Abstract: An exercise device for stretching the legs of a user with pressure being applied mainly at the inner thighs, including a seat member and a horizontally disposed rail mounted at one end to the seat member and extends forwardly therefrom and terminates with a free end. Near the free end of the rail a reciprocating sleeve engages the rail for horizontal adjustment thereon. A leg supporting member is mounted pivotally at one end to the seat member on opposing sides of the rail and each such member has a free end. A linking arm is pivotally connected on opposite sides of the rail and at one end to the rail, and each such arm is connected at opposite end to the leg supporting member. A leg deck is mounted at about the side of each leg supporting member to retain the leg of the user in a horizontal position. An engagement member is mounted on each leg supporting member mediate the seat and the leg deck, and adaptable to engage the inside of the thigh of the user.

Abstract: An exerciser includes an upright frame assembly constructed and arranged to be disposed in an operative position supported on a horizontal surface. The upright frame assembly has a user support assembly to support a user thereon. First, second and third moving assemblies are disposed in normal inoperative positions with respect to the user support assembly. The first, second and third moving assemblies are manually engaged and individually manually moved away from the normal inoperative position thereof into a desired extended position by a user supported on the user support assembly. First, second and third connecting terminals are connected to the first, second and third moving assemblies, respectively, so that the first and third connecting terminals and the second and third connecting terminals move away from one another when any one of the moving assemblies is moved away from the normal inoperative position thereof.

Abstract: An anterior loading apparatus and a method for strengthening a user's torso inner spine and muscles thereof, and training the user to hold a correct upright posture providing awareness of the proper spinal alignment comprises a frame assembly including a base member, a pair of vertical frame members, a vertical torso support means, both affixed to and extending upwardly from the base member, and a loading beam with one end pivotally mounted at the upper section of the pair of vertical frame members and the other end extending beyond and above the top end of the vertical torso support means which is spaced apart from and aligned with a mid-plane of the pair of vertical frame members. The projecting portion of the loading beam terminates in a liftable straight-edged free end having a pad mounted thereon. At least one weight is mounted to the mid-section of the loading beam to apply a vertical load thereto.

Abstract: The exercise device includes a support frame upon which a first shaft is rotatably supported. A user interface member is connected to the first shaft such that when the user interface member is displaced by a user, the first shaft is caused to rotate. A second shaft is also rotatably supported on the support frame. A torque arm assembly having a plurality of torque arms is connected to the second shaft. Each of the plurality of torque arms is adapted to support a weight member thereon. A conversion mechanism connects the first and second shafts to control the relative rates of rotation of the first and second shafts such that the resistance force generated by the torque arm assembly remains positive over an entire range of motion of the user interface member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and an exercise arm assembly pivotally linked to the support frame for swinging movement in at least one fixed arc about a first pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including at least one rigid, elongate exercise arm. A flexible handle assembly is secured to the exercise arm, the handle assembly having a hand grip portion for gripping by a user, and a flexible connecting portion securing the hand grip portion to the exercise arm to permit a variety of different upper body exercises to be performed by moving the hand grip portion in selected different paths as permitted by the flexible connecting portion.

Abstract: A leg exercise machine has a support frame and a seat assembly including a seat bottom disposed upon a mounting framework secured on the frame for performing leg exercises in the form of leg extensions and leg curls. The resistance structure provides resistance to the leg exercises performed on the machine. A first roller cushion assembly is pivotally connected to the frame about a first pivot axis, is coupled to the resistance structure and is adapted to be engaged by an exerciser's legs. A second roller cushion assembly is pivotally secured to the frame about a second pivot axis and is adapted to be engaged by an exerciser's thighs for performing leg curls.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the forearms and upper arms, in the manner of dumbbells, has a frame with a horizontal pivotal axis, A1, at least one lever having the proximal end connected for pivotal movement about axis A1, a handle extension connected to the distal end of the lever for pivotal movement about an axis A2, A2 being substantially perpendicular to A1, a connecting linkage for pivoting the handle extension about axis A2 in a predetermined relationship relative to the lever as the lever pivots about axis A1, and a handle having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to axis A2, a gripping end centered on, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and an opposite end, pivotally connected to the handle extension at the distal end thereof for free rotation about the longitudinal axis, so as to permit elective pronation and supination movements of the hands in combination with converging and diverging arm movements.

