Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles of a user has a frame that includes a front leg pivotally connected to a rear leg. The exercise machine also includes a seat and a backrest for supporting the back of a user during an exercise routine that is adjustably positioned and secured with respect to the seat. The backrest is adjustably flexible in order to provide resistance to the movement of a user in order to help strengthen the user's abdominal and back muscles. The backrest includes handles to facilitate engagement between the backrest and the user and to encourage the user to move against the adjustable resistance provided by the backrest. The exercise machine includes a non-use, storage mode that facilitates storage of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed. The exercise apparatus may be moveable between a storage mode and an exercise mode. The exercise apparatus may used on a base surface by a user. The exercise apparatus may include a frame for supporting a seat above the base surface. The frame may include a front leg. The frame may include an engaging member that may be pivotally connected to the front leg comprising an engaging portion. The frame may include a rear leg comprising a receiving portion disposed to receive the engaging portion. The exercise apparatus may include a moveable backrest. The moveable backrest may include a resilient spine member. The moveable backrest may include a first end connected to the frame. The moveable backrest may include a second end that is freely moveable. The backrest may be disposed to provide support to the user's back during movement of the backrest.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles of a user has a frame that includes a front leg pivotally connected to a rear leg. The exercise machine also includes a seat and a backrest for supporting the back of a user during an exercise routine that is adjustably positioned and secured with respect to the seat. The backrest is adjustably flexible in order to provide resistance to the movement of a user in order to help strengthen the user's abdominal and back muscles. The backrest includes handles to facilitate engagement between the backrest and the user and to encourage the user to move against the adjustable resistance provided by the backrest. The exercise machine includes a non-use, storage mode that facilitates storage of the exercise machine.

Abstract: A fold-out treadmill includes a deck having a rear portion mounted on a base so as to be selectively rotatable between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The fold-out treadmill includes a fold-out assembly configured to allow the handrail to rotate into a storage configuration when the deck is rotated from the operational position into the storage position which comprises a leg and an elongated support. The fold-out treadmill includes a mechanism that is configured to vary the inclination of the deck relative to a support surface while the deck is in the operational position and to automatically move the deck between the operational position to the storage position.

Abstract: An improved lift apparatus for use in a treadmill having a support base and a treadbase is disclosed. The lift apparatus includes a lift motor assembly linked to the support base and to a cam. The first cam can be attached to a torsion bar linked to the support base. An incline link bar is linked to the first cam and to the treadbase. The force generated by the motor assembly is efficiently translated from the cam to the treadbase, thereby inclining the treadbase.

Abstract: A fold-out treadmill includes a deck having a rear portion mounted on a base so as to be selectively rotatable between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The fold-out treadmill includes a fold-out assembly configured to allow the handrail to rotate into a storage configuration when the deck is rotated from the operational position into the storage position which comprises a leg and an elongated support. The fold-out treadmill includes a mechanism that is configured to vary the inclination of the deck relative to a support surface while the deck is in the operational position and to automatically move the deck between the operational position to the storage position.

Abstract: A fold-out treadmill includes a deck having a rear end that is attached to a stationary base. The deck has a front end, a rear end, and a continuous belt rotatably mounted thereon. The rear end of the deck is moveably attached to the base so as to enable the deck to be selectively rotated between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The treadmill also includes a collapsible handrail that has a rear end attached to the deck and an opposing front end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured such that when the deck is moved between the operational position and the storage position the handrail does not extend beyond the rear end of the base.

Abstract: A weight lifting system features (i) one or more weights; and (ii) a weight lifting bar configured to selectively engage the one or more weights. The weight has an upstanding first end, an upstanding second end, and at least one and preferably a pair of cross members extending therebetween. The weight lifting bar includes a handle having (i) a grip; and (ii) a cross member coupled to the grip. A gripping member is rotatably coupled to the cross member. Upon rotation of the gripping member, the handle selectively grips the cross members of a selected weight or weights. The weights can then be lifted by a user.

Abstract: A foldable treadmill includes a deck having a rear end that is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The deck can be selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the deck is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the front end of the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. The treadmill also includes a handrail that is movably attached to the deck. The handrail has a first end attached to the base and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill can be selectively stored against a wall and the deck selectively rotated from the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall.

Abstract: A foldable treadmill includes a deck having a rear end that is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The deck can be selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the deck is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the front end of the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. The treadmill also includes a handrail that is movably attached to the deck. The handrail has a first end attached to the base and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill can be selectively stored against a wall and the deck selectively rotated from the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall.