A hand-held exercise device comprises a frame, a handle attached to the frame, a spool element pivotally mounted to the frame, a pull-cord movable between a wound configuration in which the pull-cord is wound around the spool element and an unwound configuration in which the pull-cord is unwound from the spool element, a resistance element pivotally mounted to the frame, a transmission that couples the pull-cord to the resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the device causes the resistance element to rotate, and a damping means that acts to slow the rotation of the resistance element. The device provides a compact and lightweight form of exercise equipment that is easy to carry and easy to store. The device can be used with various fixtures, and also with a second handle fixed to the pull-cord, to allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises. Preferably the exercise device transmits exercise data to an external device that provides feedback and guidance to the user. A resistance mechanism for exercise apparatus allows a pull-cord to be coupled to a resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the mechanism causes the resistance element to rotate. A drive element is driven by a frictional force between the drive element and the pull-cord. The resistance element is coupled to the drive element by a transmission.

A hand-held exercise device comprises a frame, a handle attached to the frame, a spool element pivotally mounted to the frame, a pull-cord movable between a wound configuration in which the pull-cord is wound around the spool element and an unwound configuration in which the pull-cord is unwound from the spool element, a resistance element pivotally mounted to the frame, a transmission that couples the pull-cord to the resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the device causes the resistance element to rotate, and a damping means that acts to slow the rotation of the resistance element. The device provides a compact and lightweight form of exercise equipment that is easy to carry and easy to store. The device can be used with various fixtures, and also with a second handle fixed to the pull-cord, to allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises. Preferably the exercise device transmits exercise data to an external device that provides feedback and guidance to the user. A resistance mechanism for exercise apparatus allows a pull-cord to be coupled to a resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the mechanism causes the resistance element to rotate. A drive element is driven by a frictional force between the drive element and the pull-cord. The resistance element is coupled to the drive element by a transmission.

An exercise device uses a guide member that is rotatably arranged on a shaft. A continuous, flexible pulling member wraps around the guide member and causes the guide member to rotate when the continuous, flexible pulling member is pulled. Two rotatable metal discs are arranged coaxially with the guide member on the shaft, one rotatable metal disc being arranged on each side of the guide member. A gear set is operatively connecting the guide member and the two rotatable metal discs. A magnetic cylinder is arranged substantially parallel to the shaft between the two rotatable metal discs such that a magnetic field passes through radially outer areas of the rotatable metal discs in a substantially axial orientation. The rotatable metal discs and the magnetic cylinder form an eddy current brake which counteracts a pulling motion on the continuous, flexible pulling member.

An exercise device uses a guide member that is rotatably arranged on a shaft. A continuous, flexible pulling member wraps around the guide member and causes the guide member to rotate when the continuous, flexible pulling member is pulled. Two rotatable metal discs are arranged coaxially with the guide member on the shaft, one rotatable metal disc being arranged on each side of the guide member. A gear set is operatively connecting the guide member and the two rotatable metal discs. A magnetic cylinder is arranged substantially parallel to the shaft between the two rotatable metal discs such that a magnetic field passes through radially outer areas of the rotatable metal discs in a substantially axial orientation. The rotatable metal discs and the magnetic cylinder form an eddy current brake which counteracts a pulling motion on the continuous, flexible pulling member.

An information related to the position of an actuator coupled to a cable which is coupled to a motor is received. A filter is used to provide an input to a motor controller coupled to the motor, to adjust torque on the motor such that a strength curve is implemented relative to the position of the actuator.

An information related to the position of an actuator coupled to a cable which is coupled to a motor is received. A filter is used to provide an input to a motor controller coupled to the motor, to adjust torque on the motor such that a strength curve is implemented relative to the position of the actuator.

An information related to the position of an actuator coupled to a cable which is coupled to a motor is received. A filter is used to provide an input to a motor controller coupled to the motor, to adjust torque on the motor such that a strength curve is implemented relative to the position of the actuator.

An information related to the position of an actuator coupled to a cable which is coupled to a motor is received. A filter is used to provide an input to a motor controller coupled to the motor, to adjust torque on the motor such that a strength curve is implemented relative to the position of the actuator.

An endless rope trainer that includes an upright frame, a drive roller supported a distance above ground on the frame, an endless rope entrained around the drive roller, and a means of applying resistance to rotation of the drive roller. A pair of guide rollers are provided proximate the drive roller. The guide rollers pivot together as a unit about the axis of the drive roller independently of the drive roller for maintaining a constant wrap angle of contact of the endless rope on the drive roller regardless of pull angle on the endless rope.

An endless rope trainer that includes an upright frame, a drive roller supported a distance above ground on the frame, an endless rope entrained around the drive roller, and a means of applying resistance to rotation of the drive roller. A pair of guide rollers are provided proximate the drive roller. The guide rollers pivot together as a unit about the axis of the drive roller independently of the drive roller for maintaining a constant wrap angle of contact of the endless rope on the drive roller regardless of pull angle on the endless rope.