CN116419783A - Exercise device and exercise system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercise device comprising a frame, a resistance system, and an engagement element connected to the resistance system with a first wire end and a second wire end, wherein the resistance system is configured to provide resistance to extension of the first wire end independent of resistance to extension of the second wire end. The invention also relates to an exercise system comprising two exercise devices according to any one or more of the preceding claims.

Description

Exercise Devices and Exercise Systems

The present invention relates to an exercise device comprising a frame, a resistance system and an engagement element connected to the resistance system with a wire.

An exercise device is known from US 2017/0197106 A1. Known exercise devices have legs and beams carried by the legs. The device includes two handles, each connected to one of two wires engaging the respective ends of the beam. Each wire is indirectly connected to a flywheel to provide resistance to wire extension. Thus, the user can grasp the two handles with his/her hands and pull the wire via the handles against the resistance provided by the flywheel for exercising.

Known exercise devices have the disadvantage of being difficult to use for exercising muscle pairs or muscle groups. As an example, bending the arms with dumbbells will primarily work the biceps while keeping the triceps minimally loaded. Separate exercise movements are also required to develop and balance the strength of the triceps, thus resulting in the need to spend more time working both muscles of the muscle pair. Muscle pairs are known to be muscles that perform opposite movements. Well-known examples of such muscle pairs are the biceps and triceps, which flex and straighten the elbow, respectively, and the hamstrings and quadriceps, which flex and straighten the knee, respectively. These are just some examples of muscle pairs, and others will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. To allow movement of a body part caused by the contraction of one muscle of the pair, the other of the pair stretches, and vice versa. In the specific example of the biceps/triceps, contracting the biceps and extending the triceps will bend the elbow, and conversely extending the biceps and contracting the triceps will straighten the elbow.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above mentioned problems by providing an exercise device which makes it possible and/or relatively easy to exercise muscle pairs. In particular, the invention aims to allow efficient and/or effective training of muscle pairs.

This object is achieved by an exercise device of the type described above, wherein the engaging element is connected to a resistance system with a first wire end and a second wire end, the resistance system providing resistance to extension of the first wire end and the second wire end, The first wire end engages the frame at a first engagement mechanism, and the second wire end engages the frame at a second engagement mechanism, the second engagement mechanism being in a different position than the first engagement mechanism such that the engagement element is at a position relative to the frame Movement in one direction from the second engagement mechanism to the first engagement mechanism corresponds to extension of at least the second wire end, and movement of the engagement element relative to the frame in a second direction from the first engagement mechanism to the second engagement mechanism corresponds to Extension of at least the first wire end, whereby the exercise device allows the engagement element to reciprocate relative to the frame against resistance provided by the resistance system, wherein the resistance system is configured to provide resistance independently of the extension of said second wire end. Resistance to extension of the end of the first line.

By using two different wires to attach the engagement element to the exercise device, the exercise device can be used bi-directionally. Because muscle groups generally work in opposite directions, the bi-directionality of the exercise device can be used to exercise two of the muscle groups simultaneously.

It should be noted that since the resistance element provides resistance to both wire ends extending, resistance is provided in both directions. This is very different from existing exercise devices, which only provide resistance in one direction. Thus, with existing exercise devices, only a single muscle group of a muscle pair is exercised during an exercise involving reciprocating motion. Individual muscle groups are worked on the forward and return strokes. In the device according to the invention, different muscle groups of the muscle pairs can be exercised during the forward and return strokes, since the resistance is provided in different directions in each case.

Additionally, by providing resistance to the two wire ends independently, paired muscle groups can be exercised more effectively. As an example, when the resistance experienced by one muscle group in a pair is not affected by the (previous) movement of the other muscle group in the pair, the two muscle groups can be independently trained in a single reciprocating motion.

Furthermore, independent resistances allow to use different resistances for one line, and thus for one direction and another. Therefore, different resistances may be applied in the first direction and in the second direction. This difference may be particularly advantageous since there are muscle pairs in which one of the muscle groups needs to be trained more intensively than the other muscle group. Using different resistances, one muscle group may experience higher resistance.

An engagement element may be used to engage an exercise device. Thus, the engagement element may form an engagement point for a force applied by a user of the exercise device. The engagement element may comprise a handle which may be grasped by a user.

Alternatively, the engagement element comprises a rod which may be engaged by the user eg by gripping onto the rod, or for pushing the rod with eg the user's arm, shoulder, leg or the like. The rod may be connected to one or more wire ends via a joint that allows the rod to rotate relative to the wire but not translate. An example of a suitable joint is a ball joint.

