FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to an exercise device and system for personal and/or commercial use.

BACKGROUND

[002] People generally exercise to improve or maintain their fitness and strength level, to lose weight, or just because they enjoy exercising. In many cases, people exercise at a fitness centre or go for a swim or a run. These forms of exercises tend to be unguided and without any structure. It has been found that when exercising on your own or without structure a person is less likely to be motivated to exercise correctly, regularly or at a sufficient level to achieve goals, such as, increased fitness, strength, or loss of weight. There is therefore a need to encourage people to exercise together in a structured environment to provide motivation for people to regularly exercise. There is also a need to train people in a group, particularly when training together in a group at a fitness centre is not an option and people are training on their own, either in different fitness studios or spatially distanced in a fitness studio, or even at home.

[003] It is an object of the present invention to substantially satisfy one or more of the above needs, at least to an extent.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Exercise device

[004] An aspect of the present invention provides an exercise device, the exercise device including: a. an exercise platform to allow a user to perform exercises thereon, the exercise platform being elongate with spaced apart ends; b. a base attached to one of the spaced apart ends of the exercise platform such that the exercise platform extends away from the base; c. a frame attached to the base, the frame having two elongate sides that extend away from the base in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the exercise platform; and d. a display computer attached to the frame, the frame and display computer configured so that the user can view the display computer whilst performing a workout.

[005] Preferably, the display computer is positioned on the frame at a height relative to the base to allow the user to view the display computer from various angles.

[006] Preferably, the elongate sides of the frame each have two ends that are joined together or are integrally formed with each other.

[007] Preferably, the exercise platform has a plurality of non-slip surfaces.

[008] Preferably, the exercise platform is attached to the base by one or more fasteners.

[009] Preferably, wherein the frame is attached to the base by one or more fasteners.

[010] Preferably, the display computer is recessed in a panel that is attached to the frame by a plurality of fasteners.

[011] Preferably, the frame has at least one shelf to support exercise accessories and/or equipment.

Exercise device

[012] Another aspect of the present invention provides an exercise device for fitness training, the exercise device including: a. an exercise platform to allow a user to perform exercises thereon, the exercise platform being elongate with spaced apart ends; b. a wall having two sides, a base and a top, the wall attached to the exercise platform at the base; a. a frame attached to each side of the wall, the frame configured to receive and attach at least one exercise machine adjacent or on the exercise platform; and b. a display computer attached to the frame, the frame and display computer configured so that the user can view the display computer whilst performing a workout.

[013] Preferably, there are two exercise machines attached to the frame.

[014] Preferably, the exercise machine is a bicycle and/or a rowing machine.

[015] Preferably, the display computer is mounted to the wall by one or more fasteners.

[016] Preferably, at least one shelf is attached to the wall to provide support for exercise accessories and/or equipment.

Exercise system

[017] Another aspect of the present invention provides an exercise system comprising: a. the exercise device as described, wherein the display computer comprises a display computer processor and a tangible non-transitory display computer memory storing one or modules of a computer executable software program; b. a remote-control device having a user interface configured to receive a control signal, wherein the remote-control device comprises a remote-control processor and a tangible non-transitory re mote- control memory storing one or more modules of the computer executable software program, wherein the remote-control device is configured to generate a control code dependent upon the control signal; and c. a server to which the display computer can communicate over a communication network, wherein the server comprises a server processor and a tangible non-transitory server memory storing one or more modules of the computer executable software program; wherein d. the display computer processor, the remote-control processor, and the server processor are collectively configured to execute the one or more modules of the computer executable software program to thereby perform a method comprising the steps of: e. presenting, on the display computer: i. a selected exercise program, dependent upon an exercise selection control signal received by the remote-control device, said exercise program having been pre-prepared and stored on the server memory; and ii. one or more images of one or more corresponding other users who are contemporaneously performing exercise routines, and who have been given permission to share exercise program images by a user of the exercise device as described.

Exercise device

[018] In another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in an exercise device for fitness training, the exercise device including: a. an exercise platform to allow a user to perform exercises thereon, the exercise platform being elongate with spaced apart ends; b. a wall having two sides, a base and a top, the wall attached to the exercise platform at the base; c. a frame attached to each side of the wall, each frame extending from the wall configured for attachment to at least one exercise machine adjacent or on the exercise platform; and d. a display computer attached to the frame, the frame and display computer configured so that the user can view the display computer whilst performing a workout.

[019] In one embodiment, the wall includes storage formations configured for storing exercise equipment. [020] In one embodiment, at least one or both of the frames include modular connector formations where by a selection from a plurality of exercise machines is attachable to the frame.

[021] In one embodiment, the at least one or both of the frames includes a pivoting arrangement for pivoting the exercise machine away from the exercise platform in use.

[022] In one embodiment, the exercise device is associated with a scannable visual code, the visual code being configured for being used to interrogate an exercise device database to retrieve an indication of the range of exercise equipment and/or exercise machines associated with the exercise device.

Method - User device

[023] In another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a method of providing one or more tailored exercise regimes to at least one or more users, carried out on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: a. receiving an input from a first user indicative of personal information; b. receiving an input indicative of exercise equipment available to a first user; c. transmitting a signal indicative of the personal information and equipment available to the first user to a service provider system; and d. receiving a signal indicative of at least one or more tailored workouts corresponding to the personal information and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to the first user.

[024] In one embodiment, the input indicative of exercise equipment available to a user is by scanning a visual indicator using a camera.

[025] In one embodiment, the visual indicator is a QR code.

[026] In one embodiment, the personal information includes health goals.

[027] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving an input from the first user selecting from the at least one or more tailored exercise regimes received.

[028] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting the received selection of the at least one or more tailored exercise regimes to a service provider system.

[029] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving workout information for the selected tailored exercise regimes.

[030] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving a questionnaire from a service provider system and displaying the questionnaire to the first user.

[031] In one embodiment, the questionnaire includes questions about personal information and health goals.

[032] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving an input from the first user completing the questionnaire.

[033] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. storing the completed questionnaire.

[034] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting the completed questionnaire to a service provider system.

[035] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. interrogating a database to identify at least one or more exercise regimes corresponding to the personal information.

[036] In one embodiment the method includes the step of: a. interrogating an exercise equipment database including a list of exercise equipment associated with equipment signals to identify at least one or more items of exercise equipment available.

[037] In one embodiment the step of receiving a signal indicative of at least one or more tailored workouts includes the step of: a. interrogating an exercise regime database to cross-reference the identified exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[038] In one embodiment, the exercise regime database includes exercise regimes associated with details including one or more selected from: a. appropriateness for isolated muscle groups; b. appropriateness for one or more selected from: i. fitness training; ii. strength training; iii. bodybuilding; c. age-appropriateness for particular ages; d. appropriateness for flexibility and/or mobility; e. appropriateness for rehabilitation of injury.

[039] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. retrieving workout instructions corresponding to the cross-referenced exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[040] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting a request for workout instructions from a service provider system corresponding to the cross-referenced exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[041] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving workout instructions from a service provider system corresponding to the cross-referenced exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[042] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. displaying the workout instructions to the first user.

[043] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving first user registration details.

[044] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting the first user registration details to a service provider system.

[045] In one embodiment, the step of receiving a signal indicative of at least one or more tailored exercise regimes corresponding to the at least one or more personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to the first user includes the step of: a. receiving tailored workout instructions.

[046] In one embodiment, the step of receiving a signal indicative of at least one or more tailored exercise regimes corresponding to the at least one or more health goals and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to the first user includes the step of: a. receiving at least one or more tailored workouts corresponding to at least one or more health goals and which corresponds to exercise equipment available to a second user.

[047] In one embodiment, the second user is a remotely located second user.

[048] In one embodiment, the personal information includes health goals information.

[049] In one embodiment, the personal information include one or more selected from the following: a. increased fitness; b. increased strength; c. bodybuilding; d. age-appropriate exercise; e. rehabilitation of injury; f. focussed muscle groups; g. muscle specific exercises; h. target weight; i. age; j. height; k. weight; l. medical conditions; m. previous history of exercising; n. available time per week; o. available time per exercise session; p. or any other relevant health information.

[050] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving a video feed from a second user device.

[051] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. displaying the video feed from the second user device.

Method - service provider system [052] In another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a method of providing one or more tailored exercise regimes to at least one or more users, carried out on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: a. receiving an equipment signal indicative of a plurality items of exercise equipment available to the user; b. receiving a personal details signal indicative of at least one or more personal details of a user; c. retrieving a list of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to the user from an equipment database using the equipment signal; d. cross-referencing an exercise regime database of exercise regimes associated with exercise equipment and personal details to retrieve at least one or more tailored workouts meeting the requirements of the personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to the user; and e. transmitting the retrieved tailored workouts to a remote terminal.

[053] In one embodiment, the step of receiving an equipment signal includes the step of: a. receiving a signal indicative of a scanned visual indicator.

[054] In one embodiment, the scanned visual indicator is a QR code.

[055] In one embodiment, the personal details include health goals.

[056] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting the one or more tailored workouts to the user.

[057] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting the selected tailored workout to the user.

