Abstract: An exercise apparatus containing a supporting stand and at least one force transmission element, which is associated with a handle element and a pressure exerting element, the apparatus being suitable to exert pressure onto the knee area of a human user and the apparatus allowing the movement of the pressure-exerting element from a first position, in which the pressure-exerting element is in an anterolateral position relative to the body of the user, to a second position of the pressure exerting element, in which the pressure-exerting element is in an posterolateral position, while the pressure-exerting element exerts pressure onto the knee area of the human user.

Abstract: A method for exercising one or more muscles of the body wherein one or more muscle(s) are contracted to move a limb through a range of motion in opposition to an oscillating resistive force. During a muscular contraction, the direction and/or the magnitude of the resistive force changes in an oscillatory fashion thereby inducing perturbations in the musculature. The oscillations in the magnitude and/or the direction of the resistive force include a plurality of cycles during a single repetition of muscular contraction. The waveform and frequency of the oscillations may vary during a repetition or remain constant. Embodiments of devices providing an oscillatory resistive force are presented. The embodiments provide means for enabling an exerciser to perform resistance-type exercises in accordance with the method. A guided spherical bearing may be used for rotating a lead pulley or a rigid arm to create lateral resistive force oscillations.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which is applicable to a user including athletes and ordinary persons by providing an appropriate load. The exercise apparatus of the present invention for exercising muscles includes an exercise main body and a loading part. In addition, the loading part is configured to move in a direction where a load is applied to the muscles and in a direction where the muscles are relaxed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and method of use adapted to exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The exercise apparatus and method of use allow the user to focus on and exercise gluteus muscles with specificity. Embodiments of the exercise apparatus comprise an upper body support, a foot support, an exercise space, and a way of applying a loading force to a user's hips. The exercise space is typically disposed substantially between an upper body support and a foot support, and permits substantial movement of a user's hips in both a forward direction and a rearward direction, substantially in or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The loading force has a direction approximately perpendicular to a user's spine, directed rearwardly and substantially in or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The exercise apparatus and method of use are adapted to load a user's gluteus muscles throughout a generally large range of gluteus muscle flexion and extension.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising muscles of the chest and back comprises a frame (10), parallel bars (21) and overhead bars (30) attached to the frame (10). A seat (11) supports a user during exercise and a resistance means in the form of a weight stack (52) can be adjusted to suit the user. The seat (11) is vertically movable relative to the frame (10) as exercises are being performed by the user.

Abstract: Moveable exercise benches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, an exercise station, and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupling the exercise station and the load. A moveable support is positioned proximate the exercise station and is adapted to support a user during an exercise. The force-transferring assembly is adapted to allow the moveable support to move without decoupling the force-transferring assembly from the exercise station and to allow use of the exercise station at any location of the moveable support without adjustment. The force-transferring assembly may be a cable-and-pulley assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the force-transferring assembly may be adapted to apply a counter force on the moveable support that at least partially counters a reactive force applied by the user to the moveable support during the exertion of the exercising force.

Abstract: A control system is provided for an exercise machine. The control system varies the resistance of the exercise machine. The control system varies the resistance based on voice commands, based on commands programmed by the user, and based on how the user performs an exercise. The exercise machine can include a pneumatic system that can produce constant or variable resistance during on exercise, can include cable exercises, can include exercises utilizing a cam, and can include a cam that can be moved between different operative positions.

Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted combination bike rack and workout station is provided. The device can be used to store and carry up to three bicycles, and can also be used as a workout station for pull ups, dips, sit ups and other exercises.

Abstract: In one example, a strength training system includes a folding frame having a central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames, and pivoting cross members pivotally coupling the central sub-frame to at least one of the first and second lateral sub-frames, the folding frame being configured to move between an unfolded position and a folded position in which the first and second lateral sub-frames are generally parallel in the unfolded position. The strength training system also includes a strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame. The strength training system may include a pulley machine that includes pulleys and cables. In at least one example, the pulleys and cables may be secured to the folding frame in a pre-assembled manner. Further, in at least one example, the strength training system may be assembled without the use of tools.

