Abstract: An exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercise machine. The exercise machine generally includes a carriage movably positioned with respect to the at least one rail, a plurality of springs selectively connectable to the carriage to provide a resistance level to the carriage, a plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices adapted to latch a corresponding one of the plurality of springs to the carriage when in the latch state and unlatch a corresponding one of the plurality of springs to the carriage when in the unlatch state and a control unit in communication with the plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices to selectively control the state of each of the plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices to be within the latch state or unlatch state.

Abstract: An exercise machine with electromagnetic resistance selection for changing exercise resistance settings by engaging more or fewer resistance biasing members using a electromagnets. An example implementation includes a movable carriage configured to move substantially along the length of one or more rails. A plurality of resistance biasing members are removably attachable between a stationary biasing member bracket affixed to the machine structure and the movable carriage. A controller changes the resistance settings against the movable carriage by electrically attaching or detaching any preferred number of resistance biasing members between the machine structure and movable carriage.

Abstract: A reversible resistance exercise machine for reversing the direction of applied resistance against a movable platform of an exercising machine. The exercise machine has a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame, and a plurality of biasing members. A plurality of first tension connectors are accessible near the first end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the first end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the first direction. A plurality of second tension connectors are accessible near the second end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the second end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the second direction. A user selectable amount of force may be applied to the carriage to resist movement in either of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine with multiple platforms for an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises generally includes an elongated frame structure supporting stationary first and second end platforms, a longitudinal rail extending between the end platforms and having an upper surface comprising a central platform, and a slideable carriage platform that reciprocates on the rail over the central platform and between the end platforms. The platforms provide multiple support surfaces at multiple elevations on which exercisers can position parts of their bodies during exercise. The platforms may be provided with positioning indices and provide continuous support surfaces over substantially the entire length of the exercise machine. The central platform may be provided with finger grips for exercisers to grasp. One or more mounting platforms may be provided to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the exercise machine.

Abstract: A safety system for an exercise machine having a plurality of moving internal components. The safety system generally includes a plurality of safety covers that are removably attachable to the machine at various locations to close off openings between the structural members of the machine, enclose the internal spaces of the machine containing internal moving components, and thus prevent an exerciser from coming in contact with the internal components through the openings. The safety covers include one or more side safety covers removably attachable to fixed structural elements and/or a movable platform of the machine along the lateral sides of the machine, one or more top safety covers attached to the machine below and between stationary platforms located at or near opposite longitudinal ends of the machine, and one or more end safety covers removably attachable near the opposite longitudinal ends of the machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine tension device securing system for safely and efficiently securing selectable biasing members to an exercise machine. The exercise machine tension device securing system generally includes an exercise machine including a frame and a carriage movably positioned on the frame. A plurality of tension devices may be connected to the frame at one end; with the other end being removably connected to the carriage by a selection device. The selection device may include a plurality of slots for removably receiving one or more of the tension devices to secure the tension devices selectively to the carriage. A securing member movably connected to the selection device includes projections adapted to selectively enclose the slots so as to secure the tension devices within the slots of the selection device.

Abstract: An exercise machine with electromagnetic resistance selection for changing exercise resistance settings by engaging more or fewer resistance biasing members using a electromagnets. An example implementation includes a movable carriage configured to move substantially along the length of one or more rails. A plurality of resistance biasing members are removably attachable between a stationary biasing member bracket affixed to the machine structure and the movable carriage. A controller changes the resistance settings against the movable carriage by electrically attaching or detaching any preferred number of resistance biasing members between the machine structure and movable carriage.

Abstract: An improved ergonomic handle for an exercise machine having a cross-sectional shape designed to more closely conform with the natural anatomical shape of a hand in a grasping position for reducing compressive pressure on the hand during exercise, improving grip, and accommodating a wide range of hand sizes. The ergonomic handle for an exercise machine generally includes solid bars and hollow tubular structures with a variety of substantially polygonal cross-sections, including various substantially triangular and trapezoidal cross-sections. Alternative embodiments include underlying bars and handles of various cross-sectional shapes with resilient cover materials having substantially polygonal cross-sections. The improved ergonomic handles may replace traditional round cross-section handles anywhere on an exercise machine they may be located.

