Abstract: An exercise assembly includes a hollow, substantially rectangular housing having a pair of side walls, a rear wall, an openable front wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A cord encompasses a pulley system inside the interior chamber and exits the housing at its open top. The side and rear walls each have a pair of aligned rows of apertures for receiving an anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly includes two outwardly extending legs which may be placed beneath a furniture item to stabilize the device while a user performs a desired exercise.

Abstract: A thigh exerciser includes a primary elongated member made of resilient material, two curved supporters engaged with two ends of the primary elongated member, a secondary elongated member detachably fitted in the primary elongated member, and two straps each extending through two slots of each of the curved supporters, whereby the thigh exerciser can strengthen various body muscules and more particularly to thigh muscules.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of handles with elongated shafts operatively interconnected for rotation along coaxial longitudinal axes. Each shaft has a hand grip at the distal ends to permit a consumer to grip the handle and rotate the handles in opposite directions along their longitudinal axes. Diametric posts project orthogonal from the proximal ends of the shafts and pairs of adjacent posts have an elastic band looped around the posts to resist rotational movement of the shafts.

Abstract: A chin and neck exercising device made from foam and which may be in the shape of a ball is disclosed. One half of the ball may be made from one type of foam and the other half of the ball may be made from another type of foam. In this way, different resistance is provided to the person using the device. The device also has a side which is cut-out so that the device is contoured to fit under the person's chin and rest on his or her neck and clavicle. The cut-out area is covered with fabric so as to provide a better grip and to prevent perspiration from contacting the ball. Various exercises may performed by the person in order to tone and strengthen his or her chin and neck muscles. While the device has been described as being formed in the shape of a ball, other sizes and shapes may be used.

Abstract: A lap-based exercise device for conditioning abdominals and arms is provided. It includes a horizontal first pair of parallel members, which pair defines an elongate trough that concurrently receives one end of a rigid spanner bar and a linked one end of an associated band tensioning means. The other end of the spanner bar is pinned to a second pair of upstanding, spaced apart members pressing the torso, with such upstanding members being linked at their lower ends to the longitudinal ends of the first pair via a second torso-side crossbar. A third crossbar is pinned to the outer longitudinal ends of the first parallel pair and includes a pair of manually grippable means for activation of the device. Upon curling movement of the grippable means toward the user torso, the spanner bar and the operatively linked tensioning means provide the counter resistance which allows for a smoother range of arcuate arm motion for the exerciser.

Abstract: A muscle strengthening apparatus comprising a feet securing member for securing the feet of a user, a support member for contacting the buttocks of the user, and a resilient member attached between the feet securing member and the support member. The resilient member comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the first and second portions are angulated with respect to each other. The first and second portions each have an end opposite the point of contiguity of the first and second portions. The feet securing member is attached to the end of the first portion. The support member is attached to the end of the second portion. When the user's feet are secured by the feet securing member and the user's buttocks contacts the buttocks support member, the first and second portions of the resilient member are positioned generally posteriorly and/or medially with respect to the legs of the user.

Abstract: A non-allergenic resistive exercise device is described. The device is in the form of a relatively thin elongate band of thermoplastic elastomer. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is in the form of a seamless endless band, while in another, the band is substantially strip-shaped. The bands can be textured to enhance the ability of a user to grip them during use, and the bands can also be printed or otherwise ornamented. The exercise devices of the instant invention are latex-free so as to be non-allergenic, do not require supplemental powdering of their surfaces, and are virtually odor-free. Several methods for producing the bands are also described. In one method, the thermoplastic elastomer material is extruded through an elongate-shaped die to form a cast film, which is solidified and cut to the desired length for use. In this method, the die in desirably substantially dog bone-shaped, in order to produce elongate bands having thickened side edges.

Abstract: An exercise device of the type employing an elastic cable to provide a restoring force comprises a handle attached to a plurality of elastic cables. The plurality of elastic cables are selectively attachable to a retainer assembly to provide a wide range of variation in restoring force exerted against the handle. The plurality of cables may also be enclosed in a flexible sheath to prevent the unattached, inactive cables from becoming entangled with each other or with the attached, active cables.

