Abstract: Exercise apparatus is disclosed which enables a user to pull a cable against a source of resistance from a pulley arranged at one of a number of points around a substantially circular arc.

Abstract: A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.

Abstract: This rowing exercise machine is comprised of an inclined seat with a weight resistance mechanism attached to handles for providing adjustable resistance to hand and arm movement. At least one hand rail is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising. A method for using the rowing exercise machine is to lie on the inclined seat, hold onto the weight resistance handles and pull down the said handles towards the direction of the user's body. The handles are then controllably returned to their starting position and the exercise is repeated as desired.

Abstract: This dorsal flex exercise machine is comprised of a static seat connected to the frame of the said machine. There is a foot-plate pivoted approximately under the position of the heel, when feet rest on the said foot-plate. The upholstered cylindrical lifting roller pads, one for each foot, are lifted by the upper side of the foot, lifting the said roller pads simultaneously. The said roller pads are adjustable vertically to fit the range of peoples' feet and shoe sizes. The dorsal flex exercise machine exercises the shin muscles otherwise known as the tibialis anterior muscles. The movement performed by use of this exercise machine is called the dorsal flex. At least one hand bar is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising.

Abstract: This leg press exercise machine is comprised of a single movable foot-plate arranged to move up and down a vertical path for exercising one leg at a time. It is designed to be used in the standing position. A controlled weight resistance mechanism is connected to the movable foot-plate for providing adjustable resistance to movement. At least one hand rail is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising. A lumbar pad (or backrest) is positioned to provide counter stability while exercising. A selector lever arm is used to select a maximum range of movement of the foot-plate. This selector lever arm can also be used to help leverage-up the leg to a position from which it is about to start exercising. The foot-plate is dynamic on its horizontal axis to reduce stress on the exercising foot.

Abstract: Moveable exercise benches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, an exercise station, and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupling the exercise station and the load. A moveable support is positioned proximate the exercise station and is adapted to support a user during an exercise. The force-transferring assembly is adapted to allow the moveable support to move without decoupling the force-transferring assembly from the exercise station and to allow use of the exercise station at any location of the moveable support without adjustment. The force-transferring assembly may be a cable-and-pulley assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the force-transferring assembly may be adapted to apply a counter force on the moveable support that at least partially counters a reactive force applied by the user to the moveable support during the exertion of the exercising force.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for isolating and strengthening upper back and shoulder muscles including opposed first and second outboard support members containing separate and opposed sets of stacked weights supported for reciprocation vertically, and an upper cross-member containing a pair of aligned upper roller tracks. The frame includes a pair of inboard first and second crossbars supported at opposed ends in upper and lower roller tracks of the frame, such that the crossbars are manipulated in opposed outwardly directions by the user positioned therebetween. Separate cables and supporting pulleys are utilized to extend between first and second crossbars for connections to respective opposed sets of stacked weights, allowing for concurrent movement of weights when each crossbar is moved laterally outwardly and inwardly by user's right and left hands in palm-out orientation, thereby isolating and strengthening the user's upper back and shoulder muscles.

Abstract: An exercise device is easily adjusted in resistance by changing a first cassette therein to a second cassette having a different resistance or in exercise type by changing the support mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to exercising equipment, and more particularly, to an improved multi-use weight lifting apparatus. The present weight lifting apparatus comprises a frame (12), a vertical guide member (52), at least one horizontal guide member (46), a weight bearing bar (60), and a safety catch mechanism (70). This weight lifting apparatus allows a weight lifter to perform exercise with vertical and horizontal ranges of motion that simulate the natural motions of using free weights while providing safety mechanisms that are not available with free weights.

