Isolation exercise machine with leverage arm

Abstract

An isolation exercise machine comprises two force stations and a connection mechanism that causes the force stations to rotate in opposite directions in response to applying forces to the force stations. The forces overcome first loads due to weights placed on exercise arms to which the force stations are joined. The force stations are located relative to a support that enables a person on the support to exercise selected pairs of muscles. A leverage arm is attached to the connection mechanism for rotating with one or the other force station. At the end of a concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small force to the leverage arm. The applied force is converted by the connection mechanism into second loads at the force stations that the person resists during an eccentric muscle function. A counterweight arm and counterweight may be used to cancel out the weight of the leverage arm.

1 . A method of exercising human muscles comprising the steps of: 
 a. resting a frame having a support on a floor;    b. rotatably mounting first and second force stations to the frame;    c. connecting the first and second force stations to rotate in opposite directions;    d. providing a leverage arm;    e. providing first loads to the first and second force stations;    f. supporting a person on the support and placing selected limbs of the person against the force stations; and    g. exerting first forces by the limbs of the person against the first and second force stations that are greater than the first loads and thereby rotating the force stations, and rotating the leverage arm in the direction of a selected one of the first and second force stations.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein: 
 a. the step of rotatably mounting first and second force stations comprises the step of joining the first and second force stations to first and second exercise arms, respectively; and    b. the step of connecting the first and second force stations comprises the step of connecting the first and second exercise arms to each other for rotating in opposite directions.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of adjusting and releasably locking the first and second force stations along the first and second exercise arms, respectively.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein: 
 a. the step of connecting the first and second exercise arms to each other comprises the step off providing a drive train that connects the first and second exercise arms to each other; and    b. the step of providing a leverage arm comprises the step of attaching the leverage arm to the drive train.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the step of providing first loads comprises the step of placing a first weight on at least one of the leverage arms and the first and second exercise arms.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of contacting the leverage arm with the floor prior to exerting the first forces on the first and second force stations.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further steps of: 
 a. providing an adjuster on the leverage arm; and    b. contacting the adjuster with the floor prior to exerting the first forces on the first and second force stations.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further steps of: 
 a. applying a predetermined force to the leverage arm subsequent to applying the first forces to the first and second force stations; and    b. converting the predetermined applied force into second loads at the first and second force stations that are additive to the first loads.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a leverage arm comprises the steps of: 
 a. providing a leverage arm that possesses a leverage arm weight; and    b. canceling out the leverage arm weight.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 4  wherein: 
 a. the step of providing a leverage arm comprises the step of providing a leverage arm that possesses a leverage arm weight; and    b. the step of attaching the leverage arm to the drive train comprises the steps of: 
 i. creating a first torque on the drive train due to the leverage arm weight; and  
 ii. creating a second torque on the drive train equal and opposite the first torque and thereby canceling out the leverage arm weight.  
   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of placing selected limbs against the force stations comprises the step of placing upper arms against the force stations.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of placing selected limbs against the force stations comprises the step of placing knees against the force stations.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the step of applying a predetermined force to the leverage arm comprises the step of applying a predetermined manual force to the leverage arm.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying a predetermined force to the leverage arm comprises the step of applying a predetermined weight to the leverage arm.