Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed that is useful for performing various exercises including Pilates exercises. The exercise device includes a pilates tower having first and second sides. A first padded surface extends horizontally from the first side of the pilates tower. The first padded surface pivotally mounts to the pilates tower. A second padded surface extends horizontally from the pilates tower. A third padded surface is removably attached to the first padded surface. A pivot frame pivotally attaches to the pilates tower. The pivot frame extends over the second padded surface in one embodiment. In addition, the pivot frame can include a first horizontal bar. The exercise device can also include a second horizontal bar for use as a plie bar.

Abstract: A therapeutic-exercise pillow is disclosed that facilitates exercises to be performed for general health and fitness, particularly in embodiments that incorporate resistance bands for the user's arms and legs, in order to strengthen and tone the body of side lay, supine, and prone positions. In many embodiments, the overall shape of the therapeutic-exercise pillow resembles a teardrop that is flattened on one side (the side that is intended to rest on the floor), and has strategic internal foam/padding layering and placement to help support the lower abdominal regions of persons with physiological and/or medial limitations that otherwise preclude exercising such regions. In some embodiments, a plurality of adjustable exercise-resistance members for arms and/or legs are removably attached to the therapeutic-exercise pillow.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device may include a platform base and resistance bands/tubes coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands/tubes. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of or above the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands/tubes provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: A variable position exercise device is provided that includes a pair of parallel rails, a sliding platform separable into four separate sections, a removable support, and a pedal unit. Resistance to the device is provided by a plurality of resistance members allowing the user multiple options for the customization and operation of the device.

Abstract: An athletic training device, comprising a resilient member adapted to be worn behind a knee of a leg with at least one strap coupled to the resilient member so that the resilient member is located behind the knee. Two straps may be used where the first strap is coupled to the resilient member and securable to the leg above the knee; and the second strap coupled proximate to the first strap and securable to the leg below the knee. The strap or straps of the athletic training device are constructed of resilient flexible elastomeric material. Alternatively or additionally, the straps may be adjustable and held fast about the leg by one or more of the following: hook and loop fastener material, clips, snaps, buttons, and buckles.

Abstract: The improved exercise apparatus comprises a housing assembly having first and second arm members. The apparatus may be used to perform a variety of full body exercises generally by moving the first and second arms about an axial stem of the housing assembly. In one embodiment, the arm members rotate or pivot about the axial stem. A tension assembly provides resistance to the movement of the arm members while a positioning assembly allows the arm members to be positioned and secured in various positions relative to one another. One or more handle attachments may be provided to allow the apparatus to be grasped or used in various ways. A method of training various portions of the body with the apparatus is also provided herein.

Abstract: An holistic exercise method for enhancing urine retention in a person having reduced urine retention and exercise belt therefore. The method includes: a) providing an elastic resistance exercise belt of a size sufficient to encircle a users abdominopelvic region; b) removably mounting the belt around the abdominopelvic region of the user; c) expanding the abdominopelvic region outward as far as possible by the user against the resistive force of the belt; and then d) pulling the abdominopelvic region back into the body as far as possible with the resistance belt elastically retained in a snug position against the exterior of the abdominopelvic region; e) repeating a cycle comprising the expanding step c) and the pulling step d) for a sufficient number of cycles per day for a sufficient number of days to enhance the urine retention of the person.

Abstract: An exercise chair which is suitable for use with Pilates and other exercises, and which is more easily stored than existing exercise chairs. The exercise chairs are positioned one behind each other in a line. Optionally, the chairs may be locked together and then tilted up as a unit so that the resulting footprint occupied on the floor is relatively small. The chair has a sturdy base having fewer moving parts to avoid sacrificed performance associated with moving parts wearing out. The chair may optional include handle sections or grips to facilitate performing exercises on the chair.

Abstract: A therapeutic body strap having a first loop and a second loop. Each loop is made of a strip of material. A central strip having a fixture point such that the first and second loops are connected to the central strip at the fixture point. The strap further includes an attachment portion extending from the central strip for attachment to an attachment point on a stationary object. The first and second loops are configured to snugly surround a user's body parts to allow the user to stretch by creating a tension in the attachment portion.

