Exercise apparatus providing simulated free weight exercises and compact stowage

Abstract

An exercise apparatus provides free weight-like exercises, without the inconvenience and dangers of free weights. The apparatus also provides increased exercise versatility and highly compact storage. An exemplary embodiment includes a barbell connected between pull-lines of independent weight stack units and otherwise free of supporting structure. The initial positions of the ends of the pull-lines are adjustable, allowing the exercise bar to be maintained in a vertically adjustable rest position. Each line is extensible against a bias of a corresponding weight stack, independently of the other line segment, to allow the bar to be moved in an exercise stroke upwardly from its rest position. Each line is independently retractable, by the bias, to allow a return stroke of the bar to its rest position. A mounting of the weight stack units on wail mounted or free-standing rails allows the weight stack units to be moved between various usage positions and a highly compact corner storage position. In the storage position, the units form, with the framework, a storage space that accommodates a collapsible user support bench, the barbell, and other accessories.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.