Abstract

A variety of selectively variable resistance exercise machines, of the type in which the exerciser is seated while grasping and forcibly moving a hand operable force input portion of the machine, are modified to permit their use by both able bodied and physically challenged, wheelchair-seated exercisers. To permit this alternate usage of the machines, each is provided with a movable, height adjustable seat structure which may be selectively pivoted between an able bodied exerciser use position, and a physically challenged exerciser use position. With the movable seat structure in this latter position, a wheelchair-confined exerciser may move the chair into the space previously occupied by the seat structure to thereby permit the exerciser to conveniently reach and operatively manipulate the machine's force input portion. Differently sized floor ramp sets are provided to effect wheelchair height adjustment, and stabilizing straps are provided to releasably secure the exerciser and his wheelchair in an operative position relative to the machine. One of the machines has a unique "reverse pullover" input motion designed to simulate wheelchair ambulation motion to thereby strengthen the exerciser's muscles used in forcibly rotating the wheels of the chair. Additionally, each of the machines may be provided with a specially designed double pin progressive resistance weight stack having differently sized weight elements and a central weight element connection rod which may be lifted and lowered by the physically challenged exerciser without moving any of the individual weight elements.

Other References

• Soloflex Catalog; 272/93; 1981; 7 page