Alternatively, the engagement element may comprise a (flexible) ring which may eg be placed around said rod or around a user's body part, such as a leg. The loop may be made from either or both wire ends.

It is also possible for the two wire ends each to comprise a loop at its end, whereby both form a single joint element. Separate engagement elements may be connected during use. Therefore, the present invention also relates to an exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein instead of an engagement element connected to the two wire ends, the two wire ends each comprise an engagement element which can be controlled via, for example, a fitness appliance or a user. parts of the body joined together.

The first wire end and the second wire end may be the same wire end, or the first wire end and the second wire end respectively. The first wire end and the second wire end may be part of a single wire from the engagement element through the resistance system and back. Alternatively, a single wire may pass from the resistance system through the engagement element and back. In the latter case, the wire ends can also be connected to each other at or near the joining element, so that in practice a single wire is looped through the joining system and the joining element.

The first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may be integral with or provided on the frame or resistance system. Furthermore, the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may each comprise a wire guiding element, such as a pulley or a block. Alternatively, the engagement mechanism may be part of or connected to the resistance system.

According to an embodiment of the exercise device, the resistance system comprises two separate resistance mechanisms, each independently connected to the first wire end and the second wire end, respectively. Thereby, the resistance mechanisms can each independently provide resistance to extension of the first wire end and resistance to extension of the second wire end, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the exercise device, the resistance system comprises at least two separate resistance mechanisms, each independently connected to the first wire end and the second wire end, respectively. Thereby, the resistance mechanisms can each independently provide resistance to extension of the first wire end and resistance to extension of the second wire end, respectively. The independent connection of the resistance mechanisms is understood herein as that each resistance mechanism only provides resistance to the extension of one wire end and not to the extension of the other wire end. In case the wire ends are part of the same single wire, this can eg be achieved via a flywheel.

In another embodiment, the resistance system includes at least one flywheel for providing resistance. When driven by the first wire end or the second wire end, the flywheel may compactly provide resistance when the gripping member moves in the first direction or the second direction. A flywheel can also provide the advantage that greater resistance can be experienced by increasing the speed of the exercise. Furthermore, the resistance provided by the flywheel can be adjusted relatively easily, for example by providing the flywheel with movable blades or by engaging the flywheel via a gear system.

The resistance mechanism may comprise at least two flywheels, for example one flywheel per resistance element.

Alternatively, a single flywheel can be used. To maintain the independent nature of the drag system while using a single flywheel, various options exist. As an example, the flywheel may be braked when the extension of the first wire end transitions to the extension of the second wire end, eg until it comes to a complete standstill, and vice versa. When fully braked, any motion induced during the previous motion is removed before the next motion begins. Therefore, the previous movement no longer affects the next movement. Regardless of which wire end extends, the flywheel can rotate in the same direction. However, the flywheel can also be rotated in one direction for extension of the first wire end and in the other direction for extension of the second wire end.

The drag system may also include a magnetic brake for braking the at least one flywheel. A magnetic brake may resist rotation of the flywheel for the resistance system to provide additional resistance to extension of the first and second wire ends as the gripping member reciprocates. The magnetic brake may also be configured to brake the flywheel when the movement of the engaging element is to be reversed to further separate resistance to extension of the first wire end from resistance to extension of the second wire end by preventing resistance cancellation.

When multiple flywheels are used, multiple magnetic brakes may be employed.

In some prior art designs, there is a disadvantage that momentum generated at the resistance mechanism from one direction of motion will affect the opposite direction of motion. This momentum effect can be reduced or eliminated by providing two engagement mechanisms with two separate resistance mechanisms. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement mechanism and/or its corresponding resistance mechanism may be measured separately, and a display of both values then provided. This can be achieved, for example, by measuring a separate resistance element connected to a portion of each engagement mechanism/wire end or a portion of each engagement mechanism/wire end. In this way, the user's strength in one direction can be measured so that, for example, pushing strength and pulling strength can be measured and displayed separately. In the example of fluid drag flywheels, the damper setting of one flywheel may also be adjusted differently than the other flywheel of the pair. In this way, the speed of the pushing and pulling motions can be equal, but the work or power output can be different due to the ability to adjust the resistance unit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the available adjustability of different types of resistance can be taken advantage of in a similar manner (eg magnetic resistance to move the magnet closer/further away from the rotating wheel).

