Abstract: A flexible shroud is used to cover weights and hide pulleys and cables on exercise machines. The flexible shroud can be a coarse mesh or screen for see through areas, cloth such as canvas or other fabrics, or other flexible sound absorbing materials. The material may be supported around or between a framework of ribs, poles, or metal screen and takes the shape of the framework. The material may also be supported only at the top and bottom of a weight stack or structure by a rigid template from which the material takes shape. The top or bottom support may be adjusted to stretch the fabric taut so it takes shape better and tightens to provide a better safety shield. The material may be attached to the supports or framework by snaps, hook and loop material, or other removable fasteners.

Abstract: A weight stack assembly for an exercise machine includes: a plurality of weights arranged in a vertical stack; a post extending through the weights, and a selector unit. Each of the weights includes an open-ended, forwardly facing slot, wherein the slots of each of a first set of the weights form a first column, and wherein the slots of each of a second set of the weights form a second column that is parallel to but non-coincident with the first column. The vertical stack is formed by alternating first and second weight. The post is configured to connect with a movement arm of an exercise machine and includes a first column of apertures that align with the slots of the first set of weights and a second column of apertures that align with the second set of weights. The selector unit is configured to be inserted into one of the slots and one of the apertures to select a portion of the weights to provide resistance for exercise.

Abstract: Weight changing systems and methods as well as fitness equipment incorporating weight changing systems are provided. One weight changing system includes a frame, weights individually movable relative to the frame, a weight carriage movable relative to the frame, and a control system. Each weight has a receiving member bordered by an opening. The weight carriage has latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators. Each latch assembly has a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions. Each hook portion is configured to extend around and engage a receiving member. The control system is configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.

Abstract: An exercise device including at least one attachment structure configured to be mounted to a support assembly. A first arm and a second arm pivotably connected to the at least one attachment structure. At least one bracket pivotably connecting an end of the first arm with an end of the second arm. At least one of catch member pivotably connected to at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and the at least one bracket. The at least one catch member is configured for accepting a weight bar.

Abstract: An athlete training device that includes a platform that includes a plurality of spaced apart attachment members disposed adjacent to the periphery of the platform. A pole extends upwardly from the platform and is affixed to the platform. A weight, defining a hole passing therethrough, is disposed on the platform so that the pole passes through the hole. A top plate is affixed to the top of the pole and includes attachment structures disposed about the top plate. An attachment device is coupled to one of the attachment structures. A redirecting device is coupled to one of the attachment members. An elastic cord is attached to the attachment device and is engaged with the redirecting device so that the cord extends radially away from the pole. An exercise device is affixed to the end of the cord.

Abstract: User-manipulated exercise equipment of the type utilizing a weight-plate stack comprises a stack of weight plates, of which a user-selected portion moves as a unit along a pair of guide rods in response to an exercise movement by the user. The selected portion of the stack moves with virtually no cross-wise (i.e., lateral) shifting among the plates and virtually no friction between the moving portion of the stack and the guide rods because (1) a keystone bushing below the weight plate stack provides virtually error free alignment with the guide rods by setting the non-selected portion of the stack at a highly accurate “home” position that resets the moving stack if it has shifted laterally during movement, even if that shift is very slight, and (2) the guide rod holed in the weight plates carry bushings which align with the bushings of the adjacent weight plates to prevent the plates within the moving portion of the stack from shifting laterally with respect to each other and thereby contacting a guide rod.

Abstract: An adjustable weight assembly includes a weight device and an adjustment device. The weight device includes a rail, a movable member and multiple weights. The movable member is connected to a rod and receives a force applied by a force applying unit so as to move along the rail. The rod has multiple through holes and each weight has a latitude hole and a longitudinal hole. Each latitude hole has a pin extending therethrough and the rod extends through the longitudinal holes. The adjustable device includes a driving unit, a movable part and multiple pivotal members. The driving unit drives the movable part and each weight is pivotably connected to one of the pivotal members. When the movable part moves along the rail, the pivotal member is pivoted to decide the engagement between the pin and the through hole so that the user can adjust the number of the weights.

