AN EXERCISE ARRANGEMENT AND METHODS

The present invention relates to an exercise arrangement and methods. Some people find performing some types of physical exercise to be tedious, repetitive, tiring, gruelling or unrewarding, and thus are not motivated and/or do not enjoy performing the exercise. The present invention acknowledges that the physical

environment in which exercises and fitness activities are performed can affect the degree of enjoyment, entertainment, and/or motivation felt by an individual in performing such exercises. For example, it is known that performing physical exercises to an audible accompaniment, for example a musical backing track, can increase enjoyment and motivation in performing the exercises.

The present invention realises an advantage in providing an environment which enhances the extent to which a participant is immersed or engaged in their performance of physical exercise, with the result that the participant has an increased likelihood of deriving a psychological and/or physical benefit from performing the physical exercise. In particular, enhanced immersion or engagement in the performance of physical exercise may result in a participant being able to sustain physical exercise for a longer period of time or at a higher intensity or being motivated to participate in physical exercise more frequently than they may otherwise be inclined to do or be able to do. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exercise arrangement and/or a method of physical exercising which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

It is an alternative object of the present invention to provide an exercise arrangement and/or a method of physical exercising which makes at least some

contribution to realising one or more of the abovementioned advantages, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

In one aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising :

a) an exercise zone at which at least one participant can be supported to perform the exercise routine b) at least one visual display screen at which visual prompts are presented for viewing by the at least one participant, said at least one visual screen being extensive in a horizontal direction sufficient to allow the participants to view the screen in their full horizontal field of vision,

c) at least one device to broadcast audible sound to said at least one participant,

wherein at least one of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the sound, are

synchronised with the routine to be performed. In an alternative aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising : an exercise zone having a floor on which a participant can be supported to perform an exercise routine;

at least one visual display screen of said exercise zone upon which visual prompts are displayed for viewing by the participant

a sound device located in said exercise zone that is capable of broadcasting audible sound to the participant in the exercise zone, and

a synchronizing device constructed and arranged to synchronize the visual prompts, the audible sound, or both with the exercise routine to be performed.

In an alternative aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising : an exercise zone having a floor on which a participant can be supported to perform an exercise routine;

at least one visual display screen of said exercise zone on which visual prompts are displayed for viewing by the participant, said visual display screen having a width sufficient to encompass the full horizontal field of vision of the participant in the exercise zone; and a sound device located in said exercise zone that is capable of broadcasting audible sound to the participant in the exercise zone.

The following preferments apply to at least the three alternative aspects of the invention mentioned above:

Preferably each of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the sound, are synchronised with the routine to be performed.

Preferably the visual prompts are transitioning or moving images.

Preferably the exercise routine is to be performed by at least two participants. Preferably said visual prompts and said sound are synchronised. Preferably at least one of (a) said visual prompts and (b) said sound, are synchronised with the routine to induce a physical response from said at least one participant.

Preferably at least one of visual prompts and said sound induce a physical response from said at least one participant.

Preferably said physical response involves interaction with exercise equipment in said exercise zone.

Preferably said screen displays visual content that is synchronised to the routine and is presented to coincide with the participants' physical response.

Preferably the visual prompts are a sequence of prompts presented over the duration of the exercise routine.

Preferably the sound is broadcast over the duration of the routine.

Preferably the sound induces a physical response from the at least one participant.

Preferably the sound provides a sequence of audible prompts to induce a physical response from the at least one participant.

Preferably the sound is pre-recorded.

Preferably the visual prompts are pre recorded .

Preferably the visual prompts are incorporated as part of a video displayed on the screen.

Preferably the video is pre recorded.

Preferably the content of the visual prompts changes during the routine.

Preferably the images transition or move on the screen during the routine,

Preferably the images change in brightness during the routine.

Preferably the images change in colour during the routine.

Preferably the images change in speed of movement on said screen.

Preferably the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound change during the routine.

Preferably the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably the audible sound transitions between discrete audio pieces during the routine.

Preferably the volume of said audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably at least one of:

(i) the content of the images or a change in the content of the images;

(ii) the emergence, transition or movement of the images,

(iii) the brightness of the images or a change in the brightness of the images,

(iv) the colour of the images or a change in the colour of the images, (v) the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen or a change in the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen,

is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound or a change in the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound,

(ii) the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound,

(iii) a transition of the audible sound or transition between discrete audio

pieces, and

(iv) the volume of said audible sound or a change in the volume of the audible sound.

In another aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising :

a) an exercise zone at which at least one participant can be supported to perform physical exercises,

b) at least one visual display screen at which transitioning or moving images are presented for viewing by the at least one participant, said at least one visual screen being extensive in a horizontal direction sufficient to allow the at least one participant to view the screen in their full horizontal field of vision,

c) at least one device to broadcast audible sound to said at least one participant, and

wherein said moving images are synchronised with said audible sound, and where at least one of (a) said device, (b) said images and (c) an exercise instructor in said exercise zone, prompt the at least one participant to perform physical exercises during said routine.

Preferably said at least one of (a) said device, (b) said images and (c) a exercise instructor in said exercise zone, prompt the at least one participant to perform a series of physical exercises during said routine.

Preferably said at least one of (a) said device, (b) said images and (c) a exercise instructor in said exercise zone, prompt the at least one participant to perform a series of physical exercises synchronised with said routine.

Preferably the series of exercises are separated by a pause in exercise.

Preferably the pause in exercises is synchronised with a change in sound and/or images displayed on the screen.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of physical exercising during an exercise routine, comprising the step of presenting to one or more participants supported by a floor in an exercise zone, a) transitioning and/or moving graphics that are visible to the or each participant in their entire horizontal field of vision

b) an audible sound; and

c) prompts for the participant(s) to perform physical exercises,

wherein said prompts are provided in the form of

(i) visual prompts, and

(ii) audible prompts,

and, wherein at least one of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the audible prompts are synchronised with the routine to be performed.

In an alternative aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a method of conducting a physical exercise routine in an exercise zone, comprising the steps of:

presenting to a participant in an exercise zone a transmission selected from the group consisting of

a) transitioning and/or moving graphics that are visible to the participant in their entire horizontal field of vision,

b) an audible sound, and

c) a combination thereof,

said transmission providing visual and/or audible prompts for the participant to perform the movements of a physical exercise routine, and

synchronizing the visual prompts and/or the audible prompts with the physical exercise routine during performance of the physical exercise routine.

