EXERCISE MACHINE WITH FURNITURE STORAGE UNIT

Abstract

An exercise system including a furniture unit having a frame, a substantially horizontal top member mounted on the frame, a pair of opposing side panels mounted on the frame, and a pair of opposing end panels mounted on the frame and extending between the side panels. The side panels, end panels and top member cooperate to define an interior volume. One of the end panels is pivotally coupled to the frame such that it pivots from a substantially vertically position away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position. A pole is pivotally coupled to the frame. The pole is disposed within the interior volume when the end panel is in the substantially vertical position. The pole extends from the interior volume and vertically upward when the end panel is in the substantially horizontal position. The exercise device includes at least one resistance band coupled to the pole.

Description

PRIORITY REFERENCE

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/745,052, which was filed Apr. 18, 2006 in the name of Kim Laney and entitled Exercise Machine with Furniture Storage Unit.

BACKGROUND

The present novel technology relates to exercise equipment and, more particularly, stowable exercise equipment.

There is no doubt that exercise positively affects the physical, mental and emotional health of a person. The motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle has driven many people to join gyms, fitness facilities and health clubs. However, member of these facilities are at the mercy of the operating hours of the facility. The members must workout during the hours which the facility is open. In addition, a member may have to wait to use the exercise machine they wish to use. In addition, in many cases, the member must drive a significant distance to get to the facility and may have difficulty securing child care during their workout.

Due to these inconveniences, many choose to purchase in-home fitness equipment. Such equipment is placed in the person's home and may be used at the owner's convenience. Unfortunately, such fitness equipment can be large and bulky, making it difficult for those with small homes to own such equipment. For this reason, folding fitness equipment has been developed, such as folding rowing machines, folding treadmills and other folding devices. However, these devices still require a significant amount of storage room. Folding treadmills typically fold upright. And, while such folding treadmills may conserve some floor space, they are an unsightly, useless mechanical structure that still consumes considerable space when not in use. A need remains for an exercise machine that may serve as an aesthetically pleasing and functional furniture unit when not in use. The present novel technology addresses this need.

SUMMARY

The present novel technology provides an exercise system that is conveniently stowed in an aesthetically pleasing, functional furniture unit. In one particular aspect, the present novel technology provides an exercise system including a furniture unit comprising a frame, a substantially horizontal top member mounted on the frame, a pair of opposing side panels mounted on the frame and extending downward from the top member, and a pair of opposing end panels mounted on the frame and extending between the side panels and downward from the top member. The side panels, end panels and top member cooperate to define an interior volume. At least one of the end panels is pivotally coupled to the frame such that the at least one end panel pivots from a substantially vertically position away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position. An exercise device is storable within the interior volume and includes a pole pivotally coupled to the frame. The pole is disposed within the interior volume when the at least one end panel is in the substantially vertical position. The pole extends from the interior volume and vertically upward when the at least one end panel is in the substantially horizontal position. The exercise device includes at least one resistance band coupled to the pole.

In another aspect, the present novel technology provides an exercise furniture system including a furniture unit comprising a frame and first and second housing members mounted on the frame. Each of the first and second housing members includes a top member, a pair of opposing side panels extending downward from the top member and an end panel extending between the opposing side panels. The top member, the side panels and the end panel cooperate to form an interior volume in each of the first and second housing members. An exercise device is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing member. The exercise device includes a resistance band coupled to an interior surface of the end panel of the second housing member. The frame is expandable from a first compact position, wherein the first and second housing members abut one another to form a single furniture unit, to a second extended position, wherein the first and second housing members are spaced apart from one another. The first housing member is slidably mounted on the frame such that the first housing member is slidable toward and away from the second housing member when the frame is in the extended position. The top member of the second housing is pivotal between a closed position. wherein the top member is in a substantially horizontal position, and an opened position, wherein the top member is in a substantially vertical position and the resistance band is accessible.