Abstract: An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a combination of grips to the user, and the ability to easily mount the device to a wall. One exercise device described is an inelastic resistance device having a combination grip that includes hand grips and a loop. The hand grip and loop may be used as a foot grip, or alternatively, just the hand grip can be used by the hand. The selection of a specific accessory grip allows the user to exercise by specific body parts and provides for a greater number of possible exercises.

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 rocking type exercising apparatus includes a movable unit on which a user rides, a driving unit for causing the movable unit to perform a rocking motion, and a rocking motion changing unit for changing the rocking motion of the movable unit driven to rock by the driving unit. The rocking type exercising apparatus also includes a display unit, responsive to the change in the rocking motion caused by the rocking motion changing unit, for displaying loads to be applied to a plurality of body regions of the user.

Abstract: A kind of exercise furniture includes a rocking frame and a recliner frame. The rocking frame has a rocking base. The recliner frame, which is supported by the rocking frame, includes a back support and a seat support mounted to the back support to define a recliner angle therebetween, wherein the recliner frame is adapted for primarily exercising a user's abdomen when the back support and the seat support are pivotally and repeatedly folded with the leg support to alter its inclined angle, so as to concurrently generate a rocking motion at the rocking base of the rocking frame.

Abstract: A machine for training the muscles of a user's body, comprising a main body; a right-use and a left-use arm member extending from the main body at least higher than the user's hips; a right and a left rotational member, which are each established on the respective right-use and left-use arm members so that they freely rotate about and extend away from rotational central axes that extend toward the user; and a right and a left handle, which are each established on the respective right and left rotational members so that they freely rotate about handle central axes extending in a parallel direction to the respective rotational central axes; wherein the user can hold the handles with the user's respective right and left hands, and turn the rotational members, independently of each other, about the rotational central axes, for training the upper body of the user.

Abstract: An exercise machine comprises a frame, a pair of arms pivotally mounted to the frame so as to be rotatable about a first axis to perform exercise, a resistance element connected to the arms to provide resistance for performing exercise and a path adjustment mechanism to independently adjust the travel path of the arms. The path adjustment mechanism may comprise a pair of mounting brackets for pivotally connecting respective arms to the frame. Each mounting bracket rotates about a second axis to change the travel path of the corresponding arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for a joint linkage device suitable for training multi-joints in a single limb. The joint linkage device is capable of rotation at a proximal end and a distal end. The device includes a proximal end having an upper plate, a middle plate, and a lower plate, a distal plate, a side bar, a main bar, a switch mechanism, and an extended bar. In use, a torque from a motor is applied to the upper plate to provide a user with an assistance torque, a resistance torque, or a assistance/resistance torque.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a base, a frame mounted thereon the base, and a weight assembly. The frame has a first handle that extends upwardly and is spaced above the base. In one aspect, the weight assembly has at least one weight rack for the temporary mounting of exercise weights thereon and a second handle that extends upwardly away from the weight rack. In this aspect, the weight assembly is pivotally connected to the frame at a first pivot point and is configured to articulate about and between a first position in which the second handle is spaced from the first handle and a second position in which the second handle is substantially adjacent the first handle.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus with a single resistant rod configured to provide resistance for use in exercise and an electronic weight selector mechanism for use with a resistance rod having a variable resistance system and an electronic selector control. The weight selector control includes a bi-directional control and a plurality of indicia. The bi-directional control allows the user to change the amount of resistance provided by the single resilient elongate rod in combination with the variable resistance system. The plurality of indicia allows the user to monitor the amount and direction of change in resistance while operating the bi-directional control.

Abstract: A gymnastic machine (1) comprising a frame (10); load means (20) carried by the frame (10); at least an interface (30) designed to train at least a given first body region (B1) of a user; a positioning device (40) being provided for placing and maintaining a second body region (B2) of the user in a given position (P1) relative to each interface (30) in order to optimise training of each first body region (B1); the positioning device (40) comprising at least a reference element (41) rigidly positioned with respect to the frame (10) to indicate univocally the given position (P1) for the given second body region (B2).

