Exercise apparatus

Abstract

Exercise apparatus for inter alia bench press exercises, the apparatus comprising: a framework including a bench and extending along the framework; an angled shaft secured to an upper section of the framework at the first end of the bench and extending to the base of the framework under the second end; a crossbar extending perpendicular to the bench at the base; a lifting bar located above the bench; a cable length extending from one end of the lifting bar to and through a first pulley located at one end of the crossbar and extending from said first pulley to a second pulley located under the bench extending through a strap to a carriage located on the shaft and slidable along the length of the shaft as a pulling force is imparted to the carriage through lifting of the lifting bar.

1 . Exercise apparatus for inter alia bench press exercises, the apparatus comprising:
 a framework including a bench elevated off the ground by the framework and extending along the framework;   an angled shaft secured to an upper section of the framework at the fist end of the bench and extending to the base of the framework under the second end of the bench;   a crossbar extending generally perpendicular to the bench at the base of the framework;   a lifting bar located above the bench and orientated generally perpendicular to the bench;   a first cable length extending from one end of the lifting bar to and through a first pulley located at one end of the crossbar;   a second cable length extending from said first pulley to a second pulley located under the bench at said first end;   a third cable length extending from one side of said second pulley, through a strap and back to second side of the second pulley;   a fourth cable length extending from said second pulley to a third pulley located at the end of the crossbar distal to said first pulley;   a fifth cable length extending from said third pulley to the other end of the lifting bar;   wherein the strap extends from said third cable lengths to a carriage located on the shaft and slidable along the length of the shaft as a pulling force is imparted to the carriage through lifting of the lifting bar.   
     
     
         2 . Exercise apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the carriage includes means to receive at least one weight. 
     
     
         3 . Exercise apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the carriage includes a crossbar, one or both ends of which being designed to receive at least one weighted disc. 
     
     
         4 . Exercise apparatus according to any one of  claims 1 to 3 , wherein the shaft includes a padded buffer plate. 
     
     
         5 . Exercise apparatus according to any one of  claims 1 to 4 , wherein the strap is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . Exercise apparatus according to any one of  claims 1 to 5 , wherein the bench has a cushioned top surface. 
     
     
         7 . Exercise apparatus according to any one of  claims 1 to 6 , wherein first and third pulley systems are arranged to swivel with respect to the crossbar. 
     
     
         8 . Exercise apparatus according to  any preceding claim , wherein the framework includes two parallel spaced base frames, then ends of which are curved to provide two upstanding legs to support the bench. 
     
     
         9 . Exercise apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the upstanding legs support cross beams on to which the bench is secured. 
     
     
         10 . Exercise apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the second pulley system is secured to one end of the cross beams. 
     
     
         11 . Exercise apparatus according to  any preceding claim , wherein the framework further comprises a V-shaped bar. 
     
     
         12 . Exercise apparatus according to  any preceding claim  further comprising a standing plate connectable to the framework.