Abstract: A resistance assembly (13) is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus having a movable element (18) connected to a progressively increasing resistance assembly (13) by a cable (34). An exercise machine (10) employing the resistance assembly (13) is of a multipurpose type comprised of a frame (12) having an upright member (26) with a backrest (32) and a seat (30) attached thereto. The movable element (18) is operably associated with the frame (12) for movement by a user in performance of exercises resisted by an attached elastic resistance member (16). The elastically responsive resistance member (16) is selectively secured at one end to the upright member (26) to be positionable at one of a plurality of positions. A biasing device (20) to bias the force exerted by the resistance member (16) on the movable element (18) is accessible to a user in a seated position.

Abstract: The carrying device comprises a folded material, such as cardboard, which surrounds a pair of weights in a frame. The frame comprises an upwardly extending center panel and two side panels. The side panels are disposed parallel to the center panel and are separated from the center panel by a distance which is slightly larger than the thickness of the weights. The side panels are connected to the center panel by bottom panels. A wooden rod is placed through the center holes of the athletic weights, and anchored into the side of the cardboard frame. A handle located in the frame allows the weights to be easily carried.

Abstract: A barbell is disclosed having a pair of handles disposed along the length thereof equidistant from the ends of the barbell. The handles are rotatable through an axis transverse to the long axis of the plane of the barbell, so that the handle can be rotated to position comfortable to a user's arms for performing various exercises. The barbell is also optionally adjustable in length so that the handles can be positioned at a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A convertible exercise bench includes a bench frame having a generally horizontal plane and two movable barbell suport members that may be positioned along a horizontal axis of the frame. The bench includes a platform having a head section and a foot section, pivotally joined at a location intermediate the ends of the bench, so that the platform may be configured in a V-shaped, or inverse thereof, an incline or a decline respective to the horizontal axis of the bench. A removable support member is used to support the head section, independent of the movable vertical barbell supports, and a lockable leg exercise member is attached to the foot section end of the bench.

Abstract: A yoke weight lifting yoke supported by a harness is disclosed having a body member and pivotable, adjustable arm supports for pivoting to a comfortable angle with respect to the user's arms and for adjusting the height of the arm support with respect to the body member to properly align on the user's arms to prevent obstruction of the movement of the user's arms during weight lifting exercises such as bicep curls and tricep extensions.

Abstract: An improved exercise bench is disclosed having a frame, a generally horizontal platform supported by the frame, the platform being divided into a head end and foot end which are hinged together transverse to the long axis of the bench, the head and foot ends being angularly movable with respect to each other so that the hinge can be raised or lowered from a horizontal position thereby improving the range of motion, safety, and muscle group isolation achieved when performing leg exercises thereon.

Abstract: A compact collar for securing weights to a barbell. The collar utilizes a spring coil, restrained against maximum tightening, thereby setting a minimum internal diameter of the coil. A pair of outwardly extending angularly displaced arms that can be moved towards each other to reduce the tightness of the coil, thereby increasing the internal diameter of the coil and permitting it to slip over the end of a barbell. Once in place, the release of the arms, allows the natural spring tendency to tighten the coil and grip the barbell, thus holding the weights in place.