The invention is embodied in an exercise system that can allow its user to counterbalance the effects associated with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle though a fitness device that comprises a combination of (a) supporting the lower body in a manner that permits a user's upper body to act as a third class lever with the user's hips operating as fulcrum and (b) engaging in resistance exercises with the upper body in a horizontal position, unsupported above the greater trochanter.

A resistance training system includes a tackle providing mechanical advantage, and a user performs strength training exercises by pulling or pushing on the running block while resisting motion of the running block by pulling or pushing on the free end of the runner. The running block, fixed block and free end of the system may be secured at various locations of the body.

The disclosure provides an exercise device comprising a weighted head and handle to simulate swinging a sledgehammer without causing the damage typically resulting from a sledgehammer having a solid head or hammer portion attached to a handle. Some embodiments provide quick release connectors between the weighted head and the handle. Methods for producing and using the weighted head and handle are also disclosed.

An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the main frame for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A lifting arm is movably mounted relative to the main frame and associated with at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage so as to move during an exercise. A load associated with the lifting arm provides exercise resistance.

A weight arm assembly for use with a weight lifting rack is provided, the weight arm assembly including a mounting bracket configured to be attached to a vertical surface in a fixed position, an arm mount configured to be coupled to the mounting bracket so as to be pivotable about a first axis, a stop member coupled to the arm mount and configured to move between an engaged position to prevent pivoting of the arm mount through interaction with the mounting bracket, and a disengaged position to allow pivoting of the arm mount, and a weight arm configured to be coupled to the arm mount, proximate a first end of the weight arm, so as to be pivotable about a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

A running emulator for increasing an athlete's strength in the movement of specific muscles used for running includes: a lower body frame; a pair of leg assemblies movably mounted on the lower body frame and having a leg extension carrier, a leg extension member slidably mounted through the leg extension carrier, a foot cradle mounted to the leg extension member; and two leg resistance members located on an outside of the lower body frame and connected to each of the pair of leg assemblies for resisting pivoting of the leg extension carrier relative to the lower body frame. During use by an athlete, the leg assemblies pivot and the leg extension member reciprocates through the leg extension carrier such that a path travelled by the athlete's foot on the foot cradle emulates motion of a sprinter.

An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the main frame for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A lifting arm is movably mounted relative to the main frame and associated with at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage so as to move during an exercise. A load associated with the lifting arm provides exercise resistance.

The invention is embodied in an exercise system that can allow its user to counterbalance the effects associated with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle though a fitness device that comprises a combination of (a) supporting the lower body in a manner that permits a user's upper body to act as a third class lever with the user's hips operating as fulcrum and (b) engaging in resistance exercises with the upper body in a horizontal position, unsupported above the greater trochanter.

A gripping handle assembly for an exercise machine, the gripping handle assembly having an axial shaft connected at an angle to a gripping handle, wherein the axial shaft is receivable into a circular bearing housing that is mounted to an end of an exercise arm, and wherein the axial shaft and the circular bearing housing each have engaging mechanisms such that a user pushes on a knob or pulls on the gripping handle to first unlock the axial shaft and then rotate the gripping handle. Releasing the gripping handle causes a spring to lock it into its new radial position. A first engaging mechanism may be a collar connected to the gripping handle with an indexing tab on the collar and a second engaging mechanism may be a plurality of indexing slots on the circular bearing housing with the indexing tab receivable therein.

Embodiments described herein are directed to a device and method of using the device for shoulder rehabilitation.