The present invention is a portable resistance machine that allows a user to perform rowing, skiing, paddling, or any other physical activities at any suitable location. The portable resistance machine contains a housing, a pulley, a flywheel, a planetary gear assembly, an anchor, a retraction mechanism, and a pull cord. The housing contains a central gear support. The pulley, the flywheel, the planetary gear assembly, and the retraction mechanism are positioned within the housing. The central gear support is positioned within the housing. The planetary gear assembly is positioned within the central gear support. The pulley and the flywheel are axially connected opposite to each other along the planetary gear assembly. The retraction mechanism is operatively connected to the pulley, where the retraction mechanism is configured to retract the pull cord into a spooled state around the pulley. The anchor is externally connected to the housing.

A digitally enhanced exercise system includes a proximal section comprising a first structural member and a platform; a distal section comprising a second structural member and an interface, wherein the interface is attached to the second structural member by a mount; a spine that is spans between the first structural member and the second structural member; a carriage configured to move in a single axis along the spine; a tension system, wherein the tension system is capable of resisting the carriage from moving; a sensor array arranged so as to detect changes in weight on the carriage; and a processor. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

A rowing machine is disclosed. The rowing machine includes a frame including a base for contact with a support surface and a seat rail supported by the base. The rowing machine includes a seat configured to reciprocate back and forth along the seat rail. The rowing machine includes a rowing engine that includes at least one resistance mechanism rotatably coupled to the frame. The rowing machine includes at least one handle operatively connected to the at least one resistance mechanism, and a paddle linkage assembly operatively connecting the at least one handle to the at least one resistance mechanism such that rearward movement of the handle is resisted by the at least one resistance mechanism.

Systems and methods are described for providing asynchronous race functionality and simulation for users of exercise equipment. In some aspects fitness performance data may be obtained, corresponding to performance of a race course by a user using exercise equipment, where the fitness performance data is sampled at a sample rate selected based on a type of the exercise equipment. The fitness data may then be modified and used to simulate the user performing the race course by providing the movement data to and concurrently with a second user performing the race course using second exercise equipment.

Apparatus (100) for exercising the muscles, comprising an exercising device (1) having a power arm or lever (2), which can be equipped with actuating elements (4) at a first end (3) and, by way of a second end (5), is arranged on a retaining element (6) in a way pivotable about a pivot axis at a first articulated joint (9), whereby a compression-spring element (11) can be articulated, by way of a first end (10), at a first point of articulation (12) on the power arm (2) and is articulated, by way of a second end (13), at a second point of articulation (14) on the retaining element (6), and also comprising a cable-pull arrangement (50) having a cable (60). The cable-pull arrangement (50) of the apparatus (100) is fixed in a releasable manner in a spatial relationship to the exercising device (1), independently of the exercising device (1), by means of a first fixing device (52) and is able to be combined with the power arm (2) of the exercising device (1) by means of a second fixing device (58), so that the cable-pull arrangement (50) is connectible to the exercising device (1) in order for training to take place.

A modular and dynamic force apparatus for adjusting standard and dynamic torque-to-linear forces during physical activity in real-time, the apparatus including a force module, a user device and an apparatus tracking processing unit. The force module includes an open hub attachment point, wherein the open hub attaches the apparatus to an external source, one or more sensors measuring data for physical activity efficiency, an internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module, a variable length cable, a force generating component, and motor controls. The internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module includes an apparatus tracking measurement unit (“ATMU”) adapted to measure data, a first electronic communications channel for transmitting the measured data to an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”), and a second electronic communications channel for transmitting one or more apparatus conditions data to adjust dynamic forces. The user device receives one or more apparatus conditions data over the second electronic communications channel for real-time notification and/or adjustments to the user. The user interface includes a display that provides feedback and an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”). The ATPU includes the first electronic communications channel for receiving the measured data from the ATMU, a microprocessor, a memory storage area, a database stored in the memory storage area, and a tracking processing module located in the memory storage are. The database stores a first set of evaluation rules and a second set of evaluation rules, the first set of evaluation rules corresponding to one or more tracking parameters, and the second set of evaluation rules corresponding to the one or more apparatus conditions. The tracking processing includes program instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor to determine the one or more tracking parameters using the measured data and the first set of evaluation rules, and determine the one or more apparatus conditions data using the one or more tracking parameters and the second set of evaluation rules.

Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.

A rowing exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly that is provided in two boxes. One box includes a forward frame member, a crank rotatably mounted on the forward frame member, and a forward portion of a seat supporting link operatively connected to the crank. Another box includes a rearward frame member, a rocker link pivotally mounted on the rearward frame member, and a rearward portion of the seat supporting link operatively connected to the the rocker link. The linkage assembly is made suitable for use by rigidly connecting the two frame members to one another and by rigidly connecting the two portions of the seat supporting link to one another. At least one bracket is rigidly interconnected between the two portions of the seat supporting link. One such bracket is welded onto a rearward end of the forward portion of the seat supporting link to underlie and directly support a proximate end of the rearward portion of the seat supporting link. A seat is mounted on the seat supporting link for movement through at least one elliptical path as the linkage assembly moves through cycles relative to the rigidly interconnected frame members.

An exercise apparatus includes a user supporting member having a beam member at one end and a U-shaped member at an opposite end. At least one bracket is rigidly interconnected between the beam member and the U-shaped member. One such bracket is welded onto a middle portion of the U-shaped member to underlie and directly support a proximate end of the beam member. At least one bolt extends through the beam and the bracket to establish a rigid connection therebetween. In a preferred application, a seat is mounted on the user supporting member, and the user supporting member is part of a linkage assembly operatively connected to a frame to move the seat through at least one elliptical path.

A method for controlling a fitness machine by a user, where the method includes storing intensity ratings within a memory device, and the intensity ratings correspond to an intensity for the user operating the fitness machine. The method includes displaying initial operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, where the intensity for the user varies for each of the initial operating levels. The method includes determining and displaying the intensity rating associated with each of the initial operating levels, receiving a selection from the initial operating levels and automatically controlling the fitness machine to operate according thereto, displaying, after receiving the selection among the initial operating levels, new operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, and determining and displaying the intensity ratings associated with each of the new operating levels. At least one of the new operating levels and one of the initial operating levels are different.