Abstract: An adjustable weight-training apparatus is provided having a plurality of weight plates, each of the weight plates including a protrusion. The weight-training apparatus has longitudinally opposing ends, each of the ends having longitudinally outer and inner groups of weight plates. A rotatable bar is also included in the apparatus and includes an inner control shaft and an outer control shaft. The inner control shaft is configured to rotate within the outer control shaft. The rotatable bar is configured to rotate within central holes of the weight plates. The inner control shaft has a first plurality of longitudinally spaced lobes. The inner control shaft is rotatable to position selected ones of the first plurality of lobes in engagement with the protrusions of selected weight plates of at least one of the outer groups of weight plates. The outer control shaft has a second plurality of longitudinally spaced lobes.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing both a hack squat exercise and a leg press exercise is disclosed. A hack squat platform is operably mounted to a frame for use in performing a hack squat exercise. A collapsible seat is operably connected to either the frame or the hack squat platform for use in performing a leg press exercise. The collapsible seat and the hack squat platform are provided as alternative configurations whereby only one of either the collapsible seat or the hack squat platform can be used by the user at one time.

Abstract: A composite motion exercise machine has a main frame device, a user support device pivotally linked to the main frame, an exercise arm device pivotally linked to the main frame device, a slide rail mounted on a first one of said devices, and a traveling member engaging the slide rail for movement along the rail. A first connecting link has a first end connected to the traveling member, and a second end linked to a fixed position on a second one of said devices. A further connection device links the traveling member to the exercise arm device, such that movement of the exercise arm is transferred to the user support to lift the support and user.

Abstract: A combined exercise/weight bench/lower cable station device. The device includes a bench that is supported in a generally horizontal use position and that is pivoted so that it can be moved up to an upright stowed position and held in place in the stowed position. Also included is a cable riser with a cable running there through. The cable has a weight-carrying saddle coupled to one end, and the other end of the cable extends from the lower portion of the riser underneath the bench when the bench is in the user position. To use the lower cable station function of the device, the bench is pivoted up and out of the way to the stowed position to provide access to the user end of the cable. The weight-carrying saddle is adapted to carry one or more weight plates, dumbbells, or weighted balls, to allow the user to use existing weights.

Abstract: An inclined leg press machine includes: a frame that includes a base configured to rest on an underlying surface and a pair of inclined guides; a seat assembly attached to the frame; a weight sled slidably engaged with the guides along a travel path that is substantially parallel with the guides, the weight sled operatively coupled with a resistance source; and a foot platform assembly movable with the weight sled, the foot platform assembly having a foot platform that receives the feet of an exerciser. The weight sled is movable along the travel path between flexed and extended positions. The foot platform rotates relative to the underlying surface as the weight sled moves between the flexed and extended positions so that, when the exerciser's feet are placed flat on the foot platform, the exerciser's feet and tibiae are maintained at an angle of approximately ninety degrees.

Abstract: A resistive exercise system for enabling individuals of a weakened physical condition to perform various resistive exercises. The resistive exercise system includes a frame structure, a seat member secured within the frame structure at a low entry level, a pair of opposing arm supports attached to the frame structure, a plurality of weight members adjustably positioned upon a weight shaft, and a plurality of cables attached to the weight shaft each having a handle attached thereto. A tubular support member is attached to the front of the frame structure for receiving an elongate tongue member that supports a resistance pedal structure.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes at least one body-building structure, and at least one damping structure serving to bring about a damping effect. The body-building structure is provided with an actuating pulley serving to actuate one or more weighted pulleys of the damping structure in conjunction with a cable. The actuating pulley adds a buffer to the damping effect, thereby preventing a sharp impact from inflicting an injury on a body part of an exerciser.

Abstract: Cable-and-pulley devices having intermediate tension isolators for exercise machines. In one embodiment, a cable-and-pulley device includes a cable attached to a load and to a user interface, and operatively engaged with a main pulley positioned over the load, a floating pulley, and an end pulley proximate the user interface. A second user interface is attached to the floating pulley. A tension isolator is positioned on the cable at an intermediate position between the end pulley and the floating pulley so that a training force applied on a second user interface draws the tension isolator into contact with the an isolator stop. In one embodiment, the isolator stop is an intermediate pulley. Alternately, the isolator stop is a catch projecting from a frame of the exercise machine. The tension isolator effectively divides the cable into a tensioned portion and an isolated portion, thereby reducing the amount of cable that is stretched during use of the second user interface.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [2301] utilizes a pair of weight-responsive engagement assemblies [1203A, 1203B] engaging a respective pair of support columns [1207A, 1207B] to provide engageable support for a free-weight bar [2311]. Auxiliary stops [2203A, 2203B] limit the lowest position of the free-weight bar. The auxiliary stops are adjustable by manual or electrical disengagement from the support columns. A control unit [2302] provides disengagement logic for barbells and dumbbells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus that includes a frame housing a weight stack. A sliding assembly is coupled to the frame and weight stack. The sliding assembly includes, but is not limited to, a guide column, a sliding element disposed on the guide column, a pulley attached to the sliding element, a first mount disposed at one end of the guide column, a second mount coupled to the sliding element, and a first cable disposed in the pulley. The first cable has a first end attached to one end of the guide column, an intermediate portion disposed in the pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle. A second cable may have a first end attached to the sliding element or the first mount and a second end attached to the weight stack. In one embodiment, the guide column, first mount, and second mount are rotatable independently of each other.

