Abstract: An electric treadmill includes a treadmill frame, an endless belt, a motor coupled to the endless belt for driving the endless belt to rotate, a brake device and a lifting device. The brake device has a rotating disc coaxially fixed to a motor shaft of the motor and a magnetic brake mechanism. The magnetic brake mechanism has at least one magnetic portion for applying a drag force against rotation of the rotating disc. The lifting device is operable to drive the magnetic brake mechanism to move between a first position where the magnetic portion is located close to the rotating disc and a second position where the magnetic portion is located away from the rotating disc. When there is no electric power supplied to the electric treadmill, the magnetic brake mechanism will automatically move to the first position due to gravity to stop rotation of the endless belt.

Abstract: In an exercise apparatus resistance may be provide by the inertia of unsprung mass. The exercise apparatus may include a frame and dependently coupled foot support members movably connected to the frame. The foot support members carry a weight mass which may be adjusted to increase or decrease the unsprung mass providing inertial resistance to linear or arcuate acceleration.

Abstract: A motor brake device of an exercise apparatus includes a motor, a brake device and a lifting device. The brake device has a rotating disc and a magnetic brake mechanism. The rotating disc is coaxially mounted on a motor shaft of the motor. The magnetic brake mechanism has at least one magnetic portion. The lifting device is configured to drive the magnetic brake mechanism to move between a first position where the magnetic portion is located close to the rotating disc and a second position where the magnetic portion is located away from the rotating disc. The second position is located higher than the first position. When there is no electric power supplied to the exercise apparatus, the magnetic brake mechanism can move downward to the first position to stop rotation of the motor shaft by gravity due to potential difference between the second position and the first position.

Abstract: A device for rehabilitating patients especially with peripheral nervous system paralysis. The rehabilitation device comprising a remote control terminal, a base, an arm mounted to a column with adjustable height containing an motor propelling the arm and at least two electrodes of the electromyography (EMG) sensor according to the disclosure is characterized in that the actuator (7) enables the extension (4) to move within the angular range of 360°, while the EMG signal from the sensor connected to the muscle or muscles of the patient is transmitted to the network of the motor controlling module (2) and then further by radio or cable connection to a remote control terminal (1).

Abstract: An interactive exercise system includes a mechanical support system and a display module held by the mechanical support system. A mirror element is attached to at least partially cover the display module. At least one movable arm is connected to the support system and at least one force-controlled component is connected to the mechanical support system. The force-controlled component can be graspable by a user and allows for a range of exercise types and programs.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame, two base link members supported for cyclical movement on base tracks on the main frame, two handles pivotal about a handle axis on the frame in which the handles are operatively connected to the base link members respectively such that a cyclical movement of the handles drives the cyclical movement of the respective base link members, a foot support carried on each base link member for supporting a respective foot of the user thereon through a walking motion of the user as the base link members are moved cyclically, a torso support on the main frame supporting a torso of the user thereon having one or more degrees of freedom relative to the main frame, and leg linkages connected between the main frame and respective ones of the base link members with bracing to secure legs of the user therein.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a first frame member, a second frame member that is movable with respect to the first frame member, and a locking device having at least one cam that is rotatable into and between a locked position in which the cam abuttingly engages and thereby retains the second frame member in position with respect to the first frame member and an unlocked position in which the cam is spaced from and thereby frees the second frame member for movement with respect to the first frame member. The cam has an engagement surface with a contour that follows a logarithmic spiral curve defined by the following parametric equations: x(t)=r(t)cos(t)=aebt cos(t), and y(t)=r(t)sin(t)=aebt sin(t), wherein e is the base of natural logarithms and a and b are arbitrary positive real constants.

Abstract: A magnetron mechanism of an unpowered treadmill contains: a driving body, a one-way transmission element, and a magnetron mechanism. The driving body includes a frame, a connection fence, a front wheel assembly, and a connection shaft. The one-way transmission element is mounted on the connection fence of the frame. The magnetron mechanism is fixed on the connection fence and includes a rotary shaft, a drive wheel, a driven wheel, a belt, a flywheel, a resistance element, and an adjustment unit. The resistance element has a pair of fixing sheets and multiple magnetic parts. Each of the multiple magnetic parts has a rotatable connection portion. The adjustment unit has a steel cable, an end of which is connected with the resistance element so that the steel cable pulls the resistance element to swing along the rotatable connection portion.

