Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides increased exercise versatility and highly compact storage. A mounting of the weight stack units on a framework including wall mounted or free-standing rails allows the weight stack units to be moved between various usage positions and a highly compact storage position. The rails have a collapsible or removable segment, for reducing a footprint of the framework in a storage position. In the storage position, the framework forms a storage space that accommodates the weight stack units, a collapsible user support bench, the barbell, and other accessories. This equipment, which may further include, e.g., a foldable treadmill and screen monitor, a leg extension and curl attachment, and a preacher curl attachment, may be concealed behind panels provided as part of the apparatus. Each weight stack unit may have attached thereto a Smith guide and bearing. A compact arrangement is provided for reducing momentum of lifted weight plates.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides free weight-like exercises, without the inconvenience and dangers of free weights. The apparatus also provides increased exercise versatility and highly compact storage. An exemplary embodiment includes a barbell connected between pull-lines of independent weight stack units and otherwise free of supporting structure. The initial positions of the ends of the pull-lines are adjustable, allowing the exercise bar to be maintained in a vertically adjustable rest position. Each line is extensible against a bias of a corresponding weight stack, independently of the other line segment, to allow the bar to be moved in an exercise stroke upwardly from its rest position. Each line is independently retractable, by the bias, to allow a return stroke of the bar to its rest position. A mounting of the weight stack units on wail mounted or free-standing rails allows the weight stack units to be moved between various usage positions and a highly compact corner storage position.