The present invention relates to an adjustable air resistance system for fitness equipment which is controlled by a programmable control unit to give a gradually increased air resistance to the points of application on a fitness equipment.
A variety of exercising apparatus have been disclosed for the purpose of obtaining a good bodily health and condition, and have appeared on the market. These apparatus commonly use hydraulic cylinders and weights to give a resistance to the points of application, causing the player to consume one's energy. FIG. 1 illustrates a steppers according to the prior art, which comprises a master supporting frame and an auxiliary supporting frame obliquely connected together at the top and respectively supported on the ground by a respective stand, a handlebar mounted on the master supporting frame at the top, a counter mounted on the handlebar in the middle, two pedals suspended from the cross bar on the auxiliary supporting frame by two hydraulic cylinders, a pulley fastened between the master and auxiliary supporting frames to hold a steel rope, which has two opposite ends respectively connected to either pedal. When in use, the hands hold the handles, and the legs step on the pedals alternatively. FIG. 2 illustrates a gym according to the prior art, which is comprised of a leg press, a high pulley, a thigh & knee machine, weights, a shoulder press, a chest press, and a hip flexor. The aforesaid steppers and gym produce certain effects to help the player exercise the muscles. However, they still have drawbacks. The damping moment of the steppers is fixed, and can not be conveniently regulated according to different requirements. Changing the damping moment of the steppers is difficult, because the points of connection between the hydraulic cylinders and the pedals must be changed. In the gym, the weights can be changed so as the load is regulated. However, it is inconvenient to change the weights. While changing, one must stop the exercises. Further, it is dangerous to use the gym during the stage of warm-up. Because the weights produce a high resistance, the muscles may be torn easily during the beginning when entered the exercises.