Abstract: A dynamically adjustable weight lifting aid that eliminates hand grip strength as the limiting factor in weight lifting, including a strap and a slidable sleeve encircling the strap. The strap has a wrist loop at one end and an attachment loop at the other end. The attachment loop is suitable for removably attaching the strap to a weight bar or other handle on a weight lifting system or machine. The wrist loop is suitable for receiving a person's wrist. Specifically, the person's hand is inserted through the wrist loop, and the person's palm contacts the slidable sleeve. The wrist loop cradles the person's wrist, and the effective diameter of the wrist loop is dynamically adjustable by the person's hand by sliding the slidable sleeve in either direction along the length of the strap. The person may then lift a weight of the weight lifting system by pulling on the strap.

Abstract: A foldable hoop has an outer tube; and one or more swivel mechanisms connecting ends of the outer tube to form the hoop. The swivel mechanism is formed from two pieces of tubing held together at ends thereof, said two pieces of tubing being rotatable with respect to each other. The tubes forming the swivel mechanism may be solid plastic or hollow tubing, and they are connected to the outer tube using, e.g., rivets, screws, staples.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing an armless push-up allows a user to engage in gravity-driven, resistance exercise with improved pectoral isolation and range of motion as compared to known push-up devices. The exercise motion is performed using a yoga-inspired, bent-elbow plank position by a prone (face-down) user. The user places each forearm on a trolley mounted at the top of opposed rails that are inclined toward an elevated centerline. As the trolleys move down the opposed inclined rails, the user's chest descends down; and as the user pinches his elbows together using the pectoralis muscles, the trolleys move up the inclined rails again. Gravity imparts a centered user balance, and the resistance can be varied, such as by changing the incline of the rail assemblies, changing the weight associated with the user, or by adding resistance to the trolley movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article of manufacture for assisting a user in engaging a handle or a clip connection or a string. In one embodiment, the article of manufacture comprises a body, a securing member attached to the body, and an elongated hollow member attached to the body, wherein the article of manufacture is designed to allow the user to position his or her limb in the article of manufacture so that the securing member secures the user's limb to the article of manufacture and the elongated hollow member can be slipped over the handle to secure it to the body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards an exercise device for use with Pilates method exercise and other exercise methods. The exercise device is used either the arms or legs of the user for various exercises. The exercise device improves upon related-art system by allowing users to performing exercises while actively engaging the hands or legs of the device with the device in a manner that remains comfortable during exercises.

Abstract: Components of a golf exerciser are contained within a tube that can be swung in a simulated golf swing independently of a golf club. Within the tube is an extension spring connected to a weight so that centrifugal force developed during swinging the tube can move the weight toward a distal end of the tube. There, a shock absorber is positioned for the weight to impact against whenever sufficient arcuate tube velocity is achieved. The shock absorber includes a deformable elastomer that cushions and stops the distal movement of the weight and also makes a sound indicating that a swing of sufficient velocity has been achieved.

Abstract: A grip sleeve for an exercise bar grip surface. The grip sleeve includes a tubular member having a thickness and a longitudinal length sized to accommodate a user's hand. The thickness defined by the distance between an outer surface of the tubular member and an inner surface of the tubular member. The inner surface sized to substantially surround a grip surface of the exercise bar. The cut extends across the entire longitudinal length and through the thickness for removeably securing the member to the exercise bar. The tubular member is formed of an elastic material such that the cut can be forced apart from a closed position to an open position by a user in order to removeably secure the sleeve on the exercise bar. The material being biased to return the cut to the closed position when no longer forced apart.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for an exercise bar grip surface. The apparatus including an elongate flexible strap and a tubular member. The strap including a retention member for removeably securing to a wrist of a user. The strap including an extension portion, where the extension portion extends away from the retention member. The tubular member mounts on the exercise bar grip surface. The tubular member having a longitudinal length, wherein the tubular member is open at opposed ends of the longitudinal length. The tubular member having an inner passage defined by at least one wall. The tubular member including a cut passing through the wall and extending across the longitudinal length. A portion of the strap is secured to the tubular member, whereby an amount of the extension portion between the retention member and the tubular member is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A beam assembly includes a receiver section having connector and receiving ends. A first connector is provided at the connector end and includes a rounded wall that extends above the receiver section. A tongue section includes a connector end, tongue end and recess section. The tongue end is configured to match and connect with the receiving end of the receiver section. A second connector is provided at the connector end and includes a rounded wall that extends above the tongue section. A locking mechanism includes an aperture and depression on the receiver section. The depression is tapered from an inner surface out to an outer surface of the receiver section. A parabolic groove is formed on the recess section of the tongue section and is arranged to face the opening of the parabolic shape away from the tongue section. A knob is provided on the end of a cantilevered segment.

