Abstract: A stomach exercising method includes an elongated strap that has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. A coupler releasably couples the first end to the second end to define a loop. A grip is attached to the first side of the strap. The strap is wrapped around a person's leg above a knee of the leg and a loop is formed with the coupler. The grip is positioned adjacent to a thigh muscle of the leg and faced away from the leg. The person grips the handle while the person is positioned on their back. The person lifts their leg upwardly with the grip and performs sit-up movements.

Abstract: A device to exercise a user. The device includes a support member and a plurality of arms. The support member has a major vertical portion. There is a base on bottom of the support member, a pad on top of the support member, a central attachment portion between the base and the pad including a plurality of circumferential attachment locations. The arms each extend substantially radially from the central attachment portion and engage to one of the plurality of circumferential attachment locations. The arms have a longitudinal track along each arm, coupling to an engaged traveling member configured to engage a user's hand, allowing motion of the engaged traveling member only along a defined length. There is a floor buffer member to protect the floor.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the active and pushing stages of childbirth. The childbirthing device consist of a first loop that can be used to provide resistance for pulling. The first loop is then connected by means of a length of rope to a braided handhold two wrist loops attached thereto. A pregnant person can then insert her hands through the wrist loops and grasp the braided handhold. She can then pull against tension that is applied to the other end of the rope. The pulling action while pushing redirects where the pushing takes place in the pregnant persons body and increases the effectiveness of her “pushing”. This decreases the time necessary for the fetus to descend through the birth canal. The wrist loops provide support to the person who might be holding the first loop, on the opposite end of the rope. In case the pregnant person suddenly releases the braided gripping knot the support person won't descend to the ground or fall backwards.

Abstract: A device includes a support shaft that has upper and lower sections extending orthogonal to each other and defining an arcuate elbow therebetween. The upper section defines a height of the device and a lower section defines a depth of thereof. A handle bar section is conjoined to the upper section of the support shaft and extends rearwardly therefrom. A seat section is connected to the lower section of the support shaft. The device further includes frame members that have end portions situated medially and laterally beneath the handle bar section. The medial end portions are pivotally conjoined to the support shaft and wheels are connected to the lateral end portions. Each frame member further includes a padded layer centrally registered along a longitudinal length thereof. The frame members have rectangular shapes for providing sufficient surface area on which the user's legs can be supported.

Abstract: A size-adjustable, foldable hamstring stretching apparatus of unitary construction provides for easily, effectively, and efficiently exercising (stretching) the hamstrings. The apparatus consists of a unitary frame and is used in a prone position, thus, avoiding back strain. The apparatus provides means for supporting the user's foot and means for assuring that the user's leg is maintained in a straight position. Means for holding allows for ease in grasping the apparatus allowing the user to pull or push the apparatus as desired. The means for supporting a foot, maintaining the leg in a straight position, and for holding may all be padded or made of a soft material for increased ease of use and comfort. The frame is made of any strong, lightweight material, such as plastic or aluminum and it is contemplated that the apparatus be made using a molding process to reduce the cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: An exercising system has a frame defining a space in which a user is positioned for performing a large number of different exercises. Frame members have holes within which flexible bars are positioned, spanning across the machine, for low-impact exercising using the bars. In a preferred embodiment the bar-supporting frame members, or some of them, are adjustable in position so as to provide a nearly unlimited number of positions for different users and for different exercises. A few of the many exercises facilitated by the system are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stretching apparatus for a hip adductor. The stretching apparatus includes a pair of support members for supporting inner portions of both legs; a connecting member for connecting the support members together to stretch the both legs to a predetermined angle and maintain the legs in the stretched position; and joint units each attached to a corresponding one of the support members, the joint unit connected to a terminal end of the connecting member to join the connecting member to the support members. A stretching treatment and practice can be performed to treat a patient having a hip adductor tightness or joint contracture and the stretched position can be maintained without continuous input of manpower.

