Abstract: An exercise device having a rigid base includes at least one frame fixed with and extending upwardly therefrom. An outer barrel is rotationally fixed with the upper end of each frame at a tilt mechanism. Both an outer barrel and an inner barrel are open from a top side to a bottom side thereof for accommodating the person therein. At least one inflatable cushion is fixed with an inner side of the inner barrel. An adjustable leg support mechanism projects downwardly from the inner barrel and is adapted to support the person's feet and legs. An electric control console controls motorized tilt and spin mechanisms to tilt the outer barrel with respect to vertical and spin the inner barrel with respect to the outer barrel. Preferably the control console further includes at least a processor, a computer-readable storage medium, a display, an input interface, and a network interface.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first elastic material portion having a first face and a second face disposed opposite the first face, a second elastic material portion having a third face and a fourth face disposed opposite the third face, and a plurality of joining regions, wherein the second face of the first elastic material portion attaches to the third face of the second elastic material portion at each joining region. Each joining region is capable of simultaneous multidimensional stretching when subjected to or released from an applied load. An assembly of integrally connected exercise devices includes a first exercise device integrally connected to a second exercise device, wherein a joining region is capable of separation into two smaller joining regions when the first exercise device and the second exercise device are separated.

Abstract: An apparatus for flexing the knee comprising a U-shaped bar having two straight arms each having a distal end and a handle portion generally perpendicular to the straight arms and a perpendicular cross-member adjustably attached to the straight arms; and a method for flexing the knee comprising the steps of providing a patient with device having a handle section and two parallel straight sections with a perpendicular cross-member attached to the straight sections, having the patient to place his or her foot onto the cross-member, and having the patient to pull the device toward the knee.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training to the body of a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus allows the user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues enjoining all the muscles in these areas. The exercise apparatus comprises a support, two foot platforms, and means for attaching the foot platforms to the support. The exercise apparatus is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures. The apparatus has multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories for allowing several types of exercises.

Abstract: A humerus-stabilized shoulder stretching device including a first rod, gripping handle coupled to the first rod, force handle, and stationary arm having a first portion and a second portion oriented relative to each other by an angle. The first portion of the stationary arm is coupled to the gripping handle by the first rod and the force handle is coupled to stationary arm via the second portion. An elbow cradle having a base coupled to the stationary arm is configured to accommodate a user's arm such that when the user's elbow is within the elbow cradle and the user grips the gripping handle with the hand of that arm, the user's forearm will be releasably constrained between the gripping handle and the elbow cradle and the distance between the base and the gripping handle will be maintained by the first rod at a length approximately equal to the user's forearm.

Abstract: A muscle stretching and massaging apparatus enables stretching of the calf at varying levels of intensity and massaging of muscles of the leg while those muscles are in a relaxed state. A support frame provides a stable base for the apparatus and means for receiving and supporting a lateral roller at a plurality of heights and a stretch board at a plurality of angles relative to a supporting surface. The stretch board enables calf stretching at varying levels of intensity, depending on the severity of the angle formed between the stretch board and the surface upon which the support frame rests. The adjustable height of the roller further enables the apparatus to provide calf and hamstring massaging while the muscles are in a relaxed state.

Abstract: A pelvic clamp for back stretching is disclosed which provides temporary relief for low back pain by employing means for stretching the lumbar region. Embodiments which provide this means for stretching include a cam stop assembly, a block stop assembly, a slide panel assembly and a bend rod assembly. Each of these assemblies works by squeezing the sides of the pelvic region in order to hold it stationary while the user exerts pressure on assembly elements to force the upper torso away from the pelvic region.

