Abstract: An exercise machine, components of an exercise machine, and methods related to using an exercise machine that allow for the performance of an abdominal exercise which provides for a more natural rolling motion for the back while providing variable resistance. Specifically, at least one of the seat or backrest, and preferably both, is not rotationally attached directly to the frame of the machine, but is instead rotationally attached to a secondary arm which is then rotationally attached to the frame.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A mechanical braking system for a high-incline treadmill utilizing a mechanical brake which may be used on its own or in combination with a traditional motor brake. The mechanical brake is generally mountable on a treadmill between or around the belt motor and the flywheel. Upon engagement of the brake, typically the brake engages the flywheel, the motor, or the axle in a way that effectively locks the axle, and thus the belt, in a fixed position.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, but which can fold into a generally flat configuration when returning to the top of the tread. Each step is designed to be formed of four generally identical segments where both the segments forming the tread and kickplate can fold relative to each other and each of the tread and kickplate can fold at a midpoint between two segments.

Abstract: A mechanical braking system for a high-incline treadmill utilizing a mechanical brake which may be used on its own or in combination with a traditional motor brake. The mechanical brake is generally mountable on a treadmill between or around the belt motor and the flywheel. Upon engagement of the brake, typically the brake engages the flywheel, the motor, or the axle in a way that effectively locks the axle, and thus the belt, in a fixed position.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, but which can fold into a generally flat configuration when returning to the top of the tread. Each step is designed to be formed of four generally identical segments where both the segments forming the tread and kickplate can fold relative to each other and each of the tread and kickplate can fold at a midpoint between two segments.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, but which can fold into a generally flat configuration when returning to the top of the tread. Each step is designed to be formed of four generally identical segments where both the segments forming the tread and kickplate can fold relative to each other and each of the tread and kickplate can fold at a midpoint between two segments.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, and a stair climbing exercise device or “stairmill,” having a belt formed thereon. The belt being formed from a plurality of interconnected L-shaped elements each of the L-shaped elements having unequal arm and leg dimensions.

Abstract: Treadmills or similar exercise devices which utilize a motor driven belt which can be used to provide a powered running surface, but can also be used to provide a resistance to movement of the belt to allow a user to have to manually drive the belt at a constant resistance or torque regardless of incline. This later mode of operation is akin to the pushing or pulling of a weight sled and can be arranged so that a user can be required to supply a constant torque over a range of inclines.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, but which can fold into a generally flat configuration when returning to the top of the tread. Each step is designed to be formed of four generally identical segments where both the segments forming the tread and kickplate can fold relative to each other and each of the tread and kickplate can fold at a midpoint between two segments.

Abstract: A mechanical braking system for a high-incline treadmill utilizing a mechanical brake which may be used on its own or in combination with a traditional motor brake. The mechanical brake is generally mountable on a treadmill between or around the belt motor and the flywheel. Upon engagement of the brake, typically the brake engages the flywheel, the motor, or the axle in a way that effectively locks the axle, and thus the belt, in a fixed position.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.