Abstract: A cross country skiing exercise machine is disclosed. The machine has ski members slidingly mounted to a base frame and front and rear arm exercise units mounted towards the front and rear of the base frame, respectively. The front arm exercise unit has a front pair of flexible lines to be gripped by a user's hands to permit the user to reciprocally pull back on said front pair of flexible lines. The rear arm exercise unit has a rear pair of flexible lines having straps configured to be attached to the user's arms to permit the user to reciprocally pull forward on the rear pair of flexible lines. The front and rear arm exercise units are configured to apply a drag force to the front and rear pair of flexible lines, respectively. A rear leg exercise unit having flexible lines for mounting to the user's legs is also provided.

Abstract: A torque-measuring system is applied to a training assembly of body training equipment. The training assembly includes a stationary base, a flywheel connected to the stationary base, a torque output mechanism driving the flywheel, and a brake member generating a resistance force by contacting the flywheel and displacing relative to the stationary base. The system has a measurement apparatus and a computation apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a spring leaf and a strain measurement module. The spring leaf is connected between the brake member and the stationary base and has a mounting surface. The strain measurement module is mounted on the mounting surface of the spring leaf and generates a variation of electrical resistance corresponding to a strain of the spring leaf. According to the variation of electrical resistance, the computation apparatus outputs a torque value which reflects the magnitude of the torque outputted from the torque output mechanism.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes a friction brake assembly. The friction brake assembly includes a push rod and a friction pad connected to the push rod. The control mechanism also includes a magnetic resistance assembly. The magnetic resistance assembly includes a rotatable sleeve, a movable housing in contact with the rotatable sleeve, and at least one magnet disposed within the movable housing. The control mechanism also includes a knob in mechanical communication with both the push rod and the rotatable sleeve.

Abstract: An expandable exercise system is used for mounting a part of an ancillary exercise device. The expandable exercise system includes a main exercise device and another part of the ancillary exercise device. The main exercise device includes a coupling seat. The other part of the ancillary exercise device is pre-mounted to the coupling seat and detachably connected with the part of the ancillary exercise device to form the ancillary exercise device, thereby easily increasing or decreasing the number of training modules to enhance the convenience of product use.

Abstract: The stretching device and methods disclosed herein allow an individual to create and sustain a differential stretch to the anterior muscles and ligaments of the torso, hips and legs. The device includes a base frame, a vertical member secured to the base frame, a rotational lift lever secured to the vertical member at a vertical pivot member, a lower extremity elevation member secured to the rotational lift member, and at least one lower extremity attachment device secured to the lower extremity elevation member. In methods of use, the device is used to create an anterior stretch by lifting an individual's leg or legs off of the ground, while the person is prone, so as to create a stretch in the anterior muscles, fascia, or ligaments. The device has various planes of rotation, and is adjustable in height as well as transverse displacement along the base to accommodate different body types.

Abstract: The wall-mountable exercise apparatus is an exercise machine that is particularly well suited for physical therapy and resistance training. It occupies no floor space when not in use, is easily set up, is adjustable for pulling at a wide variety of heights and angles, and supports replaceable resistance bands of various tensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle toning garment configured for use with modular, interchangeable resistance elements. The garment provides resistance to movement throughout an angular range of motion. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath conventional clothing. Toning may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as indoor cycle, includes a multi-function wheel brake actuator. A braking force is induced on a wheel by finely or coarsely adjusting the brake actuator. The brake actuator may include a knob whereby a user may finely adjust the braking force on the wheel and a lever to actuate interval settings whereby the brake actuator provides set positions of braking resistance. The lever may include a spacer to reduce friction of the lever. The exercise machine may further include a pop-pin assembly with an over-center cam mechanism to clamp members together. The pop-pin assembly also includes a fine adjustment to adjust the clamping force. Implementations of the pop-pin assembly may be arranged to apply the clamping force by pivoting a lever of the pop-pin assembly either toward or away from the members being fixed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for conditioning a group of muscles and joints of a subject including: a movement assembly including an arm having a handle, such that an angular position is created by the subject's joint when the subject grips the handle, a brake, connected to the movement assembly, configured to apply a work load to the movement assembly, and a sensor configured to sense the angular position of the movement assembly; and a computing device, in communication with the sensor and the brake, configured to sense the movement of the movement assembly relative to the brake, create an encoded signal representing the movement assembly and the movement over a period of time, and modify the brake to vary the work load during a movement of the movement assembly based on timing at the angular position and a predetermined regimen.

