Abstract: An apparatus for physical fitness physical strength, agility and endurance training. A controllable pressurized flow of fluid is first received via a hose to a source of the pressurized fluid. In response to this flow of fluid, a force is generated along at least one of a plurality of selected directions using one or more apertures or nozzles. The force is then transferred to a user of the apparatus so as to supply physical resistance training to the user. The apparatus further includes a user engaging mechanism that is connected to the propulsion system, and is configured to transmit exercise forces to an associated user. The apparatus further includes controls for controlling the magnitude and direction of the reaction force vector applied to the user engaging mechanism. Various embodiments of user engaging members, including blocking dummies, handles, gloves, helmets, shoes, straps or balls, may be attached to the propulsion system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating exercise mat. The mat has a substantially planar surface with distal and proximal ends. The mat has a headrest secured to the proximal end. The headrest is thicker than the body of the mat to support the head of a user. The body of the mat has two apertures therein, where each aperture has a handle disposed therein. The handles provide the user a gripping surface so that the user can perform exercises when gripping the floating mat. The distal end of the body of the mat has resistance wings secured thereon. The resistance wings can be made of a rigid material such as polycarbonate. The wings can be in the shape of a oval, triangle, semicircle, triangle, or a rectangle.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.

Abstract: An air spring is used as a resistance device in exercise equipment having a lever arm for exercising various muscle groups such as those in arms and legs. In one embodiment, the equipment can be used while standing and the resistance movements strengthen core muscles. In another, it can be adapted to be used on a table surface for exercising hands, wrists and forearms. In still another embodiment, it can incorporate a bike pedal assembly to simultaneously aerobically exercise the legs and arms. The equipment includes resistance level regulating components and a visual indicator using a gauge or similar device to monitor resistance levels. Embodiments also include interchangeability of human interface members and a hand pump integrated with the lever arm, which may also include interchangeability of the human interface members.

Abstract: A leg rehabilitation apparatus comprises a base including first and second base members, wherein the first base member is linearly adjustably connected to the second base member. The first base member including an adjustable thigh support member attached thereto; the second base member including a movable boom attached thereto via a resistance module that offers adjustable dynamic resistance there between during relative movements thereof. The adjustable boom including a bracket that is linearly movable along the length of the boom; the bracket including an adjustable foot and ankle rest, such that a user can place their thigh upon the thigh support member and a foot within the foot and ankle rest and thereby move their leg in a plurality of motions against the resistance of the resistance module in order to exercise and rehabilitate chosen muscle groups within the leg.

Abstract: A resistance kickboard. The resistance kickboard includes plural resistance indicia that provide varying levels of resistance when the resistance kickboard is moved through water. The varying levels resistance allow swimmers, exercisers and rehabilitation patients to spend less time in a pool while obtaining additional training, exercising or rehabilitation effects. The resistance kickboard may also include a reservoir to hold a liquid. The liquid allows a user to stay hydrated while using the resistance kickboard for longer periods without stopping the activity.

Abstract: A variable resistance aquatic exercise apparatus which provides a platform for removable fit to each of a user's hands and arms is disclosed. Each platform provides a plurality of one-way valves of two sizes. Each platform further provides a dialable disc which varies with orifice size, from a larger orifice to smaller orifices, or a user may choose to close orifices, thereby providing varied resistance to movement through water. Multiple embodiments of the platform are provided.

Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second housings telescopically coupled together. A pneumatic cylinder is positioned inside and fixed to the first housing and includes proximal and distal ends. A piston having a piston head and shaft is situated inside the second housing, the piston head separating an interior space of the cylinder into first and second areas. Telescopic movement of the housings causes the piston head to move within the interior space. A first check valve is in fluid communication with the cylinder for adjusting an amount of resistance encountered by the piston head as it travels toward the cylinder distal end. A second check valve is in communication with the cylinder for adjusting an amount of resistance encountered as the piston head travels toward the cylinder proximal end. Pneumatic and check valve communication channels are inside the housing. The device is adaptable to exercise multiple muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise device has two identical, parallel, solid, metal bars connected by an adjustable resistance hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is attached to the lower metal bar while the piston is connected to the upper metal bar. Oversized, cushioned grips are attached to both the upper and lower metal bars for comfort and increased gripping ability. A multi-staged resistance adjustment device is located on the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder. The oil or air filled hydraulic cylinder provides resistance in both the push and pull motions. Various body positions are facilitated to target specific muscle groups. Exercises include abdominal crunches, bicep curls, triceps presses, chest flies, upright rows and leg squats.