Abstract: An exercise bench includes a floor engaging base, a vertical column, a body support, and inclined rails which occupy a vertical plane together with the column. Cables are interconnected between respective handles and respective pivot arms. At least one resistance device is interconnected between the pivot arms and one of the frame members. The cables are routed about pulleys which are selectively movable along respective rails to facilitate different types of exercise motions.

Abstract: A training method for athletes that separates running into vertical and horizontal components. The athlete is positioned on a horizontal component training device in an upright position. The athlete contacts the horizontal component training device at a leg pad, a mid-torso location, and an upper torso location. The athlete sequentially trains for acceleration at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports specific motion. The athlete also sequentially trains the stretch-shortening cycle of at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports specific motion to train the stretch shortening component of hip flexion and hip extension. Training for acceleration is preferably against hydraulic resistance and training the stretch shortening cycle is preferably against isotonic resistance.

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: A torso exercising apparatus and system for performing various calisthenics and maneuvers to tone and build the body. Right and left handles of the apparatus are disposed between two respective pairs of spaced-apart, front and rear rollers. Each of the roller pairs is affixed to a base. The handles are each disposed on a diagonal with respect to their respective front and rear roller pairs. The diagonally oriented handles eliminate wrist strain and have a further advantage of facilitating sideways movement.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus particularly designed to strengthen the gluteus and hamstring muscles is disclosed. A pivot arm includes a weight arm which can be loaded with weights as desired. The pivot arm pivots in a longitudinal direction at one side of the base of the apparatus. The pivot arm includes a paddled hip engagement bar which extends over the base. A handhold member is mounted to the base and is pivotable at a right angle to the pivot movement of the pivot arm. A latching on the pivot arm can engage a catch on the handhold member when the apparatus to be placed is in a parked position.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a link rod (5) pivoted by its first end (6) on the equipment frame via a first joint (7) permitting a turning motion about a swing axis (8) perpendicular to the vertical middle plane of the seat. A head rest (9) is functionally connected to the link rod (5) so that the link rod participates in turning the head rest during an exercise movement while the person's head is leaning against the head rest. The apparatus also includes a multi-joint angular linkage mechanism (12), of which the link rod (5) constitutes a part. The multi-joint angular linkage mechanism (12) is connected to the head rest (9) so as to cause it to move during an exercise movement along a curved path that substantially coincides with the natural path of the neck.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for applications such as resistance exercise equipment, cable reels, garage doors and other equipment requiring a resistive force. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord. The mechanism includes a preload system for applying a preload force to the resistance packs and a visual indicator for indicating the level of the preload force.

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 apparatus for carrying out flexion exercises of the calf muscles is disclosed. The present invention provides a calf and foot stretching apparatus wherein the ball, the arch, the plantar fascitis and the heel of the foot conform to a convex curve of a foot plate with a slip resistant surface. While providing for effective stretching, the device provides for performing stretching and exercising in a safe, controlled and comfortable manner due to the design of the apparatus. The curved foot plate is firmly attached to a sturdy and stable support structure that may have means for attaching to a floor. Furthermore, so as to assist in keeping one's balance, the apparatus may have a vertical bar extending from the support structure to a height sufficient for one to hold onto while exercising.

Abstract: A weight stack frame for supporting the weight stack of an exercise machine is designed for positioning alongside a seat and exercise device. The frame has spaced upper and lower struts, and front and rear upright struts extending between the front ends and the rear ends, respectively, of the upper and lower struts to form an enclosed frame. Each upright strut is inclined forwardly at a predetermined angle, and the frame can have a load transfer cam mounted either on the front or rear strut for transferring load to the exercise device alongside the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device in which resistance curves can be selectively varied and controlled to achieve a desired positive resistance curve notwithstanding the degree of rotation of the exercise motion. Generally, the exercise device of the present invention comprises a support frame upon which a first shaft is rotatably supported. A user interface member (or exercise member) is connected to the first shaft such that when the user interface member is displaced by a user the first shaft is caused to rotate. A second shaft is also rotatably supported on the support frame. A torque arm assembly comprising of a plurality of torque arms is connected to the second shaft. Each of the plurality of torque arm is adapted to support a weight member thereon. A conversion mechanism connects the first and the second shafts to limit the degree of rotation of the second shaft in such a manner that the resistance generated by the torque arm assembly cannot result in a negative resistance force.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame structure, a seat member supported by the frame structure, and a resistance device. A leg member is operatively connected to the resistance device and pivotally connected to the frame structure for engagement by a user's legs when positioned within the seat member. A knee alignment support is positioned adjacent to the seat support and under the user's legs when positioned within the seat member. The knee alignment support being selectively positionable between a first in position for performing a first exercise and a second out position for performing a second exercise.