In yet another aspect, the present novel technology provides an exercise system including a furniture unit comprising a frame, a substantially horizontal top member mounted on the frame, a pair of opposing side panels mounted on the frame and extending between the side panels. The side panels, end panels and top member cooperate to define an interior volume. At least one of the end panels is pivotally coupled to the frame such that the at least one end panel pivots between a closed position, wherein the at least one end panel extends substantially downward from the top member enclosing the interior volume, an open position, wherein the at least one panel is pivoted away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position exposing the interior volume. An exercise device is coupled to the interior surface of the at least one end panel such that the exercise device is disposed within the interior volume when the end panel is in the closed position and is exposed when the end panel is in the open position.

It is one object of the present novel technology to provide an improved exercise system. Other objects will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features and objects of this novel technology, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the novel technology itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the novel technology taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is perspective view of an exercise machine furniture storage unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present novel technology, wherein the unit is in the closed position;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 1A, wherein the unit is in a partially opened position;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 1A, wherein the unit is in an opened position;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exercise machine furniture storage unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present novel technology, wherein the unit is in the closed position;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A wherein the unit is in an opened position;

FIG. 3 illustrates side views of a locking mechanism of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A in both locked and unlocked positions;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hook and ring of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for lateral pull and other exercises;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for lateral row and other exercises;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for bicep curl, leg extension, hamstring curl and other exercises;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for bench press, incline press and other exercises;

Fig. 5E is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for chest butterfly and other exercises;

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for tricep curl, abdominal crunch and other exercises;

FIG. 5G is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the residence straps are positioned for oblique side pull and other exercises;

FIG. 5H is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for bent lateral pull and other exercises;

FIG. 5I is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 2A, wherein the unit is in an opened position and the resistance straps are positioned for leg squats, military press and other exercises;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exercise machine furniture storage unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present novel technology, wherein the unit is in the closed position; and

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the exercise machine furniture storage unit of FIG. 6A, wherein the unit is in the closed position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present novel technology, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present novel technology. Although the exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the novel technology, in several forms, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the novel technology to the precise forms disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments hereinafter disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the novel technology to the precise forms disclosed in the following description. Rather the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its teachings.

Referring first to FIGS. 1A-1C, exercise machine furniture storage system 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present novel technology is shown. System 10 generally includes storage unit or housing 12, frame 14 and exercise device 41. Frame 14 includes first frame member 16, second frame member 18 and connector member 20 coupling first and second frame members 14, 16. Connector member 20 is in the form of a rail, and first and second frame members 14, 16 are slidably coupled to, and partially disposed within this rail-like connector member 20. Frame 14 also includes support bars 48, which are coupled to connector member 20. First frame member 14, second frame member 16 and connector member 20 include holes 21, which are configured to receive pin 22, as described in more detail below.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A-1C, housing 12 includes first sliding housing member 26 and second stationary housing member 24, each mounted on frame 14. More particularly, first housing member 26 is mounted on first frame member 16 and second housing member 24 is mounted on second frame member 18. As is discussed in further detail below, first sliding housing member 26 is slidably mounted on first frame member 16. First housing member 26 includes a plurality of wheels 30, while first frame member 16 includes track portion 28. Wheels 30 are configured to roll along track portion 28 to slidably mount first housing member 26 on first frame member 16. Each of the second and first housing members 24, 26 respectively includes top panel 32a, 32b, first and second opposing side panels 36a, 36b and 38a extending downward from top panel 32a, 32b and end panel 34a, 34b extending between the opposing side panels. Top panel 32a, 32b, side panels 36a, 36b, 38a and end panel 34a, 34b cooperate to form an interior volume in each of second and first housing members 24, 26. As shown in FIG. 1C, top panel 32a of second housing 24 is pivotably attached to end panel 34a by hinge 46. Top panel 32a is pivotable between a closed position (FIG. 1B), wherein the top member is in a substantially horizontal position, and an opened position (FIG. 1C), wherein the top member is in a substantially vertical position and the interior volume is accessible.

As is illustrated by FIGS. 1B-1C, frame 14 is expandable from a first compact position, shown in FIG. 1B, to a second extended position, shown in FIG. 1C. In the first compact position, the first and second housing members 26, 24 abut one another to form a single furniture unit. In the second extended position, the first and second housing members 26, 24 are spaced apart from one another. As discussed above, the first housing member 26 is slidably mounted on first frame member 16. Accordingly, the first housing member 26 is slidable toward and away from the second housing member 24 when the frame 14 is in the extended position.

