Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, a press arm pivotally attached to the frame at a main pivot, a pair of press handles extending from the press arm, an adjustment link having a first portion pivotally mounted to the press arm at an adjustment pivot between the main pivot and the press handles, and having a second portion adjustably extensible and retractable from the first portion, a bracket mounted to the second portion of the adjustment link and guided by the frame for movement therealong, and a pulley mounted to the bracket and receiving a cable trained therearound from a source of resistance.

Abstract: A massaging device which is straddled over the doorstop of a door opening at an elevated location coincident with a hard-to-reach back area and held in place by the leaning weight of a user moving back and forth and up an down permitting a self-administered back massage.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat mounted to the frame; a backrest mounted to the frame above the seat, the seat and backrest being configured to receive a seated user; a pair of movement arm units pivotally interconnected with the frame and movable about respective generally parallel first and second axes of rotation; and a resistance system connected with the movement arm units. Each of the movement arms is configured to engage at least one of the elbows, forearms and hands of the user and is movable, within a range of motion plane that is generally normal to the first and second axes of rotation, between an extended position and a flexed position. The range of motion plane forms an angle of between about 30 and 80 degrees with the backrest.

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: An exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first end for pivoting on a frame of the machine to pivot about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being perpendicular to the other two pivot axes to form a perpendicular, tri-pivot arm system.

Abstract: A motioning exercise apparatus is provided which enables the user to exercise both upper and lower body muscle groups. The apparatus includes a frame means, with a hand engagement means, a seat support means, and a power transfer means are all pivotally mounted to the frame means. The user may alternately push and pull backward and forward upon two handle members of the hand engagement means. This motion is transferred by a power transfer means into revolving or pivoting motion of a seat of the seat support means. Also, pivoting movement of the seat will produce alternating backward and forward movement of the handle members. Optional items include a back support means, inner and outer thigh engagement means, and a resistance means.

Abstract: An improved press arm allows an operator to perform either a traditional straight chest press exercise or to incorporate “butterfly” motion during the performance of the chest press exercise. A main arm is pivotally coupled to the frame of the exercise machine at a main pivot in the same manner as conventional press arms. The main arm includes a cross-beam to which a pair of handle arms are pivotally coupled at secondary pivots. The axes of the secondary pivots are orthogonal to the axis of the main pivot and are inclined with respect to vertical when the press arm is in a rest position. This inclination causes the handle arms to assume a natural rest position under the influence of gravity. The rest positions of the handle arms place the press arm handles at a comfortable starting position for performance of a press exercise. Stops to limit the inward or outward travel of the handle arms are not necessary.

Abstract: A flexible exercise apparatus is provided which enables the user to exercise both upper and lower body muscle groups. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, an upper body engagement means, and a lower body engagement means. The upper and lower body engagement means are coupled to the frame structure means. The user operates the apparatus while in a generally lying position. The user may push and pull backward and forward upon two handle members with their hands, which are part of the hand engagement means. This motion is transferred into a pivoting motion of the lower body engagement means, which is engaged by the legs of the user. The lower body of the user may be used to provide resistance to the upper body of the user. Conversely, the user may pivot the lower body engagement means with their legs, and move said handle members of said upper body engagement means in the foward and backward directions. The upper body of the user may be used to provide resistance to the lower body of the user.

Abstract: The actuator for the exercise machine is mounted to the seat to pivot about a vertically extending axis to permit the user to rotate her/his upper torso and vary the muscle groups being exercised to enhance the beneficial effects. A rotational connection between a shoulder harness element and the actuator arm facilitates this side crunching motion. A second feature which may be used separately or in conjunction with the rotational actuator, is an actuator arm with both a shoulder socket and an elbow joint that pivot, the elbow joint requires additional force to break over. This dual-pivot actuator arm permits the user to perform abdominal crunches with a predetermined resistance.

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: 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 improved variable tension swing training and exercising apparatus which uses a primary resistance system and an adjustable secondary resistance to accommodate a number of golfers, having a wide range of physical characteristics and strength. The resistance is connected to a rotatable swing arm permitting a golfer to simulate a golf swing while exercising the golf muscles.

