Described herein are embodiments of stationary exercise machines having reciprocating foot and/or hand members, such as foot pedals that move in a closed loop path. Some embodiments can include reciprocating foot pedals that cause a user's feet to move along a closed loop path that is substantially inclined, such that the foot motion simulates a climbing motion more than a flat walking or running motion. Some embodiments can further include reciprocating handles that are configured to move in coordination with the foot via a linkage to a crank wheel also coupled to the foot pedals. Variable resistance can be provided via a rotating air-resistance based mechanism, via a magnetism based mechanism, and/or via other mechanisms, one or more of which can be rapidly adjustable while the user is using the machine.

A multi-axial unidirectional power transmission system includes a transmission unit and a resistance unit. The transmission unit includes a first main shaft and a transmission wheel provided on the first main shaft. The resistance unit includes a second main shaft and a damping wheel mounted on the second main shaft. The two transmission wheels and the damping wheel can be placed flat on the body since they are mounted on different main shafts, thereby making the whole plane of the multi-axis unidirectional power transmission system consistent, thus achieving the effects of space saving, convenient storage and convenient transportation.

A stationary exercise machine according to the present disclosure may include a frame, a crankshaft rotatable supported by the frame, first and second lower linkages, and first and second crank arms connected to opposite sides of the crankshaft such that rotation of either of the first or second crank arm causes rotation of the crankshaft. Each of the first and second lower linkages may be operatively connected to the crankshaft and to a respective one of first and second pedals. Each of the first and second lower linkages may include a reciprocating member operatively connecting the respective one of the pedals with respective one of the crank arms. In some examples, each of the first and second lower linkages may include an adjustable linkage connected between the reciprocating member and the respective crank arm, the adjustable linkage operable to vary a distance between an output end of the reciprocating member and an input end of the crank arm. In some examples, each of the pedals may be pivotally connected to the respective reciprocating members.

A vertical climbing simulation equipment that has an intensity regulation system that allows the resistance of the routines carried out in it, to be graduated and that also has a mechanism that allows to vary the angle of inclination of its pedals in order to be coupled to the natural angle of the user's ankles.

A reciprocating dynamometer assesses human physical capacity and muscle composition by: (1) simultaneously working all four limbs of the body through a full range of motion while maximally loading the muscles through a full range of speeds; (2) simultaneously capturing the reciprocating torques and reciprocating angular velocities of all four reciprocating limbs, and (3) adjusting to provide similar ranges of motion for limb joints of human subjects of different body height and limb length. Levers provide synchronized, reciprocating, angular movements for handles and pedals while adjustable brakes oppose reciprocating motion during a 15 second test of maximal exertion. Measurements of elapsed time, torque input to each lever and angular displacement of each lever enable a plot of cyclical moving average of power over cycle frequency for each limb. Peak cyclical power is the maximal rate of work performed, averaged over one movement cycle. Cycle frequency at peak cyclical power is a noninvasive reflection of muscle composition (fiber typing). Fundamental to this device and method is use of moving averages based not on time, but on movement cycle.

A locking device for an exercise system may include a locking member having a contact portion and configured to move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the contact portion of the locking member is not in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism of the exercise system, thereby allowing movement of the at least one moveable assembly. When in the second position, the contact portion of the locking member is in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism of the exercise system, thereby preventing movement of the at least one moveable assembly.

A weight training apparatus includes a telescoping pivot arm comprised of a concentric arrangement of an outer tube and an inner tube and configured to pivot about an axis and receive a weight at a predetermined position. The weight training apparatus further includes an actuator attached to the telescoping pivot arm and configured to cause relative motion between the inner tube and the outer tube to change a length between the predetermined position and the axis. The weight training apparatus further includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of an angular position of the telescoping pivot arm about the axis and a controller programmed to operate the actuator to cause the length to change based on the signal to achieve a target resistance profile.

A physical exercise device providing a stepper like motion for a user may include a pair of foot pedals and a pair of arms for engagement by the user while seated on the seat of the physical exercise device. The pair of foot pedals and the pair of arms may be connected to a drive train which provides contralateral motion between the pair of arms and the pair of foot pedals. A pedal and arm lock mechanism may also be provided which prevents the pedals and arms to be moved in a lock state, while allowing movement of the pedals and the arms when in the unlock state. The physical exercise device may also include computational and data acquisition units for receiving a position signal and pedal force signals and recording the signals.

An exercise machine includes a frame for resting on the ground, and a footboard element which oscillates with respect to the frame about a first axis and a second axis which are mutually perpendicular.

The exercise machine further includes a handgrip element which oscillates with respect to the frame in an oscillating manner about a first axis and a third axis which are mutually perpendicular.

The footboard element and the handgrip element are functionally connected to each other in order to move in a substantially synchronous manner during the respective oscillation.

The present invention is drawn to a novel multi-segment spine structure comprising a pair of resistance elements connected to the spine at one distal end and a second pair of resistance elements connected to the opposite distal end of the spine. At each distal end, each resistance element is mounted on a lateral support projecting orthogonally from the axis of the spine. As a result, this system anatomically resembles four extremities branching out at each corner of a human torso. Climbing-type exercises while in a supine position can be performed for conditioning a wide variety of major muscle groups. The system further comprises a single strap with two endpoints, where each endpoint is connectable to different portions of the spine assembly. The strap comprises a plurality of hand loops that the user can use, while the user's legs are pushing against the pedals and/or footwear to independently perform abdominal crunches.