Abstract: A chair-like exercising apparatus comprises a back, a seat, front legs, rear legs, and resistance element(s) which provide a broad range of resistance force adjustable by the user for the back extension exercise. The chair back pivotally connects to the rear legs directly, and pivotally connects to the front legs or rear legs through the resistance element(s). The resistance element comprises a compress-coil-spring cylinders (or constant-force-spring devices) and the cylinder holders (or the device holders). The resistance level of the back extension exercise is adjusted by switching the interchangeable compress-coil-spring cylinders (or constant-force-spring devices) of appropriate loads inside the cylinder holders (or device holders). A user sits on the chair and sway backward to perform back extension exercise after selecting an appropriate resistance level based on his/her physical condition. The apparatus is simple, affordable and can be used as a regular chair in its locked position.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus includes a track adapted to be secured in a vertical position on a support. A vertical slide is mounted and slideable and has on the track a spring loaded plunger near a first end thereof. A hook is mounted on the slide and has a pair of spaced apart legs, with upper and lower end portions, with the lower end portions of the legs connected by an upwardly extending U-shape portion. The upper end portion of the second leg has a downwardly extending curved portion which is laterally spaced from the upper end portion of the first leg to form therewith an entrance opening into the interior of the hook. A resistance band has an intermediate portion which is received in the interior of the hook through the entrance opening to permit a person to grasp the ends of the resistance band and to perform various resistance exercises.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a suspension member having an extension strap. A connecting ring is fixed to a first end of the extension strap. A second end of the extension strap is wound around a positioning rod slideable on a linking ring to allow adjustment of an overall length of the extension strap. A hook is fixed to a looped attachment member and releasably engaged with one of the connecting ring and a first ring on the extension strap. A handle is slideably mounted around the attachment member. A connecting strap has an end fixed to the linking ring. A stop is fixed to the other end of the connecting strap. A second ring can be fixed to the connecting strap, and an attachment belt can be attached to the second ring. Two handles of two suspension members can be attached to two ends of a bar.

Abstract: A stretching machine includes a machine rack, a foot stool, a hand stool, and a lying board installed in a middle part of the machine rack. The foot stool and the hand stool are respectively installed at two ends of the machine rack. The main body of the machine rack is formed by a multisection longitudinal stretch sleeve, and a longitudinal stretch regulation mechanism is provided to retractably regulate the multisection longitudinal stretch sleeve in the longitudinal direction. By the rotation of a pull hand and the engagement of a strip gear and a round gear wheel in the longitudinal stretch regulation mechanism to extend the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve, the user on the lying board can be extended to attain the stretching of the cervical vertebra thereof.

Abstract: A lumbar traction device that can alleviate lower back pain is provided. The device includes a harness or girdle that is fitted about the torso region of a patient and an adjustable support assembly in the form of adjustable legs that allow the degree of traction to be adjusted by the patient. The device is safe and easy to use by a patient without constant medical supervision and is particularly suitable for use in domestic or office environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leg-stretching exercise apparatus comprising a base, a handle connected to the base about a front vertical member assembly extending from the front thereof, a waist belt extending from a rear vertical member extending from the rear of the base, and a pair of generally horizontal track assemblies extending collinearly from either side of the base. Each track assembly comprises at least one rail pipe extending between a pair of proximal and distal blocks, a foot-supporting platform coupled to the at least one rail pipe such that the platform can slide along the length thereof, and a resilient member connecting the platform to the proximal block.

Abstract: A personal stretching device is used to move a user's torso toward a distal structure. The personal stretching device includes an elongated tensile member, a shiftable uptake, and a manually-powered drive mechanism. The shiftable uptake is attached to the elongated tensile member at a proximal location, with the uptake operable to move along the elongated tensile member to change an adjustable length dimension defined between the proximal location and the distal structure. The manually-powered drive mechanism is operable to drive the uptake and thereby move the uptake along the tensile member. The drive mechanism includes a driven element attached to the uptake and a pair of drive elements shiftably mounted relative to the uptake. Each of the drive elements is drivingly coupled to the driven element independent of the other of the drive elements so that the user can drive the uptake by powering either one of the drive elements and thereby change the adjustable length dimension.