Abstract: A wrist exercise device has a tube-like handle with rubber grips proximate each end. Resistive tubing is attached to the center of the handle at one end of the tubing, and is attached to a strap at the other end of the tubing. The attachment to the handle is made by an aperture in the handle through which an end of the tubing is passed, and a ball is friction fit into that end of the tubing. The tubing is similarly connected to the strap by forming an aperture in the strap, reinforced by a grommet, and friction fitting a ball into the end of the tubing which is passing through the strap. An exerciser uses the device by anchoring it by passing, for example, a foot through the strap or holding the strap and by pulling or rotating or otherwise moving the handle against the resistance of the resistive tubing. Resistance may be increased by winding the tubing around the handle a desired amount.

Abstract: A multi-function exercise device for facilitating waistline reducing exercises and for facilitating with arm and upper body strengthening and toning exercises wherein the waistline reducing exercises and the arm and upper body strengthening and toning exercises may be performed simultaneously or alternately. The multi-function exercise device comprises a center bar member, left side bar member and right side bar member wherein the left side bar member is pivotally coupled to the left end of the center bar member and the right side bar member is pivotally coupled to the right end of the center bar member. The pivotally couplings of the left side bar member and the right side bar member, respectively, provide left and right counter reciprocating resistance forces as the muscles of the left and right arms of the exerciser apply a force of pressure to urge the left side bar member and the right side bar member, respectively, forwardly.

Abstract: A posture-aiding elastic band that is worn with the user's upper arms inserted through loops formed at opposite ends of the band and with the length portions against each other, the band is stretched across the back of the user, which back width typically does not significantly vary among individuals so that one-size-fits-all and wherein there is urgency induced in the band due to the stretching which urges the upper arms or shoulders in movement into a vertical plane of the user's back providing a favorable contribution to the user's appearance and causing the user to develop a habit against slouching his/her shoulders and assuming a less desirable posture.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pair of gripping handles between which a planar elastic band is supported. The coupling between each handle and the elastic band prevents inadvertent disengagement of the handle from the end of the elastic band and provides means for adjusting the distance between the handles and the force exerted. The end of the elastic band is directly supported by the end flange of the handle. A suspension clip having a bracing member extending parallel to the end flange is adapted to be removably disposed upon the end flange of the handle. A locking link having a central slot is adapted to be disposed adjacent the end flange in juxtaposition to the suspension clip. The end of the elastic band is threaded through the central slot of the locking link disposed about the bracing member of the suspension clip and threaded back through the central slot of the locking link.

Abstract: A device for use to increase muscular strength including an elastic ring providing flexible resistance to force applied to the ring by a user, the ring having first laterally opposite sides and elevated arms rising and falling along a curved path from the sides forming a saddle-like contour, a first pair of laterally opposed grips covering the sides, and a second pair of laterally opposed grips covering the arms, the ring being formed of an elastic rod, a spiral spring, or multiple interconnected spiral springs.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles and for performing stretching exercise including an upper cross bar, a lower cross bar, and a pair of elastic bands or springs. The upper cross bar has a pair of foot pedals fixedly disposed at both ends thereof. The lower cross bar is centrally and fixedly provided with an abdomen pad. Soft packing sleeves are fitted on the lower cross bar at both sides of the abdomen pad. The upper cross bar and the lower cross bar are arranged opposite to each other with the elastic bands or springs detachably connected to both sides thereof such that a substantially rectangular structure is formed. The abdomen pad has insert holes for receiving weights.

Abstract: A set of elastic bands are partially enclosed in an annular frame. A handle portion of each band extends outside the frame and is covered by a slip-on handle. An anchoring portion of the band is located on either side of the handle portion. Anchor posts and clamps attach the anchoring portions to the frame. The band handle portions and associated handles are disposed in opposed pairs, one pair by the outer edge of the frame, and the other pair by the inner edge of the frame. The frame defines struts, offset from and parallel to each handle, that can act as additional gripping surfaces.

Abstract: A spring-actuated, portable weight training device. The spring-actuated, portable weight training device includes a first compression assembly comprising a first compression spring, a second compression assembly comprising a second compression spring, an extension assembly for receiving the first and second compression assemblies, means for removably affixing the compression assemblies to the extension assembly, and means for compressing the first and second compression assemblies over the extension assembly, which compression assembly compression means preferably comprises either a pair of abdominal adapters or a pair of forearm securing elements or a pair of thigh adapters pivotably attached to the compression assemblies.

Abstract: A flexible resistance exerciser is provided which includes a stretchable member having fixable portions and at least one indicator positioned at a preselected location on the stretchable member visible to a user of the exercise equipment and identifying to the user a desirable location on the stretchable member, a relative degree of resistance provided by the stretchable member, fatigue of the stretchable member or any combination thereof. The indicator may take the form of a contrasting colored area, lines, symbols, words and the indicator may change configuration as the stretchable member is stretched.

