Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a track having a first end and a second end, and a first pad fixedly attached to the first end of the track. The first pad may include a pedestal, a support structure attached to a lower surface of the pedestal and extending generally downwards therefrom, and an attachment member extending from a surface of the support structure to an outer edge of the pedestal. The exercise apparatus may also include a second pad slidably coupled to the track. The second pad may include a slidable vehicle and a top pad fixedly connected to the slidable vehicle. The exercise apparatus may further include a first bumper and a second bumper connected to the track. The first bumper may be connected to the track adjacent the first end, and the second bumper may be connected to the track adjacent the second end.

Abstract: An exercise machine carriage system which allows for a wide range of exercises while maintaining improved balance and control for the exerciser. The exercise machine generally includes a stationary frame and a carriage adapted to slide along at least one track on the frame. The carriage may include at least one opening on its upper surface to be used by an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises. The carriage may also include, either in combination with the openings or alternatively, at least one carriage strap extending across its upper surface for use in a variety of exercises. Platforms may also be included on either end of the frame, each of the platforms including its own platform strap. By utilizing such openings and/or straps, a wide variety of exercises may be accomplished that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to perform on conventional exercise machines.

Abstract: Machine for exercising the core muscles having a swiveling seat mounted on a base for receiving a person in a reclined position with his legs and torso extending in opposite directions, a pad for supporting the upper portion of the torso while the legs are swung back and forth in a horizontal direction, resilient means connected to the seat for resisting the swinging of the legs, and handles on opposite sides of the seat in position to be gripped by the person while he is swinging his legs.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles of a user generally comprise a user support set atop an enclosure. The enclosure houses mechanisms to actuate a cable system, wherein the mechanisms at least one of feed and retract a cable of the cable system. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise footholds proximate to the user support to support at least the feet from a user, wherein the cable system actuates between the footholds, and wherein the footholds actuate in at least a lateral motion to further accentuate increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles. The apparatus, methods, and systems also comprise a control handle coupled to the cable system for the user to grasp, wherein the cable system actuates to either one of increase and release a tension to the grasped control handle, and wherein the control handle comprises at least one control to regulate the either one of increase and release the tension.

Abstract: A support frame for an exercise apparatus includes a base, and a smoothly arched moving arm member slidably coupled to the base. The moving arm member defines a first end connected to a wheel pedal unit and an opposing second end connected to a saddle unit, such that a distance difference between the first and second ends in the vertical direction, as well as in the horizontal direction, changes subject to changing the relative position between the moving arm member and the base. Thus, by means of moving the moving arm member relative to the base, the distance difference between the first and second ends is relatively changed, causing change of the relative position between the wheel pedal unit and the saddle unit. This allows the user to select a normal upright sitting exercise mode or a recumbent sitting exercise mode.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a pivotable body support assembly, a lifting mechanism in parallel linear engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The lifting mechanism includes a foot plate, an ankle pad, and a foot pad. The lifting mechanism also includes a lifting assist mechanism, such as a spring or gas shock. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. A method of using an exercise machine includes stepping onto the foot plate and securing the back of a user's foot against the ankle pad, releasing the lift assist mechanism, and bringing the foot plate to the toe pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus operated in a seated position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow linear paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals and handles are positioned forward the operator to allow easy ingress and egress. The handles and pedals may be operated in unison for rowing exercise or the left handle and pedal may be operated independent of the right handle and pedal for opposing stepping exercise. Adjustable resistance is provided.

Abstract: A rowing exercise device simulates rowing including lateral pivoting movement to require control of core muscles, thus providing a more complete exercise experience. The device includes a frame having a pair of spaced supports and an elongated track coupled to and extending between the supports. A handle is coupled to the frame proximate a first end of the track. A seat is slidably coupled to the track wherein the seat is movable along the track to simulate a rowing motion. The seat is laterally pivotable relative to the track to require a user positioned on the seat to utilize core muscles to maintain balance on the seat as the seat moves along the track.

Abstract: An article for simulating the activity of kayaking is provided comprising a base including a seat portion, a shaft operatively associated with said base and extending upward from said base, a paddle attached on the uppermost portion of said shaft whereby said paddle is constructed and arranged relative to a person seating in said seat portion such that said paddle is in position that simulates the activity of kayaking.