Abstract: A control system is provided for an exercise machine. The control system varies the resistance of the exercise machine. The control system varies the resistance based on voice commands, based on commands programmed by the user, and based on how the user performs an exercise. The exercise machine can include a pneumatic system that can produce constant or variable resistance during on exercise, can include cable exercises, can include exercises utilizing a cam, and can include a cam that can be moved between different operative positions.

Abstract: An exercise device including a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline vertically movable with respect to the vertical support member for setting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and a clamping mechanism at the first end of the adjustable incline that provides a clamping force on the vertical support member to fix the first end of the adjustable incline relative to the vertical support member to set the incline of the adjustable incline.

Abstract: A floor plate is suitably sized to receive a wheelchair and also supports a base frame along rear and side edges. Prepositioned brackets on the floor plate secure the base frame using quick-connect fasteners. Opposite side portions of the base frame carry elevated, horizontal, tubular, side housings that telescope over elongated exercise bars. A fastener secures each exercise bar in a housing at a variably selected degree of insertion. An upright tube at the rear of the base frame has an open top forming a socket. An upright standard engages the socket and carries an overhead bar supporting a transverse crossbar over the center of the floor plate. The ends of the crossbar, the front ends of exercise bars, the front end of the floor plate, and various other locations on the base frame carry C-shaped attachments for clip-on resistance members. The attachments are sized to serve as handgrips.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus includes an elevation mechanism resting; an elevation structure mounted to the elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the elevation structure; a first leg support member pivotally connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure to a support structure in a first direction; and a second leg support member pivotally connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure to a support means in a second direction; so that operation of the elevation mechanism in one direction lifts the elevation structure so that the first leg support member and the second leg support member pivot progressively downwardly from the elevation structure, and operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member and the second leg support member pivot progressively upwardly from the elevation structure.

Abstract: A resistance training device effectively training the muscular force of a desired muscle includes a saddle for a user to sit on, a robot arm adjustable to the length of a limb of the user, a fastener for securing the robot arm to the limb, a controller for controlling the torque of a driving source driving a joint of the robot arm, and an input operating unit for the user to input a driving condition. When the user inputs a training load and an output direction of the distal end of the limb to be trained, the value of a torque necessary for generating the training load is calculated. The robot arm generates the torque of the calculated magnitude acting in a direction opposite to the output direction in such a manner that a constant training load is exerted to the user without dependency on the position of the user.

Abstract: Moveable exercise benches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, an exercise station, and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupling the exercise station and the load. A moveable support is positioned proximate the exercise station and is adapted to support a user during an exercise. The force-transferring assembly is adapted to allow the moveable support to move without decoupling the force-transferring assembly from the exercise station and to allow use of the exercise station at any location of the moveable support without adjustment. The force-transferring assembly may be a cable-and-pulley assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the force-transferring assembly may be adapted to apply a counter force on the moveable support that at least partially counters a reactive force applied by the user to the moveable support during the exertion of the exercising force.

Abstract: An exercise system for use in a vehicle includes a frame that has a pair of spaced apart base members. Support legs extend from each base member and a crossbeam is connected to and extends between each support leg. Mounting fixtures are positioned on each support leg and on each base member. Additionally, one or more exercise devices may be removably secured to each mounting fixture. In operation a user may attach an exercise device to the frame and undertake resistance exercises for the arms, legs and torso. Various sized individuals at various strength levels can be accommodated via altering the resistance of exercise device.

Abstract: A method for exercising one or more muscles of the body wherein one or more muscle(s) are contracted to move a limb through a range of motion in opposition to an oscillating resistive force. In accordance with the method, during a muscular contraction, the direction and/or the magnitude of the resistive force changes in an oscillatory fashion. The oscillations in the magnitude and/or the direction of the resistive force include a plurality of cycles during a single repetition of muscular contraction. The waveform and frequency of the oscillations may vary during a repetition or remain constant. Embodiments of devices providing an oscillatory resistive force are presented. The embodiments provide means for enabling an exerciser to perform resistance-type exercises in accordance with the method.