Abstract: A weight training machine includes a main frame, a lever carriage mechanism, an adjustment linkage and a stop mechanism. A lever carriage mechanism is pivotally connected to the main frame. The lever carriage mechanism includes a weight carrying portion adapted to carry at least one weight. An input mechanism is connected to the lever carriage mechanism. The adjustment linkage is connected between the lever carriage mechanism and the main frame and is configured to selectively adjust an arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism about the main frame such that the weight carrying portion may selectively traverse each of a plurality of predefined strength curves in response to movement of the input mechanism by a user.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, a seat and a pair of articulated exercise arm assemblies. Each of the exercise arm assemblies is pivotally attached to the frame with a four bar linkage. Handles at the outer extremities of the articulated arm assemblies are gripped by the user to perform the intended exercise. The geometry of the arms and their pivot points is arranged so that the handles of the articulated assemblies follow arcuate paths which converge as the handles are moved forwardly. At a starting position for a press exercise, the handles are approximately in line with the shoulders of the user. As the handles are pushed forwardly against an exercise resistance, they converge inwardly until they are nearly touching when the user's arms are fully outstretched. The machine may also be used to perform a seated-row exercise, in which case the handles are pulled rearwardly against the exercise resistance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a frame, a rest member on the frame for receiving a user's feet, and a first and a second arm that are pivotably interconnected to each other such that the arms are pivotably movable between a start or rest position and an extended position. The first arm is coupled to the frame. A seat is provided for supporting the user and carried by the second arm. An inclined base support member is disposed under the second arm and is for supporting the second arm during the movement between start and extended positions. A carriage may be associated with the inclined base support member.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the hamstrings includes at least one weight; a weight support surface below the weight; an upright weight guide shaft laterally spaced apart from the weight; a weight displacement pedal slidably mounted to the pedal guide shaft; a machine frame; a generally horizontal pulley axle secured to the machine frame at a position higher than the weight and higher than the weight displacement pedal and laterally between the weight and the pedal guide shaft; a pulley mounted on the pulley axle so that the pulley is rotatable relative to the machine frame; a cable extending over and riding on the pulley and having a cable distal end secured to the weight and having a cable proximal end secured to the weight displacement pedal, the cable being of a length so that when the weight rests on the weight support surface the weight displacement pedal is elevated.

Abstract: An exercise accessory device, kit and associated method of using the kit for assembling the device for attachment to an exercise machine is disclosed, in which the exercise machine having at least two upper pulleys connected to a resistive force element via a system of wire ropes. The device comprises a top and bottom brace, a pair of bolts and nuts, a pair of semicircular beams, a pair of track pulleys, a pair of handle grips, and a pair of cables. The top and bottom braces are attachable to a respective top and bottom portions of the exercise machine. The pair of semicircular beams is pivotally attached to the top and bottom braces in which the pair of semicircular beams defines a perimeter of an imaginary sphere between the top and bottom braces in which the semicircular beams are locked in place to the top and bottom braces with the pair of bolts and nuts. Each semicircular beam has an inside edge comprising a slide rail with a plurality of holes traversing into the inside edge of each semicircular beam.

Abstract: This is a multiple function exercise device that enables simultaneous exercise of several muscle groups. The device includes a chest pad that is stationary to the support frame and a seat that moves in a path of motion that enables the user's chest to remain on the chest pad as the user's legs are extended, thereby causing movement of the seat. This combination provides activation of the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles at the same time. In another embodiment, a resistance arm is added that is pivotally attached to the frame and mechanically linked to the seat, thereby causing movement of the arm as the seat moves. This allows the additional activation of the triceps muscles, or elbow extensors of the upper arm, while also working the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles all in a single movement. The advantage to such a movement is the time saving effect of working a large group of muscles at one time as opposed to several exercises one after the other.