Turning to FIG. 1C, exercise device 41 includes ring 40 mounted to the interior surface of end panel 34a. Exercise device 41 also includes rowing straps 42 removably coupled to ring 50. Each of rowing straps 42 includes handles 44. Exercise device 41 may also, or alternatively, include elastic resistance hands attachable to ring 40 and usable for resistance training. Exercise device may also take other forms such as a rigid T-shaped rowing bar.

In operation, when frame 14 is in the compact position shown in FIG. 1A, first and second housing members 26, 24 abut one another to form a single furniture unit, which may serve as a seating bench, ottoman or table. Top portions 32a, 32b may be cushioned for comfort. In this compact position, exercise device 41 is concealed within the interior volumes of first and second housing members 26, 24 and system 10 appears to be an attractive furniture unit.

When the user desires to use the exercise device 41, pin 22 is pulled from holes 21, thereby releasing first and second frame members 16, 28 and allowing them to slide relative to connector member 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, housing members 24, 26 are pulled in the direction of the arrows, thereby causing first and second frame members 16, 18 to slide to the extended position relative to connector member 20. Pin 22 is placed in holes 20 of connector member 20 to lock frame 14 in the extended position. Next, top panel 32a of second housing member 26 is pivoted upward to the position shown in FIG. 1C, thereby revealing exercise device 41. The user may then sit on top panel 32b of housing member 26 and grab handles 44 of rowing straps 42. Bracing his/her feet against support bars 48, the user may proceed with a rowing action. To facilitate this rowing exercise, wheels 30 frame member 26 roll along track 28 causing housing member 26 to slide along first frame member 16. When finished, the user pivets top panel 32a down, pulls pins 22 from connector member 20 and slides housing members 24, 26 and corresponding frame members 18, 16 toward one another. To lock system 10 in this position, pin holes 21 of frame members 16, 18 are aligned with pin holes in the connector member 20 and pins 22 are inserting into holes 21 of connector 20.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2C, exercise machine furniture storage system 110, in accordance with another embodiment of the present novel technology will now be described. System 110 generally includes housing 112, frame 114, and exercise device 137. Frame 114 includes upper support 115, legs 116 extending downwardly from upper support 115, and lower bracket 118 extending between legs 115.

Housing 112 includes a substantially horizontal top member 132 mounted on upper support 115 of frame 114, pair of opposing side panels 136a, 136b mounted on bracket 118 of frame 114 and extending downward from top member 132, and a pair of opposing end panels 134a, 134b mounted on bracket 118 of frame 114 and extending between side panels 136a, 136b and downward from top member 132. Side panels 136a, 136b, end panels 134a , 134b and top member 132 cooperate to define an interior volume. Each of panels 134a-b, 136a-b includes handle 143. Each of end panels 134a, 134b are pivotally coupled to frame 114 such that end panels 134a, 134b are pivotable from a substantially vertical position (FIG. 2A) away from top member 132 to a substantially horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Each of side panels 136a, 136b are also pivotable away from top member 132 to a substantially horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

Each of side panels 136a, 136b and end panels 134a, 134b are pivotably coupled to lower bracket 118 of frame 114 by locking member 148. Locking member 148, as shown in more detail in FIG. 3, includes panel connector arm 148a, frame connector arm 148b, hinge 148c coupling panel connector arm 148a to frame connector arm 148b, and slide lock 148d slidingly mounted about arm 148a. Each of arms 148a, 148b has mounting bracket 150 pivotably mounted to its end. Mounting bracket 150 is adapted to mount the end of arms 148a, 148b to panels 134a-b, 136a-b and lower frame bracket 118, respectively. In the unlocked position shown in FIG. 3, arms 148a, 148b are free to pivot about hinge 148c and, therefore permit panels 134a-b, 136a-b to pivot upward to the vertical/closed position shown in FIG. 2A. In the locked position shown in FIG. 3, lock 148d is positioned over hinge 148, thereby preventing arms 148a. 148b from pivoting and locking panels 134a-b, 136a-b in the horizontal position shown in FIG. 2B.

