An exercise machine is provided which is configured to place a user in an exercise position, wherein movement during exercise against a load will target the gluteus maximus muscles. The exercise machine positions the body of a user in a lowered or exercise position which supports the user while raising their body to an elevated position, in a manner to stabilize the user and direct movement of the user along the sagittal plane during use, while concurrently isolating the gluteus maximus muscles as the muscles overcoming the load.

An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns. The exercise device has a pair of linkages, each including an upper link pivotally mounted to a frame and a lower link pivotally coupled to an upper link. A foot support is provided on a distal end of each lower link. A transfer system is coupled to the frame and both upper links for transferring both tensile and compressive forces. Separate torque elements are operably coupled to the frame and each lower link via a transfer member for independently resisting movement of the associated lower link.

In one embodiment, a kinetic shape is designed by determining an applied force to be applied to an object that is to incorporate the kinetic shape, determining a reactive force that is desired to be produced in response to the applied force, inputting the applied force and the reactive force into a kinetic shape equation, and solving the equation to obtain the kinetic shape.

An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having an upper link pivotally mounted to a lower leg link and a foot support on a distal end of the lower leg link. A first transfer system is movably coupled to a frame and including a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link and a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, thereby enabling substantially reciprocating motion of the first leg link relative to the second leg link. A second transfer system is also provided and may be movably coupled to the frame and including a pair of third transfer members coupled to each of a pair of fourth transfer members by way of each of a pair of transfer couplings, each movably mounted to the frame. The fourth transfer members may be coupled to the first lower leg link and the second lower leg link, whereby movement of the first lower leg link causes movement of the second lower leg link irrespective of movement of the upper leg links thereby providing a stable platform for the user and also enabling an infinite number of gait patters by the user.

A cam assembly is disclosed which includes a cam having a first cam pivot, a second cam pivot, and a machine shaft guide; a range plate which is engageable with the cam; a belt connected to the cam; and a machine shaft connected to the range plate. The first cam pivot defines the motion of a first arc and the second cam pivot guide defines the motion of a second arc as the cam is adjusted. A method of using a cam assembly is also disclosed which includes engaging an adjustor on a cam; releasing a connection between the cam and a range plate; rotating the cam; releasing the adjustor; and securing a connection between the cam and the range plate.

A cable driven actuator and actuator method involve a movable link that is movable about a path by a cable connected to the link, and a movable support member having a cable routing element. The support member is movable in a manner to change a moment arm of the cable acting on the link to control torque applied to the joint.

The present technology provides a fitness device for use by a user. The fitness device can include a resistance assembly including a spool, a motor, a gearbox, a pulley system, and a cord. The spool can include a first end and a second end. The motor can be selectively engageable with the spool and disposed adjacent to the first end of the spool. The motor can be configured to generate a resistance force. The gearbox can be disposed between the motor and the spool. The pulley system can be disposed adjacent to the second end of the spool. The cord can be disposed on the spool and the pulley system and can be configured to be wound and unwound in a single layer on the spool when pulled by the user. The present disclosure also provides a method for using a fitness device by a user.

A fitness equipment spring counterweights balancer, comprising hand wheel, lead screw, upper and lower frame beams, upper and lower pulley blocks, spring guiding pillar, upper and lower spring seats, at least one spring, vortex track, big wheel, steel wire rope connecting the pulley block and the vortex track, steel wire rope which connects both the big wheel and fitness equipment. The springs are arranged between upper and lower spring seats. After the spring guiding pillar passes through the springs and the upper and lower spring seats, the both ends of the spring guiding pillar are connected with the upper and lower frame beams. One end of the steel wire rope connecting the pulley block and the vortex track is mounted on one side of the lower pulley block. One end of the steel wire rope connecting the big wheel and fitness equipment is mounted on the big wheel.

A weight training machine for allowing at least two of a user's muscle groups to push or pull simultaneously in a synchronized and unified fashion, having at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism; a first actuating means operatively connected to the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism for allowing actuation of the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism by a first of the user's muscle groups, and a second actuating means operatively connected to the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism for allowing actuation of the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism by a second of the user's muscle groups, wherein actuation of both the first actuating means and the second actuation means simultaneously acts upon and or resists against the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism. One embodiment is an exercise machine and a drive or actuating mechanism with a lever and fulcrum configuration. The fulcrum has an attached handle, arm, lever or platform means, bearings for operatively cooperating with an axle and/or the lever, and attachment means for additional actuating member or members being operatively connected to the axle. The lever has a means for contact with the user and a weight means for providing a counterweight to the weight of the user, as well as attachment means for operatively connecting with the fulcrum and/or axle. The actuating member or members are attached to the fulcrum, preferably pivotally, and comprise linkages to the axle and/or lever so as to be able to transfer force from the user to the lever. Other embodiments include weight training machines having a moment arm weight, weight stack, or weight plate weight resistance mechanism for creating a weight resistance or weight load.