Abstract: The exercise machine with a variable resistance system includes a frame, an exercise implement movably connected to the frame, a main shaft rotatably connected to the frame, a main connector attached between the main shaft and the exercise implement, a plurality of resistance assemblies and a plurality of actuation assemblies adapted for selectively engaging or disengaging at least one of the plurality of resistance assemblies with respect to the main shaft. The plurality of resistance assemblies apply a total level of rotational resistance against the main shaft based on which of the plurality of resistance assemblies are engaged with the main shaft by the plurality of actuation assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically, a substantially horizontal exercise machine comprising an exercise platform slidable along one or more rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of the machine structure, the slidable platform spring-biased towards one end of the machine, is tiltable to allow for one end of the machine to be raised or lowered relative to the opposed end of the machine.

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 monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.

Abstract: An exercise machine inclination device for providing variable exercise intensity on an exercise machine by inclining the exercise machine. The exercise machine inclination device generally includes a base adapted for being positioned upon a floor, a support structure adapted for supporting an exercise machine, a hinge pivotally connecting the base and the support structure and an actuator connected between the base and the support structure, wherein the actuator adjusts an angle of the support structure.

Abstract: A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base.

Abstract: An exercise machine handle indicia system for facilitating efficient and proper exercise movements by an exerciser. The exercise machine handle indicia system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame, a bias member connected between the carriage and the frame that applies a bias force upon the carriage, and a first handle and a second handle connected to the frame near the first end of the frame. The first handle includes a first indicia to indicate where to position a first hand of an exerciser to perform a first exercise and the second handle includes a first indicia to indicate where to position a second hand of the exerciser to perform the first exercise. During the performance of an exercise, the exerciser is instructed by a human instructor or an electronic device which indicia on the handles to position their hands or other body parts.

Abstract: An exercise machine carriage system which allows for a wide range of exercises while maintaining improved balance and control for the exerciser. The exercise machine generally includes a stationary frame and a carriage adapted to slide along at least one track on the frame. The carriage may include at least one opening on its upper surface to be used by an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises. The carriage may also include, either in combination with the openings or alternatively, at least one carriage strap extending across its upper surface for use in a variety of exercises. Platforms may also be included on either end of the frame, each of the platforms including its own platform strap. By utilizing such openings and/or straps, a wide variety of exercises may be accomplished that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to perform on conventional exercise machines.

Abstract: An exercise machine resistance adjustment system for providing an exerciser the ability to immediately adjust the resistance force by changing their body position on the movable carriage or end platforms. The exercise machine resistance adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned on the frame, a spring connected to the carriage to apply a biasing force to the carriage, one or more left projections within the carriage adapted for a left hand of an exerciser to grasp, and one or more right projections within the carriage adapted for a right hand of an exerciser to grasp. The exerciser is able to efficiently adjust the amount of resistance force applied to the carriage by repositioning their hands (or feet) from a first set of projections at a first distance to a second set of projections at a second distance from the first end of the exercise machine.

Abstract: A Pilates machine tension device support system for efficiently providing a tension force to a movable platform of an exercise machine. The Pilates machine tension device support system generally includes a frame, a platform movably positioned upon the frame and a tension assembly connected between the frame and the platform to provide selective tension upon the platform in a first direction. The tension assembly is comprised of a plurality of pulleys and a plurality of tension devices positioned upon the pulleys, wherein the tension devices are attached between a frame and the platform. The tension members are selectively engaged to the platform to increase or decrease the tension applied to the platform for varying levels of workouts.

Abstract: An exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercise machine. The exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method generally includes a control unit in communication with a resistance adjustment system of an exercise machine and a biometric monitoring device used by an exerciser on the exercise machine. The control unit receives biometric data from the biometric monitoring device and sends a control signal to the resistance adjustment system to adjust the resistance of the exercise machine based on the biometric data received.

Abstract: An exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces for providing secondary exercise support platforms positioned at various planes relative to the horizontal plane of the primary exercising platforms, the secondary platforms further serving as handles used during the performance of exercises. The exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces generally includes a frame, a carriage movably attached to the rail, and a first support structure and a second support structure attached to the frame near the first end. The support structures each include one or more platforms having an upper surface that is positioned above the base plane of the carriage.

Abstract: An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.

Abstract: An exercise machine carriage handle system for providing handles for an exerciser to grasp with their hands thereby expanding the type of exercises that may be performed. The exercise machine carriage handle system generally includes a frame having a track, a carriage movably connected to the track, a bias member connected between the frame and the carriage, a first handle connected to the carriage near the first side, and a second handle connected to the carriage near the second side. The first handle and second handle are adapted for grasping with a first hand and a second hand respectively of a user during the performance of an exercise on the exercise machine.

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 ergonomic handle system for providing hand-holds for the performance of exercises with reduced flexion and/or extension of the hand and wrist and reduced ulnar and/or radial deviation so as to reduce injury and allow application of full strength to the exercise machine. The exercise machine ergonomic handle system generally includes a longitudinally extending frame, a carriage that moves upon a first longitudinal portion of the frame, and at least one pair of ergonomic handles positioned on a second longitudinal portion of the frame. The ergonomic handles rotate about an axis to prevent flexion and/or extension, and can be positioned at a width and/or angle that reduces ulnar and/or radial deviation.

Abstract: An exercise machine monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.

Abstract: An exercise machine handle indicia system for facilitating efficient and proper exercise movements by an exerciser. The exercise machine handle indicia system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame, a bias member connected between the carriage and the frame that applies a bias force upon the carriage, and a first handle and a second handle connected to the frame near the first end of the frame. The first handle includes a first indicia to indicate where to position a first hand of an exerciser to perform a first exercise and the second handle includes a first indicia to indicate where to position a second hand of the exerciser to perform the first exercise. During the performance of an exercise, the exerciser is instructed by a human instructor or an electronic device which indicia on the handles to position their hands or other body parts.

Abstract: A Pilates machine tension device support system for efficiently providing a tension force to a movable platform of an exercise machine. The Pilates machine tension device support system generally includes a frame, a platform movably positioned upon the frame and a tension assembly connected between the frame and the platform to provide selective tension upon the platform in a first direction. The tension assembly is comprised of a plurality of pulleys and a plurality of tension devices positioned upon the pulleys, wherein the tension devices are attached between a frame and the platform. The tension members are selectively engaged to the platform to increase or decrease the tension applied to the platform for varying levels of workouts.

Abstract: A self-standing weighted pole system for providing convenient stabilization and additional weight for an exerciser. The self-standing weighted pole system generally includes an elongated pole having a lower end and an upper end, and a base attached to the lower end of the pole. The base includes an outer end that is broader than the pole to support the pole in a substantially vertically orientated self-standing manner.