Exercising

Abstract

Among other things, a rowing exercise method includes enabling a combination of a force applied to a movable handle and a force applied to a movable foot rest to work against a resistance device and to permit relative motion of the footrest and the resistance device.

1 . A rowing exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a foot support on the frame,   a seat mounted to move along the frame,   a resistance device fixed on the frame,   a handle,   a force transmitting element connecting the handle to the foot support, and   a transfer mechanism connecting the force transmitting element to the resistance device,   the foot support being movable along the frame relative to the resistance device and relative to the handle.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1  in which the force transmitting element comprises a flexible line. 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 2  in which the flexible line comprises one of a cable, a chain, or a rope. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1  in which the force transmitting element is non-resilient. 
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 1  also comprising a restraining or centering mechanism that urges the seat toward a central location. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 1  in which the foot support is mounted to move along the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 1  in which the transfer mechanism comprises a flexible line. 
     
     
         9 . The machine of  claim 8  in which the flexible line include one fixed end and one free end. 
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9  in which the free end is connected to a slack take-up mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 1  in which the resistance device includes a one-way clutching mechanism coupled to the transfer mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 1  in which the force transmitting element comprises a force transmitting line and the transfer mechanism comprises a first slidable coupling for the force transmitting line. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 12  in which the first slidable coupling comprises a first pulley. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 13  in which the transfer mechanism comprises a transfer line and the transfer mechanism includes a second slidable coupling for the transfer line. 
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 13  in which the transfer mechanism includes a pulley in which the force transmitting element rides. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled)