Abstract: An exercise machine resistance selection system for efficiently and easily adjusting a resistance force applied against movement of a carriage in at least one direction. An exercise machine includes a frame having at least one rail and a carriage movably connected to the at least one rail. A biasing member is selectively and removably connected to the carriage by a first catch member, with the first catch member being adjustable between an engaged position in which the first catch member is adapted to engage with the biasing member to impart a resistance force against movement of the carriage and a disengaged position in which the first catch member is adapted to release biasing member. A first retaining member is adapted to retain the biasing member in place below the carriage when the biasing member is released from the first catch member.

Abstract: An exercise machine with adjustable handles that provide for multiple handle positions. The exercise machine with adjustable handles generally includes a frame with one or more rails, a carriage movably positioned upon the rails, and a pair of adjustable handles positioned near an end of the frame. The adjustable handles each have a handle portion that is movably connected to a corresponding handle stanchion to pivot from a storage position to an extended position.

Abstract: A door mount system for securing exercise devices to a door for use by a user. The door mount system includes a support member, a securing member, an attachment member, and an adjustment member. The adjustment member is adapted to move the securing member. A securing member is adapted to press on the door to removably connect the support member to the door. The attachment member is adapted to connect to an exercise device. The door mount system may further include guide members and slots. The guide members slidably move in the slots to prevent rotation of the securing member. The attachment member may include one or more eyelets adapted to connect to the exercise device.

Abstract: A reversible resistance exercise machine for reversing the direction of applied resistance against a movable platform of an exercising machine. The exercise machine has a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame, and a plurality of biasing members. A plurality of first tension connectors are accessible near the first end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the first end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the first direction. A plurality of second tension connectors are accessible near the second end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the second end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the second direction. A user selectable amount of force may be applied to the carriage to resist movement in either of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine support system for providing increased versatility including inclination or declination of an exercise surface, a reduction in the overall length and width of the exercise machine, and an enhanced user interface which reduces the risk of injury. The exercise machine support system generally includes a cantilevered exercise machine which is adapted to have a variable angle of incline or decline with respect to a horizontal ground surface. The exercise machine will generally include a base and a support which extends between the base and the exercise machine. The upper end of the support is connected to the exercise machine by a first pivot such that the exercise machine pivots about the support. An adjustment device may be utilized to pivot the exercise machine and thus adjust its angle of incline. Various types of adjustment devices are disclosed, including an actuator, ratchet-and-pawl, gears, and cam.

Abstract: An exercise machine which is capable of having its lift, roll, or pitch adjusted with respect to a base so as to provide a plurality of positions of the exercise machine with respect to the base. The exercise machine generally includes a base and an exercise machine movably connected to the base. The exercise machine may include a track, a carriage slidably connected to the track, and a biasing member attached to the carriage to apply a resistive force to the carriage. A plurality of actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine. The plurality of actuators may be utilized to adjust a pitch angle or a roll angle of the exercise machine with respect to the base. The plurality of actuators may also be utilized to lift or lower the exercise machine at a constant angle of pitch and/or roll inclination.

Abstract: A rail system for an exercise machine which may be efficiently manufactured with different dimensions to suit different exercisers and exercise spaces. An exemplary embodiment includes a first rail, a second rail, a carriage movably connected to the first and second rails, at least one biasing member or elongated member adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to the carriage, and one or more spacers extending between the first and second rails. A lower member is connected between the rails beneath the spacers so as to enclose the space between the rails. The lower member includes a plurality of dividers defining channels in which elongated members or biasing members may extend. The spacers, rails, and lower member form a monorail configuration. The effective width of the monorail may be easily adjusted by simply using spacers having different widths, thus easing the manufacture of such exercise machines having different sizes.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance exercise machine for providing variable resistance forces on a pull cable extending from the machine. The adjustable resistance exercise machine generally includes a plurality of power springs that may be selectively engaged using an adjustment mechanism. By engaging springs with different forces, the resistance may be adjusted incrementally as preferred for performing different exercises. The adjustable resistance exercise machine may be connected to various structures, either below or above an exerciser, to allow the exerciser to choose whether to pull the pull cable up or down during exercise.

Abstract: A wireless power system for an exercise machine for providing electrical power wirelessly to an electrical energy storage device or electrical energy consuming device attached to a movable carriage of an exercise machine. The wireless power system for an exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which includes a frame having one or more rails. A carriage is movably positioned upon the rails to allow an exerciser to move the carriage when performing an exercise. A wireless power receiver is attached to the carriage that wirelessly receives electrical energy transferred from a wireless power transmitter. An electrical energy storage device or an electrical energy consuming device attached to the movable carriage is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver to receive electrical power from the wireless power receiver.

Abstract: An exercise machine handle system which provides for a plurality of exerciser positioning surfaces and gripping handles. The exercise machine handle system generally includes an exercise machine carriage and end platform handle system. The exercise machine carriage and end platform handle system includes a plurality of gripping features, thus allowing the exerciser to perform a substantially expanded repertoire of exercises using the exercise machine handle system. An exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine carriage and end platform system may include a carriage with a plurality of handles and a plurality of intermediate support members. In another exemplary embodiment, an exercise machine carriage and end platform system may include an end platform with a plurality of handles, a split carriage, and/or ladder step handles on a handle assembly.

