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 for exercising the entire body, but in particular the muscles of the legs and the buttocks includes a frame, a lower leg support that has a rearward facing surface for supporting a lower leg area of a user, and a yoke member. The yoke member has a rearward portion that is constructed and arranged to be gripped for lifting by a user, and a forward portion that is pivotally mounted to the frame at a location that is positioned forward of said rearward facing surface of the lower leg support. The apparatus also includes resistance structure for imparting resistance against lifting the rearward portion of said yoke member by the user. This apparatus is particularly suited for doing "lunge" exercises in a way that is both more efficient in the working of targeted muscle groups and is less stressful on the user's knee joints than conventional free weight based lunge exercises are.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for building strength in the lower extremities while reducing the risk of injury to knee joints. A weight-bearing lever is pivotable upon a first post located forward and to the side of a seat for the user. A second pivotable arm which has a cushioned leg bar mounted to it is pivotable about a second pivot point on the first post. A roller bearing extends from the pivotable arm and is received by a bearing race fixed to the underside of the weight-bearing lever. As the user moves the leg bar forward and upward, the roller urges the weight-bearing lever upward. The Rolling Fulcrum.TM. pivot support of the weight-bearing lever moves away from the user reducing the moment arm of the weight on the weight-bearing arm as the user's legs approach full extension at the knee.

Abstract: A fitness sled exercise machine wherein a client user may, with the cooperative force of arms and legs, elevate a body carriage or sled, tracking on a rail attached to a frame base and foldable standard, from an at rest position to a point of elevation. The user may elect a front or rear facing exercise position to accomplish the elevation task. Body weight provides the primary resistance to elevation, supplemented by additional weights and/or the resistance of a stroke adjustable hydraulic cylinder.The specified frame standard is 90 degrees foldable for shipping, but may be locked in vertical position for operation. In the latter position, the standard supports a pulley and line lift apparatus that provides the user with an approximate 4:1 leverage advantage for upper limb manipulation of that apparatus. A system of levers and couplers serve to join the lift assembly to the sled and to foot bars located at the front and rear of the machine for lower limb participation in the elevation task.

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.

Abstract: A standing push/pull exercise machine includes a frame with first and second frame sections located on opposite sides of a midplane, and defining a standing exercise position therebetween. Each frame section includes a pivotal lever which is pivotal against a selected weight resistance, preferably along a movement path which converges toward the midplane with respect to the forward facing direction of an exerciser. One of the frame sections and its corresponding levers is located further rearward of the other frame section and lever, and it is adapted for movement against a weight resistance via a pushing motion, while the other lever is adapted for movement against a weight resistance via a pulling motion.

Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus for muscles of the upper extremities, mid-back, and posterior shoulder girdle provides negative variable resistance as the muscles are contracted over a wide range of motion while maintaining proper joint alignment in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists. A movable weight carrying assembly has a transverse handlebar from the ends of which extend handle members which the user grasps to pivot the weight carrying assembly toward himself or herself while moving the arms from an outstretched position to a position with the elbows flexed, scapulae adducted, and the trapezius muscles contracted in a shrugging action. The weight carrying assembly is adjustable for varying heights of user.

Abstract: An exercise machine for simulating running comprises a frame having a rear portion and a forward portion, a shoulder harness supported by the forward portion of the frame for supporting the upper body in a fixed position, a pair of hand grips juxtaposed near the shoulder harness, a pair of lever arms each having an upper end and a lower end with the upper ends pivotally connected to the rear portion of the frame, a pair of foot assemblies extending outwardly from the lower ends of the lever arms and rotatable through an arc of not more than 180 degrees, and a pair of resistance means attached to the lever arms.

