Abstract: A device for assisting in the active and pushing stages of childbirth. The childbirthing device consist of a first loop that can be used to provide resistance for pulling. The first loop is then connected by means of a length of rope to a braided handhold two wrist loops attached thereto. A pregnant person can then insert her hands through the wrist loops and grasp the braided handhold. She can then pull against tension that is applied to the other end of the rope. The pulling action while pushing redirects where the pushing takes place in the pregnant persons body and increases the effectiveness of her “pushing”. This decreases the time necessary for the fetus to descend through the birth canal. The wrist loops provide support to the person who might be holding the first loop, on the opposite end of the rope. In case the pregnant person suddenly releases the braided gripping knot the support person won't descend to the ground or fall backwards.

Abstract: A transformable exercise system includes a horizontal surface supported at opposite ends by legs, and defining a space below the horizontal surface and between the legs. The horizontal surface can be at a height suitable for use as a furniture item and as an exercise bench. A storage drawer can be positioned in the space between the legs. The storage drawer can be dimensioned to closely fit within the space and has a removable cover that is configured to also serve as an aerobic step.

Abstract: An exercise board sized to the patient's abdominal area provides for maximum lateral range extension of the shoulder rotator and limb musculoskeletal system. A ferrous loaded exercise disk on top of a flat surface sheet is magnetically coupled to permanent magnets housed below in a laterally free space to establish a magnetically induced lateral frictional resistance against the patient's lateral force on the disk anywhere on the plane of the surface sheet. An incline exercise apparatus is formed by combining the board with an incline stand and a rope, pulley and pull ring, allowing a patient's good limb to assist in rehabilitating the acutely impaired limb, as from stroke, shoulder rotator damage, or surgery. Circuitous indicia paths, some with obstacles for the disk, provide a method for the determination the patient's range performance and energy expended.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise chair includes two or more spinal blocks flexibly engaged together along with one or more resistance elements to provide resistance and support for a user's back as the user bends forward, backward, to the side and twists to perform exercise. One or more handles at the top of the spinal support column enable a user to engage their hands to pull and twist while keeping their spine adjacent to the spinal support.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser in which the body floats with respect to the exerciser frame, which leads to isolating the abdominal muscles. The exerciser includes a seat; a frame adapted to support said seat in a position that is raised off a floor; a seat pivot connecting said seat and frame, said pivot located under said seat; an upper body arm adapted to engage the upper body of a user; an upper body arm pivot connecting said seat and said upper body arm; and a lower body arm attached to said seat.

Abstract: As annular fitness ball has an annular body and an annular air-filled space that is placed inside the annular body. The annular body has an annular surface and a central hole is designed on the external side of the annular body. The cross-sectional diameter of the annular air-filled space must be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the central hole. Protruding ears extend outwardly from opposite sides of the annular body. Pull strings extend through holes formed in the producing ears.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sit-up exercise machine that can be used in sitting posture and functions to exercise several parts of belly, which comprises a sit-up chair and an underlay pivotally connected to the front of the sit-up chair. The chair consists of a back-support, a holding rod, and an adjustable axle seat. The adjustable axle seat is disposed on both sides of the chair, pivotally connects the back-support and the holding rod front and rear by pivot connection element on the top surface of the seat and adjusts the angle between the back-support and the holding rod in the range of several sections. Therefore, it can realize body-building and exercise of different parts of belly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an abdominal and torso strengthening apparatus comprising a frame, cross segments and supporting elements. The frame comprises an arc member and a linear member, wherein the linear member couples to the arc member. The cross segments are rods that extend from the linear member to the arc member and can include a fitting that is configured to receive a weight. The supporting elements are coupled to the frame in a position to allow the strengthening apparatus to rest on the shoulders of the user during use.

Abstract: The present invention describes a specialized exercise apparatus and method for use that targets the muscles in and around the abdominal, oblique muscles and mid section of the body. The machine is comprised of a flat platform upon which an individual stands while grasping a pair of handlebars that are positioned at waist height. The handle bars are attached to the top of a vertical riser that extends downwardly and is attached to a pair of horizontal rotating pivot arms. The pivot arms are attached to the center of a rotating power pulley horizontally suspended by bearings below the forward area of said platform. The power pulley is connected by a belt to a resistance mechanism, such as a flywheel or turbine fan, again suspended by bearings, below the rear portion of said platform. In the flywheel adaptation of this invention, additional resistance is provided by an adjustable magnet that is controlled by a lever mounted to the side of the vertical riser.

