Exercise apparatus with spoken messages

Abstract

An exercise machine has audio programs that provide explanation, coaching and encouragement to the user. The user is given a spoken description of the workout program or work mode, along with training and encouragement. The user may also be advised of any change in speed, resistance, incline, pedal position, etc. The voice can be turned on or off during a programmed exercise sequence and will automatically pick up where the user is in the exercise program. Controls allow the user to select among different voices and exercise levels.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 an exercise machine having at least one adjustable exercise parameter;   an electronic program controlling the adjustable exercise parameter;   a voice message delivery unit providing a spoken message corresponding to a programmed state of the adjustable exercise parameter.   
   
   
       2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the spoken message is selectable between a male voice and a female voice. 
   
   
       3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the spoken message corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise suggestion. 
   
   
       5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the spoken message corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise encouragement. 
   
   
       7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the spoken message announces a state of the adjustable exercise parameter. 
   
   
       8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising visual indicia representing a selected exercise parameter proximate to the user control. 
   
   
       9 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 an exercise machine having at least one adjustable exercise parameter;   a voice message delivery unit providing a spoken message corresponding to the state of the adjustable exercise parameter.   
   
   
       10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the spoken message is selectable between a male voice and a female voice. 
   
   
       11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the spoken message corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise suggestion. 
   
   
       13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the spoken message corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise encouragement. 
   
   
       15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising a sensor for sensing a state of the adjustable exercise parameter. 
   
   
       16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the spoken message announces a state of the adjustable exercise parameter. 
   
   
       17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising visual indicia corresponding to the state of the adjustable exercise parameter proximate to the user control. 
   
   
       18 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 an exercise machine having at least one adjustable exercise parameter;   a user control for designating a selected adjustment of the exercise parameter;   a voice message delivery unit providing a spoken message corresponding to the selected adjustment of the exercise parameter.   
   
   
       19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the spoken message is selectable between a male voice and a female voice. 
   
   
       20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the spoken message further corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       21 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise suggestion. 
   
   
       22 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the spoken message corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       23 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise encouragement. 
   
   
       24 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising visual indicia representing available adjustments of the exercise parameter proximate to the user control. 
   
   
       25 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 24  wherein each visual indicium has an associated button for turning on and off a recorded message of exercise description and suggestions for the corresponding adjustment of the exercise parameter. 
   
   
       26 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 an exercise machine having at least one adjustable exercise parameter;   a user control for selecting an adjustment of the exercise parameter;   a voice message delivery unit providing a spoken message corresponding to the selected adjustment of the exercise parameter.   
   
   
       27 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the spoken message is selectable between a male voice and a female voice. 
   
   
       28 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the spoken message further corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       29 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with an exercise suggestion. 
   
   
       30 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the spoken message corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of exercise levels. 
   
   
       31 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the voice message delivery unit further provides a spoken message with exercise encouragement. 
   
   
       32 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising visual indicia representing available adjustments of the exercise parameter proximate to the user control. 
   
   
       33 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 32  wherein each visual indicium has an associated button for turning on and off a recorded message of exercise description and suggestions for the corresponding adjustment of the exercise parameter. 
   
   
       34 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising visual indicia representing a selected exercise parameter proximate to the user control.