Preferably the visual prompts are communicated to participants by at least one of a screen and an exercise instructor in said zone.

Preferably the audible prompts are communicated to participants by at least one of a device and an exercise instructor in said zone.

Preferably the visual prompts are a sequence of visual prompts communicated during the routine.

Preferably the audible prompts are a sequence of audible prompts communicated during the routine.

Preferably each of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the audible prompts, are synchronised with the routine to be performed.

Preferably the visual prompts are transitioning or moving images displayed on said screen.

Preferably the exercise routine is to be performed by at least two participants. Preferably said visual prompts and audible prompts are synchronised. Preferably at least one of (a) said visual prompts and (b) said sound, are synchronised with the routine to induce a physical response from said at least one participant.

Preferably at least one of said visual prompts and said audible prompts induce a physical response from said at least one participant.

Preferably said physical response involves interaction with exercise equipment in said exercise zone.

Preferably said screen displays visual content that is synchronised to the routine and is presented to coincide with the participants' physical response.

Preferably the visual prompts are a sequence of prompts presented over the duration of the exercise routine.

Preferably the audible prompts are provided in the form of sound generated from said at least one device.

Preferably the sound is broadcast over the duration of the routine.

Preferably the sound induces a physical response from the at least one participant.

Preferably the sound is pre-recorded.

Preferably the visual prompts are displayed on the screen and are pre recorded. Preferably the visual prompts are displayed on the screen and are incorporated as part of a video displayed on the screen.

Preferably the video is pre recorded.

Preferably the visual content transitions or moves on the screen during the routine.

Preferably the visual content changes in brightness during the routine.

Preferably the visual content changes in colour during the routine.

Preferably the visual content changes in speed of movement on said screen.

Preferably the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably the audible sound transitions between discrete audio pieces during the routine.

Preferably the volume of said audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably at least one of:

(i) the visual content or the change in the visual content;

(ii) the emergence, transition or movement of the visual content,

(iii) the brightness of the visual content or a change in the brightness of the

visual content, (iv) the colour of the visual content or a change in the colour of the visual content,

(v) the speed at which images or objects or elements of the visual content move on the screen or a change in the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen,

is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound or a change in the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound,

(ii) the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound,

(iii) a transition of the audible sound or transition between discrete audio

pieces, and

(iv) the volume of said audible sound or a change in the volume of the audible sound. Preferably at least one of:

(i) the continuation of or change in the type, nature or direction of the exercise being or to be performed,

(ii) the continuation , pause or cessation of the performance of an exercise or sequence of exercises,

(iii) the continuation or change in the intensity of exercise being or to be

performed,

(iv) the continuation or change in the timing or frequency of an exercise or sequence of exercises being or to be performed,

(v) the retention, acquisition, jettisoning or adjustment of a particular exercise equipment for the performance of an exercise or sequence of exercises, is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the content of the images or a change in the content of the images;

(ii) the emergence, transition or movement of the images,

(iii) the brightness of the images or a change in the brightness of the images, (iv) the colour of the images or a change in the colour of the images,

(v) the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen or a change in the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen,

and/or is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound or a change in the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound,

(ii) the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound, (iii) a transition of the audible sound or transition between discrete audio pieces and

(iv) the volume of said audible sound or a change in the volume of the audible sound.

Preferably the method further comprising

a) producing or selecting music and devising an exercise routine, the exercise routine and the selected music being coordinated

b) recording the exercise routine as a series of instructions

c) compiling a visual display sequence which coordinates with the exercise routine d) producing an audio visual package including the selected music and the compiled visual display sequence for playing synchronised in use,

e) providing the audiovisual package and the exercise routine instructions for use by an exercise venue. According to a further aspect the method includes providing instructions to play the audio visual package, and to instruct a group of participants to perform a sequence of exercises according to the exercise routine instructions.

In another aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising :

a) an exercise zone at which at least one participant can be supported to perform at least part of the exercise routine,

b) at least one visual display screen at which visual content can be presented for viewing by the at least one participant, said at least one visual screen being extensive in a horizontal direction sufficient to allow the at least one participant to view the screen in their full horizontal field of vision,

c) at least one device to broadcast audible sound to the at least one participant, where said at least one participant performs the exercise routine prompted by at least one of:

(i) visual prompts, and

(ii) audible prompts,

and, wherein at least one of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the audible prompts are synchronised with the routine to be performed.

In an alternative aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising :

an exercise zone having a floor on which a participant can be supported to perform an exercise routine;

at least one visual display screen of said exercise zone upon which visual prompts are displayed for viewing by the participant a sound device located in said exercise zone that is capable of broadcasting audible sound to the participant in the exercise zone, and

a synchronizing device constructed and arranged to synchronize the visual prompts, the audible sound, or both with the exercise routine to be performed.

In an alternative aspect the invention may be said to broadly consist in an exercise arrangement provided for the performance of an exercise routine, comprising : an exercise zone having a floor on which a participant can be supported to perform an exercise routine;

at least one visual display screen of said exercise zone on which visual prompts are displayed for viewing by the participant, said visual display screen having a width sufficient to encompass the full horizontal field of vision of the participant in the exercise zone; and a sound device located in said exercise zone that is capable of broadcasting audible sound to the participant in the exercise zone.

The following preferments apply to at least the three alternative aspects of the invention mentioned above:

Preferably the visual prompts are communicated to participant(s) by at least one of said screen and an exercise instructor in said zone.

Preferably the audible prompts are communicated to participant(s) by at least one of said device and an exercise instructor in said zone.

Preferably the visual prompts are a sequence of visual prompts communicated during the routine.

Preferably the audible prompts are a sequence of audible prompts communicated during the routine.

Preferably each of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the audible prompts, are synchronised with the routine to be performed.

Preferably the visual prompts are transitioning or moving images displayed on the screen.

Preferably said visual prompts and audible prompts are synchronised to each other.

Preferably at least one of (a) said visual prompts and (b) said sound, are synchronised with the routine to induce a physical response from said at least one participant synchronised with the routine.

Preferably at least one of visual prompts and said audible prompts induce a physical response from said at least one participant.