Abstract: The wheel attachment for stationary exercise bike is an attachment adapted for use with a stationary exercise bike. The wheel attachment for stationary exercise bike is adapted for use in cross-training. Specifically, the wheel attachment for stationary exercise bike is a rotating handle bar that is mounted on the stationary exercise bike. The wheel attachment for stationary exercise bike is mounted on a pivot that allows the wheel attachment for stationary exercise bike to be rotated in a first plane of rotation that is perpendicular to a second plane of rotation that is defined by the rotation of the pedals of the exercise bike. The wheel attachment for stationary exercise bike comprises a pivot, a handle bar, a strut, and a front tire apparatus.

Abstract: A training equipment for resistance training of the upper body, wherein the training equipment comprises: an attachment portion adapted to be attached to the body of an exercising person, a handle portion adapted to be gripped by the exercising person, a first distance device flexibly attached in the attachment portion by a first joint, a second distance device flexibly attached in the first distance device by a second joint. At least one of: the first joint, the second joint, the first distance device, and the second distance device comprises an adjustable movement resistance device adapted to create an adjustable resistance between the attachment portion and the handle portion, so that training of the upper body is obtained upon movement of the handle portion.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as indoor cycle, including a multi-function wheel brake actuator. A braking force is induced on a wheel, such as through eddy currents or frictionally, by finely or coarsely adjusting the brake actuator. The brake actuator may thus include a knob whereby a user may finely adjust the braking force on the wheel and a lever to actuate interval settings whereby the brake actuator provides set positions of braking resistance. The exercise machine may further include a pop-pin assembly with an over-center cam mechanism to clamp members together. The pop-pin assembly also includes a fine adjustment to adjust the clamping force. So, for example, the seat stem may be clamped to the seat tube, or the handlebar stem clamped to the head tube, with a lever actuating the over center mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as indoor cycle, including a multi-function wheel brake actuator. A braking force is induced on a wheel, such as through eddy currents or frictionally, by finely or coarsely adjusting the brake actuator. The brake actuator may thus include a knob whereby a user may finely adjust the braking force on the wheel and a lever to actuate interval settings whereby the brake actuator provides set positions of braking resistance. The exercise machine may further include a pop-pin assembly with an over-center cam mechanism to clamp members together. The pop-pin assembly also includes a fine adjustment to adjust the clamping force. So, for example, the seat stem may be clamped to the seat tube, or the handlebar stem clamped to the head tube, with a lever actuating the over center mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising; a platform, a first limb attachment means, a first extendable cord attached to the first limb attachment means, the first extendable cord being at least partially located within the platform, and a tensioning means within the platform, wherein the tensioning means can be adjusted to alter the resistance of the first extendable cord to extension.

Abstract: An abdominal twist exercise device includes a device frame, front and rear rotational axles, a main handle bar, a rotation converter, an adjustable gear, a disengaging lever, a weight, a weight bar, a support rail, a safety handle bar, rotation counters, and a user platform, such that when the main handle bar rotates to one side, the user platform rotates to an opposing side. A rotation converter can include a front chain sprocket, an intermediate rotational axle, an intermediate chain sprocket, a roller chain, an intermediate gear, a rear gear; or a front belt sprocket, a rear belt sprocket, and a twisted belt, connecting the sprockets. Optionally, the front and rear axles can be telescoping.

Abstract: A standup paddle board core activator and method of use may include a sloped platform, a sliding footboard, two raised support structures incorporating at least two axles, two rotating arm assemblies, two paddle members with shafts and handles, a tensioner support structure and two tensioners. The sliding footboard may be configured to move along the sloped platform. The rotating arm assemblies may be rotatably attached by axles to raised support structures on either side of the sloped platform. Tensioners may connect to a tensioner support structure and the rotating arm assemblies, applying resistance to the rotation of the arm assemblies about an axis created by the axles. Paddle members may be inserted in the arm assemblies. A user may balance on the footboard, grasp at least one paddle member, and slide the footboard up the sloped platform.

Abstract: An elliptical trainer has a base, two sliding assemblies, a slope adjusting mechanism, and two stride adjusting mechanisms. A transverse diameter of an elliptical path that a user exercises along can be adjusted by driving the slope adjusting mechanism, so as to adjust each stride of the user. A slope of the elliptical path can also be adjusted by driving the stride adjusting mechanisms, so as to provide climbing exercise effects. The elliptical trainer can be easily adjusted to form different exercise modes and intensities. The user's desire for exercising on the elliptical trainer can be increased accordingly.

Abstract: In general, various embodiments of hand-held exercise devices that can be used to perform different types of exercises that focus on different muscular groups of the body are disclosed. Specifically, the hand-held exercise devices disclosed herein can be used to perform arm exercises as well as abdominal and core muscle exercises. The hand-held exercise devices can include a first handle and a second handle, which rotate about a central axis relative to one another. The hand-held exercise devices can also include a wheel, which may also rotate about the central axis. Resistance can be applied to the relative rotation of the handles and, optionally, to the rotation of the wheel. The resistance can be selectively varied by a user.

Abstract: An integrated flywheel set for exercise equipment includes a base plate, a flywheel that is coaxial with the base plate and such arranged that an accommodating space is formed between the flywheel and the base plate, a magnetic damper unit that is deposited on the base plate and received in the accommodating space and provides magnetic attraction to hinder the flywheel from rotation, and a transmission that is received in the accommodating space and configured to drive the flywheel to perform an inertial motion. Thereby, the integrated flywheel set has the magnetic damper unit, the driving wheel set, the driven wheel set and the multiplying wheel set integrated on the base plate, allowing exercise equipment to have its internal space used more effectively, and making the production and maintenance of the integrated flywheel set more easily, thereby providing economical advantage.

Abstract: An apparatus for replicating swimming, rowing, cycling or other exercise modalities. An apparatus includes a base, a frame extending up from the base, and a support member coupled to a top portion of the frame. The apparatus further includes a forward-ascending bench. The bench includes a torso support section to support a user's torso, pivotally coupled to the support member, and configured for limited angular rotation about an axis parallel to at least a portion of the support member. The bench further includes left and right leg support sections, pivotally coupled to the torso support section, to support at least the user's thighs. The apparatus also includes a coupling member extending forward from the base, and configured to interchangeably couple with an exercise module.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a disk rotatable in first and second directions against a frictional force and a device disposed between a cable and the disk. The device is responsive to tensioning and movement of the cable in the first direction for coupling the cable to the disk whereupon the disk rotates against the frictional force with movement of the cable in the first direction. The device is also responsive to release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for uncoupling the cable from the disk. A rewind arm coupled between the disk and the device is also responsive to the release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for tensioning and moving the cable and the device in the second direction.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a ball nest for providing resistance in an exercise system. The ball nest includes a first portion, where an interior section of the first portion forms at least part of a zone of a sphere. The ball nest also includes a second portion. An interior section of the second portion forms at least part of the zone of the sphere and the second portion is configured to mate with the first portion. The mating of the first portion and the second portion is configured to enclose a ball. The ball nest further includes an adjustable attachment, where the adjustable attachment is configured to adjust the position of the first portion relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A resistance exercise machine, equipped with two different types of resistance disks. Both disk types apply a frictional resistive force in one direction only, created by tension by means of a pressure plate and brake disk arrangement varied by a tension knob. One disk type, provides circular motion type exercises, by using a mounted accessory to rotate the disk repeatedly. Disk can be adjusted to any angle relative to the user, by means of the universal frame assembly. The other disk type provides motion simulation type exercises by using a remote accessory, a cable, and a rewind arm assembly. Pulling against the cable, urges a pawl to engage a gear situated on the disk's periphery, forcing the disk to rotate. Upon discontinuing the pull on the cable, the disk stops rotating, the pawl disengages the gear, and the rewind arm assembly rewinds the cable back onto the disk's periphery.

