GB2415643A

GB2415643A - An exercise machine which lifts the operator's body

Info

Publication number: GB2415643A
Application number: GB0414858A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Tudor Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2004-07-02
Publication date: 2006-01-04
Also published as: GB0414858D0

Abstract

An exercise machine, comprising a frame which in a first mode of use has two members 74,75 vertically spaced from one another, one engaging the ground and the other on which, a user's body rests and two displaceable arms 12 with handles so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted. The apparatus is configured such that the machine can operate in a second mode of use such that the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups. The region of the machine where the two members interact comprises a single central telescopic tubular structure (72, figure 6B). Also disclosed are leverage adjustment means, for example, rotatable knobs 81.

Description

AN EXERCISE MACHINE

Field of the Invention

The invention is related to exercise machines which in use lift the operator's body as the operator's muscles are exerted in a body building motion. The invention is particularly concerned with exercise machines which are at least capable of push-up motions.

Prior Art known to the Applicant(s!

The closest prior art known to the applicants is presented in international patent application referenced PCT/FR00/02445 which concerns a muscle building machine for doing push-ups. This prior art machine comprises a frame which rests on the floor and has two vertical posts supporting two articulated mobile arms with handles. The motion of the mobile arms is transmitted via two mobile legs to a bearing plate supporting a cushion. The arms are pivoted about the vertical posts so that when an operator displaces these arms the cushion is lifted along with the operator.

This prior art machine is exclusively designed for carrying out push-ups. One of the objectives of the present invention is to present a machine with two different modes of use. Thus, it aims to provide an altogether more versatile machine. One of the objectives of the present invention is to present a machine which may be used to carry out pull-ups as well as or instead of push-ups.

A further objective of the present invention is to present a machine which when not in use can be mistaken for an ordinary stool. One particular object of this invention is therefore to create a machine which when not in use is altogether more compact and can more readily be incorporated into an ordinary operator's living space.

The present machine will also be particularly versatile as it will incorporate means to adjust the level of exercising difficulty. Not only is the level of exercising difficulty adjustable but the inventive configuration may do away with the usual requirement of removable pins necessary in conventional adjustable exercise machines to allow the settings to be changed.

Summary of the Invention

In its broadest aspect, the invention provides an exercise machine, comprising a *ame which in a first mode of use has two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; wherein: a) the first and second members and the mechanism connecting them, are so sized and distributed that the machine can operate in a second mode of use where the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests; b) when in that second mode, the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups, characterized in that; the region of the machine where the two members interact comprises a single central telescopic tubular structure.

In its second broadest aspect the invention provides an exercise machine, comprising a frame which in a first mode of use has two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; wherein: a) the first and second members and the mechanism connecting them, are so sized and distributed that the machine can operate in a second mode of use where the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests; b) when in that second mode, the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups, and, characterized in that: a leverage adjustment means is provided selected from the group comprising, a replaceable pin, a retractable pin, and an optionally rotatable pull knob.

Preferably the leverage adjustment means comprises a rotatable knob and characterized in that the knob adjusts the leverage in a rack and pinion gear train.

Included within the scope of the invention is an exercise machine substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments to be described incorporate the six following independent inventive aspects which generally form part of the same inventive concept S which is concerned with reducing the level of strain to which an operator's body is submitted during a given activity.

In a first broad independent aspect, the inventive exercise machine comprises a frame which in a first mode of use has two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; characterized in that: a) the first and second members and the mechanism connecting them, are so sized and distributed that the machine can operate in a second mode of use where the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests, and b) when in that second mode, the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups.

This configuration presents an exercise machine which is particularly versatile as it allows exercises to be carried out in different modes of use. This machine will assist its operator in carrying out a more complete workout. Also, since the operator's body rests on a member of the machine and when an exercising motion is carried out, the operator's body is lifted so as to limit any stress build up which could lead to undue pain or even injury in muscle tissue which is not intended to be developed by the exercise machine. Therefore, the present exercise machine is particularly advantageous in the manner in which it achieves varied, safe and altogether healthier exercising.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention covers an exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterized in that the arms are foldable to allow them to be folded within the envelope of the machine.

This configuration is especially advantageous as it allows the machine to be particularly practical due to its compactness when it is not in use.

In a third broad independent aspect, the inventive exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprises a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterized in that the first and second members displace telescopically.

