Abstract: A garment is disclosed, which includes a bodice having a front portion with a neckline, a back portion, and a bottom, a padded lining disposed in the bodice and adjacent to the neckline, a plurality of adjustable straps attached to the front and back portions, a band lining the bottom of the bodice, and a non-visible boning disposed in the front portion configured to support and shape the abdomen of a user.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise apparatus having a seat attached to a frame, a swing bar rotatably attached to the frame about a swing bar axis, a back rest rotatably attached to the swing bar about a back rest axis which is substantially perpendicular to the swing bar axis, and a handle bar rotatably attached to the swing bar about a handle bar axis which is substantially parallel to the back rest axis; and a method for performing an abdominal exercise includes sitting on the seat, laying one's back against the back rest and gripping the handle bar while twisting one's torso about one's hips to cause the swing bar to rotate relative to the frame about the swing bar axis and rotating the handle bar about the back rest axis to cause a rotation of the back rest about the back rest axis.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device comprising a frame, a seat support fixed to said frame, a back support pivotally connected to the frame near the seat support and being disposed at a negative incline during a portion of its use, and one or more handlebars pivotally mounted to the frame and in operational contact with the rear surface of the back support for causing the back support to pivot away from the negative incline if desired by a user during the exercise. The machine may also comprise lever members fixed to the angular orientation of the handlebars and in contact with the rear surface of the back support for lifting said back support during a portion of the exercise if desired. In a preferred embodiment, the handlebars are pivotally mounted to the frame at location separate and distinct from the where the back support is connected to the frame so that the user can use the handlebars, if desired, to create a mechanical advantage in moving the back support during a portion of the exercise.