Preferably the physical response is in the form of activity or inactivity of the at least one participant. Preferably the exercise routine is to be performed by at least two participants. Preferably said physical response involves interaction with exercise equipment in said exercise zone.

Preferably said screen displays visual content that is synchronised to the routine and is presented to coincide with the participants' physical response.

Preferably said screen displays visual content that is synchronised to the routine and is presented to coincide with the participants' physical response, the physical response prompted not by said coincident visual content.

Preferably the visual prompts are a sequence of prompts presented over the duration of the exercise routine.

Preferably the audible prompts are provided in the form of sound generated from said at least one device.

Preferably the sound is broadcast (whether continuously or not) over the duration of the routine.

Preferably the sound induces a physical response from the at least one participant.

Preferably the sound is pre-recorded.

Preferably the visual prompts are displayed on the screen and are pre recorded. Preferably the visual prompts are displayed on the screen and are incorporated as part of a video displayed on the screen.

Preferably the video is pre recorded.

Preferably the visual content transitions or moves on the screen during the routine.

Preferably the visual content changes in brightness during the routine.

Preferably the visual content changes in colour during the routine.

Preferably the visual content changes in speed of movement on said screen during the routine.

Preferably the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably the audible sound transitions between discrete audio pieces during the routine.

Preferably the volume of said audible sound changes during the routine.

Preferably at least one of:

(i) the visual content or the change in the visual content;

(ii) the emergence, transition or movement of the visual content,

(iii) the brightness of the visual content or a change in the brightness of the

visual content, (iv) the colour of the visual content or a change in the colour of the visual content,

(v) the speed at which images or objects or elements of the visual content move on the screen or a change in the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen,

is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound or a change in the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound,

(ii) the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound,

(iii) a transition of the audible sound or transition between discrete audio

pieces, and

(iv) the volume of said audible sound or a change in the volume of the audible sound. Preferably at least one of:

(i) the continuation of or change in the type, nature or direction of the exercise being or to be performed,

(ii) the continuation , pause or cessation of the performance of an exercise or sequence of exercises,

(iii) the continuation or change in the intensity of exercise being or to be

performed,

(iv) the continuation or change in the timing or frequency of an exercise or sequence of exercises being or to be performed,

(v) the retention, acquisition, jettisoning or adjustment of a particular exercise equipment for the performance of an exercise or sequence of exercises, is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the content of the images or a change in the content of the images;

(ii) the emergence, transition or movement of the images,

(iii) the brightness of the images or a change in the brightness of the images, (iv) the colour of the images or a change in the colour of the images,

(v) the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen or a change in the speed at which the images or objects or elements of the images move on the screen,

and/or is synchronised with at least one of:

(i) the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound or a change in the tempo and/or rhythm of the audible sound,

(ii) the pitch or melodic variation of the audible sound, (iii) a transition of the audible sound or transition between discrete audio pieces and

(iv) the volume of said audible sound or a change in the volume of the audible sound.

Preferably the arrangement is an exercise venue.

Preferably the arrangement is an exercise room.

Preferably the arrangement is provided in a room in a fixed structure.

Alternatively the arrangement is provided as part of a portable container or the arrangement is portable.

Preferably the exercise zone includes a floor for said at least one participant to be supported by.

Preferably the floor is larger than the exercise zone.

Alternatively the floor is of the same size and shape as the exercise zone.

Preferably the floor supports participants at the exercise zone at the level of a surrounding floor.

Alternatively the floor may support participants at the exercise zone above or below the level of a surrounding floor.

Preferably at least a region of the floor and/or the exercise zone may slope toward or away from at least one screen.

Preferably the room may be enclosed.

Preferably the arrangement is adapted and configured to block ambient light from the screen(s).

Preferably the arrangement is adapted and configured to prevent ambient light passing into the exercise zone.

Preferably the room has a doored passage via which participants may enter and leave the exercise zone.

Preferably the room has a doored passage sufficiently large to permit the movement of exercise equipment therethrough.

Preferably controlled space/flood lighting is provided to provide light for participants, (eg prior to and after the class)

Preferably the exercise routine is group physical exercising.

Preferably at least three or more participants can be supported in the zone.

The exercise routine may be Yoga or Pilates.

Preferably the exercise routine causes cardiovascular or muscular exertion of said at least one participant.

Preferably the equipment may be a pedalling device (eg an exercycle).

Preferably the floor may support a plurality of exercycles. Preferably the exercycles are positioned to face towards a region of the display screen so that participants sitting on the exercycle facing in its natural forward direction, see said screen in their full horizontal field of vision.

Preferably during the exercise routine the participants are oriented to face toward a primary screen.

Preferably during exercise routine the participants are oriented to face toward a singular point or small region of the primary screen.

Preferably the equipment is oriented such that when in use by the participants, the participants are oriented to face toward a primary screen.

Preferably the equipment is oriented such that when in use by the participants, the participants are oriented to face toward a singular point or small region of the primary screen.

Preferably the singular point is the midpoint of the screen.

Preferably said exercise equipment is one or more selected from :

(i) a weighted element

(ii) a resistance or force providing apparatus

(iii) a supporting apparatus

(iv) a device for the simulation of relative movement

(v) an exercycle

(vi) a rowing machine and

(vii) a treadmill.

Preferably sequences of moving images and/or sequences of pre-recorded audio are stored.

Preferably an audio sequence, with a corresponding image sequence and optionally a set of prompts from an exercise instructor to be conveyed to direct the performance, is synchronised with routine to be performed.

Preferably said performance of the particular sequence of physical exercises in accordance to the exercise routine is designed to achieve an improvement of said participant(s) in at least one of the following :

a) muscle tone (preferably of large muscle groups),

b) muscular strength (preferably of large muscle groups),

c) agility (preferably of large muscle groups),

d) co ordination (preferably of large muscle groups),

e) flexibility (preferably of large muscle groups),

f) caloric consumption,

g) reduction in body fat,

h) cardiovascular performance,

i) body shape, j) health,

k) attentiveness during the routine,

I) engagement with the routine,

m) compliance with the routine,

n) adherence to the routine, and

o) concentration on the routine to be performed.

Preferably said arrangement includes a microphone operatively connected with at least one speaker.

