Abstract: An exercise machine configured for a user to perform an exercise motion. A first frame is configured to be positioned on a floor. A second frame is supported by the first frame, the second frame being manually moveable by the user relative to the first frame into a desired position for the user to perform the exercise motion. A sensor detects an actual position of the second frame relative to the first frame. A display device is configured to display the actual position detected by the sensor to assist the user in moving the second frame into the desired position.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a stiffness of a fitness machine operable by a user, the fitness machine having a base and a mobile portion that moves relative to the base during operation of the fitness machine. A resilient body resists movement of the mobile portion towards the base in a height direction. The resilient body has a length defined in a length direction that is perpendicular to the height direction. The length of the resilient body increases when the mobile portion moves towards the base. An actuator is operable to adjust a set maximum for which the length of the resilient body may extend during operation of the fitness machine. A resistance provided by the resilient body to resist movement of the mobile portion towards the base is unaffected by operation of the actuator when the length of the resilient body is less than the set maximum.

Abstract: An exercise machine is configured for an exercise motion, and the exercise machine includes an input module configured to receive an input from a user. The input module includes a sensor configured to sense strain forces caused when the user engages the input module and to generate a signal corresponding to the sensed strain forces. A control system is configured to control the exercise machine based on the sensed strain forces.

Abstract: An exercise machine comprising a resistance mechanism, a supporting frame, and a movable member which is movable relative to the supporting frame into and between a rest position and an extended position during performance of an exercise motion by a user. Movement of the movable member towards the extended position is resisted by the resistance mechanism. A stop device stops the movable member in the rest position, the stop device having an engagement member which engages and is able to translate along a stop surface on the supporting frame when the movable member is moved into the rest position.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a crankshaft having a crankshaft mounting surface, a landing surface, and a crankshaft bore, a crank arm having a threaded crank arm bore and a crank arm mounting surface that is frictionally engaged with the crankshaft mounting surface, and a fastener that axially extends through the threaded crank arm bore and into engagement with the crankshaft bore to fasten the crank arm to the crankshaft. The threaded crank arm bore is configured for threaded engagement by a removal tool such that removal of the fastener and insertion and rotation of the removal tool in the threaded crank arm bore causes the removal tool to disengage the crank arm mounting surface from the crankshaft mounting surface and thus facilitates removal of the crank arm from the crankshaft. Methods of disassembling an exercise machine having a crank arm are also provided.

Abstract: A pivot device for exercise equipment. The pivot device has a first hub for a first movable member of the exercise equipment, and a second hub for a second movable member of the exercise equipment. The first hub and the second hub are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis through a pivot range. A dampener is configured to dampen said pivoting movement, wherein the dampener has a resilient bumper having an annular shape which is compressed at the first end of said pivot range.

Abstract: A fitness machine operable by a user. The fitness machine has a base and a mobile portion that moves relative to the base during operation. A resilient body resists movement of the mobile portion towards the base in a height direction. The resilient body has a length defined in a length direction that is perpendicular to the height direction. The length of the resilient body increases when the mobile portion moves towards the base. An end stop is operable to prevent the length of the resilient body from increasing beyond a set maximum. The end stop is moveable to adjust the set maximum for the length of the resilient body, where a resistance provided by the resilient body to resist movement of the mobile portion towards the base is unaffected by moving the end stop when the length of the resilient member is less than the set maximum.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing an exercise motion. A resistance mechanism controls a resistance for performing the exercise motion. An incline adjustment device controls an incline for performing the exercise motion. A control system is operatively coupled to the resistance mechanism and the incline adjustment device and is configured to receive a resistance setting for controlling the resistance, receive an incline setting for controlling the incline, and determine a resistance modifier for adjusting the resistance based on the incline setting. The control system is further configured to adjust the resistance setting based on the resistance modifier to provide a modified resistance setting, control the incline adjustment device based on the incline setting, and control the resistance mechanism based on the modified resistance setting to thereby cause an exertion by a user for performing the exercise motion to change when the incline setting is changed.

Abstract: An input assembly is for an exercise machine. The input assembly has a housing having a keypad window, an insert in the housing, and a keypad in the keypad window, the keypad being sandwiched between the housing and the insert such that a seal is formed there between, the seal being configured to prevent ingress of liquid to the housing via the keypad window.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame for supporting a user of the exercise machine, and a console assembly comprising a handlebar for engagement by the user and a display for displaying and/or controlling an operational characteristic of the exercise machine to the user. The console assembly is coupled to the frame and longitudinally adjustable relative to the frame. Methods for assembling the exercise machine are provided.

Abstract: An exercise machine is for performing a striding exercise motion. The exercise machine has a frame; first and second pedal members; first and second foot pads on the first and second pedal members, respectively, each of the first and second foot pads being movable along an elliptical path during said striding exercise motion; and first and second rocker arms each having a first end that is pivotable with respect to the frame about a rocker arm pivot axis and further having a second end that is pivotable with respect to one of the first and second pedal members about a pedal lever hub axis. The frame has first and second frame portions. The first frame portion supports the first and second rocker arms and is pivotable about a frame pivot axis relative to the second frame portion. Pivoting the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion adjusts a position of the rocker arm pivot axis, which thereby changes a shape of the elliptical path.

Abstract: An exercise machine is for performing a striding exercise motion. The exercise machine has frame; first and second pedal members; first and second foot pads on the first and second pedal members, respectively, each of the first and second foot pads being configured to move in an elliptical path during the striding exercise motion; first and second rocker arms pivotally coupled to the frame; and first and second adjustment devices configured to actively adjust and set a position of the first and second pedal members relative to the first and second rocker arms, respectively, which thereby changes a shape of the elliptical path.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fitness machine having a light. The method includes receiving a preset time for a user to perform an exercise using the fitness machine, receiving a request to start the exercise, and controlling the light in a first operating mode. The method further includes counting an elapsed time since the exercise was started, determining a remaining time as a difference between the elapsed time and the preset time, and comparing the remaining time to a threshold time. The method further includes changing the light to a second operating mode different than the first operating mode when the remaining time is less than the threshold time to thereby indicate that the exercise will be ending.

Abstract: A method of making a fitness machine. The method includes providing a base device with which an operator may exercise and providing handles each having a non-conductive portion and a conductive portion, the conductive portion being electroplated. The method further includes coupling the handles to the base device so as to be gripped by the operator while exercising and electrically coupling the conductive portion of each of the handles to a control system configured to determine cardiac information for the operator, where the conductive portion of each of the handles receives electrical activity from the operator when gripped, and where the conductive portion is electrically coupled such that the electrical activity is provided to the control system for determining the cardiac information for the operator based thereon.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fitness machine by a user, where the method includes storing intensity ratings within a memory device, and the intensity ratings correspond to an intensity for the user operating the fitness machine. The method includes displaying initial operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, where the intensity for the user varies for each of the initial operating levels. The method includes determining and displaying the intensity rating associated with each of the initial operating levels, receiving a selection from the initial operating levels and automatically controlling the fitness machine to operate according thereto, displaying, after receiving the selection among the initial operating levels, new operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, and determining and displaying the intensity ratings associated with each of the new operating levels. At least one of the new operating levels and one of the initial operating levels are different.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a flywheel, a rotary input member, and a clutch mechanism that is positionable in a freewheel position in which rotation of the rotary input member causes rotation of the flywheel and wherein thereafter ceasing rotation of the rotary input member permits continued rotation of the flywheel. The clutch mechanism is alternately positionable in a direct drive position in which rotation of the rotary input member causes rotation of the flywheel and wherein thereafter ceasing rotation of the rotary input member prevents continued rotation of the flywheel. Advantageously, movement of the clutch mechanism from the freewheel position to the direct drive position is prevented when rotation of the rotary input member is out of synchronization with rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: A fitness machine providing shock absorption for a user operating the fitness machine. The fitness machine includes a base, at least one member engageable by the user and moveable relative to the base during operation of the fitness machine, and a resilient body that resists movement of the at least one member towards the base so as to provide shock absorption for the user, wherein the resistance provided by the resilient body is adjustable. The fitness machine further includes a control system configured to receive from the user a shock setting corresponding to how much shock absorption is desired, and to receive other than from the user a secondary input, wherein the control system is further configured to adjust the resistance provided by the resilient body based on the shock setting and the secondary input.

Abstract: A bi-directional exercise machine has a work arm, first and second cams coupled to the work arm, a resistance mechanism, and a pulley assembly that couples the resistance mechanism to the work arm via the first and second cams so that movement of the work arm is resisted by the resistance mechanism according to first and second resistance profiles provided by the first and second cams, respectfully. A primary pulley cable has a first end coupled to the first cam and a second end coupled to the second cam. When the work arm is in a rest position, the ends of the primary pulley cable extend from cable tracks of the cams, respectively, at a tangent so that the resistance mechanism applies a resistance force on the work arm via the pulley assembly immediately upon movement of the work arm out of the rest position.

Abstract: A fitness machine operable by a user. The fitness machine includes a base that extends in a length direction, a width direction, and a height direction that are perpendicular to each other. A mobile portion is configured to support the user during operation of the fitness machine. A resilient body is configured to provide a resistance against the mobile portion moving towards the base in the height direction. A frame is moveable in the length direction relative to the base to adjust the resistance provided by the resilient body. A fastener assembly moveably couples the frame to the base, where the fastener assembly is configured to expand in the width direction to prevent the frame from moving in the width direction relative to the base during operation of the fitness machine.