Patent Publication Number: US-11020627-B1

Title: Exercise machine ergonomic handle system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/096,117 filed on Nov. 12, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/693,089 filed on Nov. 22, 2019 which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 10,835,775 on Nov. 17, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/558,469 filed on Sep. 3, 2019 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,486,017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/119,793 filed on Aug. 31, 2018 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,518,127, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/973,050 filed on May 7, 2018 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,065,069, which is a continuation U.S. application Ser. No. 15/645,116 filed on Jul. 10, 2017 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,962,573, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/860,273 filed on Sep. 21, 2015 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,754, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/524,597 filed on Oct. 27, 2014 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,138,606, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/895,538 filed Oct. 25, 2013. Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to an exercise machine and more specifically it relates to an exercise machine ergonomic handle system for reducing physical strain on an exerciser during exercises. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Exercise machines have been in use for many years. One common exercise machine that has enjoyed increasing popularity is the Pilates machine. A conventional Pilates machine generally includes a frame, a track extending across the frame, one or more platforms at the end of the frame, one or more handles extending directly or indirectly from the frame and a carriage movably connected to the track. The carriage is connected to one end of the frame by one or more bias members such as springs. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,803,095 and 8,641,585 to Sebastien Lagree both disclose exemplary exercise machines suitable for Pilates exercises and additional exercises. While conventional Pilates machines are acceptable for many exercises, they can result in significant strain on the exerciser&#39;s arms, wrists and hands during extension type exercises because of the non-movability of the handles during the exercise. 
     Because of the inherent problems with the related art, what would be useful is an exercise machine ergonomic handle system for reducing physical strain on an exerciser during exercises. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to an exercise machine that includes handles configured to rotate about an axis encompassed by the handles in order to improve the ergonomics of using the exercise machine. The exercise machine may be a Pilates type machine adapted with an ergonomic handle system to provide hand-holds for the performance of exercises with reduced flexion and/or extension of the hand and wrist and reduced ulnar and/or radial deviation so as to reduce injury and allow application of full strength to the exercise machine. The exercise machine ergonomic handle system generally includes a longitudinally extending frame, a carriage that moves upon a first longitudinal portion of the frame, and at least one pair of ergonomic handles positioned on a second longitudinal portion of the frame. The ergonomic handles rotate about an axis to prevent flexion and/or extension, and can be positioned at a width and/or angle that reduces ulnar and/or radial deviation. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention in a first position of use. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention in a second position of use. 
         FIG. 3C  is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention in a first position of use. 
         FIG. 3D  is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention in a second position of use. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a portion of an embodiment illustrating details of ergonomic handles in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 4  illustrate various aspects and embodiments of an exercise machine ergonomic handle system  100 , which comprises a carriage  120  slidably positioned upon a frame  110  via one or more rails  116 . A plurality of handles  140  are attached directly to the frame  110  or indirectly to the frame  110  via one or more platforms  130 . Each handle  140  rotates about an axis  108  that is encompassed by the handle  140  and typically in substantially the same horizontal plane as the carriage  120 . The system  100  includes at least one pair of handles  140  positioned outside the longitudinal range of motion of the carriage  120 , but may also optionally comprise multiple pairs of handles  140 . The handles  140  are typically used in pairs that are preferably positioned an ergonomic distance W apart on opposing sides of a longitudinal axis, and preferably positioned with the rotational axis  108  at an ergonomic angle θ. When mounted on or near the platforms  130 , the handles  140  may be positioned within cutouts  145  in the platforms  130 . U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,803,095 and 8,641,585 to Sebastien Lagree both disclose exemplary exercise machines and are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     B. Exercise Machine 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate aspects of exemplary exercise machines  100  for use with the present invention. In particular, the present invention is preferably utilized within a Pilates exercise machine  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . While the figures and description illustrate and describe the exercise machine  100  as being comprised of a Pilates machine, it is appreciated that the present invention may be utilized in combination with other exercise machines such as weight machines and the like. 
       FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B  illustrate an embodiment of an exercise machine or exercise machine ergonomic handle system (hereinafter ‘exercise machine’)  100 . The exemplary embodiment comprises a frame  110  including transverse legs  112  connected by longitudinal supports  114 . The frame  110  may also take other suitable forms, such as a rectangular box or a lattice structure, without departing from the scope of the invention. The frame  110  may further be formed of any suitable material, including wood (solid, plywood, pressed fiberboard), metal (steel, aluminum, magnesium, alloys, etc.), high-strength plastic (PVC, HDPE, etc.), composites (fiberglass, carbon fiber, fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.), and combinations thereof. Rails  116  extend longitudinally between ends of the frame  110  or longitudinally between platforms  130 . The rails  116  may comprise part of the frame  110 , or may be attached separately thereto, and may be adapted or angled to support complementary elements on the carriage  120 . 
     An exemplary exercise machine  100  further comprises platforms  130  at or near both ends of the frame  110 , although one or both may optionally be omitted. As used herein, the term “near” encompasses platforms  130  that at least partially overhang an end of the frame  110 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , platforms  130  that are flush with an end of the frame  110 , and platforms  130  that are positioned between an end of the frame  110  and the carriage  120 . These platforms  130  may be referred to first and second platforms  130 , or, within the Pilates art, as head and foot platforms  130 . The platforms  130  may be attached directly to the frame  110  or may be attached indirectly to the frame  110 , such as via rails  116 . As illustrated, exemplary platforms  130  in  FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B  are generally rectangular and have cutouts  145  in each corner to provide a standoff distance for the mounting and utilization of handles  140  in substantially the same plane as the platforms  130 . The platforms  130  may further be formed of any suitable material, including wood (solid, plywood, pressed fiberboard), metal (steel, aluminum, magnesium, alloys, etc.), high-strength plastic (PVC, HDPE, etc.), composites (fiberglass, carbon fiber, fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.), and combinations thereof, and may further include padding or texturing on an upper surface. The platforms  130  include a portion  132  that extends centrally as shown in  FIG. 4  of the drawings. 
     The exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B  further includes a foot bar  160  on one of the platforms  130 . The foot bar  160  typically comprises vertical supports and a padded bar extending therebetween transverse to the longitudinal axis. The foot bar  160  may be integral to the platform  130 , or may be removable, adjustable, and/or foldable (not illustrated). The foot bar  160  may be used for performing various exercises, including Pilates movements. 
     An exemplary exercise machine  100  further comprises a carriage  120  mounted to move longitudinally upon rails  116  between platforms  130 . As discussed in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D , the carriage  120  is operatively connected to the frame  110  via springs  150  to provide a tension force when the carriage  120  is moved by a user during the performance of exercises. 
     In one embodiment, the exercise machine  100  comprises a frame  110  having a longitudinal axis (designated as C L  in  FIGS. 2A and 4 ), a carriage  120  positioned upon the frame  110 , wherein the carriage  120  is adapted to be movable along a first portion of the longitudinal axis (designated as  102  in  FIG. 2B ), and a pair of handles  140  attached directly or indirectly to the frame  110  on opposing sides of a second portion of the longitudinal axis (designated as  104  in  FIG. 2B ), wherein each handle  140  is configured to rotate about an axis (designated  108  in  FIG. 4 ) encompassed by the handle  140 . While the handles  140  may be attached directly to the frame  110 , they may also be attached indirectly to the frame  110 , such as by being attached to a platform  130  that is fixed to the frame  110  near one of its ends. 
     In another embodiment, the exercise machine  100  comprises a frame  110  having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis (designated as C L  in  FIGS. 2A and 4 ) extending therebetween, at least one platform  130  attached to the frame  110  near an end (e.g., a first end), a carriage  120  positioned upon the frame  110  between the first and second ends, wherein the carriage  120  is adapted to be movable along a first portion of the longitudinal axis (designated as  102  in  FIG. 2B ), at least one spring  150  positioned between the frame  110  and the carriage  120  to provide a tensile or tension force on the carriage  120 , and a first pair of handles  140  attached to the platform  130  or fixed near the platform  130  on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis, wherein each handle  140  is configured to rotate about a central axis  108  encompassed by the handle  140 . 