Abstract: An exercise machine in one embodiment includes a frame, a pivot arm, an adapter mounted on the pivot arm to adjust between various adapter positions, and an operator engagement device mounted on the adapter to adjust between various engagement device positions. The adapter is typically telescopically mounted on the pivot arm to extend and retract along a first axis about which the adapter is also rotatable. The engagement device is typically telescopically mounted on the adapter to extend and retract along a second axis which is transverse to the first axis and about which the engagement device is rotatable. The embodiments may include a pivotal connection between the pivot arm and a generally T-shaped handle for positioning the handle and for enhancing the use of the handle. Handle extenders may be included to lengthen a typical T-shaped handle. Unique cable and pulley configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for physical strength, agility and endurance training uses fluid jet reaction forces to train and strengthen muscles. The device for physical training includes a source of pressurized fluid connectable through a hose to a propulsion system and one or more apertures or nozzles for forming one or more jets of fluid that are discharged from the propulsion system such that a nozzle reaction force, acting in a direction opposite the direction of the jet stream, is exerted on the jet propulsion system. Fluid can also be delivered through a curved tube or passage in the propulsion system such that a stream of fluid that is discharged from the propulsion system is not traveling in the same direction as it was before it was discharged such that the change in direction of the fluid causes a change in the momentum of the fluid for exerting an additional reaction force on the propulsion system.

Abstract: A foldable aquatic stepper includes: a foldable frame device, and a stepping device mounted on the frame device having a pair of paddling pedals reciprocatively and alternatively stepped upon for a smooth aquatic stepping exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed having a base, an longitudinally extending bottom member rail directed generally transverse to the base, and an upright support. The exercise apparatus also has a lever arm, including an exercise bar, that is connected to the upright support and pivotable thereabout. The lever arm of the exercise apparatus is movable to a folded stage adjacent the upright support, and the bottom rail is movable toward the upright support to a folded stage, adjacent the folded lever arm in the folded stage.

Abstract: The present exercise machine includes a frame, a seat, foot pedals, a resistance device and a hand crank assembly. The resistance device includes a rotating element such as a cylindrical fan which would require a power input in order to continue rotating. The hand crank assembly is pivotably mounted to the frame such that the hand crank assembly can quickly pivot between a first position suitable for a seated operator and a second position suitable for an upright operator.

Abstract: An exercising and rehabilitation hand device is disclosed. The hand device according to the invention is portable and controllable by smart fluid-based brakes/dampers to provide a compact, lightweight mechanism whose resistance to motion can be changed on-the-fly, through computerize control, to vary the exercises that can be performed and tune the workout or rehabilitation session to the responses of the user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides variable resistance and includes a high drag fan which includes a plurality of fan blades radially mounted on an axle. A multi-ratio pulley system is operably mounted to the axle with the differing ratios providing variable resistance. A cord is wound on a cord reel which is operably engaged with the multi-ratio pulley system. Thus, pulling the cord turns the cord reel which then rotates the multi-ratio pulley system and the high drag fan via the axle. The distal end of the cord opposing the cord reel has an apparatus attachment point.

Abstract: To provide a muscle development device wherein a sufficient pressure can be applied to every part of the limb intended to be compressed, even under the influence of muscle movements. To provide a muscle development device comprising: a hallow tight fitting band having a tube and a limiter plate 6 provided therein; and fastening means for use in keeping a length of the tight fitting band in a loop having a desired size, the muscle development device being used to develop muscles of a limb while restricting the blood flow therethrough by means of applying, with the tight fitting band being rest on muscles of a predetermined compressed range of the limb and the tight fitting band being fastened with the fastening means to have a desired size, a predetermined pressure to the limb around which the tight fitting band is wrapped, the pressure being produced by introducing air to the tube.

Abstract: A device for restraining a swimmer in a variety of settings including a post, tie portion, tether assembly, and restraining belt coupled to the tether assembly and swimmer. An anchor assembly provides an anchoring collar fixed at one end and in sliding engagement with the post at another end. In operation, a swimmer applies a variable tension from the restraining belt across the tether assembly to the tie portion of the post. In sliding engagement with the post, the anchoring collar provides a tensile force to the post to counteract the swimmer's variable tension and to maintain the post both in a longitudinal position within the body of water and in continuous contact with the underwater floor. The device may include a base assembly that is releasably coupled to the post and enables the post to pivot in the direction of the tensile force applied by the tethered swimmer.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a kit for converting an elongated flexible noodle-type personal floatation device into a floating exercise assembly. Specifically, the rider straddles the flexible noodle-type device while rotating the first exercising assembly and/or the second exercising assembly for exercising the user's lower and upper body, respectively.