[058] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving and storing user registration details on digital storage media. [059] In one embodiment, the questionnaire includes questions relating to one or more of age, weight, height, fitness level, body parts to be exercised, pre-existing injuries and fitness goals.

[060] In one embodiment, the step of receiving an input indicative of workout equipment available is selected by receiving a visual indicator.

[061] In one embodiment, the visual indicator is either a QR code or barcode.

[062] In one embodiment, the workout equipment available to the first user is selected from a picklist.

[063] In one embodiment, the selected tailored workout includes directions in the form of a video guiding the user through the tailored workout.

[064] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: a. receiving a second user input indicating the type of workout equipment available and generating the one or more tailored workouts based on the user input and the completed questionnaire

[065] In one embodiment, the personal information include one or more selected from the following: a. increased fitness; b. increased strength; c. bodybuilding; d. age-appropriate exercise; e. rehabilitation of injury; f. muscle specific exercises; g. target weight; h. age; i. height; j. weight; k. medical conditions; l. previous history of exercising; m. or any other relevant health information.

[066] In one embodiment, the exercise regime database includes exercise regimes associated with details including one or more selected from: a. appropriateness for isolated muscle groups; b. appropriateness for one or more selected from: iii. fitness training; iv. strength training; v. bodybuilding; c. age-appropriateness for particular ages; d. appropriateness for rehabilitation of injury.

[067] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving an equipment signal indicative of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to a second user; b. receiving a personal details signal indicative of at least one or more personal details of the second user; c. retrieving a list of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to the second user from an equipment database using the equipment signal; d. cross-referencing an exercise regime database of exercise regimes associated with exercise equipment and personal details to retrieve at least one or more tailored workouts meeting the requirements of the personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to at least the second user; and e. transmitting the retrieved tailored workouts to a remote terminal.

[068] In one embodiment, the step of cross-referencing and exercise regime database includes the step of: a. cross-referencing an exercise regime database of exercise regimes associated with exercise equipment and personal details to retrieve at least one or more tailored workouts meeting the requirements of the personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to both the first user and the second user.

[069] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. receiving a video feed from one or more selected from a first user device associated with the first user, and a second user device associated with the second user.

[070] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting a video feed received from a first user device associated with the first user to a second user device associated with the second user.

[071] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. transmitting a video feed received from a first user device associated with the first user to a second user device associated with the second user, and transmitting a video feed received from a second user device associated with the second user to a first user device associated with the first user.

User device

[072] In another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in an exercise regime delivery device for providing one or more tailored exercise regimes to a user, the exercise regime delivery device including: a. a processor operatively configured for executing digital instructions; b. at least one or more transceivers; c. digital storage media operatively connected to the processor and configured for storing instructions configured for directing the processor to carry out the steps of: i. receiving an input from a first user indicating personal information; ii. receiving an input indicative of exercise equipment available to a first user; iii. transmitting a signal indicative of the personal information and equipment available to the first user to a service provider system; and iv. receiving a signal indicative of at least one or more tailored workouts corresponding to the personal information and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to the first user.

[073] In one embodiment, the exercise regime delivery device includes a camera.

[074] In one embodiment, the input indicative of exercise equipment available to a user is by scanning a visual indicator using a camera.

[075] In one embodiment, the visual indicator is a QR code.

[076] In one embodiment, the input indicative of exercise equipment available to a user is by a selection of equipment groups.

[077] In one embodiment, the personal information includes health goals.

[078] In one embodiment, the instructions are configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving an input from the first user selecting from the at least one or more tailored workouts received.

[079] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting the received selection of the at least one or more tailored workouts to a service provider system.

[080] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving a questionnaire form a service provider system and displaying the questionnaire to the first user.

[081] In one embodiment, the questionnaire includes questions about personal information and health goals.

[082] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving an input from the first user completing the questionnaire.

[083] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. storing the completed questionnaire.

[084] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting the completed questionnaire to a service provider system.

[085] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. interrogating a database to identify at least one or more exercise regimes corresponding to the personal information.

[086] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. interrogating an exercise equipment database including a list of exercise equipment associated with equipment signals to identify at least one or more items of exercise equipment available. [087] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. interrogating an exercise regime database to cross-reference the identified exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[088] In one embodiment, the exercise regime database includes exercise regimes associated with details including one or more selected from: a. appropriateness for isolated muscle groups; b. appropriateness for one or more selected from: i. fitness training; ii. strength training; iii. bodybuilding; c. age-appropriateness for particular ages; d. appropriateness for rehabilitation of injury.

[089] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. retrieving workout instructions corresponding to the cross-referenced exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[090] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting a request for workout instructions from a service provider system corresponding to the cross-referenced exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[091] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving workout instructions from a service provider system corresponding to the cross-referenced exercise regimes and exercise equipment.

[092] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. displaying the workout instructions to the first user.

[093] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving first user registration details; and b. storing the first user registration details on a user database.

[094] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting the first user registration details to a service provider system.

[095] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving tailored workout instructions.

[096] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving at least one or more tailored workouts corresponding to at least one or more health goals and which corresponds to exercise equipment available to a second user.

[097] In one embodiment, the second user is a remotely located second user.

[098] In one embodiment, the health goals information includes personal information.

[099] In one embodiment, the personal information includes one or more selected from the following: a. increased fitness; b. increased strength; c. bodybuilding; d. age-appropriate exercise; e. rehabilitation of injury; f. muscle specific exercises; g. target weight; h. age; i. height; j. weight; k. medical conditions; l. previous history of exercising; m. or any other relevant health information.

[0100] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving a video feed from a second user device.

[0101] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. displaying the video feed from the second user device.

Service provider system

[0102] In another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a exercise regime delivery system for providing one or more tailored workouts to at least one or more users, the exercise regime delivery system including: a. a processor operatively configured for executing digital instructions; b. at least one or more transceivers; c. digital storage media operatively connected to the processor and configured for storing instructions configured for directing the processor to carry out the steps of: i. receiving an equipment signal indicative of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to the user; ii. receiving a personal details signal indicative of at least one or more personal details of a user; iii. retrieving a list of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to the user from an equipment database using the equipment signal; iv. cross-referencing an exercise regime database of exercise regimes associated with exercise equipment and personal details to retrieve at least one or more tailored workouts meeting the requirements of the personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to the user; and v. transmitting the retrieved tailored workouts to a remote terminal.

[0103] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving a signal indicative of a scanned visual indicator.

[0104] In one embodiment, the scanned visual indicator is a QR code.

[0105] In one embodiment, the personal details include health goals.

[0106] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting the one or more tailored workouts to the user. [0107] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting the selected tailored workout to the user.

[0108] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving and storing user registration details on digital storage media.

[0109] In one embodiment, the questionnaire includes questions relating to one or more of a. age, b. weight, c. height, d. fitness level, e. body parts to be exercised, f. pre-existing injuries, and g. fitness goals.

[0110] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving an input of a visual indicator using the camera.

[0111] In one embodiment, the visual indicator is either a QR code or barcode.

[0112] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving a selection from a picklist of groups of equipment available.

[0113] In one embodiment, the selected tailored exercise regime includes directions in the form of a video guiding a user through the tailored workout. [0114] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving a second user input indicating the type of workout equipment available and generating the one or more tailored workouts based on the user input and the completed questionnaire

[0115] In one embodiment, the personal information include one or more selected from the following: a. increased fitness; b. increased strength; c. bodybuilding; d. age-appropriate exercise; e. rehabilitation of injury; f. muscle specific exercises; g. target weight; h. age; i. height; j. weight; k. medical conditions; l. previous history of exercising; m. or any other relevant health information.

[0116] In one embodiment, the exercise regime database includes exercise regimes associated with details including one or more selected from: a. appropriateness for isolated muscle groups; b. appropriateness for one or more selected from: i. fitness training; ii. strength training; iii. bodybuilding; c. age-appropriateness for particular ages; d. appropriateness for rehabilitation of injury.

[0117] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving an equipment signal indicative of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to a second user; b. receiving a personal details signal indicative of at least one or more personal details of the second user; c. retrieving a list of at least one or more items of exercise equipment available to the second user from an equipment database using the equipment signal; d. cross-referencing an exercise regime database of exercise regimes associated with exercise equipment and personal details to retrieve at least one or more tailored workouts meeting the requirements of the personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to at least the second user; and e. transmitting the retrieved tailored workouts to a remote terminal.

[0118] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. cross-referencing an exercise regime database of exercise regimes associated with exercise equipment and personal details to retrieve at least one or more tailored workouts meeting the requirements of the personal details and which corresponds to the exercise equipment available to both the first user and the second user. [0119] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. receiving a video feed from one or more selected from a first user device associated with the first user, and a second user device associated with the second user.

[0120] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting a video feed received from a first user device associated with the first user to a second user device associated with the second user.

[0121] In one embodiment, the instructions may be configured for directing the processor to carry out the step of: a. transmitting a video feed received from a first user device associated with the first user to a second user device associated with the second user, and transmitting a video feed received from a second user device associated with the second user to a first user device associated with the first user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0122] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0123] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an exercise device according to a first embodiment.