Abstract: A multi-function exerciser includes a main frame. Two first universal joint units and two second universal joint units are respectively provided at two sides of the main frame. Two action units are pivotally connected to the first and second universal joint units. The two axes of the first and second universal joint units at the same side are at the same level and perpendicular to each other. Thus, the user can swing forward and rearward as well as left and right when standing on the footrests of the two action units for a forward split and a side split. Besides, because the two axes are at the same level and perpendicular to each other, the user can stand with one foot and lift another foot to do an oval turning for getting strong muscles in the legs.

Abstract: A stretching assistance system featuring a base; a pivoting platform pivotally attached to the back of the base, and a footrest assembly extending upwardly from the base at the front end. The pivoting platform can pivot between multiple positions. The position of the footrest can be adjusted to accommodate the user's height. A first pulley component is disposed in the pivoting platform, and a second pulley component is disposed in the footrest. A rope is attached to the footrest and extends from the footrest to the first pulley component, back to the second pulley component, and extends outwardly from the second pulley component. A handle is attached to the second end of the rope. A locking cleat is disposed on the footrest. When the second end of the rope is pulled, the pivoting panel pivots toward the footrest. The locking cleat functions to hold the rope in a fixed position.

Abstract: A therapeutic body strap having a first loop and a second loop. Each loop is made of a strip of material. A central strip having a fixture point such that the first and second loops are connected to the central strip at the fixture point. The strap further includes an attachment portion extending from the central strip for attachment to an attachment point on a stationary object. The first and second loops are configured to snugly surround a user's body parts to allow the user to stretch by creating a tension in the attachment portion.

Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.

Abstract: A human shoulder stretcher and method of use for gradual, progressive posterior capsular stretching to rehabilitate the shoulder, in particular to address tightness of the posterior capsule of the glenohumeral joint through use of a lever arm and ratcheting mechanism that permits a patient to stretch his or her shoulder without the need for a therapist present.

Abstract: The present invention includes a user-operated stretching machine for stretching limbs and other body parts of a user. The machine includes a cable system extending from a user operated double reel cable drum to pulleys located at the end of a pair of arms extending angularly from a carriage. The carriage is attached to a curved upright in such a way as to be movably attached to the upright enabling stretching to take place at various angles relative to the upright and user's body.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400, 500) to exercise the leg and enhance mobility after a variety of injuries or surgery is disclosed. The system could include a chair leg anchor (104), a leg wrap (102), a stationary pulley (110) secured to the chair leg anchor, a movable pulley (108) secured to the leg wrap, a rope (106), and a handle (112). The rope could be threaded from a first end secured to the chair leg anchor, through the movable pulley, through the stationary pulley, and to a second end secured to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable standing muscular releasing and stretching exercise device for a user. The device has a vertical linear column base, a support handle that can be vertically moved and attached along the linear base, a pair of adjustable releasing rollers on a horizontal bar with a roller connection that is movably connected to the linear base, a horizontal floor base that is attached to and supports the linear base, a raised non-skid foot platform that is attached to and extends over said floor base and an adjustable non-skid calf step perpendicularly and slidably attached to said foot platform.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a posture-correcting exercise device (10) having a novel structure by which an effect comparable to traction can be easily established without resorting to use a large-scaled apparatus and which can be easily and conveniently operated and yet is expected as achieving effects of, for example, correcting spine distortion and reinforcing muscles supporting the spine to thereby fundamentally reduce the load on the spine when appropriately operated. To solve the above problem, the posture-correcting exercise device (10) has a chin rest portion, on which the chin of a user (34) is placed, at the upper end face and a setting face at the lower end face. The outer periphery of the setting face serves as a tilting face (26) in a curved shape. When the user (34) puts his/her chin on the chin rest portion, the device is tiltable at the setting face.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a handle, at least one support member secured on the handle, at least one rotation wheel rotatably mounted on the handle, and at least one elastic cord mounted between the at least one support member and the at least one rotation wheel. Preferably, the exercising device comprises two support members, a rotation wheel and a plurality of elastic cords. Thus, the elastic cords are mounted between the rotation wheel and the support members to provide a buffering effect to decelerate the forward movement of the rotation wheel and to provide a pulling force to accelerate the backward movement of the rotation wheel so as to balance the forward and backward movement of the rotation wheel and to prevent the user from being strained or hurt during the reciprocal movement of the rotation wheel.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400, 500) to exercise the leg and enhance mobility after a variety of injuries or surgery is disclosed. The system could include a chair leg anchor (104), a leg wrap (102), a stationary pulley (110) secured to the chair leg anchor, a movable pulley (108) secured to the leg wrap, a rope (106), and a handle (112). The rope could be threaded from a first end secured to the chair leg anchor, through the movable pulley, through the stationary pulley, and to a second end secured to the handle.