Abstract: A portable rowing machine is disclosed that includes a tubular frame consisting of two parallel tubes positioned and supported by floor brackets, a seat that is removably situated on top of the tubular frame and slidable along the tubular frame on rollers mounted to the underside of the seat, swivel arms attached to brackets and extending perpendicularly outward from the tubular frame, and oar arms attached to the ends of the swivel arms. The tubular frame includes a telescoping portion enabling adjustment of the length of the frame from a compact storage size to a size desired for a users leg length. The swivel arm brackets are pivotally positionable in a storage position and a working position. The oar arms are adjustable in length to suit the users body size. A clutch bearing and band brake assembly provides oar arm motion resistance comparable to rowing a boat.

Abstract: A flywheel is applied to a training machine including a wheel and a driving mechanism. The wheel is used for storing rotation energy while it is driven to rotate, and the driving mechanism is used for driving the wheel to rotate. The wheel has a hollowed space at least partially filled with a weighted material, at least one metal piece fixed at a periphery of the wheel, and a magnets arranged at the outside of the wheel. A damping of the wheel is changed by adjusting the distance between the metal piece and the plurality of magnets.

Abstract: A rowing sequence trainer includes a frame which holds a contact pad, the frame being mounted pivotably to a base. The base is inserted under a seat of an exercise machine, the seat being slidable along a support. The exercise machine includes at least one resilient cable which is attached to the frame. The athlete using the trainer pushes back along the support, while the frame pivots backwards. At the completion of the backward segment, tension in the cable pulls the athlete back to the starting position, and pivots the frame to its upright position. The exercise is performed without the assistance of hands, and trains the athlete in the proper sequence of initiation of tension in various muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having: a frame having a vertical support; at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical support; a first articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount; a second articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm adapted to independently articulate from the first articulating arm; a pair of resistive elements, each resistive element operatively connected to one of the first and second independently articulating arms to provide resistance; and a cable and pulley system connecting each resistive element to a point on a longitudinal axis of one of the first and second articulating arms.

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: A machine for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles, the machine having a base having front and back ends; an arm lever mounted to the base near the front end of the base; a user platform moved by a user and/or by the arm levers, the user platform slidably and pivotably mounted to the base; and a linkage mechanism operatively connecting the arm lever to the user platform so that when the arm lever is moved towards the user platform, the user platform is moved towards the arm lever and a front end of the user platform is moved upwards, pivoting the user platform into an angled configuration, and when the arm lever is moved away from the user platform, the user platform is moved away from the arm lever and the front end of the user platform is moved downwards, pivoting the user platform into a horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A rowing apparatus having: a frame; a seat slidably mounted on said frame; an outrigger for receiving oars; at least one drive mechanism coupled to said outrigger to translate a force applied to said oars to a flywheel having resistance means for providing variable resistance; said rowing apparatus having a one way clutch for unidirectional rotary drive of said flywheel, and allowing for operation in a sweeping mode or a sculling mode; and whereby the opposing motions of said oars are combined into a single motion to drive said flywheel.

Abstract: A paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod, a handle, and a weight member. The a rod includes first and second ends and is configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location between the first and second ends. The handle is positioned at the first end of the rod and is configured for grasping by a second hand of the user. The weight member is mounted to the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion.

Abstract: A flat row exercise machine is disclosed. The machine includes a base structure, a pair of front and rear vertical frame members fixed to the base structure and extending upwardly therefrom, and a horizontal member fixed between the pair of rear vertical frame members. The machine also includes a pair of levers having upper ends coupled pivotally to the horizontal member and each lever having a lower end configured to hold at least one removable weight or a tension band, where the pair of levers are configured to move independently of each other. A pair of arms extend outwardly from the lower ends of the pair of levers, where each arm is configured to be raised by a user such that the upper ends of the pair of levers pivot in place as the user moves a distal end of the pair of arms in an up and down motion.

