An apparatus for use in assessing strength of at least one knee flexor muscle of a subject, the apparatus including a support, two securing members, each securing member securing a respective lower leg of the subject in a position that in use is substantially fixed relative to the support and at least one sensor, which in use senses a force indicative of the strength of the at least one knee flexor muscle in at least one leg of the subject while the subject performs an eccentric contraction of the at least one knee flexor muscle.

Exercise machines for performing exercises that are resisted in the push and pull directions, the machines having at least one user support, at least one user engagement actuator, and a one directional flywheel operatively connected to a braking mechanism for providing resistance to the push and pull exercises. A drive system operatively connects the at least one user engagement actuator to the one directional flywheel, the drive system can be configured such that more or less force is required to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the push direction than to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the pull direction. The resistance of the push direction can be less than, greater than, or equal to the resistance of the pull direction. Resistance to the motion of the at least one user engagement actuator can be adjusted prior to or during operation of the machine.

Fitness equipment (1), in particular for the assisted performance of press-ups, comprising a support device (2) having a movable support (3) on which a user rests during use, and an assistance device (4) that is configured for generating an assistance force that moves the support (3) into an initial position, wherein the assistance device (4) is or comprises a traction device which is configured to generate an assistance force on the support (3) that moves the support (3) into the initial position and acts as a tensile force.

The exercise machine with a variable resistance system includes a frame, an exercise implement movably connected to the frame, a main shaft rotatably connected to the frame, a main connector attached between the main shaft and the exercise implement, a plurality of resistance assemblies and a plurality of actuation assemblies adapted for selectively engaging or disengaging at least one of the plurality of resistance assemblies with respect to the main shaft. The plurality of resistance assemblies apply a total level of rotational resistance against the main shaft based on which of the plurality of resistance assemblies are engaged with the main shaft by the plurality of actuation assemblies.

An exercise machine which is capable of having its lift, roll, or pitch adjusted with respect to a base so as to provide a plurality of positions of the exercise machine with respect to the base. The exercise machine generally includes a base and an exercise machine movably connected to the base. The exercise machine may include a track, a carriage slidably connected to the track, and a biasing member attached to the carriage to apply a resistive force to the carriage. A plurality of actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine. The plurality of actuators may be utilized to adjust a pitch angle or a roll angle of the exercise machine with respect to the base. The plurality of actuators may also be utilized to lift or lower the exercise machine at a constant angle of pitch and/or roll inclination.

An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.

A system and method for controlling a tension in an exercise apparatus are provided. The system includes an input/output (I/O) subsystem for permitting a user to enter at least one resistance value and for displaying a resistance exerted by the exercise apparatus; a controller configured to control the tension of the exercise apparatus based on the at least one resistance value entered by the user adjusting a position of a holder and moving a plurality of guides for selective attachment of tension members to catches on the exercise apparatus; and a power source connected to the controller and the I/O subsystem and configured to power the controller and the I/O subsystem.

A weighted hip and lower back exerciser, for use in isolating and working out a targeted portion of the lower back or gluteal muscles through weighted internal and external rotation, that includes a framework, a upper body support section, a weight system, a the weighted leg pivot section. A user secures one of his/her legs onto a leg pad and pivots the leg pad by rotating his/her hip and lower back. The leg pad is connected to weights by a band passing through a pair of pulleys and a pulley cord guide. When the user swivels the leg rest, the user tenses the band thus lifting the weights, and resistance is generated. The user will isolate the rotational movement to the hip and lower back by leaning onto a chest support and resting his/her arms on an arm support mounted on a vertical rack above the weight assembly.

Exercise machines having at least one user support and at least one user engagement actuator wherein motion of the at least one user engagement actuator is resisted in both the push and pull directions by a rotational one directional flywheel and braking mechanism. The resistance of the push direction can be less, greater, or equal to the resistance of the pull direction. Resistance to the motion of the at least one user engagement actuator can be adjusted prior to or during operation of the machine. Each machine can have one or two user supports with each user support comprising a user engagement actuator and each machine having a single common one directional flywheel and braking mechanism.

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for training the muscles of the upper torso and/or for relaxing the spinal column of a person, with a movable carriage for receiving the person, and with a guide path along which the movable carriage with the person is guided and moved in such a way that kinetic energy is applied at least intermittently to the person for distraction of the torso or of the spinal column of the person. According to the invention, provision is made that the person on the movable carriage is received on the support lying in a substantially horizontal position, that the hips, legs and/or feet of the person on the support are fixed with a fixing arrangement, and that the movable carriage, with the person lying on it, is moved substantially horizontally along the guide path.