Abstract: A weight system having at least one weight stack moveable in a vertical direction on a lift rod, and a bearing block for housing a linear bearing. The invention further includes a method and apparatus for aligning the linear bearing.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus having a slidable weight bar assembly with hand brake assemblies is provided for enaging and disengaging the weight bar assembly with a support frame. The exercise apparatus can be configured as a squat machine or a bench press. The exercise apparatus can include an adjustable back support that facilitates proper positioning and support of the operator's upper and lower back while performing squat exercises. The exercise apparatus can further include spring assemblies that increase the kinetic load during downward movements of the slidable weight bar assembly.

Abstract: Regulating member (1) carried by an operating unit (100) provided with a frame (10) coupled in a slidable manner to a support member (M); the regulating member (1) comprising a handle (2) suitable to move the frame (10) relative to the support member (M); a blocking device (70) comprising a pin (72) movable between an engagement position (PI) and a regulating position (PR) transversally to the support member (M) to connect the frame (10) to the support member (M) in a longitudinal position definable at will; a switching member (76) being hinged to the first pin (72) to move it between the engagement position (PI) and the regulating position (PR); the handle (2) being connected rigidly to the switching member (76) to actuate the pin (72) transversally to the support member (M) and move the frame (10) along the support member (M) with the pin (72) arranged in the regulating position (PR).

Abstract: An exercising apparatus for exercising muscles in the abdominal region of a user's body may include a stationary primary body support configured to support upper portions of the user's body including the abdominal region. The primary body support may include a primary body support surface oriented to support a user's back in a rearwardly inclined position and a secondary body support surface for supporting the user's buttocks. A movable carriage may be configured to be engaged by the user's lower leg portions and may be movable along a substantially linear path extending generally toward and generally away from the secondary body support surface. A resistance application assembly may be configured to apply an adjustable degree of biasing force to the carriage in a direction generally away from the secondary body support surface to resist movement of the carriage toward the secondary body support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for display and cable management includes a base and a display device. The display device removably attaches to the base. When the display device is attached to the base, an aperture is created or reduced in size. The aperture allows a smaller first portion of a cable to pass through, but prevents a larger second portion of the cable from passing through. When the cable is drawn through the aperture and released, the weight of the cable retracts it through the aperture. The display device and base may include features that cooperate to resist detaching the display device when the cable is drawn through the aperture. The display device may include a graphic insert. The base may be shaped to sit on a horizontal surface and present the display device for viewing by a person standing or sitting nearby.

Abstract: Weightlifting system for doing arm curls having a frame, a seat mounted on the frame for supporting a person using the system, a pair of posts extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front portion of the frame, an arm rest panel mounted on the posts in front of the seat for engagement by the upper arms of a person on the seat, a pair of weight stands positioned next to the legs in front of the arm rest panel, a bar extending between the weight stands in position to be grasped in the hands of a person sitting on the seat with the backs of the upper arms of the person resting against the arm rest panel, and a plurality of weight plates disposed on each of the stands for selective attachment to the bar.

Abstract: A weight stack for an exercise machine includes a plurality of weights arranged in a vertical stack. Each of the weights has a body portion with substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces and includes at least one open-ended, forwardly facing recess in the lower surface. Each of the recesses has a height and a width, with an aspect ratio of height divided by width being between about 0.06 and 0.375.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interface inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.

Abstract: A system for controlling a free end of a stack pin used with a stack of weights, the system including a nesting device configured to secure the free end of a stack pin when the stack pin is not lifting a weight and a tuning device configured to adjust the nesting device to exert a back up pressure on the stack pin to counteract potential energy that accumulates when the stack pin is being used to lift the weight.

Abstract: Functional group (1) for a gymnastic machine (100) provided with a frame (110) supporting a load group (120) usable for executing a gymnastic exercise; the machine (1) comprising an actuating group (130) provided with at least one user interface (132) carried movable by the frame (110) to exchange power with the load group (120); a modular transmission member (10) being arranged between each user interface (132) and the load group (120) to exchange power between these latter so as to facilitate the assembling and disassembling of the frame (110).