[0124] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the exercise device shown in Figure 1.

[0125] Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of an exercise device according to a second embodiment.

[0126] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the exercise device shown in Figure 3.

[0127] Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of an exercise device according to a third embodiment. [0128] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the exercise device shown in Figure 5.

[0129] Figure 7A depicts how the display computer in the exercise device shown in Figures 1-6 communicates, under the control of a remote-control device, with a remote server storing pre-prepared exercise programs.

[0130] Figure 7B also depicts how the display computer in the exercise device shown in Figures 1-6 communicates, under the control of a remote-control device, with a remote server storing pre-prepared exercise programs

[0131] Figures 8A and 8B form a schematic block diagram of a general-purpose computer system upon which the described server arrangement can be practiced;

[0132] Figure 9 is a process flow chart depicting an example process performed by the display computer.

[0133] Figures 10 to 39 show alternate configurations of the exercise devices shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0134] Figure 40 is a flow chart depicting an example process performed by an exercise software application executing on the user’s remote-control device; and

[0135] Figure 41 is a flow chart depicting an example process performed by the remote server.

[0136] Figures 42A and 42B are swim lane flow charts depicting an example process between the user device and service system provider.

[0137] Figures 43A to 43C are swim lane flow charts showing an example process between two user devices and the service system provider.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0138] The disclosed Free-Standing, Sharing Exercise System (FSSES) comprises one or more geographically distributed networks 700 of exercise devices (such as the exercise device 10 which is described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2) of different levels, referred to as levels G1 , G2, G3, ... , Gn. The exercise devices, each of which may have an associated computer 70 (described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2), camera and display integrated therewith, can be accessed by system users according to a set of conditions. A user can interact with an exercise device using a personal remote-control device, which may be in the form of a smart phone or smart watch, such as 713 (described hereinafter with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 7A) which communicates with the exercise device using, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) system. The exercise devices can communicate over a communications network with a remote server 702 (described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figure 7) which controls the operation of the networks 700. In some implementations the user’s remotecontrol device can also communicate with the remote server over the communications network. The remote-control device 713 can be implemented in any suitable form including a smart phone, a smart table, a smart watch, a tablet and so on.

[0139] In order to use the FSSES system a person firstly needs to register by (A) establishing a connection between their remote-control device and one of the exercise devices, and (B) providing registration information such as name, email address, and fitness information (eg age, fitness profile, injuries). Registration can be performed by the person entering a PIN number, or by using facial recognition or fingerprint recognition other forms of biometric registration and so on. After registering with the FSSES system the user can access and use any of the exercise devices in the network provided that his or her registration details satisfy the conditions associated with the particular exercise device in question.

[0140] Thus, for example, the user can purchase a domestic exercise device (typically at the G1 level), set up the exercise machine at home and perform a registration process, which will (i) register the user, (ii) register the exercise device, and (iii) may inform the remote server of the geographic location of the exercise device. Alternately, the user can establish a connection between their remote-control device and an exercise device located in a hotel gym (this machine will typically be at a G2 level or higher). The FSSES system enables the user’s remote-control device to discover FSSES exercise devices in the vicinity of the user. If the user’s registration details provide access to an exercise device, the user can proceed to use that device.

[0141] The server can store the user’s workout history and associated workout session details and make these available to the user at which ever exercise device the user elects to, and is permitted to, use. Since the various levels of exercise device G1 , G2, G3, ... Gn typically provide different facilities, the FSSES system tailors the workout information provided to a user depending upon the fitness profile of the user and the particular exercise device the user wishes to use. The FSSES system also supports a social network function. This enables registered users of the FSSES system to download an FSSES software application onto their smartphone (remote-control), and then establish personal connections (referred to as friends for convenience) with other users who have registered with the FSSES system and who have downloaded the FSSES software application onto their smart phones. Friends who are registered on the FSSES system can share workout histories and even share workout sessions with each other. Workout sessions are shared between the user and a friend by (a) the user giving a selected friend an invitation to receive the user’s workout stream (which is, for example, information generated by the camera on the user’s exercise device, (b) the selected friend accepting the invitation, and (c) the server displaying the user’s workout stream on the display screen of the selected friend. Workout sharing can be one way or two way between the user and the selected friend. Sharing can also be performed between more than two parties.

[0142] Figures 1 and 2 show an exercise device 10 according to a first embodiment. The exercise device 10 has a platform 20, upon which a user can perform a single exercise or a workout comprising several different exercises. The user does not necessarily have to perform the exercises on the platform 20. However, the platform 20 has non-slip surfaces 25 which may assist the user in completing the workout or provide a safer area to perform the workout. The platform 20 has longer sides 23 and 24 relative to spaced apart shorter ends 21 and 22, thus making the platform 20 elongate. A generally square shaped platform 20 would also suit the exercise device 10.

[0143] The platform 20 is attached to a base 30 at the end 22. The end 22 may be attached to an underside of the base 30 by any suitable fastener such as a screw or bolt, for example. Alternatively, the end 22 may be shaped to lock into place with a complementary piece on or under the base 30, such as a dove tail locking mechanism for example. It is also envisaged that the platform 20 may not need to be attached to the base 30. Rather, the platform 20 may be pushed in abutment with the base 30. The platform 20 and the base 30 may have a non-slip surface underneath them so they do not move during use. [0144] In the preferred embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the base 30 has two apertures 31 from which a frame 40 extends. The frame has elongate sides 41 extending from each of the apertures 31. Each of the sides 41 are attached by a threaded fastener or other appropriate attachment means to the base 30. For aesthetic purposes, the sides 41 are attached to the underside of the base 30. However, the sides 41 could be attached to the top of the base 30 in the same manner as described above with threaded fasteners. The frame 40 is preferably made from aluminium however other suitable materials may be used such as wood, steel or composites. Each side 41 extends away from the base 30 in an upward direction that is generally perpendicular to the exercise platform 20. The frame 40 comprises several different pieces that either fit or bolt together. Alternatively, the frame may be a single integrally formed piece.

[0145] The frame 40 is generally ring shaped and houses a display computer 70 at a top portion of the frame 40. Positioning the display computer 70 at a height above the base 30, allows the user to view the display computer 70 from various angles. The display computer 70 is mounted to a panel 50, by one or more suitable fasteners, that are preferably hidden from view. The panel 50 is mounted in the frame 40 between sides 42 and 43. The panel 50 also has one or more slots 51 to allow for any necessary ventilation of the display computer 70.

[0146] In the embodiment shown, the frame 40 may have one or more shelves 60 that are slotted or fastened into the frame 40. The shelves 60 serve to support exercise accessories and/or equipment such as dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands and the like.

[0147] The display computer 70 (described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figures 7, 7A, 8A, 8B and 9) is used to guide the user through a series of exercises. It is envisaged that a camera, not shown, may be integrated or included with the device 10, so that the user is able to perform the exercises over a video chat platform and interact with other users, either in the same location or a different geographic location.

[0148] Figures 3 and 4 show an exercise device 100 according to a second embodiment. The basic premise of exercise device 100 is the same as exercise device 10, in terms of guiding a user through a series of exercises. However, the exercise device 100 is larger and has more features and options, as described below. [0149] The exercise device 100 has a platform 120 with a plurality of non-slip surfaces 125 which may assist the user in completing the workout or provide a safer area to perform the workout. The platform 120 provides an area upon which a user can perform exercises or a workout. The platform 120 has longer sides 123 and 124 relative to spaced apart shorter ends 121 and 122. There are additional surfaces 126 on either side of the non-slip surfaces 125, thus providing an exercise area for the user on the platform 120.

[0150] The end 122 is attached to a base 130 of a wall 150. Base 130 and end 122 may be connected by threaded fasteners, or by complimentary connection pieces such as a dovetail connector. The wall 150 serves to mount a display computer 170 which is used to guide a user through a series of exercises, as described above. The wall 150 need not be a solid wall in the traditional sense. The wall 150 could be in the form of a skeletal frame such as a lattice, for example. Frames 140 and 180 are used to add rigidity to the exercise device 100, as they are fastened to the wall 150 and the platform 120 by using appropriate threaded fasteners. Also shown in figures 3 and 4 is an exercise machine in the form of an exercise bicycle 190. The bicycle 190 is integrated into the frame 180. For example, the bicycle 190 may have a top tube that is connected to or integrally formed with the frame 180. The top tube of the bicycle 190 may also have at least one support member connected to the frame 180 to provide additional stability of the bicycle 180.

[0151] Alternatively, the bicycle 190 may be connected to the frame 180 by means of modular connector formations that are common to various exercise devices such as rowing machines, bicycles, stepper machines, elliptical machines, or the like.

[0152] It is further envisaged that the frames can include pivoting arrangements such as hinges or similar arrangements that allow the exercise devices to be pivoted away from the platform 120 in order to provide additional space for exercises on the platform.

[0153] The bicycle 190 may have sensors to measure cadence and power and display measurements output from the sensor on the display 170 and/or on a user’s smart device 713. Also shown in figure 3 is a shelf 160 and canopy 155. The shelf 160 serves to support exercise accessories and/or equipment such as dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands and the like. The canopy 155 is used to reduce glare on the display computer 170 and may also be used to hang accessories such as handles so the user can perform bodyweight exercises such as pull ups, or a TRX® suspension trainer. Vents 151 are provided to assist thermal ventilation of the display computer 170.