This configuration renders the exercise machine particularly stable and safe to operate as compared to conventional scissor mechanisms in which fingers may be inadvertently trapped by the operator.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, the invention presents an exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterized in that the arms incorporate means to allow the adjustment of the arms' leverage.

This inventive aspect is particularly versatile as it allows the operator to adjust the machine to its particular requirements and exercising routines. The machine may therefore readily be used by various different operators each with their own specific requirements.

In a fifth broad independent aspect, the invention is embodied in an exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterized in that the frame incorporates corner posts.

This latest aspect is particularly advantageous because it is advantageously stable either when the exercise machine is used for carrying out exercises or simply as a stool or the like.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding broad independent aspects, the arms are rendered foldable by a lost motion connection.

Providing such a connection allows the arms to be folded rapidly by the operator and does away with any requirement of removing a pin which is often present in the conventional exercising machines.

In a further subsidiary aspect according to any preceding aspect, the arms incorporate a first section pivoted about the first member and a second section engaging the second member, the first and second sections being releasably mounted through a ratchet arrangement which allows the leverage to be adjusted by the operator, and wherein a tensioning means is incorporated between the first section of the arm and the second member of the frame.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the first and second sections to remain in engagement during exercises while allowing their relative positioning to be adjusted. It is also advantageous because it will prevent the first and second members of the frame coming apart when the exercise machine is moved such as when it is up-ended. This configuration also presents an improvement over the prior art as it does away with the usual requirement of removable pins.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the arms incorporate a first section pivoted about the first member and a second section engaging the second member, the first and second sections being releasably mounted through a ratchet arrangement which allows the leverage to be adjusted by the operator, and wherein a spring is incorporated between the first section of the arm and its second section.

This configuration is beneficial to the engagement of the first section of the arm with its second section, particularly as it does away with the usual requirement of a removable pin.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure I shows a partial perspective view of the inventive exercise machine.

Figure 2A presents a perspective view of the exercise machine.

Figure 2B shows a detailed view of the ratchet arrangement of the exercise machine.

Figure 2C shows a detailed side elevation of a section of an exercise machine arm.

Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of a locking mechanism for use with a telescopic mechanism.

Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of one side of the locking mechanism for use with a telescopic mechanism.

Figure 3C shows a schematic side view of one side of the locking mechanism for use with a telescopic mechanism and the method by which the mechanism engages with portion 16.

Figure 4A shows a front view and figure 4B shows a side view of an exercise machine wherein the device includes an adjustment track using a pin and hole mechanism for adjusting the leverage of the arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Figure 5A shows a detailed schematic view of a spring loaded pin suitable for use with the mechanism for adjusting the leverage of the arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Figure 5B shows an end view of a pin suitable for use with a spring loaded mechanism tor adjusting the leverage of the arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Figure 5C shows a part representation of a metal plate suitable for use with a spring loaded mechanism for adjusting the leverage of the arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Figure 6A shows a front view of an exercise machine utilising a single central telescopic tubular structure.

Figure 6B shows a side view of an exercise machine utilising a single central telescopic tubular structure.

Figure 7A shows a front view of an exercise machine wherein the device includes a spring loaded pull knob to adjust the leverage of arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Figure 7B shows a side view of an exercise machine wherein the device includes a spring loaded pull knob coupled to a geared rack and pinion mechanism suitable for adjusting the leverage of arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Figure 7C shows a schematic cross-section indicating how a spring loaded pin interacts with portion 17 and portion 18 to supply an adjustment means suitable for adjusting the leverage of a set of arms of the exercise machine described herein.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure I shows an exercise machine generally referenced I with a first member 2 which engages the ground when the machine is in the position presented in this figure. The exercise machine presents a second member vertically spaced from the first member and referenced 3. The elements of both the first and second members 2 and 3 are beams which are hollow and rectangular in cross-section. This characteristic of the exercise machine frame allows it to be particularly light weight. al he first and second members are formed of four beams welded together at their extremities and extend generally in the horizontal direction when in use. From these horizontal beams, four further beams extend from each member in the vertical direction such as those referenced 4 and 5. The diameters of beams 4 and 5 are selected so that beam 5 may be inserted into beam 4 and displaced telescopically relative to one another.

The present exercise machine incorporates two displaceable arms each with a handle 6. The arms are also connected by a strengthening number (6A) which increases the rigidity of the handle 6. As the operator displaces region 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow, the second member 3 will be lifted. The detailed mechanism required to transmit this motion is not shown in Figure I for clarity. Figure I primarily shows in detail how the frame of the exercise machine is assembled.

