Abstract:
An exercise apparatus provides increased exercise versatility and highly compact storage. A mounting of the weight stack units on a framework including wall mounted or free-standing rails allows the weight stack units to be moved between various usage positions and a highly compact storage position. The rails have a collapsible or removable segment, for reducing a footprint of the framework in a storage position. In the storage position, the framework forms a storage space that accommodates the weight stack units, a collapsible user support bench, the barbell, and other accessories. This equipment, which may further include, e.g., a foldable treadmill and screen monitor, a leg extension and curl attachment, and a preacher curl attachment, may be concealed behind panels provided as part of the apparatus. Each weight stack unit may have attached thereto a Smith guide and bearing. A compact arrangement is provided for reducing momentum of lifted weight plates. An exercise handle assembly has added degrees of freedom to facilitate user forearm and wrist rotation.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of prior co-pending provisional application Serial No. 60/256,473, filed Dec. 20, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS  
         [0002]    The present inventions relate to multi-purpose exercise equipment, wherein a number of different exercises are performable with different components of an integrated structure.  
           [0003]    More specifically, the present inventions comprise a number of improvements and additions to the compactly stowable exercise apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). These improvements provide significant space utilization and aesthetic benefits, and/or offer additional exercises and improved ease of use.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS  
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 (the &#39;459 patent) discloses a multi-purpose, compactly stowable exercise apparatus that can be free standing or wall mounted. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first exercise machine embodiment  1  of the &#39;459 patent, including a free standing generally L-shaped frame  3  comprising sets of upper rails  5 A,  5 B and lower rails  7 A,  7 B, mounting a pair of exercise resistance units  9 A,  9 B for movement toward and away from each other in intersecting planes, e.g., 90°, as shown. FIGS.  3 - 5  show a second embodiment, wherein upper and lower wall mounted rails  5 A′,  7 A′,  5 B′,  7 B′ similarly movably mount resistance units  9 A,  9 B. In the illustrated embodiments, the exercise resistance units  9 A,  9 B are adjustable weight stack units providing independent sources of isotonic exercise resistance. The &#39;459 patent discloses, however, that other types of exercise resistance could be provided, including progressive and isokinetic resistance, utilizing various known mechanisms.  
           [0005]    Since weight stack units  9 A,  9 B are essentially identical, forming mirror images of each other, a description of one will suffice. Weight stack unit  9 A includes a stack of weight plates  11  operably connected through a block and tackle assembly with one end of a barbell  13 . In particular, the block and tackle assembly comprises a flexible pull-line  15  (e.g., a cable) having an end portion equipped with a ring or other conventional connector member  16  releasably attachable to one end of barbell  13 . A pull-position adjustment pulley block  17  is releasably attachable at different positions along a vertical guide beam  19 , by a known aperture and locking pin arrangement, and serves to establish a vertically adjustable pull origination point, i.e. rest position for connector member  16 . In order to maximize exercise versatility and freedom of movement, pulley block  17  is preferably mounted to pivot freely in the horizontal plane. With barbell  13  attached at its opposite ends to a connector member  16  of each weight stack unit  9 A,  9 B, the pull-position adjustment pulley blocks  17  serve to establish a vertically adjustable rest position of the barbell.  
           [0006]    The inventive apparatus of the &#39;459 patent is not limited to exercises with a barbell. A variety of exercise attachments, e.g., handles and bars, as are known in the art, may be attached to connectors  16 . This allows numerous different exercises to be performed with the two weight stack units, individually and together.  
           [0007]    Weight stack units  9 A,  9 B can move independently of one another on their respective pairs of upper and lower rails  5 A,  7 A,  5 B,  7 B ( 5 A′,  7 A′,  5 B′,  7 B′ as shown in FIGS.  3 - 5 ). A locking arrangement is provided for allowing each weight stack unit to be conveniently releasably held, i.e., locked, in a desired position along the rails. The locking arrangement may comprise a series of spaced apertures in one or both of the upper and lower rail assemblies, and a locking mechanism on each weight stack unit comprising upper and/or lower pins that are selectively extensible into and retractable from the rail apertures. The capability to selectively lock each weight stack unit in different horizontal positions, coupled with the vertical adjustability afforded by adjustment pulley block  17 , allows the pull-position, i.e., rest position of connector  16 , of each weight stack unit to be moved substantially throughout a range of x-y coordinates within the boundaries of the respective upper and lower rails. Exemplary positions of the weight stack units  9 A,  9 B and corresponding adjustment pulley blocks  17  are illustrated FIG. 2. This mobility provides a very high degree of versatility, allowing a wide range of different exercises and exercise variations to be performed (with one weight stack unit or both simultaneously).  