Abstract: A machine for exercising and/or testing the lumbar muscles including a movement arm mounted for rotational movement about a generally horizontal axis against a resistance provided by a weight stack. Movement of the movement arm is transmitted to the weight stack by means of a transmission including a cam fixed to the movement arm, a pulley belt fixed to the periphery of the cam and trained about one or more pulleys mounted with respect to the stationary frame of the machine. The pulley belt is connected to an actuating lever connected to the weight stack pin to drive the same. One of the pulleys is mounted for movement towards and away from the pulley belt to increase or decrease tension in the pulley belt to thus control the drive between the movement arm and the weight stack.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for building strength in the lower extremities while reducing the risk of injury to knee joints. A bench provides a surface on which a user may lie in a prone position. A pivot support member stands beside the bench. A weight-bearing lever is pivotable upon the pivot support member at a horizontal pivot located alongside the bench for the user. A second pivotable lever which has a cushioned leg bar mounted to it is pivotable about a second pivot point on the pivot support member. An arm depends below and perpendicularly to the second pivotable lever. A roller bearing extends from the arm and is received by a bearing race fixed to the underside of the weight-bearing lever. As a user lying prone on the bench moves the leg bar upward by flexion of the leg muscles below the knee, the roller urges the weight-bearing lever upward. The Rolling Fulcrum.TM.

Abstract: An adductor machine including a pair of movement arms movable about a vertical axes between an open position extending laterally from the seat and a closed position extending forwardly of the seat. The movement arms are movable to the closed position by the user engaging with the inner sides of his thighs, pads respectively located on the movement arms. Movement of the movement arms is transmitted to move a resistance in the form of one or more weights in a weight stack. Such transmission is accomplished by a linkage and cam follower arrangement operatively connected between the movement arm and a weight stack pin included in the resistance weight stack. An auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided to move the movement arms between the open and closed positions independently of engaging the pads with the legs. This actuating mechanism includes a handle engageable with the cam included in the transmission to operate the cam independently of a linkage which extends between the movement arms and the cam.

Abstract: A single-station type total body exercise and rehabilitation weight-lifting machine and method of selectively recruiting, isolating, and maximally contracting a specific segment of a target muscle or task-specific synergistic segments of different muscles using the machine are presented. The exercise and rehabilitation machine is designed to provide resistance to variable force vectors in all directions. The machine comprises a weight support member mounted in a box-shaped main support frame. The rear end of the weight support member is multi-pivotally connected through a "sliding box" adjustment device to the rear of the main support frame while the front end of the weight support member is supported by a vertically adjustable roller bar support member of the main support frame. The weight support member can be oriented at many angles using the combined adjustments for the sliding box adjustment device and roller bar support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder press machine having a seat, a backrest and fixed framework at the top of which a carriage is mounted. The carriage has a pair of downwardly and forwardly extending, diverging lever arms which are tied together and moved upwardly and downwardly along a major horizontal axis mounted to the framework behind the backrest and a minor horizontal axis offset behind and parallel to the major horizontal axis. As the lever arms are moved together upwardly, they are simultaneously swung inwardly about a pair of parallel, angular pivot axes, the swinging motion being transferred via a pair of transfer links to pivot a pair of sleeves about the minor horizontal axis. As a result of these linkages, a shoulder press machine is provided in which an exerciser's hands rotate or supinate naturally through approximately 20.degree.-30.degree. as the lever arms are pushed upwardly.

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

Abstract: A mechanical weightlifting machine for use with free weights in which the machine has a support structure with an elevated pivot having a pivot axis and an articulating mechanism engaging the pivot. The articulating mechanism having projecting lever arms connected to the pivot with depending rod members to which the free weights are connected, the articulating mechanism having a counterweight on a lever arm with one end connected to the support structure and another having a link connected to a displaceable connection member on the articulating mechanism, the machine having a user controlled actuator to displace the displaceable connection member to vary the effective weight applied to or removed from the free weights.