Turning to FIGS. 2B, 2C and 4, the exercise device includes telescoping pole 138, which is pivotably attached to lower bracket 118 of frame 114. Pole 138 is stowed within the interior volume when end panel 134a is in the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 2A. When end panel 134a is pivoted to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 2B, pole 138 may be telescoped to extend outwardly from the interior volume and may be pivoted upward to the vertical position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2C. The exercise device also includes a plurality of rings 140 mounted on pole 138. Rings 140 may also be mounted to the interior surfaces of panels 134b, 136a, 136b. The exercise device also includes elastic resistance bands 142 having handles 144 at one end and a hook 141 at the opposite end, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A. Hook 141 serves to removably couple band 142 to ring 140.

In use, panels 134a-134a-b, 136a-b are pivoted from the vertical position shown in FIG. 2A to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 2B. To secure panels 134a-b, 136a-b in the horizontal position, lock 148d of locking member 148 is slid from the unlocked position to the locked position, as shown in FIG. 3. Pole 138 is then telescoped outwardly from the interior volume and is pivoted upright to the vertical position shown in FIGS. 2B-2C. Pin 139 may be used to lock pole 138 in the telescoped position. Then, hook 141 is used to attached resistance band 142 to one of rings 140, as shown in FIG. 5A. The user then sits or lies on top panel 132 and pulls handles 144 of resistance bands 142 to achieve a resistance workout. When workout is complete, the user simply slides lock 148d to the unlocked position, shown in FIG. 3 and pivots panels 134a-b, 136a-b to the upright and closed position. To maintain panels 134a-b, 136a-b in the upright position shown in FIG. 2A, any locking device, such as a snap, press fit, magnetic or spring loaded device may be employed. In this closed position, shown in FIG. 2a, system 110 appears to be a aesthetically pleasing furniture unit such as a bench or ottoman.

Referring to FIG. 2C, top panel 132 includes seat back portion 145, which is pivotally coupled to frame 114 by support member 146. Support member 146 is hingedly coupled to frame 114 at one end and to seat back portion 145 at the opposite end. Seat back portion 145 may be pivoted from a horizontal position to an angled position relative to frame 114, wherein seat back portion 145 may support a user's back during certain exercises. Support member 146 may be locked in the supporting position shown in FIG. 2C using any means including a pin and hole arrangement (not shown) as is known in the art.

FIGS. 5A-5I illustrate the versatility of system 110 and how resistance bands 142 may be positioned in a variety of arrangements to achieve different training goals. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5A, resistance bands 142 are coupled to ring 140 high on pole 138 such that bands 142 are positioned for doing lateral pull, flat bicep curls, overhead tricep curls and other exercises. In FIG. 5B resistance bands 142 are coupled to ring 140 lower on pole 138 such that bands 142 are positioned for doing lateral row, overhead flat lateral pulls and other exercises. In FIG. 5C resistance hands 142 are coupled to ring 140 on end panel 134b such that bands 142 are positioned for doing for bicep curl, leg extension, hamstring curl and other exercises. In FIG. 5D resistance bands 142 are coupled to rings 140 on panels 136a, 136b such that bands 142 are positioned for doing bench press, incline press and other exercise. As shown in FIG. 5E resistance bands 142 may be threaded through rings 140b and coupled to rings 140a on panels 136a, 136b such that bands 142 are positioned for doing chest butterfly and other exercises. In FIG. 5F, resistance bands 142 are coupled to ring 140 low on pole 138 such that bands 142 are positioned for doing for tricep curl, abdominal crunch and other exercises. In FIG. 5G, resistance bands 142 are coupled to ring 140 on panels 136a, 136b such that bands 142 are resistance bands 142 are coupled to ring 140 on panels 136a, 136b such that bands 142 are positioned for doing for oblique side pull and other exercises. As shown in FIG. 5H, resistance bands 142 may be coupled to rings 140 high on panels 136a, 136b such that bands 142 are positioned for doing bent lateral pull and other exercises. Finally, as shown in FIG. 5I, resistance bands 142 are coupled to rings 140 on panel 136a such that bands 142 are positioned for doing leg squats, military press and other exercises.