Abstract: An exercise device includes forced pronation or supination movement of the hands and arms in conjunction with the standard range of motion for a specified exercise. The device comprises a conventional frame and a centrally mounted seat. Pivotally attached to the frame is a sub-frame including a pair of levers that pivot in tandem about a first horizontal axis of rotation A1 and movably attached to the distal end of each lever is a double “L” shaped handle that includes a grip that pivots about a second axis of rotation A2. A2 is substantially perpendicular to A1 and the second leg of the double “L” shaped handle is movably attached with a ball and socket connection to a first end of a linkage rod. The second end of the linkage rod is movably attached with a second ball and socket connection to the frame.

Abstract: A training apparatus designed to improve the physical readiness level of the low back and pelvic girdle of an individual includes a frame, a seat, a pivot mechanism mounted on the frame and providing a pivot point, an exercise arm rotatable about the pivot point, and a resistance assembly rotatable about the pivot point. An interlocking mechanism interlocks the exercise arm and the resistance assembly such that they rotate as a single unit about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism. The angle between the exercise arm and the resistance assembly is selectable. The resistance assembly includes at least a first resistance lever arm and, preferably, a second resistance lever arm. The first resistance lever arm includes a counterweight. The second resistance lever arm has a weight attachment mechanism for attaching a stress weight thereto, and the second resistance lever arm is angularly offset from the first resistance lever arm by an angle about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A rowing exercise machine provides a declining, substantially linear path of motion while offering a consistent force angle at the grip. This allows for a fairly consistent torque application at the shoulder joint, throughout the range of motion of the exercise. The exercise machine includes an input assembly which enables a user to maintain biomechanical alignment of the user's wrist and forearm during performance of the exercise, while maintaining a consistent torque applied to the shoulder joint, in the stability of an exercise machine. The input assembly defines a declining, substantially linear path, where the user's forearms remain substantially parallel to the ground as the input assembly is drawn back.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a back rest mounted on the frame; and a foot platform mounted on the frame. At least one of the foot platform and the back rest is movably mounted on the frame in such a manner that a person may rest his back against the back rest and exercise his quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. A resistance device is preferably provided to resist an increase in distance between the user's hips and the user's feet due to straightening of the user's legs at the knees.

Abstract: An exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first end for pivoting on a frame of the machine to pivot about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being perpendicular to the other two pivot axes to form a perpendicular, tri-pivot arm system.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the muscles around the cervical spine and/or the motional pattern of the cervical spine with a rotation exercise movement of the head, said apparatus comprising an equipment frame (1), a turning arbor (2) mounted on the equipment frame with bearings permitting rotation of the arbor about a vertical axis, a head rest element (3) for holding the head, said head rest element being connected to the turning arbor (2) and comprising means for holding the head of the person performing the exercise movement substantially immobile in the head rest element.

Abstract: An exercise wheel comprises a housing, two grip rods respectively secured to two sides of the housing, a chassis housed by the housing, a main shaft supported by the chassis, a main gear mounted around the main shaft, two wheel assemblies, and two torsion springs. Each wheel assembly is rotatably mounted to the chassis and includes a shaft with a toothed portion for meshing with the main gear. The torsion springs are mounted around the main shaft and respectively located on both sides of the main gear. Each torsion spring includes a first end securely attached to the housing and a second end securely attached to the main gear. The main gear comprises a peripheral stop surrounding at least one of the torsion springs to thereby avoid radial outward expansion of the torsion springs resulting from movements of the wheel assemblies in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A belly exercise healthy machine includes a kneeling box having five wheels inside the box wherein a front wheel engaged on a first axial rod, two left wheels superimposedly engaged on a second axial rod and two right wheels engaged on a third axial rod a roller assembly having a shaft, a positioning plate on the middle of the shaft, a pair of rollers abutting the lateral sides of the positioning plate, a pair of handle grips on two ends of the shaft and a pair corks engaged into two ends of the handle grips, an elastic rope has a first end connected to the positioning plate via a tube and a first ball headed adapter and a second end connected to a transverse linear slot via a second ball head adapter and a cup shaped retainer. The rope winds on the front wheel and then sequentially and alternately winds on the left wheels and the right wheels. An operator can knee on the kneeling box and pushes the roller assembly to and fro to exercise his belly.