Preferably said microphone allows a person to broadcast via the speaker, spoken audio to the participants.

Preferably the speaker is connected in a wireless manner with the microphone. Preferably the routine is based on a list of instructions.

Preferably the spoken audio is derived from said list of instructions intended to direct the performance of physical exercise.

Preferably the list of instructions directs the performance of physical exercise such that the performance of the physical exercise is synchronised with the moving images.

Preferably the human instructor orally and/or visually conveys instructions for performing the physical exercises by said at least one participant, in synchronisation with the audio and/or images.

Preferably visual content is presented over the entirety of said at least one visual screen.

Preferably said at least one visual screen at which images are presented is extensive in a horizontal direction sufficient to allow all participants to view images in their full horizontal field of vision.

In addition to any moving images, stationary images may be presented at said screen.

The stationary images may be presented at the same time as said moving images are presented.

The moving images together with the stationary images may be presented coextensive the entire screen.

Preferably said at least one visual display screen is extensive in a horizontal direction sufficient to allow all participants to view moving and stationary images in their full horizontal field of vision.

The moving image may include imagery of a road.

The moving images may include still images and video.

At least one of the video and still images may be at least one derived from the real world or be computer generated. The moving image(s) may be scenery presented in a manner to so that participants feel like they are advancing over the scenery.

Preferably the images appear two or three dimensional.

Preferably the images appear three dimensional and points which appear to be at a particular three dimensional location at a first instance in time, appear to be either closer or farther from the viewer at a second and subsequent instance in time.

Preferably the images, when viewed by the participant, give the illusion of relative forward, backward, upward, downward or transverse movement of the imagery with respect to the participant.

Preferably the images, when viewed by the participant, give the illusion of relative forward, backward, upward, downward or transverse movement of the participant.

Preferably the images, when viewed by the participant, give the illusion of cornering, accelerating or decelerating of the participant.

Preferably images are presented within the peripheral portion of the horizontal field of vision of one or more participants at the exercise zone.

Visual elements or objects may be presented within the central portion of the horizontal field of vision of one or more participants at the exercise zone, and move in a direction toward the peripheral portion of the horizontal field of vision of said one or more participants.

The visual elements or objects may move so as to depict an increase or decrease in the size of an object depicted in the image.

The speed of motion of the moving images on the screen may vary.

The scenery may be a virtual scenery.

The scenery may be recorded from scenery on earth.

The moving images may be pre-recorded.

The moving images may be digitally rendered or layered.

The moving images prompt a participant to perform a specific physical movement in response to the visual stimulus.

The device to convey instructions may be one or more screens.

The screen may convey instructions in the form of word and/or images.

Preferably said screen displays a list or sequence of exercises to be performed. Preferably said screen displays a list or sequence of exercises to be performed and an instruction to sustain a particular exercise is conveyed by visually emphasising or differentiating that exercise in relation to others in the list.

Preferably said screen displays a list or sequence of exercises to be performed and an instruction to cease a particular exercise is conveyed by visually de-emphasising or differentiating that exercise in relation to others in the list. The screen may convey instructions by way of a virtual human form presented on the screen, optionally in conjunction with corresponding audio.

Preferably said screen illustrates or provides examples of the demonstration of the performance of physical exercises.

The at least one visual screen may be extensive in at least two different orthogonal directions, sufficient to allow said participant(s) to view the screen in their full field of vision.

Preferably said device to broadcast pre-recorded sound to all participants is a speaker.

Preferably said exercise zone is at a floor.

Preferably the moving images are presented on at least one upright surface that projects from floor level upwardly.

Preferably the at least one surface cups about at least part of the exercise zone.

Preferably the at least one surface extends about the entire exercise zone.

Preferably the at least one surface surrounds the exercise zone.

Preferably the at least one surface is a vertical surface.

Preferably the at least one surface is presented to participants supported in front thereof.

Preferably the at least one surface is a curved surface.

Preferably the at least one surface is a wall or walls.

Preferably the at least one surface is spherical or hemispherical.

Preferably the moving images are presented on at least three contiguous surfaces, a first primary surface located adjacent a first perimeter region of the exercise zone, a second and a third peripheral surface located flanking the primary surface.

The moving images may be first presented at said primary surface and progress there from to each of the second and third surfaces.

Preferably the primary surface is located at the front of the exercise zone.

Preferably the moving images are visible in each participant's vertical field of vision above the level of the floor.

Preferably the arrangement includes a ceiling located above the floor.

Preferably the screen extends from the floor towards the ceiling.

Preferably the screen extends from the floor to at least 2m above the floor.

Preferably the screen extends from the floor to the ceiling.

Preferably said moving images are presented on the screen, from floor level.

Preferably said moving images are presented on the screen, from floor level to at least 2m above the floor.

Preferably said moving images are presented on the screen from floor level to ceiling level. Preferably the arrangement is such that images are presented at said floor.

Preferably the floor presented images are a continuation of images presented on said screen (s).

Preferably the arrangement is such that images are presented at said ceiling.

Preferably the ceiling presented images are a continuation of images presented on said screen(s).

According to a further aspect a user in the exercise zone is enclosed by the screen, or by the screen and a hypothetical straight line extending between ends of the screen. For example, with the user facing the lateral midpoint of the screen, the screen extends across in front of the user, and along side the user at least to locations backward of the user.

The screen may extend completely around the user.

The screen may be curved, for example describing an arc or semi circle, part of an ellipse or oval or other curve or a sphere or hemisphere.

Alternatively the screen may be made up of one or more flat sections, for example having a front screen and side screens at right angles, or at acute angles or at obtuse angles, or a series of a larger number of flat panels at obtuse angles.

The screen, or parts of the screen, may extend above the user or on the surface supporting the user. For example the ceiling, the floor, or both may be surfaces which are capable of displaying video, either as an active display, or being a projection screen for receiving projected images from the front or back.

Preferably the visual display screen is of a kind to allow said images to be projected from at least one remote projection source.

Preferably the at least one remote projection source is located on the exercise zone side of the screen.

Preferably the at least one remote projection source is located above the floor.

Preferably the at least one remote projection source is positioned above the floor and in a location so that participants performing exercises in said exercise zone do not interfere with the moving images being projected onto the screen.

Preferably there are multiple projection sources, each dedicated to displaying images on a respective zone of the screen.