Abstract: Exercise devices having a frame, and upper and lower force receiving members movably mounted on the frame and constrained to move in opposite directions. A resistance device is preferably interconnected between the frame and at least one of the force receiving members to resist movement of the members toward one another and/or to bias the members away from one another. The lower member is configured to support a person's feet, and the upper member is configured to support a person's hands and/or to engage a person's chest. The device facilitates a combination crunch and leg lift exercise that involves both a person's upper abdominal muscles and a person's lower abdominal muscles. The upper member may be resiliently supported in a manner that facilitates exercise of a person's oblique muscles, as well.

Abstract: A method of exercising in which selected muscle tissue contacts against externally applied pressure. A user places an object, or member, in contact with a body part, and applies pressure to the member, which is transmitted through the body-contacting surface of the member to the underlying muscle tissue. The pressure provides resistance to muscle expansion as occurs during a muscle contraction. A plurality of body-contacting surfaces is provided, each having different dimensions, which will allow a user to alter the pattern in which pressure is transmitted to the underlying tissue. This will allow a user to select an appropriate body-contacting surface to develop specific portions of muscle, rather than muscles as a whole. Pressure can be applied to the member in various ways, such as by manual force or with the use of a strap that is wrapped around the member and the body part being exercised.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening muscles used in horseback riding includes a handle and a base having opposed surfaces. An elongated arm has a joint between a first and a second section. The first section is affixed to the handle at an outer end, and the second section is affixed to the base at an outer end. The joint permits angular movement between the first and the second section in a plane generally parallel to planes defined by the base surfaces. The first and the second section are bendable between a first and a more-acute second angle. In use, a user lies substantially prone and grasps the handle, places one heel against each of the base surfaces, and draws the base toward his/her trunk using heel pressure, thereby bending the arm from the first angle to the second angle.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention involves a method of using a collapsible exercise device including providing a collapsible exercise device; positioning a first end of an adjustable incline at a desired height with respect to a vertical support member so that the adjustable incline is at a desired inclination; moving first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired position; moving first and second pulleys connected to the first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired location; and moving a support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement through the first and second pulleys on the combination pulley-support and pull-up bars.

Abstract: Weight equipment for doing crunches, situps, and back extensions. A specially devised weight plate fits the upper chest and front shoulders, and has two handles placed at each hand's natural path (without necessitating the twisting of the wrists as they are moved to the upper part of chest. The equipment is intended to come in a collection of different weights in a weight rack that can be used at community gyms and fitness centers.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a load controller and waist strengthening and rehabilitating apparatus using the same. In the apparatus, a support unit is constructed by assembling all or some of a footrest, a backrest, a pedestal, a handle and related frames. The waist exercises are conducted utilizing a backrest frame operated in conjunction with a load controller with the lower part of his body being fixed to the support unit. The apparatus further comprises lower body holding means mounted on said support unit, said lower body holding means being comprised of a front thigh holder for tightly holding the front portion of the thigh and a rear thigh holder for tightly holding the rear portion of the thigh.

Abstract: An exercise machine has resilient elongate members for providing balanced resistance in the form of elongate resilient members oriented horizontally such that the intermediate portion of the elongate members contact a fulcrum of the exercise machine. The user adjusts the amount of resistance provided by capturing different combinations and numbers of resilient elongate members. A cable and pulley system ensures a long stroke so that the use can perform a wide variety of exercises in comfortable positions.

Abstract: A weight stack exercise unit particularly for working on one's waist, abdomen and legs comprised of a frame that can be folded up for storage or shipment and expanded holding onto ground to support the unit; a handlebar each being provided on both sides and a lever laterally provided in the center of the frame; the lever pivoted to a rotary turntable; a circular track formed on the turntable to engage with a pulley beneath the seat; a lateral bar extending from front of the seat; a foot support each provided to the utmost front of the lateral bar; two weighted sections on both sides of the handlebar; the user sitting or lying on the seat to hold the handlebar with feet in both foot supports applying force to cause the lateral bar and the seat to swivel up and down, or to swivel laterally by releasing the seat for it to slide along a circular track on turntable and by changing loads of the weights depending on the individual user and the length of the training session.

Abstract: A twister and sit-up combination exerciser has a base, two V-shaped levers each having a front end with a grip and a read end, a supporting frame adjustably attached to the rear ends of the levers, and at least one twister rotatably mounted on the base. The two V-shaped levers are pivotally attached to the base to provide a sit-up auxiliary structure. By combining the twister with the sit-up auxiliary structure, the exerciser has at least two functions. Moreover, the base further has a base twister rotatably attached under the base to make the exerciser have more versatility in use.

