Abstract: A whole body exercise device comprises an upper body exercise part which comprises an upper body support which supports the upper human body, a mat fixing plate which is disposed at an upper surface of the upper body support, a link which is disposed at one side of a lower surface of the upper body support, a rotary shaft which is disposed at the lower surface of the upper body support for a seesaw motion, a crank cam rod which is disposed between the link and a driven shaft pulley, a main shaft pulley which is connected to the driven shaft pulley by a power transmission part, and a driving shaft pulley which is connected by the power transmission part to the main shaft pulley and a motor; and a waist and hip exercise part which comprises a hip support which supports a hip, a height adjustment cylinder which is connected to a lower end of the hip support, a guide, a rail, a power transmission motor for the parallel movement, a reciprocating rotation crank rod, a cam whose one end is connected to the reciproca

Abstract: An exercise device is provided including a vertical support tube, base section, middle section, back support section, and upper section. The base section may include a base brace attachable to the vertical support tube, a base mounting plate attachable to the base brace, and legs. The middle section may removably attach to the vertical support tube and provide front bars and arm supports. The back support section may provide an adjustable back support pad. The upper section may provide one or more upper handles. The legs, the front bars, and the arm supports are rotatable to at least a down position and an up position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for supporting a range of resistance exercises, including exercises for providing bi-directional resistance to both the upper and lower body over a wide range of positions is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a base having a platform disposed thereon. An at least one elongated member is pivotally attached at its proximal end to each of the first and second ends of the base, and disposed in opposing relationship to form an at least one pair of opposing elongated members. An open loop resistance assembly is associated with each of the at least one pair of opposing elongated members. The resistance assembly functions to provide resistance against the direction of force applied by the user.

Abstract: A lower back stretching device which allows a user in a supine position with his buttocks supported by a cross-brace disposed between a pair of side panels and with his knees resting atop a height-adjustable knee support bar parallel to the cross-brace between the side panels to push and pull the forwardly angled handles of the device and rock the device back and forth on convex side panel bottom ends in order lift and stretch the user's lower back.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus accommodates a user and a resilient and resistive pivot such as an exercise ball within its structure. The pivot may have various dimensions based on the size and needs of the user and the exercise program chosen to be performed. The shape and inner dimension of the apparatus is designed to exploit the inherent instability of pivoting exercises such as twists, rolls and lifts. Various configurations of horizontal and vertical apparatus members offer the user a wide range of gripping and leverage points. A variety of exercise positions and motions may be used with this device to increase muscle flexibility and strength.

Abstract: Provided are a method for neck care and a neck care kit comprising the method, the method comprising: the step of applying acupressure to a Cheonchu acupoint and then applying acupressure downward along a back neckline from the Cheonchu acupoint; the step of applying acupressure to a Yepung acupoint and then applying acupressure downward along the sternocleidomastoid muscle from the Yepung acupoint to the upper margin of the collarbone; the step of applying acupressure to the upper margin of the collarbone and the decollete region (the upper part of breast); and the step of applying acupressure to the region connecting the low margin of the lower jaw and the neck. The method for neck care is considered to have effects of relieving skin wrinkles, improving blood circulation, relieving tension and giving a pleasant stimulation, thereby enabling various applications in the fields of skin care, cosmetics and medicine.

Abstract: An exercise equipment frame, such as a power cage, is formed from uprights that comprise at least two sections that are telescopically interfit with one another. The sections have an interference fit between them when the telescopic interconnection is made that is tight enough to require the use of a tool that enables leverage greater than that achievable by the hand pressure of a user. The sections may be of substantially equal length to one another when forming the main uprights of the frame to allow packaging of the sections when disassembled in a carton of more regular dimensions. The sections may also be unequal length to allow coupling of a frame extension to the top of a completed power cage type frame.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise system for adjusting an exercise machine such as a Pilates machine between various angles of incline with respect to a fixed base to allow for a wider range of exercises. The adjustable exercise system generally includes a base, an exercise machine pivotably connected to the base, and one or more actuators, for lifting or lowering the exercise machine into varying angles of incline with respect to the base. The rear end of the base is generally pivotably connected to the rear end of the exercise machine by a hinge or pivot connectors. A controller is also provided which communicates via a wired or wireless communications network with one or more of the adjustable exercise systems. Using the controller, an exercise instructor may adjust the adjustable exercise systems of multiple exercisers with a single command.