           [0008]    In the free standing embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a locking mechanism is illustrated with a lower pin  35  for engaging apertures in lower rail  7 A. In the wall mounted rail embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a modified locking mechanism has a lower pin  35  for engaging apertures in lower rail  7 A′, as well as an upper pin  37  for engaging apertures in upper rail  5 A′. A two pin arrangement is generally preferred to provide additional stability and increased locking strength.  
           [0009]    Referring now particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is seen how the wall mounted embodiment of the &#39;459 patent can be installed in a corner area of a room, for highly space efficient use and storage. The set-up illustrated in FIG. 4 is for the performance of bench press exercises. Weight stack units  9 A,  9 B are spaced from the apex of the intersecting planes of their movement (i.e., the room comer). Barbell  13  is connected at its ends to respective pull-lines of weight stack units  9 A,  9 B, and a user support bench  81  is positioned therebelow. Bench  81  comprises a pair of articulated generally planar body support members  83 ,  85 , and a pair of supporting legs  87 ,  89  attached thereto. Body support member  83  may be made movable to different inclined positions in order to allow for performance of inclined bench presses and other exercises.  
           [0010]    In FIG. 5, barbell  13  has been disconnected from weight stack units  9 A,  9 B, bench  81  has been collapsed, and weight stack units  9 A,  9 B have been moved along the rails to positions adjacent each other and proximal the room corner. So positioned, a space  91  between the weight stack units and supporting framework (in this case, the walls) is created, and that space is utilized to store, upright, collapsed bench  81  and barbell  13 . In addition, other exercise accessories, including other attachments to connectors  16 , maybe stored in space  91 .  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS  
         [0011]    In view of the foregoing, it is a principal object of the present inventions to provide a number of improvements and additions to the exercise apparatus of the &#39;459 patent, which provide significant space utilization and aesthetic benefits and/or offer additional exercises and improved ease of use.  
           [0012]    In a first one of the inventions, an exercise apparatus includes a framework supporting two independent exercise resistance units and mounting the two exercise resistance units for movement toward and away from each other to respective use positions wherein the units are operable by a user in conjunction with each other to perform exercises, and to respective storage positions. Each of the exercise resistance units is movably mounted on a rail of the framework. The rail has a segment which is movable between an extended use position allowing a respective exercise resistance unit to move therealong, and a storage position reducing a footprint of the framework.  
           [0013]    In a second one of the inventions, an exercise apparatus includes a framework supporting two independent exercise resistance units and mounting the two exercise resistance units for movement toward and away from each other to respective use positions wherein the units are operable by a user in conjunction with each other to perform exercises, and to respective storage positions. A cover panel is movably connected to the framework for movement between a closed position at least partially covering at least one of the exercise resistance units when the at least one exercise unit is in its storage position, and an open position exposing the at least one exercise resistance unit for use.  
           [0014]    In a third one of the inventions, an exercise apparatus includes an adjustable exercise resistance structure. A pair of flexible line segments are operably connected to said exercise resistance structure. Each line segment has a respective end portion equipped with a connector adapted to be attached to a movable exercise member. The structure mounts the end portions such that they may be used in conjunction with each other to perform exercises. The exercise resistance structure supports the line segments such that the respective end portions are maintained in respective vertically adjustable rest positions. Each line segment is extensible against a bias of exercise resistance provided by said structure, independently of the other line segment, to allow the respective end portion to move away from its rest position. Each line segment is independently retractable, by the bias, to return the end portion to its rest position. The apparatus further includes a barbell, and a pair of Smith guide columns and bearings attached adjacent respective adjustable mounts of said end portions. Each bearing is attachable to a line segment, and has a connector assembly for attachment of the barbell. The bearings are movable to positions permitting the barbell to be attached to, and to extend between, the respective connector assemblies. A starting position of the barbell is adjustable along the Smith guide columns by vertically adjusting the rest positions of the respective line segment end portions, and moving the bearings along the Smith guide columns.  
