Abstract: A pair of handles are provided for attachment to an exercising apparatus having at least one that cable that provides resistance to a force exerted on the cable. Each handle is formed of a handgrip of a size suitable for grasping in the hand of a user. Each handle also includes a single, solid, rigid rod bent to define a straight, cylindrical grip attachment portion that fits within the hand grip, a straight proximal portion that is inclined relative to the grip attachment portion at two angles, considered in two orthogonal planes of reference, both of which contain the axis of the grip attachment portion, an arcuately curved intermediate portion, and a straight, distal portion. An omnidirectional cable coupling is provided at the distal portion of the rod. The rods are formed in mirror image to each other, considered in the second reference plane.

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: A physical therapy method for treatment of a patient's shoulder ailment and a staff for use of the same, the method comprising the steps of providing a staff for supporting the arm of the patient corresponding to the affected shoulder, the staff having a toe portion for maintaining contact with a surface, and an upper portion for engagement with the arm, maintaining the toe portion at a substantially stationary point on the surface, engaging the arm with the staff, and extending the arm in a spaced clearance position from the patient's body, whereby at least a portion of the weight of the patient's arm is supported by the staff to relieve pressure at the patient's affected shoulder to thereby allow the patient to obtain relief from and undertake treatment for a shoulder ailment.

Abstract: A multi-purpose gym system is disclosed that incorporates a press arm having a main arm and left and right press handles. The exercise machine includes a frame, an exercise station that can include a seat, a pulley system incorporating multiple directional pulleys and a composite pulley, a weight stack, multiple cables engaged with the pulley system and the weight stack, a press arm assembly attached to the cables having a main arm and left and right press handle assemblies having right and left press handles, and a leg extension/leg curl pedestal. The right and left press handle assemblies each include a spring pin for locking them in place and inner and outer stops for limiting travel.

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: Left and right hand exercisers are formed based upon a modification of the handgrips disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,015, wherein a throughbore is made through the grip, generally vertically through the elongation of the grip, at an angle between 82 and 88 degrees. A flattened tube of nylon webbing, or equal, is disposed through the throughbore, and is either connected to itself to form an endless loop spaced from the body of the grip in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the webbing passing through the bottom end of the grip is retained in place by one of several means. The end of the webbing emanating from the top of the grip may be attached directly to an elastic tube or band, or to a swivel split ring. If the latter, cables or other devices can be appended to the split ring as is known to the art.

Abstract: This is a multiple function exercise device that enables simultaneous exercise of several muscle groups. The device includes a chest pad that is stationary to the support frame and a seat that moves in a path of motion that enables the user's chest to remain on the chest pad as the user's legs are extended, thereby causing movement of the seat. This combination provides activation of the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles at the same time. In another embodiment, a resistance arm is added that is pivotally attached to the frame and mechanically linked to the seat, thereby causing movement of the arm as the seat moves. This allows the additional activation of the triceps muscles, or elbow extensors of the upper arm, while also working the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles all in a single movement. The advantage to such a movement is the time saving effect of working a large group of muscles at one time as opposed to several exercises one after the other.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus for pectoral muscles is equipped with two push arms (20) fitted to oscillate from initial positions to final positions and normally maintained in initial positions by means of a weight unit (2); a support element (32) for the user's forearm fitted to each push arm (20) to oscillate with respect to the push arm (20) at least during part of the movement of the push arm (20) from initial to final positions.

Abstract: An exercise vest includes a plurality of weight receiving vest pockets, all disposed on the outer surface of the vest at locations spaced from the wearer's spine, shoulders and upper torso. Weight receiving modules are disposed in respective vest pockets and include individual pouches for receiving the weights. The module and vest each include at least one foam padding layer to provide at least two layers of such padding between the weights and the body of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device comprising a flexor and a board. The present invention is also an exercise device comprising a flexor and an insert. The flexor has two arms, each of which has an end. The corresponding ends, one from each arm, are apart and the two arms are resistant to forces that tend to bring the corresponding flexible ends closer to each other. The board can be attached to one of the arms of the flexor. In another embodiment, the board can be attached to one of the arms of the flexor at different positions to provide different levels of resistance. The insert can stay between the two arms of the flexor and provide additional resistance to forces that tend to bring the corresponding ends of the two arms closer to each other.