Abstract: A lower body support device is shown herein. The lower leg of the user is positioned such that the knee of the user rests within the area defined by a knee frame, the shin of the user rests within the area defined by a bend frame, and the ankle of the use rests in the region of an ankle frame. A strap bar means connected to the knee frame allows for the securing of a knee pad, such knee pad is user chosen, worn by the user and strapped to the knee frame via the strap bar means. A seat insert is secured to the top of the ankle frame. The user wears one leg support device on each leg. While resting on a surface, the bottom of the knee frame and the bottom of the ankle frame, and possibly the knee pad worn by the user, contact said surface. Preferably, the buttocks of the user rests on the seat insert, which transfers a significant portion of the weight of the user to the surface via the frames. The ankle frame and knee frame greatly limit the possibility of side-to-side motion.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for a knee flexor enables a patient having spasticity in a knee flexor and/or contracted muscle to be stretched for treatment and maintain the stretched position without help from another person such as a therapist. The stretching apparatus includes a support part adjustable in angle with respect to a floor, and arranged to support a rear part of the trunk and head of a user; a backing part for supporting a lower limb of the user in a stretched position, the backing part having one end hingeably connected to the support part; and an adjustment part for rotating the backing part at a predetermined angle with respect to the support part. The lower limb of the user can be rotated at the predetermined angle with respect to the trunk and head, thereby stretching the knee flexor.

Abstract: An apparatus for anterior and posterior mobilization of the human talocrural joints for rehabilitation and/or therapeutic utilization. A patient's foot is secured in an apparatus and an Ankle Mortise Strap is looped around the mortise of an ankle of the foot. A force strap is attached to the ends of the Ankle Ankle Mortise Strap. Anterior mobilization is achieved by moving the force strap ventrally from the foot so that the foot including the talus remains stationary while the tibia and fibula glide anteriorly. Posterior mobilizations are achieved by securing the foot, and looping an Ankle Mortise Strap around the front of the ankle. A force strap is attached to the ends of the Ankle Mortise Strap. Posterior mobilization is achieved by moving the force strap dorsally from the foot so that the foot including the talus remains stationary while the tibia and fibula glide posteriorly.

Abstract: A pull exerciser with stepless length adjustment uses belts without resilience and includes an annular belt, an end is put to a buckle; and an adjustment belt, an end is put to a middle horizontal rod of an annular frame for fixing, after another end is fixed to an end of the buckle, the end winds two through holes separated by the middle horizontal rod of the annular frame to form a closed annular belt so as to achieve stepless setting for the length of the adjustment belt by moving the annular frame.

Abstract: A stretching and exercise apparatus comprises at least one track member. The apparatus further comprises a pair of sliding platforms engaged to the at least one track member, wherein the platforms are configured to freely slide along the track member. The apparatus further comprises a pair of hand rails.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles from a standing or seated position with a support member having a top end and a bottom end, the top end providing a location for grasping, the bottom end providing a base surface for force distribution and support. A preferred embodiment includes the support member which is adjustable in length such that the distance between the top end and the bottom end is adjustable. A preferred embodiment includes a way for fixedly securing the adjustable support member at desired lengths.

Abstract: A Multi-Function Swing Apparatus for Total Body Exercise, Stretching, Yoga, Lumbo-Pelvic Traction, Gymnastics, Inversion Therapy, Therapeutic Rehab, Spinal Manipulation, Partner Play and Sky-chair consisting of a nylon fabric swing device having multiple flexible arm member attachments with omni-directional range of motion, a removable foam cushion insert, a metal trapeze pull-up bar, dual extension springs, and two height adjuster straps made of webbing with multiple loops, all of which is suspended from a swivel hook unit attached to a portable structural support stand made of metal tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a load controller and waist strengthening and rehabilitating apparatus using the same. In the apparatus, a support unit is constructed by assembling all or some of a footrest, a backrest, a pedestal, a handle and related frames. The waist exercises are conducted utilizing a backrest frame operated in conjunction with a load controller with the lower part of his body being fixed to the support unit. The apparatus further comprises lower body holding means mounted on said support unit, said lower body holding means being comprised of a front thigh holder for tightly holding the front portion of the thigh and a rear thigh holder for tightly holding the rear portion of the thigh.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes an elongated strap provided with a fastener device fixed thereon for connection to a selected portion of the strap to form a closed loop of the strap, a grip member adapted for attachment to the strap and slidable along the strap, a support strip connected at a first end thereof to the strap and having at a second end thereof a connector portion, and a mounting member disposed on the connector portion of the support strip, the mounting member defining a body of greater thickness than the support strip.

