Abstract: A free standing, height adjustable ballet bar exercise device is provided. The device comprises a pair of legs, telescoping support arms pivotally attached to the legs and supporting a horizontal ballet bar disposed between the support arms, a lower cross bar connecting the legs intermediate their ends, an upper cross bar connecting the support arms, a backboard pivotally attached to the upper cross bar and releasably attached to the lower cross bar, and a floor board hingedly attached to the bottom edge of the backboard and adapted to lay flat on a floor to support the weight of the user. Preferably the backboard and floor board are covered by soft mats.

Abstract: A device for holding and organizing items includes an anchor for fastening the device to an object; a strap adapted to secure the items to the device; and a connector, having an upper piece and a lower piece that pivot relative to one another, the upper piece being connected to the anchor and the lower piece being connected to the strap.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing lat pull down exercises has a main frame having a user support pivot mount, a user support pivotally mounted on the user support pivot mount for supporting a user in a seated position, and an exercise arm having handles for gripping by a user movably mounted on the frame for movement between a start position located above the head of a user in a seated position on the user support and an end position lower than the start position and generally below the user's chin. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user support frame and exercise arm substantially replicates the natural movement of the human body when performing a free bar chin up exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame with a pivot mount, a user support frame pivotally mounted on the pivot mount, the pivot mount defining a vertical, gravitational center line, an exercise arm movably mounted for engagement by the user in performing exercises, a connecting link linking movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, and a load for resisting movement of at least one of the moving parts. Movement of the user engagement device in an exercise movement simultaneously moves the user support frame between a start and an end position, the pivot mount being positioned at a predetermined location under the user support frame, such that portions of the combined weight of the user and user support frame are distributed on each side of the gravitational centerline throughout the entire exercise movement and only a portion of the combined weight passes through the gravitational centerline during the exercise movement.

Abstract: A free-weight bench (10) is provided having a safety assist device (12) for preventing injury to a weight lifter who repetitively lifts a barbell weight (16) including a weight bar (42). The safety assist device (12) includes a pair of spaced apart arms (32,34) oriented to permit the bar (42) to move along the length thereof, and a bar-sensing apparatus (45) comprising a plurality of sensors (46) on the arms (32,34) as well as a processor (60) programmed to determine at least one parameter related to the velocity of the bar (42) as it moves along the arms (32,34). Respective extensible supports (47) comprising fluid-actuated piston and cylinder assemblies (48,50) are located adjacent corresponding arms (32,34) and are controlled by the processor (60).

Abstract: A balance beam for training gymnasts has been invented. The balance beam has the capability of absorbing the downward momentum of a gymnast landing on the beam and then providing a near equal upward thrust to the gymnast allowing greater heights and longer air time in an immediately following jump thus facilitating the quicker learning of gymnastic skills. To achieve this, the beam is supported within a frame of similar dimension as the beam. The components which support the beam within the frame are located at each end of the beam and consist of a special arrangement of springs and elastic straps which represent the embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the calf muscles of a seated exerciser includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat assembly mounted on the frame on which the exerciser sits; a movement arm pivotally interconnected with the frame forwardly of the seat assembly; a heel pad mounted on the frame forwardly of the seat assembly and configured to receive the heel of the exerciser; a trailing link pivotally attached to the movement arm; a foot engagement member attached to the trailing link such that the foot engagement member is positioned above and forwardly of the heel pad, the foot engagement member having an engagement surface configured to receive a portion of the sole of the foot of the exerciser; and a resistance-imparting unit interconnected with the movement arm.

Abstract: An exercise device has a central grip with a first and second end. Three peripheral handles are symmetrically disposed around a central grip. Each peripheral handle has first and second radial portions extending from the first and second ends of the central grip, and a peripheral grip portion disposed between is respective radial portions. The peripheral grip portions are parallel to the central grip. The central grip has three partially flattened sides respectively facing each of the three peripheral grip portions. The junction of any two sides forms a curved edge that fits comfortably in the joint of a human finger. The peripheral distance around the central grip is two to three times the peripheral distance around a peripheral grip portion. In various exercises, users can grip a peripheral grip portion by one hand, use both hands to grasp adjacent peripheral grip portions, or grasp the central grip.

Abstract: Exercise equipment of the type comprising a frame structure; a handle coupled to the frame structure and adapted for movement by a user, back and forth in a first direction and in an opposite second direction; and at least one weight, coupled to the handle for applying a gravitational force to the handle in the second direction. According to the invention, a spring device, having two ends, is coupled to the handle at one end and to the frame structure at the opposite end to apply a spring force to the handle in the second direction. With proper choice of the spring constant of the spring device, when the handle is rapidly moved by the user in the first direction and then suddenly moved in the second direction, the total force applied to the handle in the second direction is maintained above minimum threshold value which is sufficient for “high-speed training”.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a pedestal, a seat supported by the pedestal, and at least two handle members mounted to opposing sides of the pedestal, to be gripped generally at their top end by a user oriented relative to the seat. The pedestal has a curved base for permitting rocking movement of the pedestal about a substantially intermediate axis, generally orthogonal to opposing sides on which the handle members are placed. The handle members preferably include bar-shaped structures hinged to the pedestal via respective ball joints.