According to another embodiment, the exercise device further includes at least one retraction mechanism configured to retract at least one of the first wire end and the second wire end. The excess cord length is received because the retraction mechanism retracts one of the first and second cord ends when it is not actively extended by the user. The absence of excess wire length allows the resistance system to provide immediate resistance at the onset of extension, eg when the movement of the engaging elements is reversed. The retraction mechanism may be configured to maintain minimal tension on the first wire end and/or the second wire end. It is also conceivable that there may be different retraction mechanisms corresponding to each engagement mechanism/resistance mechanism or wire end, i.e. the first wire end is retracted by the first retraction mechanism, the second wire end is retracted by the second The retraction mechanism retracts. In this way, the retraction movement for each direction of movement is decoupled from the retraction movement for the other direction of movement, with the possible exception that the two are indirectly connected via the engagement element).

In another embodiment, an exercise device includes a first wire having a first wire end and at least one second wire having a second wire end. The first wire and the second wire may be respectively connected to two resistance mechanisms.

The use of two separate wires can facilitate a relatively simple design of the resistance system. The opposite ends of these first and second wires may be connected to the previously mentioned two separate retraction mechanisms.

According to another embodiment of the exercise device, the frame comprises at least one leg and a first beam supported by said at least one leg, the first beam carrying at least one of the first engagement means and the second engagement means. The first beam may be substantially horizontal, or arranged at a non-zero angle relative to the leg. The at least one leg may be generally vertical.

By providing one or more engagement mechanisms on the beam carried by the legs, an exercise device having versatility in use can be obtained. Versatility may allow a user to perform a relatively large number of exercises. Furthermore, the beam can help to position the two engagement mechanisms at a distance from each other, which will allow reciprocating movement of the engagement elements.

The exercise device preferably also includes a second beam supported by the at least one leg, the second beam carrying the other of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism. The second beam may be substantially horizontal, or arranged at a non-zero angle relative to the leg.

By using two beams to carry the joint mechanism, a more versatile design for the exercise device can be obtained. As will be explained below, the use of two beams is particularly advantageous if the beams are movable relative to the legs.

In another embodiment, the resistance system is at least partially supported by the first beam and/or the second beam.

By supporting the resistance system at least partially by the first beam and/or the second beam, the wires connected to the resistance system can be kept relatively short. Additionally, there is no need to move the wire to eg the legs, which may eliminate the need for wire guides such as pulleys. In other words, contributes to a simpler design.

Supporting the resistance system at least partially on the beam is particularly advantageous to allow the beam to be movable relative to the leg, a possibility described further below.

Preferably, the first beam and the second beam each carry one of the first resistance mechanism and the second resistance mechanism. Thus, wires joining one beam need not be directed to the other beam. This can allow movement of one beam relative to the other, a possibility described further below.

Preferably, the first beam and/or the second beam are movable relative to the legs. Moving the beam relative to the leg allows moving the position of the engagement mechanism. Accordingly, different locations may be selected for wire engagement to allow for a variety of different exercises and/or to allow users of different sizes to use the exercise device.

In particular, the first beam and/or the second beam can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the leg, preferably together. Thus, one or more beams may be height adjustable. Therefore, the exercise device can be adapted to people of different heights. Additionally, the exercise device may be used to perform lower body, such as leg exercises, by locating one or more beams relatively low, and upper body, such as beam exercises, by locating the beams relatively high.

It is also preferred that at least one of the first beam and the second beam is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the leg and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the respective beam. The rotatable beam allows the respective engagement mechanisms to be positioned at different heights relative to each other such that movement of the engagement element in one of the first and second directions is upward and/or the engagement element moves in the first and second directions. The movement in the other direction is downward movement. Thus, the beam is preferably able to rotate together in the same direction of rotation relative to the leg.

At least one of the first beam and the second beam is preferably pivotable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the leg. By pivoting the beam about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, either the first engagement mechanism or the second engagement mechanism carried by the beam can be moved relative to the other of the first and second engagement mechanisms, thereby adjusting the first direction and the second direction. Furthermore, the first and/or second beam being pivotable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction allows the engagement element to be moved closer and further away from the leg according to user preference.

The beams may pivot independently of each other, or the pivoting of the beams may be coupled mechanically, such as by a gear system, for example.

Additionally or alternatively, pivoting may allow the engagement mechanism to move away from the leg. As will be explained in connection with the exercise system described below, this allows setting the distance between the engagement mechanisms of two exercise devices connected to each other in order to effectively adjust the width of the exercise system.