Abstract: Exercise devices for exercising the abdominal muscles and other muscle groups are disclosed. Each of the exercise devices has a housing from which opposing interconnected ends of an axle extend and a support ball that is captured within and partially extends from the housing. The housing has a cavity defining a partial sphere for receiving the support ball. Each of the exercise devices also comprises a plurality of strips which are attached to the surface of the cavity. Each of the strips includes a plurality of bearings each of which is captured within a bearing race. The strips are positioned upon the cavity surface so as to engage the support ball surface and to provide free-rolling support of the housing on the support ball in any direction when the exercise device is in use. Methods of using the exercise devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A muscle tension strap including a pair of elongated flat bands each formed of substantially non-resilient material. The pair of flat bands are affixed together at a plurality of intermediate points therealong to form a plurality of tandem loops. The plurality of intermediate points at which the pair of elongated flat bands are affixed together are in a range of four to seven. Portions of each flat band adjacent each end are affixed together in overlying relationship to form a final loop with a handle therein and the pair of flat bands have a length in a range of five feet to seven feet.

Abstract: A method, includes recording first regimen data in a controller. The first regimen data includes instructions for a therapeutic regimen. The method also includes controlling a therapeutic device in accordance with at least the first regimen data, and recording progress data representative of at least an amount of force exerted on a joint during each of a plurality of cycles and the number of cycles performed. The method also includes transmitting the progress data from the controller to a remote user, and receiving an input from the remote user containing second regimen data. The second regimen data is different from the first regimen data. The method further includes controlling the therapeutic device in accordance with at least the second regimen data.

Abstract: A lower back machine provides highly effective lower back and core training while protecting a user's body, namely the user's back, from injury. The machine may comprise a brace to prevent the user from overextending the user's back and a resistance device to provide a resistance to the user. The resistance may be at various force vectors directed forward from the user. To train, the user may move to a bent position over the brace while grasping the resistance device. The user may then move to a standing position by rotating the upper body over the brace while moving the lower body towards the brace. Contact with the brace in the standing position prevents overextension of the user's back. The machine may comprise one or more foot supports to secure the user's footing during training and one or more stops to prevent excessive leaning in the bent position.

Abstract: The invention is an inclined dome shaped exercise platform. The upper surface of the platform of the invention is large and shallow so that a user can comfortably lie on it. The dome is made of a stiff material and it is preferably covered with a layer of foam, which is in turn covered with decorative upholstery material. Embodiments of the platform of the invention include grasping means to assist in performing the exercises.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for the back and head of a human being. Said device comprises a partial area of a back supporting section at the level of the shoulder blade, a central supporting surface in the region of a vertebral column and open areas which are arranged on the both sides of the central supporting surface in such a way that the shoulder blade regions can be lowered beyond the central supporting area. The invention can be used for furniture for the household or workplace.

