Interactive exercise and training system

A punching bag training comprises a flexible housing adapted to be wrapped around a punching bag. The housing supports a strike pad array. Each strike pad in the array comprises a force sensor to detect strikes, together with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are positioned around the force sensor and that are lit when the user strikes the pad accurately (e.g., within a predetermined strike zone, and within a predetermined time). In addition, each strike pad has associated therewith an extension (or connecting) portion that couples the strike pad to the center portion. The connecting portion advantageously includes a set of LEDs that are selectively lit to telegraph a hit point to the user, namely, the strike pad associated with the connecting portion. The LEDs arranged on the connecting portion serve as a runway with the LEDs being lit progressively from the center portion and outward toward the strike pad to be hit next in a programmed hit sequence. As the user interacts with the system, speed, timing and accuracy preferably are measured to determine a score. The lighting elements are controlled using a controller unit that may be integral with the housing, attached thereto, or coupled to the housing wirelessly. The controller unit outputs one or more programmed hit sequences (i.e., to provide the control signals that activate the LEDs), and to detect and record electrical signals generated by the force sensors as the user strikes the pads.