Abstract: Provided is an exercise device for a lower body capable of simultaneously performing anaerobic exercise for leg muscle strengthening and stretching and aerobic exercise such as cycle pedal exercise. The exercise device for a lower body includes a pair of base bars 11 parallelly aligned with each other and having an arc shape; connecting shafts 12 fixed to side surfaces of center parts of the base bars 11 to opposite each other and having a pivot coupling structure installed therebetween; a pair of rotary arms 14 laterally pivotally hinged to upper surfaces of the center parts of the base bars 11 and having heel support frames 13 such that both feet are seated on upper surfaces of the rotary arms 11 to simultaneously perform anaerobic (static) exercise and aerobic (dynamic) exercise for leg muscles; and spring members 15 resiliently supported between the rotary arms 11 and the connecting shafts 12 to inwardly bias the rotary arms 14.

Abstract: An improved exercise table or reformer having increased adjustability and storage features. The starting point of the carriage or platform is adjustable to accommodate different sized users. An anchor bar mechanism is adjusted to correspond to carriage starting point, and limits rotation of the anchor bar with respect to the reformer and may be non-removable from the reformer frame. A foot bar assembly may be adjusted and placed in a storage position, allowing the foot bar to serve as a lift handle. The reformer's adjustability provides greater ease of storage.

Abstract: A strengthening and rehabilitation exercise apparatus includes a hip joint strengthening and rehabilitation exercise apparatus for strengthening a pelvis, an abdominal region, and a waist through exercise of a lower body symmetrically interlocking with a weight while fixing an upper body in a prone position, a hip joint strengthening and rehabilitation exercise apparatus for strengthening the pelvis, the abdominal region, and the waist through exercise of the upper body interlocking with the weight while fixing the lower body in a sitting position, a waist joint strengthening and rehabilitation exercise apparatus for strengthening the waist and the abdominal region through exercise of the upper body interlocking with the weight while fixing legs and the pelvis in a straight line in a supine position, and a stretching apparatus for performing muscle exercise of a back and shoulders using hands and arms in the sitting position.

Abstract: A foam exercise bench includes a single, elongated foam member, having a left side section, a right side section, a head end, a leg end, a flat bottom surface, and an angled top surface. The top surface forming a leg area, a seat area, an inclined back area and a generally flat area. These areas functioning to receive a user and to allow the same to perform a variety of strength training exercises.

Abstract: A therapeutic platform to facilitate increased functioning of the trunk and upper extremities of a subject includes a means for measuring and documenting specific height and angle adjustments thereby permitting reliable repeatability of platform position. The platform includes a top with fold out legs that telescope for top height adjustment, and angular adjustment of the top. A unobstructed area between the legs permits among other positions, a knees-forward sitting position where the top partially wraps about the subject, and sitting position atop the table whereby the subject can align their feet to their centerline when transitioning from a sitting to standing position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus (10) comprising a first rigid member (12) having a first surface (18) that rests on the ground in use and a second rigid member (14) having a first surface (18) on which a person can be supported. At least one resilient member (16) is provided to extend between a second surface (19) of the first rigid member (12) and a second surface (19) of the second rigid member (14). Recesses (20, 21) are provided in the second surfaces (19) of each of the first and second rigid members (12, 14) such that each of the resilient members (16) includes a first end portion (22) secured into the recess (20, 21) in the second surface (19) of the first rigid member (12) and a second end portion (23) secured into the recess (20, 21) in the second surface (19) of the second rigid member (14).

Abstract: Exercise device (1) comprising an exercise ball (10) and a cover (20) for housing and completely surrounding this ball (10); the cover being designed to couple, in use, in a substantially form-fitting manner to the outer surface of the shell (11) of the exercise ball (10) and being provided with a respective closing device (25) that can be selectively opened to allow the exercise ball (10) to be inserted into and extracted from the cover.

Abstract: A core provides a form for rolling an accessory around it. The accessory wrapped around the core may include a mat. The core includes a bottle and a container, utilizing what would otherwise be a void at the center of a rolled up mat for storage. The bottle and container may have twist-off lids which form resealable closures. The bottle and container may also couple with one another via opposing reverse threads at the bottom of each of the bottle and container. The twist-off lids may also include connection points for a carry-strap, the carry-strap including a buckle for adjusting the length of the carry-strap to make it a yoga stretching-strap. The mat includes elastic bands through grommets at an end of the mat. The bands are tensioned to secure the core when it is rolled inside the mat via the bands being wrapped around the rolled-up mat and core.

