Exercise machine

Abstract

An exercise machine for hip thrust exercises comprises a back rest 13 for supporting a person; and a carrier 14 for receiving one or more weighted articles (not shown). The carrier includes a first pair of carriages 30 mounted on a pair of parallel horizontal rails or bars 22 and each moveable between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position relative to the back rest, and a second pair of carriages 38 mounted on a pair of parallel vertical rails or bars 32 and moveable between a first vertical position and a second vertical position relative to the back rest. The weighted articles may be weight plates receivable on the ends of bar 40. In use, a person is supported by way of seat pad 12, the back rest 13 and shoulder supports 28; with the bar 40 spanning laterally across the top of the person’s legs. The bar 40 is movable upwardly as the person thrusts upwards away from the seat pad 12 and downwardly as the person retreats to be supported by the seat pad.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to an exercise machine, especially designed to carry out hip thrust exercises with a bar. BACKGROUND The realm of exercise equipment has witnessed considerable advancements over the years, with a primary focus on enhancing the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of workouts. A particular area of interest is the development of machines designed to target specific muscle groups. In particular, the hip thrust exercise has gained significant recognition as an effective means to target and strengthen the gluteal muscles and the posterior chain. This exercise involves lifting a barbell or other weighted object from the floor to a position resting on the hips, followed by a controlled extension of the hips upward. The importance of the hip thrust exercise in athletic performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being cannot be understated. However, a significant challenge in performing the hip thrust exercise lies in the limitations of existing equipment and machines. Traditional benches utilized for barbell hip thrusts often lack stability and can pose safety concerns due to their design. The process of positioning the barbell, maintaining balance during the exercise, and loading or unloading weights can be cumbersome and inconvenient, limiting the overall effectiveness of the workout. Smith machines were not design for hip thrust exercises, but for Squat or Bench Press exercises. Therefore, they are not properly suitable for hip thrust since hip thrust requires a back rest and a foot support. Conversely, many existing hip thrust machines define a fixed path of motion that does not accommodate the unique anatomical variations among individuals. These machines fail to provide a versatile and adaptable platform for performing the exercise, restricting users to a predetermined range of motion that may not align with their specific biomechanics. As a result, these conventional machines do not offer an optimal solution for achieving the full benefits of the hip thrust exercise. Historically, exercises have been performed using free weights or barbells, often with the user's back rested by a bench or similar structure. This traditional method, while effective, presents several challenges. For instance, maintaining proper form and stability can be difficult, particularly as the weight of the barbell increases. Additionally, the lack of adjustability in conventional benches can limit the range of motion and the effectiveness of the exercise, particularly for users of different body sizes and shapes. To address these issues, various exercise machines have been developed. For instance, machines that include a barbell fixed within steel rails allow for a more controlled movement and can provide increased stability compared to free weights. However, these machines are typically designed for vertical or near-vertical exercises and may not be suitable for exercises requiring a more horizontal movement. Moreover, existing machines often lack features that could enhance the effectiveness and comfort of exercises. For example, many machines do not include a foot plate, which can provide a stable platform for pushing against during the exercise. Additionally, the benches on these machines are often fixed in height and angle, limiting their adaptability to different users and exercises. Another area of concern is the lack of support for the upper body during the exercise. Without proper support, users may slide or shift during the exercise, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to injury. Some machines have attempted to address this by incorporating shoulder pads or similar features, but these are often fixed in position and may not provide adequate support for all users. Furthermore, the design of the foot platform on existing machines often does not take into account the biomechanics of certain exercises. For instance, a flat platform may not provide the optimal angle for engaging certain muscles, and a slippery surface can lead to instability during the exercise. In light of these and other shortcomings, there is a need for improvements in exercise machines. Such improvements should provide a stable and adjustable platform for both the upper and lower body, accommodate users of different sizes and shapes, and allow for a full range of motion during the exercise. Additionally, the machine should be designed with the biomechanics of various exercises in mind, to maximize the effectiveness of the workout and minimize the risk of injury. Improvements are desired to overcome shortcomings of existing implementations. SUMMARY In general terms, the present disclosure is directed to an exercise machine that includes a back rest and seat pad for supporting a person and a carrier for holding weighted articles. The carrier is capable of being moved both vertically and horizontally relative to the back rest and seat pad. Advantageously, the invention solves the problem of instability and discomfort during hip thrust exercises by introducing a uniquely designed machine with both vertical and horizontal movement of the carrier, an adjustable back rest, a seat pad, and foot plate, providing enhanced stability, user comfort, and exercise efficiency. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise machine. The machine comprises a back rest and a seat pad for supporting a person and a carrier for receiving one or more weighted articles. The carrier is moveable relative to the back rest and seat pad both vertically and horizontally. Advantageously, the back rest and seat pad may each be designed to support the user in various positions, to allow for different ranges of motion depending on the user’s abilities. The adjustability in height of the back rest and / or seat pad accommodates users of different sizes, from petite to tall individuals. This adjustability is a crucial factor in ensuring correct form during exercise, which is paramount in preventing injuries and maximizing the effectiveness of each movement. For instance, during a hip thrust exercise, the height of the back rest and / or seat pad can be adjusted so that the user's shoulders are inline with their knees when their hips are fully extended. The carrier may be designed to receive weighted articles, such as dumbbells, barbells, or weight plates This feature provides the resistance necessary for strength training, a key component in building muscle mass, improving bone density, and boosting metabolic rate. The carrier's capacity to receive different types of weighted articles allows for a wide range of resistance levels, from light for beginners or those in rehabilitation, to heavy for advanced users or bodybuilders. The carrier's ability to move both vertically and horizontally relative to the back rest and seat pad allows for a dynamic range of motion. This mobility mimics the natural movement of the human body during exercise, such as the upward thrust in a hip thrust. This feature enhances the effectiveness of the workout by allowing movements to be performed in a biomechanically correct manner regardless of user’s size or body proportions. The combination of the adjustable height of the back rest and / or seat pad and the carrier's multidirectional mobility allows the machine to be tailored to the user's specific needs by varying the height distance between the back support and foot support. For instance, a user performing a hip thrust exercise can adjust the height of the back rest and / or seat pad to ensure proper alignment of the knees and hips and move the carrier horizontally (horizontal movement is not just to position the barbell at the hips comfortable, but also because there is a bit of horizontal motion when hip thrust (despite vertical being the main movement)) to align the weighted bar with the hips. This customization enhances the effectiveness of the workout by ensuring that the targeted muscles are properly engaged, and the risk of strain or injury is minimized (yes, because individual is not forced to follow a guided / fixed path of motion) In some embodiments the carrier comprises a bar configured to receive weight plates. Advantageously, the bar's configuration to receive weight plates allows for customizable resistance levels. This feature enables users to adjust the weight according to their strength and fitness level, promoting progressive overload, a key principle in strength training. The bar is designed to easily receive and secure the weight plates, ensuring safety during exercise. The use of weight plates also allows for quick and easy adjustments between sets or exercises, enhancing the user's workout experience. In some embodiments the carrier further comprises a first pair of carriages mounted on a pair of parallel rails or bars and each moveable between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position relative to the back rest and / or seat pad. Advantageously, the inclusion of a first pair of carriages mounted on parallel rails or bars enhances the machine's versatility. The carriages' ability to move between two horizontal positions allows for a wider range of flexibility when performing exercises. This feature, combined with the adjustable back rest and / or seat pad and weightbearing carrier, provides a comprehensive workout solution, targeting multiple muscle groups. The carriages move smoothly along the rails or bars, ensuring a fluid motion during exercise, which can help to improve form and reduce the risk of injury. In some embodiments the carrier further comprises a second pair of carriages mounted on a pair of parallel vertical rails or bars and moveable between a first vertical position and a second vertical position relative to the back rest and / or seat pad. Advantageously, the second pair of carriages mounted on parallel vertical rails or bars further enhances the machine's adaptability. The ability to adjust the vertical position of the carrier allows for a greater range of motion, accommodating different exercises and user heights. This feature, combined with the horizontally adjustable carriages, provides a multi-dimensional workout space, mimicking the natural movement patterns of the human body. The vertical adjustment also allows the user to easily move the bar across their straight legs, a key feature for performing the hip thrust exercise. In some embodiments the first pair of carriages and second pair of carriages comprise bearings to facilitate smooth travel along respective rails or bars. Advantageously, the inclusion of bearings in the carriages ensures a smooth and fluid motion during exercise. The bearings reduce friction between the carriages and the rails or bars, allowing for seamless adjustments and movement. This feature enhances the user's workout experience, promoting proper form and reducing the risk of injury. The smooth travel of the carriages also allows for a more natural movement pattern, mimicking the biomechanics of the human body during exercise. In some embodiments each of the pair of first carriages comprises a first mounting point and each of the pair of second carriages comprises a second mounting point, wherein the first mounting point and second point are aligned vertically to permit attachment of a resistance band therebetween. Advantageously, the inclusion of mounting points on the carriages allows for the attachment of resistance bands. Resistance bands provide an additional form of resistance, enhancing the effectiveness of the workout. The bands can be used in conjunction with the weight plates, providing a combined resistance that can be tailored to the user's strength and fitness level. The vertical alignment of the mounting points ensures that the resistance bands are properly positioned, promoting correct form and reducing the risk of injury. In some embodiments the carriage further comprises a top bar spanning the pair of parallel vertical rails or bars, and wherein the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages is limited by the position of the first pair of carriages and the second vertical position of the second pair of carriages is limited by the top bar. Advantageously, the inclusion of a top bar spanning the vertical rails or bars provides a limit to the vertical movement of the carriages. This feature ensures that the carriages remain within a safe and effective range of motion, preventing them from moving too far up or down the rails or bars. The position of the first pair of carriages limits the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages, ensuring that the carrier remains at a suitable height for the user. The top bar limits the second vertical position of the second pair of carriages, preventing them from moving too high and potentially causing injury or damage to the machine. This top bar provides also stability between the two vertical rails minimizing sideways movements. In some embodiments the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages is adjustable. Advantageously, the adjustability of the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages allows for a greater range of motion and exercise options. This feature, combined with the horizontally adjustable carriages, provides a comprehensive workout solution, accommodating different exercises and user heights. The adjustable vertical position also allows the user to easily move the bar across their straight legs, a key feature for