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: An exercise machine includes a frame, a removable seat, and a shaft horizontally mounted on the frame, which rotates about its longitudinal axis. Attached to the shaft is at least one weight arm and at least one work arm. The work arm can be releasably connected and take multiple forms, each adapted for particular exercises. When an exerciser pulls or pushes on the work arm, the shaft rotates and carries the weight arm in an arc from a starting or first position to a second position. Because the weight arm travels in an arc, the resistance to the exerciser varies over the course of the exercise. Further, the starting or first position of the weight arm may be adjusted to change the starting resistance to the exerciser.

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: An apparatus for performing exercises has a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame. An exercise arm is pivoted adjacent the forward end of the seat for swinging back and forth in front of the apparatus. A load bearing cable is linked at the forward end of the arm. A leg engaging device is adjustably or rigidly attached to the arm for engagement by an exerciser's legs while performing different exercises. A handle can be releasably attached to the cable or to the exercise arm for performing upper body exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the lower limbs; comprising a seating unit for the user, means for supporting the user's feet, opposite to said seating unit, and a load unit operatively connected to said means for supporting the user's feet to exchange power with the user's legs, said means for supporting the user's feet being movable between a position longitudinally approached to said seating unit, and a position longitudinally removed from said seating unit. Said means for supporting the user's feet comprise a first and a second foot board for providing support for a respective foot of the user.

Abstract: A leg press exercise apparatus with composite motion movement combining a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the leg press having a support member, a frame on which the user support is located, the frame being pivotally connected to the support member, a truck in slidable engagement with the support member and the frame, an actuating member on which a push plate is located, the actuating member being pivotally connected to the support member and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting the actuating member the truck, wherein, when the user pushes the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the support member, forcing the frame to pivot relative to the support member and causing the user to actuate a resistance weight, thus exercising certain of the user's muscles.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method utilizes a flywheel mounted on a rotatable axle. The user exercises by accelerating and decelerating the rotation of the flywheel. For example, a line which wraps around the axle provides a mechanism for accelerating and decelerating the flywheel when a user applies a pulling force to the line. The inertia of the flywheel resists the user applied pulling force and provides the exercise mechanism. Preferably, spool mounted on the axle and variable pivot locations provide a mechanism for easily varying the exercise resistance.

Abstract: Operating an exercise device using a weight-lifting arm thrust delivered similar to execution of a martial art karate maneuver, as permitted by rotatably mounted hand grips, and to the end of increasing the weight of the exercise resistance to the arm thrust.

Abstract: A direct drive exercising apparatus is comprised of three main linkages adapted to displace a predetermined weight stack upon a user person performing an exercise. The linkages are comprised of weight stack connecting members pivotally connected at a first end to a carrier member on which the weight stacks are disposed, and pivotally connected at an opposed end to an attachment frame. Force transmitting members are pivotally connected to the attachment frame. A user engaging member is secured to the force transmitting members to impart pivotal movement thereto. Link members are pivotally connected at one end to the stack connecting members intermediate the first and second opposed ends. The link members are also connected at an opposed end thereof to the force transmitting members.

Abstract: A composite motion movement machine combining a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the composite motion movement machine having a support member, a frame on which the user support is located, the frame being pivotally connected to the support member, a truck in slidable engagement with the support member and the frame, an actuating member being pivotally connected to the support member and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting said actuating member with said truck, wherein, when the user moves the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the support member, forcing the frame to pivot relative to the support member and causing the user to actuate a resistance weight, thus exercising, strengthening or rehabilitating certain of the user's muscles.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing squat type exercises is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base supporting a resistance assembly and a pivoting user engaging assembly. A cable assembly links the user engaging assembly to the resistance assembly for applying resistance as a user performs an exercising routine. The user engaging assembly includes an upwardly extending post and a pivot arm secured to a free end of the upwardly extending post. The user engaging assembly further includes a locking assembly integrally associated with the pivot arm assembly for controlling the pivotal movement of the pivot arm.