Abstract: A cushioned exercise apparatus is disclosed which preferably includes a single spring steel band or strap coiled into a plurality of spiral wraps forming a circular ring and a pair of handles fastened to the ring. This ring and handle assembly is covered with an enclosing and cushioning layer of rubber or elastomeric plastic material substantially enclosing the assembly and forming a hermetic seal around the assembly to prevent moisture from entering into and damaging the coiled strap ring. The cover also provides a comfortable, cushioning non-slip surface for contact with the user's skin, hands and/or legs during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening the abdominal muscles, upper legs, and back comprises a large engagement surface and a pair of handles angled away from a body to provide stability. The portable exercise apparatus utilizes a slide member slidably positioned in a channel of a yoke and biased in one direction by an elastic cord. A base, which is positioned at one end of the slide, is placed against the abdomen or the buttocks while the user pulls the yoke towards the abdomen or buttocks by grasping the handles mounted astride the slide. The user contracts the abdominal or buttocks muscles while pulling the hands toward the abdomen or buttocks to hold the apparatus stationary. Strengthening of the abdominal or buttocks muscles is achieved by moving the abdomen or buttocks against the biasing force of the elastic cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an abdomen training device, comprising: a base frame, carrying a positioning frame, with a support being mounted on the positioning frame; and an abdomen training element, mounted on the support and further comprising an accommodating part, a spring, inserted into the accommodating part close to the front end thereof, a gliding bar, inserted into the accommodating part, the front end of the gliding bar leaning against the rear end of the spring, the rear end of the gliding bar extending beyond the rear end of the accommodating part, the gliding bar gliding inside the accommodating part along the longitudinal axis, and a rest plate, attached to the rear end of the gliding bar, having a rear surface, which is pressed against by the abdomen of a user; wherein during an exercise the user, contracting her or his abdominal muscles, pushes the rest plate and the gliding bar towards the front end of the abdomen training element against an elastic force caused by the spring and subsequ

Abstract: A body-building machine includes a locating frame having an head portion integrally formed at a top thereof. The head portion defines an open chamber and a pair of opposed holes at two side walls thereof. A locating plate having an inclined end portion is inserted into the open chamber and is received in the locating frame. A pair of tubular lugs are formed at an intersection between the locating plate and the inclined end portion, aligning with the pair of opposed holes. A cladding plate having a plank with an angled portion is received in the open chamber. A tube is formed at an intersection between the plank and the angled end portion, aligning with the tubular lugs. A shaft extends through the opposed holes, the pair of tubular lugs and the tube to engage the locating plate with the plank and to form a short tension arm above shaft and a long tension arm below the shaft. An elastic return mechanism is disposed between the inclined end portion and the angled end portion in the short tension arm portion.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device includes a stiff bar terminating in limb engagement members and a flexible element connected to the center of the bar, extending away from the bar and being provided with its own limb engagement members. The bar can be positioned so that it engages the feet and the flexible member can be positioned to engage the hands or vice versa to perform a large array of exercises. Preferably the flexible member is elastic.

Abstract: A portable abdominal and arm exercise device includes a first pair of elongate parallel rigid members forming a base with an elongate trough therein for receiving one end of a rigid spanning bar, a second pair of upstanding spaced-apart rigid members attached at their lower ends to the first pair of elongate parallel rigid members and attached at their upper ends to one end of a cross bar. The cross-bar is attached at its other end to the rigid spanning bar.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a portable exercise device which can readily be broken down into its component parts for storage. Regardless of its portability the portable exercise device is capable of providing the user with a good workout. This portable exercise device has a two segment main body section which can be readily assembled and disassembled. When assembled the main body section incorporates an elongated groove into which is positioned a limb. One end of the main body section further incorporates a U shaped groove into which is positioned an elastic band. The ends of the elastic band are looped. These looped ends are positioned around the limb on opposite sides of the main body section. The other end of the main body section is fitted with a cushion. In operation the user positions the cushion of the portable exercise device against his midriff. The uses then grips the opposite ends of the limb with both hands and draws the limb towards his midriff.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus (10) consists of an elongated frame (12) tubular, in construction, having an upper end and a lower end. The frame (12) comprises a frame left slot (12L) and a frame right slot (12R), the frame left slot (12L) and frame right slot (12R) comprises an opening therebetween. A preload housing (16) securely attached to an upper distal end of the frame (12) therearound. The preload housing (16) comprises a preload housing adjuster (16A) removably fastened to a preload housing adjuster handle (16AA) by a removable fastening means. The preload housing adjuster handle (16AA) functions as a grip for the user, the preload housing (16) further comprises a preload housing slide (16B) slidably attached to the frame (12) at a mid distal point. An adjuster (26) functions to vary the resistance load. A lower slide (18) is movably attached to the frame (12). The lower slide (18) functions to support the user's left foot. A resistance device functions to provide a resistance to an user.

