Isometric Exercise Device

Abstract

An isometric exercise device comprising a frame, cables, cable reels, cable sheaves, computer-controlled cable clamping mechanisms, tension sensors, and a control module. In some embodiments, the device may further comprise an input device, an output device, a battery, and length sensors. The device is operative to run interactive, intelligent programs for fitness and entertainment and has internet connectivity capabilities for various purposes, such as: remote configuration and control, collaborative training/competition between devices, leaderboards, etc.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fitness devices, and, in particular, to isometric exercise devices and methods of use.

Scope of the Prior Art

Isometric Exercises Offer Several Benefits:

Strength building: Isometric exercises help to develop and strengthen muscles. By exerting force against an immovable object or by holding a static position, your muscles are engaged and challenged, leading to increased strength.

Convenience: Isometric exercises can be performed anywhere and at any time, as they typically don't require any equipment. This makes them a convenient option for incorporating exercise into your daily routine, whether you're at home, in the office, or traveling.

Joint stability: Isometric exercises promote joint stability by engaging the muscles around the joints. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or for those looking to prevent joint-related issues.

Time-efficient: Isometric exercises can be time-efficient since they can be performed in a short amount of time. Holding a position for a specific duration can effectively engage the muscles and provide a workout, even in a brief session.

Improved posture: Many isometric exercises focus on core muscles, which can help improve posture and overall body alignment. Strengthening the core muscles can contribute to better spinal alignment, reducing the risk of back pain and promoting good posture.

Low impact: Isometric exercises are generally low impact, meaning they put minimal stress on the joints. This makes them suitable for people of various fitness levels and those with joint sensitivities or limitations. Increased muscular endurance: Isometric exercises can improve muscular endurance by training the muscles to sustain contractions over time. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes participating in sports that require sustained muscle exertion.

There is a need in the art for an isometric exercise device which measures force exertion, guides users through workouts, is portable, easy to use and adjust between exercises, effective, and aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure satisfies the foregoing needs by providing, inter alia, an isometric exercise device for addressing each of the foregoing desirable traits as well as its method of its use.

One aspect of the present invention is directed at an isometric exercise device comprising a frame, cables, cable reels, cable sheaves, computer-controlled cable clamping mechanisms, tension sensors, and a control module. In some embodiments, the device may further comprise an input device, an output device, a battery, and length sensors. The device is operative to run interactive, intelligent programs for fitness and entertainment and has internet connectivity capabilities for various purposes, such as: remote configuration and control, collaborative training/competition between devices, leaderboards, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred variations of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings variations that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. In the drawings, where:

FIG. 1a is a top view of an isometric exercise device.

FIG. 1b is a bottom view of the device, according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of the device, according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2a is a bottom view of an isometric exercise device, according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the device, according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 3a is a bottom view of an isometric exercise device, according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the device, according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 4a is a bottom view of an isometric exercise device, according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the device, according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 5a is a bottom view of an isometric exercise device, according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the device, according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of a control module for the isometric exercise device, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present technology will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the technology. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any single implementation or implementations. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.

Moreover, while variations described herein are primarily discussed in the context of an isometric exercise device and methods of use, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill that the present disclosure is not so limited. In fact, the principles of the present disclosure described herein may be readily applied to exercise devices in general.

In the present specification, an implementation showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the disclosure is intended to encompass other implementations including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Further, the present disclosure encompasses present and future known equivalents to the components referred to herein by way of illustration.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the technology are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the disclosure and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed implementations, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 1a is a top view of an isometric exercise device 100 (herein referred to as the device). The device 100 may comprise a frame 102 including a platform 101 for the user to stand on during use. The frame 102 is generally hollow and encloses the various mechanical and electrical components of the device 100. Preferably, the frame 102 is comprised of a lightweight and rigid material, or a combination of lightweight and rigid materials, including, but not limited to, wood, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, plastics, or any other suitable material.

The underside of the frame 102 may have anti-slide functionality via the attachment or integration of anti-slide elements such as rubber feet, padding, and the like.

The platform 101 may provide enhanced grip via the attachment or integration of high-grip materials such as rubber. Alternatively, enhanced grip is achieved via surface texturing.

FIG. 1b is a bottom view of the device 100 and FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of the device 100, according to an embodiment. The device 100 further comprises cables 104, cable reels 106, cable sheaves 108, cable clamping mechanisms 110, force sensors 112, and a control module 200.

