Abstract: An abdominal exercise device for use by a person sitting in an automobile seat and doing crunches. An automobile seat-engaging member engages either the back or the head rest of the automobile seat. An elastic resistance strap extends through the automobile seat-engaging member and forward thereof to be gripped by the person sitting in the automobile seat so as to add resistance as the person sitting in the automobile seat does the crunches. The elastic resistance strap enters the automobile seat-engaging member from close to one end, and leaving an exposed portion thereof extending out of the automobile seat-engaging member extends through the automobile seat-engaging member, and exits the automobile seat-engaging member from close to the other end thereof and leaving another exposed portion thereof extending out of the automobile seat-engaging member.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise belt which is placed around the abdomen and lower back of a user has one inflatable air chamber for the abdomen and two spaced apart inflatable air chambers for the lumbar region of the back. When worn by the user and inflated, the two inflatable chambers exert pressure upon the upper and lower portions of the lumbar vertebrae. The belt also has elastic portions which enable it to better conform to the body of the user.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising the abdominal muscles, the back muscles, and the arm muscles of a user. The exercise device comprises a rectangular tubular frame having a seat pad. The frame has a right-angled pull bar assembly pivotally affixed thereunto. The pull bar assembly has a neck/head support pad. In use, the user places the frame of the exercise device upon an existing horizontal support structure, and lies down upon the device, with the buttocks of the user supported upon the seat pad, and the upper torso and head of the user supported upon the neck/head support pad. The user grasps a horizontal crossbar of the pull bar assembly within the hands of the user, and pivots the crossbar downward, thereby causing the neck/head support pad to pivot upward, and thereby elevating the back of the user above the horizontal support structure and making it easier for the user to do a number of sit-up type exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine utilizes the inherent capabilities of human muscles to exert greater forces during eccentric functions than during concentric functions. The exercise machine comprises a leverage arm pivotally connected to a frame. A force station is at a first distance from the pivotal connection. During a concentric muscle function, a person lifts first weights on the leverage arm. At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small force to the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection. The small force produces a magnified load at the force station that the person resists during an eccentric muscle function. The leverage arm may be adjustable relative to the floor. The weight of the leverage arm may be counterbalanced. Various embodiments of the exercise machine utilize the same principles of physics for exercising different muscles.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a motion arm with a handle between waist and chest height used by an exerciser in a standing position. Pushing the motion arm and leaning forward in a straight body position stretches the abs. Pulling the motion arm and leaning back to the straight standing position contracts the abs. A base may have a foot platform. The motion arm is connected to a lower or upper motion arm support by a pivot, roller or slider. Stretch cords or weights with lines, such as cables or belts, and pulleys attached to the motion arm assist or resist the movements. A chest support may also be used movably connected to the motion arm. Rollers may be used under a motion arm support.

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 or therapy device to be used in conjunction with an exercise ball having a first region for securely, yet removably, receiving the ball and a second region for positioning a user's body parts thereon for stability while a separate body part is resting on the ball.

Abstract: Exercise system comprised of plurality of modular components enabling numerous types of exercises. Resistive force provided by durable elastomeric tubing that is quickly connectable to and disconnectable from more rigid components. A configuration of the exercise system uses a back pad and a padded plate from which extends a guide rod and spring to present an abdominal exercise option to the user.

Abstract: An exercise device which includes a structure with a lower outwardly extending ground-engaging surface, an upper surface which includes a seat formation for a user positioned so that a user, seated on the seat formation, can place his feet on the ground, and an upwardly extending back-supporting surface.

Abstract: An overhead exercise system for a complete, low impact, upper body workout emphasizes strengthening and toning the abdominal and oblique muscle groups of the human body. The system simulates an Olympic hammer throw by using adjustable resistance, such as adjustable hydraulic pressure. The system can be used in a number of positions including standing and sitting positions. A rotatably mounted arm having a handle grip is moveable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Handle pressure is independently adjustable for clockwise and counterclockwise motion. A seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally to accommodate the user.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a main body, two handles, a support rod, a resting board, a connecting lever, and a rotation body. The main body includes two casings, a slide, and an elastic member. The rotation body includes a pivot ring secured on the connecting lever, a first disk rotatably mounted on the pivot ring, a second disk rotatably mounted on the pivot ring and combined with the first disk so that the pivot ring is located between the first disk and the second disk, and a counterweight mounted between the first disk and the second disk to rotate therewith. Thus, the exercising device is used to exercise a user's arms, waist and abdomen simultaneously.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus assisting one person to do sit-up exercise is provided, which includes a footrest, a harness, a resilient retraction means connected between the footrest and harness, and an anchoring means for anchoring the footrest to a stationary support. In use, a person wears the harness connected with the resilient retraction means which connects to the footrest, and seats on the floor with his feet against the footrest. With the assistance of the apparatus, the exerciser alternates between backward prone and sitting upright positions to do sit-up exercise. Another portable exercise apparatus assisting two persons to do sit-up exercise is also provided, which includes a footrest and a hand-pulling device. In use, each person is seated on opposite sides of the footrest, with their feet against the footrest. Each person grips one handle of the hand-pulling device and alternates between sitting upright and backward prone positions.