The screen and projection source(s) may be set up for rear projection.

Alternatively the screen may be an active display or array of active displays, or conduction of different types of screen and displays, (eg LCD, LED, Plasma or similar).

Preferably the moving images and pre-recorded audio are stored.

Preferably the moving images and pre-recorded audio are stored on a digital storage medium, said storage medium preferably being selected from one or more of: a) a hard drive,

b) a remote storage device, c) a server,

d) a network, or

e) the cloud.

Preferably sequences of moving images and/or sequences of pre-recorded audio are stored.

Preferably the sequences can be played, advanced, reversed, stopped or paused. Preferably a plurality of audio and/or image sequences are stored.

Preferably said arrangement includes a processor for processing information including information relating to images and audio.

Preferably said arrangement incorporates a software interface to facilitate the storage, selection, playing, advancing, reversing, stopping and/or pausing of audio and image sequences.

Preferably the moving images may be streamed or downloaded from the Internet. In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of delivering an experience based on an exercise routine to a group of participants, comprising the step of presenting to one or more participants supported by a floor in an exercise zone,

a) transitioning and/or moving graphics that are visible to the or each participant in their entire horizontal field of vision

b) an audible sound; and

c) prompts for the participant(s) to perform physical exercises,

wherein said prompts are provided in the form of

(i) visual prompts, and

(ii) audible prompts,

and, wherein at least one of (a) the visual prompts and (b) the audible prompts are synchronised with the routine to be performed.

According to a further aspect the method(s) herein described includes providing instructions to set up the exercise venue to have an exercise zone, with at least one visual display screen for displaying images of the visual display sequence so as to substantially fill the visual field of participants located in the exercise zone.

According to a further aspect the visual display sequence includes images which provide for a viewer an illusion that the viewer is moving through an environment, and the method includes instructions to set up the exercise venue with a plurality of exercise devices which, while stationary, simulate movement activities (eg : cycling, rowing, walking or running).

According to a further aspect the instructions include to align the exercise devices so that users of the devices will face a common portion on the visual display screen, the portion being small relative to the width of the screen (for example less than 10% of the width of the screen).

Preferably the physical exercise is for improving the skin tone or muscle tone of one or more of the participants.

Preferably the physical exercise is for improving the body shape of one or more of the participants.

Preferably the physical exercise is for improving the cardiovascular health or fitness of one or more of the participants.

Preferably the outcome is improved skin tone or muscle tone of the one or more participants.

Preferably the outcome is improved body shape of one or more of the participants.

Preferably the outcome is improved cardiovascular health or fitness of one or more of the participants.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which :

Figure 1: shows a first embodiment of the present invention where three screens are arranged to cup around an exercise zone at which participants are able perform physical exercises,

Figure 2: shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3: shows yet a further embodiment of the present invention where a single screen curves around the exercise zone at which participants are able to perform physical exercises,

Figure 4: shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5: shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein

participants are able to exercise on equipment which is oriented such that during use the participant is facing a primary screen.

Following preferred forms of the invention are described with reference to a group of participants 10 (preferably being a group of three or more) engaging in physical exercise, and in some embodiments it may be found that the presence of a group assists in increasing the likelihood that an individual participant may derive enjoyment and motivation in performing physical exercise. However it can be appreciated that the exercise environment or arrangement described could also be provided to individuals or with a single participant.

In preferred forms the provision of an immersive environment for exercise is afforded by devising an exercise routine and then placing exercise participants within an exercise zone within which the routine can be communicated to them by way of visual and/or audible prompts, preferably so as to induce a physical response by each participant which results in their performance of the exercise routine. In preferred embodiments the arrangement includes a device for broadcasting sound (for example music, or a series of musical pieces arranged as an audio sequence) to the participants and a screen which can present the participants with visual content.

The device for broadcasting sound and the screen can be used to communicate visual and/or audible prompts, or one or both of visual and audible prompts may be delivered by a human instructor also in the exercise zone. In some embodiments the participants may follow a combination of visual and audible prompts. In some

embodiments the prompts may be delivered by a combination of a human instructor and either or both of the screen and the audio broadcast device.

For example, the exercise routine may be devised in accordance with a particular type of exercise to be performed, for example a weight lifting routine, or a cycling routine. Preferably the routine comprises different phases, for example a warm up phase, followed by exercises targeting specific body parts, a phase where the exercise builds to an intensity peak, and a cool down period of gentler exercise.

Within the routine there may be, for example, a specific sequence or order in which exercises are to be performed, a specific frequency or timing at which movements are to be performed, or a specific choreography to be followed in performing the exercises. Thus, the presentation of visual and/or audible prompts to the participants will be informed by the exercise routine that they are to perform.

In some embodiments the exercise routine is preferably devised with an exercise goal in mind. For example performance of the routine may achieve an improvement in one or more of muscle tone, flexibility, strength, agility, speed, co ordination, caloric consumption, body fat reduction or cardio vascular performance. Preferably the nature or type of physical exercises to be performed by the participants 10 may be selected according to, or informed by the exercise goal.

The exercise routine may include both exercise activity and also periods of non- activity or rest.

In some embodiments the visual content on the screen may include visual prompts to induce a physical response in the participants. In other embodiments the sound may include audible prompts to induce a physical response in the participants. In some embodiments both visual and audible prompts may be delivered, and in some

embodiments other sound and/or visual content may be delivered in addition to the prompts.

Preferably at least one of (a) visual prompts and (b) audible prompts are synchronised with the exercise routine. In some embodiments both visual and audible prompts may be synchronised with the exercise routine.

For example, the exercise routine may require the participants to perform thirty press-ups in a continuous series. A visual prompt, comprising an image of a person performing the press-ups may be displayed on the screen, so as to induce a physical response in the participants to perform press-ups in emulation of the image that they view, and thus to perform the thirty press ups as required by the routine. As a further example, the exercise routine may require the performance of thirty star jumps at a particular frequency. An audible prompt, comprising a perceptible drum beat occurring at a regular frequency throughout a musical piece (the frequency of the drum beat being that frequency at which the star jumps are to be performed) may be broadcast to the participants, inducing a physical response to jump "in time" to the music, and thus to perform the star-jumps at the frequency required by the routine.