Abstract: Machine for exercising muscles wherein at least one lever able to be actuated in rotation to exercise upper body muscles terminates with an elongated portion presenting a first longitudinal axis oriented in a determined direction; a handle being supported by the lever in end position by means of a respective sleeve; a first body substantially cylindrical and able to gripped by a user being hinged to the sleeve in correspondence with a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, the first body being mounted on the sleeve in a manner allowing it to rotate around a determined axis; an adjustment set being provided to adapt the trajectory of the first body to the anthropometric measurements of the users.

Abstract: A leg extension exercise machine having a movement arm engaged by the legs for moving the movement arm between a retracted position and an extended position. The movement arm has a vertically adjustable foot bar for holding the feet and preventing downward movement of the feet during the exercise. Resistance to the exercise is provided by a weight arm having one or more weight plates mounted thereon and pivotally connected to the movement arm. The prop is pivotally mounted to the fixed frame of the machine for movement between an extended position holding the weight arm in a raised position to facilitate entry to and exit from the machine by the exerciser. The prop arm is moveable by the exerciser into a retracted position for storage by means of a handle.

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: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

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: A leg press machine includes a movement arm including a footboard and a pair of links pivotally mounting the footboard to a frame for movement by an exerciser's feet. A resistance arm is mounted to the fame and connected by a link to one of said pair of links. One or more free weight plates are mounted to the resistance arm which provides a predetermined resistance to the movement arm. The frame has a rack for mounting weight plates at a height at the level of the waist-chest area of the exerciser to facilitate movement of the weight plates between the rack and resistance arm. A prop is provided on the frame for holding the weight arm in the raised position to facilitate entry to and exit from the machine.

Abstract: A weight lifting machine is useful for developing muscles used in arm wrestling. The weight lifting machines comprises a carrier that rotates about an axis of rotation. Pivotable levers are connected to the carrier symmetrical about the axis of rotation. A cord hangs from each lever. The cords join into a single cord that holds a weight so as to produce equal and opposite torques on the carrier. A person exerts a force on the carrier sufficient to overcome one of the torques and thereby rotate the carrier. By pivoting the levers the cords hang at different distances from the carrier axis of rotation, thereby changing the amount of torque produced on the carrier by the weight and the amount of force the person must exert to rotate the carrier. A block on the carrier contacts the cord during carrier rotation in a manner that results in a smooth and continuous resistance by the weight on the person's arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of universal joints, especially constant velocity universal joints, to provide multi-axial rotational freedom on exercise, rehabilitation and testing machines. The universal joints may be an integral part of the exercise, rehabilitation and testing machines, or they be provided as adapters for use on uni-axial machines. Furthermore, the adapters may function to act as converters such that attachments designed for machines using a receiver apparatus may be used on machines with an input shaft. Conversely, the adapters may function to act as converters such that attachments designed for machines using an input shaft may be used on machines using an attachment receiver. Additionally, an improved apparatus attachment is provided which uses an arm/joint stabilizer to further support the arm and joint position. The apparatus attachment primarily comprises a lever arm with a hand grip attached to a first end and the arm/joint stabilizer attached to a second end.

Abstract: A seated abdominal exercise machine includes a frame, a seat mounted to the frame and a backrest attached to the frame rearwardly of the seat. An arm and head support assembly is mounted for rotary movement to the frame and provides a resistance adapted to be moved by an exerciser occupied in the seat. A motion translation arrangement is pivotally mounted between the frame and the arm and head support assembly for providing an unrestricted, full range abdominal crunching motion for the seated exerciser.

Abstract: A weight lifting machine is useful for developing muscles used in arm wrestling. The weight lifting machines comprises a carrier that rotates about an axis of rotation. Pivotable levers are connected to the carrier symmetrical about the axis of rotation. A cord hangs from each lever. The cords join into a single cord that holds a weight so as to produce equal and opposite torques on the carrier. A person exerts a force on the carrier sufficient to overcome one of the torques and thereby rotate the carrier. By pivoting the levers the cords hang at different distances from the carrier axis of rotation, thereby changing the amount of torque produced on the carrier by the weight and the amount of force the person must exert to rotate the carrier. A block on the carrier contacts the cord during carrier rotation in a manner that results in a smooth and continuous resistance by the weight on the person's arm.