Abstract: A vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is rotatably mounted on the base member and selectively rotated into engagement with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. A horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member and selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. Various combinations of these arrangements may be used to provide adjustable resistance to exercise on dumbbells and/or weight stack machines.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for exercising a user's muscles that includes a frame. A platform is attached to the frame, which defines an area on which a user stands. A weight stack is attached to the frame. A lineal shaft is attached to the frame between the platform and the weight stack. A carriage runs on the lineal shaft and is attached to the weight stack by a cable. An extension arm is pivotally connected to the carriage. A handle is attached to the extension arm. The lineal shaft and platform allow the user to adjust the machine to their body by just standing in the position that fits their body. The lineal shaft, carriage, and pivotal connected extension arm provides a resistance curve that fits the user's strength curve.

Abstract: A weight stack assembly for an exercise machine includes: a plurality of weights arranged in a vertical stack; a post extending through the weights, and a selector unit. Each of the weights includes an open-ended, forwardly facing slot, wherein the slots of each of a first set of the weights form a first column, and wherein the slots of each of a second set of the weights form a second column that is parallel to but non-coincident with the first column. The vertical stack is formed by alternating first and second weight. The post is configured to connect with a movement arm of an exercise machine and includes a first column of apertures that align with the slots of the first set of weights and a second column of apertures that align with the second set of weights. The selector unit is configured to be inserted into one of the slots and one of the apertures to select a portion of the weights to provide resistance for exercise.

Abstract: A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a floor frame assembly including a pair of side floor frames, a front lateral floor frame member, and a rear lateral floor member. A carriage is carried by the side floor frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

Abstract: A shoulder flexion apparatus tones and strengthens the shoulder muscles, including the anterior deltoid muscles. The apparatus may provide a resistance having a downward force vector. The resistance may be applied to a user via a cable guided by one or more pulleys to the user. In one or more embodiments, a guide assembly may be provided to quickly and easily reposition the cable and the force vector of the resistance that the cable provides. The guide assembly thus allows rapid switching between shoulder exercises to tone and strengthen the shoulder muscles. The apparatus may comprise one or more sections corresponding to the left and right side of the user's body. In this manner, the sections may independently provide resistance to each of the user's shoulders.

Abstract: A vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is rotatably mounted on the base member and selectively rotated into engagement with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. A horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member and selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. Various combinations of these arrangements may be used to provide adjustable resistance to exercise on dumbbells and/or weight stack machines.

Abstract: A vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is rotatably mounted on the base member and selectively rotated into engagement with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. A horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member and selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. Various combinations of these arrangements may be used to provide adjustable resistance to exercise on dumbbells and/or weight stack machines.

Abstract: A weight selector for use with a weight lifting machine having a plurality of weights to be lifted and an exertion element configured to exert force so as to lift a preselected amount of weight comprising: a first selector element configured to mechanically select a first amount of weight to be lifted; a second selector element configured to mechanically select a second amount of weight to be lifted, the second selector element being movable relative to the first selector element; and a distance limiting element configured to limit the distance between the first selector element and the second selector element.

Abstract: A training machine is provided comprising a base (6) arranged for placement on the floor (4), a movable member (32) provided on the base (6) to be moved by the training action, and a load exerting means (8) for exerting a load to control the movement of the movable member (32). The load exerting means (8) has a weight assembly (22) thereof arranged to be lifted vertically by the movement of the movable member (32) as resisting the gravity and particular is accompanied with a counter-force exerting means (70) arranged at the weight assembly (22) and/or the movable member (32) for exerting a returning force on the movable member (32) at the timing of shift from the upward movement to the downward movement of the weight assembly (22). The counter-force exerting means (70) comprises, for example, coil springs (72, 74) and movement stoppers (76, 78) for restricting the movement of the coil springs (72, 74).