           [0015]    In a fourth one of the inventions, an exercise resistance unit includes a flexible line segment operably connected to a source of exercise resistance and having an end portion equipped with a connector adapted to be attached to a movable exercise member. The exercise resistance unit supports the line segment such that the end portion thereto is maintained in a vertically adjustable rest position. The line segment is extensible against a bias of the source of exercise resistance to allow the end portion to move away from its rest position. The line segment is retractable, by the bias, to return the end portion to its rest position. The exercise resistance unit includes an adjustable weight stack unit and the line is provided as part of a block and tackle assembly of the adjustable weight stack unit. Each weight stack unit further comprises a vertically extending guide member, a plurality of weight plates slidably mounted on the guide member, and a weight attachment member attached at its upper end to said block and tackle assembly, and being selectively engageable with the weight plates, for selectively lifting a desired number of the weight plates along the guide member. The vertically extending guide member mounts a mechanism for reducing momentum of the lifted weight plates at the end of a lifting stroke, to thereby increase a retraction rate of the line segment.  
           [0016]    In a fifth one of the inventions, an exercise apparatus includes a framework supporting two independent exercise resistance units and mounting the two exercise resistance units for movement toward and away from each other to respective positions wherein the units are operable by a user in conjunction with each other to perform exercises, and to respective storage positions. A treadmill is movably connected to the framework for movement between a storage position and a use position. Each of the exercise resistance units is movably mounted on a rail of the framework, and in the storage position the treadmill extends generally vertically adjacent the rail.  
           [0017]    In a sixth one of the inventions, an exercise handle assembly includes an elongate handle. A flexible strap is connected to extend from opposite ends of the handle. A connector assembly is provided for connecting the flexible strap to a pull-line of an exercise resistance unit. When the strap is tensioned between the handle and the connector assembly, the handle remains generally freely rotatable through an arc residing generally in a plane of the tensioned strap, to thereby facilitate user forearm rotation.  
           [0018]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present inventions will be readily apparent and fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in connection with the appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a free standing exercise apparatus in accordance with the present inventors prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 (the &#39;459 patent), including movable weight stack units with adjustable pull-position pulley blocks; the apparatus is shown set up and being used to perform bench press exercises.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with alternative use positions for the weight stack units and adjustment pulley blocks illustrated in phantom.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a weight stack unit of a wall mounted exercise apparatus in accordance with the prior art &#39;459 patent.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a prior art wall mounted exercise apparatus in accordance with the prior art &#39;459 patent, set up for the performance of bench press exercises.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the prior art apparatus of FIG. 4 in a stowage position.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise apparatus in accordance with one of the inventions, enclosed by cover panels thereof.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in a bench press configuration.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in a leg extension configuration.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a setup of the apparatus of FIG. 6 for a vertical bench attachment.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a setup of the apparatus of FIG. 6 for a preacher curl attachment.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a setup of the apparatus of FIG. 6 for a treadmill option.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in a lat pull-down configuration.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of a barbell connection to a Smith bearing in the apparatus of FIG. 6.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14 is a “see-through” perspective view illustrating an “ergo” handle in accordance with the invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 14 a  is a perspective view of the “ergo” handle of FIG. 14, showing movement thereof.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a weight stack assembly including compression springs employed for functional training exercises, in accordance with one of the present inventions.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 15 a  is a “see-through” perspective view of the weight stack assembly shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the inventive exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in a stowed-away condition with attachments, accessories and options (cover panels open, and weight stacks omitted for clarity).  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 illustrating a setup for one arm rows.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of like exercise apparatus secured together by a modular connector in accordance with one of the inventions.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 18 a  is a close-up perspective view of the modular connector shown in FIG. 18.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 19 is a close-up “see-through” perspective view illustrating extension rail pivot points. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]    Structural Frame  
         [0042]    As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the self-standing structural frame described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 has been improved to reduce the amount of space required when the exercise apparatus is stored. Upper and lower rails have been broken into two parts Patent stationary rails  101  a- 104   a  and extension rails  101   b - 104   b  so that the structural frame of the exercise apparatus can be enclosed within a smaller triangular structure comprising a corner column  104 , a pair of tube columns  105   a  and  105   b , a pair of upper stationary rails  101   a  and  102   a , a pair of lower stationary rails  103   a  and  104   a , an upper cross-beam  106  and a lower cross plate  107 .  
         [0043]    Since mechanisms to the left and right of the exercise apparatus are essentially identical, forming mirror images of each other, a description of one will suffice. Tube column  105   a  is attached to lower rail  103   a  by inserting it inside tubular end  108   a  provided at the apex of a triangular base  108  (see FIG. 12). Triangular base  108  is preferably provided in the shape of a deep triangular tray with tubular end  108   a  provided at one corner, and the side proximate to rail  103   a  being attached to rail  103   a  and cross plate  107  by a nut and bolt assembly going from triangular base  108  through rail  103   a  and plate  107   a  (part of cross plate  107 ). At its upper end, tube  105   a  is inserted into a tubular end  106   a , part of the end structure of upper crossbeam  106 , such respective end structure having a structure similar to that of triangular base  108 . The upper housings for the left and right column ends preferably are provided as a unitary fabricated structure including upper crossbeam  106 .  