[0154] Figures 5 and 6 show an exercise device 200 which is similar in many ways to the exercise device 100 described above. The only difference is that the exercise device 200 has a second exercise machine 245, in the form of a rowing machine, integrated into the frame 240. Like numbering has been used for the common components of the exercise device 100 and 200. It is envisaged that devices 10, 100 and 200 can be used (i) at a fitness studio or alternate premises, (ii) in a spaced arrangement at a fitness studio or alternate premises, and (iii) in different locations in different homes, fitness studios, where in these instances, the devices are all interconnected and users can exercise together should they choose to, even in different countries. Country challenges may be an option.

[0155] Figure 7B depicts a system 700, referred to as a Free-Standing, Sharing Exercise System (FSSES), the system 700 incorporating the exercise device 10, (or alternately the exercise device 100 or 200), a remote-control device 713, and a remote server 702 storing pre-prepared exercise programs 722 and other content. The display computer 70 comprises a display computer processor 706 communicating with a display computer memory device 708. The display computer 70 in this arrangement has a camera 709 and a communications receiver 710 both of which communicate with the processor 706.

[0156] The user of the exercise device 10 can use the remote-control device 713 to communicate with the display computer 70. The remote-control device 713 can be implemented using a standard TV remote-control or another remote-control device which has a user interface enabling the user to input control signals 721. Preferably, the remote-control device 713 is implemented using a smart phone. In Figure 7B the user interface comprises push buttons such as 718 which enable the user to input the one or more control signals 721 by pressing one or more of the push buttons 718 in a required sequence. Each push button 718 when pressed, or each sequence of push buttons 718 when pressed in a pre-determined sequence, causes the remote-control device 713 to generate and communicate, as depicted by a dashed arrow 712 and a local area network (LAN) 711, a control code 720 which is received by the receiver 710 of the display computer 70. The LAN 711 can utilize one or more short range wireless communication protocols including Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi and so on. The remotecontrol device 713 has a remote-control processor and memory (not shown) for receiving the control signals 721 and generating the control codes 720. Alternately, the remote-control device 713 has a remote-control hardware I software device (not shown) for receiving the control signals 721 and generating the control codes 720. The remotecontrol device 713, particularly when implemented using a smart phone, can also implement the user interface using voice recognition and speech to text processing to identify the control signals 721 in order to thereby generate the control codes 720. When the remote-control device 713 is implemented as a smart phone, it can communicate, as depicted by an arrow 725, over the communication network 705 with the server 702.

[0157] Based upon the control codes 720 received from the remote-control device 713 by the display computer receiver 710, the display computer 70 communicates, as depicted by a dashed arrow 704 and a communication network 705, with a remote server 702. The server 702, described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figures 8A and 8B, stores the pre-prepared exercise programs 722 in a server memory device 701 which can be a distinct memory device associated with the server 702, or can be implemented using cloud storage and so on. Depending upon the control codes 720 provided by the user via the remote-control device 713, the server can stream a selected exercise program and other content 723 to the display computer 70 for presentation to the user, as described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figure 9. The server 702 can also communicate with other display computers 715, 717, as depicted by respective dashed arrows 714, 716, via the communications network 705.

[0158] Figure 7A depicts a system 700, referred to as a Free-Standing, Sharing Exercise System (FSSES) and like numbering to the system 700 shown in Figure 7 is used. The system 700 incorporating the exercise device 10, (or alternately the exercise device 100 or 200 or other devices and exercise equipment as shown and described below), a mobile device 713, and a remote server 702 store pre-prepared exercise programs 722 and other content. The display computer 70 comprises a display computer processor 706 communicating with a display computer memory device 708. The display computer 70 in this arrangement has a camera 709 which communicates with the processor 706. [0159] To further describe Figure 7A, the user of the exercise device 10 (or other exercise devices) can use the mobile device 713 to communicate with the display computer 70. The mobile device 713 may be a smart phone, smart watch or similar device. The mobile device 713 generates and communicates, as depicted by dashed arrow 712 and a local area network (LAN) 711 , a control code 720 which is received by the receiver 710 of the display computer 70. The LAN 711 can utilize one or more short range wireless communication protocols including Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi and so on. The mobile device 713 has a processor and memory (not shown) for receiving the control signals 721 and generating the control codes 720. The mobile device 713 particularly when implemented using a smart phone or smart watch, can implement the user interface using voice recognition and speech to text processing to identify the control signals 721 in order to generate the control codes 720. The mobile device 713 communicates as depicted by an arrow 725, over the communication network 705 with the server 702.

[0160] With further reference to Figure 7A, based upon the control codes 720 received from the mobile device 713 by the display computer receiver 710, the display computer 70 communicates, as depicted by a dashed arrow 704 and a communication network 705, with a remote server 702. The server 702, described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figures 8A and 8B, stores the pre-prepared exercise programs 722 in a server memory device 701 which can be a distinct memory device associated with the server 702, or can be implemented using cloud storage and so on. Depending upon the control codes 720 provided by the user via the remote-control device 713, the server can stream a selected exercise program and other content 723 to the display computer 70 for presentation to the user, as described hereinafter in more detail with reference to Figure 9. The server 702 can also communicate with other display computers 715, 717, as depicted by respective dashed arrows 714, 716, via the communications network 705.

[0161] Figures 8A and 8B form a schematic block diagram of a general-purpose computer system 800 upon which the described FSSES system 700 can be practiced. Although the following description is directed primarily to the server 702, the description also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the display computer 70 (and the other display computers 715, 717) and the remote-control device 713. [0162] As seen in Fig. 8A, the computer system 800 includes: the computer server module 702; input devices such as a keyboard 802, a mouse pointer device 803, a scanner 826, a camera 827, and a microphone 880; and output devices including a printer 815, a display device 814 and loudspeakers 817. An external Modulator- Demodulator (Modem) transceiver device 816 may be used by the computer module 702 for communicating to and from the display computers 70, 715, 717 over the communications network 705 via a connection 821. The communications network 705 may be a wide-area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a cellular telecommunications network, or a private WAN. Where the connection 821 is a telephone line, the modem 816 may be a traditional “dial-up” modem. Alternatively, where the connection 821 is a high capacity (e.g., cable) connection, the modem 816 may be a broadband modem. A wireless modem may also be used for wireless connection to the communications network 705.

[0163] The computer server module 702 typically includes at least one processor unit 805, and a memory unit 806. For example, the memory unit 806 may have semiconductor random access memory (RAM) and semiconductor read only memory (ROM). The computer module 702 also includes a number of input/output (I/O) interfaces including: an audio-video interface 807 that couples to the video display 814, loudspeakers 817 and microphone 880; an I/O interface 813 that couples to the keyboard 802, mouse 803, scanner 826, camera 827 and optionally a joystick or other human interface device (not illustrated); and an interface 808 for the external modem 816 and printer 815. In some implementations, the modem 816 may be incorporated within the computer module 702, for example within the interface 808. The computer module 702 also has a local network interface 811 , which permits coupling of the computer system 800 via a connection 823 to a local-area communications network 822, known as a Local Area Network (LAN). As illustrated in Fig. 8A, the local communications network 822 may also couple to the wide network 705 via a connection 824, which would typically include a so-called “firewall” device or device of similar functionality. The local network interface 811 may comprise an Ethernet circuit card, a Bluetooth® wireless arrangement or an IEEE 802.11 wireless arrangement; however, numerous other types of interfaces may be practiced for the interface 811. [0164] The I/O interfaces 808 and 813 may afford either or both of serial and parallel connectivity, the former typically being implemented according to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards and having corresponding USB connectors (not illustrated). Storage devices 809 are provided and typically include a hard disk drive (HDD) 701. Other storage devices such as a floppy disk drive and a magnetic tape drive (not illustrated) may also be used. An optical disk drive 812 is typically provided to act as a non-volatile source of data. Portable memory devices, such optical disks (e.g., CD- ROM, DVD, Blu-ray Disc™), USB-RAM, portable, external hard drives, and floppy disks, for example, may be used as appropriate sources of data to the system 800.

[0165] The components 805 to 813 of the computer server module 702 typically communicate via an interconnected bus 804 in a manner that results in a conventional mode of operation of the computer system 800 known to those in the relevant art. For example, the processor 805 is coupled to the system bus 804 using a connection 818. Likewise, the memory 806 and optical disk drive 812 are coupled to the system bus 804 by connections 819. Examples of computers on which the described arrangements can be practiced include IBM-PC’s and compatibles, Sun Sparcstations, Apple Mac™ or like computer systems.

