Abstract: An enhanced exercise vest for improving squatting exercise performance includes an upper portion; a bottom portion, the bottom portion including two front sections that wraps around a portion of the torso of the user and a back section; two shoulder straps; and two clasps or brackets. The two shoulder straps connect to a back surface of the main portion, the two shoulder straps to wrap around shoulders of a user, cross, and pass through a loop attached to the back section of the bottom portion. The two shoulder straps attach to each other across a front side of the bottom portion. Two clasps or brackets are attached to the two front sections of the bottom portion.

Abstract: An independent stretching device comprises a back brace configured to pass across and brace against a user's back. A first connector is secured to a first end of the lower back brace, and is threaded through a first pulley. A second connector is secured to a second end of the lower back brace on an opposite side of the user to the first end of the back brace, the second connector being threaded through a second pulley. A foot stirrup is provided for receiving a foot of the user, and has a first end connected to the first pulley and a second end connected to the second pulley. Tension applied to respective distal ends of the first and second connectors distal from the back brace creates tension which urges the foot stirrup and the back brace toward each other.

Abstract: A portable rowing frame that mounts a portable resistance device is presented. The rowing frame contains a front rowing beam, a rear rowing beam, a mounting beam, a rowing seat, at least one leg, and a pedal assembly. The front rowing beam and the rear rowing beam each contains a slider rail and a mounting channel. The front rowing beam contains a first mounting element. The slider rail and the mounting channel traverses from the front rowing beam to the rear rowing beam. The rear rowing beam is attached to the front rowing beam through a connection element. The first mounting element is positioned to the front rowing beam. The mounting beam is attached to the first mounting element. The rowing seat is attached to the slider rail. The legs are distributed about the mounting channel. The pedal assembly is connected to the front rowing beam.

Abstract: A method includes providing a strap having a length enabled to encircle one side of a user's hand and tricep area when the user's elbow is bent at 90°, and creating a loop with the strap. The loop closing with a buckle, and positioning the inside of one end of the loop around a ventral or dorsal portion of a user's hand or fingers. A step is provided for positioning the inside flat surface of a second end of the loop around at an area at a back side of the user's upper arm, above the elbow, with the elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees. The strap is then tightened to achieve an effective stretch as determined by the user and the stretch may be held for a determined amount of time thereby increasing strength and flexibility and lessen pain in the user's hand, wrist and forearm.

Abstract: A two-way reciprocating structure includes a body, a rotational axis assembly, a flexible element and a reciprocating member. The rotational axis assembly is disposed on the body. The flexible element has a first flexible end and a second flexible end, the first flexible end is connected to the rotational axis assembly. The rotational axis assembly is rotated by a force along a rotating direction to wind the flexible element around the rotational axis assembly, and the rotating direction is a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The reciprocating member has a first reciprocating end and a second reciprocating end. The first reciprocating end is disposed on the body, and the second reciprocating end is connected to the second flexible end and is simultaneously displaced with the second flexible end, wherein the rotational axis assembly is restored via a restoring fore relative to the force provided by the reciprocating member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel apparatus for adjusting the length of a resistance band portion of an exercise apparatus without disconnecting the band from the apparatus, such as an exercise apparatus having a resistance band slidingly coupled between a parachute-like safety device and a user handle.