Abstract: A manually operated back stretching device may relieve compressive forces of the lower lumbar vertebrae and may safely stretch lower back muscles. The device may include a platform to support a user's lower legs. As the user moves a portion of the device with their arms towards their legs, the forward edge of the platform may rise up and tilt away from the user's torso, causing the user's hips to lift off the floor and stretching the user's back at the same time. As the user moves their arms back over their head, the user's back and legs may relax while the arms are pulled above the user's head. The result may be a back-and-forth dynamic rotational arching motion to repetitively raise the completely relaxed hips and tilt them forward to decompress the spine using appropriate longitudinal and torsion forces at the most pain causing compression points of the lower lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: A therapeutic body strap having a first loop and a second loop. Each loop is made of a strip of material. A central strip having a fixture point such that the first and second loops are connected to the central strip at the fixture point. The strap further includes an attachment portion extending from the central strip for attachment to an attachment point on a stationary object. The first and second loops are configured to snugly surround a user's body parts to allow the user to stretch by creating a tension in the attachment portion.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the stretching and exercising of the hamstring and back muscles is provided. The apparatus can be used for stretching to improve flexibility, to warm up muscles before physical activity, and/or for physical rehabilitation after injury. The apparatus includes a set of hand grips and a set of foot plates. A user grasps the hand grips and positions the arches of his or her feet above the foot plates. The apparatus includes a user actuated drive mechanism for moving a set of hand grips along the shaft toward the foot plates. The user maintains a grip of the hand grips as the hand grips move along the shaft toward the foot plates, thereby stretching the hamstring and back muscles of the user.

Abstract: An exercise device with an arc shaped track having a concave side that is mounted upon a support structure that supports the arc shaped track at a position in which the concave side of the arc faces downward and in which the arc shaped track can be fixed at a location centered above a user's head to extend to each side of the user. When in use, a track follower engages the track and moves along a length of the track to follow a course defined by the arc shape of the track. A handle is coupled to the track follower to be gripped by the user's hand to guide the user's side to side bends. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An interactive exercise device includes a stationary base to which a first exercise implement is movably connected. A first resistance element is operably connected to the first exercise implement to provide resistance against at least some movements of the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base. An interactive motion guide that directs a user of the interactive exercise device to move the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base in an indicated manner is operably connected to the interactive exercise device. The interactive motion guide includes first and second electronic indicators to which a processor is operably connected. A non-transitory and tangible computer readable medium is operably connected to the processor and includes instructions to manipulate output of the first and second electronic indicators in response to movement of the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base.

Abstract: A sit and reach flexibility assessment apparatus comprises a spine with a measuring rule, footplates mounted on either side of the spine and rotatable out of the and at approximate right angles to the plane of the spine, and heel rests mounted at the base of the footplates and rotatable to a position at approximate right angles to the footplates and the spine. The apparatus also has storage compartments and a carry handle.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus is provided which, includes structures for receiving a body extremity of a user, the means for receiving a body extremity subject to a force provided by the body extremity, structures for maintaining the means for receiving a body extremity in a predefined plane during movement; and resistance providing devices to impose resistance against, the movement of the body extremity. Versions of the apparatus may positioned on a floor, on a wall, or be free standing. Various embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to provide range-of-motion exercises for legs, arms, and hands of the user for both recreational strengthening and physical therapy applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for supporting a human limb during the application of physical therapy to the limb, the device comprising a base, the base defining a base plane; a support member comprising an attachment end separated from a limb support end by a support distance, wherein the attachment end is movably engaged with the base such that the support member is moveable in a plane of motion essentially perpendicular to the base plane; and wherein the limb support end is conformable to a human limb and capable of supporting the human limb when physical therapy is being applied to the human limb. A method of stretching a human knee using the instant device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes an exercise apparatus adapted to exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The exercise apparatus and method of use allow the user to focus on and exercise gluteus muscles with specificity. Embodiments of the exercise apparatus include an upper body support, a foot support, and an exercise space. The exercise space is typically disposed substantially between an upper body support and a foot support, and permits substantial movement of a user's hips in both a forward direction and a rearward direction, substantially in or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The exercise apparatus is adapted to load a user's gluteus muscles throughout a generally large range of gluteus muscle flexion and extension.

Abstract: A gymnastics training apparatus includes a back support rotatably connected to a frame and adapted to support a gymnast during a back handspring. The apparatus includes a guide connected to the frame and adapted to be impacted by the back support as the back support rotates about the frame in engagement with the gymnast. The guide is dimensioned such that, when the back support impacts the guide, the rotational axis of the back support is shifted and the rotation of the back support is accelerated. This acceleration causes the back support to exert pressure against the gymnast and to assist the gymnast in creating a snapdown to safely and correctly practice a back handspring without the assistance of a coach.