Abstract: A pike pole exercise apparatus is provided for firemen to train and condition themselves for using a pike pole hook. A base has an elongated post attached thereto which extends generally vertically therefrom. An elongated hollow slide member is slidably mounted on the elongated post for sliding thereon and has a weight attached thereto so that a fireman can grip the slide member and slide it up and down on the elongated pole to exercise and train for using a pike pole hook.

Abstract: An electromechanical system for selecting weights in fitness station weight towers, wherein a vertical hollow rod, fixed to the cursor which fastens to the steel cable, which lifts the plates of unit weight, extends traversing central holes of these plates, traversing the upper wall of the base of the tower, which is hollow, this rod having a rotating shaft or screw that moves the weight selector upwards and downwards, mounted on the rod by bearings, and projecting below this bearing where it has at the end radial teeth that incase between protrusions existing in a circular low relief of a pulley, which is mounted on a bearing whose shaft is collinear to the rod and fixed to the lower face of the base, this pulley having a channel for a belt, driven by an electric motor fixed to the base.

Abstract: Apparatuses having selective having selective resistance, related mechanisms and devices, and methods to operating exercise equipment are provided. In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a frame and at least one guide member coupled with a portion of the frame. A weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates, is associated with the at least one guide member. The exercise apparatus also includes a resistance selector having at least one rail coupled to an uppermost weight plate of the plurality of weight plates. A body is slidably coupled to the at least one rail. A pin is slidably coupled to the body and configured to be displaced between at least a first position and a second position relative to the body. An engagement structure is coupled with the pin and configured to selectively engage at least one abutment shoulder of at least one weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.

Abstract: An improved counterweight module of a weight trainer having two vertical guide rods as well as top, bottom and intermediate counterweight blocks superimposed along the vertical guide rods. It is mainly characterized in that a liner ring assembly is only assembled onto the bottom and top counterweight blocks. The liner ring assembly has upper liner rings set into the top counterweight block and lower liner rings set into the bottom counterweight block. The annular rings of the upper and lower liner ring are mated slidably with two vertical guide rods. Moreover, a guide rod pulling portion is set onto every intermediate counterweight block for penetration of the vertical guide rod. There is a spacing between the guide rod pulling portion and vertical guide rods. The superimposition surface of the counterweight block is provided with a mating portion to enable limitation of every intermediate counterweight block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable weight grip machine for strengthening and developing hand grip and forearm strength. A pair of vertical frame members is provided with a supporting base at the bottom. A carriage is spaced from the frame members and is mounted for vertical reciprocation only on a pair of spaced parallel vertical guide bars extending through the carriage and through a plurality of weights below the carriage. Nylon bushings in the carriage engage the guides. A central shaft is suspended from the carriage lift bar and extends through a central bore in the weights with any number of weights being detachably connected to the shaft by a transverse pin extending through one of the weights and the shafts.

Abstract: A vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is mounted on the base member and selectively engaged with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. A horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. Various combinations of these arrangements may be used to provide adjustable resistance to exercise.

Abstract: A weight stack for an exercise machine may include one or more primary and secondary load elements that are selectively joined to a weight carriage. The load elements may be supported from below by one or more support beams and positioned at spaced apart locations on the support beam when the weight carriage is located at its rest position or when the load elements are not joined to the weight carriage during an exercise. The load elements may include engagement surfaces that engage the beam either directly by contacting the beam or indirectly via a divider structure positioned between the load elements and the beam. For some load elements, the engagement surfaces define a portion of a slot in the load element. The exercise machine may further include a single guide pole that constrains the weight carriage to move substantially linearly and vertically relative to the exercise machine's support frame.

Abstract: An engagement interface for an exercise machine for selectively engaging a carriage with one or more resisting elements may include one or more engagement devices arranged on the carriage. An engagement device may include a reaching or first portion and a flange or second portion. An engagement feature may be positioned on the one or more resisting elements and configured for engagement by at least one of the one or more engagement devices. The engagement feature may include a body, at least one wall extending generally perpendicular to the body, a first tab extending from the at least one wall in a first direction, and a second tab extending from the at least one wall in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first and second tabs may be configured for engagement by at least a portion of an engagement device.

