Abstract:
Exercise apparatus is shown with a column attached atop a base. A junction box attached atop the column has emerging therefrom a plurality of shafts including a top shaft, a front shaft, and a pair of side shafts. One or more of the shafts offers resistance to rotation in either direction. Thus, a user can exercise by turning at least one of the plurality of shafts. For example, the top shaft can be rotated to simulate the workout associated with cranking a sailing winch. Alternatively, a crossbar attached through an arm to the front shaft can be used to rotate the front shaft during a workout. A pair of cranks may be attached to the side shafts and can be driven manually when the junction box is in a raised position, or pedally in a lowered position. In some cases the pair of pedals have substantially the same phase. Then, after separately securing a user&#39;s feet on different respective ones of the in-phase pedals, the user rotates the pedals in synchrony, by simultaneously pulling and then pushing pedally.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to exercise apparatus for strengthening and conditioning muscles, and in particular, to equipment offering a workout by allowing a user to rotate a mechanical element against resistance provided by the equipment. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Self-contained or compact exercise machines are highly desirable, especially if they offer interesting exercises or offer a wide variety of exercises. 
   Such machines ought to allow a robust workout of various muscle groups, as well as prevent boredom by giving the user an interesting workout routine. 
   Known exercise machines include recumbent stationary bicycles, often having electronically controlled resistance that varies according to preset workout profiles. The resistance offered by these machines may be controlled by an adjustable eddy current brake. Other known exercise machines employ a pair of hand cranks that are arranged like bicycle pedals but in an elevated position so that the user may grasp and rotate the crank against an adjustable mechanical resistance. 
   Sailors are often called upon to operate a manual crank to sheet in a sail or to draw in a line for some other reason. These cranking motions are often done rapidly and repeatedly, particularly when tacking upwind or racing. Unfortunately, many sailors do not sail during the winter months and may lose the muscle conditioning gained during the sailing season. Besides sailors, many individuals would benefit by an exercise routine that involved a manual cranking motion that exercises muscles in a way that is different from that offered by existing machines. Moreover, such a machine would be used more because it offers an interesting change from the conventional exercise machines. 
   In FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,281 a person on seat 22 can sit near a crank handle 54 with an elbow in cradle 118 to turn the crank and lift the weights 14 in order to exercise the rotator cuff. The coupler 63 on crank 52 can be attached either to horizontal shaft 76 or vertical shaft housing 68. This arrangement is safe for only fractional crank turns, since the crank would spin like a weapon if a user lost his/her grip on the crank after multiple turns. Also, resistance is offered only in one direction. 
   In FIG. 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,108 shaft 371 can be oriented vertically so that a user can grasp handles 354 and reciprocate them in a horizontal plane. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,033 a pair of horizontal arms 21 and 22 can be fitted with a pad 24 that supports an assembly 1 having a cuff 4 that is placed at the user&#39;s arm near the elbow. 
   In the arm exerciser of FIG. 9 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0092539 a person kneels and rotates members 10 through a horizontal plane. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,924 an exerciser places his/her arms in the illustrated cradles and then rotates the torso as the cradles rotate about a vertical axis. 
   In the arm exerciser of FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,475 a person kneels on a platform, places the hands in the rests 96 and 98, and rotates them in a horizontal plane. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,214 a person exercises the neck by placing the head inside helmet 3 and rotating the helmet about a vertical axis. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,057 a horizontal bar 48/54 has a weight 50 on one end and on the other end a practice target 72 that can be hit by a martial artist. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,589 a crank mechanism with a horizontal axis of rotation can be placed in an upper position for arm exercises or in a lower position for leg exercises. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,338 a portable exercise machine has a hand crank for arm exercises. The machine is designed to be placed on the lap with the crank axis horizontal. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,272 a person on seat 18 can do arm exercises with crank 20 and leg exercises with crank 42. These cranks have a horizontal axis. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,269. 
