Exercise machines having a user support and at least one user engagement actuator assembly wherein motion of the at least one user engagement actuator assemblies is resisted in both the push and pull directions by the resisted rotation of a one-direction flywheel that is operatively engaged with a braking mechanism. The resistance of the push direction can be less, greater, or equal to the resistance of the pull direction. Each user engagement actuator assembly can be configured to create various unique push and pull exercise stations. Multiple exercise stations can be mounted on each machine that can be operated independently or concurrently.

An exercise apparatus includes a user supporting member having a beam member at one end and a U-shaped member at an opposite end. At least one bracket is rigidly interconnected between the beam member and the U-shaped member. One such bracket is welded onto a middle portion of the U-shaped member to underlie and directly support a proximate end of the beam member. At least one bolt extends through the beam and the bracket to establish a rigid connection therebetween. In a preferred application, a seat is mounted on the user supporting member, and the user supporting member is part of a linkage assembly operatively connected to a frame to move the seat through at least one elliptical path.

A rowing exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly that is provided in two boxes. One box includes a forward frame member, a crank rotatably mounted on the forward frame member, and a forward portion of a seat supporting link operatively connected to the crank. Another box includes a rearward frame member, a rocker link pivotally mounted on the rearward frame member, and a rearward portion of the seat supporting link operatively connected to the the rocker link. The linkage assembly is made suitable for use by rigidly connecting the two frame members to one another and by rigidly connecting the two portions of the seat supporting link to one another. At least one bracket is rigidly interconnected between the two portions of the seat supporting link. One such bracket is welded onto a rearward end of the forward portion of the seat supporting link to underlie and directly support a proximate end of the rearward portion of the seat supporting link. A seat is mounted on the seat supporting link for movement through at least one elliptical path as the linkage assembly moves through cycles relative to the rigidly interconnected frame members.

An exercise apparatus includes a user supporting member having a beam member at one end and a U-shaped member at an opposite end. At least one bracket is rigidly interconnected between the beam member and the U-shaped member. One such bracket is welded onto a middle portion of the U-shaped member to underlie and directly support a proximate end of the beam member. At least one bolt extends through the beam and the bracket to establish a rigid connection therebetween. In a preferred application, a seat is mounted on the user supporting member, and the user supporting member is part of a linkage assembly operatively connected to a frame to move the seat through at least one elliptical path.

An exercise device of the type including a frame with a first crank assembly rotatably coupled to the frame about a first axis and a second crank assembly rotatably coupled to the frame about a second axis. A control system may be used in communication with the first crank assembly and the second crank assembly, which may provide a synchronous movement of the first crank assembly relative to the second crank assembly. A pedal arm may be provided with a first end pivotally coupled to the first crank assembly and a pedal positioned on a second end. A crank link may be used with one end coupled to the second crank assembly and a second end coupled to the pedal arm. The crank link may be movable on the pedal arm which may provide varying paths of motion of the pedals.

A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.

An elliptical exercise machine may include a base, one or more upright stanchions coupled to the base and extending upward from the base and supporting first and second cranks. The first crank may support a first crank arm. The first crank arm may support a first pedal leg hanging downward from the first crank arm. The first pedal leg may support a right pedal. The right pedal may be configured to swing forward and rearward and to raise upward and lower downward. The second crank may support a second crank arm. The second crank arm may support a second pedal leg hanging downward from the second crank arm. The second pedal leg may support a left pedal. The left pedal may be configured to swing forward and rearward and to raise upward and lower downward.

A portable elliptical exercise apparatus where movement of the right pedal or left pedal defines an ellipse having an ellipse width and ellipse height, where the ellipse height can be incrementally varied according to the pedal surface location of a left foot or right foot on a corresponding left pedal or right pedal.

A portable elliptical exercise apparatus where movement of the right pedal or left pedal defines an ellipse having an ellipse width and ellipse height, where the ellipse height can be incrementally varied according to the pedal surface location of a left foot or right foot on a corresponding left pedal or right pedal.

An exercise machine may include a reciprocating linkage that supports one or more pedals configured to move in a closed loop (e.g., elliptical) path as a user exercises with the machine. The exercise machine may be adjustable to vary a characteristic of the exercise provided by the machine, for example by changing an incline of a rail supporting the reciprocating linkage, and thus an angle of the closed loop path. The exercise machine may vary the incline with a lift mechanism operatively associated with the front upright frame of the machine, which may also support a resistance assembly, all in a compact form factor that may be more aesthetically pleasing and practical for relatively smaller exercise spaces.