Abstract: A resistance band tensioner is disclosed. The tensioner includes a main body and a pivot pin disposed on the main body proximate a first end, where the main body is configured to rotate about the pivot pin between an up position and a down position. The tensioner also includes a handle extending from a second end of the main body configured for a user to grasp with a hand. A cantilever shaft extends outward perpendicular from the main body and is interposed between the handle and the pivot pin, where the shaft is adapted to secure a first portion of a resistance band around its periphery. In addition, the tensioner includes a locking pin to lock the tensioner in the down position when the resistance band is placed under tension by rotating the main body from the up position to the down position.

Abstract: An exercise machine applicable for strengthening users abdominal muscles is described. The machine can include a track frame and a support frame adjustably coupled to the track frame. The track frame can include parallel rails to provide gliding support for movement along the parallel rails. Two sliding assembly may be movably mounted on separate pairs of the parallel rails respectively. Each sliding assembly may be configurable to move together or separately along the parallel rails. Two seat pads may be adjustably secured to the two sliding assembly respectively. Each seat pad may be rotationally adjustable to change angular relationship between the seat pad's longitudinal direction and movement direction along the parallel rails.

Abstract: An exercise machine applicable for strengthening users abdominal muscles is described. The machine can include a track frame and a support frame adjustably coupled to the track frame. The track frame can include a pair of parallel rails to provide gliding support for movement along the parallel rails. Two sliding assembly may be movably mounted on the parallel rails respectively. Each sliding assembly may be configurable to move together or separately along the parallel rails. Two seat pads may be adjustably secured to the two sliding assembly respectively. Each seat pad may be rotationally adjustable to change angular relationship between the seat pad's longitudinal direction and movement direction along the parallel rails.

Abstract: An exercise or fitness board having a deck adjustably attached to a base to adjust the angle of incline of the deck relative to the base, and a plurality of straps attached to the deck for the user to grasp for balance and exercise. The deck and/or base contains various contours, scallops, cutouts, and the like to facilitate comfortable and varied positioning of the body. A rail and/or channel may be placed on the underside and along the perimeter of the board to facilitate grip. A pad or mat may be placed on top of the board and/or base for comfort, stability, and protection.

Abstract: A balance training device is a platform for standing upon that allows inserts with pads to be adjusted and inserted to provide varying degrees of instability. The upper surface of an insert, or pedestal, may include multiple protuberances positioned at or near the periphery of the upper surface and a comparatively lower region between the protuberances and at or near the center of the upper surface. The platform, or base unit, may be configured to support two or more inserts simultaneously, and the inserts may be of differing height or have different numbers of protuberances. A method of balance training includes removably connecting a pedestal to the base unit and standing upon an upper surface of the pedestal. Use of the balance training device may provide improved training safety for participants in group performance activities such as cheerleading.

Abstract: A step platform for slow step exercises is provided and has a basic structural block which is formed as a solid block made of a lightweight styrene foam material and includes a plurality of first concave portions formed in a bottom surface of styrene foam by using a plurality of first hollow holes formed in a predetermined shape which includes a penetrating hole perpendicularly penetrating the styrene foam from the bottom surface toward the upper surface or which includes a non-penetrating portion formed inside the penetrating hole; and predetermined single or plural step plates for distributing a load and ensuring a load bearing performance, bonded or adhered to the upper surface of the basic structural block.

Abstract: A removable locking shoulder stop assembly for use on a reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that includes a flat rectangular lock plate fastenable to the platform adjacent the head rest on the carriage platform. The lock plate has a first locating member and a keyway spaced from the first locating member. An L-shaped shoulder stop bracket has a second locating member configured to mate with the first locating member of the lock plate. An elongated locking handle assembly is connected to the mounting portion of the bracket and spaced apart from the second locating member. The handle assembly aligns with the keyway when the first locating member is mated with the second locating member and is operable to clamp the shoulder stop bracket to the lock plate when the locating members are mated and the locking handle assembly is hand tightened against the mounting portion of the shoulder stop bracket.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that lies flat on the floor having a back rest rises up when supported by two springs. The lower part of the back and buttocks lie horizontal while the upper part of the back is inclined at an angle to the horizontal. When not in use, the upper back rest folds down flat so that the device can be stored under a bed. The two springs provide back support when the individual is in the reclining position. However, as a person goes from a sitting position to a reclining position, when his or her shoulders contact the back rest, the springs compress and then expand to assist the individual in rising up. The device has two specially designed positionable foot rests with straps to provide a place for the individual to place his or her feet.