Abstract: The disclosure shows and describes a resistance training apparatus that enables one to use a single machine to exercise antagonistic muscle groups by enabling one to select a first level of resistance in a first direction and select a second level of resistance in a second direction. The apparatus will include a frame assembly, and shaft rotatably mounted to the frame assembly. The apparatus has first and second disks, first and second calipers respectively engaging the disks, and first and second adjustment means that respectively provide varying resistance when one imparts rotating torque is imparted to a first direction or second direction, respectively.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a support bracket and affixed thereto a mounting plate with an aperture configured therein. A handle sized for grasping by the hand of a user is appended to a radial arm which is in turn appended to a shaft for passing through the aperture. The shaft is characterized as having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft being appended to the radial arm at its proximal end and appended to an adjustable resistance device at its distal end whereupon the adjustable resistance device moves with movement of the radial arm. The resistance to motion of the radial arm being varied by varying the adjustable resistance device.

Abstract: An exercise machine is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments include an exercise machine with a safety brake mechanism to provide a braking force to the exercise machine to stop the exercise machine, an exercise machine with a variable resistance mechanism to variably adjust and provide resistance to the exercise machine, and an exercise machine with both mechanisms.

Abstract: An exercise device which uses two generally opposing grips on guides to guide a user through circular movements for exercise of the human body. The grips may be movably mounted to side supports or a central base. Resistance to the user's movement of the grips may be added.

Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a plurality of arms that are joined at a joint assembly. A first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized by a base member at an end opposite the joint assembly. In one embodiment, the base member is a foot pedal and in another embodiment the base member is a frame that includes a seat for the user. A second arm (or in some cases a pair of arms) rotates about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected with the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a first direction. Rotation by the second arm in direction opposite the first, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a user-selected resistance to rotation.

Abstract: A method of exercising and a handheld exercise or amusement device are provided. The handheld exercise and amusement device includes a handle adapted to be gripped by a user and at least two weights which are at least one of freely rotatably mounted and freely orbitally mounted about an axis running through the handle. The method of exercising includes gripping the exerciser with at least one hand and moving the exerciser in at least one direction.

Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a first and a second arm joined at a joint assembly. The first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized at an end opposite the joint assembly. The second arm rotates in a first, or in a second direction, about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected to the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a second direction. Rotation by the second arm in a first direction, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a resistance to the first rotation.

Abstract: A waist-twisting machine includes a post, a fixing base, a moving mechanism, a hoop body and a hull. The fixing base is movably combined with the post to move up and down, and the moving mechanism is deposited in the fixing base, consisting of a power source to rotate a gear unit, which then rotates two rotating arms connected with an interacting arm to make a horizontal movement in a circle as a hula hoop does. The hoop body is connected with the interactive arm to be moved in the same track as the interactive arm, with numerous massage rollers fixed on an inner surface of the hoop body. Then a user standing in the hoop body can be compelled to move together with the hoop body, with the waist thus twisted and massaged at the same time.

Abstract: A rotational drive device that provides both variable levels of adjustable rotational resistance and also selective direction in which the resistance acts. The device has two mutually rotatable members each having a grasping handle. One member has a shaft serving as an axle for rotatably supporting the second member. A nut threads to the end of the shaft. When tightened, the nut imparts axially compressive forces urging the two rotatable members towards one another. The base rotatable member has a ramped member facing a corresponding opposed ramped member rotatably supported on the shaft. When the ramped members are rotated relative to one another, overall axial length of the base member is adjusted. This adjustment selectively modifies resistance to rotation of the rotatable members. A clutch device selectively transmits resistance forces when one rotatable member is rotated relative to the other in a first direction, in a second direction, and in both directions.

Abstract: A portable personal training and exercise device having a base assembly, a pole assembly and cable and pulley assembly. The base assembly has a tilt mechanism for holding the pole assembly in different orientations. The cable and pulley assembly is attached to the pole assembly and has two coaxial pulleys rotatably mounted on a common single stationary shaft. Each pulley is spring biased for rewinding a cord onto the pulley. The cable and pulley assembly also has a tension adjustment unit for adjusting the resistance of the pulleys, and two multi-direction guide units mounted on the housing of the cable and pulley assembly for allowing the pulley cords to be pulled in multiple directions with reduced friction. A user may pull the cords of the pulleys for exercising various muscles of the user and adjust the resistance force of the cords at an appropriate level suitable to the user.