Abstract: A handle for an exercise device, the handle attached to an actuating arm of the exercise device and including a connection structure that allows the handle to rotate with respect to the arm, as well as pivot in at least two directions orthogonal to the rotation axis.

Abstract: An exercise rod device comprises an elongate, flexible body portion and a pair of grip sections positioned on opposite ends of the rod. At least one of the grip sections is configured to allow a user to grasp an end of the rod when performing exercises. At least one of the grip sections includes indicia associated therewith, the indicia dividing the grip section into at least two distinct force zones, the force zones providing differing force responses when engaged by a user when flexing the rod.

Abstract: A method and device for use in resistance training is provided. A first version includes a saddle that supports the lower back while an exercise subject extends and then hyper-extends the subject's vertebral column. A second version includes a foot bar against which the subject applies force from the foot or lower leg while extending, hyperextending the subject's vertebral column. A third version includes a knee bar against which the subject pulls while extending, hyperextending and contracting the subject's vertebral column.

Abstract: A gyroscopic exercise device has a pair of handles attached to a housing. A user holds and rotates the handles along cone-like paths causing precession of a rotor, which is rotating about its spin axis, to provide resistance to the user. The device has an axle disc that holds ends of an axle of the rotor. The periphery of the axle disc and the ends of the rotor axle are within a circular race in the housing. A retracting spool allows pull starting. An optional motor attached to the axle disc has a wheel for rotating the rotor about a spin axis by a temporary supply of power from included batteries in one of the handles. An optional abdominal rolling ring provides abdominal exercise.

Abstract: A method for implementing biomechanical stimulation training includes application of a preselected dynamic force concurrent with a local proprioceptive stimulus at an engagement member and performing at least one dynamic training activity. The method also includes applying a preselected isometric training force concurrent with another local proprioceptive stimulus at the engagement member, and performing an isometric training activity. An apparatus to facilitate performance of dynamic and isometric training activities includes an engagement member structured to facilitate operative engagement with a portion of a person's body, a force generation assembly structured to generate dynamic and isometric training forces at the engagement member, and a vibration generation assembly structured to generate local proprioceptive stimuli at the engagement member.

Abstract: To improve the effect and the safety of Kaatsu training, A training system includes a tight fitting device which is intended to be placed around a compressed range of an arm or a leg and which has a pneumatic bag, and a training device adapted to control the compression pressure that is applied to a compressed range by the tight fitting device by means of supplying air to the pneumatic bag of the tight fitting device or removing the air from the pneumatic bag. The training device supplies the air to the pneumatic bag and removes the air from the pneumatic bag in such a manner that the compression pressure that is applied by the tight fitting device to the compressed range oscillates between an upper peak and a lower peak within a range lower than an appropriate pressure.

Abstract: A grip element for an exercise machine, comprising at least a substantially tubular handgrip (2), forming at least one outer surface (3) to be gripped by the user's hand while performing exercises to develop muscles or the like, and having at least one substantially longitudinal through-channel (4) in which there will engage at least one flexible cable (5) connected to at least one resistant load of at least one exercise machine, the grip element being characterized in that said handgrip (2) comprises means (6) for selective locking of the grip element in any position along the cable (5), the locking means being designed to prevent the handgrip (2) from sliding relative to the cable (5) when the grip element is manually translated and/or rotated in any direction in space.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for attachment to an exercise machine, generally in place of hand grips provided with the machine, to enable hands-free operation of the machine by a user, the apparatus having at least one forearm and/or upper arm adjacent the elbow engaging cup-like device, and means for attaching the engaging cup-like device to the exercise machine. The apparatus may have a pair of cup-like devices to enable the user to use the machine using both forearms and upper arm adjacent the elbows without use of the hands and lower arm portions of the user.

Abstract: A handle assembly adapted to grasp a bar for exercise includes a J-shaped hook for placement on the bar, a rotation assembly, and a handle attached to the rotation assembly. The handle has an inverted U-shaped bracket with a cross piece defining a grip that is connected between ends of the U-bracket. The rotation assembly is connected between a lower end of the hook and the U-shaped bracket and includes a bearing, the handle being rotatable via the bearing by a user during exercise with the J-hook on the bar.

Abstract: An exercise grip device includes a jaw member which is of a sufficient width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand, wherein the jaw member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open position to permit receiving a weightlifting bar and is compressible to a closed position enabling engagement of the jaw member with the weightlifting bar in a manner to prevent sliding movement therebetween and while compressed exerts a force on one's hand and forearm muscles. A method includes weightlifting using the exercise grip device.

Abstract: An exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first end for pivoting on a frame of the machine to pivot about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being non-parallel to the other two pivot axes, and at least one pivot axis being non-perpendicular to the other two pivot axes.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization enabling a user to progressively increase his/her core body muscular strength. In various embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a resistance cabling system providing a user defined line of motion, and a partial stabilizer pad being adjustably positionable offset from the line of motion, wherein the user's core body is positionable against the pad and required to resist the torque created by the offset. The user can progressively increase the distance between the line of motion and partial stabilizer pad, in order to progressively increase the force which the user's core body must resist to maintain an upright stature. In this way, the user can progressively, over time, increase his or her core body strength.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization enabling a user to progressively increase his/her core body muscular strength. In various embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a resistance cabling system providing a user defined line of motion, and a partial stabilizer pad being adjustably positionable offset from the line of motion, wherein the user's core body is positionable against the pad and required to resist the torque created by the offset. The user can progressively increase the distance between the line of motion and partial stabilizer pad, in order to progressively increase the force which the user's core body must resist to maintain an upright stature. In this way, the user can progressively, over time, increase his or her core body strength.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a leg of a user includes a rail having a first end and a second end. The rail generally defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is capable of being connected to an anchor point while the second end is capable of being connected to a portion of the leg located between the knee and the hip of the leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and an apparatus used to lift a barbell. In some embodiments, the invention relates to an apparatus having a centralized handle and opposing hooks extending away from and attached to opposing ends of said handle. In other embodiments, the invention relates to methods for attaching said hooks to a barbell to assist in the performance of weight-bearing exercise and lifting.

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: A device and method for changing an angle between a pair of pull handles used with conjunction of a workout machine is disclosed. An easy to operate rotatable releasing unit on the handles may be operated to release an engagable locking unit, in order to allow changing of an angle between the pair of handles.

Abstract: An adjustable handlebar having a handlebar body, a locking mechanism associated with the handlebar body and able to engage a cable, and an engagement-control mechanism to allow control engagement of the cable by the locking mechanism

Abstract: A rotatable handgrip for a cardiovascular exercise machine allowing a user to rotate the handgrip relative exercise aims of the machine about an axis which intersects the handle and is generally in line with their forearm.

Abstract: An ergonomic exercise handle having a semicircular arcuate member for connection to a resistive member and a handle grip having a longitudinal centerline that lies on the diameter of the semicircular arcuate member. A cable resistive member can be attached to the arcuate member with a conventional clip or with a special clip fitted with a small roller to reduce friction. The semicircular arcuate member permits the clip to move to a position in linear alignment with a center of the handle grip and the resistive member. Ends of the handle grip are spaced inwardly from ends of the semicircular arcuate member by circling back loop portions extending past the diameter of the arcuate member and inwardly from the arcuate member ends to the handle grip ends. The loop portions provide for a greater range of movement while still maintaining a center point of the arcuate member within the handle grip.

Abstract: A portable exercise machine for performing upper extremity exercises including seated chest press, seated-row, seated triceps pull down, and modified seated abdominal crunches. It has two adjacent vertical pieces and one opposing taller vertical piece, each attached to a base member. It also has a pivoting member oriented in an operator-selected direction and an adjustable articulated arm bar with holes at various locations for handgrip attachment and adjustment according to operator stature for optimal user comfort during exercises. Mass resistance is secured by a filamentous member to the pivoting member and moved via pulley systems. The portable exercise machine provides functional body alignment and mimics the range of motion and type of movement needed for daily living, in activities such as but not limited to feeding and dressing. Most importantly, the present invention maximizes the productivity and efficiency of the user and the therapist in a rehabilitation setting.