As a further example, a virtual landscape may be displayed on the screen to participants stationed on stationary exercise bikes within the exercise zone. The image of the landscape may move or transition in such a way as to create the illusion that the participants are moving through the landscape, and the participants may be prompted to perform the exercise routine based on visual prompts provided as aspects of the

landscape. For example, where participants are presented with a virtual hill to climb, they may be prompted to adjust the exercise bike in order to provide more resistance to the rotation of the pedals. They will then perform a section of the exercise routine which requires pedalling at greater resistance.

The prompts are preferably integrated with other elements of the audio and/or video content. In some embodiments the prompts may be delivered within the context of an audio/visual presentation, so as to give the participants a sense that the physical response being induced by the prompts is to some degree intuitive or instinctive. For example, the participants may be presented on-screen with a virtual assailant who appears to be moving toward them. Prompts may be given to the participants to induce the performance of exercise movements such as a series of punches or kicks, giving a sense that performance of the exercise routine is in fact a natural reaction to being under attack by the assailant.

The sound broadcast to the participants may comprise or include an audio sequence. The sequence may have been created, for example by editing together existing pieces of audio, generating new audio material or recording audio material. In some embodiments the sequence may have been created by selecting an existing audio recording, editing an existing audio recording or editing together existing recordings, creating a new audio recording of an existing composition, or creating a new composition and audio recording of that composition. Preferably the audio sequence co-ordinates with the phases of the exercise routine by virtue of corresponding variations in the dynamics, tempo, rhythm, volume, energy and or intensity of the audible sound. It may be possible to commence the provision of the exercise arrangement by beginning with the derivation of an exercise routine, and then producing or selecting sound to match. Or conversely the sound may be selected or produced initially, and an exercise routine devised to co-ordinate with the sound.

As a further feature of the exercise environment, visual content, preferably in the form of a visual display sequence, may be selected or produced to co-ordinate with either or both of the audio or the exercise routine. The visual content may be created, for example by the use of computer modelling, by sequences of graphics or video, or by recording and/or editing images or video to be incorporated.

Preferably the visual content incorporates one or both of moving and static images, although preferably there is some variation in the display (corresponding with those in the exercise routine and/or audio sequence) over time. Preferably the visual display is synchronised or co-ordinated with either or both of the exercise routine and the audio sequence. The images may be two or three dimensional, rendered or layered.

In some embodiments there is a device for synchronising the elements of the audio and visual content with the performance of the routine. In some embodiments this may comprise a storage device to store information relating to the audio and/or visual content, and/or playback device. The playback device may play the audio and/or visual content in co-ordination with the performance of the exercise routine so that the audible and visual prompts are transmitted to the participants at the appropriate times.

For example, a visual sequence may be edited or generated so that when played back on the screen, the visual elements co-ordinate with different phases of the exercise routine. Similarly an audio soundtrack may also be edited or created so that when played back over a loudspeaker, the audible elements co-ordinate with different phases of the exercise routine. The edited audio sequence is embedded with the visual sequence, and the audio visual information is digitally recorded. The audio visual information may be stored on a digital storage device, for example on a hard drive, a server, in the cloud, or on a DVD 20.

In some embodiments the digital storage device is communicable (directly or indirectly) with the playback device 10. Communication may be wireless or wired 11. For example, the playback device may have a reading function e.g. a DVD player. As a further example, the audio visual information may be downloaded from a hard drive, or otherwise retrieved from the digital storage device, for playback.

The recorded audio/visual information is then played back through the playback device so that the images and sound are transmitted to the participants in synchronisation with the exercise routine to be performed. There may also be a human instructor to lead the participants in the performance of the routine.

The playback device could comprise one or more programmable electronic devices, such as a computer or chip. The programmable electronic device may serve to retrieve the audio and/or visual information from the digital storage device, for example by download.

The playback device may comprise or be communicable with one or more transmission devices such as projectors, amplification units or speakers. The

programmable electronic device may be remote from, or incorporated with, said

transmission devices.

Preferably the exercise routine is recorded, for example in writing, or by the making of an audio or video record. Such audio or video record may be taught to an instructor who in turn leads the participants in person, or the audio or video record may be included in the audio sequence or visual display presented to participants.

The record of the choreography, (which may be a live demonstration of the choreography), along with the sound or audio sequence and the visual content or display sequence can then be presented together as an immersive exercise package to those who wish to provide the exercise arrangement described above. This immersive exercise package, along with instructions for synchronised playing of the audio and visual sequences can be distributed to exercise venues so that exercise venues, by installation of the requisite hardware devices, can create an arrangement for immersive and/or engaging exercise activities to occur. In some embodiments the package may be provided along with instructions for setting up the exercise zone, setting up any facility needed to provide the exercise zone, and/or setting up any equipment needed to perform the exercise routine.

Co-ordination or synchronisation between the visual display sequences, audio sequences and exercise routine is described in more detail below.

Preferably there is at least one visual display screen 2, viewable by participants 10 at the exercise zone 1, upon which visual content, such as transitioning and/or moving images and/or graphics can be presented, and at least one device 3 for broadcasting sounds.

Preferably the screen 2, or screens, are extensive in a horizontal direction to an extent that all participants 10 can view the screen 2 in their full horizontal field of vision when located at the exercise zone 1.

Thus while the participants 10 are performing physical exercises, they are able to hear an audible broadcast of pre-recorded or live sound, and to see transitioning and/or moving images appearing on the screen 2 across their full horizontal field of vision, including those regions at the periphery of their field of vision.

Viewable on the screen 2, there may be a movement of the images and/or a transitioning between images. For example a first image may fade out to subsequently be replaced by a second image, or the second image may come to overlay the first.

Viewable on the screen 2 there may be a brightness to the images or a change in the brightness of the images. For example there may be a low luminosity of one or more images, and the images may subsequently become more intensely luminous. As a further example, there may be images of a dull or dark colour which transition to images of a brighter and/or lighter colour.

Viewable on the screen 2, there may be a perceptible speed at which the images move on the screen 2 or a change in the speed at which the images move on the screen 2. For example an image may appear to move from the right hand side to the left hand side of the screen 2, and may accelerate as it does so. As a further example the images may be animated pictures which appear to move, and therefore there may be a perceptible speed at which the animation image appears to carry out its movements.

