Exercise device having a power rewind

Abstract

An exercise system includes a resistance unit for the performance of a wide variety of exercises including those previously performed using free weights, exercise machines, rowing machines, and/or ski machines. The resistance unit is configured with power rewind such that the resistance for both pull-out and rewind is determined by the resistance developed by a clutch assembly having clutch-plates slipping against friction pads in the clutch-assembly, resulting in the resistance for pulling out and rewinding being virtually the same.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A resistance device for an exercise system comprising:
 a spool with a cord that may be wound and unwound by an operator during exercise;   a motor selectively engagable with said spool during rewind to generate a force on the pull cord that is resisted by an operator during exercise; and   a clutch assembly selectively engagable with the spool during unwinding of said cord to define a resistance to unwinding of said cord that is felt by the operator during exercise, said clutch assembly having clutch-plates slipping against friction pads in the clutch-assembly during unwind and rewind resulting in the resistance for unwinding and rewinding being closely proximate to each other.