Abstract: A skip rope for exercise and fitness conditioning includes a length of polypropylene rope threaded through two handle members disposed at opposite ends of the length of rope. After the rope is threaded through each handle member, the free ends of the rope are knotted to prevent it from pulling back through the two handles. Each handle is constructed of a tubular section of polyvinylchloride which has nylon end plugs press fit into the open ends of the tube. The outside diameter surface of each end plug coincides with the outside diameter surface of the polyvinylchloride tubing and each end plug includes a rope-receiving clearance aperture just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the rope. The material combination of nylon for the end plug and polypropylene for the rope provides a type of self-lubricating interface which enables the rope to turn and twist completely independent of the handle.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a shoulder harness which is connected through a line extending over a pulley to individual handle members. The pulley is secured to a fixed support and the person using the device is positioned on the floor near and facing the support. The exercise device is used to assist in the performance of sit-ups from a variety of initial positions. As force is applied through the handles to move them away from the pulley, this force is transmitted through the connecting line to the shoulder harness to urge it toward the pulley.