Abstract: An exercise and flexibility assessing apparatus includes a handle having a flexible member opening and a latch opening formed therein. A shaft support is mounted in the handle. The shaft support has a first wall and a second wall, distal from the first wall. A spool is rotatably mounted between the first wall and the second wall. A flexible member with indicia for assessment has a first end fixedly connected to the spool and a second end extending outwardly from the handle through the flexible member opening. A latch mechanism has an activating portion that extends outwardly of the spool toward the latch opening and a latching portion pivotally engaging the first wall. The latching portion is movable between a first position wherein the spool is rotatable with respect to the handle and a second position wherein the spool is fixed with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A system (10) for detecting and displaying baropostural parameters comprises a platform (11) with a footplate (15) intended to accommodate a person standing on it and provided with sensors for detecting the pressure distribution of the imprint of the two feet on the footplate. An electronic acquisition device (32) is connected to the sensors for digital acquisition of the pressure distribution in order to create a map of the pressure points of the feet on the footplate. Calculation means (33a) are designed to calculate, for each foot and for both feet on the footplate, the geometric centers (52, 53, 54) and the barycenters (55, 56, 57) of the map of the pressures and display means (33b) display on a screen (31) a graphical representation of the imprints of the two feet on the footplate together with the corresponding geometric centers (52, 53, 54) and barycenters (55, 56, 57) calculated by the calculation means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise apparatus comprising a conveyor mechanism comprising a continuous track and a plurality of bars movable along the continuous track in a closed loop path. The plurality of bars extend lengthwise in a lateral direction across a width of the conveyor mechanism. The conveyor mechanism has a front side and a back side, opposite the front side. The plurality of bars move in a downward direction along the front side of the conveyor mechanism and in an upward direction along the back side of the conveyor mechanism. The upward direction and the downward direction are perpendicular to the lateral direction. The conveyor mechanism also comprises a plurality of carriage components movable along the plurality of bars in the lateral direction. The conveyor mechanism additionally comprises at least one hold coupled to each carriage component of the plurality of carriage components.

Abstract: An exercise and flexibility assessing apparatus includes a handle having a flexible member opening and a latch opening formed therein. A shaft support is mounted in the handle. The shaft support has a first wall and a second wall, distal from the first wall. A spool is rotatably mounted between the first wall and the second wall. A flexible member with indicia for assessment has a first end fixedly connected to the spool and a second end extending outwardly from the handle through the flexible member opening. A latch mechanism has an activating portion that extends outwardly of the spool toward the latch opening and a latching portion pivotally engaging the first wall. The latching portion is movable between a first position wherein the spool is rotatable with respect to the handle and a second position wherein the spool is fixed with respect to the handle.

Abstract: An exercise device (100) is supportable by a swivel mount (116) attached to a karabiner (114) and the swivel mount is arranged to lock under load at 90° increments. The device includes a rotatable reel (103) arranged to have a pair of inelastic straps (113a, 113b) rotationally wound thereabout from opposite directions. The reel is rotatable in conjunction with a locking mechanism consisting of a toothed sprocket wheel (104) secured to the reel and a manually operable slideable shaft (106) that is located within a barrel (107). Slots (136, 139) in the shaft and barrel, respectively, permit rotational movement of the sprocket wheel and, hence, reel (103) so that the straps (113a, 113b) may have their length altered against the bias of a coil spring unit (111). Translational movement of the shaft (106) within the barrel (107) causes the full diameter of the shaft (106) to engage between adjacent teeth of the sprocket wheel to lock the reel (103), thereby preventing further adjustment of the straps (113a, 113b).

Abstract: A hand-held exercise device comprises a frame, a handle attached to the frame, a spool element pivotally mounted to the frame, a pull-cord movable between a wound configuration in which the pull-cord is wound around the spool element and an unwound configuration in which the pull-cord is unwound from the spool element, a resistance element pivotally mounted to the frame, a transmission that couples the pull-cord to the resistance element such that pulling the pull-cord from the device causes the resistance element to rotate, and a damping means that acts to slow the rotation of the resistance element. The device provides a compact and lightweight form of exercise equipment that is easy to carry and easy to store. The device can be used with various fixtures, and also with a second handle fixed to the pull-cord, to allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises. Preferably the exercise device transmits exercise data to an external device that provides feedback and guidance to the user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a weight stack comprised of one or more individual bodies of weight, a flexible elongated cable having a downstream portion that is interconnected to a user selectable number of the one or more individual bodies of weight that exert a first resistance and to a second resistance device that exerts a second resistance, a manually movable actuating device interconnected to a proximal end of the cable, the actuating device being manually movable by the user to exert an exercise speed, velocity, force, energy or power through the cable on the selectable number of one or more individual bodies of weight and on the second resistance device, the second resistance device exerting a second resistance that increases non-linearly with an increase in the degree of speed, velocity, force, energy or power exerted on the actuating device or on the second resistance device by the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of a simple and portable wrist, arm and shoulder exercise device is structured with a hand cycling means. One elongated and flexible member of the embodiment coupled to the hand cycling means, carries a weight support member on the other end. The said weight support member accommodates weight disc loading/unloading, also allowing plurality of discs.

Abstract: An example resistive pull exercise device includes a support housing having a first passageway and an opposing, second passageway, and a tension member to selectively impart a resistive force to a length of material spanning the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A full body exercise apparatus and method allowing for a full body workout utilizing all major muscle groups. The apparatus generally consists of a plurality of ropes allowing the user to pull the handles providing for arm resistance as well as leg and core resistance in a downward and upward motion by the user. The result is a full body workout after a series of repetitions using the apparatus.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable, portable exercise system with first and second resistance mechanisms, each with a rotatable spool, a cord wrapped around the spool, a handle secured to the cord, and a resistance stack formed by plural resistance packs, which can be modular. The spool and the resistance pack have engagement patterns. Each resistance pack presents a resistance to rotation, such as by a coil spring. Each of a plurality of keys has a rod portion with an engagement pattern with a spool engagement pattern to lock the spool relative to the key and a resistance pack engagement pattern for locking one or more resistance packs relative to the key and the spool. The resistance pack engagement patterns of at least some of the keys vary to lock different combinations of resistance packs relative to the key and the spool. A belt, base platforms, or both can form a retaining structure.

Abstract: An exercising assembly includes a support that is configured to support a person over a floor a surface. The support includes a platform having an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of apertures extends through the platform and a frame abuts the lower surface. A plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the frame. A plurality of resiliently stretchable tethers each has a first end and a second end, each of the first ends is attached to the support and is positioned beneath the lower surface, each of the tethers extending into one of the apertures such that each of the second ends is positioned above the lower surface. Each of the second ends comprises a mating member configured to be releasably coupled to or gripped by a person.

Abstract: An adjustable load mechanism for an exercise device, the adjustable load mechanism including: at least one load point for application of force by a user, and a first load source comprising a tension assembly including an elastic portion, wherein the tension assembly is connected directly or indirectly to the at least one load point, and whereby a force applied to the at least one load point is transferred along an effective path through the tension assembly, and an adjusting mechanism operable to adjust the tension of the tension assembly, so as to vary the load required on the at least one load point, wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable whilst a load is applied to the tension assembly.

Abstract: An example resistive pull exercise device includes a support housing having a first passageway and an opposing, second passageway, and a tension member to selectively impart a resistive force to a length of material spanning the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A team roping training apparatus that comprises a motor having a motor shaft, a spool having a spool shaft, and a switch to selectively energize the motor. The spool is selectively rotatable with the motor shaft such that when rotation of shaft is impeded through a roper's grasping of an attached rope, the spool is disengaged form the motor shaft. According to the preferred embodiment, such selective rotation is accomplished with a clutch mechanically coupling the spool shaft with the motor shaft.

Abstract: A device for use with an exercise apparatus consisting of at least one hanging, length-adjustable and lockable rope (10, 11) which at its lower end has a gripping means (13, 14), e.g., a gripping loop. A vibration means (12; 16) is designed, when attached via a rope engaging member (8, 9) to a portion of such rope, to impart to the rope and thus its gripping means (13, 14) a vibratory motion.

Abstract: An endless cord exercise machine in which a user applies a continuous pulling motion to a cord that is attached to a resistance mechanism is disclosed. The machine may be arranged to simulate the acts of rope climbing or of scaling a wall with the assistance of a rope, or may be arranged to provide other types of upper and lower body muscle development. The resistance mechanism is ideally comprised of a plurality of rotary viscous dampers of differing viscosities housed in a rotating drum. A spring-loaded adjustment key mechanism extending through the hub of the drum and dampers allows the user to selectively engage any combination of dampers to provide exercise resistance.

Abstract: An improved frictional resistance exercise system is disclosed. Typically, the improved frictional resistance exercise system includes a plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members and a plurality of door mount assemblies. Each of the plurality of door mount assemblies is adapted to fit over a door edge and extend to at least one of a door front surface and a door back surface allowing a door to be opened or closed when coupled thereon. Moreover, each of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members is coupled to each of the plurality of door mount assemblies. A rope having a first end and a second end is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members. Exemplary exercise routines for use with the improved frictional resistance exercise system whereby the resistance can be varied throughout the range of motion of the exercise routine are further disclosed.

Abstract: A resistance exercise machine, equipped with two different types of resistance disks. Both disk types apply a frictional resistive force in one direction only, created by tension by means of a pressure plate and brake disk arrangement varied by a tension knob. One disk type, provides circular motion type exercises, by using a mounted accessory to rotate the disk repeatedly. Disk can be adjusted to any angle relative to the user, by means of the universal frame assembly. The other disk type provides motion simulation type exercises by using a remote accessory, a cable, and a rewind arm assembly. Pulling against the cable, urges a pawl to engage a gear situated on the disk's periphery, forcing the disk to rotate. Upon discontinuing the pull on the cable, the disk stops rotating, the pawl disengages the gear, and the rewind arm assembly rewinds the cable back onto the disk's periphery.

Abstract: A device for use with an exercise apparatus consisting of at least one hanging, length-adjustable and lockable rope (10, 11) which at its lower end has a gripping means (13, 14), e.g., a gripping loop. A vibration means (12; 16) is designed, when attached via a rope engaging member (8, 9) to a portion of such rope, to impart to the rope and thus its gripping means (13, 14) a vibratory motion.

Abstract: A rope-climbing exercise apparatus comprising, a support structure, a continuous rope, a means for applying resistance to the downward force on the rope applied by the user, and a means for applying upward force to the user.

Abstract: The reel mechanism includes a case and a flexible line (webbing, etc.) retractably coiled therein. The line passes over a ramp and doubles back around a pin to exit the case. A pivoting chock has a toggle end raised by the line, depending on the line's departure path from the case, and an opposite grip end clamping the line against itself and the ramp when the toggle end is raised. Control of line payout, retraction, or locking is determined by the departure path of the line from the case. This mechanism provides sufficient clamping force on the line to support the weight of person therefrom while performing arm strengthening exercises. The case may include various handle configurations for different exercise routines, and the distal end of the line permits attachment to a variety of structures. The device may also be used as a pet leash or for other purposes.

Abstract: An endless cord exercise machine in which a user applies a continuous pulling motion to a cord that is attached to a resistance mechanism is disclosed. The machine may be arranged to simulate the acts of rope climbing or of scaling a wall with the assistance of a rope, or may be arranged to provide other types of upper and lower body muscle development. The resistance mechanism is ideally comprised of a plurality of rotary viscous dampers of differing viscosities housed in a rotating drum. A spring-loaded adjustment key mechanism extending through the hub of the drum and dampers allows the user to selectively engage any combination of dampers to provide exercise resistance.

Abstract: A portable elastic resistance exercise apparatus comprising two panels selectively affixed in a 90 degree angle. Both panels are padded for user interaction. Elastic resistance is positioned as chosen within cutouts in the back panel, at any height and with any resistance chosen. Grips on the resistance enable either grasping or hooking around limbs or body parts. The apparatus folds for portability and also includes non-skid and other anchoring devices for temporary affixation to foreign objects and surfaces. The apparatus therefore offers a truly portable, all-in-one exercise device.