Abstract: A knee-stretching device and methods of increasing knee range of motion in extension are disclosed. The knee-stretching device allows a patient to self-stretch and acts as a first class lever, applying force supplied by the patient's arms to the knee through the distal portion of the leg. The knee-stretching device can apply traction, varus, and valgus forces in addition knee extension force. Disclosed treatment methods include the use of the knee-stretching device before surgical intervention.

Abstract: A full body stretching assist device includes a base, a central support shaft mounted on the base, left and right arm support stretching sections extending outwards therefrom, and left and right leg support stretching sections. The left and right arm support stretching sections each include a shoulder multi-axis joint and an elbow hinge joint, while the left and right leg support stretching sections each include a hip multi-axis joint and a knee hinge. Powered movement devices such as pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical or other such actuating devices are operatively connected to the left and right arm support stretching sections and the left and right leg support stretching sections for alternatively extending, retracting and pivoting them in response to computer commands from a computing device, thus causing controlled movement to stretch and move arm and leg limbs being supported therein.

Abstract: A device for use in assisting a person to stretch a targeted tissue in the body. The stretching device consists of a long, inelastic strap with a fixed loop at one end, and a connector on the other end. The connector has a fixed part and a movable part that, when connected together, form a second loop at the second end of the strap, of varying size. The device is used in combination with instructions that inform the user of the proper use of the device to stretch a targeted tissue in the body. Packaging of the device and the instructions together provides a convenient kit for use in stretching exercises for the body.

Abstract: An exercise device for cushioning and supporting a user while exercising and developing arm, leg, back, and abdominal muscles and reducing fat around the stomach and abdominal area. The exercise device has a pair of equally sized rectangular mats including an upper and a lower mat having a hinge connection for folding in half. Said mats have a top surface, a bottom surface, and side edges. The upper mat has two internally positioned flexible shafts, two adjustable straps extend upwardly from the upper mat, and an outwardly extending head support panel. The lower mat has two internally positioned, non-flexible shafts, two adjustable feet straps, and two grasping straps.

Abstract: A device for exercising the plantar fascia has a first member positionable under the ball of a foot, and a second member positionable under the toes of the foot. A third member having an eye attaches to the ankle. A first line extends from the first member and a second line extends from the second member and through the eye at the ankle. By pulling on the first and second lines, the plantar fascia is stretched.

Abstract: A folding collapsible exercising machine includes a base frame that can rock on the floor and is provided with a seat pad, two damping spring members adjustably mounted in the base frame for adjusting damping resistance to the base frame during operation of the exercising machine to rock the base frame on the floor, a T-shaped leg extension bar pivoted to the base frame and locked in the operative position with a detachable lock screw, and a collapsible handlebar provided at the top side of the T-shaped leg extension bar.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise machine having a floor supported bench and a mast pivotally connected to an end of the bench by a universal joint connection. A pair of double acting hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected between the end of the bench and the mast. The connection of the cylinders to the bench is a universal joint connection. A footrest assembly is connected to the mast. A recumbent exerciser can not only exercise the main and lower abdominal muscles by pushing and pulling the mast against the resistance of the hydraulic cylinders in a back and forth direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bench, but also the side or oblique muscles by simultaneously pivoting the mast back and forth in a transverse direction. The machine also allows a combination of the above motions including a circular type motion in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use in performing abdominal exercises. The apparatus includes a back support member having a first side for supporting a back of a user and a headrest having a first side for resting a head of a user thereagainst. A device for supporting a neck and head of the user is positioned between the back support member and the headrest. When a user performs an abdominal exercise, the supporting device supports the headrest thereby preventing neck and cervical strain.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment by allowing the user to increase core flexibility and shoulder flexion. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a hip locking mechanism that retains the user's hips securely so that he or she may than rotate about his or her spine to grasp a grip (i.e., handle, vertical pole, etc.) located outside the opposite hip and preferably located behind the user's opposite shoulder prior to beginning the stretch. One embodiment of the hip locking mechanism allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180 degrees or more using a hand crank or motorized mechanism. Alternatively, the hips and pelvis may be locked in place by the legs being restrained and the hips pushed against an object such as the back of a chair.

