Abstract: A motivational exercise stepping machine has a pair of independently operable pivoting treadles for operation by a user's feet. Each treadle is connected to its own hydraulic cylinder device which provides resistance to downward movement of the treadle by a combination of fluid flow resistance and a biasing means. The treadle is biased upwardly by the biasing means. Fluid flow resistance is controlled to be less for upward movement than for downward movement of each treadle to permit the user to step at any desirable pace, yet motivate the user to maintain that pace.

Abstract: A control console is associated with a video input device and an exercise machine that has a movable member such as an endless belt on a powered treadmill or the pedals of an exercise cycle. Adjustment structures receiving signals from a videotape are associated to regulate the speed of the belt of the treadmill and the resistance to the movement of the pedals of the exercise cycle, respectively. The control console receives variable input in selected time segments from the audio track of the videotape to regulate and control the adjustment structure such as the motor controller of the treadmill or a resistance strap associated with the inertia wheel of the exercise cycle. Input is received from the audio channel of the video tape to select, modify or create exercise programs in the control console for operation of the related exercise machine. Video scenes from the video tape are displayed on a television.

Abstract: A stepping exercise machine has hydraulic cylinders to resist downward movement of its pedals or treadles and a bias spring to urge the pedals or treadles to their upper position of travel. A plurality of receptacles such as holes or slots interconnect with a hook associated with one end of the hydraulic cylinders to in turn vary the resistance to movement of the pedals or treadles.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a plurality of stations each having an operating device for performance of exercise by a user. At least the operating device is connected by a cable to a connection system which is further connected to a resistance mechanism having a lever with a pair of gas shock absorbers moveably secured to the lever along the length of the lever. A motor and screw vary the connection of the shocks to the lever.

Abstract: An upper body exercise device having a support structure including an upstanding stub-post mounted to an extending upwardly from said stub-post and further comprising a central housing carried by the support post and having spacers at opposite ends of the central housing so that resistance pads on the spacers act against surfaces of the central housing as arms carried by the spacers are manipulated back and forth and with the entire assembly held together by a carriage bolt and nut extending through plate members fixed to the central housing and with the underhead of the carriage bolt gripped intermediate its length by a plate member to prevent rotational movement of the carriage bolt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient support for a treadmill deck by suspending the deck at its lateral edges on resilient elements supported by the side rails of the treadmill frame. In addition, the resilient elements may be of adjustable resiliency, such as inflatable bladders, or may be a combination of fixed and adjustably resilient portions. Also disclosed is the use of an adjustably resilient element between the treadmill frame and a supporting surface, and using such as arrangement to vary the inclination of the treadmill.

Abstract: The speed of operating structure of an exercise machine is sensed by a sheave and belt drive and rotates a worm gear interconnected to a reduction gear assembly to rotate a driver at a preselected rate. The driver is interconnected to drive a cam surface upon which a cam follower rides to in turn operate a pivoted lever. The lever is interconnected to transmit the movement of the cam follower to operate the resistance means of the exercise machine to increase or decrease the resistance being applied to the operating structure of the exercise machine.

Abstract: A flywheel for a stationary exercise machine having a frictional resistance strap is formed of heat-sensitive plastic, and includes a band of heat-dissipating material disposed about the periphery or rim of the flywheel for frictional contact with the resistance strap. The strap extends around the flywheel rim over the band to provide an adjustable resistance to the flywheel's rotation. The band dissipates the frictionally generated heat arising from movement of the flywheel within the strap.

Abstract: A flywheel has a hub with a plurality of blades secured to said hub and extending away therefrom. A plurality of ribs are secured to the blades to form a protective enclosure which rotates with the blades. The ribs are spaced apart a distance selected to inhibit insertion of the user's fingers thereinbetween.

Abstract: A stepper exercise machine has a pair of spaced apart levers pivotally secured to the upright portion of a frame for operation by the feet of a user. An upright handle is secured to each lever for movement therewith. The handles have upper portions for grasping by the user. The stepper also has structure to resist movement of the levers.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a quick release apparatus for a link member to drive assembly connection and particularly for a link member driven by a pedal drive of an exercise apparatus and which, in turn, drives a reciprocable member such as a rotatably mounted handlebar stem on the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A stepping exercise apparatus with a motivational display is disclosed. The apparatus has a computer linked with the display and programmed to generate a pair of icons. One icon (the pace icon) represents a fictitious competitor exercising at a target pace, and the other icon (the user icon) represents the user. When the user exercises more slowly or more quickly than the target pace, the user icon moves behind or ahead of the pace icon, respectively. The computer is programmed to accept a user-selected target pace. Thus the user is motivated to improve his performance by competing against the pace icon. The display also contains a progress display indicating to the user his progress toward a target distance.

Abstract: A resistance assembly useful to provide resistance to exercise movements performed by a user on an exercise machine includes a pair of spool-like ends disposed within a resilient loop which passes around a portion of each spool end. Each spool end is configured as a hollow open-ended cylinder with planar, annular flanges extending from both ends of the cylinder. A shield extends from a segment of one of the annular flanges of each spool end. Each spool end is composed of first and second interfitting spool parts, each comprising a hollow open-ended cylinder with one of two flanges extending therefrom. The resistance of the assembly can be varied by exchanging the resilient loop for any of a plurality of loops having different resistive properties.

Abstract: A control system includes an adjustment knob to regulate the resistance of the exercise machine such as a treadmill, rowing machine, or stationary exercise cycle. Various indicia are positioned proximate the knob so the user may specifically select an exercise program and real time feedback of exercise performance through the use an ear clip supplying pulse information or other biological data which is converted and displayed for observation by the user.

Abstract: An exercise cycle having dual resistance structure as disclosed. An exercise cycle utilizing a pedal and crank and sprocket to drive a chain to a front mounted plastic wheel which employs a plurality of blades to form a fan to provide air resistance when the wheel is rotated. Additionally, the hub of the wheel is contacted with a strap to cover a significant portion of the circumference of the wheel whereby the strap may be tightened to increase the frictional resistance between the strap and the hub of the wheel to provide additional resistance when the front wheel is rotated by means of an exerciser pedaling the exercise cycle. A heat dissipation band covers the circumference of the wheel to dissipate heat due to the frictional resistance of the strap.