Patent ID: 7507190

Claim:
An exercise apparatus comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a cable arranged in the frame, the cable comprising a proximal end and a distal end; (c) a gripping device connected with the proximal end of the cable, the gripping device enabling a user to exert a tensile force on the cable in a desired direction; (d) one or more substantially vertical guides attached to the frame; (e) a resistance source coupled to the distal end of the cable, the resistance source exerting a counter force to the distal end as the proximal end of the cable is pulled by the user, said resistance source comprising: (1) one or more weights arranged in a weight stack, said weights being arranged to move substantially vertically on said guides; (2) a retaining member disposed above said weight stack and arranged to move substantially vertically on said guides, the retaining member coupled to the distal end of the cable and comprising at least two of: (i) first means for removably attaching an upper end of at least one tension spring; (ii) second means for retaining an additional source of resistance; and (iii) third means for selectively coupling to a plurality of weights in said weight stack; (3) a fourth means disposed on the frame for removably attaching a lower end of said tension spring; and (f) a friction reducing device attached to said retaining member, said friction reducing device mechanically and rollingly coupling said retaining member to said guides, said friction reducing device being selected from the group consisting of: (1) a linear ball bearing surrounding said guides; (2) a linear roller bearing surrounding said guides; and (3) a device comprising a bracket and a plurality of rollers rotatably arranged thereon and adapted to roll along said guides; whereby said friction reducing device minimizes friction between said retaining member and said guides.