Abstract: A variable resistane exercise device provides a variable resisting force in response to a user applied force. The variable resistance exercise device includes at least one rotating force transmitting means for inputting a user applied force as a rotational force to be resisted, and at least one force transmission member for transmitting the user applied force. The user applied force is resisted by varying the viscosity of a viscosity variable fluid which surround plates rotated by the user applied force. Thus a braking force is applied to actively resist the user applied force. In accordance with the invention, a multi-configurable multi-programmable exercise device is provided which may be used in a variety of exercise modes to provide a resistive force to a user-applied force during a range of motion of a particular exercise. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a variable resistance device resists a user-supplied force in one rotational direction only.

Abstract: A cross country ski exerciser has an adjustable forward support that provides for changing the inclination of the frame. The adjustable support permits automatic adjustment of the frame inclination in a series of steps. The adjustment mechanism will reset so that it can be collapsed to a frame lowered position, returned to an operative position and automatically be operative to support the frame. The ski exerciser has folding frame components for compact storage utilizing a single bolt latching arrangement. An arm exerciser supported on the frame has a flywheel for insuring smooth arm movement during the exercise sequence.

Abstract: A variable resistance exercise device provides a variable resisting force in response to a user applied force. The variable resistance exercise device includes at least one rotating force transmitting means for inputting a user applied force as a rotational force to be resisted, and at least one force transmission member for transmitting the user applied force. The user applied force is resisted by varying the viscosity of a viscosity variable fluid which surround plates rotated by the user applied force. Thus a braking force is applied to actively resist the user applied force. In accordance with the invention, a multi-configurable multi-programmable exercise device is provided which may be used in a variety of exercise modes to provide a resistive force to a user-applied force during a range of motion of a particular exercise. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a variable resistance means resists a user-supplied force in one rotational direction only.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise apparatus having a stabilizing device pivotally mounted relative to the frame of the exercise apparatus. A bolt is rotatably mounted relative to the frame at a fixed distance from the pivot point of the stabilizing device, and a nut is threaded onto the bolt. The stabilizing device is rotatably mounted relative to the nut at a point intermediate the pivot point and a body support member on the stabilizing device.

Abstract: An exercise resistance mechanism provides resistance to unwinding of a flexible line from about a reel. In a preferred embodiment, an arbor is mounted on a shaft by a one-way clutch in such a manner that the arbor rotates in one direction together with the shaft, and rotates in a second, opposite direction relative to the shaft. A first portion of the arbor is connected to an end of a spring extending from a recoil spring pack. A second portion of the arbor is connected to the reel in such a manner that the reel rotates together with the arbor. The arbor and spring end are in full view during assembly of the resistance mechanism. Two holes are provided near the hub of the reel so that a replacement line can be secured to the reel while the original flexible line remains connected thereto and provides a handle for maintaining tension in the recoil spring.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a pair of laterally spaced apart foot pedals, each of which is independently coupled to a frame by a respective articulated linkage. Each such linkage has a generally vertical arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame and a generally horizontal arm that is pivotally coupled to its respective foot pedal. These arms are pivotally coupled to one another such that each foot pedal is free to move with in a two-dimensional envelope of motion in a vertical plane. The linkage members are arranged so that the envelope of motion has a generally ovate shape, slightly inclined to the horizontal. The exercises performed with this apparatus may have both vertical and horizontal components of motion. The vertical arms may be interconnected by a crank assembly to relate the horizontal components of motion of the two linkages in an alternating reciprocating fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that facilitates contemporaneous exercise of the upper and lower body. The exercise device includes a treadmill rotatably mounted relative to a frame and a pair of arm poles pivotally mounted relative to the frame. Resistance to operation of the treadmill is provided by a flywheel that rotates subject to frictional resistance provided by a drag strap in contact with the flywheel. A shaft cooperates with the flywheel to maintain tension in the drag strap, and the tension may be adjusted by rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis. Resistance to operation of the arm poles is provided by friction pads disposed between the arm poles and structure associated with the frame.

Abstract: A motorized treadmill apparatus having a frame including two spaced apart rollers with an endless belt extending around and between the rollers is disclosed. A motor is operatively connected to the belt via a one-way clutch device such that the belt is allowed to move at a speed greater than the speed that the motor is driving the belt. However, the one-way clutch device constrains the belt to move at a speed at least equal to the speed that the motor is driving the belt. Optionally, an inertia device (e.g., a flywheel) may be attached to the belt to help maintain the speed of the belt at the pace which the user sets. This is especially useful when the user is moving the belt at a speed greater than the speed that the motor is driving the belt. In order to slow the belt back to the speed at which the motor is driving the belt, and to increase the resistance to the user, a friction device (such as a belt and a friction member) may be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that selectively facilitates exercises that approximate the motions involved in walking and cross-country skiing. A base extends from a front end to a rear end, and a treadmill is operatively mounted relative to the base. Each of a pair of foot skates is selectively placed in rolling engagement with an upwardly facing portion of the treadmill or upper treadmill surface. Each of the pair of foot skates includes a one-way clutch roller for rolling forward relative to the upper treadmill surface and preventing rolling rearward relative to the upper treadmill surface. Thus, rearward movement of either skate requires coincidental rearward movement of the upper treadmill surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pelvis stabilizing device for a cross-country skiing exercise apparatus. The device includes a pelvis support and a belt that are effectively secured relative to a cross-country skiing machine. A person using the machine leans forward against the pelvis support and secures the belt around his or her posterior. The belt essentially stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the pelvis support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a frame that supports a pair of simulator skis above a floor surface. Rear ski ends are pivotally mounted to a rear ski support in rolling contact with a track surface on a rear frame portion. Front ski ends are pivotally mounted to a front ski support in rolling contact with the floor surface. Non-parallel, equal length bars are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of skis, extending from rear bar ends pivotally mounted to the base to front bar ends pivotally mounted to the front ski support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise apparatus 100 having a turntable 120 rotatably mounted proximate one end of a base 110, and right and left poles 130 and 140 pivotally mounted proximate an opposite end of the base 110. A person stands on the turntable 120, swivels the hips to rotate the turntable 120, and reciprocally pushes and pulls the poles 130 and 140 against resistance provided by an adjustable resistance mechanism 150.