Abstract: An exercise device is intended for developing arm and wrist, and is composed of a joint seat, a joint housing, a bearing member, an elastic element, two handlebars, and two torsion-resisting elements. The joint seat, the joint housing and the bearing member are fastened coaxially and pivotally in conjunction with the elastic element. The joint seat and the joint housing are provided with a handlebar fastened therewith. The torsion-resisting elements are located in the handlebars such that one end of the torsion-resisting element is retained by the joint housing or the joint seat, and that another end of the torsion-resisting element is retained by the handlebar.

Abstract: An exercising loop including a steel open loop having two opposite ends facing each other and spaced by a gap, a coil spring mounted on the steel open loop, a collapsible cloth sleeve sleeved onto the coil spring around the steel open loop, a connecting tube covered with a sponge covering and fixedly connected between the two opposite ends of the steel open loop, and two grips respectively mounted around the two opposite ends of the steel open loop and fixedly connected to the two opposite ends of the cloth sleeve and separated by the connecting tube, the grips being moved with the hands along the steel open loop in reversed directions to compress the coil spring when exercising.

Abstract: An isometric exercise device including a stretchable member and a vibratory portion. The isometric exercise device enables a person to perform an isometric exercise using the stretchable member while the vibratory portion generates vibratory pulses that are useful in providing a massaging action to a portion of the person's body.

Abstract: An exercise member is slidably mounted on the parallel rails of a generally U-shaped frame. Resilient members resist movement of the exercise member in either direction from a point of equilibrium along the rails.

Abstract: A hand held exercising device for developing muscles of the arms and upper body thereof composed of two rigid arms pivotally connected at a point between their respective ends each possessing retaining devices on both sides of the pivotal point to which resilient elements may be attached or removed from, such that depending on the placement of attachment of said resilient elements to the rigid arms and the amount of resilient element attached, the direction of resistance and the magnitude of resistance of the angular movement of the two rigid arms relative to each other may be altered.

Abstract: A thigh and buttocks exercising device includes a pair of hook shaped or curved clamp members terminating in linear inner legs connected to respective knuckles of a torsion spring-loaded hinge to bias the clamp members to a contracted position with their free ends in relatively vertically offset overlapping positions. Each clamp member is formed of a rigid metal tube preferably covered by a soft plastic or elastomeric sheath. The biasing torsion spring may terminate in tangentially projecting hook shaped cores of the clamp members. In alternative constructions, the clamp members are biased by resilient devices, such as a flexible-compressible member, a compression spring, or an elastomeric cord adjustably extending between the free ends of the clamp members.

Abstract: An exercise device for exerting a resilient force upon the limbs of the user having two cuffs and a continuously formed looped tension band. The cuffs are generally made of a webbing fabric having secured at opposite ends VELCRO strips for securement about the limbs of the user. The cuffs are generally made of a webbing fabric having secured at opposite ends strips made of synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together such as that material sold under the trademark VELCRO for securement about the limbs of the user. Provided on the exterior of the cuff is an envelope-like enclosure having a closure which is formed from the same adhereable synthetic materials such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO, whereby the tension band is placed within the flaps of the envelope-like enclosure and the flaps are secured about the tension band. In use, the cuffs are secured about the limbs of the user using the VELCRO strips.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises an elongate strut on which a pair of limb engaging members are located. At least one of the limb engaging members is slidable along the length of the strut towards and away from the other member. A resistive force means such as one or more elastomeric bands links the movable limb engaging member to a reaction point on the strut or the other limb engaging member. The arrangement is such that movement of the movable limb engaging member along the strut in at least one direction requires work to be done against the action of the resistive force means. Preferably both limb engaging members are movable along the length of the strut towards and away from each other. The strut may be formed in more than one section with the different ends of the sections engageable with each other to provide for different modes of operation of the device.