[0166] The FSSES method may be implemented using the computer system 800 wherein the processes of Figs. 9, 41 and 42, to be described, may be implemented as one or more FSSES software application programs 833 executable within the computer system 800 by the processor 706 in the display computer 70, the processor 805 in the server computer 70, and the remote-control processor (not shown). The one or more software FSSES applications may be distributed, in regard to storage and execution, among the server 702, the display computer 70 and the remote-control 713. In particular, the steps of the FSSES method are effected by instructions 831 (see Fig. 8B) in the software 833 that are carried out within the computer system 800. The software instructions 831 may be formed as one or more code modules, each for performing one or more particular tasks. The software may also be divided into two separate parts, in which a first part and the corresponding code modules performs the FSSES methods and a second part and the corresponding code modules manage a user interface between the first part and the users of the server 702, the display computer 70 and the remote-control 713. [0167] The software 833 may be stored in a computer readable medium, including the storage devices described below, for example. The software is loaded into the computer system 800 (ie the server 702 and the display computer 70 and possibly the remote-control 713) from the computer readable medium, and then executed by the computer system 800. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on the computer readable medium is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer system 800 preferably effects an advantageous FSSES apparatus.

[0168] The software 833 as it relates to the server 702 is typically stored in the HDD 701 or the memory 806. The software is loaded into the computer system 800 from a computer readable medium, and executed by the computer system 800. Thus, for example, the software 833 may be stored on an optically readable disk storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM) 825 that is read by the optical disk drive 812. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on it is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer system 800 preferably effects an advantageous FSSES apparatus.

[0169] In some instances, the application programs 833 may be supplied to the user encoded on one or more CD-ROMs 825 and read via the corresponding drive 812, or alternatively may be read by the user from the networks 705 or 822. Still further, the software can also be loaded into the computer system 800 from other computer readable media. Computer readable storage media refers to any non-transitory tangible storage medium that provides recorded instructions and/or data to the computer system 800 for execution and/or processing. Examples of such storage media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray™ Disc, a hard disk drive, a ROM or integrated circuit, USB memory, a magneto-optical disk, or a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card and the like, whether or not such devices are internal or external of the computer module 702. Examples of transitory or non-tangible computer readable transmission media that may also participate in the provision of software, application programs, instructions and/or data to the computer module 702 include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the Internet or Intranets including e-mail transmissions and information recorded on Websites and the like. [0170] The second part of the application programs 833 and the corresponding code modules mentioned above may be executed to implement one or more graphical or other user interfaces (GUIs) to be rendered or otherwise represented upon the display 814 and the display computer 70 as well as the remote-control 713 in some arrangements. Through manipulation of typically the keyboard 802 and the mouse 803, and the remote-control device 713, a user of the computer system 800 and the application 833 may manipulate the respective interfaces in a functionally adaptable manner to provide controlling commands and/or input to the applications associated with the GUI(s). Other forms of functionally adaptable user interfaces may also be implemented, such as an audio interface utilizing speech prompts output via the loudspeakers 817 and user voice commands input via the microphone 880.

[0171] Fig. 8B is a detailed schematic block diagram of the processor 805 and a “memory” 834. The memory 834 represents a logical aggregation of all the memory modules (including the HDD 809 and semiconductor memory 806) that can be accessed by the computer server module 702 in Fig. 8A.

[0172] When the computer module 702 is initially powered up, a power-on self-test (POST) program 850 executes. The POST program 850 is typically stored in a ROM 849 of the semiconductor memory 806 of Fig. 8A. A hardware device such as the ROM 849 storing software is sometimes referred to as firmware. The POST program 850 examines hardware within the computer module 702 to ensure proper functioning and typically checks the processor 805, the memory 834 (809, 806), and a basic input-output systems software (BIOS) module 851 , also typically stored in the ROM 849, for correct operation. Once the POST program 850 has run successfully, the BIOS 851 activates the hard disk drive 701 of Fig. 8A. Activation of the hard disk drive 701 causes a bootstrap loader program 852 that is resident on the hard disk drive 701 to execute via the processor 805. This loads an operating system 853 into the RAM memory 806, upon which the operating system 853 commences operation. The operating system 853 is a system level application, executable by the processor 805, to fulfil various high-level functions, including processor management, memory management, device management, storage management, software application interface, and generic user interface. [0173] The operating system 853 manages the memory 834 (809, 806) to ensure that each process or application running on the computer module 702 has sufficient memory in which to execute without colliding with memory allocated to another process. Furthermore, the different types of memory available in the system 800 of Fig. 8A must be used properly so that each process can run effectively. Accordingly, the aggregated memory 834 is not intended to illustrate how particular segments of memory are allocated (unless otherwise stated), but rather to provide a general view of the memory accessible by the computer system 800 and how such is used.

[0174] As shown in Fig. 8B, the processor 805 includes a number of functional modules including a control unit 839, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 840, and a local or internal memory 848, sometimes called a cache memory. The cache memory 848 typically includes a number of storage registers 844 - 846 in a register section. One or more internal busses 841 functionally interconnect these functional modules. The processor 805 typically also has one or more interfaces 842 for communicating with external devices via the system bus 804, using a connection 818. The memory 834 is coupled to the bus 804 using a connection 819.

[0175] The application program 833 includes a sequence of instructions 831 that may include conditional branch and loop instructions. The program 833 may also include data 832 which is used in execution of the program 833. The instructions 831 and the data 832 are stored in memory locations 828, 829, 830 and 835, 836, 837, respectively. Depending upon the relative size of the instructions 831 and the memory locations 828- 830, a particular instruction may be stored in a single memory location as depicted by the instruction shown in the memory location 830. Alternately, an instruction may be segmented into a number of parts each of which is stored in a separate memory location, as depicted by the instruction segments shown in the memory locations 828 and 829.

[0176] In general, the processor 805 is given a set of instructions which are executed therein. The processor 805 waits for a subsequent input, to which the processor 805 reacts to by executing another set of instructions. Each input may be provided from one or more of a number of sources, including data generated by one or more of the input devices 802, 803, data received from an external source across one of the networks 705, 802, data retrieved from one of the storage devices 806, 809 or data retrieved from a storage medium 825 inserted into the corresponding reader 812, all depicted in Fig. 8A. The execution of a set of the instructions may in some cases result in output of data. Execution may also involve storing data or variables to the memory 834.

[0177] The disclosed FSSES arrangements use input variables 854, which are stored in the memory 834 in corresponding memory locations 855, 856, 857. The FSSES arrangements produce output variables 861 , which are stored in the memory 834 in corresponding memory locations 862, 863, 864. Intermediate variables 858 may be stored in memory locations 859, 860, 866 and 867.

[0178] Referring to the processor 805 of Fig. 8B, the registers 844, 845, 846, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 840, and the control unit 839 work together to perform sequences of micro-operations needed to perform “fetch, decode, and execute” cycles for every instruction in the instruction set making up the program 833. Each fetch, decode, and execute cycle comprises:

• a fetch operation, which fetches or reads an instruction 831 from a memory location 828, 829, 830;

• a decode operation in which the control unit 839 determines which instruction has been fetched; and

• an execute operation in which the control unit 839 and/or the ALU 840 execute the instruction.

[0179] Thereafter, a further fetch, decode, and execute cycle for the next instruction may be executed. Similarly, a store cycle may be performed by which the control unit 839 stores or writes a value to a memory location 832.

[0180] Each step or sub-process in the processes of Figs. 9, 41 and 42 is associated with one or more segments of the program 833 and is performed by the register section 844, 845, 847, the ALU 840, and the control unit 839 in the processor 805 working together to perform the fetch, decode, and execute cycles for every instruction in the instruction set for the noted segments of the program 833. [0181] Figure 9 is a process flow chart depicting an example process 900 performed by the display computer 70 of an exercise device 10 in the FSSES system 700. The process 900 commences with a decision step 901, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, which determines if registration information has been received from the user via the remote-control device 713 of the user. If this is not the case, then the process 900 follows a NO arrow 902 from the step 901 back to the step 901. If, however, registration information has been received then the process 900 follows a YES arrow 903 from the step 901 to a step 904. The step 904, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, communicates the user’s registration information, as well as the identification number of the exercise device, to the server 702. The user’s registration information typically includes their name, email address, age, fitness profile, injury history and so on. The user would typically register upon initially joining the FSSES system.

[0182] The process 900 then follows an arrow 905 from the step 904 to a decision step 906. The step 906, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, determines if a login command has been received from the user via their remote-control device 713. The user would typically login when wishing to perform an exercise routine. If a login command has not been received, the process 900 follows a NO arrow 907 from the step 906 back to the step 906. If, however, the step 906 has received a login command (together with an ID for the exercise device at which the user wishes to exercise), then the process 900 follows a YES arrow 908 from the step 906 to a step 909. The step 909, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, communicates the ID of the user and the ID of the exercise device to the remote server 702.

[0183] The process 900 then follows an arrow 910 from the step 909 to a step 911. The step 911, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, receives an exercise workout menu from the server 702 for the user. This workout menu contains a list of workouts for the particular user in question. This list of workouts is based upon the fitness profile of the user which was provided by the user when registering for the FSSES system, the user’s workout history, a list of injuries (if any) provided by the user, and so on. The process 900 then follows an arrow 912 from the step 911 to a step 913. The step 913, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, receives workout selection information from the user, provided via the user’s remote-control 713. The process 900 then follows an arrow 914 from the step 913 to a step 915. The step 915, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, sends the workout selection information to the server 702.