The frame 102 is generally hollow and encloses the various mechanical and electrical components of the device 100. Preferably, the frame 102 is comprised of a lightweight and rigid material, or a combination of lightweight and rigid materials, including, but not limited to, wood, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, plastics, or any other suitable material.

The underside of the frame 102 may have anti-slide functionality via the attachment or integration of anti-slide elements such as rubber feet, padding, and the like.

The topside of the frame 102 may provide enhanced grip via the attachment or integration of high-grip materials such as rubber and the like. Alternatively, enhanced grip is achieved via surface texturing.

Cables 104 can pass through one or more openings 103 in the platform 101. The first end of each cable may be integrated into the cable reel 106 and the second end of each cable may be secured to a fitness accessory. Exemplary fitness accessories include, but are not limited to, handles, custom hooks, carabiners, handle straps, bars, sub-bars, and the like. Fitness accessories may be attached to the cables 104 at user-desired points along the cable length.

Preferably, the cables 104 are made of an inelastic material, such as steel. Alternatively, the cables 104 are made of a strongly elastic material that strongly resists stretching under tensile forces, such as nylon.

Cable reels 106 are positioned within the frame 102, preferably secured to an underside of the platform 101. Torsion from a constant force spring rotates the cable reels 106 such that cables 104 are continuously retracted into the frame 102. In some embodiments, a ratcheting mechanism is used to prevent the cables 104 from retracting during use. Alternatively, the cable reels 106 may be substituted with any mechanism capable of retractably holding a cable.

In an embodiment, the cable reels 106 are oriented horizontally such that their axis of rotation is vertical. Alternatively, the cable reels are oriented vertically such that their axis of rotation is horizontal.

Cable sheaves 108 are secured within a sheave block 109 which is moveably secured to the frame 102, preferably to an underside of the platform 101. The cable sheaves 108 redirect the cables 104 from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. Alternatively, the cable sheaves 108 may be substituted with any mechanism capable of redirecting a cable.

Here, the sheave blocks 109 are slidably secured to the underside of the platform 101 such that tensioning the cables 104 induces sliding of the sheave blocks 109 towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlets of their respective cable reels 106.

A cable inlet is defined as the location where the cable 104 starts winding onto the cable reel 106, typically where the cable 104 is perpendicular to the radius of the cable reel 106.

Cable clamping mechanisms 110 are positioned within the frame 102, preferably coupled to the cable reels 106. When engaged, the cable clamping mechanisms 110 restrict the feeding of cables 104 out of the cable reels 106 and the retraction of cables 104 back into the cable reels 106. Preferably, each cable clamping mechanism 110 consists of an electromagnet positioned at one end of the cable reel 106 and a locking mechanism integrated into the cable reel 106. While the electromagnet is inactive, a tension spring maintains the locking mechanism in an unlocked state. Receiving an output signal from the control module 200 activates the electromagnet, inducing the locking mechanism into a locked state such that the cable reel 106 cannot rotate, and, therefore, the cables 104 cannot be fed out or retracted.

Alternatively, each cable clamping mechanism 110 consists of an electromagnet positioned at one end of a cable reel 106 and a break pad having ferrous elements positioned at an opposite end of the cable reel 106. While the electromagnet is inactive, a tension spring maintains the break pad at a distance from the cable reed 106. Receiving an output signal from the control module 200 activates the electromagnet, causing the break pad to contact the cable reel 106 such that frictional forces prevent rotation of the cable reel 106, and, therefore, the feeding and retraction of the cables 104. Yet alternatively, any mechanism capable of restricting the feeding of the cables 104 out of the cable reels 106 and the retraction of the cables 104 back into the cable reels 106 may be substituted.

Force sensors 112 are positioned within the frame 102 and are configured to measure the forces produced when the sheave blocks 109 are caused to slide or rotate towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106.

Here, the force sensors 112 are compression sensors positioned between the sheave blocks 109 and their respective cable reels 106. The force sensors 112 are configured to measure the compressive force produced when the sheave blocks 109 are caused to slide towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106. Compressed force sensors 112 produce an output signal that is converted into instant tensions by the control module 200. Preferred compression sensors include, but are not limited to, strain gauge load cells, hydraulic load cells, piezoelectric sensors, capacitive force sensors, inductive force sensors, and the like. Alternatively, any sensor capable of producing an output signal that can be converted into an instant tension may be substituted.