Abstract: An orbital resistance-adjustable sphere exercising apparatus (10) that is designed to allow several exercise routines to be performed through several planes and range-of-motion at selectable friction levels. The apparatus (10) consists of four major elements: a sphere cradle (12), a sphere (116), a set of three sphere friction pads (42, 54, 94) and a telescoping pole assembly (126). The sphere cradle (12) includes a base (14) that has attached three sphere support frames (32, 52, 92) that are evenly spaced and that each have attached the friction pads (42, 54, 94) that interface with and support the sphere (116). The sphere cradle (12) also includes a sphere friction adjusting rod (104) that when rotated clockwise the three sphere support frames (32, 52, 92) simultaneously extend inward allowing the friction applied by the three friction pads (42, 54, 94) to the sphere (116) to increase. Likewise, when the rod (104) is rotated counter-clockwise the applied friction is reduced.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a frame, and at least one elongated sheet of flexible material has a first end coupled to the frame and has a second free end positioned frontwardly relative to the frame. The sheet of flexible material has an upwardly facing support surface, and the sheet of flexible material has a predetermined stiffness for supporting substantially the entire weight of an exerciser of the apparatus. At least one support assembly is mounted to the frame and generally overhangs the support surface of the sheet of flexible material for further supporting the exerciser upon pushing downwardly against the sheet of flexible material and thereby moving the free end of the sheet of flexible material downwardly, and for supporting the exerciser upon pulling upwardly to release the downward force against the sheet of material and thereby permitting the free end of the sheet of flexible material to move upwardly.

Abstract: A support for a manikin is provided having a pair of opposed elongated extension members having a continuous substantially smooth outer surface forming a cradling surface to support a manikin minimizing the possibility that movement of the manikin will be interfered with through contact with the members when the manikin is removed from the cradling surface.

Abstract: Exercise machine having a platform for receiving an exerciser, a post extending from the platform, a carriage which can be moved along the post by the exerciser, and a plurality of elastic elements which can be selectively connected to the carriage to assist or resist movement of the carriage along the post. The machine is highly portable and can be folded for storage.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the arms and legs with a seat height adjustable to a lower and a upper position, in the lower position a preacher rest is also provided which places the elbow joint of the user when sitting on the seat in line with a pivot. Members are attached to the pivot which the user rotates to exercise his arms. The seat in the upper position places the knee joint of the user, when seated on the seat with the preacher rest removed, in line with the pivot members are then rotated about the pivot by the user bending his legs about the knee. Resistance to the exercise is provided rotation of the pivot.

Abstract: Exercising apparatus capable of enabling a user to select any one of a plurality of different exercises to be performed by the user for exercising different muscles or muscle groups of the user's body. The apparatus includes a body supporting member for supporting the body of the user in a predetermined position according to the exercise selected to be performed; a body-engageable member engageable by a selected part of the user's body, when supported on the body supporting member, and displaceable in a predetermined direction by a force applied by the selected body part to the body-engageable member, according to the exercise selected to be performed; and a resistance member coupled to the body-engageable member for imposing a resistance to the displacement of the body-engageable member when the selected part of the user's body applies the force to the body-engageable member.

Abstract: An exercise system comprising a rocking chair and a footstool. The rocking chair comprises a seat, a back support, a base, and rocking means. Rocking resistance means are provided for requiring that an additional force be applied to the rocking chair to maintain a rocking motion. The footstool comprises a foot rest positionable with respect to the rocking chair such that the feet of a user are supported on a foot support surface of the foot rest when the user is seated upon the rocking chair. Means for adjusting the height and angle of the foot rest are also provided. A method for selectively exercising specific muscle groups in a user's legs with the exercise system is also described.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, a seat and a pair of articulated exercise arm assemblies. Each of the exercise arm assemblies is pivotally attached to the frame with a four bar linkage. Handles at the outer extremities of the articulated arm assemblies are gripped by the user to perform the intended exercise. The geometry of the arms and their pivot points is arranged so that the handles of the articulated assemblies follow arcuate paths which converge as the handles are moved forwardly. At a starting position for a press exercise, the handles are approximately in line with the shoulders of the user. As the handles are pushed forwardly against an exercise resistance, they converge inwardly until they are nearly touching when the user's arms are fully outstretched. The machine may also be used to perform a seated-row exercise, in which case the handles are pulled rearwardly against the exercise resistance.