Abstract: An exercising device upon which one kneels and can exercise one's thighs and buttocks by pushing one's knees away from each other in a direction substantially parallel with a line through one's hip joints has a pair of longitudinal swing arms that are pivotally mounted at first ends thereof to a respective, upwardly extending, spaced apart pivot axes. The swing arms extend generally laterally outwardly from the respective pivot axes and can pivot about the respective pivot axes from a first position in which the swing arms are substantially parallel with each other to a second position in which distal ends of the swing arms diverge outwardly from each other so that the swing arms form an acute angle with each other.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus for push-ups and body presses. Longitudinal adjustments accommodate a wide range of physical dimensions of users, and multiple lateral adjustments allow a wide range of lateral adjustments in a compact space. Independently adjustable foot and hand supports allow the user to select a longitudinally or laterally inclined attitude for the user's body during an exercise routine.

Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a first side of a first material and a second side of a second material different from the first material. A sidewall connects the first and second sides, and a seam extends around the sidewall joining first and second portions of the sidewall. The first and second portions are secured to one another by thermoforming, and an inflation valve is positioned in the sidewall. The inflatable structure may be formed by heating the first and second sheets of material to a temperature above their glass transition temperature and below their melting point, compressing the first and second sheets of material together in a mold having an opposed pair of cavities such that the valve extends through the seal and is in fluid communication with an interior and exterior of the inflatable structure, and trimming excess material from the periphery of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: An exercise method and device for providing resistance to a user in the performance of an abdominal crunch exercise while the user is lying supine. The method includes the placement of resistance in the path of the exercise movement with the upper arms and upper legs simultaneously pressing toward one another against the resistance resulting in flexion of the torso and stress upon the abdominal muscles. The device comprises a resilient and compressible object or pad of material having a first substantially planar surface for placement upon the abdomen of the user, a second surface extending at an obtuse angle to the first surface and sized and shaped to engage the upper thighs of the user while performing said crunch exercise, and a third surface extending at an obtuse angle to the first surface and sized and shaped to contact the arms of the user while performing a crunch exercise.

Abstract: A universal fitness apparatus for force resistance, postural, and balance exercises. A flange assembly is coupled to a longitudinal shaft. The flange assembly can comprise receptacles for receiving handles or it can itself comprise handles. A user can support herself with the handles while performing a variety of exercises that target multiple muscle groups. The height of the handles can be adjusted by sliding the flange assembly along the shaft. Alternatively, the flange assembly and shaft can be mounted to a height adjustable runner coupled to a longitudinal track. A pin and/or lock to hold the flange assembly and/or runner at a particular height can be provided. The flange assembly can be rotationally coupled to the shaft so that the user can move the handles while performing oblique muscle movements. The receptacles and/or the handles can be pivotally movable such that the handles can be stored in an upright position.

Abstract: A muscle stretching and spine decompressing apparatus including a base frame (20), a flexible sheet (12) attached to the top of the base frame (20) for supporting the body of a user, and a motorized actuation means (16) for bending the flexible sheet (12) from a substantially flat position to a substantial arc. The motor (18) includes a main shaft (30) connected at each end (30e) to counter grooved helix pulleys (46). As the motor (18) turns the main shaft (30), the counter grooved helix pulleys (46) wind up cable (48) attached to the ends (12a, 12b) of the flexible sheet (12), thereby drawing the flexible sheet ends (12a, 12b) inward to cause the flexible sheet (12) to bend. The motor control system (92) provides for automatic or manual control of the arc of flexible sheet (12).

Abstract: According to the invention, there is disclosed a leg stretching device 10 characterized by a leg support arm 34 mounted to a primary shaft 36 at a first end, the leg support arm having a leg support 38 secured to the leg support arm at a second end; and structure for rotating the primary shaft from an initial position to a final position so that the leg support arm moves through a range of about 30 to 70 degrees and preferably about 40 to 60 degrees. In addition, there are provided structure for adjusting the location of the initial position of the leg support arm 34. In addition, the length of leg support arm 34 is adjustable.