Abstract: An exercise machine monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.

Abstract: An exercise machine resistance adjustment system for providing an exerciser the ability to immediately adjust the resistance force by changing their body position on the movable carriage or end platforms. The exercise machine resistance adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned on the frame, a spring connected to the carriage to apply a biasing force to the carriage, one or more left projections within the carriage adapted for a left hand of an exerciser to grasp, and one or more right projections within the carriage adapted for a right hand of an exerciser to grasp. The exerciser is able to efficiently adjust the amount of resistance force applied to the carriage by repositioning their hands (or feet) from a first set of projections at a first distance to a second set of projections at a second distance from the first end of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine inclination device for providing variable exercise intensity on an exercise machine by inclining the exercise machine. The exercise machine inclination device generally includes a base adapted for being positioned upon a floor, a support structure adapted for supporting an exercise machine, a hinge pivotally connecting the base and the support structure and an actuator connected between the base and the support structure, wherein the actuator adjusts an angle of the support structure.

Abstract: A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance exercise machine for providing variable resistance forces on a pull cable extending from the machine. The adjustable resistance exercise machine generally includes a plurality of power springs that may be selectively engaged using a cam mechanism. By engaging springs with different forces, the resistance may be adjusted incrementally as preferred for performing different exercises. The adjustable resistance exercise machine may be connected to various structures, either below or above an exerciser, to allow the exerciser to choose whether to pull the pull cable up or down during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.

Abstract: An exercise machine inclination device for providing variable exercise intensity on an exercise machine by inclining the exercise machine. The exercise machine inclination device generally includes a base adapted for being positioned upon a floor, a support structure adapted for supporting an exercise machine, a hinge pivotally connecting the base and the support structure and an actuator connected between the base and the support structure, wherein the actuator adjusts an angle of the support structure.

Abstract: A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base.

Abstract: An exercise machine with multiple platforms for an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises generally includes an elongated frame structure supporting stationary first and second end platforms, a longitudinal rail extending between the end platforms and having an upper surface comprising a central platform, and a slideable carriage platform that reciprocates on the rail over the central platform and between the end platforms. The platforms provide multiple support surfaces at multiple elevations on which exercisers can position parts of their bodies during exercise. The platforms may be provided with positioning indices and provide continuous support surfaces over substantially the entire length of the exercise machine. The central platform may be provided with finger grips for exercisers to grasp. One or more mounting platforms may be provided to faciliate mounting and dismounting of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine tension device securing system for safely and efficiently securing selectable biasing members to an exercise machine. The exercise machine tension device securing system generally includes an exercise machine including a frame and a carriage movably positioned on the frame. A plurality of tension devices may be connected to the frame at one end; with the other end being removably connected to the carriage by a selection device. The selection device may include a plurality of slots for removably receiving one or more of the tension devices to secure the tension devices selectively to the carriage. A securing member movably connected to the selection device includes projections adapted to selectively enclose the slots so as to secure the tension devices within the slots of the selection device.

Abstract: An exercise machine monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.

Abstract: A system and method for networking fitness machines for allowing a fitness trainer or instructor to control various settings for a plurality of exercise machines simultaneously, and further for allowing an individual user and/or trainer to modify the settings of an individual exercise machine. The system and method for networking fitness machines generally includes a trainer remote control device, one or more machine-mounted onboard trainer controllers, and a machine-mounted onboard user controller. The trainer remote control device may be securely mounted to the arm of a trainer so that the trainer's hands remain free to instruct exercisers. The trainer remote control device includes a touch screen that displays selections corresponding to various settings on the exercise machines, such as tilt and roll, elevation, resistance level, and body positioning light indicia.