The present invention relates to a personal training aid and particularly, but not exclusively, to a personal training aid for use when performing floor exercises.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

When exercising, for example in the home or gym, it is well known to follow a fitness programme, which is tailored to the needs of the individual or is designed to achieve particular results. The programme is usually prepared by a personal trainer and printed or written onto paper for the person exercising to follow.

Some exercise machines offer pre-programmed exercise regimes which can be followed. For example, treadmills, stationary bicycles, rowing machines and cross- trainers may have a screen for displaying programme choices and progress and input means to select a particular programme, e.g. hard, medium or gentle exercise. The dynamics of the machine are changed throughout the exercise dependent on the programme. The programmes are typically designed for a specific purpose, for example, to improve cardio fitness, stamina or help with weight loss. Although these programmes are helpful, none of the known programmed machines are particularly targeted to developing core body strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a personal training aid comprising a visual display assembly including a touch screen adapted to display a selection of pre-programmed exercise routines, and a mat for exercising, the visual display assembly including a base member adapted to at least partially underlie the mat.

The invention is advantageous because a selection of routines of floor exercises can be displayed on the touch screen adjacent the mat, on which the exercises can be performed. Any one of the routines can be selected by the use of the touch screen and performed according to the on-screen instructions. By having such a visual display, an individual can check for correct posture and technique. Furthermore, the visual display device is held secure by the mat, when it is laid over the base member. This prevents movement of the mat relative to the screen during an extended workout. "Pre-programmed" is intended to mean that the sequence of steps of an exercise routine is pre-determined.

The visual display assembly may further include a supporting arm extending between the base member and the touch screen.

The touch screen may be movable relative to the base member between a first position, in which the screen is substantially parallel with the base member and a second position, in which the base member is substantially disposed at an angle of between 60° and 90° relative to the base member. In the first position the assembly can be carried and in the second position the touch screen can be viewed.

The mat may be folded and located between the screen and the base member for transit, when the screen is in the second position. A retaining means may be provided for securing the base member to the screen when in the second position. This ensures that the screen is held firmly to the base member with the mat therebetween, enabling convenient carrying of the assembly. The touch screen faces the folded mat and handle, when in the first position for carriage, thus offering protection in transit for the screen.

A free end of the base member may be formed as a handle for carrying the personal training aid, when in the first position. The assembly is easy to pick up and carry, making it readily portable, for example, for fitness instructors and individuals who travel between gyms, parks and other suitable exercise areas. The handle may extend beyond the top of the touch screen, when in the first position for carriage, thus enabling unimpeded gripping of the handle, in use.

An aperture may be provided in the mat, the aperture being shaped to receive a portion of the base member, preferably the handle of the base member, when in the second position. This prevents the screen from becoming displaced in use, because the handle is captive in the aperture.

Preferably, the screen is a LCD screen.

The visual display assembly may be battery powered, ideally by rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, it may be powered by a mains supply through a transformer.

The visual display assembly may include speakers adapted to be connected to a personal music player.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a visual display assembly comprising a base member, a screen, and a supporting arm extending between the base member and the screen, the screen being foldable between a first position in which the screen, supporting arm and base member form a cradle for carrying an exercise mat, and a second position in which the screen is supported at an angle to the base member, for viewing the screen.

The screen may be supported at an angle of between 60° and 90° to the base member.

An exercise mat may be carried in the cradle and secured using a strap, for example, a bungee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a personal training aid of the invention, in use; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the visual display assembly of the personal training aid of Figure 1 in an open position;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the personal training aid of Figure 1 in a transit position;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the personal training aid of Figure 1 in a transit position; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the personal training aid of Figure 1 in an open position, ready for use; and

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the personal training aid of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a personal training aid is indicated generally at 10. The personal training aid 10 includes a visual display assembly 12 and a rubber floor mat 14, on which exercises can be performed. A person 16 is shown exercising on the mat 14 in front of the display assembly 12.

Referring also to Figures 2 to 6, the visual display assembly 12 includes a base member 18, a supporting member 20 and a screen 22. The supporting member 20 extends substantially perpendicularly from a distal end of the base member 18 and then extends through a further angle of 90 degrees, such that the base member and supporting member form a U-shaped cradle. The screen 22 is pivotally mounted to the distil end of the supporting member 20, the screen being moveable between a position in which the face of the screen is substantially supported at an angle of between 60° and 90° to the base member 18 (as shown in Figure 2) and a second position in which the screen 22 is substantially parallel with the base member 18 (as shown in Figure 4).

The base member 18 is substantially formed as a rectangular frame, three sides of which are arranged to lie flat on the floor and are constructed with a thin cross- section, i.e. no more than 5mm in thickness. The other side 24 of the base member 18 is curved slightly out of the plane of the rest of the base member 18 and has an increased diameter cross-section, which serves as a handle for carrying the personal training aid, as explained further below. The base member 18 can be moulded from plastics as an integral unit or may be made from metal or metal alloy, as desired.