Abstract: An adjustable, body circumfusion barbell with off-centerline moment and rotating grip is provided for facilitating correct anatomical relationships and positioning while weight training. The apparatus serves not only to allow one to derive maximum benefits when training, but also serves to avert injury. The adjustable, body circumfusion barbell with off-centerline moment and rotating grip includes a barbell defining a first countermoment end, an intermediate moment segment, and a second countermoment end. The first and second countermoment end each have weight supporting means and rotating, knurled hand grips. The intermediate moment segment includes an elongated, laterally adjustable trave perpendicularly mounted in an offset manner between a pair of extension members. The intermediate moment segment provides a window for accommodating users of various torso sizes.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device (10) includes a first (11) and second (12) fluid impermeable, opposed sheets that are sealed along an outline seal (31) to define a selectively inflatable chamber (13, 16, 19) therebetween. A first (33) and second (36) strap are each connected to one of the first (11) and second (12) sheets. A plurality of hand holds (37, 40, 43, 55, 58, 60) are formed along the first and second straps (33, 36) at predetermined varying distances from the chamber (13, 16, 19). To use this device (10), the chamber (13, 16, 19) is placed under the user's head in contact with the neck and upper back and supporting the same. One of the user's hands holds on the first strap. The first strap (33) and second strap (36) are pulled sufficiently to support the user's head, neck and upper back.

Abstract: An exercise device includes forced pronation or supination movement of the hands and arms in conjunction with the standard range of motion for a specified exercise. The device comprises a conventional frame and a centrally mounted seat. Pivotally attached to the frame is a sub-frame including a pair of levers that pivot in tandem about a first horizontal axis of rotation A1 and movably attached to the distal end of each lever is a double “L” shaped handle that includes a grip that pivots about a second axis of rotation A2. A2 is substantially perpendicular to A1 and the second leg of the double “L” shaped handle is movably attached with a ball and socket connection to a first end of a linkage rod. The second end of the linkage rod is movably attached with a second ball and socket connection to the frame.

Abstract: A grip structure is designed for use in an exercise device and is formed of a main body, a grip rod, and two slide blocks disposed at two ends of the grip rod. The main body is of a ring-shaped construction and is provided with a groove. The main body is fastened with a predetermined portion of the operation rod of the exercise device. The slide blocks are slidably received in the groove of the main body. The grip rod can be adjusted 360 degrees in relation to the main body, thereby enabling a change in direction in which the grip rod is held fast by an exerciser.

Abstract: A squat exercising hook harness comprising a pair of generally parallel aligned bars interconnected and spaced by a joining member to accommodate the neck of a person therebetween. The aligned bars each include bends therein that define a base section and a chest section. The chest sections are spaced by the base sections from the joining member. The base sections define a base plane and the chest sections form an obtuse angle in combination with the base sections. Each free end of the chest sections has an upturned portion at the end. A T-member has a leg and a cross bar connected to a first end of the leg. A second end of the leg is connected to a midpoint of the joining member so that the T-member extends from the joining member in an inverted fashion and defines an angle between the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with the base plane.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for effectively isolating the shoulder joints and surrounding musculature to provide a strength and conditioning effect while maintaining flexibility about the joint. More specifically, the instantly disclosed apparatus is a butterfly exercise device useful for isolating the pectoral and deltoid muscle groups while rotating the shoulder joint and forearm areas of the user. In its most basic form the device includes first and second members which are constructed and arranged to accept the user's forearm and hand. These members are hingedly engaged and are maintained in a first position by variable resistance means. A force, exerted by the user's forearms in opposition to the variable resistance means, moves the first and second members to a second position, followed by completion of the repetition by returning to the initial position.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a triceps exercise machine which minimizes the torque on a user's shoulders throughout the range of motion. The exercise machine applies a pulling force to the user's arms, the magnitude and direct of which remains substantially constant, such that as the users' hands rotate about the user's elbow the effective toque on the user's elbows and shoulders remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A muscle group isolation device for weightlifters, worn when performing weightlifting exercises primarily for the triceps and biceps to assist the weightlifter in maintaining proper arm position while exercising. The muscle group isolation device includes an elongated flexible strap with a fastening means to adjustably connect the two ends of the strap together and form a continuous loop.

