Intelligent variable resistance weight training machines

Abstract

Provided are mechanisms and processes relating to intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment such as a weight lifting machine or weight training apparatus. In one example, a system includes a magnetic resistance mechanism that applies and varies magnetic resistance corresponding to gravity based weight resistance for a user performing a weight training exercise. The equipment may include data storage that maintains exercise profiles and a processor that adjusts the amount of gravity based weight resistance based on a profile identified for the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weight resistance machine comprising:
 an intelligent variable weight resistance mechanism configured to vary the amount of weight resistance applied for a user during a weight training exercise;   a display configured to provide an indicator of an amount of weight resistance applied;   data storage configured to maintain a plurality of exercise profiles; and   a processor configured to automatically adjust the intelligent variable weight resistance mechanism based on a selected exercise profile during the weight training exercise.   
     
     
         2 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 1 , wherein the intelligent variable weight resistance mechanism comprises a magnetic plate configured to apply a magnetic force corresponding to a gravitational force associated with a particular weight selected by the user. 
     
     
         3 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 2 , wherein the selected exercise profile is identified using a mobile device associated with the user. 
     
     
         4 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile device is a wearable mobile device. 
     
     
         5 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 1 , wherein the intelligent variable weight resistance mechanisms comprises a plurality of magnetic coils configured to a apply a magnetic force corresponding to a gravitational force associated with a particular weight selected by the user. 
     
     
         6 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 1 , wherein the weight resistance machine automatically varies the weight resistance based on a profile associated with the mobile device of the user. 
     
     
         7 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 1 , wherein the weight resistance machine is a weight lifting machine. 
     
     
         8 . The weight resistance machine of  claim 1 , wherein the weight resistance is applied along cables connected a handle bar for the user. 
     
     
         7 . A system comprising:
 an automatic detection mechanism associated with an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment that automatically identifies a user, without any manual input from the user, when the user engages with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, wherein the automatic detection mechanism includes a personal device interface that receives a personal exercise profile associated with the user, the personal exercise profile including information about a preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment; and   a processor that automatically adjusts the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the personal device interface receives a signal from a personal device associated with the user, wherein the signal is used by the processor to identify the user. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the signal is sent when the user is in proximity to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the signal is sent remotely to the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the resistance mechanism uses electromagnetic induction to provide resistance and braking for the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, and wherein the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment is a weight machine. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising:
 automatically detecting a user at an intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, wherein detecting the user includes identifying the user without any manual input from the user;   retrieving a personal exercise profile associated with the user, wherein the personal exercise profile includes information about a preferred workout routine for the user and corresponding settings for a resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment; and   automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the preferred workout routine for the user.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein automatically detecting the user includes using a proximity sensor to identify the user upon detecting a personal device associated with the user. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein automatically detecting the user includes identifying the user based on biometric information obtained from the user. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein automatically detecting the user includes receiving a signal from a personal device associated with the user. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the resistance mechanism uses electromagnetic induction to provide resistance and braking for the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment, wherein automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism includes adjusting the electromagnetic induction based on the preferred workout routine, and wherein the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment is a weight machine. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising providing the user with exercise options, wherein the exercise options include the preferred workout routine. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising receiving input to start a workout session once the user has selected an exercise option. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising receiving an input to change the preferred workout routine to an alternative workout routine, and automatically adjusting the resistance mechanism associated with the intelligent variable resistance exercise equipment based on the alternative workout routine. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising saving the alternative workout routine to the personal exercise profile associated with the user.