Abstract: An exercise wheel comprises a housing, two grip rods respectively secured to two sides of the housing, a chassis housed by the housing, a main shaft supported by the chassis, a main gear mounted around the main shaft, two wheel assemblies, and two torsion springs. Each wheel assembly is rotatably mounted to the chassis and includes a shaft with a toothed portion for meshing with the main gear. The torsion springs are mounted around the main shaft and respectively located on both sides of the main gear. Each torsion spring includes a first end securely attached to the housing and a second end securely attached to the main gear. The main gear comprises a peripheral stop surrounding at least one of the torsion springs to thereby avoid radial outward expansion of the torsion springs resulting from movements of the wheel assemblies in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A revolving exercise apparatus is provided which enables the user to exercise both upper and lower body muscle groups. The apparatus includes a frame means, with a hand engagement means, a seat support means, and a power transfer means are all pivotally mounted to the frame means. The user may alternately push and pull backward and forward upon two handle members of the hand engagement means. This motion is transferred by a power transfer means into twisting or pivoting motion of a seat of the seat support means. Also, pivoting movement of the seat will produce alternating backward and forward movement of the handle members. Optional items include a back support means, inner and outer thigh engagement means, and a resistance means.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise machine using resistance for exercise the upper torso and arm muscles of a user comprises a bench assembly pivotally coupled to a support frame, and a seat support assembly for supporting and/or adjusting the user's body positions, the bench assembly being angularly adjustable for supporting the body at either incline, supine, or decline positions, and the seat support assembly being angularly and/or vertically adjustable in order to support the user's body such that shoulder joints of the user will remain approximately in a same plane, which also passes through a bench pivot axle, at all angular positions of the bench assembly during the exercise of the user.

Abstract: This invention can be profitably employed in the fields of medicine and sports in the machines used to strengthen the muscles of the knee and in knee tutors. In its simplest version, the articulated joint is formed by two plates (1, 2) which can move freely on one another; alternatively, one plate (1) or the other (2) can be fastened to a fixed structure by means of a fastener. One of the plates features two openings (2.2, 2.3), where the first (2.2) is located at the center of a plate and is shaped like a rectangle. The second opening (2.3) has a specific shape: at first it is a circumference whose radius is equal to “I”; subsequently, it is a spiral which returns towards the center of the plate (2). The other plate features two pins (1.2 and 1.3), located at a distance “I”; the first pin (1.2) is located in the central position and is inserted into opening the (2.2); the second pin (1.3) is in a peripheral position and is located in the second opening (2.3).

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 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: Convergent exercise machines and a method using resistance for exercising the upper torso and arm muscles, for complete natural joint articulation of shoulders, elbows and wrists. The circular exercise motion path is machine-determined and defined by a pair of exercise arms, each arm rotating about an arm pivot axle and having a handle assembly with a wrist joint accommodating pivot. The diameter of the circular exercise motion path is adjusted for the user's arm length. The method includes the following steps: defining the position of the arm pivot axle so that the machine-determined circular exercise motion path is coincident with the movement of the wrist joint accommodating pivot from start to finish of an exercise, and defining the position of the arm pivot axle to be located in a plane parallel to the plane positioned through the user's shoulder joints and at a lateral displacement from it, and at a location further into the exercise stroke than the parallel plane.