Abstract: A body extension exercise machine includes a frame, an elongated support connected to the frame and defining a reclined exercise position for an exerciser and a lever connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis oriented transverse to and located below the support. A lower end of the lever includes a weight holder for holding a predetermined weight, and an upper end of lever includes a plate. When in the exercise position and reclined on the support, with at least one leg retracted and in contact with the plate, an exerciser pushes outwardly against the plate and against the held weight resistance to pivot the lever with respect to the frame from an initial at-rest position to a leg-extended position. Thereafter, the exerciser reduces the force applied to the plate and allows the lever to pivot back to the at-rest position, corresponding to the legs retracted position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a base, a first arm pivotable at one end thereof to the base, a second arm pivoted along its length to the other end of the first arm, and resilient means between the first and second arms, whereby relative movement of the arms is effected by the application of force reacting against the resistance of the resilient means. By the selection of the pivot points and simplified construction of the present invention, and the pivotal nature of the first arm relative to the base, the apparatus is easily foldable to a collapsed condition for easy storage and transportation. In operation, the first arm may be prevented from pivoting by the insertion of a pin through mating holes between the first arm and the base, and when the pin is removed, the first arm is pivotable to a position adjacent the base, so that the entire unit has a thickness, in its folded state, of approximately the thickness of the two arms and base member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and associate method that provides a variable resistance to muscle movement during the course of a single exercise. The apparatus includes an articulated arm assembly that supports a selected amount of weight plates at one end. The arm assembly is connected to a support frame at a pivot point. The opposite end of the arm assembly is connected to a cable that extends to an exercise attachment that is moved by the user's muscles. As a user exercises, a tensile force is applied to the cable. The tensile force applies a torque to the arm assembly that causes the arm assembly to turn about the pivot point. As the arm assembly moves, the weights are advanced up along an inclined surface. If a strong enough force is applied, the weights can be advanced over the top of the inclined surface. Without the support of the inclined surface, the arm assembly is free to remain extended.

Abstract: An exercise device includes forced pronation or supination movement of the hand 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 horizontal first 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 is substantially perpendicular to A1 and the distal end of 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 connector to the frame so that, as the levers pivot about axis A1, each handle is forced to pivot about its axis A2 in a predetermined relationship with the position of the levers.

Abstract: An exercise machine or apparatus having a movement arm to be moved upon exertion of a body part against a resistance including a weight that pivots about an axis as the movement arm is moved by the exerciser. To change the resistive force imposed by the weight, the weight is moved relative to its pivotal axis to thereby increase or decrease the effective resistive force. The movement arm is operatively connected to the resistance by a cam connected to the movement arm and engaged with a follower which in turn is connected to the weight to pivot the weight about its pivotal axis. The cam is operatively connected to the movement arm by a strain gauge and a releasable lock mechanism.

Abstract: A device for exercising the calf muscles of a user including a frame formed of a base and two substantially parallel diagonal beams extending from either side of the base forming an acute angle with the base. A pad, contoured for accommodating a front side of at least one of the user's thighs is connected between the diagonal beams and extends at an angle adjustable within an obtuse angle supplementary with the acute angle. A weight bar is movable along the length of both diagonal beams and is releasably held at a plurality of different heights above the base. The machine is operable between a first secured mode securing the weight bar at a desired one of the plurality of different heights and a second released mode releasing the weight bar from its secured position.

Abstract: A machine for exercising muscles of the human body which includes a movement arm pivotable about a horizontal axis by the user against a resistance provided by a weight stack. A drive shaft is connected to the movement arm and extends vertically downwardly below the weight stack where it is connected to a lever which in turn is connected to the lower end of a pin included in the weight stack. When the movement arm is rotated and pivoted in one direction it will move the drive shaft and the lever to raise the pin in the weight stack. The weight stack includes upper and lower stacks of weights independently connectable to the stack pin.

Abstract: An exercising machine with a direct drive to the weight stack is described. It comprises a support frame having a seat to accommodate a user person. A weight stack is provided and has a plurality of predetermined weight elements which are guidingly connected to a pivoting support platform. Restraining guide rods are secured to the pivoting support platform to permit the weight elements to be displaced therealong in a predetermined stack form. An elongated carrier rod extends freely through the weight stack and has a plurality of attachment holes along a prescribed length thereof. A connecting pin secures a selected one of the weight elements to one of the attachment holes of the carrier rod to form the predetermined stack. A pivotal connecting linkage is secured to the carrier rod and to a pivoting exercising frame engageable by a user person to perform an exercise.