Abstract: A compact, portable exercise machine includes a base, a pair of receiving means, a pair of parallel support bars fitting slidably within the receiving means, a body support platform, a resistance device, a cable, pulleys, and a cable tightening means. The base has a forward end and an after end and has the first and second receiving means located between the two ends. The support bars each has a forward end and an after end and are joined at these ends by front and rear connecting bars. The platform has a forward end and an after end and is attached to the front connecting bar and the rear connecting bar. Seat, head-rest and foot rests are attached to the platform. The resistance device is removably attached at its upper end adjacent the forward end of the body support platform and removably attached at its lower end adjacent the forward end of the base. A first pulley is attached adjacent the after end of the base. The cable tightening means is attached to the support bars.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for resistance exercise equipment. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord.A preload mechanism which allows an initial preload resistance to be set includes a large gear connected with the stack of resistance packs and a smaller gear meshing with the large gear. A pivotal pawl urged against the teeth of the large gear allows the gear to turn in a direction to initially deform the spokes to preset the initial resistance level.

Abstract: An exercise device has a support frame and a lever arm attached to the support frame and pivotably movable between a rest position, wherein the lever arm hangs downwardly and an extended position, wherein the lever arm is pivoted relative to its rest position. A range of motion (ROM) device is rigidly attached to the lever arm, and pivots with the lever arm. The orientation of the ROM device relative to the lever arm can be selectively varied. A tackle is attached to the ROM device to provide an opposing force to motion of the lever arm from the rest position to the extended position. The tackle also includes a substantially taut cable that is connected to a mass.

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: An exercise device having a pivoted resistance and a two-piece pivoted linkage assembly to connect the resistance with the user. A user impact device, for receiving force from the user may be connected to the two-piece pivoted linkage assembly. The respective lengths of the two pieces of the linkage assemble and the points of pivotal mounting are used to determine the resistance profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the lower back muscles of a user includes a frame, an arrangement mounted to the frame for resisting forward movement of the user's hips while maintaining the user's gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles in a relatively relaxed condition, a lever assembly mounted to the frame in a disposition for engagement by the upper back of a user for backward and forward user induced movement of the lever assembly for exercise of the user's lower back muscles and a resistance assembly operatively connected to the lever assembly for resisting the user induced exercise movement with a predetermined resistive force.

Abstract: An arm curl exercise apparatus is provided. The arm curl exercise apparatus includes a selectable weight mechanism and an inpact lever mechanisms operatively connected thereto. A pair of four bar linkage mechanisms are connected to the free end of the input lever. A pair of handles are rotationally connected to the forward most bar component of the four-bar linkage mechanisms such that the handles follow the same pivoting movement as the forward most bar component, when the four bar linkage mechanisms are pivoted. When utilizing the rotatably mounted handles the user is able to maintain the proper biomechanical alignment of the joints while choosing from a variety of grips. The paths through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear upwardly converging and downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal arm curl motion as possible.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a bench press assembly rotatably mounted on the support frame. The bench press assembly includes a yoke having a central portion pivotally linked to the frame for swinging movement about a first pivot axis, and opposite side portions, a biassing load linked to the yoke for resisting movement about the first axis, and a pair of handle arms each pivotally connected to a respective one of the yoke side portions for independent articulation. Each handle arm has a handle at each end and is connected to the yoke at a location intermediate the ends of the handle arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for combiningly performing four important exercises localized to the lower back with the addition of weight resistance: a) the rotation or torsion of the lower spine and the lower back muscles; b) the bending of the spine forward and the exercising of abdominal muscles; c) the bending of the spine rearward and the exercising of the lumbar and erector muscles; d) the stretching and self-postural adjustment of the spine. The user performs the four exercises in the horizontal position with both legs in raised position. A swinging member accommodates the legs and allows the swinging, side-to-side motion of the legs. A second pivotal member helps the bending of the pelvis forward and rearward. A roller support assembly supports and massages the entire back during exercises. The user's body rests on an anatomical cushion support during exercises.