Rapid circuit training machine with dual resistance

Abstract

A training machine provides two independently operable resistance systems for providing resistance to the upper and lower body of a user and to enable training equivalent to circuit training in a small amount of time. A first resistance system provides training resistance to the upper body and comprises a first resistance member with handles coupled thereto. A second resistance system provides a second training resistance to the lower body, and comprises a seat support and a seat, the seat having a first position with a first potential energy and a second position having a second potential energy, the differential providing the second training resistance. Handles are each independently coupled to the first resistance member by a cable fed through a pulley to a cable reel assembly so as to enable the user to operate the handles separately from each other and in any direction.

1 . An exercise machine, comprising: 
 (a) a frame having a base supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface;    (b) a first resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a first resistance member mounted on said frame and one or more handles coupled to said first resistance member; and,    (c) a second resistance system for providing a second training resistance to a lower body of the user, the second resistance system comprising a seat support mounted on said frame and a seat movably mounted on the seat support, the seat having a first position on the seat support with a first potential energy and a second position on the seat support with a second potential energy, the difference between the first and the second potential energies providing the second training resistance.    
     
     
         2 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein said second resistance system is operable independently of said first resistance system.  
     
     
         3 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein said first resistance system is operable independently of said second resistance system.  
     
     
         4 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second resistance systems are operable independently of one another.  
     
     
         5 . An exercise machine, comprising: 
 (a) a frame having a base supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface;    (b) a first resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a first resistance member mounted on said frame and one or more handles coupled to said first resistance member; and,    (c) a second resistance system for providing a second training resistance to a lower body of the user, said first and second resistance systems being operable independently of one another, the second resistance system comprising a seat support mounted on said frame and a seat movably mounted on the seat support, the seat having a first position on the seat support with a first potential energy and a second position on the seat support with a second potential energy, the difference between the first and the second potential energies providing the second training resistance.    
     
     
         6 . The exercise machine of  claim 5 , wherein said one or more handles comprise a right handle and a left handle, said right and left handles each being separately coupled to said first resistance member by means of a right and a left cable, respectively, and so as to enable said right and left handles to operate independently of one another.  
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said right and left cables are functionally engaged with a right and left pulley and a right and a left cable-reel assembly, respectively, the right and left pulleys and right and left cable-reel assemblies being mounted on said frame, the right and left cable-reel assemblies operating independently of one another so as to enable independent operation of the right and left handle.  
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said right and left handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an amount of the first training resistance.  
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said right and left handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an amount of the second training resistance.  
     
     
         10 . An exercise machine, comprising: 
 (a) a frame having a base supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface;    (b) a first resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a first resistance member mounted on said frame and a right handle and a left handle, said right and left handles each being separately coupled to said first resistance member by means of a right and a left cable, respectively, and so as to enable said right and left handles to operate independently of one another; and,    (c) a second resistance system for providing a second training resistance to a lower body of the user, said first and second resistance systems being operable independently of one another, the second resistance system comprising a seat support mounted on said frame and a seat mounted on the seat support in which the user is positioned, the seat having a first position on the seat support with a first potential energy and a second position on the seat support with a second potential energy, the difference between the first and the second potential energies providing the second training resistance.    
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said right and left cables are functionally engaged with a right and left pulley and a right and a left cable-reel assembly, respectively, the right and left pulleys and right and left cable-reel assemblies being mounted on said frame, the right and left cable-reel assemblies operating independently of one another so as to enable independent operation of the right and left handle.  
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the right and left handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an amount of the first training resistance.  
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the right and left handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an amount of the second training resistance.  
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising an instructional console.  
     
     
         15 . An exercise machine, comprising: 
 (a) a frame having a base supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface;    (b) a first resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a first resistance member mounted on said frame, a right handle and a left handle, said right and left handles each being separately coupled to said first resistance member via a right and a left cable, respectively, each right and left cable being functionally engaged with a right and a left pulley and a right and a left cable-reel assembly, respectively, the right and left pulleys and right and left cable-reel assemblies being mounted on said frame, the right and left cable-reel assemblies operating independently of one another so as to enable independent operation of the right and left handles; and,    (c) a second resistance system for providing a second training resistance to a lower body of the user, said first and second resistance systems being operable independently of one another, the second resistance system comprising a seat support mounted on said frame and a seat mounted on the seat support in which the user is positioned, the seat having a first position on the seat support with a first potential energy and a second position on the seat support with a second potential energy, the difference between the first and the second potential energies providing the second training resistance.    
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the right and left handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an amount of the first training resistance.  
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the right and left handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an amount of the second training resistance.  
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising an instructional console.  
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising an instructional console and wherein the right and left handles further comprise communication means for communicating with said instructional console.