Abstract: Weight plate locking and lifting systems by which one or more weight plates are detachably connected to a lifting handle bar to enable the weight plates to be removed from or returned to a nearby storage rack without having to lift, transport and handle the weight plates. Each weight plate includes a toggle lever switch arm that is coupled to a locking pin. Each weight plate also includes a radially-extending locking cavity within which to removably receive the lifting handle bar. When the toggle lever switch arm is moved to a locked position, the locking pin slides in a first direction through the weight plate and into engagement with the lifting handle bar within the locking cavity. When the toggle lever switch arm is moved to an unlocked position, the locking pin slides in an opposite direction out of engagement with the lifting handle bar.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for receiving, recording, and/or displaying information related to physical exercise are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an instrumented weight pin for use with a stacked weight exercise machine includes a shaft portion extending outwardly from a handle portion. In this embodiment, the shaft portion is configured to be removably positioned adjacent to one or more weights of the exercise machine to selectively engage the one or more weights during use of the exercise machine. The weight pin can further include a load sensor and/or an accelerometer. The load sensor and/or the accelerometer can provide information associated with an exercise set to a data storage device carried by the weight pin. The data storage device can be operably coupled to a user computer or other display device so that information relating to the exercise set can be displayed for viewing by the user.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise bar comprises a bar (145) and one or more rails (100, 105) upon which one or more bar retainers are constrained to move. The rails are secured to a vertical surface such as a wall or post (110). A plunger assembly (400) contained within the bar retainers is coupled to the bar by a stiff metal band that is attached to the bar. A plunger in each plunger assembly is normally inserted in a hole (115) in the rail or rails, preventing the bar retainer from moving. The plunger assembly is actuated by rotating the front of the bar upward (from the user's perspective). This actuation causes the plunger (405) to be removed from the hole, enabling movement of the bar upward or downward. When the rotational force on the bar is removed, a spring (435) within the plunger assembly returns the bar to its original rotational position and returns the plunger to a hole in the rail. An optional weight (155) secured to the bar retainers by cords (160, 161) acts as a counterbalance to bar movement.

Abstract: A weight plate having a detachable locking cartridge by which the weight plate is releasably connected to a lifting element (e.g., a center post) whereby one or more weight plates carried by the lifting element may be lifted by a user. The weight plate also has a plate body with a central bore in which to receive the lifting element. In one embodiment, the detachable locking cartridge is mounted flush against one side (e.g., the bottom) of the weight plate body so as to lie entirely external to the plate body. In an alternate embodiment, the detachable locking cartridge includes a stabilizer extension that is received within a cavity recessed in the one side of the plate body. The detachable locking cartridge includes a manually-accessible toggle lever switch arm that is adapted to rotate within a housing of the cartridge between locked and unlocked positions to thereby control the displacement of a locking pin relative to the lifting element within the central bore of the plate body.

Abstract: An improved counterweight module of a weight trainer having two vertical guide rods as well as top, bottom and intermediate counterweight blocks superimposed along the vertical guide rods. It is mainly characterized in that a liner ring assembly is only assembled onto the bottom and top counterweight blocks. The liner ring assembly has upper liner rings set into the top counterweight block and lower liner rings set into the bottom counterweight block. The annular rings of the upper and lower liner ring are mated slidably with two vertical guide rods. Moreover, a guide rod pulling portion is set onto every intermediate counterweight block for penetration of the vertical guide rod. There is a spacing between the guide rod pulling portion and vertical guide rods. The superimposition surface of the counterweight block is provided with a mating portion to enable limitation of every intermediate counterweight block.

Abstract: A weight lifting member is configured to accommodate a plurality of weights. A selector rod is movably mounted on the weight lifting member for rotation about an axis to selective engage and disengage a first subset of the weights, and for movement axially to selectively engage and disengage a second subset of the weights. A latch must be moved in order to release the selector rod for movement relative to the weight lifting member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising multiple body parts includes a frame and a front user bearer assembly which is angularly and height adjustable relative to the frame. The front bearer assembly is mounted to a guide for guiding upward and downward movement of the front bearer assembly. A compensator to ensure that the front assembly travels in a substantially vertical plane during exercise includes a number of support elements, which are pivotally mounted.