     In a further embodiment, the exercise machine  100  comprises a frame  110  having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis (designated as C L  in  FIGS. 2A and 4 ) extending therebetween, at least one platform  130  attached to the frame  110  near an end (e.g., a first end), a carriage  120  positioned upon the frame  110  between the first and second ends, wherein the carriage  120  is adapted to be movable along a first portion of the longitudinal axis (designated as  102  in  FIG. 2B ), at least one pair of handles  140  attached to the platform  130  or fixed near the platform  130  with one handle  140  of each pair positioned on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis. Each handle  140  in this further embodiment is configured to rotate about a central axis  108  encompassed by the handle  140 , each pair of handles  140  comprises portions positioned between approximately 13 inches and 15 inches apart (between approximately 33 cm and 38 cm apart), and the central axis  108  of each handle  140  is positioned at an angle between approximately 95° and 112° as measured relative to an extension of the longitudinal axis between each pair of handles  140  and beyond the first end of the frame  110 . 
     C. Ergonomic Handles 
     An embodiment of the ergonomic handles  140  that are disclosed generally in  FIGS. 1, 2A-2B and 3A-3D  is illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 4 , which shows a platform  130  at one end of an exemplary exercise machine  100 , and the ergonomic handles  140  employed in the embodiment. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the platform  130  is attached near the end of frame  110  (illustrated with a slight overhang). The frame  110  is shown as slightly wider than platform  130 , and such an arrangement aids in the stability of the exercise machine  100 . The platform  130  is substantially rectangular, and includes cutout  145  portions for mounting of handles  140 . The handle mounting structure may be connected to either the frame  110  or the platform  130 . While the cutouts  145  are shown as being in the edge of platform  130 , it is also possible to use cutouts  145  that are formed as apertures (not shown) in platform  130 . It is further possible to mount handles  140  near the platform  130  at a standoff distance without the use of any cutouts  145 . The cutouts  145  shown in  FIG. 4  provide a standoff distance between each handle  140  and the inner edge (or outer edge) of the platform  130  so as to allow a user&#39;s hand to grip and rotate about the handle  140  without the user&#39;s fingers or hand contacting the platform  130 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an opening formed between each handle  140  and the platform  130  that is large enough to allow a hand to be inserted through as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A through 3D  of the drawings. As best shown in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , each opening formed between the handles  140  and the platform  130  are elongated and extends in a direction substantially parallel with respect to the corresponding handle  140 . The edges and corners of the cutouts  145  may be rounded or smooth to lessen the impact of incidental contact. 
     Pairs of handles  140  are positioned with left and right handles  140  on opposite sides of a centerline C L  formed by the longitudinal axis. Although shown as equidistant from the centerline C L  and in the same transverse and horizontal locations, this is not meant as a limitation, and it is possible to have the handles  140  in each pair offset from one another. The platform  130  shown in  FIG. 4  has two pairs of handles  140 , with one pair at a proximal end closer to the user and the carriage  120 , and a second pair at a distal end of platform  130 , farther away from the user and the carriage  120 . Such locations provide hand-holding positions that may accommodate users of various sizes or be used for different exercises. 
     Each of the handles  140  may have a length of any suitable size that does not impede use of the machine  100 . However, it has been found that a length of approximately 6 inches to 6.5 inches (approximately 15 to 16.5 cm) can accommodate the majority of user&#39;s hands without taking too much space away from the platform  130  or interfering with other uses of the exercise machine  100 . Although illustrated as substantially cylindrical, the handles  140  are not limited to this form and may take other forms, including but not limited to prismatic shapes, frustoconical shapes, molded grip shapes, saddle shapes, and combinations thereof (not shown). The handles  140  are rotatable about an axis, preferably a central axis  108  that is encompassed (at least partially) by the exterior shape of the handle  140 . As discussed further with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D , the ability of the handle  140  to rotate can reduce flexion and extension during use. 
     Additionally, the placement of the center of the handles  140  at a width W that approximates the shoulder width (biacromial) of a majority of users can also help reduce ulnar and radial deviation during use. The biacromial width of the 5 th  percentile female is 13.12 inches, the biacromial width of the 95 th  percentile male is 16.78 inches, and the midpoint of the two is 14.95 inches. However, it has been found that the range of ulnar deviation is angularly wider than radial deviation for an equivalent reduction in hand strength. Therefore, biasing the dimensions so that the largest person would experience slightly wider ulnar deviation is preferable to a smallest person experiencing a more extreme radial deviation. As such, it has been found that an approximate distance between the centers of 6 inch wide handles  140  of approximately 14 inches is preferred for reduction of ulnar and radial deviation during use. However, width W ranges between centers of handles  140  of in the range of approximately 13 inches to 15 inches (between approximately 33 cm and 38 cm apart) will still act to acceptably reduce ulnar and/or radial deviation. 
