The apparatuses and methods described herein refer generally to equipment that may be used for exercise. In one embodiment, a pad for user exercise is disclosed. The pad may comprise a base plate; a dome disposed above the base plate; and a center plate disposed beneath at least a portion of the dome and coupled to the base plate via at least one spring affixed to the base plate; wherein the center plate is configured to provide resiliency and bounce to the dome.

The present invention relates to a chest expander, wherein the chest expander includes a pair of operating arms that are connected by a rotating shaft to approach or be spaced apart from each other, a plurality of elastic force adjusting holes formed as through holes in a longitudinal direction of the operating arm, elastic members that are disposed between the operating arms to cross and configured to provide an elastic force in a direction in which the operating arms are spaced apart from each other when the operating arms approach each other, and elastic force adjusting parts that allow one end portions of the elastic members to move along the elastic force adjusting holes and to be fixed so that lengths of the elastic members between the operating arms are changed so as to adjust strength levels of the elastic forces of the elastic members.

A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base.

An exercise device includes spaced-apart exercise members engageable by appendages of an exerciser and moveable in opposed directions, a body support member for supporting an exerciser and a platform below the body support member. A synchronizing drive system connects the exercise members with the body support member for moving the body support member in opposite directions relative to the platform by movement of the exercise members in opposite directions, respectively.

A climbing exerciser includes a base mount, left and right racks located at left and right sides of the base mount respectively, two left links each having an end pivotally connected with the base mount and the other end pivotally connected with the left rack in a way that the left rack is reciprocatingly moveable up and down, two right links each having an end pivotally connected with the base mount and the other end pivotally connected with the right rack in a way that the right rack is reciprocatingly moveable up and down, and a motion linking device disposed to the base mount and linked with the left rack and the right rack in a way that the right rack lowers when the left rack raises. As such, the climbing exerciser can provide smooth and more natural movements to the user with low noise and various exercise modes.

Various improvements are provided to breathing training, monitoring and/or assistance devices. A portable device is provided which optionally includes a gas canister, a feedback system for implementing pressure control, and a visual output for indicating adherence to a breathing exercise to the user. The pressure control may provide regulation of different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

A weight training apparatus using hydraulics or pneumatics for applying positive and negative resistance closer to a user's maximum capacity throughout a lift is provided. The apparatus allows for weight training without weights. The apparatus may provide a more effective and safer mechanism for training than conventional techniques. An aerobic apparatus using hydraulics or pneumatics for a more realistic feel is also provided. Methods of using the devices are also provided.

A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base.

A weight system includes a plurality of belt/pulley sets. Each belt/pulley set has a weight set. Each weight set is based on a formula of (2.sup.n)(X), where X is a basic weight, n is an integer number configured to represent a selection of the basic weight by a user, and n is different for each basic weight. A carrier plate is utilized for bearing the weight sets during a movement of an exercise. A clamping mechanism is utilized to couple each belt/pulley set to the carrier plate. In addition, the weight system includes an exercise device for user to exercise, such as a bar or handle. A cable is coupled to the carrier plate, weight sets, and the exercise device. In another embodiment, the formula may be utilized in a variable distance system or robotic arm where a plurality of cylinders moves an object, such as a travel arm.

An exercise machine has a resistance mechanism that is movable with respect to a stationary frame into and between a rest position and an active position and a pulley system coupled to the resistance mechanism and being operable by a user performing an exercise motion. Operation of the pulley system moves the resistance mechanism from the rest position to the active position, against a resistance force from the resistance mechanism. Releasing the pulley system allows the resistance force to automatically move the resistance mechanism back towards the rest position. A dampening device has an inertial switch that causes the dampening device to automatically dampen movement of the resistance mechanism from the active position towards the rest position when the pulley system is suddenly released.