Freeweight barbell lifting exercise machine with user controllable lift assist and safety device

摘要

A freeweight lifting exercise machine having a barbell connected to a cable system operated by a pneumatic motor supported below a lifting bench. An electropneumatic control system operated by a weightlifter using the machine controls the pneumatic motor to apply an exponentially variable lifting force to the cable in response to linear movement of a foot pedal to replicate the function of a "spotter". The control system automatically applies sufficient lifting force to the cable to remove slack from the cable during the lifting mode and nullifies the slack removing force during the lowering mode of a normal lifting exercise enabling the lifter to perform a freeweight lifting exercise free of machine influence.