The control module 200 is positioned within the frame 102 and is described in detail further.

FIG. 2a is a bottom view of the device 100 and FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the device 100, according to a second embodiment.

Here, the sheave blocks 109 are slidably secured to the underside of the platform 101 such that tensioning the cables 104 induces sliding of the sheave blocks 109 towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlets of their respective cable reels 106.

Here, the force sensors 112 are tension sensors positioned next to the sheave blocks 109 such that the sheave blocks 109 are in between their respective force sensors 112 and their respective cable reels 106. The force sensors 112 are configured to measure the tensile force produced when the sheave blocks 109 are caused to slide towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106. Tensioned force sensors 112 produce an output signal that is converted into instant tensions by the control module 200. Preferred tension sensors include, but are not limited to, strain gauge load cells, dynamometers, wire tension meters, capacitive tension sensors, piezoelectric tension sensors, and the like. Alternatively, any sensor capable of producing an output signal that can be converted into an instant tension may be substituted.

FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the device 100 and FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the device 100, according to a third embodiment.

Here, the sheave blocks 109 are rotatably secured to the underside of the platform 101 such that tensioning the cables 104 induces rotation of the sheave blocks 109 towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlets of their respective cable reels 106.

Here, the force sensors 112 are compression sensors positioned between the sheave blocks 109 and their respective cable reels 106. The force sensors 112 are configured to measure the compressive force produced when the sheave blocks 109 are caused to rotate towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106. Compressed force sensors 112 produce an output signal that is converted into instant tensions by the control module 200.

FIG. 4a is a bottom view of the device 100 and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the device 100, according to a fourth embodiment.

Here, the sheave blocks 109 are rotatably secured to the underside of the platform 101 such that tensioning the cables 104 induces rotation of the sheave blocks 109 towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlets of their respective cable reels 106.

Here, the force sensors 112 are tension sensors positioned next to the sheave blocks 109 such that the sheave blocks are in between their respective force sensors 112 and their respective cable reels 106. The force sensors 112 are configured to measure the tensile force produced when the sheave blocks 109 are caused to rotate towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106. Tensioned force sensors 112 produce an output signal that is converted into instant tensions by the control module 200.

FIG. 5a is a bottom view of the device 100 and FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the device 100, according to a fifth embodiment.

Here, the sheave blocks 109 are rotatably secured to the underside of the platform 101 such that tensioning the cables 104 induces rotation of the sheave blocks 109 towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlets of their respective cable reels 106.

Here, the force sensors 112 are torque sensors coupled to the sheave blocks 109. The force sensors 112 are configured to measure the torque produced when the sheave blocks 109 are caused to rotate towards their respective cable reels 106, preferably towards the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106. Tensioned force sensors 112 produce an output signal that is converted into instant tensions by the control module 200.

In embodiments one through four, as previously described, the compressive and tensile forces are measured along an axis that is generally parallel to the path of the cables 104 extending from the cable inlet of their respective cable reels 106 to their respective cable sheaves 108.

Aligning the direction of the sliding or rotation of the cable sheave 108 with the force being measured provides several significant advantages in reducing wear and tear. This alignment ensures that the load is distributed more evenly across the sheave and its supporting structure, reducing uneven stress concentrations that can lead to premature wear and mechanical failure. Additionally, minimizing lateral forces due to this alignment reduces friction between the cable and the sheave surfaces, lowering abrasion and drastically decreasing wear rates.

Both the sheave and the cable experience less mechanical wear due to the reduction of lateral forces and friction, leading to longer service intervals and reduced maintenance costs. Proper alignment and load distribution in mechanical systems can significantly extend the life expectancy of components. Furthermore, aligned force direction ensures that the sheave blocks move smoothly without binding or catching, which reduces sudden jerks or stresses that contribute to wear and tear, enhancing the longevity and reliability of device 100.

Lastly, efficient force transmission along the intended path means less energy is lost to non-productive forces such as friction and misalignment, leading to a better workout experience for the user.

In some embodiments, the device 100 further comprises an input device 116, an output device 118, a battery and/or power supply 120, and length sensors.

The input device 116 is used to interact with the device 100. Preferably, the input device 116 may be a touchscreen or keypad. Alternatively, the input device 116 may be a microphone for speech capture, a camera for visual text or motion capture, a keyboard, a button, or any other device or method of receiving user commands. The input device 116 may be placed on external surfaces of the platform 101 or otherwise integrated into the frame 102. Yet alternatively, the input device 116 may be a user's smart phone or other external devices compatible with the device 100.