[0184] The process 900 then follows an arrow 916 from the step 915 to a step 917. The step 917, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, receives the selected workout program from the server 702, and streams it to the exercise device to thereby display the workout program on the display 714 of the exercise device 10. The process 900 then follows an arrow 918 from the step 917 to a decision step 919. The step 919, performed by the processor 805 of the exercise device 10 executing the software program 833, determines if the workout session has been completed. If this is not the case, then the process 900 follows a NO arrow 920 from the step 919 back to the step 919. If however the step 919 determines that the session has been completed, then the process 900 follows a YES arrow 901 from the step 919 to the step 906.

[0185] Figure 41 is a flow chart depicting an example process 4100 performed by an exercise software application executing on the user’s remote-control device 713. The process 4100 commences with a decision step 4101 , performed by the processor (not shown) of the remote-control device 713 executing the FSSES software application which has been downloaded onto the remote-control device 713, which determines if the user has established a connection with a particular friend (in order to establish the connection the user would send an invitation to the friend using the FSSES software application and the friend would accept the invitation). If this is not the case, the process 4100 follows a NO arrow 4102 from the step 4101 back to the step 4101. If however the step 4101 determines that the user has established a connection with the friend in question, then the process 4100 follows a YES arrow 4103 from the step 4101 to a step decision 4104.

[0186] The decision step 4104, performed by the processor (not shown) of the remotecontrol device 713 executing the FSSES software application which has been downloaded onto the remote-control device 713, determines if the user has input a command to the remote-control device 713 to share the user’s workout history with the friend in question. If this is not the case, the process 4100 follows a NO arrow 4108 from the step 4104 to a step 4109. If however the step 4104 determines that the user wishes to share the user’s workout history with the friend in question, then the process 4100 follows a YES arrow 4105 from the step 4104 to a step 4106. The step 4106, performed by the processor (not shown) of the remote-control device 713 executing the FSSES software application which has been downloaded onto the remote-control device 713, sends a workout history permission command to the server 702. The process 4100 then follows an arrow 4107 from the step 4106 to the step 4109.

[0187] The decision step 4109, performed by the processor (not shown) of the remotecontrol device 713 executing the FSSES software application which has been downloaded onto the remote-control device 713, determines if the user has input a command to the remote-control device 713 to share the user’s workout with the friend in question. If this is not the case, the process 4100 follows a NO arrow 4113 from the step 4109 to the step 4104. If however the step 4109 determines that the user wishes to share the user’s workout with the friend in question, then the process 4100 follows a YES arrow 4110 from the step 4109 to a step 4111. The step 4111, performed by the processor (not shown) of the remote-control device 713 executing the FSSES software application which has been downloaded onto the remote-control device 713, sends a workout sharing permission command to the server 702. The process 4100 then follows an arrow 4112 and the arrow 4113 to the step 4104.

[0188] Figure 42 is a flow chart depicting an example process 4200 performed by the remote server 702. The process 4200 commences with a decision step 4201, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, which determines if user registration information for the user in question, and exercise device ID information for the exercise device at which the user registered, has been received. If this is not the case, the process 4200 follows a NO arrow 4202 from the step 4201 to the step 4201. If however the step 4201 determines that the user and exercise device registration information has been received, then the process 4200 follows a YES arrow 4203 from the step 4201 to a decision step 4204.

[0189] The decision step 4204, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, determines if a user login and exercise device ID information for the exercise device at which the user is logging in, has been received. If this is not the case, the process 4200 follows a NO arrow 4205 from the step 4204 to the step 4204. If however the step 4204 determines that the user login and exercise device ID have been received, then the process 4200 follows a YES arrow 4206 from the step 4204 to a step 4207.

[0190] It is noted that the decision step 4201 is performed to determine whether the user in question has registered with the FSSES system. User registration typically occurs only once and is performed in conjunction with an exercise device at which the user performs the initial system registration. The step 4204 is performed each time the user logs in wishing to use an FSSES exercise device, and both the user login and the ID of the exercise device in question are input.

[0191] The step 4207, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, retrieves the user’s workout profile and, dependent upon the particular exercise device being used for the login, sends the users workout menu (see the step 911 in Figure 9) to the exercise device at which the user is logging in. The process 4200 then follows an arrow 4208 to a step 4209. The step 4209, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, receives the program selection information indicating which workout on the menu has been selected by the user (see the step 915 in Figure 9). The process 4200 then follows an arrow 4210 to a step 4211. The step 4211, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, streams the selected workout information to the exercise device at which the user has logged in (see the step 917 in Figure 9). The process 4200 then follows an arrow 4212 to a decision step 4213. The decision step 4213, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, determines if the exercise session in question has been completed (this can be determined, for example, by determining whether a predefined time has elapsed). If this is not the case, the process 4200 follows a NO arrow 4226 from the step 4213 to the step 4211. If however the decision step 4213 determines that the session has been completed, then the process 4200 follows a YES arrow 4214 from the step 4213 to the step 4204. [0192] Returning to the decision step 4204, the process 4200 also follows an arrow 4215 from the decision step 4204 to a decision step 4216. The decision step 4216, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, determines if the user has given permission for a selected friend to share workout history. If this is the case then the process 4200 follows a YES arrow 4217 to a step 4218. The process 4218, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, shares the user’s workouts with the selected friend. The process 4200 then follows an arrow 4219 to a decision step 4221. Returning to the decision step 4216, if the user has not given permission for a selected friend to share workout history, then the process 4200 follows a NO arrow 4220 to the decision step 4221.

[0193] The decision step 4221 , performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, determines if the user has given permission for a selected friend to share the user’s workout. If this is the case, then the process 4200 follows a YES arrow 4223 to a step 4224. The process 4224, performed by the processor (not shown) of the server 702 executing the FSSES software application 833, streams the user’s workouts to the exercise device being used by the selected friend. The shared workouts will be displayed, for example, in split-screen format on the displays of the user in question and the selected friend. In addition to the user agreeing to share his or her workout history and actual workout, the FSSES arrangement can enable the user to instruct the server to connect the user to a studio, thereby enabling the user to see a workout session involving other people exercising in a remote studio. In this arrangement the user can see a display of the studio in split- screen format, together with his own workout, on the display 724. In addition, the FSSES arrangement can enable the user to instruct the server to connect the user to a trainer device, thereby enabling the user to see a display of the trainer in split-screen format, together with his own workout, on the display 724. The process 4200 then follows an arrow 4225 to the decision step 4213.

[0194] Figures 43A and 43B depict a swimlane flow chart showing an example methodology for providing tailored exercise regimes 5000 showing steps performed by the user device 713 and the service provider system 700. The process 5000 commences with a registration step, typically performed by a user on the user device 713, wherein registration details are input by a user, which are received 5010 on the user device. The registration details can include items like name, address, email address, credit card details, password, or the like, that allow the services to be performed online in a secure fashion. The registration details are then transmitted 5015 to the service provider system 700. The service system provider 700 receives 5020 and stores registration details on storage media 701 .

[0195] The service system provider 700 then retrieves 5030 a questionnaire stored on the storage media 701. The questionnaire is then transmitted 5040 to the user device 713 which receives 5050 the transmitted questionnaire, and displays 5055 the questionnaire to the user. The user device 713 receives 5060 an input completing the questionnaire. The information from the completed questionnaire is then transmitted 5065 to the service provider system, where it will be received 5070 and stored on digital storage media 701 as personal details in association with the user’s registration details. It is anticipated that the answers to the questionnaire will provide personal details including age, height, weight, gym experience, previous injuries, previous surgeries, and the like. Additionally, the answers to the questionnaire provide additional personal details in the form of health goals that will also be stored in association with the users registration details. Health goals can include information about what are the user is trying to achieve from their exercise regimes. Health goals can include information such as: a. increased fitness; b. increased strength; c. bodybuilding; d. age-appropriate exercise; e. stage of rehabilitation of injury (for example early stage rehabilitation, medium stage rehabilitation, or late stage rehabilitation); f. muscle groups to be avoided; g. muscle specific exercises; h. target weight; i. age; j. height; k. weight; l. medical conditions; m. previous history of exercising; n. available time per week; o. available time per exercise session; p. or any other relevant health information.

[0196] The user may then be prompted by the user device to provide an input indicative of exercise equipment available to the user. The input that is provided by the user may be a selection of a variety of exercise equipment groups, or may be a scan of a visual indicator with the camera of their device 713. The visual indicator may be a QR code or barcode for example. The user device 713 will receive 5080 an input of the visual indicator and transmit 5090 the visual indicator to the service provider system 700, where it will be received 5100.

[0197] At this stage, the service provider system will generate a list of tailored exercise regimes based on the visual indicator and the personal details of the user. In order to do so, the service provider system 700 will use the received visual indicator code to interrogate an equipment database. The equipment database will include a list of visual indicator codes and/or equipment selections that are each associated with equipment groups. The equipment groups can include a plurality of different types of exercise equipment. The equipment database will be interrogated 5110 using the received visual indicator, to retrieve a list of at least one or more items of associated exercise equipment. This will give an indication of what exercise equipment is available to the user.