Abstract: A free weight assistance and training system and method including a weight support structure. Free weight support arms are movably mounted to the support structure and configured to support a free weight bar. A drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the free weight support arms and configured to move the free weight support arms along the weight support structure. At least one non-contact detector is configured to detect the position of a free weight bar with respect to the free weight support arms without contacting the free weight bar. A controller is configured to receive free weight bar position data from the at least one non-contact detector, process the data and initiate the drive mechanism to move the free weight support arms along the support structure in response to the data.

Abstract: An automatic weight stack controller for fitness units adapted to a frame provided with weights piled up is disclosed, wherein the weights are provided with central vertical holes having inner circular grooves and a tube fit into said central holes, said tube being provided with radial holes disposed at the level of each weight wherein balls are housed, so that said balls can be pushed towards the grooves by a piston that slides vertically inside the tube, having conical ends and threaded on a vertical threaded bar centrally to the tube, where there is an eyelet for the steel cable designed to raise the weights, the selection of weights being carried out through a panel of instruments, with a digital display, and buttons to increase or decrease the number of weights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a training machine for strength training and rehabilitation comprising pull or press means (42, 43), which are arranged to be moved to and fro, while a predetermined number of weights (18) of a weight package via connection means (22) are brought to be lifted and lowered, respectively, along an inner frame (8), and driving means (48, 49, 50) for lifting said predetermined number of weights in a continuous cycle by means of a first user force towards said pull or press means, and for lowering said predetermined number of weights by means of a second user force, wherein said first force is smaller than said second force.

Abstract: In order to measure a physical exercise condition data at a time of pre-testing and a muscle force training to accumulate and indicate them together with various set data, a muscle force training machine having a training apparatus main body and a training load applying apparatus is provided with a rotation detecting sensor which detects a rotating direction and an amount of rotation of a main shaft within the training load applying apparatus, and a data processing apparatus which stores the rotating direction and the amount of rotation from the rotation detecting sensor together with set data at least including a load amount, various body condition information of a training person and other data necessary for measuring in a data base, and processes them to make indicative data in forms of display data, print data and the like.

Abstract: A weight system includes a selector which is movable along weights and may be inserted into a void between adjacent weights.

Abstract: This freestanding selectable free weight assembly includes an annular handle assembly that supports a weight set about each end. Each weight set includes end wedge assemblies with slanted interior faces and a set of slanted weight plates are sandwiched between the inner and outer slanted end wedge assemblies. Selectively movable rods are housed within the annular handle assembly. The user can actuate the movable rods to move underneath and support a defined number of weight plates to control the amount of weight disposed about each end of the handle. The weight plates are interconnected by a tang projecting to the side of each plate where each tang is adjacent to a locking slot. Each tang fits into a locking slot of each adjacent weight plate.

Abstract: A method to prepare for and conduct an exercise using free weights while minimizing the risk of injury to an individual during the acquisition, use, and return of the free weights includes the step of providing a plurality of cylindrically-shaped free weight plates and a staging station. Each of the free weight plates is mounted on edge in an upright orientation in one of a plurality of detent units of the staging station at a height above the ground. A first one of the free weight plates is manually grasped and rolled from the detent unit onto a horizontally oriented support surface of the staging station, manually removed from the support surface, utilized to perform an exercise, manually returned to the support surface, and manually rolled on the peripheral edge of the first one of the free weight plates from the support surface into one of the detent units.

Abstract: A weight system includes a selector which is movable along weights and may be inserted into a void between adjacent weights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus comprising a weight stack for opposing a given exercise motion through a cable and pulley system. The weight stack comprises a set of weights vertically stacked on each other. The weights have a central aperture formed therein through which a lifting stem is downwardly insertable. Each weight is provided with weight selector means, which are pivotally engagable with said lifting stem for connecting and locking a selectable number of weights to the central lifting stem.