   See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,521,012; 5,709,633; 5,989,162; 6,126,580; and 6,533,708 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an improved exercise apparatus that offers exercises that will condition various muscle groups and will also increase the interest in exercise and avoid boredom. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus that has a support attached atop a base. A junction box is attached atop the support. This junction box has rotatably mounted therein a top shaft adapted for multiple turns. The top shaft offers resistance to rotation in either direction. Also included is a manual crank adapted to be attached to and project above the top shaft. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus has a support attached atop a base. A junction box attached atop the support has emerging therefrom a plurality of shafts including a top shaft, and a pair of side shafts. Thus, a user can exercise by turning at least one of the plurality of shafts. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus has a support attached atop a base. A junction box attached atop the support has emerging therefrom a front shaft and a crossbar having an arm attached to the front shaft. This arm is rotatably attached to the crossbar. Thus, a user can exercise by using the crossbar to rotate the front shaft. 
   In accordance with still yet another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus has a junction box attached atop a base. A pair of pedals emerging on opposite sides of the junction box have substantially the same phase. 
   In accordance with still yet another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus has a column attached atop a base. A junction box is attached atop the column. The column is adjustable to move the junction box between a raised and a lowered position. A pair of cranks emerges on opposite sides of the junction box, and are adaptable to be driven pedally in the lowered position and manually in the raised position. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an exercise method is provided that employs a top shaft projecting upwardly from a junction box. The method includes the step, while seated or standing, of manually rotating the top shaft about a substantially vertical axis in one direction while mechanically resisting such rotation. Another step is, while seated or standing, manually rotating the top shaft in an opposite direction about a substantially vertical axis while mechanically resisting such rotation. These movements are done while standing or sitting. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an exercise method is provided that employs a crossbar having an arm attached to a front shaft of a junction box. The method includes the step of grasping the crossbar at about shoulder width or greater. Another step is rotating the arm and elevationally translating the crossbar while keeping the crossbar approximately level. 
   In accordance with still yet another aspect of the invention, an exercise method is provided that employs a pair of pedals emerging on opposite sides of a junction box at substantially the same phase. The method includes the step of separately securing a user&#39;s feet on different respective ones of the pedals. 
   Another step is rotating the pedals in synchrony, with the user simultaneously pulling and then pushing pedally. 
   By employing apparatus and methods of the foregoing type, an improved exercise routine can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, a column mounted on a base will support a junction box from which one or more shafts emerge. For example, a top shaft can be fitted with a crank. A user can grasp and rotate the crank in either direction to experience a unique and interesting workout. This preferred junction box has a pair of adjustable braces that can be extended to secure the apparatus in, for example, a door frame. 
   This preferred junction box also has a pair of side shafts that can be fitted with either manual cranks or foot pedals. With the junction box in a raised position the user can manually rotate the manual cranks to achieve another type of upper body workout. Alternatively, the junction box can be lowered, and the side shafts fitted with pedals in order to use the apparatus as a recumbent bicycle. In this case the user can sit on seat that is attached to the base of the apparatus. 
   The foot pedals can be arranged with the usual opposite phasing, but in some embodiments they can be mounted in-phase. For that situation, the pedals are fitted with ankle bracelets to secure the feet. Thereafter, the feet can be simultaneously pushed and then pulled to exercise not only the legs but to provide a significant abdominal workout. 
   In still other embodiments, the front shaft on the junction box can be fitted with a manual crank or with a crossbar. This crossbar can be connected through a ball joint to an arm that attaches to the front shaft. The preferred arm can telescopically extend and contract so the user can comfortably raise and lower the crossbar in a natural elliptical pattern. The telescopic extension and retraction of the arm can be regulated pneumatically to avoid jerky motions. Also, the resistance to rotation can be reduced around the six o&#39;clock and 12 o&#39;clock positions where the user is then applying a sideward thrust, but using generally weaker muscles. 
   A braking device can be mounted in the junction box or at the base, but the base is preferred when the braking device is relatively heavy, as is normally the case when a flywheel and eddy current brake is employed. In such a case, a vertical, telescopic shaft extends from the braking device to the junction box, which may have a gear train to transfer resistance torque to the various shafts emerging from the junction box. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above brief description as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an axonometric view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with principles of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an elevational view, partly in section, of a mechanism inside the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  with portions broken away for illustrative purposes; 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of a flywheel and braking device inside the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a controller associated with the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 5  is an axonometric, free body diagram of in-phase pedals that may be used with the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the illustrated exercise apparatus has a base  10  comprising a rectangular platform  12  with casters  14  at each corner. Platform  12  is preferably a steel shell with internal reinforcing members (not shown), but in other embodiments may be made out of the wood, plastic, composite materials, etc. Mounted on base  10  is a case  16  containing a braking device that will be described presently. 