Abstract: Convergent exercise machines and a method using resistance for exercising the upper torso and arm muscles, for complete natural joint articulation of shoulders, elbows and wrists. The circular exercise motion path is machine-determined and defined by a pair of exercise arms, each arm rotating about an arm pivot axle and having a handle assembly with a wrist joint accommodating pivot. The diameter of the circular exercise motion path is adjusted for the user's arm length. The method includes the following steps: defining the position of the arm pivot axle so that the machine-determined circular exercise motion path is coincident with the movement of the wrist joint accommodating pivot from start to finish of an exercise, and defining the position of the arm pivot axle to be located in a plane parallel to the plane positioned through the user's shoulder joints and at a lateral displacement from it, and at a location further into the exercise stroke than the parallel plane.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for strengthening the triceps, deltoid and pectoral muscles. A moveable yoke is dual hinged to an upright support mounted to a base. The yoke has a pair of spaced apart levers each perpendicularly fixed to a weight moment arm. Free weights may be attached to the weight moment arms. The yoke may be rotated about a vertical axis over a limited non-symmetrical range from a park position to an operating position. The yoke is also pivotable about a horizontal axis in the operating position. A seat and back rest are supported on the base spaced apart from the upright support.

Abstract: This invention can be profitably employed in the fields of medicine and sports in the machines used to strengthen the muscles of the knee and in knee tutors. In its simplest version, the articulated joint is formed by two plates (1, 2) which can move freely on one another; alternatively, one plate (1) or the other (2) can be fastened to a fixed structure by means of a fastener. One of the plates features two openings (2.2, 2.3), where the first (2.2) is located at the center of a plate and is shaped like a rectangle. The second opening (2.3) has a specific shape: at first it is a circumference whose radius is equal to “I”; subsequently, it is a spiral which returns towards the center of the plate (2). The other plate features two pins (1.2 and 1.3), located at a distance “I”; the first pin (1.2) is located in the central position and is inserted into opening the (2.2); the second pin (1.3) is in a peripheral position and is located in the second opening (2.3).

Abstract: This invention can be profitably employed in the fields of medicine and sports in the machines used to strengthen the muscles of the knee and in knee tutors.

Abstract: This invention can be profitably employed in the fields of medicine and sports in the machines used to strengthen the muscles of the knee and in knee tutors.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a seat adjustably mounted on the frame, and a rest attached to the frame rearwardly of the seat for supporting the upper torso of an exerciser. A lever arm assembly includes a pair of lever arms movably connected relative to the frame about at least one horizontal pivot shaft between a starting position and a finishing position, and structure is provided on the frame for resisting movement of the lever arm assembly. A conversion arrangement is connected between the frame and the lever arms for changing the starting position of the lever arms so as to provide for different exercise movements.

Abstract: A twisting exercise apparatus is provided which enables the user to exercise both upper and lower body muscle groups. The apparatus includes a frame means, with a hand engagement means, a seat support means, and a power transfer means are all pivotally mounted to the frame means. The user may alternately push and pull backward and forward upon two handle members of the hand engagement means. This motion is transferred by a power transfer means into twisting or pivoting motion of a seat of the seat support means. Also, pivoting movement of the seat will produce alternating backward and forward movement of the handle members. Optional items include a back support means, inner and outer thigh engagement means, and a resistance means.