Abstract: A rowing exercise device in which the return force for the rowing handle is provided by the force of gravity rather than an elastic cable. The rowing machine includes a stationary base and a moveable frame, which rotates or slides upwardly relative to the moveable frame when a pulling force is applied to the handle, and then rotates or slides back down to the initial position under the force of gravity when the pulling force is removed.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle wherein when rotating the wheels by rotating pedals, the user feels the bicycle moving forward and being tilted left and right as when riding a bicycle outdoors, and also feels as if the user is riding on a slope, a plain road, etc., thus preventing the user from feeling monotonous and tedious and allowing the user to feel as if the user is riding a bicycle outdoors, thereby increasing the amount of exercise.

Abstract: A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly having a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly with an upper support surface with a left edge and a right edge, a frame separating the upper support surface from a ground surface, a following arm having a proximal end coupled to the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support surface, the support assembly also having a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, the cable being slidably coupled to the following arm.

Abstract: A convertible push and pull exercise machine capable of providing a user with a total body workout using resistance in two lines of motion. The exercise machine can include a base, an adjustable secured seat positioned on the base, and an arm assembly including opposed first and second arm members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the opposed first and second arm members can pivotally be attached to the base. Additionally, the exercise machine can include a resistance arrangement capable of providing a resistance to each of the opposed first and second arm members in at least two lines of motion.

Abstract: An exercise assembly simulating the muscular movements of a kayaker includes an elongate seat resiliently mounted on an elongate spine structure supported on adjustable pedestals that are each further resiliently mounted. At the front end an adjustably aligned pivot engages through a U-joint a simulated kayak paddle with the motion of the pivot resisted by restricted orifice cylinders mounted in the spine structure. A generally uniform adjustment arrangement is utilized to conform the assembly to the various users and/or various exercise levels.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided that replicates on dry land the movement and resistance of a paddling motion. The exercise device includes a hollow upper shaft, a handle connected to an upper end of the upper shaft, and a lower shaft coupled at least partially within the upper shaft by a spring, to allow retraction into and extension from the upper shaft. The exercise device further includes a blade replacement assembly connected with a bottom end of the lower shaft, the blade replacement assembly comprising one or more wheels connected with a bottom end of the lower shaft and a resistance mechanism to provide resistance against a rolling direction of the one or more wheels.

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 apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding.

Abstract: Rehabilitation exercising equipment includes a frame unit, a seat unit mounted on the frame unit, a first geared member rotatably mounted on the frame unit, a second geared member rotatably mounted on the frame unit, a connecting member mounted between the first geared member and the second geared member to connect the first geared member and the second geared member, and a control handle connected with the first geared member. Thus, a user's hands can hold the control handle to move the control handle forward and backward so as to exercise or rehabilitate the user's waist, arms and legs.

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: Rowing simulators that include a variety of features that provide one or more rowers with a rowing experience that more accurately simulates on-water rowing and/or provide enhanced training feedback. One feature is a rowing station that includes one or two oars each having a vertical-feel emulator implemented as a compliant guide follower that engages a corresponding oar guide during the drive phase of the rowing stroke so as to simulate an oar's engagement with water during on-water rowing. In other embodiments, the vertical-feel emulator is incorporated into an oar support. Other features include: stroke gauges that provide visual feedback on the various phases of a rower's stroke, including the catch phase, drive phase, finish phase, and recovery phase; an oar feathering indicator; and seats linked together for training rowers to row in unison, among others.

Abstract: One aspect is a rowing machine with a longitudinally extending beam and a seat mounted to said beam and slidable therealong. A frame is mounted to said beam and slidably movable therealong independently of said seat. A pair of foot rests are mounted to a user end of said frame. A flywheel is rotatably mounted by a flywheel shaft to said frame, said flywheel shaft mounted to said frame a height less than a radius of said flywheel above said beam. The flywheel is drivable by a cable through a transmission mechanism mounted to said frame such that one end of said cable remote from said flywheel is connected to a handgrip and the other end of said cable connected to a cable take up mechanism.

Abstract: The present device discloses a complete full body exercise machine. The recumbent exercise apparatus comprises three upper body assemblies and a lower body assembly. This exercise machine provides the user the capability to effectively work the entire upper body with a wide variety of exercises and multiple resistance levels while simultaneously being able to exercise the lower body. Each upper body assembly comprises a plurality of elastic bands connected between the frame and handle members. The handle support locations and connecting elastic bands are adapted to permit a full range of motion for a variety of upper body exercises without having to pause to switch upper body exercises or change resistant levels while exercising with the lower body assembly. The handles are movably supported on the frame to allow the connecting elastic bands to be in a pretension state for full range of resistance throughout each movement of each upper body exercise.