Abstract: The abdominal exerciser of the present invention is an exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser includes a sled that is supported by and slides or rolls along at least one track. The upper body support is ergonomically positioned higher than the sled, and fixed to a cross bar supported by the track. The cross bar is designed to rotate forward to simulate an abdominal exercise “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of the upper body support.

Abstract: A portable exercise system for providing convenient weight training and exercise equipment. The portable exercise system includes a main housing assembly having at least one bladder member designed for being filled with water to provide weight; and a coupling assembly operationally coupled to the main housing assembly, the coupling assembly being designed for selectively securing the main housing assembly to a torso of a user.

Abstract: An exercise device for cushioning and supporting a user while exercising and developing arm, leg, back, and abdominal muscles and reducing fat around the stomach and abdominal area. The exercise device has a pair of equally sized rectangular mats including an upper and a lower mat having a hinge connection for folding in half. Said mats have a top surface, a bottom surface, and side edges. The upper mat has two internally positioned flexible shafts, two adjustable straps extend upwardly from the upper mat, and an outwardly extending head support panel. The lower mat has two internally positioned, non-flexible shafts, two adjustable feet straps, and two grasping straps.

Abstract: Abdominal exercisers allow a user to perform sit-ups without straining their back. A set of adjustable handles allow the user to use his or her arms and upper body to assist the upward motion of the torso if necessary, thereby reducing back strain. A head and neck cushion and seat cushion support the user, and footrests hold the user's feet in place. Nonskid pads are attached to the bottom of the abdominal exerciser to prevent it from slipping during use. The abdominal exerciser folds in half for ease of transport and storage.

Abstract: An isometric/pacing exercise device that is adaptable to exercise apparatuses to produce a signal to the user to exert an isometric muscular force against the force provided by the exercise apparatus. The signal can be either aural or visual. The isometric/pacing exercise device provides a convenient means for a user to isometrically exercise their muscles on existing exercise apparatuses which do not presently have such a signaling device. The device is adaptable to most exercise apparatuses.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser which is characterized in that the moveable mechanism has a main shaft end portion mounted with a leg-hooking module and the top face of the end of the main shaft is a seat pad, and the two lateral walls of the main shaft corresponding to the middle section of the seat pad is extended with a hollow inner clutching member. The end face of the hollow clutching member corresponding to one lateral side of the leg-hooking module is extended with an extended engaging block. The interior of the inner clutching member is provided with a rod for pivotal mounting. The top portion of the two ends of the first supporting frame is formed into a first clutching member which corresponds to the rod. A twisting module is also formed in the abdominal exerciser to permit both rocking seesaw motion and twisting motion.

Abstract: A folding collapsible exercising machine includes a base frame that can rock on the floor and is provided with a seat pad, two damping spring members adjustably mounted in the base frame for adjusting damping resistance to the base frame during operation of the exercising machine to rock the base frame on the floor, a T-shaped leg extension bar pivoted to the base frame and locked in the operative position with a detachable lock screw, and a collapsible handlebar provided at the top side of the T-shaped leg extension bar.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an exercise device where there is a central panel to retain the user's head and neck, and a pair of handles, the handles being attached to the central panel by an upper and lower strut, the overall strut shape being C-shaped, so that the handles may be threadedly retained thereon and adjusted in a rotatable and tiltable fashion, to maintain the head and neck in an immovable condition during abdominal exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use in performing abdominal exercises. The apparatus includes a back support member having a first side for supporting a back of a user and a headrest having a first side for resting a head of a user thereagainst. A device for supporting a neck and head of the user is positioned between the back support member and the headrest. When a user performs an abdominal exercise, the supporting device supports the headrest thereby preventing neck and cervical strain.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise machine having a floor supported bench and a mast pivotally connected to an end of the bench by a universal joint connection. A pair of double acting hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected between the end of the bench and the mast. The connection of the cylinders to the bench is a universal joint connection. A footrest assembly is connected to the mast. A recumbent exerciser can not only exercise the main and lower abdominal muscles by pushing and pulling the mast against the resistance of the hydraulic cylinders in a back and forth direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bench, but also the side or oblique muscles by simultaneously pivoting the mast back and forth in a transverse direction. The machine also allows a combination of the above motions including a circular type motion in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: A portable exercise device is disclosed for use in abdominal strengthening and toning in conjunction with a supporting component. The supporting structure can be a bed frame and the supporting component is usually the bed frame's transverse bar. The portable exercise device can be operated while lying on the bed, and includes bonded members: a first end, a body, and a second end. The first end is designed to hook to the support structure. The second end is designed to be place on a floor and is linked by two bar members that hook the user's feet in place. The body is a bar built between the first and second ends to secure the device.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise machine includes a bench assembly having a frame and a user support supported by the frame and configured for having a user lie thereupon, a weight assembly adjacent the bench assembly and having a weight carriage movably positionable thereon, a bar for engaging the legs of the user adjacent thigh and shin areas of the legs; and a cable passing through a plurality of pulleys and having a first end connected to the weight assembly and operably associated with the weight carriage for urging the weight carriage in a desired direction and a second end connectable to the bar.

