Patent ID: 7670269

Claim:
An exercise machine, comprising: a main frame having a front end and a rear end; a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame to support a user in an exercise position, the user support moving about a user support pivot axis in one direction between an exercise start position and an exercise end position during an exercise movement, the user support having a primary portion and a secondary portion which support spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement, the primary portion supporting the majority of a user's weight at least in the exercise start position of the user support, and the secondary portion being secured at a fixed angular orientation relative to the primary portion and not moving relative to the primary portion as the user support travels between the exercise start and end positions during the exercise movement; at least one exercise arm movably mounted relative to the main frame and having at least one handle for gripping by a user positioned on the user support when performing an exercise; a connecting link which links movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support; a load which resists movement of at least one of the user support, exercise arm, and connecting link; and a positioning device which is both separate and spaced from the handle and which controls positioning of the exercise arm in an exercise ready position relative to the user support, the positioning device traveling with the exercise arm and pivotally associated with at least one of the main frame and user support, and including an actuating portion adapted for direct engagement by a user prior to an exercise in order to position the exercise arm in the exercise ready position.