Exercise machine

Abstract

An exercise machine may include a frame, a resistance mechanism supported by the frame, first and second pull cables supported by the frame and linked to the resistance mechanism, a power rack attached to the frame, first and second handles selectively attachable to the first and second pull cable, and first and second pulleys. The power rack includes upright posts configured to have barbell holders adjustably attached thereto such that the barbell holders are configured to be adjusted in various positions between highest positions and lowest positions on the upright posts. The pulleys are configured to selectively receive the pull cables to enable the pull cables to be selectively attached to a barbell to assist or hinder a user in lifting the barbell in a combined cableand free weight workout, the pull cables decoupled from the pulleys for cable workouts.

1 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 a frame;   a resistance mechanism supported by the frame;   a pull cable supported by the frame and linked to the resistance mechanism; and   a power rack attached to the frame, the power rack including:
 a first upright post; 
 a second upright post, the first upright post and the second upright post configured to support a barbell; 
 a handle selectively attachable to the pull cable; 
 an upper pulley, the pull cable routable through the upper pulley to connect to the barbell from above the barbell; and 
 a lower pulley, the pull cable routable through the lower pulley to connect to the barbell from below the barbell. 
   
     
     
         2 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the pull cable reduces a perceived weight of the barbell. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise machine of  claim 2 , wherein the pull cable reduces the perceived weight of the barbell when routed through the upper pulley. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the pull cable increases a perceived weight of the barbell. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise machine of  claim 2 , wherein the pull cable increases the perceived weight of the barbell when routed through the lower pulley. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the upper pulley and the lower pulley are located on the same upright post. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the pull cable is a first pull cable, the upper pulley is a first upper pulley, and the lower pulley is a first lower pulley, and further comprising a second pull cable, and wherein the power rack further includes:
 a second upper pulley located on an opposite side of the power rack from the first upper pulley, the second pull cable routable through the second upper pulley; and   a second lower pulley located on the opposite side of the power rack from the first lower pulley, the second pull cable routable through the second lower pulley.   
     
     
         8 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance mechanism resists extension of the pull cable. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance mechanism applies a retraction force on the pull cable. 
     
     
         10 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 a frame;   a resistance mechanism supported by the frame;   a pull cable supported by the frame and linked to the resistance mechanism; and   a power rack attached to the frame, the power rack including:
 a first upright post; 
 a second upright post, the first upright post and the second upright post configured to support a barbell; 
 a handle selectively attachable to the pull cable; and 
 plurality of pulleys, the pull cable routable through the plurality of pulleys to connect to the barbell. 
   
     
     
         11 . The exercise machine of  claim 10 , wherein the pull cable supports a user in lifting the barbell. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise machine of  claim 10 , wherein the pull cable hinders a user in lifting the barbell. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise machine of  claim 10 , wherein the resistance mechanism includes a magnetic resistance mechanism. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise machine of  claim 10 , wherein the resistance mechanism includes a motor to retract the pull cable. 
     
     
         15 . A method for exercising, comprising:
 routing a pull cable from a resistance mechanism through a first pulley to a barbell, the resistance mechanism and the barbell supported by a power rack;   applying a first force to the barbell through the pull cable;   routing the pull cable from the resistance mechanism through a second pulley to the barbell; and   applying a second force to the barbell through the pull cable.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first force supports a user extending the barbell. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first force resists a user extending the barbell. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first force is opposite the second force. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first pulley is located above the barbell and the second pulley is located below the barbell. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the barbell is a free weight.