Additional extension pieces (not shown) may be supplied which connect to the handle 6, such that a longer lever is formed reducing the force required to displace handle 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow, which results in the second member 3 being lifted.

Once the vertical beams 5 are located within vertical beams 4, the two members of the frame may be maintained in engagement by a tension spring 7 stretching from projection 8 of the second member to a section 9 of one of the arms. The tension spring may be attached to projection 8, or even to an upper extremity 10 of an arm. The specific location of the attachment of the tension spring 7 will be readily selected by the person skilled in the art. The particular configuration shown in Figure I will assist in retaining the first and second member in engagement during use of the exercise machine or even during its removal from one location to another.

It will be clear that alternative tensioning means can be used such as elasticated means.

A cushion 11 may be located on the second member 3 of the exercise machine and retained therein by means readily selected by the person skilled in the art from known alternatives.

l'he frame of the exercise machine and the length of the arms is so selected as to allow the exercise machine to be up-ended and used with member 3 engaging the ground and member 2 receiving cushion 11. ]1

Figure 2 shows exercise machine I in more detail with similar components being designated by identical reference numbers. Machine 1 has two oppositely extending arms generally referenced 12 and 13 whose operation is essentially the same and will therefore be described with reference to arm 12.

Arm 12 has a handle 6 joining the two halves 14 and 15 of arm 12. Half 14 incorporates three portions 16, 17 and 18. Portion 16 engages handle 6 at its upper extremity and the first member 2 of the exercise machine and portion 17 at its lower extremity and by so doing constitutes a pivot point 19 which will be described in more detail in the context of Figure 2C.

When the handle 6 is displaced in a downward motion beyond a certain point, motion is transmitted into portion 17 and portion 18 into a vertical displacement of the second member 3 of the exercise machine. The engagement of portion 17 and 18 may be adjusted by the operator by locating the lower extremity 20 of portion 18 in any one of the receiving means provided along the length of portion 17. This configuration will allow the user to vary the leverage of the arm. As the portion 18 is located further towards extremity 21 of portion 17, greater will be the required force to lift member 3.

Figure 2B shows a particularly advantageous form of engagement of portion 18 with portion 17. In this configuration portion 17 incorporates a series of teeth 22 defining between them a receiving means 23 for the pin 24 of portion 18. This system becomes particularly advantageous when the spring 7 draws portion 17 towards portion 18 so as to prevent them from inadvertently disengaging during the operation of the machine.

Figure 2C presents a so-called lost motion connection which allows arms 14 and 15 to be displaced without resistance into the envelope of the exercise machine when it is stowed away. Portion 16 transmits rotation by a pivot 19 to portion l 7 only when end surface 25 contacts end surface 26 either side of hinge 27.

12 Reference is now made to figures 3a to 3c which show the mechanism, used in an alternative embodiment, to lock the arms (31) of the telescopic mechanism (31) in their extended position. The mechanism comprises a handle (32) the ends of which (33 shown by a dotted line) insert into hollow cylindrical ends (39) of the telescopic arms (31).

The telescopic arms (31) are extended by pulling on the handle (32) away from, and parallel to, the length of portion 16, until the arms (31) reach the limit of their permitted extension, as determined by the movement of the screws (40) in the slots (42). The handle (32) is then twisted such that the shorter prongs (36) project through slots (43) in the telescopic arms (31). The longer prongs (35) prevent the ends distal to the handle ends (33) of projections (34) from coming completely out of the slots (42) when the handle (32) is turned. Pressure applied on the handle towards, and parallel to, the length of portion 16, causes the curved region (44) to abut the end (45) of portion 16 thus locking the telescopic arms (31) in their extended position. In order to reinsert the telescopic arms into portion 16 the arms are pulled until they reach the limit of their permitted extension using handle (32), the handle (32) is then twisted such that the shorter prongs (36) retract from the slots (43) and pressure applied to the handle towards, and parallel to, the length of portion 16, results in the telescopic arms retracting into portion 16.

I here are at least three modes in which the machine can be used.

First, with the operator lying chest-downwards and with his upper body on the cushion 11; to perform push-ups.

Second, with the operator sitting on the cushion 11 with his legs outstretched; and again pushing down on the handles 6 to lift himself.