The screen 22 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 26 set into a casing, formed from front and rear parts 28, 30. A printed circuit board 32 is disposed within the casing member 28, 30 behind the LCD 26. The casing 28, 30 also houses a speaker 34 and a connection 38 for connecting the assembly to a personal music player. The assembly is powered by rechargeable batteries, which are accommodated within the casing 28, 30 or via an electrical supply lead which can be connected into the side of the casing into a power socket 36. Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the rubber mat is substantially rectangular and typically has dimensions of 180cm x 62cm x 4mm. The mat may alternatively be made from closed cell polyethylene foam, which does not absorb water, or more specifically sweat. Ideally, the mat is smooth and free from wrinkles and/or creases to facilitate effective cleaning and good hygiene. Preferably, the mat is fully detachable from the personal training aid for machine washing of the mat. It is important that the mat material is lightweight (for enhanced portability) and comfortable in use.

A crescent shaped aperture 42 is provided through the mat 14, proximate one end of the mat. Ideally the inner face of the aperture 42 is sealed, for example with stitching or heat treatment, to prevent the or any contents of the mat from escaping over time. The aperture 42 is spaced from the end of the mat a distance similar to that between the handle portion 24 of the base member 18 and the supporting member 20. This allows the mat 14 to be unfurled over the top of the base member 18, with the handle portion 24 passing through the aperture 42 and with the supporting member 20 located conveniently at the end of the mat 14 substantially in the centre of the width of the mat. The screen 26 can be pivoted or adjusted to a desired angle for viewing when exercising on the mat. With reference in particular to Figures 3 and 4, the mat 14 can be folded twice along its length and then rolled up for storage and carriage. The rolled mat 14 can be placed on the base member 18 resting against the supporting member 20, and the screen 22 then folded down onto the other side of the rolled up mat 14. A strap 44, for example a bungee cord, passes through apertures 46 in the base member 18 and extends in a loop 48, which can be engaged underneath a hook 50, moulded into the rear of the screen casing 30. Optionally, a loose cover with an aperture for passing over the handle 24 can be placed over the entire assembly, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and if necessary, secured with Velcro (RTM) or another fastening for providing protection to the personal training aid 10 in storage and transit. The screen faces the mat, in carriage, thereby offering protection to the face of the screen.

In use, the base member 18 can be rested on the floor, and the screen 22 hinged upwardly to a position suitable for viewing as shown in Figures 1 and 5. The hinging is such that the screen can be adjusted to the desired position by hand, and it retains it position, for example, through friction in the pivot, a ratchet device or other locking means. The mat 14 can then be unfurled and placed with the aperture 42 over the handle portion 24 of the base member 18, such that the mat 14 is arranged in front of the screen in a position suitable for exercising. As desired, a music player can be plugged into the side of the screen casing 28, 30, into the player socket 38 and the device can be turned on by an on/off switch 52. The screen 26 is a touch screen, and is pre-programmed with a selection of fitness programmes or routines to be carried out on a mat. These programmes are targeted at increasing and/or improving core body strength, and involve, for example, curls, leg raises, cobra exercises and the like. The programmes are pre-programmed into the PCB and are designed to be suitable for people of different abilities. Any one of the programmes can be selected through the touch screen, as desired.

Although the fitness programmes are pre-programmed into the PCB, the fitness programmes may be pre-recorded in an alternative format and simply accessed through the personal training aid, preferably via the touch screen. To achieve this aim, a media connection socket may be provided. This is useful for establishing communication with media players such as DVD (digital video disc or digital versatile disc) players. For example, a fitness instructor films and subsequently records onto DVD a workout bespoke for an individual. Such a workout can then be followed in the privacy of the individual's home or hotel room by connecting the personal training aid to a DVD player. Optionally, a DVD player may be provided integrally with the personal training aid. In this way, the individual can access and follow existing commercially available abdominal workouts, such as those presented by celebrities. Furthermore, the media connection socket may be used for accessing the internet so that an individual can download and follow pre-recorded workouts from all over the world. The invention is advantageous, because an effective and entertaining floor routine can be followed without the need for referring to a paper drawing of exercises to be performed. The exercises are displayed clearly on the screen together with instruction of when and how the exercises are to be performed. This ensures that the pace of the workout is suitably fast or slow, for the level of workout required. It also ensures that correct posture and technique are followed which minimises the risk of personal injuries. The programmes and pace of programmes can be targeted to people with differing levels of fitness, in order to provide the most appropriate work-out for everyone. The foldable personal training aid is compact when in the transit position making the aid convenient for transporting the aid between locations, such as gyms and client residence. The personal training aid is quick and simple to fold and unfold, and furthermore it is portable about a person, making it a useful addition to any individual or personal trainer's set of equipment.