Abstract: A Prone Fly Exercise Apparatus comprising a hinged base portion, two inclinable arms containing parallel track means hingedly attached to the base, two handgrips that are each slidably mounted on the parallel tracks and connected to adjustable tension cords, a means for raising the parallel track containing arms to provide an incline, and a means for adjusting the tension cords. For the first exercise, the adjustable tension cords are placed between each edge of the apparatus and each handgrip. For the second exercise, the adjustable tension cords are placed between the handgrips, attaching the handgrips to each other. The apparatus is compactly foldable and easily stored.

Abstract: A machine for bi-directional exercising of a muscle group through movement of lever arms against a selected resistance has a sub-frame mounted to a main-frame, for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis, and the levers connected to the sub-frame to pivot on a pair of spaced apart right and left pivot axes axially displaced to provide a moment arm about the horizontal axis. The lever arms each have a pedal, oriented to effect pivotal movement of the sub-frame about the horizontal axis, and a knee pad, oriented to effect pivotal movement of the lever arms about their respective right or left pivot axis. Linkage members connect each lever arm to the main-frame so that, as the sub-frame pivots through a given angle, the lever arms pivot through opposing angles, and a force applied to either the pedals or knee pads will move the sub-frame and lever arms through their respective angular ranges.

Abstract: A portable lower leg exercise device for facilitates proper body alignment and execution of calf strengthening exercises includes a pivoted pair of elongate members having coplanar upper surfaces to provide a step of sufficient height to support the forefoot of a user through a full range of motion exercising the calf muscle. Guide members insert into the elongate members to define foot spaces that are properly spaced and oriented to promote proper foot alignment throughout the exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device allowing a user to exercise his abdominal region by lying on his back while extending his arms generally upwards is disclosed. The device has a hand-gripping member positioned generally above the user's head for the user to grip while exercising. The hand-gripping member allows for a wide range of motion which may include side-to-side, front-to-back, diagonal, and/or rotational motion. This enables the user can exercise his abdominal region by moving in a variety of different directions, while keeping his arms extended.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for developing strength and flexibility of the arms, legs, back and abdominals of the user. The exercise apparatus is an adaptation of the exercise ball or Swiss ball. The exercise apparatus includes a large, spherically-shaped, resilient ball, a frame and a pair of connectors, the connectors rotatably connecting the ball to the frame. Various attachments may be placed on the frame to allow the user to grasp the apparatus or lock their feet to prevent unwanted motion. A mechanism can also be included in the connectors allowing the user to selectively adjust the rotation to a desired degree of resistance.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, a foot support mounted on the frame, and a body supporting linkage mounted on the frame. The linkage includes a seat, a lower back support, and an upper back and head support. Also, a handlebar is preferably mounted on the upper back and head support. The linkage is movably mounted on the frame in a manner that comfortably supports a person during both a leg press exercise and an abdominal crunch exercise. A resistance device is interconnected between the linkage and the frame to provide resistance to each type of exercise.

Abstract: A tendon stretcher including a base seat and a support frame which is pivotally mounted on the base seat and can be swung. A leaning pad and a saddle are fixedly connected on the support frame. An upward extending upright stem is disposed at one end of the base seat. A top end of the upright stem has a seat body for pivotally connecting with an extension bar. The bottom section of the seat body has an extending stop face. In addition, the seat body has a stop wall. A resilient body is disposed under the bottom of the extension bar corresponding to the stop face for abutting against the stop face. A pad body is disposed on one side of the extension bar corresponding to the stop wall for leaning against inner side of the stop wall.

Abstract: A method of exercise and especially for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles using a flexible elongated device to increase resistance. The device is held at its ends by the hands with the arms in an outstretched position while a person sits with legs bent. The person places the device across and near the near the knees and crunches the abdominals against the added resistance of the flexible elongated device.