Abstract: An abdominal muscle exercise machine having a body support plate having a lower surface, a front end, and a rear end; front and rear slide shafts; first and second tubular quills slidably interconnecting the front and rear slide shafts and the lower surface of the body support plate for alternate forward and rearward sliding motions of the front and rear slide shaft; a front “T” handle; a roller bracket interconnecting the front “T” handle and the front slide shaft for alternate forward and rearward rolling motion of the front “T” handle along the front slide shaft; and a rear “T” handle fixedly attached to the rear slide shaft.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser including a leg rest assembly optionally pivotally connected to a weighted main frame. The leg rest assembly may include a first member and second and third members extending transversely from the first member. One or more pads may be affixed about the first member. The second and third members may terminate in a hinge member such as a female coupler. The main frame may include a plurality of curved members connected at an apex at a first end thereof. Second ends of the members may terminate in a hinge member such as a male coupler. If disconnected, the leg rest assembly and main frame are connected by making the hinge members, e.g., the male and female couplers. A person utilizes the abdominal exerciser by forcing the leg rest assembly downwardly by exerting pressure thereagainst by the person's calves until the person's feet are flat against the floor. The person then exercises by constricting the person's abdominal muscles, while maintaining the person's feet flat against the floor.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise machine is provided which includes a seat, which is pivotally linked to a base frame. At least one link includes a handle that can be actuated by a user sitting on the seat. The user presses the handle away from the seat by flexing the trunk muscles of the user. This curls the user's body into a flexed trunk position. As the handle is actuated forward, the linkage arrangement causes the seat to displace upward. This pushes the center of gravity of the user up, thereby doing work and thereby providing resistance to the movement caused by the exercise. The handle may be adjustable in position relative to the link, thereby varying the load used by the user. Foot supports may also be provided either in front of the seat or behind the seat. The foot supports may be mounted to the frame of the seat frame which supports the seat.

Abstract: An exercise device has a frame a transverse support, a backrest assembly, a sliding stand assembly, a seat, a first elastic band, a second elastic band and two optional elastic cords. The transverse support is mounted on the frame. The backrest assembly is attached pivotally to the transverse support. The sliding stand assembly slides on the transverse support. The seat is mounted on the frame. The first elastic band is mounted between the transverse support and the backrest assembly. The second elastic band is mounted between the frame and the sliding stand assembly. The exercise device can exercise different muscles of the human body without squatting on the floor.

Abstract: A tool for making gentle repetitive movements to the joints between a person's sacrum and ilium which allow for proper pelvic alignment when one or both have become irritated, inflamed, or malaligned, and causes significant pain. Use of the tool generates a lateral and caudal directed force on an affected ilium thereby mobilizing it back into its normal position. The tool also may be used to realign the pubic synthesis.

Abstract: A home exercise device is of greater value when it is capable of multiple functions and can be easily stored when not in use. Lightweight springs are used in place of heavy weight plates to reduce shipping costs and simplify storage. The device also includes a frame that supports a base, providing linear movement of the base relative to the frame. A bar, with spring tension, is coupled to a multi-position lock. This allows the bar to be positioned in a variety of locations relative to the frame and the user, thereby providing a variety of exercises. A head portion is also provided that includes a torsion spring. This spring can be engaged or disengaged from the frame to allow the user to provide spring tension to resist movement of the head portion. The diversity of movable components offers a vast variety of exercises that can be performed on the unit as well as enabling the unit to fold down for storage when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the gluteus maximus comprising a body section curved to support the lower, middle and upper back and neck areas, a cam associated with the underside of the body for permitting the user to rock from a resting to a full extension position, and, a pair of shoulder members extending outward from said body and curved slightly toward the lower part of the body section to retain the shoulders on the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device comprising a semi-rigid member, an upper member and a lower member is disclosed. The upper member and the lower member couple to the semi-rigid member, the upper member and lower member can be securely or detachably attachable to the semi-rigid member while the lower member can have pivoting capabilities. Feedback may be provided in a visual as well as a physical form to allow a user to determine whether the device is properly being used and optimal results are being achieved while performing the exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a bench and board section including a stationary bench having first and second opposite ends, and a board having first and second opposite ends, with the first end of the board pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the stationary bench, each of the bench and board being formed substantially from a single piece which can selectively support a torso of a person and legs of the person, and a resistance device in contact with the single piece board and which applies a resistance to pivotal movement of the board, while permitting the board to swing up and down against a resistance applied by the resistance device.