Abstract: An isometric/pacing exercise device that is adaptable to exercise apparatuses to produce a signal to the user to exert an isometric muscular force against the force provided by the exercise apparatus. The signal can be either aural or visual. The isometric/pacing exercise device provides a convenient means for a user to isometrically exercise their muscles on existing exercise apparatuses which do not presently have such a signaling device. The device is adaptable to most exercise apparatuses.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13–16) include a base support (41F, 41G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: The device is designed to enable the user to perform both abdominal strengthening and back muscle strengthening exercises on the top surface of a conventional bed. A conventional bed is defined as one with a semi-rigid mattress and a rigid frame. The device attaches and detaches to the said bed easily and provides the means to strengthen both the flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk with the added advantages of convenience and low cost. The device is a departure from the previous art as detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,289 Spinosa, May 10, 2005, in that it provides increased stability for both the bed and the user in the performance of said exercises.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that will exercise at least five groups of muscles is disclosed. The exercise apparatus exercises the abdominal muscles, the serratus muscles, the intercostals muscles and the leg muscles. The apparatus uses a seated position for the person exercising and the exerciser is seated on a swing. When the exerciser contracts his or her abdominal muscles while lifting the legs, the swing rotates such that the exerciser's feet rotate upward. When the exerciser releases tension on the abdominal muscles, the apparatus goes back to its original position. When the exerciser bends forward, the above four groups of muscles are exercised.

Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a first side of a first material and a second side of a second material different from the first material. A sidewall connects the first and second sides, and a seam extends around the sidewall joining first and second portions of the sidewall. The first and second portions are secured to one another by thermoforming, and an inflation valve is positioned in the sidewall. The inflatable structure may be formed by heating the first and second sheets of material to a temperature above their glass transition temperature and below their melting point, compressing the first and second sheets of material together in a mold having an opposed pair of cavities such that the valve extends through the seal and is in fluid communication with an interior and exterior of the inflatable structure, and trimming excess material from the periphery of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: An exercise method and device for providing resistance to a user in the performance of an abdominal crunch exercise while the user is lying supine. The method includes the placement of resistance in the path of the exercise movement with the upper arms and upper legs simultaneously pressing toward one another against the resistance resulting in flexion of the torso and stress upon the abdominal muscles. The device comprises a resilient and compressible object or pad of material having a first substantially planar surface for placement upon the abdomen of the user, a second surface extending at an obtuse angle to the first surface and sized and shaped to engage the upper thighs of the user while performing said crunch exercise, and a third surface extending at an obtuse angle to the first surface and sized and shaped to contact the arms of the user while performing a crunch exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pressing bar assembly interconnected to a lifting assembly. As the pressing bar assembly is pivoted, the lifting assembly also pivots and angularly raises a seat assembly on which a user is positioned. Resistance bands and the user's own weight provide resistance to movement of the pressing bar assembly. A user may perform a variety of exercises on the inventive apparatus according to the position of the body. A user may perform exercises from an initial sitting position, an initial side-lying position, an initial prone position, or an initial kneeling position.

Abstract: A sit up exercising apparatus has a seat assembly, an actuating bar The seat assembly has front leg, a cushioned seat and a rear leg. The actuating bar is attached pivotally to the seat assembly and provides an elastic force to assist a person using the sit up exercising apparatus and has multiple rollers. The rollers massage a person's back who is using the sit up exercising apparatus. Consequently, a person's backbone is not likely to be injured, and the exercising force can be adjusted to accommodate individual users based on their age or physical condition.

