Exercise machine with leverage arm

Abstract

An exercise machine utilizes the inherent capabilities of human muscles to exert greater forces during eccentric functions than during concentric functions. The exercise machine comprises a leverage arm pivotally connected to a frame. A force station is at a first distance from the pivotal connection. During a concentric muscle function, a person lifts first weights on the leverage arm. At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small force to the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection. The small force produces a magnified load at the force station that the person resists during an eccentric muscle function. The leverage arm may be adjustable relative to the floor. The weight of the leverage arm may be counterbalanced. Various embodiments of the exercise machine utilize the same principles of physics for exercising different muscles.

1 . A method of exercising selected muscles comprising the steps of: 
 a. resting a frame on a floor;    b. pivotally connecting a leverage arm having a force station to the frame at a pivotal connection;    c. placing first weights on the leverage arm;    d. supporting a person on a support attached to the frame;    e. contacting the force station with a selected part of the body of the person;    f. exerting a concentric function with a selected muscle of the person and pivoting the leverage arm in a first direction;    g. apply a small force to the leverage arm; and    h. exerting an eccentric function with the selected muscle and pivoting the leverage arm in a second direction.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein: 
 a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of creating a first torque by the leverage arm and force station about the pivotal connection; and    b. the method of exercising comprises the further step counterbalancing the first torque about the pivotal connection with a second torque equal and opposite the first torque.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein: 
 a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm having a force station that is at a first distance from the pivotal connection; and    b. the step of applying a small force to the leverage arm comprises the step of placing a second weight on the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with hands of the person.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with shoulders of the person.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with feet of the person.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with the back of the person.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with the abdomen of the person.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with legs of the person.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of adjusting the angular orientation of the leverage arm relative to the floor.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm comprises the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm approximately at the first distance from the pivotal connection.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm comprises the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm approximately at the second distance from the pivotal connection.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein: 
 a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the steps of pivotally connecting a pair of beams having respective spotter ends to the frame, and joining a spotter bar to the beams spotter ends;    b. the step of applying a small force comprises the step of hanging a small weight on the spotter bar.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein: 
 a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of creating a first torque by the leverage arm about the pivotal connection; and    b. the method of exercising comprises the further step of creating a second torque equal and opposite the first torque about the pivotal connection prior to placing the first weights on the leverage arm.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the step of creating a second torque comprises the steps of: 
 a. providing a counterweight beam in operative association with each leverage arm beam and on opposite sides of the pivotal connection as the associated leverage arm beams; and    b. adding counterweights to the counterweight beams in amounts sufficient to create the second torque.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying a small force to the leverage arm comprises the step of manually pushing on the leverage arm.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein: 
 a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of pivotally connecting a pair of beams having respective spotter ends to the frame, and joining a spotter bar to the beams spotter ends; and    b. the step of applying a small force comprises the step of manually pushing on the spotter bar.