Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. Upper and lower pulleys direct a cable into the opposed extension arms such that variations in the cable reaction and tension are minimized when either arm is moved.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus which may be moveable between a storage mode and an exercise mode. The exercise apparatus may used on a base surface by a user. The exercise apparatus may include a frame for supporting a seat above the base surface. The frame may include a front leg. The frame may include an engaging member that may be pivotally connected to the front leg comprising an engaging portion. The frame may include a rear leg comprising a receiving portion disposed to receive the engaging portion. The exercise apparatus may include a moveable backrest. The moveable backrest may include a resilient spine member. The moveable backrest may include a first end connected to the frame. The moveable backrest may include a second end that is freely moveable. The backrest may be disposed to provide support to the user's back during movement of the backrest.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable ramp is provided and comprises a frame, first and second reciprocating foot supports, each foot support having a foot placement pad, first and second swing arms being pivotally connected to an upright support structure, first and second link arms being connected to a respective swing arm and a second end of each link arm being interconnected to a second end of a respective reciprocating foot support, a drive assembly positioned on the upright support structure, wherein a first end of each reciprocating foot support is movably linked to the drive assembly, and a ramp assembly adjustably linked to the frame by an adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and the ramp assembly, the adjustment mechanism being configured to adjust the position of the ramp assembly and to thereby adjust stride movements of the respective foot placement pads.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise machine, and particularly a front or rear mount elliptical or elliptical-type machine, comprising: (a) a support structure; (b) a drive component pivotally coupled to the support structure and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis; (c) a reciprocating foot support configured to travel about a closed path having a stride length upon rotation of the drive component; (d) a coupling configuration configured to support the reciprocating foot support about the drive component at a position radially offset from the first pivot axis, the coupling configuration pivotally coupled to the drive component about a second pivot axis; and (e) an adjustment mechanism configured to enable the coupling configuration to pivot about the second pivot axis between at least two adjustment positions to vary the radial offset of the reciprocating foot support with respect to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a support structure having a base portion, the support structure housing a resistance assembly (e.g., including a weight stack). At least one arm assembly is mounted to the support structure. Each of the one or more arm assemblies includes: (i) an elongate member, and (ii) a mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly is pivotally mounted to the elongate member and also pivotally mounted to the support structure at a location spaced apart from the base portion of the support structure. One pivot mount allows the elongate member to pivot up and down, while the other pivot mount allows the mounting bracket assembly (and thus the arm assembly) to pivot in and out (i.e., laterally). At least one cable extends from the resistance assembly to the at least one arm assembly.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame with a deck cooperating with the frame. The deck and frame cooperate with an endless belt having an upwardly exposed exercise section upon which an exercising user may rest or exercise. An impact absorbing mechanism cooperates with the frame and the deck and is configured to adjustably cushion the impact of a user upon the exercise section of the endless belt. The impact absorbing mechanism includes at least cushioning member and at least one spring at least partially surrounding a portion of the at least one cushioning member, wherein adjustment of the impact absorbing mechanism is achieved by replacing at least one of the at least one cushioning member and the at least one spring with at least one of another cushioning member and another spring.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide two-way communication between an exercise device and a computer device. A computer device and an exercise device employ different protocol formats and communicate through a translator device, which includes a microcontroller specifically designed to translate data or signals deliverable by different communication protocols. The exercise device, the computer device, or a user at either the exercise or computer device may initiate the communication.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium preferably including the Internet that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: The treadmill has a tread base that is rotatably attached to and between a left upright and a right upright. The tread base is rotatable between a first position for performing exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching structure is provided to latch the tread base to the support structure. The treadmill also includes inclination structure for inclining the tread relative to the support surface when in the first position. The treadmill also includes rigid handles and one configuration movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist gas cylinder is also interconnected between the tread base and the feet attached to the uprights.

Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.

Abstract: An improved lift apparatus for use in a treadmill having a support base and a treadbase is disclosed. The lift apparatus includes a lift motor assembly linked to the support base and to a cam. The first cam can be attached to a torsion bar linked to the support base. An incline link bar is linked to the first cam and to the treadbase. The force generated by the motor assembly is efficiently translated from the cam to the treadbase, thereby inclining the treadbase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The programming includes motivational content and control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting and optionally instructional and educational content for the benefit of a user. The control signals can be carried in wireless carrier signals and can include bytes of data that define changes to the value of one or more operating parameters of an exercise device. The control signals can control one or more operating parameters of one or more exercise devices, whether at once, or device specific.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus with a single resistant rod configured to provide resistance for use in exercise and an electronic weight selector mechanism for use with a resistance rod having a variable resistance system and an electronic weight selector control. The variable resistance system includes a cable and pulley system that compounds the force exerted by the user on the cable and pulley system allowing the user a greater extension length per unit length the resistance rod is displaced. The variable resistance system includes a lever arm having an adjustable effective length to change the amount of resistance by changing the mechanical advantage provided by the lever arm. The electronic weight selector control including program exercise routines which assist the user in exercise by providing desired patterns, amounts of resistance, numbers of sets and repetitions, and combinations of exercises to be performed.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to provide adjustable resistance to the motion of a user exercising with the exercise device. The exercise device includes a frame that at least partially supports an operable assembly. Cooperating with the operable assembly is a resistance assembly that provides a resistance adjustable by the user of the exercise device. The resistance assembly includes an actuating assembly that engages with a pivoting arm. The actuating assembly includes a handle mechanism that is simple to operate and enables a user to easily select a desirable resistance level. A connecting member of the actuating assembly extends from the handle mechanism to a resistance member. Movement of the operable assembly moves the arm toward a fixed end of the resistance member. The connecting member temporarily lengthens the resistance member, while the resistance member inhibits such movement and provides resistance to the exercising user's motion.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus with a single resistant rod configured to provide resistance for use in exercise and an electronic weight selector mechanism for use with a resistance rod having a variable resistance system and an electronic selector control. The weight selector control includes a bi-directional control and a plurality of indicia. The bi-directional control allows the user to change the amount of resistance provided by the single resilient elongate rod in combination with the variable resistance system. The plurality of indicia allows the user to monitor the amount and direction of change in resistance while operating the bi-directional control.