An apparatus for converting a cycle-type exercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes a stationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine, a pair of swing arms pivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure, and a pair of coupler bars pivotally coupled with the pair of swing arms on one end and rotationally attached to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercise machine on an opposite end.

A method and apparatus for measuring and evaluating pedaling efficiency of a cyclist. Instantaneous measurements of torque exerted through crank pedal arms are correlated with crank pedal arm positions through one or more complete crank rotations. Average torque exertion on the crank arms is determined for specific sectors of the entire crank rotation and the resulting values are compared. For example, the average torque through the top half of a crank rotation is compared with the average torque for an entire crank rotation, with a comparison expressed, for example, as a ratio. A numerical result of certain comparisons is thus obtained as guidance for future training of the cyclist to improve performance.

An epicyclic pedalling apparatus comprising: a first epicyclic arm comprising a first pedal crank arm connection for coupling a first pedal crank arm to the first epicyclic arm to enable pedalling of said first pedal crank arm about a first spindle axis; and a second epicyclic arm comprising a second pedal crank arm connection for coupling a second pedal crank arm to the second epicyclic arm to enable pedalling of said second pedal crank arm about a second spindle axis; wherein the apparatus is arranged to enable: (i) the first epicyclic arm to rotate to move the first spindle axis, and (ii) the second epicyclic arm to rotate to move the second spindle axis.

A gymnastic apparatus for indoor cycling training that includes two cranks with alternating movement, each of which is contrasted by a device capable of varying the resistance of the crank in real time depending on the position and load.

An exercise machine has a crankshaft having a crankshaft mounting surface, a landing surface, and a crankshaft bore, a crank arm having a threaded crank arm bore and a crank arm mounting surface that is frictionally engaged with the crankshaft mounting surface, and a fastener that axially extends through the threaded crank arm bore and into engagement with the crankshaft bore to fasten the crank arm to the crankshaft. The threaded crank arm bore is configured for threaded engagement by a removal tool such that removal of the fastener and insertion and rotation of the removal tool in the threaded crank arm bore causes the removal tool to disengage the crank arm mounting surface from the crankshaft mounting surface and thus facilitates removal of the crank arm from the crankshaft. Methods of disassembling an exercise machine having a crank arm are also provided.

An epicyclic gear system features a cylindrical flywheel with a flywheel cavity, a plurality of mounting pillars, an annular ring gear mounted on the mounting pillars, and an annular sun gear mounted to and extending from the flywheel cavity. The epicyclic gear system has a planet carrier mounted to an axle shaft and a planet gear mounted to the planet carrier. The axle shaft passes through an axle aperture, a ring gear aperture, and a sun gear aperture. The planet gear engages the ring gear and the sun gear to provide a desired gear ratio for rotating the flywheel via rotation of the axle shaft, the planet carrier, the planet gear, and the sun gear.

A power measurement device, which may be mounted to an inside area of a crank arm, includes processing circuitry within a housing. The processing circuitry is coupled with strain gauges mounted on the crank arm, and produces a power value that is wireless transmitted to a separate display that may receive and display power measurements. The housing may include a mounted portion and a cantilever portion where the mounted portion houses the processing circuitry and the cantilever portion houses batteries supply energy for the processing circuitry and other features.

Disclosed is an exercise machine of the type which have pedals or foot plates through which a person can, in use, transfer kinetic energy to the machine, which machine comprises a feature for vibrating the pedals or foot plates during exercise.

An apparatus for converting a cycle-type exercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes a stationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine, a pair of swing arms pivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure, and a pair of coupler bars pivotally coupled with the pair of swing arms on one end and rotationally attached to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercise machine on an opposite end.

A power measurement assembly mounted within an axle. In a specific example, the axle is a spindle that is interconnects the cranks of a bicycle, exercise, bicycle, or other fitness equipment. The power measurement assembly may include strain gauges connected with an appropriate circuit (e.g., Wheatstone bridge) that provides an output of the force on the axle by a rider pedaling the crank. In the case of an axle, the strain gauges measure the torsion due to the applied torque on the crank. The value is converted to a power value by a processor and that value is then wirelessly transmitted for display. The processor and/or the transmitter may be mounted within the axle. A separate power measurement assembly may be mounted on one of the cranks, which may include its own processor and transmitter or may take advantage of the processor and transmitter within the axle.