Abstract: An exercise machine provides self spotting for free weights while providing full range motion for the available articulation associated with the free weight. A basic framework provides structure on which a self-spotting mechanism can be slidably attached. Rearwardly-extending arm or arms coupled with articulating engagement of a free weight holder allows the free weights to enjoy a wide range of motion. A horizontal stop provides a rest, abutment, or stop upon which the free weight holders may rest in order to perform self-spotting for the weightlifter. In alternative embodiments of the free weight holders, rearwardly-extending members may either be rigidly affixed to a free weight engager or telescope within the free weight engager itself. In an alternative embodiment of the self-spotting system of the present invention, rear opposing arms may form part of the articulating member allowing forward and backward lateral travel of the free weights.

Abstract: A self-spotting system for free weights enables the constructive use of such free weights without the need for a spotter. Using a free weight holder sliding along a rail, an adjacent free weight support provides and determines the lowermost travel of the associated free weight. In alternative embodiments, a parallelogram design for the free weight holder is set forth as well as a handle system which may optionally incorporate free weights and allow the use of the self-spotting system for single weights in conjunction with weights coupled to the handle system by a line or cable. Additionally, weight bar restraining and locking systems are set forth which provide secure means by which weightlifting bars can be secured into place, lowering the risk of slippage, dropping and the associated injury and damage that may occur when weights slip or fall.

Abstract: Cable-and-pulley devices having intermediate tension isolators for exercise machines. In one embodiment, a cable-and-pulley device includes a cable attached to a load and to a user interface, and operatively engaged with a main pulley positioned over the load, a floating pulley, and an end pulley proximate the user interface. A second user interface is attached to the floating pulley. A tension isolator is positioned on the cable at an intermediate position between the end pulley and the floating pulley so that a training force applied on a second user interface draws the tension isolator into contact with the an isolator stop. In one embodiment, the isolator stop is an intermediate pulley. Alternately, the isolator stop is a catch projecting from a frame of the exercise machine. The tension isolator effectively divides the cable into a tensioned portion and an isolated portion, thereby reducing the amount of cable that is stretched during use of the second user interface.

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: An anterior loading apparatus and a method for strengthening a user's torso inner spine and muscles thereof, and training the user to hold a correct upright posture providing awareness of the proper spinal alignment comprises a frame assembly including a base member, a pair of vertical frame members, a vertical torso support means, both affixed to and extending upwardly from the base member, and a loading beam with one end pivotally mounted at the upper section of the pair of vertical frame members and the other end extending beyond and above the top end of the vertical torso support means which is spaced apart from and aligned with a mid-plane of the pair of vertical frame members. The projecting portion of the loading beam terminates in a liftable straight-edged free end having a pad mounted thereon. At least one weight is mounted to the mid-section of the loading beam to apply a vertical load thereto.

Abstract: A stabilizer-isolator device for a weightlifting bar, in which the stabilizer-isolator device is capable of stabilizing and isolating exercised muscles with less stress on the tendons. The stabilizer-isolator device generally includes a pair of brace bars having corresponding first and second ends, an annular-shaped collar interconnecting the second ends of the brace bars, and at least one isolator bar substantially transverse to the brace bars and interconnecting the brace bars so as to be spaced apart from the first and second ends of the brace bars. The first ends of the brace bars are adapted to be permanently or removable attached to the weightlifting bar. The collar is disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the brace bars and defines an opening therein. The at least one isolator bar may comprise a single member with a flat surface, or at least two parallel members spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A golf development and training device has first and second rods detachably connected at first and second connection points. Both rods contain multiple apertures for the receipt of one hooked end of a stretchable or elastic tube. The rods define a space between them when they are connected. A grip slidably engages the first rod and audibly clicks as it slides against the second rod when certain critical aspects of the training motion are correctly performed. At least one elastic tube is connected between the rod assembly and an attachment device which is secured to a stationary object that provides resistance and support. The attachment device includes vertical and horizontal rows of attachment apertures that receive the other end of the elastic tube. Multiple elastic tubes may be used, the number of which is dictated by the level of resistance desired during any particular exercise or training movement.

