Fitness machines, handles for fitness machines, and methods for making fitness machines and handles

A method of making a fitness machine, the method comprising:

• providing a base device with which an operator may exercise;
• providing handles each having a non-conductive portion and a conductive portion, the conductive portion being electroplated, wherein for at least one of the handles the conductive portion comprises a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion formed in two non-contiguous areas;
• coupling the handles to the base device so as to be gripped by the operator while exercising;
• and
• electrically coupling the conductive portion of each of the handles to a control system configured to determine cardiac information for the operator, wherein the conductive portion of each of the handles receives electrical activity from the operator when gripped, and wherein the conductive portion is electrically coupled such that the electrical activity is provided to the control system for determining the cardiac information for the operator based thereon.