Although the embodiments described thus far incorporate an exercise device for rowing and resistance training, other types of exercise devices may be used. For instance, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exercise machine furniture storage system 210 that is adapted to operate similar to a stationary bicycle. Exercise system 210 generally includes housing 212, frame 214, and exercise device 246. Housing 212 is mounted on frame 214 and includes top panel 232, opposing end panels 234a, 234b extending downwardly from top panel 232, and opposing side panels 236 extending between end panels 234. Panels 232, 234a-b and 236 cooperate to define an interior volume. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, top panel 232 includes right portion 232a, left portion 232b and center portion 232c disposed between right and left portions 232a, 232b. Center portion 232c is pivotally attached to frame 214 such that center portion 232c pivots up to a substantially vertical position. Frame 214 includes seat 216, which is concealed by center portion 232c when center portion 232c is in the horizontal position shown in FIG. 6A, and is exposed and accessible when center portion 232c is in the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 6B. Right and left portions 232a, 232b may also be adapted to pivot from the horizontal position shown in FIG. 6A to the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 6B. In the substantially vertical position, right and left portions 232a, 232b permit access to the interior volume.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, side panel 236 is pivotally attached to frame 214 such that side panel 236 may be pivoted from the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 6A to the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 6B. Exercise device 246 is pivotally coupled to the interior surface of side panel 236 and generally includes pedals 246a, shaft 246b rotatably supporting pedals 246a, hinge 246c pivotally coupling shaft 246b to side panel 236, and friction adjustment knob 246d coupled to shaft 246b and adapted to adjust the friction of rotating pedals 246a. Exercise device 246 may also include a pair of telescoping rowing bars 240 pivotally attached to the interior surface of end panels 234a, 234b. Rowing bars 240 telescope to extend outside of interior volume when right and left portions 232a, 232b are in the vertical position. To provide resistance to rowing bars 240, rowing bars 240 may be coupled to end panels 234a, 234b by torsion spring 240. Exercise device 246 may be mechanical or may be power assisted such as known stationary bicycle devices. Exercise device 246 may also include electronic interface 242 mounted to the interior surface of right portion 232a. Electronic interface 242 may be adapted to display on screen 242a information relating to the user's workout, such as calories burned, distance traveled, etc. Data entry device 242b may be used to enter information into electronic interface 242 such as user'weight, desired workout time, workout program, etc.

While this novel technology has been described as having an exemplary design, the present novel technology may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the novel technology using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this novel technology pertains.

Claims

1. An exercise system comprising:

a furniture unit comprising a frame, a substantially horizontal top member mounted on the frame, a pair of opposing side panels mounted on the frame and extending downward from the top member, and a pair of opposing end panels mounted on the frame and extending between the side panels and downward from the top member; the side panels, end panels and top member cooperating to define an interior volume, at least one of the end panels being pivotally coupled to the frame such that the at least one end panel pivots from a substantially vertically position away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position; and

an exercise device including a pole pivotally coupled to the frame, the pole being disposed within the interior volume when the at least one end panel is in the substantially vertical position, the pole extending from the interior volume and vertically upward when the at least one end panel is in the substantially horizontal position, the exercise device including at least one resistance band coupled to the pole.

2. The exercise system of claim 2 wherein the pole includes a plurality of pole rings vertically spaced from one another and wherein the resistance band includes a hook, the hook releasably engaged to one of the plurality of pole rings to releasably engage the resistance band to the pole.

3. The exercise system of claim 3 wherein at least one of the side panels is pivotally coupled to the frame such that the at least one side panel pivots away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position, and the at least one side panel includes at least one panel ring, the hook of the resistance band releasably engageable to the at least one panel ring to releasably engage the resistance band to the side panel.

4. The exercise system of claim 3 wherein the other of the pair of end panels is pivotally coupled to the frame such that the other of the pair of end panels pivots away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position and the at other of the pair of end panels includes at least one end ring, the hook of the resistance band releasably engageable to the at least one end ring to releasably engage the resistance band to the other of the pair of end panels.

5. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the pole is removably coupled to end panel.

6. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the pole is telescoping.

7. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the pole is pivotally attached to the at least one end panel.

8. The exercise system of claim 1 further including a locking device engaged to the at least one end panel and having a locked position, wherein the at least one end panel is locked in the substantially locked position, and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one end panel is pivotal.

9. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein top member is in the form of a bench top upon which a person may sit.

10. The exercise system of claim 9 wherein the top member includes a pivoting section, the pivoting section pivotal relative to the frame.

11. An exercise furniture system comprising:

a furniture unit comprising a frame and first and second housing members mounted on the frame, each of the first and second housing members including a top member, a pair of opposing side panels extending downward from the top member and an end panel extending between the opposing side panels; the top member, the side panels and the end panel cooperating to form an interior volume in each of the first and second housing members; and

an exercise device disposed within the interior volume of the second housing member, the exercise device including a resistance band coupled to an interior surface of the end panel of the second housing member, wherein the frame is expandable from a first compact position, wherein the first and second housing members abut one another to form a single furniture unit, to a second extended position, wherein the first and second housing members are spaced apart from one another, the first housing member being slidably mounted on the frame such that the first housing member is slidable toward and away from the second housing member when the frame is in the extended position; and wherein the top member of the second housing is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the top member is in a substantially horizontal position, and an opened position, wherein the top member is in a substantially vertical position and the resistance band is accessible.

12. The exercise furniture system of claim 11 wherein the resistance band includes a hook, and wherein a ring is coupled to the interior surface of the end panel of the second housing member, the hook is releasably engaged to the ring to removably couple the resistance band to the end panel of the second housing member.

13. The exercise furniture system of claim 11 wherein the top member of each of first and second housing members join to form a padded bench when the frame is in the first compact position.

14. The exercise furniture system of claim 11 wherein the frame includes a first frame member, a second frame member and a connector member coupling the first frame member to the second frame member, said first and second frame members slideable within the connector member.

15. The exercise furniture system of claim 11 wherein the connector member includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough, each of the plurality of holes configured to receive a pin, the pin restricting the sliding of first and second frame members relative to the connector member.

16. The exercise furniture system of claim 11 wherein one of the first housing member and the frame includes a plurality of wheels, and the other of first housing member and frame includes a track portion, the plurality of wheels configured to roll along the track portion.

17. An exercise system comprising:

a furniture unit comprising a frame, a substantially horizontal top member mounted on the frame, a pair of opposing side panels mounted on the frame and extending downward from the top member, and a pair of opposing end panels mounted on the frame and extending between the side panels; the side panels, end panels and top member cooperating to define an interior volume, at least one of the end panels being pivotally coupled to the frame such that the at least one end panel pivots between a closed position, wherein the at least one end panel extends substantially downward from the top member enclosing the interior volume, and an open position, wherein the at least one panel is pivoted away from the top member to a substantially horizontal position exposing the interior volume; and

an exercise device coupled to the interior surface of the at least one end panel such that the exercise device is disposed within the interior volume when the end panel is in the closed position and is exposed when the end panel is in the open position.

18. The exercise system of claim 17, wherein the exercise device includes a pole coupled to the at least one end panel, the pole extends vertically upward from the at least one end panel when the at least one end panel is in the substantially horizontal position, the exercise device including at least one resistance band coupled to the pole.

19. The exercise system of claim 17 wherein the exercise device includes a rotating crank assembly.

20. The exercise system of claim 19 wherein the crank assembly includes a friction adjustment device.

21. The exercise system of claim 19 wherein a seat is mounted to the frame, the top member includes center portion, the seat is disposed just beneath the center portion, the center portion is pivotable from a substantially horizontal position to a substantial vertical position, wherein the seat is exposed when the center portion is pivoted to the substantially vertical position.

22. The exercise system of claim 21 further comprising a pair of telescoping rowing bars hingedly coupled to the interior surface of the opposing side panels.

23. The exercise system of claim 21 wherein the top member includes left and right portions positioned on opposite sides of the center portion, the left and right portions pivotable to an upright position to allow access to the rowing bars.