Abstract: A training method for athletes that separates running into vertical and horizontal components. The athlete is positioned on a horizontal component training device in an upright position. The athlete contacts the horizontal component training device at a leg pad, a mid-torso location, and an upper torso location. The athlete sequentially trains for acceleration at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports specific motion. The athlete also sequentially trains the stretch-shortening cycle of at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports specific motion to train the stretch shortening component of hip flexion and hip extension. Training for acceleration is preferably against hydraulic resistance and training the stretch shortening cycle is preferably against isotonic resistance.

Abstract: The invention performing abdominal exercises includes a rigid shell having a rear portion and a sidewall rigidly attached to the rear portion and extending forward from the rear portion to define an inner chamber. The sidewall forms a rim defining an opening adapted for sealably attaching to the abdominal portion of the body. A vacuum mechanism in fluid communication with the chamber creates suction within the shell such that to contract the abdominal muscles the applied suction must be counteracted by the abdominal muscles. Contracting the muscles against the suction produced by the vacuum exercises the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A chest exerciser includes a hollow seat with top and bottom walls, and left and right side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls. Each of the side walls has a horizontally extending slide groove which has front and rear groove ends proximate to front and rear ends of the hollow seat, respectively. Each of a pair of lever members includes an inner shaft which has a pivot end extending through the slide groove in a respective side wall and pivoted to the hollow seat about a vertical pivot axis, an outer tube sleeved on the inner shaft and having an abutment end abutting against an outer wall surface of the respective side wall, and a resistance unit for providing resistance to relative axial movement between the inner shaft and the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device comprising a flexor and a board. The present invention is also an exercise device comprising a flexor and an insert. The flexor has two arms, each of which has an end. The corresponding ends, one from each arm, are apart and the two arms are resistant to forces that tend to bring the corresponding flexible ends closer to each other. The board can be attached to one of the arms of the flexor. In another embodiment, the board can be attached to one of the arms of the flexor at different positions to provide different levels of resistance. The insert can stay between the two arms of the flexor and provide additional resistance to forces that tend to bring the corresponding ends of the two arms closer to each other.

Abstract: An upper body exerciser assembly is comprised of a rigid circular tubular frame, a pair of planar handgrip mounts rigidly joined to the frame in diametrically-opposed relation, and a pair of ball bearing-supported handgrips carried by the planar handgrip mounts and fully rotatable relative thereto.

Abstract: An occupational-therapy/physical-therapy apparatus is disclosed and includes at least one pivotal or rotatable resistance against which the body part being exercised is located. A resistance bar is biased to act against the body part, which bias is adjustable. Operatively associated with the resistance bar is at least one stabilization bar that is used to support a part of the body in close proximity to the body part engaged against the resistance bar, in order to provide the most optimal support to the body part being exercised. Each of the resistance bar and the stabilization bar has a multitude of degrees of freedom of motion, which in the preferred embodiment total six degrees of freedom, so that numerous types of exercises may be performed on numerous different body parts, and so that the most optimal orientation of the body part may be achieved, where both horizontal, vertical and angular orientations of the body parts may be accomplished while the body part is being exercised.

Abstract: A portable and personal exercising device that may be stored and transported as a kit of intermatable components, then readily assembled and removably secured to a hinged door of a structure. The kit essentially comprises three telescopically engaging cylindrical members, where a pair of the members mount pulleys, a sliding weight member for vertical movement along the mated cylindrical members, and a cable in cooperation with the pulleys sliding weight member to effect such vertical movement by the person seeking exercise.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pad assembly for an exercise machine includes a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface. A backing structure is attached to the layer of compressible padding and has a backing surface proximate the second surface. The backing surface is shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding when a compression force is applied to the first surface during an exercise. The approximately uniform-thickness portion may be coextensive with the portion of the user's body.

