A motorized lifting rack that selectively lifts and lowers a barbell through linear actuators is provided. The powered lifting rack can engage a barbell at floor level. The linear actuators can also selectively raise and lower safety bars design to “spot” the barbell for a single user. The powered lifting rack is embodied in a system that includes a platform that the safety bars can nest in. The platform provides a plurality of actuating benches for a user of the barbell to utilize.

An exercise device for strengthening muscles is disclosed, having a continuous belt system that allows a user to move the continuous belt using their feet to exercise muscles of the person while the person lies in front of the continuous belt with their back braced on a resting surface. Such an exercise device allows a user to exercise their gluteus and hamstring muscles while strengthening their pelvic stabilizers. The exercise device could also have a weight device that allows a user to rest a weight on their torso during the exercise to increase the difficulty and effectiveness of the exercise.

A power rack apparatus is provided for spotting weights. The power rack apparatus allows a user to lift weights to failure without the need of a human spotter. The power rack apparatus includes a power rack frame, a weight-catching system, and a controller. The power rack frame is a standard structural frame of a power rack that allows a user to rack weights after he or she has completed a weightlifting workout. The weight-catching system spots weights for the user using at least one chain drive mechanism, a first racking arm, and a second racking arm. Through the weight-catching system, the user is allowed to lift weights to failure and is spotted by weight-catching system when necessary. The controller manages and controls the weight-catching system in order for the weight-catching system to effectively spot weights for the user.

The present invention provides a competitive weightlifting system capable of interacting with and comparing weightlifting performances of multiple users, and creating competition between such users by displaying a ranked list of performances by those users. The system may include a frame for supporting and guiding a lift bar, sensors mounted to the frame for measuring and refereeing the performance of a user, a controller housed in the frame for tracking and ranking user performances with an interface for creating and logging into user profiles, and a communication device for sharing user performance data with other remote competitive weightlifting systems (e.g., competitive weightlifting systems in other gyms or homes) in order to create a wide-ranging competition between, and ranked leaderboard of, the many users.

Various weight racks, plate racks, jerk blocks, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the weight racks comprise one or more weight stands that can be connected and disconnected and that comprise rolling elements that allow free movement of the weight stands. In some embodiments, plate racks that allow weight plates to be rolled into and out of them are provided. In some embodiments, jerk blocks that are height adjustable without stacking are provided.

A Smith machine includes: a frame part formed to have an exercise space, and including vertical two-sided pillars, a horizontal beam for connecting upper ends of the two-sided pillars, and a support base formed in lower portions of the two-sided pillars; a swing part formed in the exercise space, hinged to the support base via a shaft member, and having a rack bar having a plurality of locking jaws such that the height of the barbell can be adjusted; a guide part which is integrally coupled to the swing part so as to swing together, and guides the rise or fall of the barbell; an angle adjustment part for adjusting the angle of the swing part; a barbell part coupled to the guide part so as to be raisable; and a load support part for supporting an inclination load of the swing part by elastic force.

The present disclosure generally pertains to barbell and dumbbell support systems that allow for a user to perform exercises without requiring movement of the body of the user from the proximity of weight support assemblies when weights are in use. Weight support systems include extendable arm assemblies for the holding and positioning of barbells or dumbbells in a location conducive to performing exercises. Extendable arm assemblies automatically retract when a user removes the barbell or dumbbells from the assemblies, allowing the user to perform the intended exercise without moving away from the system. The retracted position of the extendable arm assemblies allows the user to replace the weights without the assistance of others at the conclusion of the exercise.

A free weight training protection device is provided in the present invention, includes a rack, a transmission module, a control module and a barbell. The rack includes hanger structures which is configured to be laterally symmetrical to each other. The transmission module is configured to be laterally symmetrical to each other. Each transmission module includes a motor, sprockets, chains, pulleys and ropes. When a controller executes a fitness program, the controller operates the motor, so that the rope maintains a basic tension which is a very small tension and will not affect the hand feel of heavy training. If the barbell has an abnormal position or displacement, the controller will start a protection program to prevent the barbell from falling and move the barbell upward, so as to provide protections to users.

A barbell belt to secure a barbell to an exercise apparatus in order to retain the barbell in a stationary position is disclosed. The barbell belt includes a strap having a first side and a second side. A loop is formed by overlying the first side of the first end over the second side of the first end. A fastener to secures the strap in the loop. A running end of the strap extends longitudinally from the fastener. A buckle is attached to the strap proximal the fastener. The barbell belt allows an athlete to secure a barbell to an exercise apparatus so that the athlete can perform stationary bar exercises on the barbell and the barbell will be quickly and securely retained on the exercise apparatus.

Various implementations include a spotting device for supporting a barbell, the spotting device including a base and an arm. The base has a base body with first end and a second end, at least one foot coupled to the second end of the base body, and a base longitudinal axis. The arm has an arm body with a first end and a second end, a coupler coupled to the first end of the arm body, and an arm longitudinal axis. The coupler is couplable to a portion of a barbell. One of the first end of the base body and the second end of the arm body defines a body opening extending partially through the one of the base body or the arm body, and the other of the second end of the arm body and the first end of the base body is slidably disposed within the body opening.