Abstract: A support for a manikin is provided having a pair of opposed upstanding extension members forming a cradling surface to support a manikin. One of the extension members is biased in an inward direction toward the second extension member to return to a normal position and moveable from the normal position in an outward direction away from the other extension member upon application of a pre-determined force on the extension member.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame and a pair of spaced-apart parallel rails joining a head end and a foot end. A movable carriage is mounted on the frame for movement of the carriage along the rails. A pair of spaced-apart anchor bar support brackets is fastened near the foot end of the frame and each supports an end of spring anchor bar. Each bracket has a series of upwardly open slanted slots, and the anchor bar is received in a selected pair of the slots. The cross section of each anchor bar end is shaped to engage the slot walls to prevent rotation of the anchor bar.

Abstract: A training apparatus designed to improve the physical readiness level of the low back and pelvic girdle of an individual includes a frame, a seat, a pivot mechanism mounted on the frame and providing a pivot point, an exercise arm rotatable about the pivot point, and a resistance assembly rotatable about the pivot point. An interlocking mechanism interlocks the exercise arm and the resistance assembly such that they rotate as a single unit about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism. The angle between the exercise arm and the resistance assembly is selectable. The resistance assembly includes at least a first resistance lever arm and, preferably, a second resistance lever arm. The first resistance lever arm includes a counterweight. The second resistance lever arm has a weight attachment mechanism for attaching a stress weight thereto, and the second resistance lever arm is angularly offset from the first resistance lever arm by an angle about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A foldable exercise bench is movable on a frame between a retracted, generally upright storage position and at least one deployed position for supporting a person during exercise. A support foot located adjacent one end of the bench is pivotally mounted for rotation between a first, storage position extending generally alongside the bench when the bench is in the storage position, and a second, support position in which the support foot extends forwardly at an angle to the bench and engages the floor to support the bench in the deployed position. A four-bar connecting linkage between the bench and frame automatically pivots the support foot from the second position to the first, storage position and locks it in the storage position when the bench is folded into the storage position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that contains a frame and a carriage that moves back and forth along the length of the frame. The movement of the carriage along the frame is resisted by springs that join the carriage to the frame. Two foot support platforms are provided. The first foot support platform extends upwardly from the top of the carriage. The first foot support platform has an adjustable incline and contains a bar that uniformly extends across the width of the carriage a predetermined distance above the top surface of the carriage. The second foot support platform extends above the frame in front of the carriage. Side railings are also provided on either side of the frame. By providing both the unique structure of the first and second foot support platforms and the side railings, a person can not only lie on the moving carriage, but also can stand and kneel between the frame and the moving carriage. As such, a larger variety and diversity of exercises can be performed.

