A step exercise apparatus with a self-centering pedal system. The system comprising a frame and a seat supported from the frame. A first pedal assembly and a second pedal assembly are pivotally supported from the frame positioned so as to be manipulable by a user seated in the seat. A linkage is positioned in communication with the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly such that movement of either pedal assembly in a first direction causes movement of the other pedal assembly in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A brake is preferably employed for resisting motion of the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly in at least the first direction. A centering system positions the first and second pedal assemblies in a substantially central position when not being manipulated by the user.

Methods and systems for controlling a force generator of an exercise apparatus are described wherein the method comprises determining or receiving angular positions of a rotatable axle of an exercise apparatus when a force is applied to a force receiving structure of the exercise apparatus, the rotatable axle being part of a mechanical power transmission system connecting the force receiving structure via the rotatable axis to a force generator which is controlled by a computer based on a kinematic model, the kinetic model representing equations of motion of the exercise the apparatus; determining or retrieving first geometrical scaling values associated with the angular positions and incorporating the first geometrical scaling values into the kinematic model to form a first modified kinematic model, the first geometrical scaling values being associated with a non- circular gear of a first predetermined non-circular geometry; and, determining applied force values for the angular positions, each applied force value representing a force that is applied to the force receiving structure; and, controlling the force generator based on first resistive force values to mimic an exercise apparatus comprising a mechanical power transmission system including the first non-circular gear, the first resistive force values being computed using the first modified kinematic model and the applied force values.

In various embodiments, provided herein are systems, methods, processes, and devices for providing locomotive rehabilitation to a subject via one or more gait motions that substantially accurately mimic motions performed in healthy, natural gait cycles. The system may mimic natural gait motions via footplates and handles, and one or more linkage systems. In particular embodiments, the system may further include a motor unit and/or clutch for providing controlled forces assisting or resisting motions of a linkage system. Further, the system may include a tower for operating in a standing or seated position. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a body weight support system that provides offloading forces to a subject.

A swing training apparatus includes an upper line from an upper assembly to a housing of a lower assembly. A first line extendable from the housing may be connected to a sporting implement. A second line extendable from the housing may be connected to the upper line. A first spool, second spool, lever, and pawl are located within the housing. The rotation of the first spool permits the extension of the first line. The pawl is biased to prevent the rotation of the first spool. Tension in the second line cause the rotation of the second spool, causing the lever to engage a portion on the pawl to disengage the pawl and permit extension of the first line. The first and second spools, lever, and pawl are configured to permit the extension of the first line at the proper “release” point during the swing of a sporting implement.

A stair exerciser apparatus includes a frame having a pair of inclined supports, a drive mechanism, and a plurality of stairs coupled to the drive mechanism for traveling around the pair of inclined supports. The driving mechanism has an upper shaft, a lower shaft and at least one drive chain mounted around the upper shaft and the lower shaft. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the upper shaft or the lower shaft of the drive mechanism. A flywheel is operationally coupled to the clutch mechanism, where the clutch mechanism couples the motion of the stairs to the rotation of the flywheel when the stairs are driven in a downward direction, and where the clutch mechanism decouples the motion of the stairs from the rotation of the flywheel when the stairs cease to be driven in the downward direction.

An exercise system includes a bench system usable in combination with a resistance unit for the performance of a wide variety of exercises including those previously performed using free weights, exercise machines, rowing machines, and/or ski machines. The bench system preferably includes a bench unit, which is configurable in various bench configurations including flat, seated, incline and decline configurations as well as a sliding seat configuration. The bench system can include an extension unit mounted to the bench unit, wherein a resistance unit is mountable to the exercise system in a plurality of mounting positions that align with various bench configurations to permit the performance of a wide variety of resistance exercises while varying the angle of resistance generated by the pull cord on the body party being exercised. The mounting positions optimize the location of the resistance unit and the pull cords depending upon the bench configuration to vary and optimize the angle of resistance applied to the user’s muscles and body parts during exercises.

An exercise apparatus includes a rope wrapped around a spindle having a one-way clutch rotatably mounted on a driveshaft. The driveshaft is driven by a motor controlled by a motor controller. The controller is capable of driving and braking the motor such that the driving torque and the braking torque can be set at different values to ensure the safety of the apparatus and user.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing cardiovascular exercise by simulating an exercise experience, such as a jump rope experience. In one implementation, a pair of exercise simulators is provided. Each of the exercise simulators includes a spin assembly rotationally mounted to a handle along an axis line. The spin assembly is configured to rotate about the axis line. At least one weight is housed in the spin assembly, and a light source is configured to rotate about the axis line with the spin assembly. The light source is configured to emit light to provide a visual representation of the motion of the spin assembly.

A reversible resistance exercise machine for reversing the direction of applied resistance against a movable platform of an exercising machine. The exercise machine has a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame, and a plurality of biasing members. A plurality of first tension connectors are accessible near the first end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the first end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the first direction. A plurality of second tension connectors are accessible near the second end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the second end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the second direction. A user selectable amount of force may be applied to the carriage to resist movement in either of the first direction and the second direction.

A fitness pull device includes a torque-controllable motor and a pull mechanism. The pull mechanism includes a housing which covers the motor, a motor base fixed in an inner cavity of the housing, a winding piece rotatably connected to an output shaft of the motor, and a rope wound on the winding piece. The motor transfers torque required by a user to the rope on the winding piece, so that the size of the force is changed according to the actual usage requirements of the user. The motor acts as a force generation apparatus, and the controllability of the existing torque of the motor is used in combination with the pull device structure such that the size of the force can be changed according to the actual usage requirements of the user, in order to enrich the user fitness experience, and achieve a better effect.