         [0044]    Extension rails  101   b - 104   b  may be of various types: collapsible, removable/re-attachable, telescoping, or even provided as a part of a pair of primary cover panels  109   a  and  109   b . Upper extension rails  101   b  and  102   b  are an example of a collapsible type. Lower extension rails  103   b  and  104   b  are an example of a removable/reattachable type. Top extension rail  102   b  is pivoted from a hanging vertical position at points  116  to its extended horizontal position by disengaging pin  110  (see FIG. 19) and pushing the free end of the extension rail up to a horizontal position where pin  110  can be reinserted into hole  11 . The bottom extension rail  103   b  (see FIG. 7) is positioned for use by sliding plate  103   c  (see FIG. 16) into a slot or space formed by a tab  108   b  (see FIGS. 6 and 16) of triangular base  108 . In FIG. 16, the upper extension rail segment is shown hanging generally vertically, and bottom extension rail  103   b  is removed and resting generally vertically on top of stationary rail  103  a.  
         [0045]    Panels  
         [0046]    Moveable cover panels  109   a  and  109   b  (FIG. 6) have been added to the exercise apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 so that it can be enclosed, simulating a corner closet as shown in FIG. 6. Panel  109   b  (with associated framework) is attached to tube column  105   a  through hinge plates  112  and  113 . Tube column  105   a  thus serves as a hinge support permitting panel  109   b  to be pivoted into opened and closed positions by engaging handle  114 . The outside of the cover panels  109   a  and  109   b  can have mirrors attached or decorative surface finishes, e.g., a wood finish, that can match the decor of the room where the machine is placed.  
         [0047]    Inner (secondary) panels  115  and  116  of the cover panels  109   a  and  109   b  (see FIG. 9) can be used to provide two additional features: 1) mirrors for users to check their posture while performing exercises and 2) informative postings, e.g., exercise illustrations and adjustment instructions per user height. Inner panel  115  is preferably about half the width of the outer (primary) panel, and provided with a separate centrally located hinge  117 . Separate hinge  117  permits secondary panel  115  to be folded to one side to expose a mirror, and to the other side to expose informative postings.  
         [0048]    Smith Ensemble  
         [0049]    The set-up illustrated in FIG. 7 is for the performance of exercises with a removable barbell  118  connected to bearings  119  and  120  guided by linear guides  121  and  122 . As shown, barbell  118  is usable to perform guided bench press, military press and squat exercises. In the industry, this setup of a barbell guided through a vertical linear movement is known as a “Smith” machine. A self-standing Smith machine is common among fitness facilities. In accordance with one of the present inventions, and in contrast to known arrangements, a Smith ensemble (barbell  118 , Smith guides  121  and  122  and Smith bearings  119  and  120 ) is integrated within a setup of resistance units, such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459. The vertical guide column  123  for the pull-position adjustment pulley block  124  has been displaced a few inches to one side in order to accommodate the Smith ensemble. Such integration increases the number of guided exercises possible with the described exercise apparatus, without limiting its ability to be enclosed within the structural frame above described.  
         [0050]    Each Smith ensemble has also been equipped with a Smith safety support  125  so the user can quickly rest the weight lifted when he/she has reached momentarily muscle fatigue. This is done by engaging a Smith hook  126  (see FIG. 13) in slots  125   a  (see FIG. 7—also provided at the opposite side). Hooks  126  are welded adjacent each end of the barbell such that the user may drop them into the slots of the Smith safety support  125  (FIG. 7) by rotating barbell  118 . Plates  127  (FIG. 13) are rotatably secured at each end of the barbell  118  to allow rotation of the barbell on its own axis while the barbell is engaged with the Smith bearings by way of a spring loaded pin  134 . The barbell  127  is removable by disengaging a spring loaded pin  134  from plate  127 , whereupon the end of the barbell can be pivoted up and out of connector assembly  132 .  
         [0051]    The Smith guides  121  and  122  (FIG. 7) are preferably slightly slanted to imitate more closely the natural displacement of a barbell throughout the exercise movement when done with free weights.  
