Apparatus and methods for moveable exercise benches

A method of exercising using an exercise machine, comprising:

• providing an exercise machine positioned on a support surface, the exercise machine including:
• a load;
• and
• a support frame having a guide beam extending along the support surface;
• providing a moveable support configured to support a user during an exercise and to moveably engage the guide beam of the support frame;
• providing a first exercising station proximate a first end of the moveable support and operatively coupled by a force-transferring assembly to the load, the force-transferring assembly having at least one cable operatively coupled to the moveable support;
• providing a second exercise station proximate a second end portion of the moveable support, the force-transferring assembly being operatively configured to transmit an exercising force exerted by the user on either the first or second exercise stations to the load;
• applying the exercising force on at least one of the first and second exercise stations;
• simultaneously with the application of the exercising force, applying a reactive force to the moveable support that tends to move the moveable support;
• and
• simultaneously with the application of the exercising force, applying a counteracting force on the moveable support using the at least one cable of the force-transferring assembly that at least partially counteracts the reactive force, wherein applying a counteracting force includes applying a counteracting force through a first coupling member having a first portion coupled to the second exercise station and a second coupling member having a second portion coupled to the moveable support, the first and second coupling members being operatively coupled such that a first tension generated in the first coupling member generates a corresponding tension in the second coupling member.

A method of exercising using an exercise machine, comprising:

• providing an exercise machine positioned on a support surface, the exercise machine including:
• a load;
• and
• a support frame having a guide beam extending along the support surface;
• providing a moveable support configured to support a user during an exercise and to moveably engage the guide beam of the support frame, wherein providing a moveable support includes providing a moveable support having a bench support assembly, a first portion coupled to the bench support assembly, and a second portion pivotably coupled to the bench support assembly;
• providing a first exercising station proximate a first end of the moveable support and operatively coupled by a force-transferring assembly to the load, the force-transferring assembly having at least one cable operatively coupled to the moveable support;
• providing a second exercise station proximate a second end portion of the moveable support, the force-transferring assembly being operatively configured to transmit an exercising force exerted by the user on either the first or second exercise stations to the load;
• applying the exercising force on at least one of the first and second exercise stations;
• simultaneously with the application of the exercising force, applying a reactive force to the moveable support that tends to move the moveable support;
• and
• simultaneously with the application of the exercising force, applying a counteracting force on the moveable support using the at least one cable of the force-transferring assembly that at least partially counteracts the reactive force.