A ground-effect footplate against which a user applies plantar force and moves their foot in 3D across all seven lower-extremity biomechanical axes to accomplish specific as well as global ambulatory objectives related to lower extremity performance improvement, injury prevention and rehabilitation. A device comprising at least one articulating leg connected to a ground-effect footplate and a surface for a user to position against. The device can be used in conjunction with software to create virtual ambulatory environments that mimic GRFVs and cause moments of force that initiate muscular activations that substantially mimic human ambulation, and can couple those movements with non-functional movements in order to improve ROM, speed, strength, and proprioception.

Provided are apparatuses for augmenting human speed, human-driven compliant mechanisms, artificial limbs to augment human movement, and the like. The apparatuses can include variable stiffness mechanisms including springs that can be configured to selectively store and subsequently release energy generated by human movement. The apparatuses can selectively release the captured energy supplied by the human to provide force and power output beyond the physical capability of the human.

An exercise assembly structured to perform different rowing routines characterized different rowing motions. A resistance device is movable within a chamber and is cooperatively structured therewith to resist such movement. A drive assembly includes two drive sections each independently connected in driving relation to said resistance device. A connector structure includes two connector members each attached to a handle and connected in driving relation to a different one of said drive sections. The handle is selectively movable through the plurality of different rowing motions, at least one of which results in the two drive sections concurrently driving the resistance member and being concurrently driven by the two connector members. At least one other rowing motion of the handle is defined by each drive section alternately driving the resistance member and being alternately driven by interconnected ones of said connector members.

A ground-effect footplate against which a user applies plantar force and moves their foot in 3D across all seven lower-extremity biomechanical axes to accomplish specific as well as global ambulatory objectives related to lower extremity performance improvement, injury prevention and rehabilitation. A device comprising at least one articulating leg connected to a ground-effect footplate and a surface for a user to position against. The device can be used in conjunction with software to create virtual ambulatory environments that mimic GRFVs and cause moments of force that initiate muscular activations that substantially mimic human ambulation, and can couple those movements with non-functional movements in order to improve ROM, speed, strength, and proprioception.

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 monitoring system includes a shoe and a sole integrated into the shoe. The monitoring system also includes a connection mechanism attached to an underside of the sole and is shaped to connect the sole to a pedal. A pressure sensor is incorporated into the shoe that senses a force exerted on the pedal when the shoe is connected to the pedal through the connection mechanism.

A weight training sled having (i) a chassis, (ii) longitudinally spaced rotatable wheels in contact with ground, (iii) a pair of laterally spaced push handles proximate a first longitudinal end of the chassis and (iv) a brake for applying resistance to one of the wheels, characterized by an elevated tow hook.

The present invention concerns an ergometer (10) comprising at least one training assembly, each assembly comprising: a training element (11), -at least one hydraulic cylinder (12) comprising a pressure chamber (32), said training element (11) being linked to said at least one hydraulic cylinder (12) such that a hydraulic pressure value applied in the pressure chamber (32) of said or at least one of said corresponding cylinders determines a force opposing the movement of said training element (11) by a user, and at least one control unit (13, 14) for supplying the pressure chamber (32) of said or one corresponding hydraulic cylinder (12) with pressurised hydraulic fluid such that said pressure chamber (32) has a chosen pressure value during at least a part of the muscle exercises carried out by the user, said control unit (13, 14) being linked to said pressure chamber (32) of the corresponding hydraulic cylinder (12) by a hydraulic fluid supply circuit.

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.

Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a neck and spine strengthening device. The strengthening device includes a spinal resistance assembly configured to apply a resist force or to resist rotation about at least a first axis, and a head affixing assembly configured to secure to a head of a user during use. The strengthening device is instrumented with sensors and an embedded computing system configured to securely exchange exercise performance and configuration data with local client devices, and to monitor and record exercise activity and exercise performance data.