The characteristics or aspects of the visual content on the screen, as described above, are examples of that which may serve as a visual prompt or trigger to induce a physical response in the participants.

Audible from the broadcast, there may be a tempo of the audible sound or a change in the tempo of the audible sound. For example there may be a repetitive element of the sound (for example a drum beat) which periodically repeats at a particular frequency, or which repeats with an increasing or decreasing frequency. As a further example, there may an audible change at the adjunct between a first musical passage and a second musical passage, the second have different rhythmical qualities to the first.

Audible from the broadcast, there may be a transition of the audible sound or transition between discrete audio pieces. For example a first sound may fade out to subsequently be replaced by a second sound, or the second sound may come to overlay the first. As a further example, there may an audible adjunct between the playing of a first discrete audio piece and a second discrete audio piece. Audible from the broadcast, there may be a volume of said audible sound or a change in the volume of the audible sound. For example there may an audible transition between a first musical passage of a low sound intensity (for example low decibels) or more serene dynamic quality and a second musical passage of a higher sound intensity (for example high decibels) or more raucous dynamic quality. As a further example, there may be an audible change between sections of a musical piece in which base frequency elements are added in or dropped out of the sound.

The characteristics or aspects of the sound broadcast to the participants, as described above, are examples of that which may serve as a audible prompt or trigger to induce a physical response in the participants.

In preferred embodiments there may be synchronisation between the performance of the exercise routine, and one or more of the viewable aspects described above and/or one or more of the audible aspects described above. For example the changes to the content, movement, brightness, colour and/or speed of the visual images, and/or changes to the tempo, beat, volume and/or melody of the audible sound may be synchronised with the exercise routine. This can give the participants being induced to perform the routine the illusion that their performance of the routine is linked to/causative of changes in the environment around them

For example, the participant may be prompted to perform, as part of the exercise routine, a punch which is directed to a target shown on the screen. The visual content displayed on the screen may be synchronised with the prompt, so that when the punch is performed, it appears to the participant that the target shatters under the impact of the punch. To this end, it is preferred that the exercise routine informs the placement and location of certain elements of the visual content with respect to the exercise zone at certain times during the performance of the routine.

The applicant has found that the synchronisation of the exercise routine, with the described visually and audibly perceptible elements, and in the described manner, may enhance the degree to which the participant is engaged or immersed in the performance of the exercise routine. Preferably the participant's engagement or immersion with the performance of the exercise is affected in such a way as to make it more likely that the participant will derive enjoyment from or motivation to perform physical exercises

In preferred embodiments, there is synchronisation between one or more of the viewable aspects described above and one or more of the audible aspects described above. The applicant has found that the synchronisation of the described visually and audibly perceptible elements affects the participant's experience of the environment in which physical exercises are performed. Preferably the participant's experience of the

environment is affected in such a way as to make it more likely that the participant will derive enjoyment from or motivation to perform physical exercises. In preferred embodiments there may also be a means or device for conveying prompts to perform physical exercises in synchronisation with the visually and audibly perceptible elements. In some embodiments the prompts may be conveyed orally or visually by a human instructor, optionally via a microphone 11 in operable connection with one or more speakers 3. In other embodiments the prompts may also or alternatively be visually conveyed via the screen 2 or audibly conveyed via the speaker 3. The visual display may include a computer generated or animated "virtual" instructor to prompt (for example by demonstration) the participants 10.

The prompt may induce a physical response which results in sustaining or changing the type of exercise being or to be performed, for example the participants may be prompted to commence push ups at the completion of ten star jumps.

The prompt may induce a physical response which results in sustaining, pausing or ceasing the performance of an exercise, for example the participants may be prompted to perform push ups until a timer presented on the screen 2 has counted down from thirty seconds to zero seconds, or as a further example the participants may be prompted to commence a rest or recovery period during which no physical exercises are to be performed .

The prompt may induce a physical response which results in sustaining or changing the intensity of exercise being or to be performed. For example, the participants may be prompted to perform a deeper squat in which the buttocks are moved to a lower vertical level than in a previously performed set of squats, or to invest an increased or decreased degree of exertion in performing a particular physical exercise.

The prompt may induce a physical response which results in sustaining or changing the timing or frequency of an exercise being or to be performed For example, the participants may be prompted to increase or decrease in the frequency of running steps.

The prompt may induce a physical response which results in retaining, acquiring, jettisoning or adjusting a particular piece of equipment for the performance of an exercise. For example, the participants may be prompted to add a weight element to a bar for the lifting of weights, or to adjust a setting which alters the amount of resistance in rotation of the pedal of an exercise bicycle.

The layout or arrangement of screens 2, broadcast devices 3 (for example speakers) and equipment 6 within an exercise venue can be used to provide an

environment for exercise in accordance with the present invention. Several variations of different arrangements are shown in the accompanying drawings.

In some embodiments the screen or screens 2 may bound the exercise zone 1, or in some embodiments the exercise zone 1 may be a smaller region than that of the floor bounded by the screens 2. Preferably the exercise zone 1 is distanced from the screen 2, such that when inside of the exercise zone 1, the screen 2 fills one or both of the entire horizontal field of vision of the participant (indicated by reference numeral 7 in Figure 2) and/or the entire vertical field of vision of the participant (indicated by reference numeral 8) in Figure 5.

There is preferably means projecting the visual display onto the screen 2, and in some embodiments this is a projector 5. There may be several projectors which project from different angles to permit the visual display to appear continuously across contiguous screens 2, for example as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively a projector 5, optionally capable of multidirectional projection, may be positioned overhead so that the participants 10 do not cast shadows on to the screen 2. However in other embodiments the screens 2 are self projecting (e.g. LCD screens) and so no projector 5 is required.

It is preferable that there are no other objects which interrupt the continuity of the visual display about the exercise zone 1.

While it is not essential that the exercise arrangement be provided inside of an enclosed space, doing so gives a capacity to control ambient the ambient environment such as light and ambient sound , which may be partially of completed blocked out and sensed by participant. Such ambient light or sound may come from a source outside the exercise zone. It may also or alternatively be in side but able to be controlled. In some embodiments it is preferred that the ambient lighting is low, or that the ambient conditions are dark for at least a significant part of the duration of the exercise. Lights 4 may be positioned about the exercise zone 1, for example as shown in Figure 5. The lighting may be varied in synchronisation with other elements of the audio or visual sequences, or the exercise routine. For example, the ambient lights 4 may dim at the commencement of a routine, and may be lit again at the end. In some embodiments there may be a strobe or flashing light which synchronises with music played during the audio sequence. In some embodiments there may be lighting, illumination or projections on the ceiling and/or floors of the room which may synchronise with, complement or enhance the other elements of the exercise arrangement (e.g. audio or visual elements).

