A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partly supported by the plurality of bearings, where at least a portion of the running belt defines a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element. The safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

A differential air pressure system has a pressure bag with windows and preferred folding configuration such that when the bag is folded no window is folded. The pressure bag is supported by a lift support that is proximal to a user control panel and adjacent to or nearly adjacent to the user who is coupled to the pressure bag. A treadmill base for use with differential air pressure equipment is provided. There are various improvements provided to adapt the operations of the DAP system via the use of separate pressure volume and non-pressure volume portions of the treadmill base. Various improvements to serviceability and repairs are provided by placement of components outside of the pressure volume portion or by providing one or more pressure volume access points.

A treadmill includes a frame; a running belt configured to rotate relative to the frame; and a motor coupled to the running belt. The motor is operable in a plurality of user controlled operating modes. In a first operating mode, a user of the treadmill provides a force of rotation to the running belt. In a second operating mode, the motor is adapted to resist rotation of the running belt. In a third operating mode, the motor is adapted to provide a force of rotation to the running belt at a desired speed.

An electric treadmill includes a motor and a motor driving circuit. The motor driving circuit is operable to control electric current flow from a positive electrode through the motor to a negative electrode to drive the motor. The motor driving circuit has a switch path connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The switch path has a resistance element and a switch element connected in series. When the motor driving circuit receives power from the external power source, the switch element will automatically switch to an open state so that the resistance element is inactive; and when the motor driving circuit does not receive power from the external power source, the switch element will automatically switch to an closed state so that the resistance element is operated to provide a resistive load for stopping rotation of the endless belt.

An exercise machine with a slidable carriage and accessories providing for a plurality of exerciser positioning surfaces and gripping handles. The exercise machine generally includes one or more lifting handles for raising or lowering either end of the exercise machine with respect to a ground surface. The exercise machine may also include a plurality of wheels each including a ridge adapted to engage with a corresponding groove in a track of the exercise machine. The exercise machine may also include a handle including a pair of arms which are positioned at a distance just greater than a width of the carriage.

A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

An exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercise machine. The exercise machine generally includes a carriage movably positioned with respect to the at least one rail, a plurality of springs selectively connectable to the carriage to provide a resistance level to the carriage, a plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices adapted to latch a corresponding one of the plurality of springs to the carriage when in the latch state and unlatch a corresponding one of the plurality of springs to the carriage when in the unlatch state and a control unit in communication with the plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices to selectively control the state of each of the plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices to be within the latch state or the unlatch state.

A treadmill according to the present invention includes: a frame; an endless belt; an endless-belt drive unit; a plurality of cameras provided on the frame such that the orientations and/or locations thereof can be adjusted; a motion-data acquisition unit that markerlessly acquires motion data of a subject by using image information obtained with camera images; a motion analysis unit that analyzes the motion of the subject by using the motion data; and a control unit that controls the endless-belt drive unit based on the motion data.

A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.