Flexion extension exerciser

Abstract

A total body exercise machine including a fixed seat and longitudinal frame members on which travel a footrest slide carriage and a handle slide carriage. A tensile element coordinates movement of the slide carriages in opposite directions at a constant speed ratio. In the preferred embodiment resistance to slide carriage movement is provided by one or more friction brakes coupled to a slide carriage by a pivot frame oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal frame member on which the carriage travels. The brake thereby provides more resistance in one direction of travel than the other, and the magnitude of resistance is controlled by a small static force bearing on the pivot frame. In one embodiment a logic controller electronically controls this small static force by means of a force feedback loop to simulate a kinesthetic flywheel effect and to reduce shock loading. Additional means are provided to record, transmit, and receive data from a remote data processing device which aggregates and summaries such data in a user accessible medium.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.