Abstract: A unique resistance exercising device to be used in the water or on land that encapsulates and reinforces the joints of a body's extremities (i.e., arms and legs) to deliver a greater amount of load resistance to the larger muscles attached to the body core, in nearly full range motion. A device that allows the strengthening of the major body core muscles, to in full range motions without over stressing the extremities or the joints.

Abstract: The multifunctional portable pneumatic exercise device is a muscular exercise and training device that may be used for a multiplicity of exercises and with a wide variety of muscle groups. The exercise device includes a telescopic tube that is sealed at a distal end thereof and has a valve mounted on the proximal end thereof. In operation, the user compresses the telescopic tube and the increased air pressure within the telescopic tube causes fluid resistance, providing the user with muscular exercise. The user controls the fluid resistance through selective adjustment of the valve, which controls the volume of air escaping from the telescopic tube. Further, a pair of straps are releasably secured to either end of the telescopic tube, allowing the telescopic tube to be secured to a selected body part. The exercise device is portable, easy to operate and provides a wide range of muscular exercises for the user.

Abstract: An in-water training and rehabilitation device capable of individually training and rehabilitating an objective muscle of forearms at home with ease is provided. The in-water training and rehabilitation device according to the present invention is an in-water training device 10 that is held with a hand and moved in water for the purpose of strengthening a desired muscle of, mainly, forearms, and includes a substantially planar resistance part 14 whose area is variable and a plurality of handles 13 of different kinds. In the present invention, the plurality of handles 13 of different kinds may be constantly fixed to the resistance part 14 as in (d) or may be adapted to be replaceable as appropriate through an attaching and removing mechanism.

Abstract: The construction of a collapsible rotary torso exercise machine is disclosed. The machine's extended parts fold down and/or detach so that it may be stored in a small space. The machine is also lightweight and therefore portable. Three different types of resistance mechanism are specifically disclosed: 1) piston in cylinder resistance 2) friction resistance and 3) elastic member resistance. The collapsible rotary torso exercise machine preferably has variable resistance and for each type of resistance mechanism disclosed, a mechanism or method for varying the resistance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wind resistance mechanism for an exercise apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of bendable blades for changing the form of the wind-facing side thereof or adjusting the wind-facing angle. A movable clamping device includes a hub supported on an output shaft of an exercise apparatus. A first and a second disc are mounted on the hub. At least one of both discs performs a reciprocating movement in axial direction. An external force is applied to the discs for changing the form of the wind-facing side of the blades or adjusting the wind-facing angle, thereby adjusting the wind resistance.

Abstract: An exercise machine, more specifically, an abdominal exercise machine. The abdominal exercise machine consists of a frame upon which the user sits, the frame having a support arm tilted backward from vertical with the lower lumbar region against a seat member. Pivotally attached to the frame is an upper seat rest assembly that has a pair of handles and a pad designed to lay against the upper back of the user. The seat back assembly moves with the upper body of the user, the hands of the user assisting in maintaining the upper seat back member against the upper back, while the user moves from a tilted back position to a crunch position, and simulating a traditional sit-up movement.

Abstract: This new and unique adjustable cantilevered aquatic exercise device offers a clean modern appearing device for exercising on the side of a swimming pool or from the end of a diving board. By mounting two extension arms to two horizontal support arms connected and mounted to the pool deck surface by mounting plates, angle-mounting brackets or slid over the end of the diving board, a single exercise bar may be relocated between pluralities of orifices on the extension arms to achieve a wide variety of elevations to exercise at the side of a swimming pool. This device can be pivoted back from the edge of the pool and remains completely out of the water when in use, not requiring the need to be constructed from expensive materials, and may be finished with a wide variety of rust preventative and cushioned coatings.

Abstract: A dual purpose physical rehabilitation orthopedic and physical fitness exercise device for use within physical therapy facilities. The rehabilitation and exercise device includes a frame hosting a hydraulic or pneumatic system means for applying variable levels of resistance for specified exercise regimens; an activating assembly including a torsion bar, indexed platen, exercise arm assembly and a lever to act against hydraulic/pneumatic pressurized cylinders. The exercise arm assembly includes equally spaced ports and locking pins to allow altering the active length of the arm. Further, the platen contains ports, radially positioned around its facial surface to permit adjusting the angular displacement of the exercise arm through 90° either side of the horizontal. The platen also has inscribed degree indexes to define angular displacement from preset azimuth during the exercise routine.

