Single Apparatus Converging/Diverging Exercise Machine

Abstract

Principles of exercise machine construction, an exercise machine, components of an exercise machine, and methods related to exercising on or constructing an exercise machine that allows for the performance of multiple different exercises, where the user utilizes related arcs of an arm with a fixed path of motion for the different exercises. Generally the arcs will be utilized for both pull-type exercises and push-type exercises and/or for diverging and converging exercises.

1 . A method of exercising comprising:
 providing an exercise machine including:
 a frame; 
 a resistance object; 
 a first arm moveably attached to said frame, said first arm also being connected to said resistance object; 
 at least two handle manipulation points on said first arm; 
   having a user take a first position relative to said frame, said first position defining a plane of symmetry about which said user is generally symmetrical when in said first position;   having said user move a handle located at said first handle manipulation point in a first motion relative to said plane of symmetry, said first motion being resisted by said resistance object;   having a user take a second position, wherein said user's torso is reversed relative to said torso in said first position, said second position also placing said user so that said user is generally symmetrical to said plane of symmetry;   having said user move a handle located at said second handle manipulation point in a second motion relative to said plane of symmetry, said second motion being resisted by said resistance object;   selecting said first motion and said second motion so that: both said first motion and said second motion converge to said plane of symmetry, both said first motion and said second motion diverge from said plane of symmetry, said first motion converges to said plane of symmetry and said second motion diverges from said plane of symmetry, or said first motion diverges from said plane of symmetry and said second motion converges to said plane of symmetry.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 including within said exercise machine:
 a second arm moveably attached to said frame, said second arm also being connected to said resistance object; 
 at least two handle manipulation points on said second arm; 
 
 having said user in said first position also move a handle located at a first handle manipulation point on said second arm in a third motion relative to said plane of symmetry, said third motion being resisted by said resistance object; and 
 having said user in said second position also move a handle located at a second handle manipulation point on said second arm in a fourth motion relative to said plane of symmetry, said fourth motion being resisted by said resistance object; 
 selecting said third motion and said fourth motion so that: both said third motion and said fourth motion converge to said plane of symmetry, both said third motion and said fourth motion diverge from said plane of symmetry, said third motion converges to said plane of symmetry and said fourth motion diverges from said plane of symmetry, or said third motion diverges from said plane of symmetry and said fourth motion converges to said plane of symmetry. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said first arm and said second arm can move independently of the motion of the other. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the motion of said first arm and the motion of said second arm are dependent. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said first motion, said second motion, said third motion, and said fourth motion comprise rotation about an axis. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said first motion and said second motion comprise rotation about a different axis from said third motion and said fourth motion. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said third motion is symmetrical to said first motion relative to said plane of symmetry. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said fourth motion is symmetrical to said second motion relative to said plane of symmetry. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first motion comprises a circular motion. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first motion comprises a linear motion. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first motion comprises rotation about an axis. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance object comprises weights. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance object comprises an elastic object. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance object comprises a fluid device. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance object comprises a friction device. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance object comprises an electromagnetic device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a bench attached to said frame, said bench including a back portion and a seat portion, and wherein said back portion remains in substantially the same position when said user is in said first position as when said user is in said second position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a bench attached to said frame, said bench including a back portion and a seat portion, and wherein said bench is moved to a complementary position when said user is in said first position compared to when said user is in said second position. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said user changes position by rotating said torso 180 degrees. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first motion comprises pulling.