Abstract: An exerciser featuring a frame assembly which includes a lower frame portion that is constructed and arranged to be stablely supported in an operative position on a horizontal surface. First and second rigid upright support members is fixed at lower end portions thereof on the lower frame portion and extends upwardly from the lower frame portion when in the operative position thereof. A user support assembly is operatively connected with the lower frame portion and is constructed and arranged to support a user thereon. The first and second rigid upright support members have first and second rigid upper free end portions respectively configured to curve upwardly from the lower portions thereof in outwardly diverging relation with respect to one another. A pair of separate moving assemblies is disposed in normal inoperative positions with respect to the user support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular component leg, arm, and body-stretching device. It includes a main advance plate component having a handle and at least one bar functionally connected to and capable of passing through the handle. The handle contains a one directional advance plate mechanism and a trigger wherein when the trigger is depressed, the bar(s) advance toward the handle. The handle also has a release mechanism to release the bar from the advance plate mechanism. The ratchet bar has an auxiliary component attachment at one end thereof for attachment, directly or indirectly, if a foot or hand auxiliary component. The foot auxiliary component is for leg and body exercise, and has a rigid base for placement of a foot thereon, having a foot securing mechanism to hold a foot in place. There is also at least one attachment for connection with the bar.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular component leg, arm, and body-stretching device. It includes a main ratchet component having a handle and at least one ratchet bar functionally connected to and capable of passing through the handle. The handle contains a directional ratchet-up mechanism and a trigger wherein when the trigger is depressed, the ratchet bar(s) advance toward the handle. The handle also has a release mechanism to release the ratchet bar from the ratchet-up mechanism. The ratchet bar has an auxiliary component attachment at one end thereof for attachment, directly or indirectly, if a foot or hand auxiliary component. The foot auxiliary component is for leg and body exercise, and has a rigid base for placement of a foot thereon, having a foot securing mechanism to hold a foot in place. There is also at least one attachment for connection with the ratchet bar.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that contains a frame and a carriage that moves back and forth along the length of the frame. The movement of the carriage along the frame is resisted by springs that join the carriage to the frame. Two foot support platforms are provided. The first foot support platform extends upwardly from the top of the carriage. The first foot support platform has an adjustable incline and contains a bar that uniformly extends across the width of the carriage a predetermined distance above the top surface of the carriage. The second foot support platform extends above the frame in front of the carriage. Side railings are also provided on either side of the frame. By providing both the unique structure of the first and second foot support platforms and the side railings, a person can not only lie on the moving carriage, but also can stand and kneel between the frame and the moving carriage. As such, a larger variety and diversity of exercises can be performed.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided for exercise of the limbs by a seated person. The device is a flat seat that can have a back attached. Typically, the seat and back can be cushions or similar articles that can be used in conjunction with existing seats in a vehicle. One or more resilient straps are provided with grips and attached around the perimeter of the seat and back so that the seated individual can perform exercise.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a load guide pivotable through at least one plane of freedom, a load slideably engaged with the load guide, a lift arm having a first end coupled to the load guide, and a cable-and-pulley device. The cable-and-pulley device is operatively coupled to the load and to the lift arm so that a training force applied to the lift arm induces a lift force on the load. The exercise machine requires the user to balance the load as the load is raised, providing a more enhanced workout. In alternate embodiments, the load guide may include at least one rocker engageable with the floor surface, or may be pivotably coupled to a support frame (or base) so that the load guide does not contact the floor surface. In another embodiment, the load guide may include a base having a convex surface engageable with the floor surface, the load guide being pivotable in any direction.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame having a forward end. A leg exercise arm has a first end pivoted to the support frame adjacent the forward end of the seat, and a second end. The arm has a continuous curve extending along at least a major portion of its length and bending through an arc of at least 180 degrees. In its rest position, the arm first projects forwards from the pivot and then bends back rearwards. A cable links the arm to an exercise resistance, and a leg engaging assembly is mattached to the arm for engagement by the legs of a user in performing exercises.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus is provided which includes structures for receiving a body extremity of a user, the means for receiving a body extremity subject to a force provided by the body extremity, structures for maintaining the means for receiving a body extremity in a predefined plane during movement; and resistance providing devices to impose resistance against the movement of the body extremity. Versions of the apparatus may positioned on a floor, on a wall, or be free standing. Various embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to provide range-of-motion exercises for legs, arms, and hands of the user for both recreational strengthening and physical therapy applications.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The carriage has a generally flat upper surface for supporting a user's body. The upper surfaces has a pair of spaced shoulder stops and ahead rest extending from the carriage toward the head end. The foot end includes an elastic member anchor bar and carriage stop assembly to adjustably position the carriage and elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The foot end also includes a pair of upright foot rest bar support brackets fastened to the frame. Each upright foot rest bar support bracket has a plurality of slanted slots therein operably positioned to receive a central bar portion of a foot rest support bar.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may be built into a couch or other seating assembly. The seating assembly may have a pair of side structures and a seating area between the side structures. The seating assembly may be a couch having a rear face, a pair of arms and a seating area between the arms sized to seat at least two people. A case is mounted alongside one of the side structures of the seating assembly. A cable is routed through the seat assembly to the case. This cable has one end routed to emerge through the seat assembly for pulling exercises. An adjustable weight is mounted in the case and coupled to the cable. The weight can be lifted in response to pulling of the cable. The adjustable weight is accessible in a region that is spaced from the rear face of the couch to avoid any need for clearance behind the couch in order to gain access to the adjustable weight.