     In order to further reduce ulnar and/or radial deviation, the axis  108  of each handle  140  is preferably positioned at an ergonomic angle θ as measured relative to an extension of the longitudinal axis between the handles  140  and beyond an end of the frame  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The angle θ is preferably obtuse. It has been found that an angle θ between approximately 950 and 1120 will generally work to reduce musculoskeletal stress on a majority of users, with an angle θ between approximately 96° and 98° being preferred, and an angle θ of approximately 97 being the most preferred. 
     Although illustrated as fixed in position, it is further possible to allow adjustability of the width W and/or the angle θ of handles  140  within the disclosed ranges via an adjustable handle mounting structure (not shown) that uses locking detents, a sliding/clamping mechanism or the like. Additionally, although disclosed in  FIG. 4  as having identical widths W and angles θ, the proximal and distal pairs of handles  140  may have different widths W and angles θ within the acceptable disclosed ranges or outside of these ranges (so long as one pair falls within the ranges). The handles  140  may be cylindrical in form, may have an approximately 1¼ inch diameter, and may be covered with a grip or cushion grip. A bearing or bushing surface (not shown) for rotation of the handles  140  may be located either in the mounting structure or be part of the handle  140 . 
     D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
     In use, the handles  140  may be gripped by a user during performance of an exercise on an exercise machine  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D . In  FIGS. 3A and 3C , a user is positioned on the carriage  120  mounted on the frame  110  and grips the handles  140  near the platform  130 . At position D 1 , the user&#39;s arms reach out and their hands grip the handles  140  at an angle α. A user may apply force F to the carriage  120  that is counteracted by a resistance force R from the springs  150 . In  FIGS. 3B and 3D , the user has moved the carriage  120  to position D 2  as part of performing the exercise via an increased force F applied through the handles  140  against an increased resistance force from the springs  150 . The user&#39;s arms and hands are now at an angle α+X°, but because the handles  140  are able to rotate, the user&#39;s hands are not subject to flexion or extension due to the change in angle during the exercise movement from D 1  to D 2 . Without flexion or extension, the user can apply full strength during the exercise to maximize effectiveness of the exercise. 
     With ergonomic positioning of the width W and angle θ of the handles  140 , ulnar and radial stresses are minimized to prevent injury. More specifically, the positioning of the handles  140  at a width W approximating the width of the user&#39;s shoulders places the arms and wrists in natural alignment with the handles  140  to reduce ulnar and radial deviation. Positioning the angle θ of the handles  140  at an ergonomic angle approximating a natural alignment of the user&#39;s hands and wrist relative to the user&#39;s shoulder similarly reduces ulnar and radial deviation. 
     In this manner, the disclosed embodiments of an exercise machine ergonomic handle system  100  in accordance with the present invention provides beneficial ergonomic hand-holding features that prevent injury of the wrist and connective tissue during the performance of an exercise. 
     E. Embodiments 
     In a basic embodiment, the exercise machine  100  includes a frame  110  having a longitudinal axis and a carriage  120  positioned upon the frame  110 , typically via one or more rails  116 . The carriage  120  is adapted to be movable along a first portion of the longitudinal axis  102 , typically by rolling or sliding on one or more rails  116 . A pair of handles  140  is attached directly or indirectly to the frame  110  on opposing sides of a second portion of the longitudinal axis  104 , and each handle  140  is configured to rotate about an axis  108  encompassed by said handle  140  for improved ergonomics. Variations of the basic embodiment may include one or more additional aspects, which may also be used in combination. 
     The ergonomics of the handles  140  in the basic embodiment can further be advanced by one of more additional dimensional aspects. For example, the handles  140  may have an axial length of approximately 6 inches to 6.5 inches (approximately 15 cm to 16.5 cm) so as to fit a wide variety of users&#39; hand sizes without occupying too much space on the machine  100 . Similarly, the centers of the handles  140  may be positioned between approximately 13 inches and 15 inches apart (between approximately 33 cm and 38 cm apart) so as to limit the ulnar and radial deviation for the majority of users. Ulnar and radial deviation for the majority of users may also be limited by positioning the axis of each handle  140  within a specified angular range, as discussed in further detail below. The handles  140  in the basic embodiment may also be substantially cylindrical and rotate about a central axis  108 . 