Abstract: A weight augmenting device for a rider-type exercise machine comprises a U-shaped bracket with stiffly flexible legs and a bridging cross piece joining the legs along one edge of the legs, the legs being spaced a distance closely to embrace opposite sides of a rectangular post. A clamping mechanism squeezes the legs against the post. A weight holding finger is mounted at one end to the bridging cross piece and projects in a direction away from the legs. Weights are mounted on the finger. The bracket is selectively mountable on and demountable from the exercise machine post, which itself is pivoted at one end, and can be moved along the length of the post toward and away from the pivot point of the post, so as to increase or decrease the force necessary to move the post around its pivot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising the rear deltoid muscle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a seat and a chest pad that are adjustably mounted to a frame to form a user support. Two arms are independently pivotally mounted at a first end by hinges to the frame. A handle is mounted to each arm whereby an exerciser grips the handle to use the apparatus. A means for resisting the movement of the handle is provided which is adapted to affect the force required to move the handles. According to the method, a seated exerciser grasps at least one handle and moves it outwardly and pulls it towards himself so that the handle moves in a substantially arcuate path towards the exerciser's shoulders.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for strengthening the legs and hips of a user. A weight carrying pivot arm rides up and down a pivotable mast when the user squats and rises, causing the resistance of the apparatus to increase as the user approaches a standing position. An optional toe plate may be added to allow exercise of ankle and foot structures.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a base part adapted to rest on a floor or another surface. The device includes a first upwardly extending part extending upwardly from the base part and, spaced apart upon the base part, a second upwardly extending part is provided. A lever frame, for supporting a person thereon, is pivoted by way of a pivotation mechanism relative to the first upwardly extending part. An engagement device is provided to act on the second upwardly extending part at a position higher than the lever frame so as to allow a person supported on the lever frame to engage with the engagement device to pivot the lever frame upwardly by way of the pivotation mechanism against the force of the person's weight acting on the lever frame and to thereby lift the person supported on the lever frame.

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

Abstract: A machine for strengthening the leg muscles and for testing the strength of the leg muscles. The machine includes a platform having an actuator end and a weight support end. The platform is pivotally supported by a base. Weights are placed upon the weight support end of the platform. One foot of a standing user is placed upon the actuator end of the platform so as to pivot the platform on the base by the application of pressure by the leg of the user. A pneumatic control system is attached between the base and the platform to provide an adjustable resistance to the pivotal movement of the platform, and for recording the force applied to the platform by the user. An optional stabilizer attachment may be attached to the base for griping by the user to prevent the user from being lifted during applications of extreme force. Alternatively, additional resistance to pivoting of the platform may be provided by use of an elastic cord attachment which is attached to the actuator end of platform and griped by the user.

Abstract: An exercise device for use by an exerciser in exercising his back muscles includes a frame, waist support, leg stop, and weight carriage. The frame comprises a ground contacting base and front and rear frame members. The waist support is located on top of the front frame member and the leg stop is located on the bottom of the rear frame member. The weight carriage is rotatably mounted to the frame, and includes a carriage frame, weight supporting bars, and a handle. The carriage is movable between a first resting position in which it extends downwardly from the front frame member to a second extended position in which it extends generally horizontally out from the front frame member.

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

Abstract: A machine for exercising muscles of the human body which includes a movement arm pivotable about a horizontal axis by the user against a resistance provided by a weight stack. A drive shaft is connected to the movement arm and extends vertically downwardly below the weight stack where it is connected to a lever which in turn is connected to the lower end of a pin included in the weight stack. When the movement arm is rotated and pivoted in one direction it will move the drive shaft and the lever to raise the pin in the weight stack. The weight stack includes upper and lower stacks of weights independently connectable to the stack pin.

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

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise machine for fitness and strength training at home is convertible for various exercises. The exercise machine is compact, light in weight, and includes a frame, a shaft, an eccentric wheel, a displaceable traveler, a pulling element, at least one exercise lever, and an optional coupling element for adding additional parts.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame base with a platform at the rearward end upon which the athlete stands. A horizontal shaft rotatably mounted on a pair of vertical frame members near the forward end of the base has an upper central sprocket at its center and smaller sprockets at each end. A weight lever member pivotally connected to a pair of upright frame members extends forwardly therefrom and a number of weights are received on the outer end of the weight lever. A lower central sprocket is rotatably mounted between the upright frame members. A drive arm is arm pivotally connected at its bottom end to the platform. A handlebar rotatably mounted at the upper end of the drive arm is positioned a selective distance above the platform and has hand grips at each end.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a squat press exercise are disclosed. A user support, such as a seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A four-bar linkage is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. A lever is mounted to the four-bar linkage and is adapted to support removable weight plates. As the user presses the footplate, the four-bar linkage rotates, controlling the orientation of the footplate such that the footplate does not rotate with respect to the user support (and, thus, the user). The lever also rotates, causing the weight plates to lift in an arcuate path, thereby providing an increasing resistance to the movement of the footplate during the concentric portion of the exercise. In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for exercising the legs and lower torso. A weight resistance is selected. A user is supported on a user support and places her feet on a footplate.