Abstract: In a gymnastic apparatus the weight unit (11) is provided with a stack (19) of plates (20) formed by multiple plates (20) placed one on top of the other and having a longitudinal symmetric axis (14); a guide column (12) coaxial to the axis (14) engaged by the plates (20) with possibility of movement.

Abstract: This is an automatic locking exercise device that incorporates a one-way locking mechanism. The device includes a frame, which supports a track, preferably a pair of linear bearing rods one on each side. A guide member, or linear bearing runs on each bearing rod and is attached to a handle or bar that is grasped by a user. A one-way lock is used to provide movement of the bar along the track in an upward direction but opposes movement down. In the preferred embodiment, rotating the bar actuates a lock release. This disengages the one-way lock and enables the bar to move freely up and down along the track. If the user ever drops the weight the one-way lock automatically engages and catches the weight. Explosive power training can also be performed on the device in that the user can safely throw the weight, knowing that the weight will be automatically caught at its highest point without risk of injuring someone.

Abstract: A device for varying, in an exercise apparatus, forces and movements between a movement organ and a resistive component. The device includes a pulley; a movable structure bearing a pivot pin for rotation of the pulley to which is applied a traction force. A cable element is wound on the pulley and forms a pair of parallel branches, whereof one branch is connected to the resistive component and the other branch is connected to a bar movable within a guide. The device also includes selective fasteners which, in a first operative condition, anchor the bar to the guide opposing twice the force of the resistive component to the pin; and which, in the second operative condition, allow the bar to translate until the bar abuts the movable structure, opposing a reaction force equal to the reaction force of the resistive component to the pin.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus providing resistance for hip and knee strengthening without increasing joint loading or shear force beyond that imparted by muscle contraction. A preferred embodiment includes a portable embodiment to allow continued use throughout changes in exercise environment.

Abstract: An exercise device that allows a user to specifically target exercise the buttocks and hip muscles without also targeting the thigh muscles. The device includes a frame, an adjustable user torso support assembly, and a slidable knee support assembly.

Abstract: A physical development exercise machine is comprised of a longitudinally elongated, extruded metal column rigidly preferably attached to a vertical support, such as a wall, in spaced separation therefrom. The column includes a plurality of longitudinal, parallel tracks. A weight carriage is engaged for reciprocal movement in the vertical track located on the side of the column opposite the user. At least a first turning pulley slide, and preferably a second turning pulley slide are engaged in other of the vertical tracks. An upper pulley is mounted at the upper end of the column. Turning pulley slide locks are provided to releaseably immobilize the slides upon which the turning pulleys are mounted relative to the elongated column. A single weight-lifting cable is employed and is attached to the weight carriage and looped through the upper pulley and one or more of the turning pulleys.

Abstract: A swing exerciser especially suitable for golf exercise uses a handle and cord arranged to move a resistance trolley down a track positioned on the golfer's back swing side. A spring and pulley arrangement resists movement of the trolley down the track, and movement of the handle by the golfer through the curve of a golf swing forces the trolley down the track so that the golf exerciser must overcome the resistance while swinging the handle to strengthen the muscles needed for powerfully hitting a golf ball.

Abstract: A weight stack exercise machine includes a stack of primary weights movably mounted on a frame, and at least one counter-weight which is selectively alternated between an inactive state, supported by the frame, and an active state, exerting a counter-weight force relative to the top plate in the stack of primary weights.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The extruded shape comprises a closed middle portion, an outer T shaped slot portion, and an inner C shaped support channel portion and may include one or more screw races in the closed middle portion for forming a solid mitered connection at the comers of the frame. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The exercise apparatus may include a foot bar assembly that permits a foot bar to be rotated between various positions via a quick release arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computerized exercise system and method allowing exercising in both a gravity field and a gravity free environment. The exercise system includes one or more exercise modules positioned at specific locations and coupled to an exercise member through an extendable cable extending between each exercise module and one or more exercise members. A controlling structure controls tension forces in each of the cables for generating desired resistive forces in the exercise member at each point of its trajectory, simultaneously moving through a trajectory, defined by exercise parameters. When a user performs an exercise routine, he/she moves the exercise member and overcomes the resistive forces elevated by the exercise modules through the controlled tension forces in each cable.

