Abstract: A multidirectional abdominal exercise apparatus is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a frame having an upright member, a bench or seat, and a pair of arm members connected to at least two pivoting members. The first pivoting member pivots in a first direction about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the floor. The second pivoting member is pivotally connected to the first pivoting member and pivots in a second direction about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first direction and substantially perpendicular to a forward direction. Thus, a user can pivot the arm members in the first direction, the second direction, and both the first and second direction concurrently.

Abstract: An exercise machine designed to exercise the upper body, focusing particularly on the core abdominal muscles but also on the arms, shoulders and chest. The machine comprises a structural frame with an adjustable seating mechanism, a handlebar and one or more position-adjustable targets against which a user throws a weighted ball. The machine provides two modes of exercise. In the seated mode the user exercises the abdominal muscles by rocking the body while seated in the flexible, adjustable-resistance, back-supported seating mechanism. The back support element of the seating mechanism is adjustable into a flat position, effectively converting the seat into a bench. In bench mode, the user, laying face up on the bench and holding onto the handlebar for stability, exercises the lower abs by performing leg-raising crunches. The machine is designed to be uniquely stimulating and fun to use. It may be folded compactly for storage.

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.