Abstract: An exercise device allowing a user to exercise his abdominal region by lying on his back while extending his arms generally upwards is disclosed. The device has a hand-gripping member positioned generally above the user's head for the user to grip while exercising. The hand-gripping member allows for a wide range of motion which may include side-to-side, front-to-back, diagonal, and/or rotational motion. This enables the user can exercise his abdominal region by moving in a variety of different directions, while keeping his arms extended.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for developing strength and flexibility of the arms, legs, back and abdominals of the user. The exercise apparatus is an adaptation of the exercise ball or Swiss ball. The exercise apparatus includes a large, spherically-shaped, resilient ball, a frame and a pair of connectors, the connectors rotatably connecting the ball to the frame. Various attachments may be placed on the frame to allow the user to grasp the apparatus or lock their feet to prevent unwanted motion. A mechanism can also be included in the connectors allowing the user to selectively adjust the rotation to a desired degree of resistance.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, a foot support mounted on the frame, and a body supporting linkage mounted on the frame. The linkage includes a seat, a lower back support, and an upper back and head support. Also, a handlebar is preferably mounted on the upper back and head support. The linkage is movably mounted on the frame in a manner that comfortably supports a person during both a leg press exercise and an abdominal crunch exercise. A resistance device is interconnected between the linkage and the frame to provide resistance to each type of exercise.

Abstract: A method of exercise and especially for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles using a flexible elongated device to increase resistance. The device is held at its ends by the hands with the arms in an outstretched position while a person sits with legs bent. The person places the device across and near the near the knees and crunches the abdominals against the added resistance of the flexible elongated device.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, and upper and lower force receiving members movably mounted on the frame and constrained to pivot in opposite directions. A resistance device is preferably interconnected between the frame and at least one of the force receiving members to resist movement of the members toward one another and/or to bias the members away from one another. The lower member is configured to support a person's feet, and the upper member is configured to support a person's hands and/or to engage a person's chest. The device facilitates a combination crunch and leg lift exercise that involves both a person's upper abdominal muscles and a person's lower abdominal muscles. The device may be operated in a manner that facilitates exercise of a person's oblique muscles, as well.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device for exercising the stomach while seated includes a first frame portion for abutting against an upper surface of the legs of a person and includes an elongated rear member, an elongated front member and a pair of elongated side members attached together. A second frame portion for abutting against the torso includes a pair of legs and an elongated central member attached together such that the second frame portion generally has a U-shape. Each of a pair of coupling members pivotally couples free ends of the pair of legs to the first frame portion at junctures of the rear member and the pair of side members. A pair of biasing members biases the central portion away from the front member such that the first frame portion lies in a plane orientated perpendicular to a plane of the second frame portion.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser that can be conveniently applied on the abdomen of a user who is laying down flat is provided. By pushing the abdominal exerciser up and down using the abdominal muscles, abdominal muscles become tones and excess fat can be reduced. The abdominal exerciser includes a flexible plate having a plurality of projections on the bottom surface, for pushing the abdomen down by gravity, and a weigh applying means fixed to the top surface of the flexible plate, for applying its weight to the abdomen.

Abstract: An article for allowing a person to exercise the oblique abdominal muscles comprises a rigid member, in accordance with a preferred method of use, is grasped in the hands and held behind the neck. At either end of the rod, an elastic member extends downward with the distal end of each elastic member being held against the floor by the person's foot. As the user swivels the upper body, the elastic members are placed in tension and provide resistance for exercising the oblique abdominal muscles.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening a person's muscles when the person is in contact with an apparatus part for support of the person's buttocks and/or back and/or stomach/chest. One apparatus part, for example, a support board for the person's back and/or buttocks is made having positional instability in connection with a support bearing.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus 10 comprising a plurality of ergonomically contoured body pads (47, 48, 49, 50, 56, 58, 60, 64, 65), a pair of substantially identical frame arms (80) which are each removably coupled to a double cardan joint (100). Particularly, each respective double cardan joint (100) is coupled to a center beam (28) which rotates to a respective side upon a user actuating a respective one of the pair of frame arms (80), thereby affording a user a substantially safe exercise that is conducted in both a compression and a tensile mode of motion.

Abstract: A device to facilitate stretching before engaging in athletic activities, particularly golf, is disclosed. Two inverted U-shaped members are permanently affixed to the ground using mounting plates or any other potential means. One of the U-shaped members runs underneath the other in a transverse direction generally along the center of each member. The top surfaces of the U-shaped members are designed to provide three differing levels of height thereby allowing a variety of stretches to be performed by the user. An informational sign depicting a variety of stretches may be included. One or multiple users may use this device to help facilitate a variety of stretches to improve flexibility.