Patent ID: 7654938

Claim:
An exercise machine, comprising: a stationary main frame having an upper end, a lower end, a first end, and a second end; a user support frame which is adapted to support a user in an exercise ready position on the main frame; a multiple part pivot assembly pivotally mounting the user support frame relative to the main frame and having multiple pivots which together control pivotal movement of the user support frame in an arcuate exercise movement path about a central pivot axis; the user support frame having at least a primary support and a secondary support which support spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement, the secondary support being secured at a fixed and unchanging angular orientation relative to the primary support at least throughout an exercise movement, the primary support supporting the majority of a user's weight in the start position of the support frame; a user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises; a connecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device during an exercise to movement of the user support frame; a load for resisting movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage; and the central pivot axis of the pivotal movement of the user support frame being positioned such that a gravitational center line which extends vertically through the central pivot axis also extends through the user support frame during at least part of the arcuate exercise movement path of the user support frame and only a portion of the combined weight of the user and user support frame passes through the gravitational center line during an exercise.