Abstract: An exercise harness has a plurality of attachment points positioned on a waist element and a shoulder element, a plurality of gripping means, and a plurality of resistive members. Each resistive member includes a first end adapted to be coupled to an attachment point and a second end affixed to a gripping means. Alternatively, the shoulder element of the exercise harness has a right side and a left side. Each of a plurality of resistive members has a first end and a second end each affixed to a gripping means. Stabilizing means are provided to produce tension in the first resistive member when the other end thereof is pulled. Stabilizing means can be positioned at the user's shoulder and waist regions.

Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a plurality of arms that are joined at a joint assembly. A first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized by a base member at an end opposite the joint assembly. In one embodiment, the base member is a foot pedal and in another embodiment the base member is a frame that includes a seat for the user. A second arm (or in some cases a pair of arms) rotates about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected with the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a first direction. Rotation by the second arm in direction opposite the first, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a user-selected resistance to rotation.

Abstract: A stroller includes a stroller frame, a wheel unit mounted on the stroller frame, a resistance providing unit mounted on the stroller frame for providing resistance against rotation of the wheel unit, and a resistance adjusting member connected to the resistance providing unit for adjusting the resistance.

Abstract: An upper body exercising apparatus 10 including a first 12 and second 13 housing unit mounted for rotation relative to one another and including elongated arm members 22 and 33 wherein the housing units 12 and 13 are further provided with a chain drive unit 14 and an adjustable tension unit 15 for selectively positioning the first 12 and second 13 housing units relative to one another, and for varying the resistance to displacement from the selected position of the housing units 12 13.

Abstract: An exercise device having a hollow housing that can be fixed to a horizontally disposed support surface by a first external clamp. Extending from the housing is a handle with a first shaft that extends into the housing. Within the housing on the first shaft is a disk fixed to the shaft that rotates with the shaft. As a user rotates the handle its shaft and disk rotate in unison. A resistive force control handle also extends from the housing has its own second shaft extending within the housing. This second shaft mounts a second member consisting of two disk engaging rollers whose resistance to rotation can be adjusted. As the rollers resistance to rotation is increased against the engage disk's surface more force is needed to move the external handle on the disk's shaft. One roller engages the top of the disk while another engages the bottom of the disk. Two pairs of arms are joined at one end to a movable shaft while the other end has a roller at each one of the pairs of arms.

Abstract: An exercise machine is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments include an exercise machine with a safety brake mechanism to provide a braking force to the exercise machine to stop the exercise machine, an exercise machine with a variable resistance mechanism to variably adjust and provide resistance to the exercise machine, and an exercise machine with both mechanisms.

Abstract: An exercise reel comprising an elongated tension member having first and second ends, a user engagement connected to the elongated tension member first end for engaging a body appendage, a spool connected to the elongated tension member second end and on which the elongated tension member is adapted to be wound, a resistance mechanism comprising a rotatable disk and a pair of calipers for engaging the rotatable disk for resisting unwinding of the spool, and a retraction mechanism for automatically rewinding the spool. One aspect of the invention comprises an exercise machine comprising at least one exercise reel of the invention, preferably an aerobic leg exercise machine wherein the exercise reel comprises an arm exercise reel for providing resistance to the user's natural forward arm swing. Exercise machines comprising other types of resistance devices for providing resistance to the natural forward arm swing are also claimed.

Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening the muscles used in pitching or throwing a baseball or softball or swinging a baseball or softball bat. In a preferred embodiment the exercising device is characterized by a base and a vertical support post upward-standing from the base. A pulley housing is provided on the support post and a pulley and an eccentric cam wheel are rotatably mounted in the housing. A cam tensioning device is provided on the rear of the housing for exerting a preselected torsional resistance on the cam wheel and a torque cable connects the pulley and cam wheel, such that the cam wheel rotates with the pulley. A pull cable trained on the pulley extends through an opening provided in the pulley housing and a baseball, softball or the impact end of a bat is removably attached to the extending end of the pull cable.

Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a first and a second arm joined at a joint assembly. The first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized at an end opposite the joint assembly. The second arm rotates in a first, or in a second direction, about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected to the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a second direction. Rotation by the second arm in a first direction, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a resistance to the first rotation.