Abstract: A system (100) particularly directed to exercising gluteal and thigh muscles is provided. System (100) includes a longitudinally extended handle member (110) and assembly (150) for engaging a heel portion of a user's foot. A resistive force assembly (120) is coupled on a first end to a central portion of the handle member (110) and on an opposing second end to the heel engagement assembly (150). The resistive force assembly (120) includes an inelastic resistive force subassembly having an inelastic strap member (132) coupled on a first end (138) to handle member (110) and a second end (136) formed in a closed contour. Inelastic resistive force subassembly (130) includes an adjustment buckle (135) for adjusting an overall length dimension of the inelastic strap member (132).

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus which is effective for developing a variety of muscle groups of the upper body. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises two V-shaped members which are pivotally attached at a central joint. One end of each member forms a grip for a user's hand. The opposite ends of the members form heads to which a desired number of force-resisting elements, either of the same or different types, are removably secured.

Abstract: An exercise device to be worn on the user's body. The exercise device includes a resistance arm connected by pivot means at the ends thereof to mechanisms for mounting the resistance arm at spaced apart locations on the human body. The mechanisms for mounting include an arm harness at one end and a body harness at the other end, or a pair of straps for mounting around either an arm or a leg of the user's body spaced above and below an elbow or a knee, respectively.

Abstract: An exercise device for hips, thighs and buttocks is provided which has two elongated arms that pivotably linked together at their proximal ends and that are associated with a pivotable body engagable plate at each of their distal ends. An arcuate tree is medially joined across each proximal end permits a yielding compression biasing member, such as an elastomeric band, to be associated with adjacent respective tree ends for producing either lateral compression force of lateral extension force between the plates. The device makes possible a variety of new and very useful exercises for hips, thighs and buttocks.

Abstract: Thus, the invention lets the user perform a whole group of buttock developing motions, working the muscle from many different angles. These motions are enhanced, through the addition of resistance. The resistance may be varied by adjusting the length of the cords and/or interchanging cords of different elastic strengths. The exercise device has cords and optionally a should and/or neck piece.

Abstract: An exercise device, including a belt assembly to be worn around the torso of the user having a plurality of layers wherein a first layer is formed of rigid plastic and a second layer is formed of a cushioning material. The belt assembly further includes upper and lower back support areas extending from the belt assembly, a plurality of attachment rings connected to the belt assembly and Velcro closure strips for removably attaching the belt assembly to the torso of the user. The device further includes a pair of hand assemblies each including finger holes for receiving the fingers of the user, a hand strap for removably attaching each hand assembly to a hand of the user, and an elastic hand resistance member having attachment clips thereon for detachably connecting the hand assembly to one of the attachment rings on the belt assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic multi-component exercise kit for rehabilitative or maintenance purposes. The components can be combined in several different ways to provide exercise for specific muscles. One such combination includes a base and pedal arrangement, whereby resistance is provided by at least one elastomeric band, for dorsiflexion strengthening exercise. Another combination includes a belt having elastomeric loops for plantar flexion strengthening exercise. Inversion and eversion exercise is provided, as is external and internal rotation of the patient's foot, again using elastomeric bands to provide resistance.

Abstract: A fitness rope for use in both jumprope and stretching exercises is formed of a stretchable length of resiliently elastic rope. At each end of the stretchable rope length are a segment of flexible material secured at one end thereof to the stretchable rope length end, and a hollow handle of greater rigidity than the flexible segment. The handle is disposed at least in part about the flexible segment, slidable along a limited length of the flexible segment and rotatable relative to the flexible segment. Adjacent the other end of each of the flexible segments, both ends of the flexible segment are releasably joinable together to define a loop, including a respective one of the handles as a part thereof, the loop being configured and dimensioned to receive a limb or a support for use in stretching exercises.

Abstract: A chest developer which includes a cylinder having a close end made with air holes and an open end sealed with a sealing end cap; and arched fixed handle fixedly secured to the close end outside the cylinder, an arched movable handle; a piston rod having one end fixedly mounted with a piston movable in the cylinder and an opposite end extending out of the sealing end cap and fixedly secured to the arched movable handle; a compression spring mounted within the cylinder and stopped between the piston and the sealing end cap, the compression spring being compressed when the arched movable handle is pulled outwards relative to the arched fixed handle.

Abstract: This isometric/isotonic exercise and physical therapy system is based on a series of elongated exercise rods made of urethane or other resilient, elastomeric resin that is both bendable and twistable. The exercise or therapy afforded by the system depends on the resilient exercise rod or rods; for a relatively limp, low-resistance rod the exercise is essentially isotonic, but with stiffer rods isometric exercise or therapy is provided. The system includes devices that mount the rod or rods on the person using the system for varied exercises of the knee, elbow, hip, wrist, back, or virtually any other portion of the user's anatomy.