Abstract: A shoulder press exercise apparatus is provided. The shoulder press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: An exercise machine provides a pair of arms positionable for completing chest presses and also for doing a fly type exercise. On each arm a knuckle is hinged between two orthogonal sockets so as to enable positioning of the arms in appropriate positions for the two exercises. The exerciser may move the arms apart for fly exercise motion or to a position in front of the chest for a press exercise motion.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus has a base to which is pivoted one end of a rockable arm, the opposite end of which is coupled to one end of a force transmitting line by means of which the arm may be rocked from and to a rest position. Movement of the arm away from the rest position is yieldably opposed by elastic resistance members which react between the rockable arm and the base. An upright arm is removably supported by the base and is equipped with one or more line guides about which the force transmitting line may be reeved. In one embodiment the line guide automatically compensates for variations in the force which must be applied on the rockable arm to overcome variations in the resistance of the resistance members.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame body, a plurality of pulleys mounted on the frame body, a weight set, a plurality of ropes which are connected at one end thereof with the weight set and run through the pulleys, and an embracing mechanism which is mounted on the frame body and is formed of two pivoting members, two suspension arms, and two driven members. The pivoting members are fastened pivotally with the flame body and connected with the suspension arms. The driven members are pivoted between the pivoting members and the frame body and fastened with the free ends of the ropes and the pivoting members. When the suspension arms are exerted on by an external force, the suspension arms turn back and forth in a horizontal direction to bring about an embracing exercise. The suspension arms can be forced to turn in a vertical direction and stopped at a position to enable an exerciser to adjust the distance between the two suspension arms.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for strengthening the arm, shoulder, and back muscles. A weight bearing bar capable of holding free weights is moved through a path as the user draws a pair of elongate handles over the front of the body. As the weight bearing bar is moved, the moment arm of the weight is reduced, thereby reducing the effort required to draw the elongate levers downward as the leverage of the user's muscles declines. The elongate handles are mounted to a moveable assembly which is rotatable over a limited range and also is pivotable toward the user. The apparatus may be placed in a storage position when use is complete.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base structure having a resistance assembly and a user support member is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a first user interface pivotally mounted to the base structure for rotation about a first axis at a position allowing an exerciser to comfortably sit upon the user support member, extend a leg and engage the first user interface. The first user interface includes a distal end to which a foot plate is secured and a central pivot which rotates about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The apparatus also includes a cable linking the first user interface to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user rotates the first user interface by extending a foot to exercise the user's calf muscle.

Abstract: An incline press exercise apparatus is provided. The incline press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: A chest press exercise apparatus is provided. The chest press apparatus includes a selectable eight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: An exercise device is composed of a bottom frame, two driving units, and two damping units. The bottom frame has a bearing seat and two frame bodies mounted on the bearing seat and provided with a placing portion. The driving units have a driving portion fastened pivotally with the frame bodies, a grip portion fastened movably with the driving portion, and a guide portion fastened with the driving portion. The damping units have a damping member fastened at one end thereof with the placing portion such that another end of the damping member is extended to the driving portion via the guide portion. The damping units further have an adjusting device fastened with the driving portion and connected with the damping member for adjusting the damping force of the damping member.

Abstract: A pull down apparatus is provided. The pull down apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a physical training apparatus comprising a platform that mounts a column forming a surface which can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the column and on which a part of a user's body can be rested. The rest surface is connected to movement transmission means and these transmission means are in turn connected through a gear mechanism to load handling means. The gear mechanism is designed to convert the rotational movement of the rest surface performed by the user into a rotational movement of the load in a plane perpendicular to the platform, the rotational movement of the load being performed by muscular effort controlled by the user through the entire arc of the movement performed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a press arm assembly rotatably mounted on the support frame. The press arm assembly includes a yoke with opposite side portions and first and second elongate swing arms each linked to the first and second side portions of the yoke, respectively. Each swing arm has at least one handle at one end for selective gripping by a user to perform different exercises. A three-dimensional pivot assembly links each swing arm to the respective yoke side portion to permit the swing arm to rotate in and out, up and down, and to pivot about its own axis to vary the handle orientation, so that the user can readily select any desired orientation of the swing arm and handle for performing press and fly exercises.

Abstract: A chest press exercise apparatus is provided. The chest press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a base having a seat fixed thereto and a backrest pivotal to a number of positions. A chest developing unit pivots with the lower portion of the backrest. The chest developing unit includes bilateral handles which are linked by a rack and pinion mechanism and resisted by an elastic band. A top exercise unit is mounted between horizontal supports extending from the top of the backrest. The top exercise unit is likewise resisted by elastic bands.

Abstract: An incline press exercise apparatus is provided. The incline press apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: An energy absorbing exercising and training machine for exercising a person's ability to accelerate a portion of his body through a path of motion. The machine comprises a flywheel rotatably connected to a frame by means of a pair of journal bearings. A harness assembly is provided for connection to the portion of the person's body to be exercised. The flywheel and the harness assembly are interconnected to allow the flywheel to rigidly engage relative to the harness assembly upon acceleration of the harness assembly relative to the flywheel in a first direction along a path of motion of the body portion being exercised and to also allow the flywheel to disengage and freely rotate relative to the harness assembly upon deceleration of the harness assembly relative to the flywheel.