   Welded transversely to the center of one edge of platform  12  is a horizontal, square tube  22  having a series of longitudinally disposed apertures  24 . A larger square tube  26  is telescopically mounted around tube  22  and can be locked in position when spring-loaded plunger  28  snaps into one of the apertures  24 . The distal end of tube  26  is supported by caster  30 . A vertical tube  32  welded to the distal end of tube  26  telescopically receives a smaller tube  34  having a series of longitudinally disposed apertures  36 . Again, a locking plunger  38  can engage one of the apertures  36  to fix the height of tube  34 . A seat  40  attached to the upper end of tube  36  has a back  42  and a pair of hand grips  44  that extend from the seat  40  in a direction that is upwardly and outwardly inclined. 
   A beam  46  spanning case  16  is supported by a pair of legs  48  attached to the topside of platform  12 . A vertical square tube  50  is attached to the center of beam  46  and telescopically receives a smaller square tube  52  having a series of longitudinally disposed apertures  54 . Locking plunger  56  can engage one of the apertures  54  to fix the height of tube  52 . Tubes  50  and  52  will be referred to herein as a support or column. 
   Mounted at the upper end of tube  52  is a junction box  58  that can be vertically adjusted by adjusting the height of tube  52 . When box  58  is above (below) a halfway position it will be considered in a raised (lowered) position. In this embodiment, junction box  58  provides four shafts that may be used for exercise: top shaft  60 , front shaft  62 , and pair of side shafts  64 . Shafts  64  emerge on opposite sides of junction box  58 , although only one of the shafts is visible in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment shafts  60 ,  62 , and  64  are orthogonal and are all horizontal except for shaft  60 , which is substantially vertical. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be built that have only some of these shafts, or in some cases additional shafts. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , shafts  60 ,  62 , and  64  are shown coupled in a gear train inside junction box  58 , which may be considered as being viewed from the rear. In particular, the inside end of shaft  62  is shown attached to a bevel gear  66  that meshes with another bevel gear  68  that is mounted on vertical shaft  70 . It will be appreciated that the various shafts illustrated in this Figure are supported by appropriate bearings, but that these are not shown in order to simplify this illustration. The upper end of shaft  70  is attached to another bevel gear  72  that meshes with a bevel gear  74  mounted on horizontal shaft  76 . Gears  78  and  80  on opposite ends of shaft  76  mesh with gears  82  and  84 , respectively, which in turn attach to previously mentioned side shafts  64 . Bevel gear  74  also meshes with bevel gear  86 , which attaches to previously mentioned top shaft  60 . 
   Preferably, the gear ratios of the above train are selected so that shafts  60 ,  62  and  64  rotate at the same speed. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the train may be formed with belts and pulleys, gears and chains, or with other mechanisms. Also, a multi-lobe cam on shaft  64  is used to drive microswitch  91 , which acts as a sensor for producing an output signal indicating the rotation of the shaft. 
   If a user rotates one or more of the shafts  60 ,  62 , and  64 , then shaft  70  will turn as a result. The lower end of shaft  70  is connected through a pair of gears  88  (only one visible in this view) to a square shaft  90  (also referred to as the lower shaft) that slides telescopically inside a square tube  92  inside previously mentioned column  50 ,  52 . The lower end of tube  92  has a flange  94  that attaches through rubber shock mount  96  to a flywheel  98  located below beam  46  and case  16 . The flywheel  98  is subjacently supported by a shaft  100  that is journaled atop platform  12 . Accordingly, if the user rotates of one of the shafts  60 ,  62 , and  64  then flywheel  98  will rotate as a result. 