The output device 118 is used to interact with a user. Preferably, the output device 118 may be a display screen in any of the various forms associated with smart devices. Alternatively, the output device 118 may be a speaker, acoustic generator, or any other device or method of transmitting updates or data. The output device 118 may be placed on external surfaces of the frame 102 or otherwise integrated into the frame 102. Yet alternatively, the output device 118 may be a user's smart phone or other external devices compatible with the isometric exercise device 102.

The battery or power supply 120 provides power to the components of the device 100. According to an embodiment, the battery 120 may be a lithium-ion battery or any other conventional power storage device.

Length sensors are positioned within the frame 102 and are configured to measure the length of cable fed out of the cable reels 106 and/or out of the openings 103 in the topside of the platform 101. Preferably, the length sensors are rotation sensors integrated into the cable reels 106. Rotational displacement of the cable reels 106 produces an output signal that is converted into instant lengths by the control module 200. Alternatively, any mechanism capable of producing an output signal that can be converted into an instant length may be substituted.

In some embodiments, there can be one or more cable redirectors in between a cable sheave 108 and its respective cable reel 106. In such cases, the sheave blocks 109 are slidable or rotatable towards the cable inlet of the first cable redirector after the cable sheaves 108.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of a control module 200 for the device 100, according to an embodiment. The control module 200 may comprise a processing unit 202 and memory 212.

The processing unit 202 executes commands to perform the functions specified throughout this disclosure. It should be appreciated that processing may be implemented either locally via the processing unit 202 or remotely via various forms of wireless or wired networking technologies or a combination of both.

The term computer readable media as used herein may include computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, or program modules. The memory 212, the removable storage device 208, and the non-removable storage device 210 are all computer storage media examples (e.g., memory storage). Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacture which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the control module 200. In some embodiments, such computer storage media may be part of the control module 200. Computer storage media does not include a carrier wave or other propagated or modulated data signal.

Communication media may be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media.

Memory 212 may include various types of short and long-term memory as is known in the art. Memory 212 may be loaded with various applications 214 in the form of computer readable program instructions. These computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, Java, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry (PLC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Applications 214 include a control application 216 configured to generate a control signal to control the cable clamping mechanisms 110.

Preferably, the control application 216 generates the control signal based on a set of input variables, the input variables including, but not limited to, the instant lengths and the instant tensions of the cables 104. The instant lengths and instant tensions of the cables 104 are saved in memory 212 as measured data 220. Measured data 220 is collected, continuously or periodically, via various instruments and sensors of the isometric exercise device 100.

In some embodiments, the instant lengths of the cables can be derived via a mathematical function relating the instant lengths of the cables to their respective instant cable tensions. Alternatively, the instant lengths of the cables are derived via a comparison of the instant tensions of the cables against a reference table containing various reference cable lengths and their respective reference cable tensions.

In an embodiment, the control application 216 is further configured to determine the instant cable tensions based on the force sensors' outputs. The instant tensions of the cables can be derived via a mathematical function relating the force sensor outputs to their respective instant cable tensions. Alternatively, the instant tensions of the cables are derived via a comparison of the instant force sensor outputs against a reference table containing various reference cable tensions and their respective force sensor outputs.

The reference cable lengths and their respective reference cable tensions are saved in memory 212 as reference data 222. Reference data 222 may be preprogrammed into memory 212 during the manufacturing process.

In certain embodiments, applications 214 may include end-user applications 218 that enable the isometric exercise device to run interactive, intelligent programs for fitness and entertainment.

Operating Modes May Include:

A quickstart mode that causes the output device 118 to display how much force the user is exerting and the time a contraction is held for as a dynamic graph (y axis=force in kg/lb, x axis=time in seconds)

User profile and history mode includes user entered information and results of all completed exercises with metrics and calculate statistics.

Programs May Include:

A guide program that sets targets for the user based on measured data 220 and other biometric data, and causes the output device 118 to display how much force to exert (as a % of their pre-determined max) and for how long to hold the contraction to achieve the target.

Strength programs, endurance programs, and hypertrophy programs designed to promote gains in their respective areas.

Game mode may include interactive game(s) with input control from tension sensors to allow fitness exercises in gaming manner.

Inter-device connectivity and leaderboard options allow competition between users on separate devices, with capability for real-time interaction.

Settings mode may include devise preferences, calibration, hardware/software settings and other utility functions.

Memory 212 may include an operating system 224 suitable for controlling the operation of the control module 200.

In some embodiments, the control module 200 may further comprise a transmitter 226 and a receiver 228.

The transmitter 226 is configured to broadcast transmissions containing communicative signals and/or data to a user's smart phone or other compatible external devices. Preferably, the transmitter 226 operates according to conventional wireless communication standards including, but not limited to, Bluetooth.

The receiver 228 is configured to receive communicative signals and/or data from a user's smart phone or other compatible external devices. Preferably, the receiver 228 may be any receiver operating according to conventional wireless communication standards including, but not limited to, Bluetooth.

Claims

1. An isometric exercise device comprising: a frame including a platform;a cable reel secured to an underside of the platform;a cable sheave secured within a sheave block, wherein the sheave block is movably secured to the underside of the platform;a cable, wherein a first end of the cable is secured within the cable reel;a second end of the cable is securable to a fitness accessory;the cable sheave redirects the cable upwards through an opening in the platform;a clamping mechanism configured to halt the feeding of the cable out of the cable reel when engaged; anda control module configured to determine an instant tension of the cable.

2. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a force sensor positioned between the sheave block and the cable reel;

3. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a force sensor positioned next to the sheave block such that the sheave block is in between the force sensor and the cable reel;

4. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a force sensor positioned between the sheave block and the cable reel;

5. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a force sensor positioned next to the sheave block such that the sheave block is in between the force sensor and the cable reel;

6. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a force sensor coupled to the sheave block;

7. An isometric exercise device comprising: a frame including a platform;a cable reel secured to an underside of the platform;a cable sheave secured within a sheave block, wherein the sheave block is slidably secured to the underside of the platform;a cable, wherein a first end of the cable is secured within the cable reel;a second end of the cable is securable to a fitness accessory;the cable sheave redirects the cable upwards through an opening in the platform;a clamping mechanism configured to halt the feeding of the cable out of the cable reels when engaged;a force sensor configured to measure a force produced by the sheave block sliding towards the cable reel when the cable is tensioned, wherein a direction of the sliding of the cable sheave is parallel with the force being measured; anda control module configured to determine an instant tension of the cable.

8. The isometric exercise device of claim 7, wherein the force sensor is positioned between the sheave block and the cable reel;the sheave block is slidably secured to the underside of the platform such that the sheave block slides towards a cable inlet of the cable reel when the cable is tensioned; andthe force sensor is configured to measure a compressive force produced by the sheave block sliding towards the cable inlet of the cable reel.

9. The isometric exercise device of claim 7, wherein the force sensor is positioned next to the sheave block such that the sheave block is in between the force sensor and the cable reel;the sheave block is slidably secured to the underside of the platform such that the sheave block slides towards a cable inlet of the cable reel when the cable is tensioned; andthe force sensor is configured to measure a tensile force produced by the sheave block sliding towards the cable inlet of the cable reel.

10. An isometric exercise device comprising: a frame including a platform;a cable reel secured to an underside of the platform;a cable sheave secured within a sheave block, wherein the sheave block is rotatably secured to the underside of the platform;a cable, wherein a first end of the cable is secured within the cable reel;a second end of the cable is securable to a fitness accessory;the cable sheave redirects the cable upwards through an opening in the platform;a clamping mechanism configured to halt the feeding of the cable out of the cable reels when engaged;a force sensor configured to measure a force produced by the sheave block sliding towards the cable reel when the cable is tensioned, wherein a direction of the rotation of the cable sheave is parallel with the force being measured; anda control module configured to determine an instant tension of the cable.

11. The isometric exercise device of claim 10, wherein the force sensor is positioned between the sheave block and the cable reel;the sheave block is rotatably secured to the underside of the platform such that the sheave block rotates towards a cable inlet of the cable reel when the cable is tensioned; andthe force sensor is configured to measure a compressive force produced by the sheave block rotating towards the cable inlet of the cable reel.

12. The isometric exercise device of claim 10, wherein the force sensor is positioned next to the sheave block such that the sheave block is in between the force sensor and the cable reel;the sheave block is rotatably secured to the underside of the platform such that the sheave block rotates towards a cable inlet of the cable reel when the cable is tensioned; andthe force sensor is configured to measure a tensile force produced by the sheave block rotating towards the cable inlet of the cable reel.