Third, with only one handle, with the operator kneeling on the cushion 11, and pushing down on a single handle to lift himself; with the second handle displaced into the envelope of the exercise machine.

Four, with the machine up-ended from its illustrated position (so that cushion 11 locates in member 2), again lying chest downwards across cushion 11; this time pulling upwards on handles 6 in the manner of a 'butterfly' swimmer.

Reference will now be made to figure 6A and 6B of the drawings wherein an alternative embodiment of the earlier described embodiments is shown, as generally indicated by 70, wherein the two sets of four vertical beams 4 and 5 of the previous embodiment as illustrated in figure 1 are replaced with a single central telescopic structure. The beams 4 (of which there are four) are replaced with a first central telescopic, tubular structure 71 and the beams 5 (of which there are four) are replaced with a second single tubular structure 72. The diameters of the tubular structures 71 and 72 being selected such that the first tubular structure 71 may be inserted in the second tubular structure 72 and such that the structures 71 and 72 can be displaced telescopically relative to each other.

The present embodiment otherwise incorporates the same principal mechanism as the earlier embodiment wherein when the handle 73 is displaced in a downward motion beyond a certain point, the motion is transmitted, using the same basic mechanism as the previous application, such that a vertical displacement of the second member 74 relative to the first member 75 of the exercise machine takes place.

Referring now to figure 2A and 2B, the original specification disclosed a mechanism for the engagement of portion 18 with portion 17 wherein portion 17 incorporated a series of teeth 22 defining between them a receiving means 23 for the pin 24 of portion 18 as shown in figure 2B. The system utilised the spring 7 as shown in figure 2 to draw portion 17 towards portion 18 such that the two sections did not become inadvertently disengaged during the operation of the machine.

The original design of arms generally referenced]2 and 13, as shown on figure 2a, whose operation is essentially the same and was therefore described with reference to arm 12. The handle 6 joining the two halves 14 and 15 of the arm 12 has been replaced in one of the current embodiments, as shown on figure 7B, by a machine wherein the two halves 14 and 15 of the arm are replaced by a single section 14b which connects to a handle 6a to form an arm 12a. s

Further embodiments of the device are described herein which utilise alternative means of engaging portions 17 and 18. All four of the portions 17 and all four of the portions 18 are interconnected by the same means and so only a single interconnection means will be described for each embodiment of the invention described from this point onwards.

Reference will now be made to figures 7A, 7B and 7C of the drawings which illustrate an embodiment of the device wherein a spring loaded pull knob 111 is provided to allow a user to vary the leverage of the arms 12a (shown on figure 7B and 13a (not shown). A pin generally indicated by 121, shown in figure 7C, is shaped such that a section 122, located at a point distal to the knob, is tapered towards its free end, while a second section 123 of the pin is of uniform thickness along its length. Portion] 7 is provided with a track 113, as shown on figure 7A, which comprises a series of hole like portions 127 connected together by slots 128. The pin provides a pivotal connection between portion 18 and portion 17.The pin is inserted through a hole 18a in portion 18 as can be seen in figure 7C. In normal use section 123 of the pin is inserted into one of the holes 127 in the track 113 such that the position of the track does not alter relative to the location of the pin 121. To alter the leverage of the arms 12, a user pulls the knob 111 in a direction away from the exercise machine which retracts the pin 121. The retraction of the pin disengages section 123 of the pin from the relevant hole 127 in portion 17, such that the tapered section 122, which has a narrower cross-section can slide along the slots in the track 128 provided in portion 17. A spring retaining washer 124, as shown in figure 3C, retains a spring 125 such that when the knob 111 is pulled the spring 125 is compressed against a washer 129 which abuts portion 17. When the knob ill is released the compressed spring automatically reengages section 123 of the pin with an appropriately aligned hole 127 in the track 113 in section 17. A mechanism of this type is provided at each of the four points where the portions 17 and 18 engage. This mechanism has the advantage over the previous embodiment in that sections 17 and 18 cannot become accidentally disengaged from each other while the machine is in use. Additionally the spring 7 previously used to maintain contact between portions 17 and 18 is not required with this embodiment. A side panel, as generally indicated by 119, is shown on figure 7A which protects the inner workings of the machine from becoming entangled with clothing of a user.

