Abstract: The subject invention provides an upper body exercise machine with increased longitudinal and lateral range of motions. As described herein, the exercise machine contains dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms enabling a user emulate the natural biomechanical motion associated with free weights, while maintaining the stability of an exercise machine. The dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms permit the handles to be independently or in combination moved forward (i.e., longitudinally) and inward (i.e., laterally) in a relationship selected by the user. Consequently, the user can grasp the handles and push forward and inward in the natural actuate path. Alternatively, the user can select another path to give the muscles a different workout.

Abstract: An exercise device includes one or more foot supports movable along an arcuate path defined around a point of rotation. The arcuate path is divisible into machine defined user selectable arc segments and the movement of the foot support(s) is limited to the machine defined user selected arc segment. The exercise device can include a frame, a linkage movably engaged with the frame, a foot support movably engaged with the linkage, a crank arm movably engaged with the frame, a motor operative to move the crank arm location with respect to the frame, and a drive linkage movably engaging the linkage.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an exercise machine for exercising the lower torso. As described herein, the exercise machine includes a stabilizer pad, which effectively immobilizes the user's lower body to maintain proper pelvic positioning during execution of the exercise. The stabilizer pad can be part of a user support structure having a seat surface, a pelvic stabilizer pad and a footrest. The footrest is positioned so the user can apply a force using the leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic stabilization pad. The spatial arrangement of the stabilization assembly which comprises: pelvic stabilizer pad, seat, and footrest combination effectively immobilize the user's pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in either the anterior or posterior direction.

Abstract: A range-limiting device allows a user to establish a range of motion, while maintaining the proper mechanical advantage provided by the cam assembly. The range-limiting device includes a shaft containing a lever and a cam disposed thereon. The radial orientation of the lever with respect to the cam is selectable, such that the effective radius of curvature of the cam with respect to the lever is automatically changed as the radial orientation is changed. The range-limiting device is operatively connected to an exercise machine, such that a lever is connected to the shaft, for rotation of the shaft, and the cam is connected to a resistance mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incremental weight system for use with a weight stack of an exercise machines. As described herein, the incremental weight system enables users to incrementally increase the lifting weight, by adding weights that weigh less then the weight of a weight block. The incremental weight system is integrated onto the top of the weight stack, having a weight selector handle operable connected to a pair of engagement pins. The weight selector handle enables the engagement pins to be extended from and retracted into the assembly housing as the weight selector handle is rotated. Incremental weights are disposed at opposite ends of the weight stack. By rotating the weight selector handle, the engagement pins are extended from the assembly housing and engage the increment weights.

Abstract: A multiple exercise performance or positioning apparatus comprising a generally upright stationary frame on which is mounted an elongated arm mechanism which is mounted on a pivot mechanism, the arm mechanism extending from a proximal end to a distal end relative to the frame, the pivot mechanism enabling pivoting of the arm mechanism such that the distal end of the arm mechanism is adjustably movable between positions of variable distance away from the frame, wherein a cable mechanism is mounted around one or more pulleys, the cable mechanism having a first end interconnected to a handle mechanism which is mounted at the distal end of the elongated arm mechanism, the cable mechanism being interconnected to a weight resistance mechanism such that a user may grasp and pull the handle mechanism against an opposing force exerted by the weight resistance mechanism through the cable mechanism.

Abstract: In a treadmill having a controllably pivotable frame supporting a platform on which a user stands, walks or runs, wherein the frame is seated on a stationary surface and has a selected longitudinal front to rear pivot length and a selected pivot axis disposed at a first position along the longitudinal pivot length of the treadmill, an apparatus for stabilizing the seating of the treadmill on the stationary surface, the apparatus comprising: a rigid support member having a tilt guide section interconnected to the frame at a second position along the longitudinal length of the treadmill, the second position being spaced a predetermined distance from the first position along the longitudinal length of the treadmill, the support member being mounted in a generally upright disposition and having a bottom end for engaging the stationary surface; the bottom end of the rigid support member comprising a motion resistant surface for immovably seating the support member on the stationary surface; the rigid support membe

Abstract: A shoulder press exercise apparatus is provided. The shoulder press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: An incline press exercise apparatus is provided. The incline press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: A chest press exercise apparatus is provided. The chest press apparatus includes a selectable eight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: A pull down apparatus is provided. The pull down apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: In a treadmill having a controllably pivotable frame supporting a platform on which a user stands, walks or runs, wherein the frame is seated on a stationary surface and has a selected longitudinal front to rear pivot length and a selected pivot axis disposed at a first position along the longitudinal pivot length of the treadmill, an apparatus for stabilizing the seating of the treadmill on the stationary surface, the apparatus comprising: a rigid support member having a tilt guide section interconnected to the frame at a second position along the longitudinal length of the treadmill, the second position being spaced a predetermined distance from the first position along the longitudinal length of the treadmill, the support member being mounted in a generally upright disposition and having a bottom end for engaging the stationary surface; the bottom end of the rigid support member comprising a motion resistant surface for immovably seating the support member on the stationary surface; the rigid support membe

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided comprising a frame having a front and a rear. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted at one end to the rear of the frame and a pedal is mounted to the other end of each arm. The arms are linked to each other such that when the arms are aligned, the arms extend forward and down so that the pivot axes are above and behind the respective pedals. An resistance mechanism may optionally be included. In use, user positions his or her feet on the pedals and, when provided, selects a desired resistance. The user then selects a desired speed and a desired range of motion and reciprocates the arms back and forth by alternately applying a force to the pedals in accordance with the selected speed and range of motion. The arm pivot axes remain behind and below the user's hips throughout the selected range of motion.

Abstract: A chest press exercise apparatus is provided. The chest press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: An incline press exercise apparatus is provided. The incline press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: A shoulder press exercise apparatus is provided. The shoulder press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise, rehabilitation and extremity testing method and apparatus having a cycloidal speed reducer. A multiposition chair is rotatably mounted to a stand which is slidingly mounted to a track on a platform. A dynamometer is mounted on a pedestal on the platform such that it is capable of rotating about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The vertical height of the dynamometer can also be adjusted. An input apparatus capable of engaging the limb or body segment of a user is mounted to an input shaft of the dynamometer. A motor controls the movement of the input shaft through a cycloidal speed reducer. Consequently, the motor controls the movement of the input arm and the user's limb or body segment. The user exercises his muscles by applying force to the input apparatus according to a number of different protocols.