         [0052]    As shown in FIG. 7, the Smith guide  122  is attached to redesigned upper and lower structural housings  128  and  129  (top and bottom waists) of each moveable resistance unit (e.g., weight stack), and U-shaped guide member  130 , serving as mounting locations for the Smith guide. Each Smith guide has a bearing to which the line offering the resistance, i.e. cable  131 , is attached with connectors of conventional design. Each bearing is counterbalanced in a known manner by attaching to it a line segment that extends upwardly to a small top pulley and then downwardly to a counterweight  119   a  (see FIG. 11) which is guided by its own vertical guide (not shown). Such a vertical guide is attached to the lower structural housing  128  and at the top to the upper structural housing  129 . Counterbalanced bearings are standard in the industry, and are provided particularly for those users that would not be able to lift the total weight of the bearings and Smith bar without any additional resistance.  
         [0053]    Bearing connector assembly  132  (see FIG. 13) has several positions for fine height adjustments of the barbell. Macro adjustments of the starting position for the Smith bearings are achieved using holes  133  of pulley column  123  (see FIG. 7). The objective is for the user to be able to make smaller adjustments to better position the height of the barbell at an appropriate starting height. As an example, for bench press exercises the user will make a macro adjustment of the barbell height by selecting the height of the pull-position adjustment pulley block  124 , and then make fine adjustments of barbell height by selecting the position of the spring-loaded pin  134  (FIG. 13) of connector assembly  132 .  
         [0054]    Folding Bench  
         [0055]    As seen in FIGS.  8 - 11 , the folding bench described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 has been re-designed to collapse (see FIG. 11) more tightly and easier against corner column  104 , and to provide easier setup for moving from exercise to exercise. Its horizontal structural support  135  is a telescoping lever anchored to corner column  104  by a pin  136  selectively positioned in holes (not shown) provided inside a generally “H” shaped cross-section of corner column  104 . This telescoping lever maintains the bench in a centered bisecting plane of the exercise apparatus, so users only have to move the bench towards or away from the corner and engage/disengage pin  136   a  (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and not worry about the bench being properly positioned to provide an equally distanced engagement of handles attached to each weight stack unit. In addition, horizontal bench support  135  provides guidance to fold the bench upright into a stowage position against corner column  104 , as shown in FIG. 11. A “U”-shaped bench support  137  (FIG. 7) is collapsible against the backside of the seat support, as shown in FIG. 11.  
         [0056]    A pair of rollers  138  and pulleys  139  (see FIG. 7) have been added at the lower part of bench support  137 . Spring-loaded rollers can be used to lift support  137  from contact with the ground, to thereby help the user easily move the bench to a desired position when he/she is not seated on it. The two pulleys provide guidance for the lowest possible starting position of a handle  140  (see FIG. 17) connected through a cable  141  and connector  142  to the weight stacks.  
         [0057]    Lat Pull-Down Pulleys  
         [0058]    The upper cross beam  106  includes a pair of lat pull-down pulleys  142  (see FIG. 12) placed at its center, each with a separate cable  143 . A cable end connector  144  is maintained below center pull-down pulleys  142  as the cable extends over the lat pull-down pulley  142  toward pulley  145  (hidden) and, when not in use, it may be stored extended around pulley  145  to a storage hook positioned at  146  (hidden). The lat pull-down pulleys  142  are set within a housing  106   c  that allows the pulleys to pivot toward or away from the corner.  
         [0059]    Vertical Bench  
         [0060]    A vertical bench attachment, shown in FIG. 9, is used for exercises such as vertical knee raises and dips. A structural beam  146  attaches a hinged back support  147 , two arm supports  148 , two hinged tube handles  149  and upper and lower diagonal supports  150 ,  151 . The vertical bench  180  stores hanging flat from a stretching bar  152 , as shown in FIG. 16 (bar  52  seen also in FIG. 7). For use, the user places both of the movable resistance units in a vertical bench position, as shown in FIG. 9. The upper and lower diagonal supports  150 ,  151  of the vertical bench are placed in slots  125   a  (see FIG. 7) of Smith safety column  125  at a desired height. For doing vertical knee raises, the tube handles  149  are locked in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 9, and for dips they are locked in a horizontal position by a disengaging pin  152   a.    
         [0061]    Preacher Curl  
         [0062]    A preacher curl attachment, as shown in FIG. 10, can be placed in a connector  153  (see FIG. 8). A support pad  154  of the preacher curl attachment has at least two different positions, inclined and flat, that are selected by selectively engaging a pin (not shown) at  155 . Height adjustments are also possible by selectively engaging a pin (not visible) at  156 . In FIG. 16, the preacher curl attachment  181  is shown in a stowed-away position.  
