An add-on weight selection system for an exercise machine having an add-on weight panel configured to be lifted together with a selected number of stacked weight plates; and an add-on weight selection mechanism for moving the add-on weight panel between: an engaged position such that the add-on weight panel engages with the weight plates to be lifted and is lifted together with the selected weight plates, and a disengaged position such that the add-on weight panel disengages with the weight plates to be lifted and is not lifted together with the selected weight plates.

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.

Techniques for configuring an exercise machine to operate according to a predefined workout regimen are described. The exercise machine includes exercise apparatus portion that is controlled and configured at least in part by a computing system portion. The computing system receives an operator selection of a selected predefined workout regimen, and operator data including at least operator gender, operator height and operator age and the computing system retrieves parameter data to configure an exercise instruction that is part of the selected workout regimen. The parameter data is retrieved from a database that stores at least range of motion data and maximum weight data searchable by a cohort, e.g., gender/height cohorts or gender/age cohorts and converts the retrieved parameter data into settings data to configure corresponding portions of the exercise apparatus according to the configured exercise instruction.

A more efficient exercise system can be facilitated by interactive components. The interactive components can communicate with mobile devices, users, server devices, weight lifting machines, etc. The interactive components can also generate exercise data and provide prompts to a user to facilitate a more efficient workout. Additionally, third-parties can receive user workout data and manipulate exercise equipment remotely to assist a user in attaining his or her goals.

An exercise apparatus for performing an abdominal exercise comprising:

a frame,

a seat having a seating surface (PS) and a pelvic stabilization pad having a lower back engagement surface (ES),

an input arm assembly interconnected by a first interconnection to a first resistance mechanism,

the input arm assembly including a manually graspable mechanism for manual engagement by a user along a path of travel forwardly away from the pelvic stabilization pad.

A multifunctional exercise machine includes carriages associated with resistance. Cable arm assemblies are mounted on the machine for use in performing desired exercises using the carriages and/or resistance. At least one of the cable arm assemblies is rotatable in a generally horizontal plane and includes arm segments, where one arm segment is rotatable relative to the other arm segment in a generally vertical plane. The machine also includes a vertically adjustable monolift assembly having arms for supporting a barbell in the machine, where the arms are adjustable between multiple different rotatable positions as well as in a direction generally parallel to longitudinal axes of the arms. A bench is provided that can be docked in the machine, and that includes a telescoping support for providing added stability to the bench when desired. A spotting assembly is also provided for use in catching barbells at desired locations in the machine.

An exercise apparatus comprising a weight stack, a flexible elongated cable having a downstream portion that is interconnected to a user selectable number of the one or more individual bodies of weight and to a second resistance device, a manually movable actuating device interconnected to a proximal end of the cable, a downstream portion of the cable being interconnected to the one or more individual bodies of weight and to the second resistance device in an arrangement that pulls on both the one or more individual bodies of weight and the second resistance device.

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.

A staged resistance training device is described. When performing an exercise motion, normal human joint mechanics often mean less effort is needed in the later stages of a resistance exercise motion than at the beginning of the motion. The staged resistance training device is configured to allow a user, such as a weightlifter using a training machine having a series of resistive elements, to perform an exercise repetition with staged resistance forces experienced during the repetition. A range of motion of the exercised body part is opposed during a first stage of the motion by an initial resistance, transitioning to a second, greater resistance in a later second stage of the exercise motion. The staged resistance training device provides a means wherein the user can apply increased resistance to overcome an increasing mechanical advantage later during an exercise motion, versus at the motion's beginning.

An exercise device is disclosed for training abdominal muscles from a standing position. The device comprises a frame supported on the ground and a platform which provides a support for a person to stand on during use. The person grips handles which are coupled to a bar that is pivotally coupled to the frame. The person then flexes their muscles (including the abdominal muscles) to rotate the handles with respect to the platform, and by relaxing their muscles, returns the handles to the original position. The exercise may be made more challenging by engaging weights from a weight stack. The device further comprises a bolster for a user to optionally use for support during exercise.