Abstract: An apparatus and method to evaluate the endurance of a muscle group of a user by measuring velocities of an engagement assembly coupled to a resistance element and moved by the user through a plurality of exercise strokes. A muscle group is assessed by determining a rate of fatigue for the muscle group. The method can include adjusting the controllable resistance to a resistance level, monitoring the movement of the engagement assembly against the resistance level over a plurality of repetitions, determining a relationship between the movement of the engagement assembly by the user over the plurality of repetitions, and using the relationship to determine the rate of fatigue.

Abstract: An eccentric idler is disclosed. One application of the eccentric idler is on a stationary exercise cycle. The cycle may include an eccentric driver or driven shaft rotating a belt or chain. The idler is coupled to the cycle and is configured to rotate eccentrically in contact with the belt or chain. The stationary exercise cycle of various embodiments is configured to generate reciprocating motion, thereby providing users with a vibratory exercise experience.

Abstract: An apparatus and method evaluate the power of a muscle or a muscle group by initializing a resistance element to a first resistance level. An engagement assembly coupled to the resistance element is moved at a highest achievable velocity through an exercise stroke while a representative velocity at which the engagement assembly is moved through the exercise stroke is measured. At the completion of the exercise stroke, the resistance level of the resistance element is increased and the exercise stroke is repeated. The resistance level is increased until the resistance level is sufficient to preclude moving the engagement assembly through a complete exercise stroke. The power for each exercise stroke, the maximum power and the velocity and resistance at which the maximum power is produced are calculated based on the resistance level for each exercise stroke and the representative velocity for each exercise stroke.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus combines weight and pneumatic resistance to provide a user with options to work against either or both types of resistances. In one mode, the exercise apparatus includes a user interface, such as, for example, a weight-lifting bar, that a user can move either toward or away from a stationary portion of the user's body. A weight (e.g., a free weight plate) can be selectively coupled to the user interface. A pneumatic resistance device can also be selectively coupled to the user interface independent of whether the user interface is also coupled to the weight. The pneumatic resistance device includes at least one valve to regulate the amount of resistance that the pneumatic resistance device applies to oppose movement of the user interface in at least one direction. At least one actuator may be provided for controlling the at least one valve, the actuator being configured to be manipulated by the user while the user is in an exercise position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method evaluate the power of a muscle group of a user by measuring velocities of an engagement assembly coupled to a resistance element and moved by the user at a highest achievable velocity through a selected number of exercise strokes at each of two resistance levels. A first velocity is determined at a first resistance level. A second velocity is determined at a second resistance level. The first and second velocities are used in combination with the two resistance levels to determine a relationship between the velocity and the resistance level for a particular user. The resistance level where the resistance level and the velocity correspond to an overall maximum power is determined and is displayed for the user so that the user may use the optimum resistance level for training for maximum power generation.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed that comprises a frame, at least one user interface movably coupled to the frame, a pneumatic resistance device, and a weight stack coupled to the frame. The weight stack is arranged between and in series with the at least one user interface and pneumatic resistance device and is coupled to the at least one user interface by a first force transfer mechanism and to the pneumatic resistance device by a second force transfer mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the power of a user of an exercise cycle by measuring an RPM and resistance level achieved by the user in combination with a predetermined relationship. The RPM may be measured by sensing the rotation of, for example, a driving wheel or flywheel of the exercise cycle. The resistance level experienced by the user may be varied by an eddy current braking system. The eddy current braking system may include a pair of magnets that sweep across the face of the flywheel to thereby vary the experienced resistance level.

Abstract: An adjustable bench adapted to support a human body during exercise and capable of engaging an auxiliary rack assembly is provided. The bench includes a seat and a backrest that are interconnected and moveable relative to a frame. The bench is adjustable from a generally flat configuration to one or more inclined configurations. In the flat configuration, the bench is particularly suitable for pressing exercises such as the bench press. In the fully inclined position, the bench is suitable for upright exercises such as the military press and the shoulder press. The shoulders of the human body remain generally at the same horizontal location along the bench as the backrest is inclined. The bench thus does not need to be repositioned relative to a bar as the inclination of the bench is changed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a frame with a predetermined reference position, an engagement assembly for use by an operator during exercise, a system for resisting movement of the engagement assembly by the operator during exercise and a mechanism mounting the engagement assembly for selective movement along a path of travel relative to the reference position for purposes of controlling the exercise of the operator positioned relative to the reference position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method evaluate the power of a muscle or a muscle group by initializing a resistance element to a first resistance level. An engagement assembly coupled to the resistance element is moved at a highest achievable velocity through an exercise stroke while a representative velocity at which the engagement assembly is moved through the exercise stroke is measured. At the completion of the exercise stroke, the resistance level of the resistance element is increased and the exercise stroke is repeated. The resistance level is increased until the resistance level is sufficient to preclude moving the engagement assembly through a complete exercise stroke. The power for each exercise stroke, the maximum power and the velocity and resistance at which the maximum power is produced are calculated based on the resistance level for each exercise stroke and the representative velocity for each exercise stroke.