Abstract: An exercise device is described. In an implementation, the exercise device includes a frame, a cranking assembly mounted to the frame and an extended user fixture. A user utilizes the extended user fixture to perform exercises.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a device for therapy and for exercising joints, muscles and the sensitivity for strengthening joints, in particular for strengthening the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint. The exercising device is secured on a parallel surface (8) by means of two parallel rails (12, 12′). The special advantage of the exercising device (1) has to be seen in that the swivel arm (2) as defined by the invention can be brought into any individual spatial position, so that optimal adaptation to the conditions required for the respective ailing part of the body is assured, and that additionally a tractive and compressive load can continuously and/or alternately act upon the joints.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device providing uniform resistance under water when moved in any direction while concurrently preventing erratic movements which can damage the wrist of the individual using it. The unique design featuring a plurality of orifices in spherical surface minimizes splashing and stirring the water around the user. The device is composed of two or more quadrants having a three sided spherical surface that is ringed by vertical ribs which effectively centralize the forces when moved laterally and work in unison when moved either forward or backward along the central axis. Each quadrant has a plurality of orifices that meter the water passing through the device which can be changed in size to yield an exerciser with more or less resistance. Optional attachable flanges provide for lessening or increasing resistance depending on the diameter of the flange legs and their overhang over the ribs.

Abstract: A device for exercising abdominal muscles comprising a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface adapted for omni-directional motion, a pair of generally longitudinal limb supporting areas positioned on said upper surface, a pair of lateral hand grips each of said pair extending from the upper surface of the platform and disposed in opposed relation laterally and outwardly from one of said limb supporting areas, and a front hand grip extending from the upper surface of the platform and disposed generally forward of the limb supporting areas. Methods for using this device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A triceps exercise device having a rigid bar and flexible extensions coupled to ends of the rigid bar. The device permits a user to perform a triceps pushdown/pressdown type of exercise and to variably exercise any of the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle, depending on the direction in which the flexible extensions are moved as they are pushed downward.

Abstract: Convergent exercise machines and a method using resistance for exercising the upper torso and arm muscles, for complete natural joint articulation of shoulders, elbows and wrists. The circular exercise motion path is machine-determined and defined by a pair of exercise arms, each arm rotating about an arm pivot axle and having a handle assembly with a wrist joint accommodating pivot. The diameter of the circular exercise motion path is adjusted for the user's arm length. The method includes the following steps: defining the position of the arm pivot axle so that the machine-determined circular exercise motion path is coincident with the movement of the wrist joint accommodating pivot from start to finish of an exercise, and defining the position of the arm pivot axle to be located in a plane parallel to the plane positioned through the user's shoulder joints and at a lateral displacement from it, and at a location further into the exercise stroke than the parallel plane.

Abstract: Convergent exercise machines and a method using resistance for exercising the upper torso and arm muscles, for complete natural joint articulation of shoulders, elbows and wrists. The circular exercise motion path is machine-determined and defined by a pair of exercise arms, each arm rotating about an arm pivot axle and having a handle assembly with a wrist joint accommodating pivot. The diameter of the circular exercise motion path is adjusted for the user's arm length. The method includes the following steps: defining the position of the arm pivot axle so that the machine-determined circular exercise motion path is coincident with the movement of the wrist joint accommodating pivot from start to finish of an exercise, and defining the position of the arm pivot axle to be located in a plane parallel to the plane positioned through the user's shoulder joints and at a lateral displacement from it, and at a location further into the exercise stroke than the parallel plane.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for maintaining a resilient exercise component such as an exercise ball in a position elevated above the floor or support surface. In a preferred embodiment, the body of the apparatus may be a frame or may be a molded structure or may be an inflatable structure having a seat area which receives and supports the ball. The support may be provided with rungs which provide gripping locations to assist the user while exercising. The body or frame is configured to allow the user to assume an exercise position closely adjacent the seat which supports the exercise component. A wide range of stretching, conditioning, and therapeutic exercises may be performed using the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention can be profitably employed in the fields of medicine and sports in the machines used to strengthen the muscles of the knee and in knee tutors. In its simplest version, the articulated joint is formed by two plates (1, 2) which can move freely on one another; alternatively, one plate (1) or the other (2) can be fastened to a fixed structure by means of a fastener. One of the plates features two openings (2.2, 2.3), where the first (2.2) is located at the center of a plate and is shaped like a rectangle. The second opening (2.3) has a specific shape: at first it is a circumference whose radius is equal to “I”; subsequently, it is a spiral which returns towards the center of the plate (2). The other plate features two pins (1.2 and 1.3), located at a distance “I”; the first pin (1.2) is located in the central position and is inserted into opening the (2.2); the second pin (1.3) is in a peripheral position and is located in the second opening (2.3).