Abstract: A Pilates reformer includes a rectangular frame having two transverse ends connected by longitudinal rails, each transverse end comprising a pair of bases and an interconnecting transverse member. A planar carriage attaches to the frame by springs, and is moveable horizontally against force of the springs by means of rollers along the longitudinal rails. An ergonomic purchase confined to the frame is translatable into a stowed position for spatial efficiency, and into a deployed position that enables a user mounted on the carriage to reach the purchase, one of the transverse ends arresting the purchase when fully translated to the stowed or deployed position. The purchase may be a rotatable bench, a slidable and rotatable jump board, a vertically adjustable ballet bar, or the reformer may include a combination of these purchases.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training of the body of a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus allows the a user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues joining all the muscles in these areas. the apparatus comprises a support structure, two elongate foot platforms and hanging members for attaching the foot platforms to the support in such a manner that they can move in a substantially horizontal X-Y plane with two degrees of freedom. The foot platforms can be hung so that they are either arranged in parallel or have one of their ends closer together than their opposite ends. At least one substantially horizontal connecting member may be provided to interconnect the two foot platforms, either in front, in the middle or in the rear. The support structure is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures.

Abstract: A multifunctional linked fitness equipment has an elongated bottom, a seat stand, a front support frame seat pivotally mounted on a front end of the elongated bottom, a rear support frame seat pivotally mounted on a rear end of the seat stand, a link pivotally mounted between the front support frame seat and the rear support frame seat, a front support frame pivotally mounted on the elongated bottom and the front support frame seat, a rear support frame pivotally mounted on the elongated bottom and the rear support frame seat, and at least one resilient member mounted between the rear support frame seat and the elongated bottom. By combining or detaching the front support frame, the rear support frame or the seat stand with or from positioning pins, the fitness equipment can be utilized to selectively exercise the abdominal muscles and the legs based on the users' demand.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding.

Abstract: A ski-simulation assembly includes a vertical member with a first portion coupled to a base and a second portion extending upwardly from the base, a first cable portion slidably engaged with the vertical member at the second portion of the vertical member, a second cable portion slidably engaged with the vertical member at the second portion of the vertical member, and a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled to the first cable portion and the second cable portion, where the resistance-producing assembly operable to apply a selective resistance to the first cable portion independent of movement of the second cable portion and apply a selective resistance to the second cable portion independent of movement of the first cable portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device which includes at least one pair of independently movable leg supports which are pivotally connectable to a main body support to raise and lower, either separately and/or together, a user's legs during exercise between upper and lower positions and an adjustment device to allow the positions of said the upper and lower positions to be changed.

Abstract: A rowing sequence trainer includes a frame which holds a contact pad, the frame being mounted pivotably to a base. The base is inserted under a seat of an exercise machine, the seat being slidable along a support. The exercise machine includes at least one resilient cable which is attached to the frame. The athlete using the trainer pushes back along the support, while the frame pivots backwards. At the completion of the backward segment, tension in the cable pulls the athlete back to the starting position, and pivots the frame to its upright position. The exercise is performed without the assistance of hands, and trains the athlete in the proper sequence of initiation of tension in various muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle is provided with a planar four bar linkage with cranks. The bicycle frame (5) is used as the machine frame of the planar four bar linkage, the seat (2) of the bicycle is fixed on a connecting rod (8) of the planar four bar linkage, and the connecting rod (8) is not directly connected with the bicycle frame (5). A middle axle (10) is used as the crank shaft, and one end of the connecting rod (8) is rotationally connected with a crank pin journal of the crank shaft (10), the other end thereof is connected with the member of the bicycle frame (5). The seat of the bicycle can do periodic movement with translation and rotation while a person rides the bicycle.

