A system and method for networking fitness machines for allowing an instructor to control various settings for a plurality of exercise machines simultaneously, and for allowing an individual user and/or trainer to modify the settings of an individual exercise machine. The system and method for networking fitness machines generally includes a trainer remote control device, one or more machine-mounted onboard trainer controllers, and a machine-mounted onboard user controller. The trainer remote control device may be securely mounted to the arm of a trainer so that the trainer's hands remain free to instruct exercisers. The trainer remote control device includes a touch screen that displays selections corresponding to various settings on the exercise machines. The trainer remote control communicates with the plurality of exercise machines via a wireless network or Bluetooth connection allowing the trainer to change the settings of a plurality of exercise machines in a class mode simultaneously.

A joint extension system that embodies a method of exercise that applies progressive accommodating resistance to joint extension during closed-chain movement.

Among other things, a rowing technology includes a first rowing machine having an electromagnetic brake providing a resistance to a rower of the machine in each rowing stroke of a series of rowing strokes of the rower An electronic controller causes the resistance of the electromagnetic brake to vary over each rowing stroke in a profile that emulates resistance to which another rower in a shell on water or on a second rowing machine is subjected in each rowing stroke of a corresponding series of rowing strokes.

A computer-implemented system for an exercise machine includes a mechanical energy storage device and an apparatus configured to supplement the resistance of the mechanical energy storage device with an added resistance and dissipate the energy of the mechanical energy storage device and an associated athlete. A communication pathway enables the exercise machine to communicate with at least one additional associated exercise machine to duplicate the total resistance in the exercise machine to an associated exercise machine. A central server includes a processor, memory, and a networking interface. A first user device includes a display, a processor, a memory, and a networking interface. The central server receives data from the exercise machine, extracts synchronization performance information from the data, and transmits the synchronization performance data to the first user device where it is used to train an athlete for an athletic endeavor.

A foot support assembly for an exercise machine may be configured for sing-hand operation (e.g., cinching or releasing of the foot strap), The foot support assembly may include a footplate coupled to the frame of the exercise machine and configured to support the user's foot during exercise and a strap coupled to the footplate and configured to resist separation of the user's foot from the footplate. The strap is operatively associated with a quick release ratchet mechanism, which is configured to be unlocked simply by pressing a lever of the ratchet to allow the ratchet strip to reverse, releasing the user's foot from the strap. The foot support assembly may be provided on each side of the seat rail of a rowing machine, which may alternatively or additionally include a multi-grip handle including a plurality of grip portions configured to position the user's hand at different orientations to one another.

An electronic system and method configured for use with an Pilates exercise equipment, such as Pilates equipment, having a surface supporting the exerciser during an exercise. The system includes a pressure sensitive matrix configured for fitting to the surface of the equipment, to measure pressures exerted by the exerciser on an area of the surface and provide electrical signals indicative of measured pressure values. A multiplexer/scanner is responsive to the electrical signals for collecting the measured pressure values. A processor responsive to the multiplexer output data signals interprets the data, resolves the data into discrete pressure values, assign a color value to each increment of pressure, and arrange the resolved data to a data format conforming to the position of each discrete pressure point on the area of the equipment. A display screen displays graphical images of the pressure values for the exerciser to view during exercise on the equipment.

An exercise device includes a base defining an inner volume and a top supported by the base, the top defining an aperture. The exercise device further includes a force sensor configured to measure force on the top and a motor disposed within the base and below the top, the motor including a cable extendable through the aperture. The exercise deice further includes a controller communicatively coupled to each of the force sensor and the motor. The controller is adapted to actuate the motor in response to forces applied to the top as measured by the force sensor. The controller may also actuate the motor in response to one or more additional parameters related to the speed or force with which the cable is manipulated (e.g., pulled by a user).

An exercise machine with electromagnetic resistance selection for changing exercise resistance settings by engaging more or fewer resistance biasing members using a electromagnets. An example implementation includes a movable carriage configured to move substantially along the length of one or more rails. A plurality of resistance biasing members are removably attachable between a stationary biasing member bracket affixed to the machine structure and the movable carriage. A controller changes the resistance settings against the movable carriage by electrically attaching or detaching any preferred number of resistance biasing members between the machine structure and movable carriage.

An adjustable resistance exercise machine for providing variable resistance forces on a pull cable extending from the machine. The adjustable resistance exercise machine generally includes a plurality of power springs that may be selectively engaged using an adjustment mechanism. By engaging springs with different forces, the resistance may be adjusted incrementally as preferred for performing different exercises. The adjustable resistance exercise machine may be connected to various structures, either below or above an exerciser, to allow the exerciser to choose whether to pull the pull cable up or down during exercise.

An add-on accessory for a Pilates reformer that provides a stationary and stable platform, which greatly increases the number and types of exercises that are possible on the reformer.