Abstract: An elastic rope-type abdominal exerciser includes a main body, a retractable rod, and a lower cover. The main body includes a bottom board having an insertion hole, an inner pipe at a central portion thereof for the retractable rod to slide thereon, an elastic strip which is transversely connected to two sides of the bottom board, and a pair of sliding axles which are located close to two sides of the inner pipe and above the elastic strip. The retractable rod includes a hook pipe at a front end thereof. The hook pipe has a hook board on an outer wall thereof. The hook pipe is positioned by a screw. The lower cover is coupled to the main body. The lower cover has a slot corresponding in position to the center of the elastic strip. The present invention is simple in configuration and convenient for assembly.

Abstract: An elastic resistance band that is fabricated by placing two end couplers on each end of a section of elastic resistance material. A pre-tensioned force is applied by incorporating a rigid tensioning member between the two end couplers of the resistance band. The resistance material is stretched during the assembly process, placing the material in a pre-tensioned state. By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user. The rigid tensioning member is a telescoping assembly, wherein the resistance band is placed within an interior section of the telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly comprises a plurality of telescoping tubular members slideably engaged with each other. An expansion end wall aperture and an interior surface of a groove are provided to retain an axial linear motion between telescoping tubular members.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a resistance chamber for use in an exercise system. The resistance chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is configured to attach to the first chamber and rotate relative to the first chamber. The resistance chamber also includes a core rod. The core rod resides within the first chamber and the second chamber and is attached to the interior of the second chamber. The resistance chamber further includes a resistance tube, where at least of a portion the resistance tube is configured to be placed between the interior surface of the first chamber and the core rod.

Abstract: A spring connector that includes a loop is used in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector of this disclosure includes a handle to aid a user to fasten one end of a spring to a stationary hook or post. The handle is a solid body generally symmetrical about a central axis, and has a large diameter base end and an opposite small diameter end, the base end having a transverse slot therein intersecting an axial bore through the solid body. The transverse slot has a curved bottom shape receiving a bottom portion of the connector loop. A user can grip the handle and install the loop over a hook or post without putting a finger in the loop.

Abstract: A Pilates reformer includes a rectangular frame having two transverse ends connected by longitudinal rails, each transverse end comprising a pair of bases and an interconnecting transverse member. A planar carriage attaches to the frame by springs, and is moveable horizontally against force of the springs by means of rollers along the longitudinal rails. An ergonomic purchase confined to the frame is translatable into a stowed position for spatial efficiency, and into a deployed position that enables a user mounted on the carriage to reach the purchase, one of the transverse ends arresting the purchase when fully translated to the stowed or deployed position. The purchase may be a rotatable bench, a slidable and rotatable jump board, a vertically adjustable ballet bar, or the reformer may include a combination of these purchases.

Abstract: A personal exercise device comprising a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm wherein each arm includes a handle removably nesting in a sleeve. The personal exercise device further includes two tension members wherein one end each tension member is operably coupled to a handle of each arm and the other end of each tension member is coupled to the sleeve opposing the handle. A resistance element is operably connected to both the first arm and the second arm and configured to provide resistance between the relative rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm. The resistance element may be configured to be operably connected to other resistance elements to allow a user to customize, increase or decrease the resistance. The configuration of the personal exercise device provides a user the ability to seamlessly encounter resistance when applying force in at least two opposing directions.

Abstract: A wheeled exercise apparatus has at least two resistance bands. A first and a second axle each have a wheel assembly rotatably connected at an opposite ends thereof. The axles are connected at each of the opposite ends by at least one of the resistance bands so that the apparatus operates in a rolling extending and collapsing motion within an elastic region. A pedal assembly is axially connected to the second axle. The pedal assembly is capable of supporting and securing both feet of the person so that the person is capable of exerting a stress when gripping the first axle with the person's hands and pushing against the second axle with the person's feet while exercising in a substantially prone position.

