions, body position of the exerciser, music credits, elapsed time, and other information is displayed for the exerciser.

[0010] The FIGURE illustrates a perspective view of the spinning cycle apparatus with its integral flywheel and audio-visual apparatus display screen fixed centrally of the handle bar wherein a receptacle receives and runs a cartridge which provides both auditory and visual directions for the exerciser.

[0011] Adverting to the FIGURE, a method of exercise uses the apparatus generally indicated 10, consisting of a spinning cycle having, a flywheel 11 and a display screen 4 wherein a receptacle receives and runs a cartridge 13. In a preferred embodiment the display screen 4 may display several messages and icons, such as a body position legend 5, a body position icon 6 indicating the exerciser's posture, music credits and cover notes 7, a posture reminder 8, time remaining 14, pedaling rate 15, and an exercise title 9.

[0012] Even though in the preferred embodiment a cartridge is used, an alternative is a digital video device or DVD, compact disk, videotape cassette, videodisk, pocket or mini-ROM, or a computer.

[0013] A preferred method of exercise using the spinning cycle comprises the steps of;

[0014] 1) mounting a spinning cycle,

[0015] 2) inserting cartridge 13 in the receptacle,

[0016] 3) selecting the training regiment on the programmed set of instruction to be followed for the exercise session,

[0017] 4) doffing earphones (not shown) and inserting a plug in earphone jack 12,

[0018] 5) assuming the posture written in legend 5,

[0019] 6) assuming the posture shown graphically at 6,

[0020] 7) observing the recommended rate written in legend 15 on the display and adjusting the pedaling rate of the exerciser to the recommended rate,

[0021] 8) pedaling at the rate shown on screen 4,

[0022] 9) listening to the music and moving the pedals in tempo to the music,

[0023] 10) observing the time retaining in legend 14, and,

[0024] 11) repeating( a prearranged sequence of steps 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 until the exercise ends.

[0025] Posture, according to the type of exercise predetermined by cartridge 13, may change with the exercise, and may change during an exercise, wherein hands are moved to a sequence of hand positions indicated low 1, medium 2, and high 3 on the handlebars. An exercise may require temporarily raising the body from the seat for a prescribed interval, which may be graphically indicated at 6 on screen 4.

[0026] A preferred variant of the method further includes a combination of instructions, urgings, and encouragement as audio overbids on cartridge 13.

[0027] Another preferred variant of the method requires a sequence of different levels of effort by the exerciser activating, as instructed in cartridge 13, changes in the energy of the flywheel 11.

[0028] The preferred method of exercise may include a combination of the previously described method elements.