Abstract: A thigh exerciser includes a pair of horizontal first and second swing rods each having a pivot end portion connected pivotally to the seat member, and a thigh-engaging portion disposed outwardly of the seat member. The thigh-engaging portions of the first and second swing rods can be pressed toward each other. A biasing damper includes a piston disposed within an inner chamber in the pivot end portion of the first swing rod, a fluid filled within the inner chamber, and a resilient member for biasing the piston to move within the inner chamber in a first direction. The piston is connected to the pivot end portion of the second swing rod such that pivoting movement of the first and second swing rods toward each other is converted into movement of the piston within the inner chamber in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A maximum muscle strengthening resistance device provides a way of exercise that allows the exercising person to exert his/her full power throughout the whole time of exercise. When a volume of fluid is forced to pass through a small opening, it produces a resisting force. This invention uses this resistive force produced by the oil flow along with the mechanical force generated by a power unit such as a hydraulic pump or an electric power motor for the resisting force during the strengthening exercises. Most of the muscle strengthening exercise is consisted of consecutive concentric-eccentric exercise cycles. By using this invention, during the concentric exercise cycle the exercising person actively exert his/her full power to move the exercising handle toward the concentric direction against above mentioned resistive force of oil flow.

Abstract: A muscle training device includes a base seat, a first support arm connected pivotally to the base seat, a second support arm connected pivotally to an impeding unit, and two supporting cushions connected respectively to the support arms. The impeding unit has a housing fixed to the first support arm, a piston unit, first and second fluid chambers formed on two opposite sides of the piston unit, a fluid filled in the first and second fluid chambers, and a passage unit that is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers. The second support arm is turnable toward or away from the first support arm.

Abstract: Exercise device and method in which one or more generally planar blades with major surfaces are attached to the ends of an exercise bar. The bar is gripped with the hands and moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the major surfaces, with movement of the bar being resisted by air resistance encountered by the blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of exercise utilizing fluid containing bladders. The bladders may be in communication with each other so that compression of one bladder causes the fluid to be transferred to a neighboring bladder. The system may be used to exercise complementary muscle groups. Additionally, the system may be adjustable to provide different workout levels or so that the device can be used to exercise a variety of muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise machine in which a fan has a rotor that generates drag by causing air to move in response to exercising by a user. A deflection structure deflects air that the rotor has moved and is adjustable to control the amount of drag generated by the rotor.

Abstract: A chest exerciser includes an elongated plunger housing and a pair of plungers that move in sealed sliding contact with the plunger housing on opposite sides of a common air volume within said plunger housing. An adjustable vent, centrally located between the plungers, communicates with the common air volume. Each plunger is attached to a hand grip. The handles slide on and are coaxial with the plunger housing. In the fully retracted position the grip distance between the proximal end of said first plunger hand grip member and the proximal end of said second plunger hand grip member is between 0 and 10 inches. The exerciser is used in combination with a breast enhancement nutrient, such as pueraria mirifica, which may be applied to the breast as a cream or tonic or ingested as an herb or pill.

Abstract: Exercise device and method in which one or more generally planar blades with major surfaces are attached to the ends of an exercise bar. The bar is gripped with the hands and moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the major surfaces, with movement of the bar being resisted by air resistance encountered by the blades.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for exercising a weaker of two opposing muscle groups of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, so that the two muscle groups apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining the implement in an ideal motion path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf exercise weight machine for anaerobically strengthening the large rotary muscles of the body—including the upper thigh, trunk and abdomen, and shoulders—most used in performing a golf swing. Preferably, the device includes a floor mounted base to which a yoke is rotatably attached to fit around the shoulders and arms of a user, so that during operation the user's body remains oriented in the proper swing position so as to mimic and improve the golf swing by strengthening the appropriate muscles. A weight stack provides variable resistance during the simulated golf swing, and the device offers adjustment over multiple degrees of freedom and it can accommodate both right-and left-handed swings.