Abstract: An exercising device has a flexible tension member connected to a user interface that is connected to a mechanism for generating a resistive force which is overcome by the user moving the user interface to obtain exercise. The exercising device has a driving member rotating about a first axis and a circular oscillating surface rotatably connected to the driving member to circle about the first axis while also rotating about a second substantially parallel axis through the center of the circular oscillating surface. The first and second axes are offset a distance d. The flexible member wraps at least part way around the circular oscillating surface to rotate the oscillating surface as the user interface moves during use of the exercise device. The offset d provides an oscillatory motion to the user interface to increase the effectiveness of the exercise.

Abstract: A variable resistance exercising device is described for doing isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercises. The device includes a unitary, tortuous rod, which is shaped to include at least one mandrel for receiving several turns of a rope, a first loop for receiving the rope near one end of the mandrel, and an overlapping curl for receiving both the rope and an adjustably mountable anchor strap at an opposite end of the mandrel. The shape of the rod is such that there are no tight radius curves. Also, the rod creates a cord-receiving throat that allows the rope to be readily inserted and removed; yet the throat inhibits the rope from falling out from within the loop when tension in the rope is released.

Abstract: A golf swing training and exercise device incorporates a spring-loaded retraction reel which pays out and pulls back a flexible cord which is releasably attached to the shank of a golf club a practice training wand simulating a golf club, or alternatively to an attachment point on the user's practice glove. The important muscles for the user's golf swing are trained and strengthened by repeatedly pulling the cord against the tension of the reel. To make the path of each golf swing more visible to the user, the cord is made of a highly visible material. Additionally, a lightweight simulated golf ball is slidably attached to the cord to simulate an actual golf ball addressed by before each swing. The reel has a multi-function attachment means by which it may be secured to a fixed stake or post, or to the forward edge of a golf practice mat, or to the turf or sod of a golf playing surface.

Abstract: A portable, stable rope-pulling exercise machine. The machine has a stable support frame, a number of rope pulleys and rope guides mounted on the frame, an endless rope extending around the pulleys and guides to form a path which includes a horizontally extending rope pulling portion, and hydraulic braking assembly coupled to the pulley system for controlling the rate of movement of the rope based upon the strength of the user when said user is pulling the rope. The machine allows a user to pull a rope continuously as in a simulated tug-of-war. The short frame allows the device to be installed anywhere. A seat with a footrest allows a user to gain leverage when exercising with the rope.

Abstract: A dual-function exercise device includes lower body exercise device, a frame, and a movable handle assembly. The movable handle assembly includes two independent pulling devices and a rotary shaft journalled on the frame. Each pulling device includes a pulley disposed rotatably on the frame, a pull cord wound on the pulley, a handgrip fastened to an end of the cord and movable to unwind the cord from the pulley, and a biasing unit for biasing the cord to wind around the pulley when the cord is pulled and is subsequently released.

Abstract: A portable, stable rope-climbing exercise machine. The machine has a stable support frame, a number of rope pulleys and rope guides mounted on the frame, an endless rope extending around the pulleys and guides to form a path which includes a vertically extending rope climbing portion, and hydraulic braking assembly coupled to the pulley system for controlling the rate of movement of the rope based upon the weight of the user when said user is climbing the rope. The machine allows a user to “climb” a rope continuously. The short frame allows the device to be installed anywhere. A seat with a footrest allows a user to gain leverage when exercising with the rope.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes at least one body-building structure, and at least one damping structure serving to bring about a damping effect. The body-building structure is provided with an actuating pulley serving to actuate one or more weighted pulleys of the damping structure in conjunction with a cable. The actuating pulley adds a buffer to the damping effect, thereby preventing a sharp impact from inflicting an injury on a body part of an exerciser.