According to another embodiment, the exercise device further comprises a sensor configured for sensing the amount of work performed by moving the engagement element.

Sensing the quantity of labor allows tracking of the user's performance, for example in order to display and/or analyze the user's performance. Display of performance may increase motivation and additionally or alternatively may allow the user to determine whether his effort corresponds to a desired level of intensity. Additionally, tracking the amount of work can allow the user to better make fitness-related decisions, such as nutritional intake for recovery, rest periods, and/or how to structure an exercise program.

The exercise device may also include a display configured to display the amount of work. A display may allow the user to be provided with direct feedback on his/her performance, which may increase motivation. Furthermore, displaying the work performed may allow the user to perform the exercise at a desired intensity with relative accuracy and/or determine his/her fitness level. The ability to measure each direction of motion separately for the corresponding engagement mechanism or resistance mechanism allows further the ability to track the degree to which a user's strength is balanced or unbalanced with respect to a particular side of a muscle pair.

The invention also relates to an exercise system comprising two exercise devices according to any one or more of the preceding claims. In this way, four resistance mechanisms will be provided and in addition to the difference within the left/right muscle pairs, the display can tell the user the difference between the left/right side, thus giving the user an advantage /disadvantage for further details.

Using two of said exercise devices, symmetrical exercises can be performed. In fact, the exercise system allows to exercise two beams and two legs at the same time. Accordingly, the exercise device can be used to simulate or prepare the user for various real-life exercises, such as skiing, running, kicking, and the like.

Two exercise devices can be attached to each other via their frames. Therefore, a well-structured exercise system can be obtained.

In particular, the combined frame of the exercise device may form the frame of the exercise system. The frame of the exercise system may comprise two substantially parallel legs, such as the legs of an exercise device, at a distance from each other. The two legs may be connected by a bridging frame part, eg above and/or at the top of the two legs. Thus, the frame of the exercise system may have a portal-like shape. The entry shape may allow the user to exercise approximately between the legs and below the bridging frame members.

The inlet shape may have the advantage that it may provide sufficient structural rigidity for relatively heavy exercise and may additionally or alternatively provide the advantage that it relatively clearly defines the area belonging to the exercise device. This is particularly advantageous in gyms, for example, where a clearly defined area can encourage others to avoid the exercise device at least while the user is (is about to) exercising.

The legs of each exercise device, and thus the exercise system, may be formed from an A-frame. Alternatively or additionally, the legs of each exercise device may be connected to a support structure that keeps the legs upright. The support structure may eg comprise a floor structure surrounding at least the legs. In particular, the floor structure may be disposed between and interconnect the legs of two exercise devices. This can help strengthen the exercise system by interconnecting the exercise devices further in the first place. Second, the floor structure prevents or hinders the exercise system from tipping over. It may be an added advantage that when a user stands on the floor structure, he or she increases the rigidity of the system by keeping the floor structure on the ground.

It is also possible to anchor the exercise device to the ground, for example at the legs of the exercise device, however, some gyms may prefer movable exercise devices such as those provided when using a floor structure.

Finally, it is optionally provided that the distance between the corresponding engagement mechanisms of the two exercise devices of the exercise system is adjustable. Effectively, this can allow the width of the exercise system to be adjusted.

Adjusting the width allows users of different sizes to use the exercise system and/or may allow a wider variety of exercises to be performed.

Exercise devices and systems are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of an exercise system comprising two exercise devices;

- Figures 3 and 4 show side views of an exercise device of Figure 1 in different positions;

- Figure 5 shows a top view of a part of the exercise system;

- Figures 6 to 8 show, by way of non-limiting examples, different extensions of the first and second wire ends connected to the respective resistance mechanisms, in side views of the first and second beams; and

