Systems for dynamic resistance training

Abstract

Systems and methods for dynamic resistance training are provided that include the use of a dynamic force module. The dynamic force module includes an actuator and controller adapted to control the actuator according to a force profile that specifies the relationship between an operational parameter of the actuator and a measured parameter associated with a user performing an exercise. The dynamic force module is also capable of communicating with a broader network system to facilitate storing and distribution of force profiles and user profile information. The network system further includes features for, among other things, generating and managing force profiles, uploading multimedia content, and tracking user progress.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of controlling an exercise device comprising:
 controlling an electric motor to provide an exercise resistance to a cable operatively attached to the electric motor, the exercise resistance provided above a first retraction position; and   controlling the electric motor to provide a constant retraction rate on the cable, the constant retraction rate provided below the first retraction position.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising
 controlling the electric motor to reduce the exercise resistance to require less force to retract the cable against a force from the electric motor when a speed of retraction matches a threshold. 
 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the speed of retraction is determined from an encoder operatively monitoring the electric motor. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the exercise resistance is a constant exercise resistance. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising accessing a force profile to obtain the constant exercise resistance. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the force profile further defines the first retraction position, the first retraction position defining a starting point for a particular type of exercise. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the first retraction position is set by a user through a user interface in operative communication with the exercise device. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the constant retraction rate on the cable below the first retraction position is a nominal rate to gently return the cable to a home position. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21  wherein first retraction position is set above an upper and outer surface of an exercise device housing the electric motor, and wherein the cable extends directly from the electric motor through an aperture in the upper and outer surface and wherein the cable is spooled about a motor shaft extending from the electric motor. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the motor shaft comprises a drum about which the cable is spooled. 
     
     
         31 . A method of controlling an exercise device comprising:
 monitoring a speed of retraction of a cable from an electric motor controlled to provide an exercise resistance against retracting the cable; and   controlling the electric motor to reduce the exercise resistance against retraction of the cable when the speed of retraction falls below a threshold.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  further comprising controlling the electric motor to provide a constant retraction rate on the cable, the constant retraction rate provided below a first retraction position and controlling the electric motor to provide the exercise resistance above the first retraction position. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the speed of retraction is determined from an encoder operatively monitoring the electric motor. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the exercise resistance is a constant exercise resistance. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34  further comprising accessing a force profile to obtain the constant exercise resistance. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the force profile further defines the first retraction position. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the first retraction position is set by a user through a user interface in operative communication with the exercise device 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the constant retraction rate on the cable below the first retraction position is a nominal rate to gently return the cable to a home position. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 32  wherein first retraction position is set above an upper and outer surface of an exercise device housing the electric motor, and wherein the cable extends directly from the electric motor through an aperture in the upper and outer surface and wherein the cable is spooled about a motor shaft extending from the electric motor. 
     
     
         40 . A method of controlling an exercise device comprising:
 monitoring retraction of a cable from an electric motor controlled to provide an exercise resistance against retracting the cable;   controlling the electric motor to reduce the exercise resistance against retraction of the cable when retraction falls below a threshold; and   controlling the electric motor to provide a return retraction rate on the cable, the return retraction rate provided when the electric motor is not providing the exercise resistance or the reduced exercise resistance, the return retraction rate to gently return the cable to a home position.