Abstract: A collapsible exercise device includes a vertical support member, first and second sets of rails pivotally connected to each other, and a strut interconnecting the vertical support member and the rails. A user support platform engages the rails. First and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars are pivotally connected to the first end of the first set of rails for movement between at least a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. First and second pulleys are slidably connected to bars and receive a cable, which is also connected to the user support platform. The exercise device is foldable such that the vertical support member, the rails and the strut are substantially parallel to each other; and the rails are extendable from the vertical support member and are alignable such that the user support platform is rollable along the first and second pulleys.

Abstract: The actuator for the exercise machine is mounted to the seat to pivot about a vertically extending axis to permit the user to rotate her/his upper torso and vary the muscle groups being exercised to enhance the beneficial effects. A rotational connection between a shoulder harness element and the actuator arm facilitates this side crunching motion. A second feature which may be used separately or in conjunction with the rotational actuator, is an actuator arm with both a shoulder socket and an elbow joint that pivot, the elbow joint requires additional force to break over. This dual-pivot actuator arm permits the user to perform abdominal crunches with a predetermined resistance.

Abstract: The device is designed to enable the user to perform both abdominal strengthening and back muscle strengthening exercises on the top 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 described bed easily and provides the means to strengthen both flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk with the dual advantages of maximum convenience and minimum cost. The device is a departure from the previous art in that it enables the user to strengthen the trunk muscles at home without the necessity of cumbersome and expensive equipment.

Abstract: A unique abdominal bench with a pivoting torso section has a number of pivots, rods, and levers that allow the fixed seat section of the abdominal bench to remain a constant distance from the pivoting torso section during an abdominal exercise. The leg section of the abdominal bench pivots towards the abdomen, as does the torso section when the torso is raised. The leg section is pivotably connected to the torso section through a number of rods, pivots and levers such that the gap between the seat and torso section remains the same. A push rod is connected to the pivoting leg brace and is in turn connected to a torso bracket through several guide rods and a dog-leg lever. The push rod, guide rods and the dog-leg lever allow the torso section to remain a constant distance from the fixed seat section.

Abstract: A method for applying variable electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) to an exercising person includes a belt having a plurality of electrodes placed around the abdomen at the rectus abdominis and obliques. The person then gets into an exercise apparatus which has a rotatable component. Attached to the rotatable component is a transducer that senses the position of the component. An EMS generator is connected to the belt through the transducer. As the user exercises in a first direction, increasing stimulation is applied to the subject muscles. As the user moves the rotatable component in the opposite direction, decreasing stimulation is applied to the user. In an alternative embodiment, the belt has at least one pair of electrodes connected to a common adjustment control so that as the voltage increases to one of the electrodes, it decreases to the other electrode of the pair, and vice versa. A toggle switch makes possible the selection of a particular pair.

Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation chair includes a framework having lower frame members, pivotal front legs, and elongate rear legs. The chair includes a seat assembly having a seat bottom and seat back and upper arms, each upper arm being pivotally coupled at one end to a generally upstanding support arm and at an opposed end to a front leg. Bearing housings pivotally connect corresponding support arms and rear legs and establish a fulcrum about which the seat assembly may rotate. The bearing housings may be slidably positioned longitudinally along corresponding support arms and rear legs using pin fasteners or, alternatively, using motorized gear assemblies. The displacement of the fulcrum relative to a user's hips is adjustable for regulating the resistance of chair operation. A foot assembly is pivotally coupled to the front legs. All pivotal connections correspond anatomically to a user's joints for low joint stress and low-resistance exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which is used in exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A resilient belt fits around the waist of the user while a restraining arrangement preferably in the form of flexible restraining members is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position.

Abstract: While performing push-ups, the individual pushes against a pair of swivel devices between his hands and the floor or other supporting surface. As his body is raised, he twists the swivel devices in mutually opposite first directions through arcs of 180° or more, and as his body is lowered back toward the floor, he twists the devices in mutually opposite second directions through 180° or more. The combined pushing and twisting actions increase the conditioning of muscles in the wrists and arms not otherwise fully exercised by conventional push-ups. Each swivel device includes a non-rotatable base and a swivel member rotatably secured to the base for carrying out the twisting action about an upright axis. Each swivel device has a gripping handle to facilitate clenching of the user's hand substantially into a fist as he performs the conditioning routine.