Abstract: A yoga mat is provided having a symmetrical body placement guide on an upper surface of the mat. The body placement guide is configured to aid a yoga practitioner to properly align the practitioner's body during yoga postures. The body placement guide includes a patterned design defining a longitudinal axis substantially extending the length of and bisecting the upper surface of the mat. The patterned design also defines a transverse axis bisecting the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis and transverse axis define four equal quadrants. Each quadrant is adjacent to other quadrants, the pattern design in each quadrant being a mirror image of the pattern design of the two adjoining quadrants. The pattern design also includes step indicia within each quadrant.

Abstract: An infant exercise cushion including a substantially rigid core element preferably in the form of a hollow pipe. A soft resilient material surrounds a substantial portion of the core element. The soft resilient material forms a curved outer surface for the cushion so that the cushion may be rolled on the floor when there is interface between the infant and the cushion.

Abstract: A straddle stretching apparatus comprises a seat on top of a support frame and leg support wings which extend from opposite sides of the seat and move outward and upward away from the support frame as a handle at the top of the base is rotated. The handle attaches to rotating means which has struts extending from opposite sides that attach to the side of the leg support wings. The stretching apparatus is used to stretch the muscles of the lower and upper body including the legs, lower back and upper body. Stretch straps are provided on the side of the leg support wings to assist the user in a stretching exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising one or more pair of grasping sections and one or more extensible sections to enable the apparatus to be stretched to an extended length from an un-extended length.

Abstract: Apparatus and method assist a person in the safe and proper performance of a squat exercise by precluding movement of the knees of the person in a forward direction beyond the person's toes during execution of the squat exercise. The apparatus includes two separate units for independent placement relative to one another to tailor the squat exercise to better exercise particular muscles.

Abstract: An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a variety of different accessory grips to the user, and the ability to easily mount the device to a wall. One exercise device described is an inelastic resistance device having integral hand grips. The accessory grips are removably attachable to the integral grip of an exercising device, and provide for gripping by the hands, foot or other body parts. The selection of a specific accessory grip allows the user to exercise by specific body parts and provides for a greater number of possible exercises. Accessory grips are attachable to the integral grips, greatly adding to the flexibility of the device. In addition, a novel hand grip is described having a plurality of cords that can be selected for gripping, and a bracket for mounting a door jamb mountable exercise device to a wall is described.

Abstract: A device to facilitate stretching before engaging in athletic activities, particularly golf, is disclosed. Two inverted U-shaped members are permanently affixed to the ground using mounting plates or any other potential means. One of the U-shaped members runs underneath the other in a transverse direction generally along the center of each member. The top surfaces of the U-shaped members are designed to provide three differing levels of height thereby allowing a variety of stretches to be performed by the user. An informational sign depicting a variety of stretches may be included. One or multiple users may use this device to help facilitate a variety of stretches to improve flexibility.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device for use by a person sitting in an automobile seat and doing crunches. An automobile seat-engaging member engages either the back or the head rest of the automobile seat. An elastic resistance strap extends through the automobile seat-engaging member and forward thereof to be gripped by the person sitting in the automobile seat so as to add resistance as the person sitting in the automobile seat does the crunches. The elastic resistance strap enters the automobile seat-engaging member from close to one end, and leaving an exposed portion thereof extending out of the automobile seat-engaging member extends through the automobile seat-engaging member, and exits the automobile seat-engaging member from close to the other end thereof and leaving another exposed portion thereof extending out of the automobile seat-engaging member.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising the abdominal muscles, the back muscles, and the arm muscles of a user. The exercise device comprises a rectangular tubular frame having a seat pad. The frame has a right-angled pull bar assembly pivotally affixed thereunto. The pull bar assembly has a neck/head support pad. In use, the user places the frame of the exercise device upon an existing horizontal support structure, and lies down upon the device, with the buttocks of the user supported upon the seat pad, and the upper torso and head of the user supported upon the neck/head support pad. The user grasps a horizontal crossbar of the pull bar assembly within the hands of the user, and pivots the crossbar downward, thereby causing the neck/head support pad to pivot upward, and thereby elevating the back of the user above the horizontal support structure and making it easier for the user to do a number of sit-up type exercises.