Reference will now be made to figure 8A and 8B wherein an alternative embodiment is shown where the track 113 previously described with respect to portion 17 is replaced with a series of holes 131. A pin 132 which is positioned in a hole 133 in portion 18, is also inserted through one of the holes 131 in portion 17. Such that when the leverage of the arms 134 is to be adjusted a user removes the pin 132 from the holes in portions 17 and 18 and then reinserts the pin through the hole 133 in 18 and through an appropriate hole 131 in portion 17.

Reference will now be made to figures 6A and 6B of the drawings wherein an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown wherein the leverage of the arms 12 is adjusted by means of four rotatable knobs 81. Two of the knobs 81 can be seen on figure 6A as can a track 82.

Figure SA and SB show more detail of the way in which a knob 81 is attached to a pin 87. The pin includes a geared portion 86 which insert into a geared section 83 of the track 82 in portion 17 this type of mechanism is commonly known as a rack and pinion arrangement.

The knobs 81 are spring loaded pull knobs of a design similar to that previously described with respect to figures 7A, 7B and 7C. Figures 5A and SB of the drawings illustrate an embodiment of the device wherein a spring loaded knob 81 is provided which can be pulled to dis-engage a locking mechanism, in the form of a geared pin 85. The knob 84 is then twisted to allow a user to vary the leverage of the arms 12, by use of the geared pin 85.

The pin 85 as shown in figure SA incorporates a geared portion 86 which interacts with the geared section 83 of the track 82. The pin 85 provides a pivotal connection between portion 18 and portion 17. The pin 85 inserts through a hole 18a in portion 18 (as shown on figure SA) and engages the geared section 83 of the track 82 as can be seen on figure 6A. A locking mechanism, as shown in figures 5B and 5C comprises a metal plate 91 which incorporates a series of holes 92 of a shape which correspond to the shape of the end of the pin distal to the end attached to the knob 81 (alternatively the a rounded portion could be provided at the distal endof the pin which would insert into appropriately sized round holes). The metal plate 91 is positioned adjacent to portion 17, such that the gearing on the pin lines up with the gearing 83 on portion 17 and with the holes 92 in the metal plate. The plate 91 is attached by two spacers connecting the ends of the metal plate 91 to portion ] 7. When the exercise machine is in normal use the end of the pin 93 is inserted into one of the holes 92 in the metal plate such that rotation of the pin in the geared track is prevented and hence the leverage of the arms does not inadvertently alter. To alter the leverage of the arms a user pulls the knob 81 in a direction away from the exercise machine which retracts the pin 85. The retraction of the pin disengages the end of the pin 93 from the engaged hole 92 such that the knob can be rotated allowing the gearing mechanism on the pin to engage with the gearing mechanism on portion 17 such that the leverage oi the arms can be adjusted. A spring retaining washer 124 retains a spring 125 such that when the knob 81 is pulled the spring 125 is compressed against a washer] 29 which abuts portion 17. When the knob 81 is released and the end of the pin 93 is in alignment with one of the holes 92 the compressed spring automatically reengages the end section of the pin 93 with the appropriate engagement hole 92 in the track metal plate 91. A mechanism of this type is provided at each point where the portions] 7 and] 8 engage.

Reference is now made to figure 4B of the diagrams where two indicators 80C are shown which indicate the degree to which the telescopic arms 31 have been extended. A window in the portions 16 allows a user to view a series of marks included on the extendable sections of the telescopic arms 31.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the current invention without departing from the scope thereof: For instance, a pull knob mechanism is described as a means of releasing a locking mechanism such that the relative positions of portions 17 and portions 18 can be adjusted relative to each other. Alternatively a mechanism could be included wherein the knob is pushed to release such a locking mechanism.

Claims

Claims 1. An exercise machine, comprising a frame which in a first mode of

use has two members vertically spaced trom one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's S body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; wherein: a) the first and second members and the mechanism connecting them, are so sized and distributed that the machine can operate in a second mode of use where the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests; b) when in that second mode, the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups, characterized in that: the region of the machine where the two members interact comprises a single central telescopic tubular structure.
2. An exercise machine, comprising a frame which in a first mode of use has two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; wherein: a) the first and second members and the mechanism connecting them, are so sized and distributed that the machine can operate in a second mode of use where the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests; b) when in that second mode, the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups, and, characterized in that: a leverage adjustment means is provided selected from the group comprising, a replaceable pin, a retractable pin, and an optionally rotatable pull knob.
3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2 in which the leverage adjustment means comprises a rotatable knob and characterized in that the knob adjusts the leverage in a rack and pinion gear train.
4. An exercise machine substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.