   Referring to the bottom view of  FIG. 3 , previously mentioned case  16  contains an adjustable braking device shown herein as a rotor  102  comprising a disk  102 A with an outer circumferential wall  102 B all rotatably supported on a shaft  103  journaled on the platform (platform  12  shown in  FIG. 1 ). The adjustable braking device also has a pair of arcuate shoes  104 A and  104 B each having one end tied together through a compression spring  106  that tends to drive shoes  104 A and  104 B against the inside of wall  102 B. The ends of shoes  104 A and  104 B opposite spring  106  are pivotally connected to a link (not shown) that is in turn linked to platform (platform  12  of  FIG. 1 ) so that the shoes stay in about the same azimuthal location. 
   A cable  108  similar to a bicycle cable (i.e., wire inside a flexible sleeve) has its distal end connected to bracket  110  mounted on shoe  104 B. Extending from the distal end of cable  108  is its internal wire  112 , which attaches to shoe  104 A. Accordingly, when wire  112  is drawn into the sleeve of cable  108 , shoes  104 A and  104 B are drawn together in opposition to compression spring  106 . Conversely, if wire  112  is released, compression spring  106  drives shoes  104 A and  104 B apart. The tension on wire  112  of cable  108  is changed by a tensioning mechanism, which may be a capstan mechanism  114  driven by an electrically operated actuator  116 , such as a solenoid, servomotor, etc. 
   Shoes  104 A and  104 B have a number of outside pockets containing magnets (not shown) that magnetically couple to the steel of wall  102 B of rotor  102 . Accordingly, as rotor  102  rotates, eddy currents are generated to resist the rotation of the rotor so that the device acts as an eddy current brake in a well-known manner. The amount of resistance can be regulated by changing the amount of separation between wall  102 B and the shoes  104 A and  104 B, with decreasing separation causing increasing resistance and vice versa. 
   Previously mentioned flywheel  98  (supported on shaft  100 ) is shown rotatably mounted inside previously mentioned case  16 . A belt  118  is wrapped around the grooved perimeter of flywheel  98  and the perimeter of a pulley  120  that is coaxially mounted on the top of rotor  102 . Tension is maintained in belt  118  by a spring-biased idler  122 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the manual crank  124  has a handle  124 A on one end and on the other end a socket  124 B designed to fit over top shaft  60 . Socket  124 B may lock onto top shaft  60  with a spring biased detent, a bayonet coupling, a transverse cotter pin, a separate screw fastener, etc. Alternatively, socket  124 B may lock onto front shaft  62 , or onto side shaft  64 . In the latter case two manual side cranks will be employed. 
   In some instances, pedals (also referred to as side cranks) will be attached to side shafts  64 . In some cases the pedals will be installed out of phase (that is, crank arms spaced 180° and extending in opposite directions). In other cases, the pedals will be installed in-phase; that is, extending in the same direction as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   Pedal  126  is designed for such in-phase positioning (but can still be used for out-of-phase pedaling). Pedal  126  has a socket  126 A designed to lock onto side shafts  64  as well as a foot platform  126 B of the usual type. An ankle bracelet  128  is shown as a belt that can be closed with a hook and loop or other types of fasteners. Straps  128 A depending from the ankle bracelet  128  attach to the platform  126 B. Accordingly, the ankle bracelet can be opened and then closed around a user&#39;s ankle to allow the user to push and pull on the pedal  126 . Instead of ankle bracelets some embodiments will use the known clipless bicycle pedals that are designed to snap onto cycling shoes fitted with mating metal cleats. 
   A crossbar  130  that may be about four feet (1.2 m) long has swivel handles  132  at either end. The center of crossbar  130  connects through a ball joint  134  to arm  136 , which can telescopically reciprocate inside a cylindrical sleeve  138 . This reciprocation is pneumatically regulated in a manner much like a pneumatic screen door closer (except the present device is not spring biased into a neutral or collapsed position). The proximal end of sleeve  138  is attached to a socket  140  that is designed to fit onto shaft  62  and be secured in place by a bolt  142 . 
   Because junction box  58  will often sustain lateral thrust, especially from shafts  60  and  62 , adjustable braces are provided in the form of an internally threaded sleeve  144  shown extending horizontally from opposite sides of the back of box  58 . The sleeve  144  may be a single sleeve or pair of sleeves. Threaded into sleeve  144  as part of the brace is a threaded shaft  146  having at its distal end a pad  148 . Pad  148  is shown braced against the stop of a door jamb  149 . 
