Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine is disclosed. The folding elliptical machine has a frame that comprises a base support structure and an upright support structure, wherein the base support structure has a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the rear portion is rotatably attached to the front portion at a pivot mechanism such that the elliptical exercise machine is selectively moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The upright support structure extends upward from the first end of the front portion of the base support structure. The folding elliptical machine further comprises first and second reciprocating foot supports, each foot support having a first end and a second end, a drive assembly situated on the rear portion of the base support structure, and a ramp assembly situated at the first end of the front portion of the base support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a treadmill having a frameless treadbase. The treadmill is lightweight and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment features an arched deck. The arched deck has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is has an upward incline or convex arch. The arched deck provides intrinsic cushion and incline. The arched deck maintains a convex arch independent of any structure in the treadmill. Additionally, the arched deck is connected to a front support and a rear support, the front support being independent from the rear support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses. In more particular the present invention relates to a self-adjusting treadmill having a moveable console and a self-adjusting cushioning assembly. According to one aspect of the present invention, the moveable console and the self-adjusting cushioning assembly of the treadmill automatically adjust based on user parameters. The user parameters can be input by the user or automatically detected when the user steps on the treadmill by the movable console and/or the cushioning mechanisms. In one embodiment, when the user stands on the treadmill, the console detects the height of the user and is automatically raised or lowered to tailor the positioning of the console relative to the height of the user.

Abstract: An exercise device with an on board personal trainer is provided. The exercise device comprises a frame, a movable element operatively coupled to the frame, a resistance assembly coupled to the frame and to the movable element such that the movable element moves against resistance provided by the resistance assembly, and a console coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the movable element and/or the resistance assembly. The console is configured to display a menu structure to enable a user to select an exercise program, wherein the console provides graphical and audio instructions regarding the selected exercise program, such that the console enables (i) selection of a desired exercise program, (ii) a graphical display of the selected exercise program, and (iii) audio instructions relating to the selected exercise program. The on board personal trainer also keeps track of the user's repetitions and sets of a particular exercise.

Abstract: A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, resistance assembly, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly contains a pair of link arms pivotally coupled to a pair of foot support members. The link arms have handles for the user to grip and the foot support members have foot platforms for the user to stand upon. The foot platforms have a wheel attached to them and the wheel rests upon curved or arced ramps of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the handles and/or foot platforms. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride.

Abstract: A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, at least one ramp assembly, a pair of foot support assemblies, a foot location control assembly, and means for adjusting the maximum stride length of the foot support assemblies. The foot support assemblies may advantageously be coupled to the foot location control assembly by a flexible cable linkage. The foot support assemblies each include a foot platform for the user to stand on. The foot support assemblies are coupled to the one or more ramp assemblies of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the foot platforms and/or handles. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride.

Abstract: An exercise machine has resilient elongate members for providing balanced resistance in the form of elongate resilient members oriented horizontally such that the intermediate portion of the elongate members contact a fulcrum of the exercise machine. The user adjusts the amount of resistance provided by capturing different combinations and members of resilient elongate members. A cable and pulley system ensures a long stroke so the user can perform a wide variety of exercises in comfortable positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inclining treadmill having a hood assembly pivotally coupled between the frame and the inclining tread base of the treadmill. The configuration of the pivoting hood assembly allows the inclining tread base to incline to a grade of at least 20 percent. The pivot point of the pivoting hood assembly is positioned distally from the distal end of the tread base. The pivoting hood assembly is positioned at an angle to greater than 40 degrees when the tread base is at its greatest grade of incline. A lift motor engages a channel bracket assembly of the pivoting hood assembly at a point distal to the pivot point of the pivoting hood assembly. The inclining tread base is linked to the frame of the treadmill by being coupled to the pivoting hood assembly.

Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to a cable crossover exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. The invention also relates to a functional lift exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and substantially parallel extension arms. The invention further relates to a cable type exercise apparatus employing a pulley assembly with a 4:1 load ratio.

Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine is disclosed. The folding elliptical machine has a frame that comprises a base support structure and an upright support structure, wherein the base support structure has a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the rear portion is rotatably attached to the front portion at a pivot mechanism such that the elliptical exercise machine is selectively moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The upright support structure extends upward from the first end of the front portion of the base support structure. The folding elliptical machine further comprises first and second reciprocating foot supports, each foot support having a first end and a second end, a drive assembly situated on the rear portion of the base support structure, and a ramp assembly situated at the first end of the front portion of the base support structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing 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 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: Balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform for an individual thereon. The weight and movement of the individual causes the platform to tilt in any direction, thereby attempting to throw off the balance of the individual, causing the individual to work on maintaining balance while on the dynamic platform. The dynamic nature of the platform can be adjusted to correspond to the balancing abilities of individuals. An adjustment mechanism increases or reduces the amount the platform is able to tilt, without requiring the raising or lowering of any component of the platform. An exercise mechanism can also be connected to the platform to further modify the dynamic nature of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heart rate monitor displays. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for displaying a user's heart rate relative to a target heart rate. A progressive heart rate monitor display having two or more indicia adapted to indicate a users heart rate relative to a target heart rate and to signal changes in the user's heart rate is provided. The progressive heart rate monitor display can include a numeric display for representing the heart rate as a numeric value. A method of displaying a user's heart rate in which one or more of the indicia are actuated to signal changes in a user's heart rate relative to a target heart rate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling an exercise device with one or more control signals associated with an exercise program received from a telephone answering service. The exercise device includes an input device through which a user can request an exercise program from the telephone answering service. The telephone answering service delivers selectable options to the exercise device, which presents the options to the user. In response to the user selecting a particular option, the telephone answering service delivers the selected exercise program, including one or more control signals, to the exercise device. The exercise device identifies the one or more control signals, either by detecting the audible representation of the one or more control signals or analyzing the electronic representation of the received exercise program, and controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise device based upon such one or more control signals.

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: A method and apparatus for a treadmill having a frameless treadbase. The treadmill is lightweight and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment features an arched deck. The arched deck has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is has an upward incline or convex arch. The arched deck provides intrinsic cushion and incline. The arched deck maintains a convex arch independent of any structure in the treadmill. Additionally, the arched deck is connected to a front support and a rear support, the front support being independent from the rear support.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has an exercise station that is selectively moved by a user and has first and second weight stacks that provide selected resistance to movement of the exercise station. The exercise apparatus includes: (A) a frame; (B) an exercise station; (C) a first weight stack; (D) a second weight stack; and (E) a coupling system configured to selectively couple: (i) the first weight stack; and (ii) the second weight stack to the exercise station such that movement of the exercise station requires movement of at least one plate from each of: (i) the first weight stack; and (ii) the second weight stack. A coupling member couples the first weight stack to the second weight stack.