Abstract: An exercise machine, having a frame that supports a gravitational load set; the load set comprising at least a first body of determined mass movable vertically and at least a first guiding element associated to the first body; the load set comprising at least an additional guillotine load unit, selectable at will.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise device capable of entirely supporting a person's head, back and buttocks (seat) through the use of a carriage (located and moving on the inclined semi-circular tracks) and the feet through the use of the foot rest. The semi-circular tracks and the foot rest are mounted on vertical posts which are connected to a solid rectangular frame. The movement of the carriage is made possible by four small wheels fastened at the bottom of the carriage, which roll in corresponding partially covered grooves of the semi-circular tracks. The body weight of a person is used as a resistance for the exercises which can be varied by changing the inclination of the tracks. When a person is properly positioned in the device, the person's body moves the carriage up the tracks by the interaction between the torso and the legs. The flexed legs extend and the head and back resist the leg action by pressing against the carriage.

Abstract: A stackable weight plate for an exercise machine weight stack has a front edge, a rear edge, opposite side edges, an upper face, a lower face, and an aperture extending between the upper and lower face for receiving a weight stack selector stem. The front and rear edges having a matching arcuate curvature with one edge being convex and the other edge being concave, and the side edges are tapered at an angle from the front edge to the rear edge.

Abstract: The invention provides a full functional weight training gym, and in particular, one that is constructed essentially by supporting a main skeleton on a supporting base with nuts and bolts, and hanging and snapping a sliding backrest with a rope hanging cord loop to drive a pulley block and hence to pull a weights set in a up and down motion. A gym that can be used for weight training on legs with a proper pose is thus obtained. In addition, by combining a set of fittings, including a two-handed long pulling bar, a two-handed short pulling bar, a single-handed short pulling bar, a single-handed ring-shaped pulling bar, a two-handed rope-type pulling bar, a leg band-type pulling ring, a back and forth adjustable plate chair, a foot pressing bar, and a quick snap loop, weight training on all parts of the body involving hands, the chest, the abdominal, the waist, the bottom, the back and shoulders, can be accomplished by only one gym and a less space.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Each of the rail members includes an outwardly open T shaped longitudinal slot therein for receiving a T shaped anchor bar for a foot support bar assembly. The foot bar assembly includes a replaceable U shaped foot bar having a pair of spaced parallel leg portions. The assembly accommodates various shapes of foot bars. The leg portions are telescopically joined to support members pivotally mounted to a support bracket assembly.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise device which creates a controlled and infinitely variable resistance profile using a pair of rods that are wrapped about a common axis with a varying pitch. A slide unit is attached to the rods with rollers. When the slide unit is moved in a linear motion, the movement of the rollers on the rods causes the rods, and a shaft on which they are mounted to rotate. In one embodiment, the rotation of the shaft is used to move one or more units of a set of stacked weights. In a second embodiment, a rotation motion of the shaft on which the rods are mounted, causes a linear motion to the slide unit which is attached to a set of stacked weighs.

Abstract: An exercise machine having at least one vertical guide column with centrally located holes mounted on a base, two sleeves with attached bearings, a set of handlebars, and a spring-loaded locking device. One bearing sleeve slides on the vertical guide column, the other slides horizontally on a receiver shaft attached to the sleeve traveling vertically on the guide column. Thus the two bearing sleeves are attached in perpendicular relationship. Bars for securing standard weight-plates are attached to the bearing sleeve which travels on vertical guide column. Handlebars and spring-loaded locking device are attached to the sleeve sliding horizontally on receiver shaft, permitting withdrawal of a spring-loaded locking rod from aforementioned centrally located holes in vertical guide column, as well as horizontal positioning of handlebars during lift and replacement of spring-loaded locking rod into centrally located holes at completion of lift.