Abstract: The present invention is a unique stretching and strengthening apparatus comprised of several interchangeable parts allowing for the stretching and strengthening of both the upper and lower torso with one simple device with a few interchangeable parts. The invention also utilizes a common door and frame in its preferred embodiment again allowing for simplicity and generality of use. The device has an adjustable velcro strap for ease of attachment to either the ankle, wrist or foot of the user and a configurable handles to accommodate double or single handed use. The device is anchored to a common door and frame combination by use of a rod and cloth strap. The rod being fixedly and removably placed behind the closed door. A variety of upper and lower torso stretching exercises can be engaged in simply wrapping the strap around the users ankle, wrist or foot and guiding/stretching the body portion with a free hand or hands which is attached to the strap via a rope.

Abstract: A weight device for maintaining the arm in a proper position for maximizing pectoral muscle exercising. The device includes an arm-capturing bracket, a hand-engaging handle, and a weight-engaging shaft. The arm-capturing bracket includes an upper arm-capturing bracket, and a lower arm-capturing bracket that extends perpendicularly from the upper arm-capturing bracket. The upper and lower arm-capturing brackets are U-shaped plates and meet each other at an elbow-engaging sleeve. The hand-engaging handle includes an arm that extends vertically upwardly from the lower arm-engaging bracket. The weight-engaging shaft extends through and past the elbow-engaging sleeve and receives a weight. In an alternate embodiment, the arm-capturing bracket is adjustable for different sized arms.

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 support bar is disclosed having two hand grips rotatably connected to opposing sides of a means for removably securing a dumbbell, wherein the dumbbell rotates freely between the two hand grips. By allowing the dumbbell to rotate, the dumbbell maintains a natural position, i.e., a vertical position, during an exercise session. The preferred means for removably securing a dumbbell is a support block having a channel passing from the top side of the support block to the bottom side and having an opening through a front side of the support block. A T-shaped channel door is pivotally connected to the support block as a means for removably locking the channel. The channel door pivots between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An exercise device that connects multiple vectors of resistance to a common unit whereby manipulation of a user will result in resistance to movement. The device has individual connectable parts and when combined will provide numerous opportunities for rehabilitation, testing, and health/fitness exercise. The device comprises a handle (20) used for gripping, that has on its ends a smaller elongated smooth shaft (24) which on one end has a threaded surface (26) and on the other a bulk head (22) for which a plate (52) is positioned against. Between the plate and the smooth shaft, a washer (40) is placed to reduce friction between plate and handle. The plate is secured on the smooth shaft by screwing a socket head nut (70) onto the threaded portion of the shaft. After the shaft is placed through a washer (66) it is placed adjacent to the plate and combined with a second washer (68) placed adjacent to the previous.

Abstract: A stabilizer-isolator device for a weightlifting bar, in which the stabilizer-isolator device is capable of stabilizing and isolating exercised muscles with less stress on the tendons. The stabilizer-isolator device generally includes a pair of brace bars having corresponding first and second ends, an annular-shaped collar interconnecting the second ends of the brace bars, and at least one isolator bar substantially transverse to the brace bars and interconnecting the brace bars so as to be spaced apart from the first and second ends of the brace bars. The first ends of the brace bars are adapted to be permanently or removable attached to the weightlifting bar. The collar is disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the brace bars and defines an opening therein. The at least one isolator bar may comprise a single member with a flat surface, or at least two parallel members spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An exercise device for supporting the head, neck, and upper back of a user performing abdominal exercises, the exercise device being provided with a head, neck, and upper back pad (10) having a strap handle assembly (34), and hand loops (78, 81).

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device (10) includes a first (11) and second (12) fluid impermeable, opposed sheets that are sealed along an outline seal (31) to define a selectively inflatable chamber (13, 16, 19) therebetween. A first (33) and second (36) strap are each connected to one of the first (11) and second (12) sheets. A plurality of hand holds (37, 40, 43, 55, 58, 60) are formed along the first and second straps (33, 36) at predetermined varying distances from the chamber (13, 16, 19). To use this device (10), the chamber (13, 16, 19) is placed under the user's head in contact with the neck and upper back and supporting the same. One of the user's hands holds on the first strap. The first strap (33) and second strap (36) are pulled sufficiently to support the user's head, neck and upper back.