Abstract: Dumbbell assemblies and methods of making and using dumbbell assemblies are disclosed. The dumbbell assembly includes a dumbbell and a strap. The dumbbell includes a handle, a first end weight, and a second end weight. The strap includes a central band, a first coupling portion, and a second coupling portion. The first coupling portion is elastically secured about the first end weight and the second coupling portion is elastically secured about the second end weight.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards an exercise device for use with Pilates method exercise and other exercise methods. The exercise device is used either the arms or legs of the user for various exercises. The exercise device improves upon related-art system by allowing users to performing exercises while actively engaging the hands or legs of the device with the device in a manner that remains comfortable during exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine attachment is provided wherein the attachment may comprise a hook aperture attached to a joint wherein the joint defines bead chain apertures formed within the joint and extending directionally in an oblique or perpendicular manner. The attachment may further comprise first and second bead chains attached to the bead chain apertures. Also, each bead chain may comprise a plurality of beads which are sized and configured to be ergonomically fitted into a weight lifter's hand.

Abstract: A harness apparatus for a user engaging in freestanding leg exercises with a weightlifting bar is presented. The apparatus has at least two shoulder harness straps shaped for resting on the users shoulders. Front hooks are positioned on the front of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a chest position. Back hooks are positioned on the back of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a behind the neck position. A vertical spine blade attachable to the shoulder harness straps is provided for assisting the user in maintaining an upright position of the users upper torso during the exercises. A weightlifting belt attachable to the vertical spine blade provides support to the users lower back and waistline during the exercises.

Abstract: A machine and method for conditioning and strengthening the human frame, and particularly the lumbar muscles of the lower back and pelvic region. The user-controlled machine has a single restraint strap which wraps around the user's pelvic region and connects to both sides of a support structure. The single restraint strap may be positioned high or low about the user's pelvic region while the user faces forward, backward, or sideways relative to the support structure. The user causes the single restraint strap to be drawn tightly about the pelvic region, thereby restraining the pelvic region against the support structure. This isolates the lumbar muscles and permits the user to conduct specific lumbar muscle conditioning and strengthening exercises while remaining in an upright position.

Abstract: An exercise device has a motor rotating an eccentric weight to cause a vibration. The motor is powered by a power source external to the exercise device and has at least one handle is sized and configured to be gripped by a user for exercise. A pair of opposing end frames are connected to the motor on opposite ends of the motor with the handle extending between the end frames in a straight line of sufficient length so a user can grab the handle with both hands at once. The handle optionally extends beyond the end frames so weights can be added thereto. A speed control is connected to the motor to vary the vibration speed. A first connector is fastened to the device and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member which is preferably connected to a variable resistance such as a weight stack. Thus, a portable vibrating handle can be connecting to existing exercise devices to provide vibrational exercise.

Abstract: An exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first end for pivoting on a frame of the machine to pivot about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being perpendicular to the other two pivot axes to form a perpendicular, tri-pivot arm system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fitness device (1) in the form of a garment, comprising at least one skin stimulation means (5) which is actuated by fluid pressure and, in a stimulation area (13, 16), acts on the skin surface of a wearer (2) of the fitness device. Such fitness devices are known as low pressure suits. To enhance the action of said fitness devices, the skin stimulation means (5) is transferred according to the invention from a low pressure state, in which a low pressure acts on the skin surface (19) in the stimulation area (20), into an overpressure state, in which an overpressure acts on the skin surface (19) in the stimulation area (18).

Abstract: A dumbbell having a bar that is set non perpendicularly to the weights of the dumbbell and has added features such as indicias that a user can quickly see in order to know which direction the dumbbell is for appropriate grasping as well as footings which orient the dumbbell so as to make it easy to use. Since the bar reorients the weights so that they do not interfere with the body, a shorter bar can be used which brings each weight closer to the other.

Abstract: Weight lifting strap which is looped around the wrist and wrapped in helical fashion about a weight lifting bar or the like and gripped by the hand with opposite sides of the strap facing the bar and the hand, and the strap being fabricated of a woven material with rubberized strands on the side of the strap which faces the bar.