Abstract: A floatation method and apparatus for effectively supporting and effectively exercising a person in a liquid. A method and apparatus for effectively playing a game in a liquid. The liquid may be water or any liquid used for cleaning or moisturizing a person's skin, such as anti-oxidants, emollients, surfactants in water, or skin conditioners such as vitamin E enriched body lotions and oils.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise belt which is placed around the abdomen and lower back of a user has one inflatable air chamber for the abdomen and two spaced apart inflatable air chambers for the lumbar region of the back. When worn by the user and inflated, the two inflatable chambers exert pressure upon the upper and lower portions of the lumbar vertebrae. The belt also has elastic portions which enable it to better conform to the body of the user.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for performing power exercises with one or more weights, wherein a weight consists of a reservoir for filling with liquid and/or air. This reservoir, referred to below as weight reservoir, serves as weight resistance for a power exercise and is connected by means of a flexible liquid conduit to a liquid displacing device. This liquid displacing device can carry liquid into the weight reservoir and remove it from the weight reservoir, whereby the weight of the weight reservoir, and thus the resistance of the power exercise, becomes greater or smaller. The operation of this liquid displacing device can be carried out by the user while performing the exercise in order to adjust the weight to his or her wishes without having to interrupt the power exercise for this purpose. The invention can be applied to power exercises with free weights and power exercises wherein the weight reservoir is provided with a conducting device.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotherapy where a patient is placed in traction while immersed in a heated hydrotherapy pool. More specifically, a process and apparatus for hydrotherapy traction is disclosed in which the patient is placed in a horizontal supine position, and gradually moved to and from a position of immersed hydrotherapy traction in the heated hydrotherapy pool.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device provides uniform omni-directional and uniform omni-rotational resistance to movement in water. The device includes a plurality of fins arranged on an outer surface of a dome-shaped or semi-spherical bell. The fins include lateral resistance members such as flanges for additional rotational resistance or a resistance plate that creates a resistance during a punching motion. The bell includes an opening and a handle coupled to an interior of the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable load apparatus for use in machines for resistive exercise training of the human body. The apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder (10) having a piston (12) acting on a fluid and a piston rod (14), the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) being operated on by a person undergoing training. A pressure accumulator (20) is connected to, and pressurizes the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) at a predetermined pressure during exercise via a pneumatic control circuit (42). Once a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, a valve means operates to prevent further fluid being available for charging the accumulator (20).

Abstract: A device for exercising when partially submerged in water. The device includes a dumbbell shaped floatation member for providing buoyant resistance once submerged underwater. This dumbbell shaped member can accept extensions on either end thereof. A second dumbbell member and a second pair of extensions is provided. A third component of the buoyancy system is a buoyancy member that would threadably engage both dumbbell shaped members to provide for a barbell shaped device for submerging underwater and providing buoyant resistance for the user to work against. The pairs of extension may be threadably engaged either end of the barbell member.

Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening hands or limbs has first and second bladders containing fluid with first and second valves that couple the bladders to a fluid pressure gage. Squeezing the first bladder by the left hand causes easy flow through the first valve to the pressure gage in a first direction, whereas the second valve presents a high impedance to flow in the same direction into the right hand bladder, so that the measured gage impulse pressure is proportional to the flow rate of fluid through the second valve indicating left hand strength. Squeezing the second bladder by the right hand produces fluid flow in the opposite direction with the right hand strength being measured in like manner. Alternate bladder squeezing creates a pleasant rhythmic exercise routine and the peak gage pressure indicates progress. The valve configuration enables strength measurement of the weak and the strong with one device.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and displaying information related to pressure exerted at a point of interest during an isometric exercise includes a fabric base, adapted to receive a body part. A sensor is attached to the fabric base and disposed at the point of interest during the isometric exercise, and measures a pressure magnitude at the point of interest and provides a pressure signal corresponding to the pressure magnitude. A processing unit is attached to the fabric base and receives the pressure signal, processes the pressure signal to derive information that is meaningful to a user, and generates a display corresponding to the information derived from the pressure signal.

Abstract: A device for allowing a swimmer to exercise in a pool while remaining approximately in place. The device includes an adjustable belt which fits around the swimmer's waist. An elastic harness connects this belt to an anchor bracket which is fixed to the side of the pool. The harness elastically deforms as the user exerts greater swimming force, thereby indicating to the user his or her level of exertion. The anchor bracket in configured to attach to a pool incorporating a skim gutter.

Abstract: The present invention is for a controlled therapeutic traction device utilizing a warmed hypertonic solution or other fluid of sufficient specific gravity to float the patient in a relaxing, relatively weightless environment. Traction is applied to a portion of the patient's body using various means to apply tension to that portion of the body, while the remainder of the patient's body continues to be suspended in the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable load apparatus for use in machines for resistive exercise training of the human body. The apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder (10) having a piston (12) acting on a fluid and a piston rod (14), the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) being operated on by a person undergoing training. A pressure accumulator (20) is connected to, and pressurizes the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) at a predetermined pressure during exercise via a pneumatic control circuit (42). Once a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, a valve means operates to prevent further fluid being available for charging the accumulator (20).