Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided for use in performing muscle exercise routines, including exercises such as bench presses, arm curls, and leg curls. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, an actuator mechanism, and a resistance mechanism. During an exercise routine, an exerciser moves a bar such as a handlebar, mounted on the actuator mechanism, reciprocatively, through arc movement. A clutch mechanism is provided so that, selectively, as the bar is moved the resistance mechanism is engaged. The resistance mechanism is of a fluid-shearing friction type with a rotating shearing surface acting upon a stationary shearing surface through viscous fluid. The clutch mechanism permits resistance to bar movement to be selectively provided during a forward stroke, or return stroke, or both, during reciprocative movement of the bar. The resistance mechanism includes means permitting an amount of resistance offered by the mechanism to be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a rotor which rotates upon action of an operator. Resistance to rotation of the rotor is provided by fluid trapped between the rotor and a non-rotating portion of the device. A friction relief mechanism provides periodic variation in the amount of resistance to rotation as the rotor is rotated. A fluid level adjustment mechanism permits control of the amount of fluid positioned between the rotor and the non-rotating portion of the device. As the amount of fluid between the rotor and the non-rotating portions of the assembly is increased, the total amount of energy required to complete a single revolution of the rotor is generally increased. In a preferred embodiment, the device is an exercise cycle operated by pedaling.