performing the hip thrust exercise. In some embodiments the exercise machine has a locking mechanism that can lock the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages. Advantageously, the inclusion of a locking mechanism ensures the safety and stability of the machine during use. The locking mechanism secures the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages, preventing unwanted movement during exercise. This feature enhances the user's workout experience, promoting proper form and reducing the risk of injury. The locking mechanism is easy to engage and disengage, allowing for quick and easy adjustments between sets or exercises. In some embodiments the exercise machine has a locking mechanism that can be used to lock the horizontal position of the carrier. Advantageously, the inclusion of a locking mechanism for the horizontal position of the carrier enhances the stability and safety of the machine during use. The locking mechanism prevents unwanted lateral movement of the carrier during exercise, ensuring that the weighted articles remain securely in place. This feature promotes proper form and reduces the risk of injury, enhancing the user's workout experience. The locking mechanism is easy to engage and disengage, allowing for quick and easy adjustments between sets or exercises. In some embodiments the exercise machine further comprises a footplate for supporting the feet of a person during exercise. Advantageously, the inclusion of a footplate provides a stable and non-slippery surface for the user's feet during exercise. The footplate is designed to support the user's feet in a slightly inclined / angled position, facilitating proper force production in the most stable joint position which is 90 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion. This feature enhances the user's workout experience, promoting proper form and reducing the risk of injury. The footplate is also designed to counteract reaction forces from the back rest and / or seat pad, providing better stability support. In some embodiments the footplate comprises three panels, wherein a first panel is orientated substantially horizontally and positioned centrally between a second and third panel, wherein the second and third panel angle downwardly away from the first panel. Advantageously, the unique design of the footplate with three panels enhances the machine's adaptability to the user's foot position. The first panel, oriented substantially horizontally, provides a stable surface for the user's feet. The second and third panels, angled downwardly away from the first panel, facilitate hip external rotation, a key feature for performing the hip thrust exercise. This feature, combined with the adjustable back rest and / or seat pad and carrier, provides an optimal exercise solution, enhancing the effectiveness of the user's workout. In some embodiments the angular position of the footplate is adjustable. Advantageously, the adjustability of the footplate's angular position allows for a greater range of motion and exercise options. This feature, combined with the adjustable back rest and / or seat pad and carrier, provides a comprehensive workout solution, accommodating different exercises and user foot positions. The adjustable angular position also allows the user to easily adjust the footplate to their comfort level, enhancing the user's workout experience. In some embodiments the position of the shoulder support is adjustable relative to the back rest. This feature, combined with the adjustable back rest and / or seat pad and carrier, provides a comprehensive workout solution, accommodating different exercises and user heights. The adjustable position also allows the user to easily adjust the back and / or shoulder support to their comfort level, enhancing the user's workout experience. In some embodiments the exercise machine further comprises a pair of shoulder pads for restraining the person’s position relative to the back rest. Advantageously, the inclusion of shoulder pads provides additional stability and comfort for the user during exercise. The shoulder pads are designed to provide a supporting point and prevent the user from sliding back when exercising. This feature, combined with the adjustable back rest and / or seat pad and carrier, provides a comprehensive workout solution, enhancing the effectiveness of the user's workout. In some embodiments the position of the shoulder pads is adjustable relative to the back rest. Advantageously, the adjustability of the shoulder pads' position relative to the back rest allows for use of the exercise device by different individuals of varying sizes so that the lower scapula is at the front edge of the back rest while the shoulder pads are in contact with the shoulders. This feature, combined with the adjustable back rest and / or seat pad and carrier, provides a comprehensive workout solution, accommodating different exercises and user heights. The adjustable position also allows the user to easily adjust the shoulder pads to their comfort level, enhancing the user's workout experience. In one embodiment, the position of the bar is variable vertically between two or more positions. Advantageously, the variability of the bar enables the user to enter and exit the exercise machine more easily and to facilitate a wider range of hip thrust exercises. Another aspect of the invention provides an exercise machine comprising a back rest, a footplate, and a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the carrier, back rest, footplate and pair of shoulder pads are integrated in a welded or bolted structure. Advantageously, the integration of the carrier, back rest, footplate, and shoulder pads in a welded structure enhances the stability and durability of the machine. The welded structure ensures that all components remain securely in place during exercise, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing the user's workout experience. The integrated structure also allows for a more streamlined design, making the machine more aesthetically pleasing and easier to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages of the invention of the disclosures will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustratively shows a first view of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustratively shows a second view of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The figures illustratively show an exercise machine (10) according to the present disclosure. The exercise machine (10) comprises a seat pad (12) and back rest (13) for supporting a person during exercise. Additionally, the exercise machine has a carrier (14) for receiving one or more weighted articles (not shown). As is shown in the figures, the carrier (14) is moveable relative to the seat pad (12) and back rest (13) both vertically and horizontally. The seat pad (12) and carrier (14) are supported by a frame (18). The frame (18) comprises a front (18a) that mounts a footplate (20) and a rear (18b) that provides a pair of upstands (18c) to which weighted articles (16) can be stored on a plurality of spindles (18d). The front (18a) and rear (18b) of the frame (18) are joined by a pair of side frame members (18e) and a central frame member (18f). The pair of side frame members (18e) each comprise a bar or rail (22) to which the carrier (14) is mounted. The carrier (14) is configured to slide along the bar or rail (22) between a first position and second position. Feet (24) are provided at each corner of the frame (18) and at an intermediate position between the front (18a) and (18b) of the frame (18). The central frame member (18f) mounts the seat pad (12) and back rest (13). The seat pad (12) and back rest (13) may be adjusted: up and down and / or backwards and forwards and / or left and right. The seat pad (12) may be angled or may sit flat and parallel to the floor. The back rest (13) may be adjusted: up and down and / or backwards and forwards and / or left and right. The seat pad (12) and back rest (13) may be individually angled or may sit vertically and perpendicular to the floor. The back rest (13) may further comprise a pair of shoulder supports (28) which may be adjustable angularly and / or inline with the back rest (13) and / or inwards and outwards. Each of the seat pad (12), back rest (13) and shoulder pads (28) may be padded for the user’s comfort. The footplate (20) comprises three panels (20a, 20b, 20c) with the central panel (20b) orientated in a first plane and the outer panels (20a, 20c) being orientated in an angled plane relative to the central panel (20b) such that outer panels (20a, 20c) are angled downwardly away from the central panel (20b). Each panel (20a, 20b, 20c) may be provided with a textured surface to aid grip. The footplate (20) may be adjusted: up and down and / or backwards and forwards and / or left and right. The angle of the footplate (20) may also be adjusted for the user’s comfort and convenience. The carrier (14) may comprise a first pair of carriages (30) that are configured to run along respective bars or rails (22). The first pair of carriages (30), as shown in the figures, comprises a tubular member (30a) comprising an internal bearing surface and an upstand (30b) which mounts a first end of a vertical bar or rail (32). The upstand further comprises a forward-facing spigot (34) for receiving a first end of a resistance band (36). The vertical bar (32) extends upwardly from the vertical bar or rail (32) and terminates at a second end thereof. A top bar (36) spans between the second end of each vertical bar or rail (32). The carrier (14) may further comprise a second pair of carriages (38) that are configured to run vertically up and down the vertical bar or rail (32). The second pair of carriages (38) each comprise a tubular member (38a) having an internal bearing surface and a mounting point (38b) for receiving an end of a bar (40) configured to receive one or more weight plates at each end thereof. Each of the second pair of carriages (38) further comprises a spigot (42) for receiving a second end of the resistance band (36). The position of the bar (40) may be varied between two or more positions. For example, the bar (40) may be lockable in multiple positions so that a user may more easily enter and exit the exercise machine (10). This may be achieved by way of a twist lock mechanism wherein rotation of the bar in a first direction causes the vertical position of the bar (40) to be variable relative to the carriage (14) and rotation of the bar (40) in a second direction causes the vertical position of the bar (40) to be locked relative to the carriage (14). As can be seen in the figures, a hook (44) may be integrated with the bar (40) or attached thereto so as to rotate with the bar (40). When rotated in the first direction, the hook (44) is not engaged with the carrier (14). When rotated in the second direction, the hook (44) is engaged with the carrier (14). In another embodiment, the position of the bar (40) may be locked in position relative to the carriage (14) by way of a bracket that may be mounted to the carriage (14) through insertion into one of a plurality of positioning holes through the vertical bar (32). This is not shown in the drawings. In use, a person is support by way of the seat pad (12) and back rest (13) and by way of shoulder supports (28). The bar (40) spans laterally across the top of the person’s legs. The person is generally fixed in position relative to the frame (18). The carrier permits movement of the bar (40) forwards and backwards to ensure that the bar (40) is positioned in the correct position for the person to undertake a hip thrust exercise. The bar (40) is movable upwardly as the person thrusts upwards away from the seat pad (12) and downwardly as the person retreats to be supported by the seat pad (12). It will be appreciated that although the figures and associated description are provided by way of reference to an exercise machine configured for use in connection with performing hip thrust exercises, the present disclosure and annexed claims may equally be applicable to other exercise machines comprising a carrier capable of providing motion of weighted articles in at least two planes. It will be understood that the term weighted articles as used herein may refer to various types of load elements such as dumbbells, barbells, weight plates, or any other objects with substantial mass that can be used for resistance training in the context of the exercise machine. It will be understood that the term first pair of carriages as used herein may refer to the initial set of movable components or assemblies within the exercise machine that facilitate the vertical and horizontal movement of the weighted article carrier relative to the back rest. It will be understood that the term second pair of carriages as used herein may refer to a set of components within the exercise machine that facilitate the horizontal and vertical movement of the carrier holding the weighted articles, potentially through a system of rails, pulleys, or other mechanical means. It will be understood that the term resistance band as used herein may refer to an elastic device, often made of rubber or similar materials, that provides resistance when stretched and is used in the exercise machine to increase the intensity of workouts by adding resistance to movements. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications may be made considering the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Although combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, and / or the like), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’). It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above-described examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise machine for hip thrust exercises comprising:a back rest for supporting a person; anda carrier for receiving one or more weighted articles, comprising:a first pair of carriages mounted on a pair of parallel horizontal rails or bars and each moveable between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position relative to the back rest;a second pair of carriages mounted on a pair of parallel vertical rails or bars and moveable between a first vertical position and a second vertical position relative to the back rest2. An exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a seat pad for supporting a person.