[0198] Once the list of exercise equipment has been retrieved, the service provider system will then cross-reference 5115 the retrieved list of exercise equipment and the personal details on an exercise regime database in order to select appropriate exercise regimes for the user. It is anticipated that the exercise regime database will include a list of exercise regimes that are stored in association with details can include: a. the appropriateness of that exercise regime for isolated muscle groups; b. the appropriateness of that exercise regime for one or more selected from: vi. fitness training; vii. strength training; viii. bodybuilding training; c. the appropriateness of that exercise regime for particular ages; d. the appropriateness of that exercise regime for rehabilitation of particular injuries.

[0199] It is anticipated that the service provider system 700 will initially look for exercise regimes that correspond to the available list of exercise equipment. Then, for example if the user has indicated in the questionnaire that they are interested in bodybuilding training, then only those exercise regimes are associated with bodybuilding training will be selected. If the user has indicated on the questionnaire that they are rehabilitating a shoulder injury, then exercise regimes that are contraindicated for such rehabilitation will be excluded from the selected exercise regimes. The questionnaire may also indicate that the user is interested in separating the exercising of different muscle groups on different days (for example chest on Monday, back on Wednesday, and legs on Friday). The service provider system may retrieve the particular date and day, and establish that on this particular day the user is interested in exercising their back muscles. For this reason, all exercise groups that do not exercise back muscles will be excluded. It may further be envisaged that certain exercise groups will be regarded as being contraindicated for certain age groups (for example due to common medical conditions for the age group, or because the exercise regimes perhaps generate severe torqueing or twisting on joints, which may not be suitable for older people with weaker or more brittle tendons and/or ligaments). In this way, the service provider system will utilise the personal details to select or deselect exercise regimes from the exercise regime database.

[0200] Now following on from reference letter A in figure 40 3B, once all of the personal details have been utilised, the remaining tailored exercise regimes or workouts will be transmitted 5120 to the user device, where they will be received 5130

[0201] The user device 713 then presents 5140 a selection of the tailored workout(s) on the screen of the device 713 or via display computer 70. The user device 713 then receives 5150 an input from the user of a selection of tailored workouts or exercise regimes that the user would like to perform and the selection of tailored workouts is transmitted 5155 to the service provider system, where it is received 5160.

[0202] Upon receiving 5150 the selected tailored workout, the service provider system retrieves 5165 the selected tailored workouts from the exercise regime database and transmits 5170 the selected tailored workout to the user device 713, preferably in the form of a video stream. After receiving 5180 the selected tailored workout, the user device the presents 5190 the selected tailored workout to the user via the user device 713 or display computer 70.

[0203] If no input 5100 of a visual indicator is received by the service system provider 700, the system will assume that an exercise unit 10, 100, 200 is not available and prompt the user to input what exercise equipment they have available to them. Alternately and/or additionally, an may be input received from the user selecting which equipment they have from a list of pre-loaded pieces of equipment or equipment groupings. Particular equipment groupings may be provided for sale to the user that of preloaded onto the application on the first user device, and which may be selected by the user.

[0204] Figures 44A to 44C depict a swimlane flow chart showing another example method of providing a tailored exercise regime 6000 that is similar to example process 5000 described above, however in the example process 6000, a second user device 713’ associated with the second user, as well as a second exercise unit are introduced. It is anticipated that the first user device and second user device will typically be located remotely from each other. Like numbering has been used throughout the process 6000 on both the first user device and the second user device. The main difference the process 6000 shows compared to process 5000 is that a second user device 713’ is included to illustrate a scenario where two users on their own exercise devices 10, 100, 200, may work out together simultaneously. The second user device 713’ is shown to perform the same steps with like numbering as the first user device 713. It is envisaged that if more than two people wanted to exercise together as a group, each using different exercise units (10, 100, 200), then the process would be similar to what is shown in Figures 44A to 44C, however with “n” number of user devices in communication with the service system provider.

[0205] Turning to Figure 44A specifically, once the service provider system 700 has received the visual indicator at step 6100, the service system provider 700 will generate a tailored exercise regime or workout as described above, but for each of the user profiles and utilising each of the first user’s and second user’s personal details. In generating the tailored exercise regimes, it is anticipated that separate tailored exercise regimes may be generated for each of the users in accordance with their particular personal details and equipment availability, but preferably matching the exercise regimes as much as possible, so that separate users will be prompted to do the same or similar exercises at the same time. For example, both users may have particular exercise equipment such as a set of barbells available, while one user may be focusing on strength and another may be focusing on endurance and/or stamina and/or fitness. In this case it is envisaged that a similar exercise may be provided (such as arm curls) but using different weights and numbers of repetitions for each user.

[0206] Alternately, it is envisaged that the service provider system may retrieve only exercise regimes that can be followed by both users according to their personal details and equipment availability. This may especially be the case where users have similar personal details (for example both have a preference for bodybuilding) and both have access to an exercise device that has a large variety of equipment. In this way, users in different places can ensure that they are able to match each other in the exercise regimes that they are following and do not move apart from each other in ability for the time that they are located remotely from each other. This may be the case where, for example, normal gym partners not able to gym together because one of them is on a business trip for three weeks. [0207] As may be seen in figure 44B, the same process followed in figure 43B will be followed, but for dual user devices.

[0208] It is further anticipated that, as shown in figure 44C and following on from reference letter B in figure 44A, that the service provider system will establish 6210 a connection with a camera located on the first user device 713 and with a camera on the second user device 713’. These connections with the cameras are confirmed 6220, 6220’ by each of the first user device and the second user device .

[0209] Each user device then receives an input 6230, 6230’ from the respective cameras on mobile devices 713, 713’. Each input 6230, 6230’ is transmitted 6240, 6240’ directly to the other respective user device. On receiving 6245, 6245’ the video feed from the other user device, it is anticipated that the video feed, together with the selected tailored workout that was received 6180, 6180’ from the service provider system in figure 44B, will be transmitted to the display device on the exercise unit, preferably using known technology such as casting.

[0210] It is anticipated that each input 6230, 6230’ may alternately be routed via the service provider system to the other respective user device.

[0211] If there is more than one other user device, then the input 6230 is also transmitted to those exercise units so that each person exercising can see the other people working out in the group.

[0212] As discussed above, the workouts provided or streamed to the user are tailored based their answers to certain questions, the type of equipment available and what the user is trying to achieve in terms of their fitness goals. After the registration step described above is completed, the user is prompted to answer a series of questions, preferably in the form of a digital questionnaire. The questions aim to extract as much information about the user so that a tailored workout can be generated and streamed. Questions relating to age, height, weight, day-to-day activity level based on occupation, fitness goals (e.g. strength, endurance, flexibility and mobility), pre-existing injuries may be included. The software described above is then able to determine a fitness profile about the user. [0213] The equipment available may be any one of the exercise devices 10, 100, 200, 300, or any one of several different kits. The kits may be pre-programed into the software with specific pieces of equipment. The equipment in each kit may have a carry bag with a unique identifier located on the outside of the bag. The input equipment available to the user are used to provide one or more tailored workouts to the user on their mobile device or the display 70. Once the user is presented with the one or more tailored workouts, the user can select a workout to perform via their mobile device 713 or via the display 70. The user’s selection may vary and depend on the time available to exercise that day or the type of workout they wish to perform, such as a cardio focused or weights focused workout. The user may update their fitness goals as time goes on, so that they are presented with a workout selection that meets their current fitness goals. The software described above may periodically prompt the user to update their fitness goals.

[0214] The user may use their mobile device to scan a unique identifier such as a barcode or QR code located on any one of the exercise devices 10, 100, 200, 300 or on the kits. The software described above will receive this input and provide a tailored workout based on the user’s fitness profile, the personal details, as well as the unique identifier/visual code that was scanned. Alternatively, if the user is not performing a workout using one of the exercise devices 10, 100, 200, 300, or does not have a kit, meaning that no unique identifier is scanned or able to be scanned, then the user may be asked to select what equipment they have available to them before they can select a workout to be streamed. However, it is anticipated that the ability to scan a visual code and immediately be able to recognise what equipment is available will increase convenience, and result in a reduced amount of time in inputting available equipment, and hence an improved performance by the

[0215] For example, the user may open an app on their phone after they have registered and completed their fitness profile and elect to input that they have a skipping rope and a pair of 8kg dumbbells. The software described above will receive this input information to use, along with the user’s fitness profile to generate and present one or more tailored workouts for the user to perform.

[0216] The software described above allows for the user to begin working out quickly and easily. The user will not have to think or worry about any delay in formulating an ongoing workout routine to achieve their fitness goals, which is often a time-consuming process.

[0217] Figures 10 to 39 show various configurations for commercial use of the exercise device described above. In general terms, two or more exercise devices 200 may be connected to each other to form a “bank” of exercises devices.

[0218] Figure 10 also shows two exercise devices 200 connected to form a bank 300. In this configuration, a bar 304 connects the two devices 200 together using any suitable fastener. The bar 304 may be used to perform bodyweight exercise such as chin-ups. Also attached in a similar manner is another bar 305, which is commonly used in barre classes. It is also envisaged that the bar 304 could be used to hang a boxing bag or speed ball.

[0219] Figures 11 and 12 show alternate banks 300 which are connected via a piece of gym equipment commonly referred to as a bench press 306. The bench press 306 has legs 307 which are integrated into the frame 240 of the device 200 and/or the platform 226.

