An elliptical machine, a type of exercise machine

An exercise machine is any machine used for physical exercise. These range from simple spring-like devices to computerized electromechanical rides to recirculating-stream swimming pools. Most exercise machines incorporate an Ergometer. An Ergometer is an apparatus for measuring the work a person exerts while exercising as used in training or cardiac stress tests or other medical tests.

[edit] Resistance machines

[edit] Weight machines

Weight machines use gravity as the primary source of resistance, and a combination of simple machines to convey that resistance, to the person using the machine. Each of the simple machines (pulley, lever, wheel, incline) changes the mechanical advantage of the overall machine relative to the weight.

[edit] Other kinds of resistance machines

• Friction machines
• Spring-loaded machines (including Bowflex)
• Fan-loaded machines
• Fluid-loaded machines
• Bullworker
• Hydraulic Equipment
• Whole body vibration
• Outdoor gym
• Soloflex

[edit] Endless-path machines

[edit] Stationary bicycles

• Exercise bicycle

[edit] Running/Walking machines

• Treadmill
• Elliptical trainer

[edit] Elliptical machines

Ellipticals (elliptical machines) are a combination of stair-climbing and a treadmill. Generally it contains two tracks upon which the user stands; when he or she moves his or her legs, they describe an elliptical motion (hence the machine name). Some ellipticals have magnetic resistance controls that add difficulty to doing the motion.

[edit] Glider machines

This machine allows the user to stand on two separate foot pedals and use their own muscles to create the movement. The stabilized movement can be likened to that of a "swing set" for each leg.

[edit] Climbing machines

Also named stair-climbing machines, they work the user's legs as he/she pumps pedals up and down, much like climbing stairs. Some climbing machines have handles to push and pull to exercise the whole body.

[edit] Rowing machines

Rowing machines, also named rowers, simulate the body movements of using a rowing boat.

[edit] Spine Exercisers

Spine Exercisers is a range of fitness machines which comprises two foot striding units and two hand striding units, the Spine Exercisers concentrate on exercising and strengthening the muscles of the spinal column and vertebrae joints with the spine in free horizontal position.

The Spine Exercisers were invented by Zinnoor Akhmetov as a result of comparative analysis of human and four legged animals’ backbone biokinematic.

The first type of the Spine Exerciser which provides synchronous circular motion for hands and feet was patented in 2000, the second type which provides striding motions was patented in 2004.

The invention of the Spine Exerciser was awarded a Bronze Medal at the 34th GENEVA International Exhibition of Inventions in 2006.

The Spine Exerciser is a cardio trainer like a treadmill, but the user runs on his/her “four legs”. It is also a strength trainer – it provides a significant training load on user’s arm, chest, shoulder and abdominal muscles. However the user does not apply any effort to the Spine Exerciser, but only exert effort to keep his/her weight and balance. The user having a steady comfortable position based on foot and hand striding units with the spine suspended in a free horizontal position performs on hand and feet two types of motion: - Galloping motion and thus stretch and bends his/her spine in the vertical plane, - Walking motion and bends his/her spine left and right in the horizontal plane.

The Spine Exerciser engages the user’s whole body in three dimensions without the impact on joints and works all main muscle groups. Exercising with the Spine Exerciser activates a blood circulation and metabolism in area of spinal nerves and stagnant areas of the lower abdomen, provides a massage of internal organs (inclusive of prostate). The user’s intervertebral disks are free from the pressure of his weight and spinal muscles on both sides of vertebrae have an equal training load. Two weeks of clinical test in St. Petersburg State Medical Academy conducted by Professor Alexander Lapotnikov gives a positive result: “The SpineX brought improvement for the vast majority of voluntaries. The SpineX was recognised as being suitable for ‘at home’ self-assistance for the purposes of the general spinal invigoration, as the exercises with the training device help to prevent the pain and relieve the chronic tiredness and relax muscular tension in the thoracic cord and the lumbar spine, improve the local blood circulation and metabolism.” Clinical test revealed that even one single training session with the Spine Exerciser gives a tendency of levelling out the spinal muscles balance.

[edit] See also

• Exercise equipment
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation
• Statics