A direct drive resistance system for exercise machines having a weighted moment arm that is lifted and lowered by a lifting moment arm and lifting component, which is moved by a force transfer assembly, which is operatively connected to a rotary component of an exercise machine, such that when the exercise machine is activated the force transfer assembly, the lifting moment arm, the lifting component and the weighted moment arm move concurrently to create a resistance force to the motion of the exercise machine.

A chest peak contractor preferably includes a platform, a pair of stanchions, a pair of vertically adjustable telescoping poles and a pair of armature hand assemblies. The pair of stanchions extend upward from opposing sides of the platform. Each stanchion is sized to receive one of the vertically adjustable telescoping poles. A top of each telescoping pole is terminated with a pivoting joint. Each armature device handle assembly is mounted to a top of the respective telescoping pole. Each armature handle assembly preferably includes a handle, a proximal axle support tube, an armature crossbeam, a distal hanger, a pair of backstop rails, a ring bolt backstop, an axle, and a weight holder. The handle is rotatably retained in the pivoting joint. An end of the handle is secured to the proximal axle support tube.

An exercise device for targeted exercise of a lower back of a user includes a frame that can be positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. A plate is pivotally coupled to an apex of the frame to support a torso of a user in a selectable position relative to horizontal. Legs of the user extend over a front edge of the plate. A bar is hingedly coupled to the apex of the frame equally distant from opposing faces of the frame and is positioned to alternately swing toward the front edge and a rear edge of the plate when strapped to the legs of the user and with the user moving the legs in a pendulous motion. A resistance module is coupled to the bar distal from the plate and resists the swinging of the bar to exercise the lower back of the user.

A hitting practice device allows a batter to swing the bat, make contact with the device, and then to follow-through with the swing while maintaining contact with the device. In embodiments, the hitting practice device includes a pivoting base, a post connected to the base, a pad attached at the upper portion of the post, and a stopper that prevents the base from pivoting beyond a recovery angle. In other embodiments, the base includes a base plate and stabilization plate connected by a hinge. In embodiments, a pad and dampener absorb most of the initial impact of the hit, pausing the swing for analysis. The pivoting base then allows the batter to continue, follow-through and complete the swing.

An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the main frame for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A lifting arm is movably mounted relative to the main frame and associated with at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage so as to move during an exercise. A load associated with the lifting arm provides exercise resistance.

An exercise machine with electromagnetic resistance selection for changing exercise resistance settings by engaging more or fewer resistance biasing members using a electromagnets. An example implementation includes a movable carriage configured to move substantially along the length of one or more rails. A plurality of resistance biasing members are removably attachable between a stationary biasing member bracket affixed to the machine structure and the movable carriage. A controller changes the resistance settings against the movable carriage by electrically attaching or detaching any preferred number of resistance biasing members between the machine structure and movable carriage.

An exercise apparatus is disclosed, comprising a first frame, a second frame aligned about parallel to the first frame, and at least three crossbars extending about orthogonally between inward faces of the frames. Each of the first frame and the second frame includes at least three vertices, at least three sides extending between the at least three vertices, at least three attachment struts disposed inward from the at least three vertices, and at least three load posts extending from an outward face of the frames. The at least three sides of each frame are formed of at least three frame struts. The at least three crossbars attach to one of the at least three attachment struts of the first frame and one of the at least three attachment struts of the second frame. The load posts are arranged and disposed to receive and releasably retain a plurality of weights.

An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the main frame for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A lifting arm is movably mounted relative to the main frame and associated with at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage so as to move during an exercise. A load associated with the lifting arm provides exercise resistance.

An exercise attachment apparatus for attachment to a lever arm pivotably connected to an exercise rack, including at least one mounting prong connected to the lever arm; and, a stand including a pivot point, wherein the pivot point defines a pivot axis substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lever arm, and wherein the stand is rotatable with respect to the lever arm about the pivot axis.

A gripping handle assembly for an exercise machine, the gripping handle assembly having an axial shaft connected at an angle to a gripping handle, wherein the axial shaft is receivable into a circular bearing housing that is mounted to an end of an exercise arm, and wherein the axial shaft and the circular bearing housing each have engaging mechanisms such that a user pushes on a knob or pulls on the gripping handle to first unlock the axial shaft and then rotate the gripping handle. Releasing the gripping handle causes a spring to lock it into its new radial position. A first engaging mechanism may be a collar connected to the gripping handle with an indexing tab on the collar and a second engaging mechanism may be a plurality of indexing slots on the circular bearing housing with the indexing tab receivable therein.