Melissa Stocco

Maintaining muscle mass through strength training is important for functional mobility as we age. Rhythm addresses the unique ergonomic needs of the user, as well as the psychological. There are barriers to seniors exercising, including safety fears and feeling unfulfilled. Rhythm allows seniors to exercise worry free, build muscle mass, and has gamified elements to add value to exercising as an activity.

As the user exercises the equipment will provide feedback to them through lights on the devices, touch using haptic feedback, and sound through speakers. The devices automatically add users to a workout using fingerprint recognition, to keep the process simple. The robotic fabric on the workout mat can detect when the bench is on the mat to modify the workout for seated users.

The bench provides a variety of options for seniors while sitting or standing depending on their physical health or workouts they perform. Seniors can use the safety handle while standing for support or sitting to help them stand up. The handheld devices have non-slip grips and are 1.5” in diameter to make them easy to hold.

Polypropylene is used for the base of the bench, which is biologically inert and recyclable. The dumbbells are made of steel for the weight, a removable TPU sleeve and polyethylene housing for the head. Polyethylene is a highly recyclable plastic and allows infrared cameras to see through, which are necessary for motion control.