An exercise machine includes a resistance device and vertical members extending from a base. A moveable section mounted to the vertical members moves vertically along the vertical members and horizontally towards or away from a user. Additional vertical members, which are located outside the vertical members, extend from the base, and accommodate functional training devices which facilitate three-dimensional exercise movements by the user. Each functional training device includes pulleys which accommodate a cable mechanically linked to the resistance device and extending between the pulleys to a cable termination device.

An exercise machine includes a resistance device and vertical members extending from a base. A moveable section mounted to the vertical members moves vertically along the vertical members and horizontally towards or away from a user. Additional vertical members, which are located outside the vertical members, extend from the base, and accommodate functional training devices which facilitate three-dimensional exercise movements by the user. Each functional training device includes pulleys which accommodate a cable mechanically linked to the resistance device and extending between the pulleys to a cable termination device.

A piece of exercise equipment particularly for improved strength training exercises. More particularly, the invention relates to equipment that allows the user to vary tension when performing different exercises. The present invention is specifically designed for improved exercise through the variability of a tension component for use in such exercises as the plank exercise, sit-ups, push-ups and supine pull-ups that includes a core support, a guide arm, a head support, and a foot support that work in conjunction to most optimally support the user. The core support, the head support and the foot support are all connected, supported, and elevated from the floor by a central support system.

A device for physical therapy includes a base on which a sliding platform is mounted. One or more of a plurality of springs may be selected to act between the base and the platform to tailor the resistance of platform motion to a specific therapy or patient. The platform has a removable cushion with a friction inducing surface which a patient may use in conjunction with a friction inducing headband to perform various neck therapies and exercises.

A method of varying a dynamic resistive force during a strength training exercise includes receiving a selection of the strength training exercise from a set of available strength training exercises and obtaining exercise logic for the strength training exercise from computer memory. The exercise logic provides instructions for generating a vector that defines the dynamic resistive force provided at an end effector of a strength training apparatus during the strength training exercise. The method includes determining a real-time geometric arrangement of a plurality of cables coupled to the end effector, generating, based on the real-time geometric arrangement of the plurality of cables and the exercise logic, time-varying operating setpoints for a plurality of actuator assemblies coupled to the plurality of cables, and exerting the dynamic resistive force at the end effector by controlling the plurality of actuator assemblies in accordance with the time-varying operating setpoints.

A method of varying a dynamic resistive force during a strength training exercise includes receiving a selection of the strength training exercise from a set of available strength training exercises and obtaining exercise logic for the strength training exercise from computer memory. The exercise logic provides instructions for generating a vector that defines the dynamic resistive force provided at an end effector of a strength training apparatus during the strength training exercise. The method includes determining a real-time geometric arrangement of a plurality of cables coupled to the end effector, generating, based on the real-time geometric arrangement of the plurality of cables and the exercise logic, time-varying operating setpoints for a plurality of actuator assemblies coupled to the plurality of cables, and exerting the dynamic resistive force at the end effector by controlling the plurality of actuator assemblies in accordance with the time-varying operating setpoints.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a motorized Pilates reformer system may include a frame, a carriage configured to slide along the frame, springs attached to the carriage, attachment mechanisms attached to the frame, spring motors attached to the frame, a footbar rotatably attached to the frame, and a footbar motor attached to the frame. The spring motors may be configured to cause the attachment mechanisms to each alternate between attaching one of the springs to the frame and detaching the spring from the frame. The footbar motor may be configured to rotate the footbar with respect to the frame between multiple footbar positions.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a motorized Pilates reformer system may include a frame, a carriage configured to slide along the frame, springs attached to the carriage, attachment mechanisms attached to the frame, spring motors attached to the frame, a footbar rotatably attached to the frame, and a footbar motor attached to the frame. The spring motors may be configured to cause the attachment mechanisms to each alternate between attaching one of the springs to the frame and detaching the spring from the frame. The footbar motor may be configured to rotate the footbar with respect to the frame between multiple footbar positions.

An isometric force resistant exercise tool has a left handle form interfaced to a right handle form over an axle shaft locked to the right handle form, the axle shaft supporting a pressure plate, a compress able spring or set of springs, and a compression adjustment handle threaded onto the axle shaft and abutting the compress able spring or spring set, the pressure plate adjacent in assembly to a friction-resistive material fixed on the left handle form, the left handle form including a piston form interfacing with a ring housing on the right handle form, the piston form adjacent in assembly to a friction-resistive material fixed on the right handle form. Gripping the handle forms and rotating the against force resistance exercises one or more muscle groups.

Methods and devices for isolating muscle groups during exercise are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a device includes a first strap that has a first loop shape, a second strap that has a second closed loop shape defining a fixed opening, and a third strap that has a third closed loop shape. A first portion of the first strap is affixed to or integral with the second strap, a second portion of the first strap is arranged to be movable within the fixed opening defined by the second closed loop shape, the second portion of the first strap is affixed to or integral with the third strap, and a first adjustable opening within the first loop shape is configured to be adjusted by changing a relative position of the second portion of the first strap and the fixed opening defined by the second closed loop shape.