Abstract: A multi-station exercise apparatus for use during a leg exercise routine during which the user lies in a supine position and bends his legs at the knees and waist between extended-leg and bent-leg conditions includes a frame and a bench and utilizes two pairs of movable stirrups arranged generally above the bench at opposite ends thereof. The stirrups are adapted to accept the feet of the user as the user lies upon the bench in the supine position and to move with the feet as the legs of the user are bent at the knees and waist between extended-leg and bent-leg conditions. The frame includes two sets of guide rods disposed at each of the opposite ends of the bench for guiding the movement of the two pairs of stirrups generally upwardly and downwardly along predetermined paths as the user selectively moves either the first or second pair of the stirrups with his feet as the feet are moved between the bent-leg and extended-leg conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving fitness and muscle rehabilitation which includes a horizontal base having an upwardly extending structure secured thereto. A seat is provided at the lower end so that a user may sit with legs extended up the slope. A carriage is mounted for movement along the structure, with a seat oriented so that a user can selectively push the carriage upwardly or restrain carriage movement downwardly. A power drive selectively moves the carriage up and down the structure at a desired rate against which the user works. Multiple safety devices are included to prevent the carriage from moving down the slope beyond a selected point and to prevent the carriage from moving at a speed beyond a selected rate. A convenient control box is provided for operating the apparatus in a selected mode.

Abstract: In a weight lifting machine having a manually engageable mechanism which is movable along a predetermined path of movement wherein the manually engageable mechanism is anchorable to a weight mechanism which resists movement of the manually engageable mechanism, an apparatus for positioning the manually engageable mechanism in a selected initial position along the path movement, the apparatus comprising, an elongated rod having a mesh mechanism on a surface of the rod and a sleeve having a mesh mechanism receivably interlockable with the mesh mechanism of the rod, one of the rod and the sleeve being connected to the manually engageable mechanism and movable in unison with movement of the manually engageable mechanism, the other of the rod and the sleeve being anchored to the weight mechanism, the mesh mechanisms of the rod and the sleeve being reversibly interlockable and unlockable such that the rod and the sleeve move in unison with each other when interlocked and such that the manually engageable mechanism

Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus is provided which includes a vertical guide rail supported by a base. A carriage assembly rides the guide rail. A handle is interconnected with the carriage and may be adjusted to extend at a plurality of angles therefrom. A weight bearing member is provided for receiving and supporting free weights. The weight bearing member is supported by the carriage and may be interconnected with the handle to permit a user to perform a variety of weight lifting exercises. A horizontal guide rail is also provided which has a carriage assembly for riding the guide rail. The carriage assembly supports an adjustable seat for supporting a user for movement along the horizontal guide rail. The horizontal guide rail can be used in connection with the vertical guide rail, in independent operation, or with conventional weight lifting apparatus to permit a user to perform rowing or other exercises.

Abstract: The invention is to a weight device that creates a controlled and infinitely variable transpositional force greater than the weight being lifted. A vertical shaft has a pair of grooves which spiral about the shaft, increasing the slope from the bottom to the top of the shaft. A pair of rollers in the grooves have shafts that extend through and support a sleeve that is placed over the vertical shaft. The roller shafts are mounted in a pair of mounts that are on each side of the vertical shaft. A sprocket pulley is mounted on an end of the vertical shaft. As the sprocket is turned, the rollers are moved up the grooves, moving the sleeve upward against an increasing resistance to upward movement. A stack of weights surrounds the sleeve for movement therewith.

Abstract: A multi-exercise free weight exercise apparatus which simulates free weight barbell exercise motions while preventing injury to a weightlifter. The weightlifting apparatus is comprised of a weight bar which rides on horizontal and vertical guide tracks and contains a safety catch mechanism device which latches onto pins located on upright brace supports should the weightlifter be unable to complete an exercise. The apparatus will allow a lifter to perform sophisticated exercises such as squatlifts, bench presses, deadlifts, and military presses in a natural free weight exercise motion while having the safety features of a non-free weight machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a shoulder press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An exercise method for strengthening the lower back muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger that contacts the abdomen of a user for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist lower back and pelvic muscle flexion and extension by a seated user. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in position of the plunger. The backrest and seat are made optionally tiltable.