Abstract: A range limiting device for use in an exercise machine having a cam and an input arm fixed to a shaft, wherein the shaft is pivotally mounted to a frame. The range limiting device includes a cam arm pivotally mounted to the cam arm so as to maintain a tether substantially tangential to the outer perimeter of the cam. A detent pin mounted to the cam arm selectively locks the orientation of the cam arm with respect to the cam. A stop cam is pivotally mounted to the frame coaxial with the shaft and includes a stop member positioned to interfere with the rotation of the input arm. The orientation of the stop cam is locked by a detent pin mounted to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a chest press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a squat press exercise are disclosed. A user support, such as a seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A four-bar linkage is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. A lever is mounted to the four-bar linkage and is adapted to support removable weight plates. As the user presses the footplate, the four-bar linkage rotates, controlling the orientation of the footplate such that the footplate does not rotate with respect to the user support (and, thus, the user). The lever also rotates, causing the weight plates to lift in an arcuate path, thereby providing an increasing resistance to the movement of the footplate during the concentric portion of the exercise. In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for exercising the legs and lower torso. A weight resistance is selected. A user is supported on a user support and places her feet on a footplate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a rear deltoid and rowing exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a leg press exercise with counterbalance are disclosed. A user support, such as seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A swing, such as a four-bar linkage, is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. An arm with a counterweight is pivotally connected to the frame. A beam is rotatably mounted to the four-bar linkage and the arm. The footplate is adjusted relative to the seat by variation of the length of a connection between a pulley weight system and the four-bar linkage. The footplate rotates arcuately with respect to the frame during adjustment to accommodate users of various stature. The position of the counterweight changes during footplate adjustment in order to compensate for the changing effect of gravity on the footplate and the swing.