- Figures 9 to 11 show, as non-limiting examples, different extensions of the first and second wire ends connected to a single resistance mechanism.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of an exercise system 100 comprising two exercise devices 1 and a floor structure 2 is shown. The floor structure 2 connects the legs 20 of each exercise device 1 , each leg 20 extending from the floor structure 2 . Each exercise device 1 comprises a first beam 21 extending from the leg 20 in a first direction and a second beam 22 extending from the leg 20 in an opposite second direction. The legs 20 of the exercise device 1 are triangular in shape and are connected at the vertices of the legs 20 by bridging frame members 23 to provide stability to the exercise device 1 . Extending from the bridging frame part 23 is a support 24 which supports the display 3 between the legs 20 for a user standing on the floor structure 2 and facing the front of the display 3 . This display 3 may comprise software connected to the resistance mechanisms 61 , 62 which will calculate the acceleration and deceleration of the resistance mechanisms 61 , 62 . By determining the speed of the resistance mechanism 61 , 62 and the rate at which this speed changes, the resistance level of the resistance mechanism 61 , 62 can be recalculated each time the resistance mechanism 61 , 62 rotates without load from the user. Thus, by using two resistance mechanisms 61, 62, one resistance mechanism can be rotated down and the resistance factor calculated, ensuring that the amount of work, force or power output for each resistance mechanism 61, 62 is accurately calculated and displayed. This calculated resistance factor or resistance can be used when the user applies force for the next movement. This is another advantage of providing two engagement mechanisms 25, 26 and/or resistance mechanisms 61, 62 as previously described.

Each exercise device 1 also includes a handle 4 to be grasped by the user. Each handle 4 is connected to a first wire end 51 that engages the first beam 21 at the first engagement mechanism 25 and a second wire end 52 that engages the second beam 22 at the second engagement mechanism 26 . The first engagement mechanism 25 is configured to guide the first wire end 51 to the first resistance mechanism 61 supported by the first beam 21, and the second engagement mechanism 26 is configured to guide the second wire end 52 to the first resistance mechanism 61 supported by the second beam 21. The second resistance mechanism 62 supported by the beam 22 . Movement of the handle 4 in the first direction causes the second resistance mechanism 62 to provide resistance to the extension of the second wire end 52, and movement of the handle 4 in the second direction causes the first resistance mechanism 61 to provide resistance to the extension of the first wire end 51. Extension resistance. In this case, the resistance mechanisms 61, 62 provide resistance by means of flywheels rotating in the fluid. Although not shown here, the engagement mechanisms 25 , 26 include pulleys carried by beams 21 , 22 .

In the side view of the exercise system 100 in FIG. 3 , the first beam 21 and the second beam 22 of one of the exercise devices 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown movable relative to the legs 20 . The first beam 21 and the second beam 22 are connected to the leg 20 via an adjustment mechanism 7 that can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the leg 20 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) such that the vertical position of the beams 21, 22 And thus the vertical positions of the first engagement mechanism 25 , the second engagement mechanism 26 , the first resistance mechanism 61 and the second resistance mechanism 62 can be adjusted by linear translation of the adjustment mechanism 7 along the leg 20 . The adjustment mechanism 7 includes a travel body 71 which is arranged in the groove 27 in the leg 20 and is configured to allow the travel body 71 to slide along the groove 27 . The handle 4 is depicted in a neutral position, ie no extension of the first wire end 51 or the second wire end 52 is visible.

4 shows that the first beam 21 and the second beam 22 can be rotated via the adjustment mechanism 7 relative to the leg 20 about an axis of rotation R (as shown in FIG. 2 ), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the leg 20 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the columnar beams 21 , 22 . The adjustment mechanism 7 comprises a rotating body 70 rotatable around a rotation axis R relative to a traveling body 71 . The beams 21 , 22 are shown as being able to rotate in dependence on each other, but embodiments are conceivable in which the first beam 21 is able to rotate independently of the second beam 22 and conversely the second beam 22 is able to rotate independently of the first beam 21 .

In Fig. 5, the exercise system 100 is shown from above. From this it becomes apparent that the first beam 21 and the second beam 22 in each exercise device 1 are pivotable about an axis P parallel to the longitudinal direction of the respective leg 20 . Pivoting is made possible by the adjustment mechanism 7 comprising a hinge 72 connecting the first beam 21 and the second beam 22 to the rotating body 70 . Pivoting the beams 21 , 22 towards the opposing exercise device 1 causes the handle 4 between the beams 21 , 22 to move towards the opposing exercise device 1 . Similarly, pivoting the beams 21 , 22 away from the opposing exercise device 1 causes the handle 4 between the beams 21 , 22 to move away from the opposing exercise device 1 . In this way, the distance between the handles 4 of the respective exercise device 1 can be adjusted to account for eg smaller users or different types of exercise. It should be understood that various adjustments of the position of the resistance unit and its components, including beams 21, 22 and engagement mechanisms 25, 26, whether rotational or translational or a combination thereof, can be independent of the other side of the machine or resistance unit , or they can be linked to move in a coordinated fashion. For example, from the perspective of the user in FIG. 1 , the left side can be adjusted independently of the right side in terms of beam 21 / 22 rotation, position in/out, and position and height along axis P. As another example, rotation of the resistance unit may cause one side to tilt upward and the other side to tilt downward.