3. An exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein the first and second pair of carriages are moveable relative to the seat pad.

4. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carrier comprises a bar configured to receive weight plates.

5. An exercise machine according to claim 4, wherein the first pair of carriages and second pair of carriages comprise bearings to facilitate smooth travel along respective rails or bars.

6. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the pair of first carriages comprises a first mounting point and each of the pair of second carriages comprises a second mounting point, wherein the first mounting point and second mounting point are aligned vertically to permit attachment of a resistance band therebetween.

7. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the carriage further comprises a top bar spanning the pair of parallel vertical rails or bars, and wherein the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages is limited by the position of the first pair of carriages and the second vertical position of the second pair of carriages is limited by the topbar.

8. An exercise machine according to claim 7, wherein the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages is adjustable.

9. An exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein the first vertical position of the second pair of carriages is lockable by way of a locking mechanism.

10. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the horizontal position of the carrier is lockable by way of a locking mechanism.

11. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the back rest comprises a platform for supporting the user during exercise.

12. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a footplate for supporting the feet of a person during exercise.

13. An exercise machine according to claim 12, wherein the footplate comprises three panels, wherein a first panel is orientated substantially horizontally and positioned centrally between a second and third panel, wherein the second and third panel angle downwardly away from the first panel.

14. An exercise machine according to claim 13, wherein the angular position of the footplate is adjustable.

15. An exercise machine according to claim 14, wherein the position of the back rest is adjustable.

16. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 15 further comprising a pair of shoulder pads for restraining the person’s position relative to the back rest.

17. An exercise machine according to claim 17, wherein the position of the shoulder pads is adjustable relative to the back rest.

18. An exercise machine according to any of claims 1 to 17 further comprising a footplate, and a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the carrier, back rest, footplate and pair of shoulder pads are integrated in a welded structure.

19. An exercise machine according to any of claims 4 to 18, wherein the position of the bar is variable vertically between two or more positions.18

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