[0220] Figure 13 shows a bank 300 connected by a pegboard 308 as well as shelving 309. Both the pegboard 308 and shelving 309 serve as a connector of the two exercise devices 200 and as storage solutions.

[0221] Figure 14 shows a bank 300 connected by a mirror 310. There is an area 311 between the platforms 226 of the exercise devices 200 which provides the user with a stretching area or an area to perform yoga exercises.

[0222] Figures 15 and 16 show other devices to connect exercise devices 200 together to form a bank 300. In Figure 16, there is a frame 312, generally known as a power cage or power rack. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, a Pilates reformer 313 may be used to connect the devices 200 together. It is envisaged that the Pilates reformer 313 may fold into an upright position (not shown) to provide a space for users to stretch between the two platforms 226.

[0223] Figure 17 shows the two exercise devices 200 connected to form a bank 300 using a projector screen 314. The space between the exercise devices 200 may be utilised by a treadmill 315, for example. A similar set up is shown in Figure 18, however instead of a projector and a screen, a frame 318 and television 316 is used to connect the devices 200 together. The space between the devices may be utilized by a crosstrainer 317. In Figure 19, a similar set up is proposed, however an exercise machine 318 for a wheel chair occupant is envisaged.

[0224] In Figure 20, there is depicted an exercise bank 300 where the exercises devices 200 are connected via a net 319. The net 319 may be used to practice a golf swing by hitting a ball into the net with a golf club. A scanner 320 may be located above the net 319 to view the user’s swing. Result of the swing may be displayed on the computer display 270.

[0225] Figure 21 shows the bank 300, with exercises devices 200 connected via a frame 320 and a net 321. The net 321 allows users to practice kicking a ball into the net 321. Similarly, in Figure 22, a user can practice their golf swing by hitting a ball into screen 322, which connects the exercise devices 200 together.

[0226] Figure 23 shows the bank 300 with a meditation area 323 connecting the exercise devices 200. It is also envisaged that multiple meditation areas 323 can be used to connect more than two exercise devices 200 together. Figure 24 shows a similar configuration, however instead of a meditation area 323, a gaming area 324 is shown to connect the two exercise devices 200 together.

[0227] In a similar embodiment, Figure 25 shows a table tennis table 325 connected to each exercise device 200 via a frame 326. The frame may be adapted to provide storage for accessories such as bats and balls. Additionally, a scoreboard may be also be integrated into the frame 326, as shown on the right-hand side of the table tennis table 325 in Figure 25.

[0228] Figure 26 shows the exercises devices 200 connected by a bounded area 327 for young children. This allows their parents to perform a workout whilst their young child or children are entertained within the bounded area 327. The bounded area is made from a plastic or metallic frame.

[0229] Figure 27 shows two exercise devices 200 connected to each other to form a bank 300 via a frame 326. Mounted to the frame 326 is a display computer 270. Between the two exercise devices 200 are a plurality of bicycles 290. The bicycles may be connected to each other and the frame 280 of the device 200, or the plurality of bicycles 290 may be freestanding. The display computer 270 may display statistics for each rider of the plurality of bicycles; or display scenery such as popular cycling tracks around the world.

[0230] Figure 28 shows a similar configuration to that shown in Figure 28. However instead of a plurality of bicycles, occupying the space between the connected devices 200, a plurality of rowing machines 245 are shown instead. Popular rowing areas may be shown on the computer display 270 or exertion data may be displayed instead.

[0231] Figure 29 shows the bank 300 equipped with a hydration station 328. The devices 200 are again connected to each via a frame 326. The frame 326 in this embodiment may provide a shelf to store towels. The hydration station may be in the form of a standalone water cooler or simply a wall with a tap protruding therefrom. The tap is connected to a plumbed system to dispense liquid. Hand sanitizer may also be included as part of the station 328.

[0232] Figure 30 shows the bank 300 including a body scanning station 329. The body scanning station 329 is used to evaluate a user’s body composition such as, for example, body fat percentage, lean muscle mass and water weight. This data may be displayed on the computer display 270, which is secondary to the computer display 270 integrated into the exercise device 200.

[0233] Figure 31 shows the bank 300 with a climate control system 340 connecting the exercise devices 200 together. The climate control system 340 is illustrated to comprise a heater 341, reverse cycle air conditioning 342 and misters 343 to spray a mist of water to cool users down during their workout.

[0234] Figures 32 and 33 show the exercise device 200 with a cover 344 that is moveable from an open position to a closed position. The cover 344 can fully enclose the exercise device 200 to prevent adverse weather from impacting a user’s workout. This configuration may be used if the device 200 is set up in a user’s backyard, for example. The cover 344 is generally spherical shaped and may constructed from a waterproof yet breathable material that is preferably transparent. [0235] Figure 34 shows the exercise device 200 with a roller blind style cover 345. The roller blind style cover 345 extends from the frame 240 or canopy 255. The roller blind style cover 345 has a pair of supporting posts 346 to support an end of the cover 345. The cover 345 may be manually or electrically operated.

[0236] Figures 35 and 36 show the bank 300 in a configuration where a change room or wash room 347 is integrated between four exercises devices 200. The wash room 347 has a ceiling 348 and curtains 349 for privacy, integrated with the frame 240 of each exercise device 200. It is envisaged that typical washroom features are present such as a shower, sink, benches and towels.

[0237] Figures 37 to 49 show the exercise devices 200 in different configurations. Figure 38 shows a bank 300 with four exercise devices 200 linked together in an opposing faced position. Figure 38 shows two exercise devices 200 positioned in an opposing faced manner. Figure 39 shows the exercise device 200 in a different configuration where four bicycles are connected to the frame 280. It is envisaged that the exercise device is customizable to meet user’s needs such that any bicycle and rowing machine combination may be provided.

Interpretation

[0238] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the purposes of the present invention, additional terms are defined below. Furthermore, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms unless there is doubt as to the meaning of a particular term, in which case the common dictionary definition and/or common usage of the term will prevail.

[0239] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise and thus are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to “at least one”) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, the phrase “an element” refers to one element or more than one element.

[0240] The term “about” is used herein to refer to quantities that vary by as much as 30%, preferably by as much as 20%, and more preferably by as much as 10% to a reference quantity. The use of the word ‘about’ to qualify a number is merely an express indication that the number is not to be construed as a precise value.

[0241] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0242] The term “real-time” for example “displaying real-time data,” refers to the display of the data without intentional delay, given the processing limitations of the system and the time required to accurately measure the data.

[0243] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplary embodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality for example serving as a desirable model or representing the best of its kind.

[0244] The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0245] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e. , the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0246] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

Bus [0247] In the context of this document, the term “bus” and its derivatives, while being described in a preferred embodiment as being a communication bus subsystem for interconnecting various devices including by way of parallel connectivity such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and the like or serial connectivity such as PCI Express (PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) and the like, should be construed broadly herein as any system for communicating data.

In accordance with'.

[0248] As described herein, ‘in accordance with’ may also mean ‘as a function of’ and is not necessarily limited to the integers specified in relation thereto.

Composite items

[0249] As described herein, ‘a computer implemented method’ should not necessarily be inferred as being performed by a single computing device such that the steps of the method may be performed by more than one cooperating computing devices.

[0250] Similarly objects as used herein such as ‘web server’, ‘server’, ‘client computing device’, ‘computer readable medium’ and the like should not necessarily be construed as being a single object, and may be implemented as a two or more objects in cooperation, such as, for example, a web server being construed as two or more web servers in a server farm cooperating to achieve a desired goal or a computer readable medium being distributed in a composite manner, such as program code being provided on a compact disk activatable by a license key downloadable from a computer network.

Database’.

[0251] In the context of this document, the term “database” and its derivatives may be used to describe a single database, a set of databases, a system of databases or the like. The system of databases may comprise a set of databases wherein the set of databases may be stored on a single implementation or span across multiple implementations. The term “database” is also not limited to refer to a certain database format rather may refer to any database format. For example, database formats may include MySQL, JSON database or the like. Wireless:

[0252] The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

[0253] In the context of this document, the term “wireless” and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term “wired” and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

[0254] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining”, “analysing” or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor.

[0255] In a similar manner, the term “processor” may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A “computer” or a “computing device” or a “computing machine” or a “computing platform” may include one or more processors.

[0256] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium’.

[0257] Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors:

[0258] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0259] Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

Additional Embodiments:

[0260] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

Carrier Medium:

[0261] The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “carrier medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “carrier medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation:

[0262] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system. Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

[0263] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

Connected

[0264] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Embodiments'.

[0265] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [0266] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0267] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Specific Details

[0268] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0269] It will be appreciated that the methods/apparatus/devices/systems described/illustrated above at least substantially provide a system and methods for the verification of information.

The invention described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the invention may be modified, or may have been substituted therefore known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The invention may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations.

Terminology

[0270] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Different Instances of Objects

[0271] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Comprising and Including

[0272] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0273] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention

[0274] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0275] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Chronological order

[0276] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

Markush groups

[0277] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Industrial Applicability

[0278] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the health and exercise industries.