Abstract: A lower-body exercise machine is provided having a frame, a carriage assembly pivotally attached to the frame and moveable in an upwardly and downwardly arcuate path about the frame, a support beam attached to and extending upwardly from the frame, and a platform pivotally attached to the frame and angling downwardly. A hookbar assembly is pivotally attached to the carriage assembly for releasably engaging the support beam to arrest the downward motion of the carriage assembly. The hookbar assembly comprises a hook bar rotatably attached to the carriage assembly, an elongated hook attached to and extending upwardly from the hook bar, and an elongated engagement handle attached to the hook bar. A rung is attached to the support beam. By moving the engagement handle upwardly, the hook bar rotates and pivots the hook towards the support beam to engage the rung and arrest the downward movement of the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A weight training machine having a dynamically controlled resistance capability. The user exercises by causing an exercise arm to pivot. Pivoting coaxially with the exercise arm, is a pivot arm which supports a secondary weight. To pivot the exercise arm, the user must overcome a primary resistance and the torque on the pivot arm due to the secondary weight. The torque due to the secondary weight can be dynamically varied by varying the position of the secondary weight on the pivot arm. Thus the resistance experienced by the user, can be varied within a predetermined range. A force input mechanism engageable with a body part of the user is also disclosed which reduces discomfort to the user during exercise.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a leg press exercise with counterbalance are disclosed. A user support, such as seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A swing, such as a four-bar linkage, is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. An arm with a counterweight is pivotally connected to the frame. A beam is rotatably mounted to the four-bar linkage and the arm. The footplate is adjusted relative to the seat by variation of the length of a connection between a pulley weight system and the four-bar linkage. The footplate rotates arcuately with respect to the frame during adjustment to accommodate users of various stature. The position of the counterweight changes during footplate adjustment in order to compensate for the changing effect of gravity on the footplate and the swing.

Abstract: A multiple station weight lifting type exercise apparatus having cabled linkage and direct lifting capabilities is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized as having a plurality of exercise stations located about a base platform and a single weight stack being movable in a conventional manner through direct and indirect forces applied thereto by the various exercise stations. Each station generally has several apparatus connectable to one or more cables that are operatively linked to all other stations and effect movement of the weight stack preferably by a single cable when any cable undergoes tensioned movement. In addition, at least one station directly imparts movement of the weight stack by means of non-cable linkage. The non-cabled linkage or direct lift of the weight stack is carried out by providing for a translation assembly to be located in operative engagement with the weight stack to which the cable, operatively linked to other stations, is anchored.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a platform, including a seat which supports the back and head of the user, that is rotatably attached to a frame that rests on the floor. A pivot arm, which is fixedly attached to the platform and rotatably attached to the frame, allows the platform to move between a first position where the legs of a user lying on the seat are bent approximately 90 degrees at both the knees and at the hips when the user's feet are placed on a leg support that is attached to the frame, and a second position where the user's legs are substantially fully extended. Movement of the platform is resisted by elastomeric weight straps which extend between the frame and the pivot arm or weight plates which are mounted on the platform. The weight straps and weight plates can either be used separately or in combination with one another. Stops limit the travel of the platform so that the platform does not move past its desired first and second positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for the exercise of a person's upper torso wherein there is minimal unnatural motion or positioning of the glenohumeral joint and/or the wrist and elbow joints and including means for carrying each of the person's arms through movement generally within a transverse plane that is occupied by the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, this means comprising at least one set of outrigger arms arranged for pantographic motion about fixed axes which are substantially coincident with the median sagittal plane of the person's body. A method for the upper torso exercise is disclosed.

