A treadmill includes a running belt defining a non-planar running surface, and a motor operatively coupled to the running belt. The treadmill is operable in plurality of operating modes to control a user experience.

A linear powered input device that utilizes linear input from a user and converts the linear input rotational energy to perform work. The linear input is generated by lever arms having a slotted attachment at a pivot point that allows a free end of the lever arms to move linearly rather than in an arcuate path. The lever arms are connected to a power transmission mechanism that wraps around one or more drive wheels having one-way bearings mounted on one or more output shafts. The output shafts can be connected to any type of auxiliary device to perform the desired work. Output wheels may be mounted on the output shafts and operatively connected by a transmission link that allows linear motion of any lever arm in any allowable direction to cause the output shaft to rotate in the same rotational direction so as to receive continuous input.

An exercise machine comprises a user force input element, a transmission unit, an electric motor, and an electrical circuit connected to the electric motor. The user force input element is connected to the electric motor via the transmission unit such that said electric motor turns at an angular velocity which is different than the velocity or angular velocity of the user force input element. The motor runs as a generator such that when the electric motor is turned, an electrical current is developed in the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit comprises an electrical resistor, a switching element, a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller, and a load reference controller.

A self-powered apparatus is used for various kinds of cycling and indoor exercise devices. The self-powered apparatus includes a pedal unit, a spindle, a generator and an energy storage element. The pedal unit includes an inner surface to form an accommodating space therein. The spindle is accommodated in the accommodating space. The generator includes a stator and a rotor. The stator is disposed on the spindle, the rotor is disposed on the inner surface of the pedal unit, and the rotor surrounds the stator correspondingly and is non-contact with the stator. The energy storage element is electrically coupled to the generator. When the pedal unit is being pedaled to rotate by a rider, the stator is fixed on the spindle, the rotor rotates relatively to the stator and along with the pedal unit, and a power is generated by the generator to charge the energy storage element.

A treadmill may include a deck, a first pulley incorporated into the deck, a second pulley incorporated into the deck, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, a motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley to move the tread belt in a first direction, and a runaway mitigation mechanism in at least indirect mechanical communication with the motor. The runaway mitigation mechanism at least mitigates a motor runaway condition.

A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partly supported by the plurality of bearings, where at least a portion of the running belt defines a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element. The safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

A treadmill includes a frame; a running belt configured to rotate relative to the frame; and a motor coupled to the running belt. The motor is operable in a plurality of user controlled operating modes. In a first operating mode, a user of the treadmill provides a force of rotation to the running belt. In a second operating mode, the motor is adapted to resist rotation of the running belt. In a third operating mode, the motor is adapted to provide a force of rotation to the running belt at a desired speed.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a 4-wheeled resistance training device in the form of a box, wherein a user may add weights to the inside or to the top of the box to increase the resistance provided to the user. The wheels may be connected to the box by one or more threaded axles, each threaded axle existing as two or more parts. Rotation of the threaded axles may power a generator, which may power a light system comprising one or more lights. The light system may provide visual feedback to a user by changing the color and/or intensity of the one or more lights depending on multiple factors. Further embodiments of the invention may comprise a battery for storing energy generated by the generator. Embodiments of the invention may also comprise the ability to store data about a user's workout.

An exercise machine is for performing a striding exercise motion. The exercise machine has frame; first and second pedal members; first and second foot pads on the first and second pedal members, respectively, each of the first and second foot pads being configured to move in an elliptical path during the striding exercise motion; first and second rocker arms pivotally coupled to the frame; and first and second adjustment devices configured to actively adjust and set a position of the first and second pedal members relative to the first and second rocker arms, respectively, which thereby changes a shape of the elliptical path.

A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partly supported by the plurality of bearings, where at least a portion of the running belt defines a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element. The safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.