An adjustable resistance exercise machine for providing variable resistance forces on a pull cable extending from the machine. The adjustable resistance exercise machine generally includes a plurality of power springs that may be selectively engaged using a cam mechanism. By engaging springs with different forces, the resistance may be adjusted incrementally as preferred for performing different exercises. The adjustable resistance exercise machine may be connected to various structures, either below or above an exerciser, to allow the exerciser to choose whether to pull the pull cable up or down during exercise.

A resistance system, which can be suitable for incorporation in exercise equipment, is a hybrid resistance assembly having at least a first and a second resistance unit. The first resistance unit can be of a first type and the second resistance unit can be of a second type. The first resistance unit can be an inertial resistance unit, which incorporates an inertial load that creates resistance influenced by the inertia of a movable mass, such as a rotatable flywheel. The second resistance unit can be a static or non-inertial resistance unit, such as a displacement resistance unit, which incorporates a load that creates resistance influenced by displacement (e.g., linear or rotational displacement) of an input to the displacement resistance unit.

A variable radius cam mechanism is configured for use in a weight lifting apparatus. The variable radius cam mechanism includes a disk configured to rotate about an axis. The cam mechanism includes a cable guide coupled to the disk and defining a path for a cable and a radial tangent distance between the cable and the axis. The cam mechanism further includes one or more actuators coupled to the disk and the cable guide and configured to move the cable guide relative to the disk to change the radial tangent distance during rotation about the axis. The cam mechanism includes a controller programmed to operate the one or more actuators to cause the one or more actuators to move the cable guide to change the radial tangent distance thereby changing a force transferred through the cam mechanism.

A user weight resisted rowing exercise simulation machine with a movable user support pivotally connected to a forward portion of a stationary horizontal base frame and a slidable seat and rigid feet support mounted to the movable user support frame and a pulling handle operatively connected to the movable user support frame such that moving the pulling handle towards the rearward portion of the machine causes the rearward portion of the user support frame to pivot upward and moving the pulling handle away from the rearward portion of the machine causes the rearward portion of the movable user support to pivot downward and the force required to move the pulling handle towards the rearward portion of the machine is reduced and controlled by the operative connection of the pulling handle to the user support frame.

A workout machine adapted to be used with a smart device with built-in accelerometers and an app. It has a deck movable relative to its base and a lifting gear assembly operationally using a cable via a pulley to a lifting handle. A user location pivot arm is fixed to the deck, and a screen stand extends from the deck, where the user location pivot arm and screen stand are pivotably attached to a screen platform that can hold the smart device during a workout. The user's position on the deck can indicate the resistance of the exercise based on a percentage of the user's own weight as lifted with each repetition. The fulcrum concept combined with a user location feature allow an app of the smart device to support and analyze a workout.

A resistance system, which can be suitable for incorporation in exercise equipment, is a hybrid resistance assembly having at least a first and a second resistance unit. The first resistance unit can be of a first type and the second resistance unit can be of a second type. The first resistance unit can be an inertial resistance unit, which incorporates an inertial load that creates resistance influenced by the inertia of a movable mass, such as a rotatable flywheel. The second resistance unit can be a static or non-inertial resistance unit, such as a displacement resistance unit, which incorporates a load that creates resistance influenced by displacement (e.g., linear or rotational displacement) of an input to the displacement resistance unit.

An exercise apparatus for performing a back extension exercise comprising: a frame, a seat having a seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad having a lower back engagement surface, an input arm assembly interconnected by a first interconnection to a first resistance mechanism, the input arm assembly including a manually graspable mechanism and being arranged on the apparatus such that the input arm assembly is pivotable beginning from a start motionless position along a path of travel toward the pelvic stabilization pad under resistance exerted by one or both of the resistance mechanisms, wherein the first resistance mechanism is adapted to increase resistance as the degree of pivoting of the input arm assembly increases along the path of travel away from the start motionless position rearwardly toward the pelvic stabilization pad.

An exercise apparatus with an adjustable rotating element around which a force transferring material wraps either clockwise or counterclockwise to provide bidirectional rotational resistance for exercising. The force transferring material is preferably guided to remain in close proximity to the rotating element while wrapping around the rotating element.

An exercise apparatus for performing a back extension exercise comprising: a frame, a seat having a seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad having a lower back engagement surface, an input arm assembly interconnected by a first interconnection to a first resistance mechanism, the input arm assembly including a manually graspable mechanism and being arranged on the apparatus such that the input arm assembly is pivotable beginning from a start motionless position along a path of travel toward the pelvic stabilization pad under resistance exerted by one or both of the resistance mechanisms, wherein the first resistance mechanism is adapted to increase resistance as the degree of pivoting of the input arm assembly increases along the path of travel away from the start motionless position rearwardly toward the pelvic stabilization pad.

An exercise machine for performing prone leg curl exercises, including a moving support platform or frame that allows a user to perform prone leg curl exercises without excessively arching his or her lower back.