Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses vertically oriented weight plates that rare in a side-by-side arrangement and are selected by selectors in a selector assembly. A set of actuators are controlled by a computer processor and force the selectors into positions that engage and disengage with a corresponding set of weights. The computer is connected to a user interface that accepts input from a user and instructs the computer to adjust the amount of weight using the actuators and the corresponding selectors. The computer is also in communication with sensors that indicate whether the weights have been lifted successfully and automatically select a lower weight when the weights are not lifted successfully.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses multiple weight plates that are selected by selector assemblies. A series of actuators that are not directly connected to the selector assemblies actuate the selector assemblies to engage and disengage the weight plates. The actuators are in communication with a controller, which is connected to a user interface console. The user interface console accepts input from a user and instructs the controller to adjust the amount of weight engaged by the selector assemblies based on input from the user and various sensors.