Abstract: A kayak simulator machine is provided. The machine comprises a support assembly, a resistance-creating device coupled to the support assembly, a cord member coupled to the resistance-creating device, and a paddle-shaft coupled to the support assembly by the cord member. The paddle-shaft has opposite ends rotatably attached to the cord member whereby the paddle-shaft may be twisted relative to the cord member. The cord member is coupled to the resistance-creating device in such a manner that a pulling-resistance is imposed when the paddle-shaft is pulled, the pulling-resistance being greater than the pushing-resistance imposed when the paddle-shaft is pushed. The cord member is also coupled to the resistance-creating device in such a manner that the pulling-resistance is applied to the ends of the paddle-shaft. The paddle-shaft is coupled to the support assembly in such a manner that a center portion of the paddle-shaft may pivot in a three-dimensional pivot space.

Abstract: A Portable exerciser for stretching or toning muscles of a user is provided. The exerciser has a stretchable elastic anchor loop and a plurality of supplemental elastic loops of different but interchangeable strength and lengths. Accordingly, loops can be interchanged and interconnected in a series by the use of releasable fastening means such as a buckle or the like, for interchangeably combining such loops into a variety of portable exercise devises.

Abstract: A hand exercise device includes a first handle pivotally connected to a second handle. A first post is mounted in fixed relation to the first handle and a second post is mounted in fixed relation to the second handle. One or more elastic bands are wrapped in tension about the first and second posts to bias the position of the first handle relative to the second handle. Movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes further tensioning of the elastic bands.

Abstract: An archery practice device is disclosed in which an experienced or a student archer can improve upon and learn the skills necessary for effective archery, and increase body strength for endurance with the use of a compact practice device. The archery practice device of the present invention includes a handgrip member having a pair of parallel guide members attached to the handgrip member and extending perpendicularly from a longitudinal length of the handgrip member. The device also includes a pair of elastic cords having one end of each cord attached to the handgrip member though the pair of guide members, and a bowstring attached to the other end of the elastic cords. The archery practice device further includes a sighting pin and is weighted to simulate the weight of a compound bow. In practice, the archer can concentrate on aiming and releasing without worrying that the elastic cords will slap the hand holding the gripping member.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising first and second collars for encircling the right and left legs of a user, respectively, and at least one resistance member extending between and connected to each of the collars to provide increasing resistance against angular separation of the legs through a range of flexion and extension motion. Each collar is selectively securable in a predetermined position relative to corresponding leg, preferably surrounding the knee and supporting the kneecap, or alternately surrounding the thigh or calf of the user. The natural tension provided by the resistance member may be augmented by using one or more layers of elastomeric material that provide graduated or progressively increasing levels of resistance. The device may be used to enhance the benefits of walking or running, for rehabilitative therapy, enhancement of other aerobic conditioning activities, increasing muscular flexibility and joint mobility, or strength training.

Abstract: The subject matter is a finger exerciser. The finger exerciser comprises a base and an upright support which is movable on the base. On the upright support there is a rotatable pointer. There is a scale to indicate the degree of movement of the pointer. There is a variable tensioning means operatively connecting with the pointer. This variable tensioning means can be rubber bands. There is a hand rest. A person can place the hand on the hand rest and in one version a person can retract the finger so as to move the pointer. In another version, the person can extend the finger so as to move the pointer. The upright support is moveable on the base. This provides a variable distance between the hand rest and rotatable pointer to accommodate hands of different sizes and fingers of different lengths. The force required to move the pointer can be varied by the use of different rubber bands and by the use of a multiplicity of rubber bands to make it more difficult or less difficult to rotate the pointer.

Abstract: A system (100) particularly directed to exercising gluteal and thigh muscles is provided. System (100) includes a longitudinally extended handle member (110) and an assembly (150) for engaging a heel portion of a user's foot. A resistive force assembly (120) is coupled on a first end to a central portion of the handle member (110) and on an opposing second end to the heel engagement assembly (150). The resistive force assembly (120) includes an inelastic resistive force subassembly having an inelastic strap member (132) coupled on a first end (138) to handle member (110) and a second end (136) formed in a closed contour. Inelastic resistive force subassembly (130) includes an adjustment buckle (135) for adjusting an overall length dimension of the inelastic strap member (132).