         [0063]    Leg Extension and Leg Curl Attachment  
         [0064]    This attachment is improved over the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459 in that each set of ankle pads  157  and  158  (see FIG. 8) can be removed, turned 90 degrees, and reattached so it can be stored behind the plane of movement of the resistance unit, as seen in FIG. 16 (attachment labeled  158   a ).  
         [0065]    Treadmill  
         [0066]    A folding electric treadmill  159  (see FIG. 11) has been added to the exercise apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,459. Electric treadmills are well known in the industry, so a description is only provided for the novel features related to folding the treadmill very tightly behind the moving plane of the resistance unit (to position  160  shown in FIG. 16). The main structural housing  161  (see FIG. 11) holding the motor and frame of the treadmill rests on the floor and is attached to the outer side of the bottom rail  103   a  (see FIG. 6) and triangular base  108  (see FIG. 12). The pivot axis of the treadmill is preferably aligned with the rotational axis of the drive motor. The treadmill drive motor is preferably controlled by way of an electronic console  162  that also controls the inclination of the treadmill. The power and data cables (not shown) connecting the motor with the electronic console may be conveniently run inside tube column  105   a  (see FIG. 6). The electronic console  162  hangs from the top rail  101   b  as shown, and it is pulled down from its stored position  163  (see FIG. 16) to a comfortable eye level as the user stands on the running belt. The electronic console provides selective exercise programs, a heart rate monitor, and other electronic features common to treadmills. In addition, the screen monitor could be connected to be used as a TV and to surf the Internet. A handrail  164  of the treadmill is preferably made of two parts that are also foldable upright along with the treadmill.  
         [0067]    Functional Training  
         [0068]    Functional training is beneficial for sport and lifestyle body movements done repeatedly with considerable speed, i.e. punches and kicks. It requires that the momentum of the weight stacks be significantly reduced in order for the weight stack cable to retract instantly for a next repetition. To permit this action, guiding rods  165  (see FIG. 15) for weight stack  166  are made hollow. A compression spring  167  is placed inside each guide above the weight stack. Grooves  168  at each side of the guides provide clearance for engaging a removable key  169 . These grooves start from a height where the key rests and extend to a maximum height allowable by compression of spring.  
         [0069]    Ergo Handles  
         [0070]    Handles as shown in FIG. 14 are designed to allow freedom of movement on wrist acceleration/deceleration  170  and forearm clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation  171 . The objective is to reduce stress in the wrists during exercises by allowing the wrist and forearm to freely rotate at their main axis of rotation. Accelerations and decelerations are made possible by the handle being configured as a tube  172  that rotates on the outside of an inner cylindrical housing holding a set of rollers  173 . Forearm rotation is provided by having a strap  174  extending inside the inner housing of the handle through the set of rollers  173 . (It will be understood that “strap” as used herein encompasses not only a flat strap as illustrated, but also various other types of strapping, including cable, rope and other types of line.) The rollers serve to facilitate the handle&#39;s clockwise or counterclockwise travel along the strap, which forms a closed loop connected through an eyelet  175  to a connector  176 . As depicted by the arrows in FIG. 14 a , the handle slides along the strap, facilitated by the rollers inside the handle and extending to the opposite outsides. Thus, when the strap is tensioned between the handle and the exemplary connector assembly formed by eyelet  175  and connector  176 , the handle is generally freely rotatable through an arc residing generally in a plane of the tensioned strap. The handle also rotates on its own longitudinal axis.  
         [0071]    Stretching Bar  
         [0072]    An adjustable stretching bar  152  (see FIG. 7) is attached to plate  177  and corner column  4 . The attachment in the corner column is vertically adjustable by positioning pin  178  in a selected one of holes  179 .  
         [0073]    Modular Connector  
         [0074]    One or more modular connectors  182  (see FIGS. 18 and 18 a ) may be used to securely attach one structural frame to another like frame by their respective tube columns  105   a  and  105   b . Preferably, the adjacent frames (systems) are connected adjacent both their upper and lower rails, between the panel hinge plates  112  and  113  (see FIG. 6). This arrangement provides additional structural integrity and stability when plural systems are employed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 18.  
         [0075]    The present inventions have been described in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Other embodiments, features and variations within the scope and spirit of the inventions as defined in the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.