Abstract: A laptop rope pulling exerciser is composed of a base, an operating device, and a resistance device. The base includes two arched portions recessed inwards respectively at two sides thereof for positioning the user's two laps and a wedged portion at a top end thereof. The operating device includes an elongated housing having a wedging portion positioned respectively at a bottom side of the housing and connected with the wedged portion, two chin portions extending outwards horizontally respectively from a top end and a bottom end of the housing, a plurality of pulleys mounted inside the housing, an interfering portion, and a continuous rope extending through the pulleys and the interfering portion for running inside and outside the housing between the two chin portions. The resistance device is adjustably mounted inside the housing for causing the rope to be tightened or loosened.

Abstract: An exerciser has a hub, a flat strap having one end connected to the hub and adapted to be wound on the hub, a handle connected to an opposite end of the strap for allowing a user to hold the handle to support the hub and a pair of disk-shaped weights connected to opposite sides of the hub. The weights spin in one direction as the hub moves away from the handle and the strap unwinds from the hub, and continue in the same direction as the hub moves toward the handle and the strap winds onto the hub. The weights can each be made of a mounting dish and a plurality of hollow segments each for receiving a pourable material for adding weight to the segments. The segments are engaged to the dish to form a substantially closed disk-shaped weight and knobs are screwed to the hub and over caps for closing the hollow segment for fixing the segments to the dish. The weight can also be used for other exercise devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resistance type exercise device that uses frictional forces between members to provide resistance for a variety of different exercises. In operation, when a pull cord is withdrawn from the exercise device, a cord wheel converts the translational movement to rotational motion. A brake lever contacting a brake drum fixedly attached to the cord wheel provides a friction resistive force to the rotational motion. A recoil cord causes the recoil cord 900 to stretch and wrap around a bearing lug, placing the recoil cord in tension. The potential energy stored in the tensioned recoil cord is used to rewind the cord wheel and restore the pull cord back to its at rest position.

Abstract: A structure of an exercising apparatus as a rowboat including mainly a housing and a base skeleton, the housing includes a handle, a drawing element, a pedaling portion, a display device, a sensor and a reeling axle. When the handle is drawn backwards to move, the drawing element is moved to leave the housing and to move the reeling axle, so that part of the drawing element having been reeled in is reeled off the reeling axle; when the drawing force is stopped, the reeling axle reels back automatically to reel back the drawing element to thereby restore the drawing element and the handle to their original positions. A user can pull the handle to and fro to simulate the action of rowing a boat. The functioning elements are received in the housing, the pedaling portion can be folded to be hidden in the bottoms of the two sides of the housing, the base skeleton can be extended and contracted, so that the effect of saving space after use and the effect of exercising can be obtained.

Abstract: A training machine (100) for the physical training of persons, having, arranged on it, traction devices (102) with pull cords and deflecting rollers, is characterized by a central carrying device (106) displaceably mounted as a unit, traction-device holding rods (108) articulated in the upper region of the carrying device (106), which are present circumferentially around the carrying device (106), at least in regions, in a predeterminable pattern, which are designed to be capable of being unfolded and folded up, as required, and which, in the unfolded state, delimit the respective training area available to a person for training purposes, floor supporting profiles (110) articulated in the lower region on the carrying device (106), which are present circumferentially around the carrying device (106) in a predeterminable pattern, which are designed to be capable of being unfolded and folded up, as required, and which, in the unfolded state, are supported on a standing floor and ensure the stability of

Abstract: An exercise machine has a small body. The body has a held portion for being held by users. The body is pivotally installed with a rope wheel for being wound by a rope. The rope wheel has a restoring means for restoring the rope to rewind the friction wheel. A friction means is coaxially installed with the rope wheel. A unidirectional bearing is used to connect the friction means and the axis of the wheel. The friction resisting force of the friction means is controlled by an adjust device. Thereby, as the rope is pulled, the friction means will be driven so as that the friction means will generate resisting force. Since the body is small, and the friction force between the friction wheel and the friction strip is not too large, the exercise machine is suitable for the rehabilitated patient and for general users engaged in gymnastic exercise.

Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening the muscles used in pitching or throwing a baseball or softball or swinging a baseball or softball bat. In a preferred embodiment the exercising device is characterized by a base and a vertical support post upward-standing from the base. A pulley housing is provided on the support post and a pulley and an eccentric cam wheel are rotatably mounted in the housing. A cam tensioning device is provided on the rear of the housing for exerting a preselected torsional resistance on the cam wheel and a torque cable connects the pulley and cam wheel, such that the cam wheel rotates with the pulley. A pull cable trained on the pulley extends through an opening provided in the pulley housing and a baseball, softball or the impact end of a bat is removably attached to the extending end of the pull cable.

Abstract: Portable exercise machine having a base, a capstan rotatively mounted within the base, an elongated cable wrapped about the capstan and trained about guides toward opposite ends of the base with end portions of the cable extending beyond the base, handles attached to the end portions of the cable for drawing the cable back and forth through the base and thereby rotating the capstan, and means for resisting rotation of the capstan. The handles have frames with reels rotatively mounted on the frames and the end portions of the cable being wound about the reels, springs for rotating the reels to wind the end portions of the cable onto the reels, first grips connected to the reels and adapted to be grasped by the hands of an exerciser to prevent rotation of the reels and second grips connected to the frames and adapted to be engaged by the hands of the exerciser for moving thee handles without inhibiting rotation of the reels.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a housing with a self-rewinding spool of cord. The cord is threaded out between a pair of inner wedgeblocks that can move together and pinch the cord. The amount of pinch applied determines how much resistance will be applied when the user exercises by pulling out the cord on handles. The inner wedgeblocks are disposed between a pair of outer fixed wedgeblocks. Facing channels in the interfaces between the inner and outer wedgeblocks have ball bearings that run on inclined ramps. When the inner wedgeblocks are pulled by the cord out of alignment with the outer wedgeblocks, the inclined ramps and ball bearings press the inner wedgeblocks together. The more they press together, the more the cord resists being pulled out. An adjustment limits how far the inner wedgeblocks can move out of alignment.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method utilizes a flywheel mounted on a rotatable axle. The user exercises by accelerating and decelerating the rotation of the flywheel. For example, a line which wraps around the axle provides a mechanism for accelerating and decelerating the flywheel when a user applies a pulling force to the line. The inertia of the flywheel resists the user applied pulling force and provides the exercise mechanism. Preferably, spool mounted on the axle and variable pivot locations provide a mechanism for easily varying the exercise resistance.

Abstract: Methods of use of a portable in-bed exercising machine are provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs walling, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits.

Abstract: A adjustable resistance rehabilitation exercise device for use by individuals without supervision to follow prescribed or desired iterative cycles of therapeutic exercise regimens is provided. The adjustable resistance rehabilitation exercise device preferably includes a pilot pulley assembly and a adjustable resistance control spooler assembly, mounted and secured to individual ‘O’ clamp and/or channeled ‘U’ clamp assemblies, interconnected by a flexible cord, with bayonet clips secured at both ends of the cord, and supplemented with hand grips, precision straight scale, multi-purpose harness assembly and anchoring device. The ‘O’ clamp and channeled ‘U’ clamp screw assemblies may be disassembled and employed in either of two ‘O’ clamp screw holes and also are interchangeable between the ‘O’ and Channeled ‘U’ clamps.

Abstract: A portable multipurpose whole body exercise device which can be used for general fitness, Pilates-type, core strengthening, therapeutic, and rehabilitative exercises as well as stretching and physical therapy and which includes storable accessories that can be withdrawn from storage within the device and subsequently secured to the main tubular portion of the apparatus. The storable accessories can be used for a variety of resistance, stretching, and strength training exercises.