Abstract: An abdominal training device includes a stationary base with a user support surface and a hub connected to a track with a friction mitigation unit and a track anchor. A console is slidably mounted on the track and includes a hand support member and a console anchor. A bearing is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the track and supports an elastic resistance element with one end attached to the track anchor and the other end attached to the console anchor. A beam rigidly connects the track to the hub of the stationary base so that the track is at least partially rotatable about the hub of the stationary base. The device may also include an electronic training program that directs a user to rotate the track to specified positions. The device may be part of an abdominal training kit.

Abstract: An inversion table has a mounting bracket, a backrest, an ankle clamp assembly and a heating device. The mounting bracket has a rear supporting frame and two front supporting legs to form a triangle. The rear supporting frame has two pivotal points. The backrest is pivotally connected to the pivotal points and has a connecting arm. The ankle clamp assembly is connected to the connecting arm of the backrest to clamp and hold a user's ankles. The heating device is connected to the mounting bracket and the backrest and has a heating panel, a controller and a power cord. The heating panel is mounted in the backrest. The controller is electrically connected to the heating panel to control the temperature of the heating panel and is securely mounted on a rear side of the backrest. The power cord is electrically connected to the controller to transport electricity to the controller.

Abstract: A multi-functional yoga brick comprises a multi-sectional holding portion at a middle section thereof. The holding portion has a shape of “8”, or a round shape or an elliptical shape. The holding portion has a through hole or no through hole. The holding portion has a plurality of layers. The multi-functional yoga brick is an elastic body. The multi-functional yoga brick is made of elastic plastics or rubber or injected plastic material. The user has a better balance in exercise and can support effectively so as to expand the body.

Abstract: A device and method for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis includes a wedge adapted to be placed under the big toe. The wedge has a top surface for supporting the big toe, a first support surface separated from the top surface by a first angle, and a second support separated from the top surface by a second angle. The first and second support surfaces are perpendicular with each other so that one rests on the floor and the other serves as a backstop. The wedge has a first position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the first angle to provide moderate stretching of the plantar fascia, and a second position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the second angle to provide maximum stretching. The first angle is within a range of 20 to 25 degrees, and the second angle is within a range of 65 to 70 degrees.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles of a user generally comprise a user support set atop an enclosure. The enclosure houses mechanisms to actuate a cable system, wherein the mechanisms at least one of feed and retract a cable of the cable system. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise footholds proximate to the user support to support at least the feet from a user, wherein the cable system actuates between the footholds, and wherein the footholds actuate in at least a lateral motion to further accentuate increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise a control handle coupled to the cable system for the user to grasp, wherein the cable system actuates to either one of increase and release a tension to the grasped control handle, and wherein the control handle comprises at least one control to regulate the either one of increase and release the tension.

Abstract: An abdomen exercising device includes a soft cushion, a base combined with the cushion, a sliding unit slidably mounted on the base, an elastic cord biased between the base and the sliding unit to provide a damping force to the sliding unit and a top cover mounted on the base to cover the elastic cord and to partially cover the sliding unit. Thus, the parts of the abdomen exercising device are almost hidden between and covered by the base and the top cover to prevent the user from being clamped or scratched by the elastic cord or the sliding unit during the exercising process so as to protect the user's safety.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching at least the hamstring muscle of a user's leg is provided having a first support member for supporting the back of the leg of the user at or near the knee at least at the commencement of stretching and a second support member for engaging the back of the lower leg portion of the user during stretching. This first support member is disposed in front of the user during stretching of the hamstring muscle of the user's leg and the second support member is displaceable generally in a direction to stretch the hamstring muscle of the user's leg. An actuator operable by the user during use of the apparatus can be used for displacing at least the second support member generally in a direction to cause stretching of at least the hamstring muscle of the user's leg.