In FIGS. 6 to 8 , a first resistance mechanism 61 for providing resistance to extension of the first wire end 51 and a second resistance mechanism 62 for providing resistance to extension of the second wire end 52 are shown. Out to be in various extensions of the first wire end portion 51 and the second wire end portion 52 . Figure 6 shows the handle 4 in a neutral position. In FIG. 7 , the handle 4 is moved in a first direction towards the first engagement mechanism 25 , thereby extending the second wire end 52 . In contrast, FIG. 8 shows that the handle 4 is moved in the second direction towards the second engagement mechanism 26 , thereby extending the first wire end 51 .

Similarly, FIGS. 9 to 11 show a resistance system 160 for providing resistance to the first and second wire ends 151 and 152 in various extensions of the first and second wire ends 151 and 152. The resistance to extension of end 152 . Figure 9 shows the handle 104 in a neutral position. In FIG. 10 , handle 104 is moved in a first direction from second engagement mechanism 126 toward first engagement mechanism 125 , thereby extending second wire end 152 . In contrast, FIG. 11 shows the handle 104 moving in the second direction from the first engagement mechanism 125 towards the second engagement mechanism 126 , thereby extending the first wire end 151 . The resistance system 160 includes a flywheel for providing resistance and a magnetic brake 164 for braking the flywheel.

The above description of the accompanying drawings is for illustrative purposes only to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims in any way or form.

Claims (18)

1. An exercise device, comprising:

-a frame;

-a resistance system; and

the coupling element is a coupling element which is coupled to the coupling element,

the engagement element is connected to the resistance system with a first wire end and a second wire end, the resistance system providing resistance to extension of the first wire end and the second wire end,

the first wire end engaging the frame at a first engagement mechanism and the second wire end engaging the frame at a second engagement mechanism, the second engagement mechanism being in a different position than the first engagement mechanism such that movement of the engagement element relative to the frame in a first direction from the second engagement mechanism to the first engagement mechanism corresponds to extension of at least the second wire end and movement of the engagement element relative to the frame in a second direction from the first engagement mechanism to the second engagement mechanism corresponds to extension of at least the first wire end, the exercise device thereby allowing the engagement element to reciprocate relative to the frame against resistance provided by the resistance system,

wherein the resistance system is configured to provide resistance to extension of the first wire end independent of resistance to extension of the second wire end.

2. Exercise apparatus as claimed in the preceding claim wherein the resistance system comprises at least two separate resistance mechanisms, each resistance mechanism being independently connected to the first and second wire ends respectively.

3. Exercise device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, the resistance system comprising at least one flywheel for providing resistance, and further comprising a magnetic brake for braking the flywheel.

4. The exercise device of any one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one retraction mechanism configured for retracting the first wire end and/or the second wire end.

5. The exercise device of any one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a first wire having the first wire end and at least one second wire having the second wire end.

6. The exercise device of any one or more of the preceding claims, the frame comprising at least one leg and a first beam supported by the at least one leg, the first beam carrying at least one of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism.

7. Exercise apparatus as claimed in the preceding claim, further comprising a second beam supported by the at least one leg, the second beam carrying the other of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism.

8. The exercise device of any one or more of claims 6-7, the resistance system being at least partially supported by the first beam and/or the second beam.

9. The exercise device of at least claims 2, 7, and 8, wherein the first and second beams each carry one of a first and second resistance mechanism.

10. Exercise device according to any one or more of claims 6 to 9, the first beam and/or the second beam being movable relative to the leg.

11. Exercise apparatus as claimed in the preceding claim, the first beam and/or the second beam being movable along the longitudinal direction of the leg.

12. Exercise device as claimed in any one or more of claims 10 to 11, the first and/or second beams being rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the leg or the longitudinal direction and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the respective beam.

13. The exercise device of any one or more of claims 10-12, the first beam and/or the second beam pivotable about an axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the leg or the longitudinal direction.

14. The exercise device of any one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor configured to sense an amount of work performed by moving the engagement element.

15. Exercise apparatus as claimed in the preceding claim, further comprising a display configured to display the amount of work.

16. An exercise system comprising two exercise devices according to any one or more of the preceding claims.

17. Exercise system according to the preceding claim, the two exercise devices being attached to each other via the frame of the exercise device.

18. The exercise system of claim 16 or 17, wherein a distance between corresponding engagement mechanisms of two of the exercise devices is adjustable.

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