It is preferred that any ambient distractions are minimal on non-existent so as to not distract participants from the audio/visuals that are presented to them as part of the routine. This will cause participants to be more attentive to the routine and less distracted. This may improve enjoyment and participation/engagement that may also have physical benefits for participants.

In some embodiments the exercise arrangement may be installed inside of a box or container so as to be portable.

In some preferred embodiments the visual display presents images which appear to be three dimensional, and may also simulate or give the illusion of relative forward, backward or transverse motion of the participant. Preferably, in some portions of the visual display sequence, there are points which appear to be at a particular three dimensional location at a first instance in time, appear to be either closer or farther from the viewer at a second and subsequent instance in time. For example, the visual display may present the participants with an image that simulates an object advancing toward them, so as to prompt the participants to respond by performing ducking, dodging or jumping motions.

As a further example, a virtual landscape may be displayed on the screen to participants stationed on stationary exercise bikes within the exercise zone. The image of the landscape may move or transition in such a way as to simulate movement of the participants through the landscape. Participants may be prompted to alter the speed at which they rotate the pedals on their exercise bike to correspond with changes in the movement or transitioning of the landscape image to make it appear that the participants are moving more quickly or more slowly through the landscape. As another example the moving image on the screen may include imagery of a road. The width of the road in the image may be a majority proportion of the entire width of the screen, or the width of the exercise zone. Thus multiple participants at the exercise zone may be given a sense of moving along the road as a group or bunch. They would feel as though they are on the road rather than riding next to it.

The imagery may resemble a view from the perspective of the participant. For example the camera angle of a scene projected on the screen may tilt to simulate the motion of a bicycle as a participant "rides" around a virtual corner.

In some instances, visual elements or objects are presented within the central portion of the horizontal field of vision of one or more participants 10 at the exercise zone, and move in a direction toward the peripheral portion of the horizontal field of vision of said one or more participants 10.

In some embodiments the visual display may have elements representing the projection onto the picture plane (e.g the plane of the visual display screen) of a pair of parallel lines in space. There may be a vanishing point in the picture plane where these line projections intersect. The divergent-most portion of projected lines is preferably near the bottom of the visual display screen, and in some embodiments the participants may be positioned on the floor of the exercise zone between the divergent-most points, so that they appear to be in an area in space which is between the two parallel lines.

The participants of the class may all be oriented toward the vanishing point. For example the participants may be riding exercycles positioned across a notional arc on the floor of the exercise zone, with the exercycles aligned so that the elongate axis of each exercycle coincides with vertical axis passing through the vanishing point. Preferably the vanishing point will be at eye height for at least some of the participants when operating the exercycle.

In such an arrangement as described above, the participants are given the illusion of being within the space in which the visual scene is occurring. Other visual elements (e.g. simulating passing scenery) can be used to give the illusion of participation within and movement through the visual scene. Preferably the visual display sequence is either associated with the exercise being performed, for example by indicating correct technique for the performance of the exercise, or may instead simulate or give the illusion of an environment in which the exercise is being performed (for example as shown in Figures 3 and 4). For example, the visual display may create the illusion that the exercise is being performed inside of a boxing ring. The visual display sequence may simulate a real-life environment, or a fantasy environment.

In some embodiments it may simulate relative movement of the participant, for example movement through a mountain scenery.

Preferably the images presented by way of the visual display are arranged, or move to give a sense of depth, immersion or movement. For example, the display may present the exercise participant with a view from the base of the hill. Over time the display may transition, the visual elements on the screen 2 moving to simulate climbing of the hill as the exercise participant engages in a stationary activity such as cycling on an exercycle. The applicant has found that presenting such a display may imbue the participant with a sense of purpose not experienced when performing the stationary exercise in a regular exercise environment.

Preferably the visual display is presented on a screen 2 which to some extent wraps around and/or encloses the exercise zone in which the participant is performing the exercise (for example, being of a partially spherical form ) . An embodiment of an exercise arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2 shows three adjacent screens 2 arranged so as to cup around the exercise zone 1. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, there is a curved screen 2 which arches in front of and to either side of the exercise zone. In other embodiments the screen 2 may be substantially or partially spherical or concave. Where the screen or screens 2 are configured to a three dimensional enclosure, or at least partial enclosure, around the participant, the degree of engagement or immersion experienced by the participant may be heightened. In embodiments where the exercise zone is enclosed within a room, the walls, ceiling and/or floor of the room may be curved and/or at least partly spherical. They are preferably opaque in nature.

In some embodiments the exercise routine will call for the incorporation of exercise equipment 6. Such equipment 6 may be or include a weighted element, a resistance or force providing apparatus, a supporting apparatus or a device for the simulation of relative movement (for example an exercycle, a rowing machine or a treadmill). Preferably the exercise routine or choreography incorporates the use of the equipment. In some embodiments the use of the equipment may also be reflected in the audio and/or visual sequences. For example, where the choreography calls for repeated raising of a handweight, there may be a moving image which mimics the intended movement of the weight.

In some embodiments there may be a particular layout of the equipment 6 within the exercise zone 1. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, there may be a series of rowing machines which are laid out so that participants 10 on the rowing machine are all facing a particular point 9 on the screen 2.

The visual display sequence may in some cases correspond with the positioning of the equipment 6. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, where the equipment 6 is oriented to face or align with a particular point 9 on the screen 2, the visual display may be that of a rowing lane. Elements of the moving image on the display may give an illusion that the participants 10, as a group of vessels, are moving along the lane toward a common point.

As a further example, the visual display may create a discernable separation on the screen 2 which indicates a separation of the exercise zone 1 into two parts. Those participants 10 using equipment located in the first part of the exercise zone 1 may be instructed to perform exercise choreography which is different to that exercise

choreography which participants 10 using equipment 5 located in the second part of the exercise zone 1 are instructed to perform.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.