Among other things, a rowing exercise machine includes a movable inertial element, an eddy current brake coupled to the movable inertial element, a rowing grip coupled to the movable inertial element, and control circuitry coupled to the eddy current brake to cause a resistance to motion of the rowing grip during part of a rowing stroke. The resistance to motion of the rowing grip during the drive phase of the rowing stroke conforms to a target feel for a rower. The target feel corresponds to a feel for a rower of a target other rowing exercise machine or other target feel of interest.

The present invention is related to selectively adjustable resistance assemblies and methods of use for bicycles. An example device includes at least one flywheel rotated by a user operating pedals, a resistance assembly associated with the at least one flywheel, the resistance assembly configured to exert a resistance force that counteracts rotation of the at least one flywheel caused by the user using the pedals, a human machine interface that is configured to allow the user to select a first resistance level for the resistance force, a secondary resistance selector that allows the user to select a second resistance level for the resistance force, the second resistance level allowing for refinement of the resistance force, and a controller that selectively controls the resistance assembly to apply the resistance force based on the first resistance level and the second resistance level.

A Magnetic Resistance Apparatus (MRA) for providing manageable resistance, the MRA comprising a series of magnets disposed adjacent from one another, a series of electromagnets slidably mounted in electromagnetic cooperation with the series of magnets and an actuator for sliding the series of electromagnets in respect with the series of magnets, wherein current in the electromagnets is managed in a non-constant fashion along the sliding of the series of electromagnets in respect with the series of magnets.

A staged resistance training device is described. When performing an exercise motion, normal human joint mechanics often mean less effort is needed in the later stages of a resistance exercise motion than at the beginning of the motion. The staged resistance training device is configured to allow a user, such as a weightlifter using a training machine having a series of resistive elements, to perform an exercise repetition with staged resistance forces experienced during the repetition. A range of motion of the exercised body part is opposed during a first stage of the motion by an initial resistance, transitioning to a second, greater resistance in a later second stage of the exercise motion. The staged resistance training device provides a means wherein the user can apply increased resistance to overcome an increasing mechanical advantage later during an exercise motion, versus at the motion's beginning.

The present invention may be embodied as a system or method for dynamically exercising a user's neck muscles. The system includes a headset, an arm attached thereto, a weight, and at least one motor to move the weight, for example, about the arm. The weight may be mounted eccentrically on a radial track that is rotatable by one motor and moved linearly by another motor. The direction of the arm, the distance between an apex of the headset and the weight, the eccentricity of the weight on the axis, and the speed of rotation of the motor are all parameters that can be adjusted by the caregiver or user, either manually or via controlling software.

Among other things, a rowing exercise machine includes a movable inertial element, an eddy current brake coupled to the movable inertial element, a rowing grip coupled to the movable inertial element, and control circuitry coupled to the eddy current brake to cause a resistance to motion of the rowing grip during part of a rowing stroke. The resistance to motion of the rowing grip during the drive phase of the rowing stroke conforms to a target feel for a rower. The target feel corresponds to a feel for a rower of a target other rowing exercise machine or other target feel of interest.

An interactive exercise system with apparatus and methods to optimize muscle strength for rehabilitation, to improve or maintain fitness, and to enhance the performance of athletes. The system uses an electronically controlled linear actuator to generate resistance against the muscular force exerted by the user. The system includes sensors configured to detect acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, duration, and the force applied by the user. A control system preferably continuously monitors the sensors, and instantaneously adjusts the adaptive actuator. This provides a proportional counterforce to the user force throughout the entire range-of-motion. A display panel allows the user to interact with the system in real-time. The objective of the user is to synchronize the exercise performance with a selected target goal, by correlating the user's movement relative to a position on a display panel.

Among other things, a rowing exercise machine includes a movable inertial element, an eddy current brake coupled to the movable inertial element, a rowing grip coupled to the movable inertial element, and control circuitry coupled to the eddy current brake to cause a resistance to motion of the rowing grip during part of a rowing stroke. The resistance to motion of the rowing grip during the drive phase of the rowing stroke conforms to a target feel for a rower. The target feel corresponds to a feel for a rower of a target other rowing exercise machine or other target feel of interest.

This invention is embodied by a controlled, variable tension line, payout reel machine. A system of sensors detect line tension and line distance paid out, location, and transmit through wired and unwired communication to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is co-located with the reel structure, which in turn applies, via a brake feature, resistance to the reel which is paying out the line being pulled by the user. This invention pertains to all applications where it is desirable to control the tension in a line paid out from a reel or reel. As stated, the payout motive force is supplied by the person, animal or apparatus attached to the end of the line, opposite the reel. The invention applies to the field of precise and measured control of line tension for sport, sport training, performance testing.

Embodiments of a strength training apparatus and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a strength training apparatus may include a tower, a first arm and a second arm each pivotally coupled with the tower and each being configured to be selectively positionable independent of each other at multiple angles relative to each other, a first pulley coupled to an end of the first arm, a first cable extending through the first arm and the first pulley, a second pulley coupled to an end of the second arm, a second cable extending through the second arm and the second pulley, a magnetic mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and configured to provide multiple levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable, and a control panel located on the tower.