Abstract: A low back stretching exercise apparatus which positions the user's knees into a zero to eighty-nine degree angle facing over their head thereby assuring the creation of a safe and gentle longitudinal-convex stretching of the muscles of the human low back. This specific longitudinal-convex stretching action improves low back strength and flexibility and helps to relieve muscle discomfort cause by abnormal stresses on the low back muscles. The unit is height adjusted using the Upright supports (12) & (16) and Tilt brackets (24). The person lies supine between the Stabilizer extensions (20) and places their calves on top of the Deck (10). The angle is adjusted by coupling the Connecting rods (14) with the Angle control bars (22).

Abstract: Exercise apparatus which provides an arch-shaped bench and resistance means which can be repetitively manipulated whilst a person lies on their back or stomach on the bench. Exercise in this manner is claimed to be greatly beneficial to both the stomach and lower back.

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: A unique abdominal bench with a pivoting torso section has a number of pivots, rods, and levers that allow the fixed seat section of the abdominal bench to remain a constant distance from the pivoting torso section during an abdominal exercise. The leg section of the abdominal bench pivots towards the abdomen, as does the torso section when the torso is raised. The leg section is pivotably connected to the torso section through a number of rods, pivots and levers such that the gap between the seat and torso section remains the same. A push rod is connected to the pivoting leg brace and is in turn connected to a torso bracket through several guide rods and a dog-leg lever. The push rod, guide rods and the dog-leg lever allow the torso section to remain a constant distance from the fixed seat section.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a seat pivotally mounted on the frame; at least one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame; and a link pivotally interconnected between the seat and the handlebar. The link constrains the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite directions relative to the frame. A resistance device may be interconnected between the handlebar and the frame to resist pivoting of the handlebar and the seat toward one another.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a seat pivotally mounted on the frame; at least one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame; and a link pivotally interconnected between the seat and the handlebar. The link constrains the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite directions relative to the frame. A resistance device may be interconnected between the handlebar and the frame to resist pivoting of the handlebar and the seat toward one another.

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 machine has a motion arm with a handle between waist and chest height used by an exerciser in a standing position. Pushing the motion arm and leaning forward in a straight body position stretches the abs. Pulling the motion arm and leaning back to the straight standing position contracts the abs. A base may have a foot platform. The motion arm is connected to a lower or upper motion arm support by a pivot, roller or slider. Stretch cords or weights with lines, such as cables or belts, and pulleys attached to the motion arm assist or resist the movements. A chest support may also be used movably connected to the motion arm. Rollers may be used under a motion arm support.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a motion arm with a handle with two hand grips and an optional support pad contacted by the forearms, chest, back or side of the user and pivotable 180 degrees up and down and 180 degrees to the sides used by an exerciser in a standing position. Pushing the motion arm and leaning forward in a straight body position stretches the abs, shoulders, arms and back muscles. Pulling the motion arm and leaning back to the straight standing position contracts the abs, shoulders, arms, and back muscles. Legs, hip and butt exercises may preformed by standing at a slight angle and leaning the chest, forearms or back against the optional support pad and bending the legs at the knees or at the ankles. A base may have a fixed or an adjustable by length and angle foot platform. The motion arm is connected to a lower or upper motion arm support by a pivot, roller or slider.

Abstract: A skateboard simulator provides a stable platform for wheeled skateboard-type actions. The simulator has a pair of spaced truck-like elastomeric support means mounted to a deck to simulate the response of a conventional skateboard to user actions. Spaced contact lobe elements provide a frictional contact with the ground while flexing in response to user action to simulate the response of wheeled skateboard. The support means are preferably of a unitary urethane construction with the contact lobe element portions being of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: A handgrip and leg brace assembly is located over a horizontal bench portion of a stretch bench that receives and supports a user's upper torso. The handgrip is adjustable in the horizontal and vertical planes as stretching exercises are on-going and without the user leaving the bench proper. Additional bench adjustments provide an individualized height setting, and these combined adjustments allow the bench to be personalized for each given individual in order to increase the effectiveness of certain on-the-bench stretching activities.