     The basic embodiment may optionally include a platform  130  fixed to the frame  110  along the second portion of said longitudinal axis  104 . The platform  130  may optionally comprise cutouts  145  on opposing sides of the second portion of the longitudinal axis  104  in which the handles  140  can be positioned. The platform  130  may also include a foot bar  160 . 
     The basic embodiment of the exercise machine  100  may take the form of a Pilates machine and include a spring  150  positioned between the frame  110  and the carriage  120  to provide a tensile or tension force to the carriage  120  for performance of Pilates exercises. 
     In a second embodiment, the exercise machine  100  may generally take the form of a Pilates machine, and the exercise machine  100  includes a frame  110  having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. At least one platform  130  is attached to the frame  110  on one of the ends. A carriage  120  is positioned on the frame  110  between said first and second ends, typically via one or more rails  116 . The carriage  120  is adapted to be movable along a first portion of said longitudinal axis  102 , typically by sliding or rolling on one or more rails  116 . At least one spring  150  is positioned between the frame  110  and said carriage  120  to provide a tensile or tension force to the carriage  120 . A first pair of handles  140  is attached to the platform  130  or fixed near the platform  130  on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis, with each handle  140  again configured to rotate about a central axis  108  encompassed by the handle  140 . Variations of the second embodiment may include one or more additional aspects, which may also be used in combination. 
     The ergonomics of the handles  140  in the second embodiment can further be advanced by one of more additional dimensional aspects. For example, the handles  140  may have an axial length of approximately 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) so as to fit a wide variety of users&#39; hand sizes without occupying too much space on the machine  100 . Similarly, the centers of the handles  140  may be positioned between approximately 13 inches and 15 inches apart (between approximately 33 cm and 38 cm apart) so as to limit the ulnar and radial deviation for the majority of users. Further, the ulnar and radial deviation for the majority of users may also be limited by positioning the axis of each handle  140  within a specified angular range, as discussed in further detail below. The handles  140  in the second embodiment may also be substantially cylindrical and rotate about a central axis  108 . 
     The second embodiment may further include a second pair of handles  140  attached to the platform  130  or fixed near the platform  130  on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis at a distance spaced along the longitudinal axis from said first pair of handles  140 . The platform  130  in the second embodiment may also include cutouts  145  on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis, with the handles  140  being positioned in the cutouts  145 . 
     The second embodiment may also include a second platform  130  attached near the other end of the frame  110 . The second platform  130  may include a pair of additional handles  140  attached to the second platform  130  or fixed near the second platform  130  on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis, wherein each additional handle  140  is configured to rotate about a central axis  108  encompassed by the additional handle  140 . 
     In a third embodiment, the exercise machine  100  includes a frame  110  having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. At least one platform  130  is attached to the frame  110  near the first end, and a carriage  120  is positioned on the frame  110  between said first and second ends, typically via one or more rails  116 . The carriage  120  is adapted to be movable along a first portion of said longitudinal axis  102 , typically by rolling or sliding on one or more rails  116 . At least one pair of handles  140  is attached to the platform  130  or fixed near the platform  130 , with one handle  140  of each pair positioned on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis. In this third embodiment, the handles  140  have further ergonomic aspects such that: each handle  140  is configured to rotate about a central axis  108  encompassed by said handle  140 ; each pair of handles  140  comprises portions positioned between approximately 13 inches and 15 inches apart (between approximately 33 cm and 38 cm apart); and the central axis  108  of each handle  140  is positioned at an angle between approximately 95 and 1120 as measured relative to an extension of the longitudinal axis between each pair of handles  140  and beyond the first end of the frame  110 . Variations of the third embodiment may include one or more additional aspects, which may also be used in combination. 
     Although the handles  140  are disclosed in each of these embodiments as being configured to rotate about an axis  108  encompassed by the handle  140 , it is also possible to use the other disclosed positional aspects of width W and angle θ with non-rotating or limited rotating handles  140 , although such an arrangement is not preferred. Additionally, the invention may be usable in combination with other handle systems such as the adjustable bar members disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,585 to Sebastien Lagree. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. An exercise machine ergonomic handle system has been described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.