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

Abstract: An abductor machine has a pair of movement arms including thigh pads engageable by the user's thighs to move the movement arms outwardly about vertical axes while the user is seated with the thighs located between the thigh pads. The movement arms are connected to a weight stack by a transmission including connecting rods interconnecting the movement arms and a cam, and a cam follower which is connected to an actuating lever which in turn drives the weight stack pin. The lateral position of the thigh pads is adjustable to suit the size of the user's thighs. The thigh pads are also self-adjustable about vertical axes. An adjustable backrest is also provided to change the posture of the user so that the exercise may be concentrated on different portions of the abductor muscles. Once adjusted, the backrest is locked in position.

Abstract: An adductor machine including a pair of movement arms movable about a vertical axes between an open position extending laterally from the seat and a closed position extending forwardly of the seat. The movement arms are movable to the closed position by the user engaging with the inner sides of his thighs, pads respectively located on the movement arms. Movement of the movement arms is transmitted to move a resistance in the form of one or more weights in a weight stack. Such transmission is accomplished by a linkage and cam follower arrangement operatively connected between the movement arm and a weight stack pin included in the resistance weight stack. An auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided to move the movement arms between the open and closed positions independently of engaging the pads with the legs. This actuating mechanism includes a handle engageable with the cam included in the transmission to operate the cam independently of a linkage which extends between the movement arms and the cam.

Abstract: Apparatus for the exercise of a person's upper torso wherein there is minimal unnatural motion or positioning of the glenohumeral joint and/or the wrist and elbow joints and including means for carrying each of the person's arms through movement generally within a transverse plane that is occupied by the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, this means comprising at least one set of outrigger arms arranged for pantographic motion about fixed axes which are substantially coincident with the median sagittal plane of the person's body. A method for the upper torso exercise is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved leg lift unit includes three sets of exercising and/or support pads for facilitating various exercise regimens. A first set of exercising pads is mounted to a pivoting leg member to facilitate leg lift exercises. A second set of exercise pads are mounted to a body of the unit to provide support for an exerciser in various positions. A vertically adjustable support pad assembly is provided which can be positioned to clamp a user's legs or thighs when doing leg lift exercises. The vertically adjustable support pad assembly can also be used in arm curl exercises in connection with a bar rest mounted to the pivoting leg member.

Abstract: A self-releasing pin for a weight training machine of the type having a vertical stack of weights. The self-releasing pin automatically releases a selected number of weights from engagement with a lifting bar when the selected number of weights is returned to a resting position. The main components of the self-releasing pin include a shaft, a bracket, a retaining member, and biasing means. The shaft is capable of reciprocating movement with respect to the bracket through an opening in the bracket. The retaining member is pivotally attached to either the bracket or the shaft to prevent reciprocating movement of the shaft with respect to the bracket. The biasing means are provided intermediate the second end of the shaft and the bracket and bias the shaft to a retracted position.

Abstract: An abdominal hip/flex exercise machine includes a frame, a seat located at a first end of the frame for supporting an exerciser in an upright exercise position facing the second end of the frame, and a lever pivotally connected to the frame between the first and second ends thereof. At the second end of the frame, the lever includes at least one hub for holding weighted plates, while the opposite end of the lever located adjacent the seat includes spaced pads and handles adapted to be engaged by the arms and hands of an exerciser supported on the seat in the upright exercise position. The exerciser acts on the pads via a downwardly directed abdominal/hip flex motion to pivot the lever about the axis against the weight resistance held at the second end thereof. A leg brace may be included to restrain the exerciser from upward movement during performance of the downwardly directed flexing exercise motion, with the leg brace and the seat being vertically adjustable to suit the height of the exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing an incline press includes a frame, a declined seat connected to the frame along a vertical midplane and two independently maneuverable levers with upper rearward ends pivotally connected to the frame above the seat, on opposite sides of the midplane. The lower, forward ends of the levers are adapted to hold removable weights. Handles also extend inwardly, rearwardly and upwardly from the lower ends of the levers. Each handle is adapted to be grasped by a person supported on the seat and upwardly extended and adducted in an incline press motion against the held weights to move the respective lever along a vertical plane that converges inwardly with respect to the vertical midplane. This incline press exercise machine accommodates the natural musculoskeletal movements of the arms and shoulders of a person, thereby maximizing muscular benefit while minimizing joint stress.