Abstract: A posture correction exercise device is disclosed to aid in correcting the common postural condition of kyphosis lordosis by aiding in the exercise of the spinal erectors to strengthen the erectors to pull the user's spine and torso backward into normal alignment and by exercise of the mid-trapezious, rhomboid and posterior deltoid muscles to strengthen these muscles to pull the user's shoulder blades together and force the shoulders into normal alignment. The device operates by seating the user upon a declined seat to provide increased resistance by gravity to provide increased resistance to backward movement of user's body and rotation of user's arms against tension mounted on tension back and resistance of said tension against backward movement by the user's body wherein hands of the user are positioned in supinated palms-up hand positions by grasping ball grips affixed under the rearward rotational arm positioners of the device at the exterior ends of the arm positioners.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device that allows the exerciser to do sit-up type exercises to stress the exerciser's abdominal muscles. The device has a frame assembly made of several members. A deformable seat for the exerciser is connected to frame assembly. The deformable seat is a fillable container. Footholds are positioned on the frame assembly to allow an exerciser to sit on the deformable seat and place the exerciser's feet in the footholds while performing an exercise. Additionally, there are handholds that an exerciser may hold so that an exerciser may stabilize himself while getting on and off the exercise device and during performance of exercise.

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: A support unit is constructed by assembling all or some of a footrest, a backrest, a pedestal, a handle, and related frames. Waist exercises are conducted utilizing a backrest frame operated in conjunction with a load controller, with the lower part of the user's body being fixed to the support unit. An apparatus further comprises a lower body holder mounted on the support unit. The lower body holder preferably comprises a front thigh holder for tightly holding the front potion of a thigh, a rear thigh holder for tightly holding the rear portion of a thigh, a front pelvis holder for tightly holding the front portion of a pelvis, and a rear pelvis holder for tightly holding the rear portion of a pelvis.

Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation chair and method includes pivotal front support legs, rigid rear legs, a seat assembly having a seat bottom and seat back and upper and lower arms, each upper and lower arm being pivotally coupled at a rearward end to a pivotal support arm rigid with a seat back and at a forward end to an upper end of a pivotal front leg. Bearing structures pivotally connect corresponding support arms and rear legs and establish a fulcrum about which the seat assembly may rotate. The bearing structures are simultaneously adjustable longitudinally along the pivotal support arms and rigid rear legs with displacement of the fulcrum relative to a user's hips regulating the resistance of chair operation. A foot assembly is pivotally coupled to the front legs and the forward ends of the upper and lower arms. All pivotal connections correspond anatomically to a user's joints for low joint stress and low-resistance exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device is described, illustrated and claimed. The novel abdominal exercise device isolates the abdominal muscles without using the hip flexors and, additionally, properly supports the lower back and spine comfortably and without strain. More specifically, the device comprises a lower back and spine support comprising a lower or base portion and an upper or back engaging support portion. The back engaging support portion is coupled to the base portion and has a height for engaging and supporting a person in a partially backwardly reclining position. The back engaging portion is convexly curved toward the person forming an arch wherein the arch comfortably engages the person's back and provides support to the lower back and spine.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus for assisting an exerciser in performing chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes at least two securely yet releasably attached elastic stretch components connected to a substantially inelastic flexible component that functions as a suspended sling. The method of exercise is to engage part of the body within the sling to allow the elastic resistance to counteract a portion of the exercisers body weight and thus enable the exerciser to perform these effective body weight exercises with less effort than that required with the exerciser's full body weight.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A belt fits around the waist of the user while a resilient or stretchable cord is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position. The cord thus increases the force that must be exerted by the abdominal muscles of the user in carrying out this movement.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser has a base (10), a pulling frame (20), seat assembly (30), a step device (40) and multiple actuating linkages. The pulling frame (20), the seat assembly (30) and the step device (40) are pivotally connected to the base (10) and to each other by the multiple actuating linkages. Thereby, the abdominal the step device (40) and the seat assembly (30) are pivoted toward the pulling frame (20) by the actuating linkage when the pulling frame (20) is pulled down to cause a person to bend to exercise and tone the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for specifically working the abdominal muscles in staged, global, symmetrical and asymmetrical manner while protecting the back and stimulating diaphragmatic breathing. The invention concerns a device for strengthening the abdominal muscles and the gradual extension of effort. It consists of a lumbar strip (1) fixed to two rings (2) divided into three levels (a, b and c) by two teeth (21), braces (4) fixed in (41 and 42) and a strap (3). When the user pulls on the strap (3) inserted into the ring (2) at a selected level (a), and retracts his belly by blowing, the apparatus supports, in staged manner, the work of the abdominal muscles, protects the back and stimulates diaphragmatic breathing. Said inventive device is particularly designed for beginners or people suffering from lumbar pains and obesity.