Abstract: A pedal adjustable system for an exerciser includes a casing composed of an end member and two side plates connected on two ends of the end member. An adjusting unit is received in the casing and has a threaded rod which can be rotated to move the adjusting unit. The tubular body has two side portions which are movably engaged with two slots in the two side plates. Two pivotal plates each have an end connected to the side portion corresponding thereto and the other end of each of the two pivotal plates is pivotably connected to a pivotable unit on which a pedal is connected. The inclination of the pedal can be adjusted by the user to rotate the threaded rod to pivot the pivotal plates together with the pedal.

Abstract: A pivotal add-on apparatus holds down the pedals of any suitable stepper-exercise-machine so that the stepper can be mounted easily. Before the user dismounts the stepper the user takes the handle of the apparatus in his hand and swings an engagement member down to hold the pedals of the stepper down near their lowest position. The pedals stay in this low position until the user mounts the stepper again. One end of the handle of the apparatus is hung on a peg, and the peg is connected to the stepper in a convenient location with a peg fastener. The other end of the handle is connected to a flexible member that is connected to the engagement member. The engagement member is connected to a post that is connected to a pivot. The pivot is connected to the stepper with a pivot attachment.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of formed handles including openings through which ends of a rope or cord are passed. The rope to one handle is knotted and the rope to the other handle is adjustable but becomes fixed when the rope and the handle are firmly grasped. The base is a platform in which part of the user's body maintains contact with during an exercise. The base includes a channel through which the rope passes. Pulleys are positioned on either side of the platform at either end of the channel.

Abstract: A self-assisted shoulder passive range of motion (SA-PROM) apparatus. The apparatus includes a forearm support adapted to receive the forearm of the affected arm, a double pulley assembly, a single pulley connectable to an elevated support such as an upper door edge, and a main support rope, one end of which is attached to the double pulley, the other end having an enlarged handle. A central portion of the main support rope is engagable over the single pulley. A secondary rope arrangement which is preferably formed of a single length of rope, is attached to each of a plurality of holes formed through said forearm support in proximity to each end and each side margin of the forearm support and arranged over the secondary pulleys to self-regulate pitch and roll movement of the forearm support. The affected arm may be passively raised and lowered through a range of motion by pulling on the handle with the unaffected arm.

Abstract: A multi-use powerful guiding band includes a pad in a shape of long strip, on which is fixed with a first band and a second band. The pad is emplaced at an inner side of a wrist, a fixing part of the first band is reeved around an exterior side of the wrist, transfixed into a reverse-winding part, and is then reversely folded and adhered, so as to wrap the pad at the wrist. A fixing part of the second band is collaboratively reeved around fitness equipment, transfixed into the reverse-winding part, and is then reversely folded and adhered, so as to reeve on the fitness equipment. Therefore, a certain protection to the wrist can be formed by the pad, a danger of loosening from the equipment due to an insufficient gripping force of a user can be avoided, and an effect of muscle exercising can be improved.

Abstract: A technique for exercise and strength training is disclosed. The technique involves a device that can be affixed to a support point which can allow the user to exercise using body weight. In one embodiment, the stability of the device can be adjusted by varying the position of a stability member.

Abstract: A new weight-training device for the arm involves an arm-straightening feature. The device comprises a weight at the distal end and one or more elongated members extending from the hand to the mid-shoulder of the user. The device further comprises a ring at the proximal end to encircle the user's arm, a grip bar for the user's hand and a wrist-protecting bar. The elongated members and the proximal ring ensure that the user's arm remains straight during the weight-lifting exercise thus fully targeting various muscle groups. Various exercises with the device are also suggested.

Abstract: A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.

Abstract: A training apparatus comprises a seat 32 mounted on an apparatus body, a training mechanism disposed in front of the seat 32 and provided with a mechanism adapted to exercise legs of a user, a load-applying unit adapted to apply a braking force to a movement of the training mechanism in an electrically adjustable manner, and a tilt adjustment unit adapted to tiltingly move a front end of the seat in a vertical direction. The training apparatus of the present invention allows a user, even an elderly person or a person who requires assistance to readily sit on the seat without an unnatural or forced physical posture.