Abstract: An interactive exercise instruction system and method for providing interactive multimedia information to an exerciser and for providing the exerciser the ability to provide information back to the system before, during or after exercising. The interactive exercise instruction system and method generally includes receiving a selection of an exercise to perform on an exercise machine, displaying a visual indicator on the exercise surface indicating where on the exercise surface the exerciser is to make contact to perform the selected exercise, determining whether the contact area corresponds to a location of the visual indicator on the exercise surface and determining as to whether or not the exerciser is properly positioned to perform the exercise as signaled.

Abstract: An exercise machine with visual guidance for providing an instructional lighting system for use with an exercise machine. The exercise machine with visual guidance generally provides for a novel exercise machine comprising an exercise platform movable substantially the length of one or more longitudinal rails, and a lighting system to instruct the exerciser on such exercise elements that may include the direction, pace or intensity of the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine with adjustable platforms for adjusting the angular orientation of one or more end platforms and/or carriage platform to allow for a wide range of exercise moves. The exercise machine includes a rail to which a carriage is movably connected and a first end platform connected to an end of the rail. The carriage includes a platform which may be adjusted between a level position in which the platform is laid flat and a raised position in which the platform is at an angular incline. The first end platform may similarly and independently be adjustable between the level position in which the first end platform is laid flat and a raised position in which the first end platform is at an angular incline. In some embodiments, the exercise machine may include a second end platform which is similarly adjustable between a level position and a raised position.

Abstract: A system and method of using two exercise machines for performing a wide range of exercise movements that utilize both of the exercise machines in concert. The system and method of using two exercise machines generally includes first exercise machine and a second exercise machine which are used in concert to perform a wide range of exercise movements. The first exercise machine may include a track, a carriage movably connected to the track, and an end platform. The second exercise machine may include its own separate track, a carriage movably connected to the track, and an end platform. The exercise machines may be positioned side-to-side in parallel orientation such that an exerciser may perform various exercise moves by positioning different limbs on the respective carriages, end platforms, and/or tracks of the exercise machines, in addition to the surface underlying the exercise machines.

Abstract: An exercise machine with multiple platforms for an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises generally includes an elongated frame structure supporting stationary first and second end platforms, a longitudinal rail extending between the end platforms and having an upper surface comprising a central platform, and a slideable carriage platform that reciprocates on the rail over the central platform and between the end platforms. The platforms provide multiple support surfaces at multiple elevations on which exercisers can position parts of their bodies during exercise. The platforms may be provided with positioning indices and provide continuous support surfaces over substantially the entire length of the exercise machine. The central platform may be provided with finger grips for exercisers to grasp. One or more mounting platforms may be provided to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine with a slidable carriage and accessories providing for a plurality of exerciser positioning surfaces and gripping handles. The exercise machine generally includes one or more lifting handles for raising or lowering either end of the exercise machine with respect to a ground surface. The exercise machine may also include a plurality of wheels each including a ridge adapted to engage with a corresponding groove in a track of the exercise machine. The exercise machine may also include a handle including a pair of arms which are positioned at a distance just greater than a width of the carriage.

Abstract: A system and method for networking fitness machines for allowing an instructor to control various settings for a plurality of exercise machines simultaneously, and for allowing an individual user and/or trainer to modify the settings of an individual exercise machine. The system and method for networking fitness machines generally includes a trainer remote control device, one or more machine-mounted onboard trainer controllers, and a machine-mounted onboard user controller. The trainer remote control device may be securely mounted to the arm of a trainer so that the trainer's hands remain free to instruct exercisers. The trainer remote control device includes a touch screen that displays selections corresponding to various settings on the exercise machines. The trainer remote control communicates with the plurality of exercise machines via a wireless network or Bluetooth connection allowing the trainer to change the settings of a plurality of exercise machines in a class mode simultaneously.

Abstract: A force assistance system for an exercise machine assists a user during a first portion of a lift. The force assistance system provides an assistance force at the beginning of a lift to help the user perform the lift. The assistance force reduces the amount of force the user must provide to start the lift. The assistance force helps the user exercise using higher weights for better muscle development. The force assistance system for the exercise machine generally includes an upper member, a lower member and at least one resilient member positioned between the upper member and the lower member. The upper member, the lower member and the at least one resilient member are adapted to be positioned between a frame and a movable arm of the exercise machine. The at least one resilient member applies the assistance force in an upward direction to the movable arm to help the user move the movable arm during a first portion of a lift.

Abstract: An exercise machine which includes a centralized spring box and multiple gripping surfaces with which an exerciser may perform a wide range of exercise moves. The exercise machine includes a movable carriage and platform on a track. Bias members may be connected between the carriage and various structural elements of the exercise machine so as to impart a resistance force against movement of the carriage. An outer handle may be positioned around a carriage platform so as to surround the carriage platform. Inner handles may be positioned between the carriage platform and the outer handle, with the inner handle(s) being connected not to the outer handle or the carriage platform, but to an underlying support assembly. A pair of end handles may extend outwardly from the ends of the exercise machine. A bias member retainer such as a spring box may be centrally-located along the length of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An end platform for an exercise machine for increased support of an exerciser's spine, neck and head which allows for an expanded scope of exercises that cannot otherwise be performed on the machine without the improved platform. The end platform for an exercise machine generally includes a novel, ergonomically improved stationary platform affixed to at least one opposed end of a substantially longitudinal exercise machine that includes at least a resistance biased reciprocating platform. The improved end platform provides for increased support of exercisers' spine, neck and head, thereby allowing for an expanded scope of exercises that cannot otherwise be performed on the machine without the improved platform, and further provides for the attachment of new and novel exercise equipment accessories to the exercise machine.