Abstract: One aspect is a rowing machine with a longitudinally extending beam and a seat mounted to said beam and slidable therealong. A frame is mounted to said beam and slidably movable therealong independently of said seat. A pair of foot rests are mounted to a user end of said frame. A flywheel is rotatably mounted by a flywheel shaft to said frame, said flywheel shaft mounted to said frame a height less than a radius of said flywheel above said beam. The flywheel is drivable by a cable through a transmission mechanism mounted to said frame such that one end of said cable remote from said flywheel is connected to a handgrip and the other end of said cable connected to a cable take up mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rowing machines, and, more particularly, to such rowing machines with internal environments that duplicate actual Olympic-class rowing shells in terms of both dimensions and appearance, and simulate the specific rowing motion and technique that occurs on the water.

Abstract: An exercise assembly simulating the muscular movements of a kayaker includes an elongate seat resiliently mounted on an elongate spine structure structure supported on adjustable pedestals that are each further resiliently mounted. At the front end an adjustably aligned pivot engages through a U-joint a simulated kayak paddle with the motion of the pivot resisted by restricted orifice cylinders mounted in the spine structure. A generally uniform adjustment arrangement is utilized to conform the assembly to the various users and/or various exercise levels.

Abstract: An exercise assembly simulating the muscular movements of a kayaker includes an elongate, generally rectangular seat structure supported on adjustable pedestals that are each resiliently mounted. At the front end an adjustably aligned pivot engages through a U-joint a simulated kayak oar with the motion of the pivot resisted by restricted orifice cylinders mounted in the seat structure. A generally uniform adjustment arrangement is utilized to conform the assembly to the various users and/or various exercise levels.

Abstract: A rowing machine or rowing machine attachment with an energy absorbing component configured to add responsive and compliant roll, pitch, and yaw motions to the rowing machine. The energy absorbing component is also configured to change shape so as to absorb energy in response to a compressive force by the user. Said energy absorption component returns substantially to its first shape in response to the removal of the compressive force. The energy-absorbing apparatus is configured to reduce a reaction force exerted on the user of the rowing machine.

Abstract: Among other things, an exercise machine includes a resistance device connected to a flexible driving line used to drive the resistance device. A flexible exercise line receives forces applied by the user's hands and feet during cycles of exercising. A force transfer mechanism couples forces, received on the exercise line from the user during exercising, to the resistance device during the exercise cycles, and moves back and forth relative to a frame of the machine. The force transfer mechanism rides along, and is supported vertically, by a support during use of the machine.

Abstract: An exercise system is provided in which multiple exercise routines may be conducted with a single system. The exercise system may be used for skiing exercises, rowing exercises, and for weight training/resistance exercises. The exercise system may also be stored in a compact position and may by integrated with articles of furniture for space saving benefits. In one embodiment, resistance to motion is provided by one or more tension transmission members and may be selectively adjusted by controlling the configuration of the tension transmission member relative to a torsion spring. Use of intermediate devices between the spring and the tension transmission member are described that provide a non-linear relationship between force and displacement. In another embodiment, the tension transmission member may be configured in different positions by adjusting the position of movable pulleys, thereby allowing the device to be used for a number of different exercise routines.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating sculling or rowing on water includes a support frame with foot rests, a sliding seat, bilateral oars that are rotationally coupled to a set of actuators, integrated input velocity and torque sensors, computer and computer display. Each actuator incorporates a mechanical transmission, a rotational inertial mass, a variable linear and a variable non-linear damping element. The damping elements can be controlled manually or automatically by computer programs under user control.

Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical element and a flexible member associated with the cylindrical element. The flexible member is movable between a wound configuration, in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element, and an unwound configuration, in which the member is unwound from the cylindrical element. The apparatus further comprises a recoil means biased to move the flexible member to the wound configuration and a resistance means that resists movement of the flexible member from the wound to the unwound configurations. The resistance means comprises an energy storage device, which is in a geared relationship with the cylindrical element. In a preferred embodiment the energy storage device is a flywheel.

Abstract: A handle for an exercise machine, e.g. a rowing machine, which is mounted on an end of a connecting linkage, e.g. chain, strap or cord, which extends along an axis of force application in the exercise machine. The handle includes first and second arm structures pivotally connected at their ends to a mounting bracket, which is attached to the connecting linkage. Handgrips are mounted on an the outer free ends of the first and second arm structures for pulling towards the users body, while separating the first and second arms apart, thereby replicating actual rowing strokes. Preferably, the handle is adjustable to various positions to replicate various rowing styles, e.g. conventional or crossover.