Abstract: A chest press exercise machine has a self-aligning pivoting user support on a main frame and an exercise arm which is linked to the pivoting user support to translate movement of the exercise arm into movement of the user support. A user support pivot which may be a single pivot, floating pivot link, or four-bar pivot linkage arrangement pivotally connects the user support to the main frame. A connecting link is movably associated with the user engagement device or exercise arm and at least one of the main frame, user support, or user support pivot. The user support pivot is positioned so that part of the combined weight of the user and user support is positioned on both sides of the gravitational centerline throughout the exercise movement and a portion of the combined weight passes through the centerline to redistribute the weight as the exercise arm is moved.

Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus has a stationary frame, a first pivoting arm pivoted to the frame at a location intermediate its ends for rotation about a first pivot axis, a second pivoting arm pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and a connecting link pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm. The first arm is an exercise arm with handles at one end for gripping by a user, and the connecting link is of sufficient weight to form a counter-weight to counter-balance the first exercise arm into a rest position corresponding to a start position for an exercise movement. In one example the connecting link is a solid, elongate bar of heavy metal or equivalent material.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fitness apparatus. The apparatus includes an extendable base, a height-adjustable weight-supporting frame, a resistance assembly providing adjustable resistance, an exercise mechanism, a detachable bench assembly, and a connecting mechanism connecting the exercise mechanism to the resistance assembly. The resistance assembly includes a supporting frame having a lower resistance support and an upper resistance support that is slidably coupled to the lower resistance support. A top spring-attachment member is mounted on the top end portion of the upper resistance support. A bottom spring-attachment member is moveably coupled to a vertical track member mounted on the lower resistance support. The movement of the bottom spring-attachment member is resisted by resistance from one or more resilient resistance members detachably affixed to the spring-attachment members. The amount of resistance is adjustable by selecting the number of the resistance members affixed.

Abstract: A portable jump training apparatus designed for portability that permits an athlete to safely measure their vertical leap in any number of venues where a jump training apparatus might be utilized is provided. The portable jump training apparatus may include a jump measurement device, a height adjustment post, and an external surface mount. The height adjustment post may be joined to the jump measurement device such that they are positionally fixed with respect to one another. The external surface mount may include at least one adjustable gripping device to releasably secure the external surface mount to an external mounting surface. Also, the external surface mount may include a translation guide configured for translational cooperation with the height adjustment post such that the position of the jump measurement device may be adjusted with respect to the stationary external surface mount.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a first elongated housing having an endcap at a first end and a hollow interior portion. A second elongated housing is slidably positionable within the first elongated housing. A spring having a progressive resistance force is positioned within an interior portion of the first elongated housing between the endcap and an end of the second elongated housing. The spring is compressible between the endcap and the end of the second elongated housing and provides a progressive in-line resistance to achieve a contractive motion from a semi contracted or hyper extended position from both push and pull positions.

Abstract: An exercise system uses a definable planar platform surface on which an exercise mat can be placed, multiple resistance tubings with attachment mechanisms at each end, a pair of grips that can be attached to resistance tubings, a pair of anklet bracelets that can be attached to resistance tubings, and three pipes detachably affixable to the platform surface. Each pipe has its own attachment device for allowing one or two of the resistance tubings to be attached. The three pipes are arranged such that one is centrally located at one lengthwise end of the platform while the other two are spaced apart and substantially equidistant from the other lengthwise end of the platform. The platform and the exercise mat can be made of two parts foldable 180 degrees from each other. The two pipes located at one lengthwise end of the platform are preferably spaced apart at least the shoulder width of a user and have their attachment mechanisms located approximately ten inches from the platform.

Abstract: A retention collar for securing weights to a barbell that includes two side plates with a pull bar and a cam lever. Two sets of pressure pins provide a frictional fit with the barbell when the collar is in its closed position, which is achieved by use of the am lever. The side plates are secured to each other by screws or rivets.

Abstract: A rehab cycle crank having a pedal assembly, center assembly, anchor assembly, two rods, and pneumatic cylinder; wherein the pedal assembly includes a pedal plate, pedal base, and housing; wherein the center assembly includes a primary member and a secondary member; wherein each rod includes a first end and a second end; wherein the pneumatic cylinder includes a first end and a second end; wherein the housing of the pedal assembly is connected to the first end of each rod; wherein the anchor assembly is connected to the second end of at least one of the rods and the second end of the pneumatic cylinder; wherein the rods extend slidably through the primary member of the center assembly; wherein the primary member is attached to the secondary member by a central hub; wherein the secondary member comprises a crank arm into which the crank spindle of a cycle is inserted.

Abstract: A balancing device has a base and an inflatable flexible portion wherein the center of the inflatable portion is higher than the edges. The device is used by placing the base on the floor and standing and moving on the bladder.

Abstract: An adjustable trampoline pad system is for a trampoline. The adjustable trampoline pad system has a main trampoline pad section having a plastic foam core enveloped inside an exterior cover. The main trampoline pad section has an arc shape roughly following the circumference of a trampoline frame. A main trampoline pad outside flap connects to the main trampoline pad section at an external periphery of the main trampoline pad section. A first extension pad section removably connects to the main trampoline pad section. The first extension pad section has an arc shape roughly following the curvature of the main trampoline pad section. A first extension pad outside flap connects to the first extension pad section at an external periphery of the first extension pad section. A second extension pad section is removably connected to the main trampoline pad section and the movably connected to the first extension pad section.