Abstract: A system for controlling the tension in an exercise apparatus includes a plurality of connectors that are collectively attached to a holder, the holder being movable relative to a fixed support, each connector further comprising a catch for independent attachment to a tension member from an exercise apparatus. Different combinations of tension members can be attached to the connectors with an electronic control system to create a desired tension arrangement, while the holder including all of the connectors can be moved to further fine tune the tension arrangement of the tension members.

Abstract: An exercise device with a body having recesses for receiving fingers of a user. The body can be squeezable or not. An elastic band surround the periphery of the body, and permits the user to move fingers against the tension of the elastic band. A guide/hook device prevents accidental separation of the guide/hook device from the body, and prevents accidental separation of the elastic band from the guide/hook device.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work.

Abstract: An upper limb training device includes a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, a first resilient element, and a second resilient element. The second rod is pivoted to the first rod by a first revolution element. The third rod is pivoted to the second rod by a second revolution element. Two ends of the first resilient element respectively connect with the first rod and the third rod for providing resistance when the first rod and the second rod rotate relative to the third rod. Two ends of the second resilient element respectively connect with the first rod and the third rod for providing resistance when the first rod rotates relative to the second rod. The first revolution element is disposed between two connecting points at which the first resilient element and the second resilient element connect with the first rod.

Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers, and, in some embodiments, may comprise independently movable foot supports for each foot. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.

Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body carriage mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A resilient foot engaging assembly extends from the exerciser frame. The resilient foot engaging assembly is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body carriage in the opposite direction. The resilient foot engaging assembly may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The resilient foot engaging assembly includes a unit mounting frame assembly and an independent usable exercising unit, such as an inflated dome or trampoline unit, removably secured thereon. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body carriage and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.

Abstract: A stance forcing device has a resistance band threaded through a hollow tubular member. Then a first cuff member has an end of the resistance band attached thereto. A second cuff member is attached to the other end of the resistance band. The system has a first padding device attached to the hollow tubular member as well as a second padding device attached to the hollow tubular member. The system has a first cuff member with Velcro material for attachment of the stance forcing device to a user's leg. The first cuff member has a metallic hoop attachment to thread a piece of material for leg attachment. The system has a second cuff member with Velcro material for attachment of the stance forcing device to a user's leg. The second cuff member has a metallic hoop attachment to thread a piece of material for a leg attachment.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising a main body, an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to the main body, the abdominal crunch member configured to engage an upper body area of a user, an abdominal contact member attached to the main body, the abdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominal area of user; and an electronic vibration unit capable of causing a portion of the apparatus to vibrate.

Abstract: The flexible attachable exercise device provides extreme portability and also provides for anchoring to a variety of objects in order to provide stability and resistance. The u-shaped handle provides for close and spread grip. Comfort and easy grip are enhanced by handle rubber grips. The cross link provides best handle stability. The junction box is be separable. The chain loop is attached to the junction box by removable links. Both the chain loop and the coated cables are designed with rubberized coatings to prevent damage to objects they may be attached to. The coated cables employ sliding cinches to aid in object retention.

Abstract: A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic tubing exercise device comprising a length of elastic exercise tubing having two ends, and a spooling mechanism secured to at least one end of said tubing. The spooling mechanism is secured at least partially within a handle that has a hand grip and housing portion. And the housing portion is sufficient to securely house the spooling mechanism. The spooling mechanism further comprises a lock. The lock releasably engages the exterior of the housing of the handle, such that when the lock is engaged, the spooling mechanism is prevented from rotating, thereby securing the tubing at a fixed length.

Abstract: An exercise device, including, at least one vibrational member that is adapted to vibrate at least a part of the trainee's body, a power interface adapted to enable powering the vibrational member, one or more attachments connected to the vibrational member, wherein said attachments include an elastic member or biasing member forming an aerobic exercise device that is adapted to resist the trainee's motion during an aerobic workout, or wherein said attachments include an aquatic member that is designed to provide buoyancy or resist motion through water forming an aquatic exercise device, or wherein said attachments are weights forming a barbell and the weights are made up from a plurality of small unit masses, each unit mass cushioned by a cushioning material.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus used for exercise and more specifically musculoskeletal physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes. The exercise apparatus particularly, but not exclusively, uses a combination of weight, a structure adapted for weight training by a person, and a means to suspend the weight wherein the suspended weight is adapted to have motion in the x, y and z axis during an exercise movement that results in increased joint strength and decreased joint pain during and after physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device has a first frame, where the first frame is generally rectangular and has a head end and a first juncture end. A fixed body support is fixed on the first frame and is configured to support a torso of an exercise participant. A second frame has a second juncture end, a foot end and a pair of rail members extending along opposite sides of the second frame, respectively, between the second juncture end and the foot end. A carriage is mounted on the second frame for movement along the rail members along locations confined between the second juncture end and the foot end. Wheels mounted to the carriage facilitate movement of the carriage along the rail members, among other things, prevent the carriage from tilting upwardly as it is driven toward the foot end.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which can be designed to support one end of a resilient member in a cantilevered disposition. The connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. Each resilient members can be configured to support one or more removable stiffening members that provide a resistance force when a force is exerted thereon so as to bend the resilient member.

Abstract: A reformer includes a combined mount that serves to attach and support a foot bar assembly, a jump board, and a spring bar. The combined mount is easily and quickly attached to a side rail of a frame of the reformer. A carriage of the reformer includes a combined wheel axle and strap attachment point, which eliminates the need for a separate strap attachment bracket. The carriage also include side wheels which are mounted on the sides of the carriage, and which are biased outward so that they contact the side rails of the frame of the reformer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted multi-position pulley-based resistance tube exercise apparatus having resistance tube length effectively doubled for increased range of consistent resistance, and having a height adjustable pulley assembly providing a user with the ability to set multiple exercise initiation points so as to provide exercise options for a full body workout at a single exercise station.

Abstract: An exercising bar assembly includes a holding unit and two opposite swinging units each removably mounted on the holding unit. Thus, each of the two swinging units can be removed from the holding unit when not in use to reduce the whole volume of the exercising bar assembly and to facilitate storage, packaging, carrying and transportation of the exercising bar assembly.

Abstract: A thigh exercise device includes a curved track, two foot pedal assemblies movably attached to the curved track and respectively having a guide pulley, and two resistance assemblies each having two pulleys rotatably mounted on the curved track and a resistance band wound around the pulleys and the guide pulley of one of the foot pedal assemblies. When the foot pedal assemblies are moved along the curved track, the resistance bands can be pulled tight by the guide members of the foot pedal assemblies such that a user can strengthen thigh muscles through the tension provided by the resistance bands.

Abstract: An exercise bar is configured to removably receive elastic lines, allowing its use in elastic resistance exercises, and/or inelastic lines, allowing its use in suspended bodyweight exercises. Separate grips, each being engageable by a hand or a foot, are also provided, and may be removably connected to the bar or to each other via one or more lines. Bar supports may also be provided to support the bar above the ground, allowing easy use of the bar to perform push-ups and other exercises.

Abstract: A method and apparatus permitting a user to perform rehabilitation exercises despite having limited range of motion. Provided is a rehabilitation exercise device having a belt portion, which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waist of the user. The belt portion has laterally adjustable connectors for the attachment of elastic members/straps which are connected to the legs of the user, for various rehabilitary exercises based on the application of force required for the stretching of the elastic straps.

Abstract: A body contouring apparatus and the method for using such apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible rod, which has two ends and a laminar cross-section. The exercise device can switch between a rod shape and a ring shape. The exercise device has two connecting components, which are disposed at the two ends of the flexible rod, and at least one handle portion, which is female-connected to the flexible rod. When the two connecting components are connected to each other, the exercise device is in a ring shape; and when the two connecting components are not connected to each other, the exercise device is in a rod shape.

Abstract: A multi-use range of motion roller that combines the traditional benefits of a foam roller with the added benefits of strength and resistance training.

Abstract: A counterbalance device for weight training includes a brake unit and a control unit. The brake unit includes an outer cylinder, a resistant spring received in the outer cylinder, and a screw rod extending through the outer cylinder and the resistant spring. The screw rod is connected with a steel cable of a weight training apparatus. An adjusting member is coupled around the screw rod and movably threaded into the resistant spring. A gear is provided at a front end of the resistant spring. The control unit includes a transmission gear which can be driven by a motor and is engaged with the gear. When the motor is actuated, a position of the adjusting member relative to the resistant spring can be changed, so that a number of spring coils of the resistant spring for compressing are changed, therefore a counterbalance of the weight training apparatus can be adjusted.

Abstract: A clamp device is for use with an elastic band and includes first and second clamp components and a coupling unit. The first clamp component has a resiliently deformable clamping arm portion connected to one end of a connecting arm portion, cooperating therewith to define a clearance, and defining a clamping side. The second clamp component has a clamping side disposed to confront that of the first clamp component. The coupling unit couples the two clamp components together in a manner that permits relative movement of the clamp components between a non-clamping state and a clamping state. In the clamping state, the clamping arm portion of the first clamp component deforms to contract the clearance and the clamping sides of the clamp components clamp cooperatively and tightly a portion of the elastic band therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is directed to be a hand portable exercise and training machine to improve the user's initial linear quickness and speed from a stationary or set position. The machine consists of a horizontal beam mounted above the floor with a movable foot sled, a stationary spring retainer bracket and a removable handle bar post and assembly mounted on it. Springs are attached to the front of the foot sled and the opposite end of the springs are attached to the stationary retainer bracket adjacent to the vertical handle bar post. The invention is an exercise device that applies spring resistance to the full range of motion in the user's leg as it pertains to the initial drive phase (first 3-6 steps) of a sprint. The machine can be collapsed for transport and re-assembled without the use of tools.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus accommodates a user and a resilient and resistive pivot such as an exercise ball within its structure. The pivot may have various dimensions based on the size and needs of the user and the exercise program chosen to be performed. The shape and inner dimension of the apparatus is designed to exploit the inherent instability of pivoting exercises such as twists, rolls and lifts. Various configurations of horizontal and vertical apparatus members offer the user a wide range of gripping and leverage points. A variety of exercise positions and motions may be used with this device to increase muscle flexibility and strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved exercise resistance system to conduct numerous total body exercises. An adjustable elastic resistance cord or flat band may be combined with weights, or each type of resistance may be used alone, in order to vary the means of creating resistance during exercise. The length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band may be adjusted by means of a slip free, length quick adjustment device. The elastic resistance cord or flat band may be passed through the length quick adjustment device which may be secured at various points along the length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band, to change its effective usable length and thus change the level of strength, and range of motion. The length quick adjustment device may be secured by pulling an elastic resistance cord or flat band in one direction, and released by pulling the elastic resistance cord or flat band in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An exercise table which finds use in Pilates exercising includes an outer framework, a slidably movable support platform, and a foot bar against which a user's feet can be engaged while sliding the support platform against the bias of springs by extending and retracting the user's legs. The frame has supporting legs which are tapered inwardly and downwardly so that one exercise table can be nestably stacked on another by inserting the tapered legs of an overlying exercise table through an opening in the frame of an underlying table until the frames themselves are closely adjacent. The foot bar, shoulder blocks, and pulleys used in operation of the table are also movable between elevated use positions and lowered storage positions to facilitate closely adjacent nestable stacking of identical exercise tables. Various systems are disclosed for accommodating different sized individuals while retaining desired resistance from resilient elements incorporated into the table.

Abstract: A training device 10 is disclosed, which includes a ball 12 and an anchored connecting structure 14 that is anchored to the ball 12. A distal portion 16 of the anchored connecting structure 14 is a connector 20, extending from a distal portion 18 of the ball 12, that is capable of connecting with a motion resisting device 15. A proximate portion 22 of the anchored connecting structure 14 extends into an inner volume 24 of the ball 12, whereby resistance is provided to twisting and pulling motions between the anchored connecting structure 14 and the ball 12, resulting from torsion and thrust loading during training.