   Electronic module  150  is mounted on the front of junction box  58 , although it can be mounted in other positions in different embodiments. Module  150  is shown with an LCD screen  152  and a number of input pushbuttons  154 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , previously mentioned LCD screen  152  and push buttons  154  are shown connected to a controller  156 . The controller  156  may be a commercially available microcomputer or microcontroller. The controller  156  is shown with another input, namely, previously mentioned shaft sensor  91 , which is shown connected between an input of controller  156  and ground. An output of controller  156  is shown connected to a loudspeaker  158 , which may produce audible warnings, announcements, and in some embodiments sailing sound effects of a type to be described presently. Another output of controller  156  is connected through a converter  160  to the previously mentioned actuator (actuator  116  of  FIG. 3 ). The converter  160  may be a digital to analog converter or other signal conditioning device appropriate for driving the actuator  116 . Devices  152 ,  158 , and  160  are herein referred to as output devices. 
   To facilitate an understanding of the principles associated with the foregoing apparatus, its operation will be briefly described. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a user may roll the illustrated device into a doorway and extend threaded shafts  146  and brace them against nearby structure, such as opposing door jambs  149 . Thereafter manual crank  124  may be installed on top shaft  60  and manually rotated as the user stands or sits on seat  40 . If the user wishes to stand, it may be convenient to remove seat  40  by detaching tube  26  from tube  22 . Although the user may vigorously turn crank  124  the device will not fall since it is braced by elements  144 ,  146 , and  148 . 
   Alternatively, the user may place a pair of manual cranks on side shafts  64  or a single crank on front shaft  62 . 
   The user may set program module  150  on the front of box  58  to initiate a computer-guided workout. For example, the user may select sailing simulation. In that case the intensity of the workout offered to the user on display screen  152  can be stated in terms of wind forces: for example, light breeze, fresh breeze, strong wind, gale force, or hurricane. After making such a selection, the user will be prompted by an announcement generated by controller  156  ( FIG. 104 ) and displayed on screen  152  asking the user to turn the crank  124  on shaft  60  in a clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction. As a user proceeds, fractional revolutions of shaft  60  will be sensed by sensor  91 , which will periodically close to send a pulse signal to controller  156 . 
   The controller  156  will send a gradually varying command signal to actuator  160 , causing capstan  114  ( FIG. 3 ) to gradually release wire  112  and bring shoes  104 A and  104 B closer to steel wall  102 A of rotor  102 , thereby gradually increasing the resistance to rotation of flywheel  98 . This resistance is transferred through shafts  92  and  90  ( FIG. 2 ) to the lower shaft  70  of the gear train in junction box  58 . Consequently, an increasing resisting force will be applied to the top shaft  60  as the user continues to crank. This increasing resistance simulates the increasing resistance a sailor experiences when sheeting in a sail. 
   Controller  156  will await a predetermined number of revolutions (e.g. 20 turns) and then issue an announcement through screen  152  instructing the user to reverse direction. Simultaneously, controller  156  will issue a command signal through converter  160  ( FIG. 4 ) that causes actuator  116  to tighten wire  112  ( FIG. 3 ) to pull shoes  104 A and  104 B away from wall  102 B, thereby decreasing the resistance. In some embodiments controller  156  will have an additional sensor to verify that the user has in fact reversed direction. 
   Thereafter, the user will then proceed to turn the crank  124  as the resistance gradually increases as before. This cycle of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations will repeat for a preset number of times that the user has selected depending upon the desired vigor of the workout. 
   During this workout, controller  156  can issue appropriate sailing sound effects to speaker  158 , such as the sound of wind or the sound a ratchet makes during cranking. 
   The total elapsed time or the elapsed time of certain intervals will be recorded in controller  156  so at the end of the workout the user can be given a performance report on screen  152 . This report may compare the just completed performance to some predetermined standard, to the user&#39;s best previous performance, or to the performance of other users. 
   In some cases, user will wish to use the more traditional exercise profiles typically associated with stationary exercise bicycles. For example, the user can be directed to maintain a specified angular velocity while the resistance will change over time (or according to the number of revolutions completed). The resistance profile can also be selected by the user to be constant, changing randomly, peaks and valleys, a gradual warmup followed by gradual cooldown, a cardiovascular profile, a fat burning profile, etc. 
   In fact, a user may actually use these more traditional resistance profiles while using the apparatus as a stationary recumbent bicycle. In this case, junction box  58  will be lowered from the illustrated raised position that would be convenient for operating manual cranks. In particular, the plunger  56  can be withdrawn in order to lower junction box  58  by telescopically collapsing tubes  50  and  52 , while shaft  90  collapses into tube  92 . 
   The pedals  126  can then be installed on shafts  64  either in-phase as shown in  FIG. 5  or out of phase (i.e., phased 180° apart and extending in opposite directions). Ankle bracelets  128  will be important for in-phase pedaling since the user must be able to simultaneously pull on both pedals while seated on seat  40 . Since the user&#39;s ankles are secured to the pedal platform  126 B the pulling operation can be performed while the user&#39;s feet remain at the pedals. It should be noted that during the pulling operation the user will workout the abdominal muscles. 
   If the user now wishes to use crossbar  130  ( FIG. 1 ) socket  140  can then be attached to shaft  62  and held in place with bolt  142 . The user may wish to remove seat  40  as described previously and stand upright. With the rod  136  at the three o&#39;clock position the user may decide to rotate the device clockwise (although rotation in either direction is allowed). From this position the user&#39;s arms will be partially curled and will be extended to push down, so that rod  136  will gradually extend from sleeve  138 . 
   As the user approaches the six o&#39;clock position the user&#39;s arms are extended but must now shift to the left. Since relatively weaker muscles are used in this shifting motion, controller  156  can compensate for this condition by responding to the closure of switch  91  ( FIG. 4 ) that is phased to occur in some range around the six o&#39;clock position. In particular, controller  156  will issue a command through converter  160  causing actuator  116  to tighten wire  112  ( FIG. 3 ). Consequently, shoes  104 A and  104 B will separate from the rotor wall  102 B to reduce the resistance. 
   Once past this six o&#39;clock interval, the user will now lift crossbar  130 , first curling the arms and then extending them overhead, as the rod  136  initially retracts and then extends. When nearing the 12 o&#39;clock position sensor  91  again closes so that the controller  156  can respond as before and reduce the resistance from the braking device of  FIG. 3 . Once past the 12 o&#39;clock region the user now pulls down on crossbar  130  with arms initially outstretched overhead. Upon reaching the three o&#39;clock position the cycle can be repeated. The user can reverse the rotation direction as desired or according to instructions from electronic module  150 . 
   It will be appreciated that the foregoing routine provides a wide variety of successive exercises that are similar to a tricep extension, a bicep curl, a military press, and a lat pulldown. Also, the fact that the crossbar  130  is connected by a universal joint  134  requires the user to exercise using balancing adjustments that are akin to the type of workout produced by free weights. 
   It is appreciated that various modifications may be implemented with respect to the above described, preferred embodiment. For example, the braking device may be mounted inside the junction box. In some instances where the braking device is inside the junction box, the box will only have a pair of opposing shafts but the box will be mounted on gimbals to orient the shafts up and down, right and left, or front and back. While an eddy current brake is shown, some embodiments may use a frictional belt wrapped around a flywheel, disk brakes with calipers, etc. In some embodiments the system may be operated hydraulically with hydraulic devices providing resistance, and adjustment of the resistance being performed by hydraulic valves. Also, some embodiments may not have any electronic controller and the amount of resistance can be manually set to a constant amount by adjusting an appropriate knob or the like. Also, some embodiments may be used without lateral braces where the base is relatively heavy or is fastened to the floor. Moreover, various components can be made of metals, ceramics, plastics, composite materials or other appropriate substances, depending on the desired strength, weight, rigidity, etc. Also, the size, shape and dimensions of the various components can be adjusted depending upon the size of the individual, the space available, aesthetic reasons, etc. 
   Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.