Abstract: An assisted chin/dip exercise apparatus has a main frame and an assist or foot bar pivotally mounted on the frame and linked to a weight stack or resistance for assisting a user standing on the foot bar during performance of chin and dip exercises. The main frame has a first, overhead handle assembly and a second, dip handle assembly below the first handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a pair of adjustably mounted handles freely pivotable between a first, chin-up position in which the handles extend towards one another at a rearward angle with a small spacing between the handles and a second, pull-up position in which the handles extend in a forward direction and are spaced apart by a larger spacing sufficient to provide head clearance for a user stepping onto the foot bar or while performing a dip exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles is provided having a support frame, a platform pivotally connected to the support frame and having means for tilting the platform relative to the frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position. A bracket connects the platform to the support frame and includes a friction bearing mechanism for rotating the platform 360 degrees. A resistance element is secured between the support frame and platform.

Abstract: A smart seat mechanism of an exercise equipment includes a parallel four-link rod cushion module having a cushion with an electrically adjustable height position, a lead screw, a lift tube, an electric motor and an electric motor. The smart seat mechanism is operated together with an electronic control panel having a built-in program, so that a user can adjust the height of a cushion freely according to the user's figure and height and the comfort of use. The electric motor is set by the built-in program of the electronic control panel, such that the cushion is descended to the lowest position automatically before/after exercise, to facilitate the user to get on/off the exercise equipment. The electronic control panel is operated with the built-in program and has a plurality of quick memory keys provided for a specific user to adjust the height of the cushion quickly and automatically.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device has a kneeling pad and a roller. The kneeling pad includes a top surface and two spaced apart kneeling recesses. The kneeling recesses are formed in the top surface of the kneeling pad. The roller is positioned movably relative to the kneeling pad when in use and includes a bracket, a left handle, a right handle, a front wheel and two rear wheels. The left and right handles are attached to a middle of the bracket. The front wheel is mounted on a front of the bracket. The rear wheels are mounted on a rear of the bracket. The kneeling recesses are ergonomically designed to correspond to contours of the human knees, thereby providing a comfortable support for a user's knees. The three wheels ensure that the roller has good balanced performance such that the user can steadily operate the roller.

Abstract: A push up device includes a support device including a base for positioning on the floor, side supports and a top. A control device at the top includes a push up counter, a timer, and/or an audio signaling device. The support device includes adjustable arms which adjust the relative height between the top and the base. Hand supports extend from opposite sides of the support device. In one embodiment, the hand supports are removably mounted from the support device.

Abstract: A training apparatus for use by a user in learning balance when standing on one leg and having no external balance support includes a stable base assembly, a support column extending vertically from the stable base assembly, a rigid standing surface member, and means for providing rotation in a horizontal plane to the rigid standing surface member. Rotation may occur at a constant vertical height or as the apparatus is raising or lowering. The apparatus may also include a balancing assembly with a deflectably resilient member. The apparatus promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer cheerleader experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader.

Abstract: A portable human balance training device for improving the human proprioceptive system, athletic performance, athletic speed, athletic agility, athletic vertical leap, athletic eye/hand coordination, spatial awareness, left/right brain organization and increasing the muscular development of a user. The balancing device has an elongated suspended support structure spanning the length of the device. The balancing device also has an end support structure at each end for suspending and stabilizing the support structure. A flexible line is mounted to the end supports and spans the length of the support structure. The user places all or part of their body weight on the suspended support band and attempts to balance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus used to work core muscles such as one's abdomen, obliques, and lower back. The exercise apparatus includes a framework, a leg brace, and a waist support. In some embodiments, the leg brace is motorized, the waist support is motorized, or both the leg brace and the waist support are motorized.

Abstract: A board apparatus for balance exercises and balance games having a platform that tiltable on a base part, freely rotatable around a vertical axis, and mounted movably along the vertical axis. A restoring part generates restoring forces that counteract motions of the platform and can be modified by the user. The restoring part includes four elastomer springs that are arranged at a distance from the center of the base part. The elastomer springs can be offset inward or outward with respect to the center of the base part, enabling accurate adaptation of the restoring forces. When twisting the platform around the vertical axis, the restoring part always returns the support part into one of two initial positions that are located 180 degree opposite to one another.

Abstract: A board exercise device that includes a pair of planar boards having a top surfacing with a perimeter and an outer edge, the built-in attachment bars are coupled to the perimeter of the pair of planar boards and include an attachment aperture and a stem portion and one or more banded exercise devices coupled to the built-in attachment bars and allow a user to grasp the one or more banded exercise devices and perform an exercise. The board exercise device also includes a pair of handles coupled to a top of the outer edge of the pair of planar boards that are grasped by the user to transport the board exercise device when the board exercise device is in a folded position and a slide board placed over the top surfacing of the pair of planar boards.

Abstract: A Pilates reformer includes a pair of rails mounted between a front frame portion and a rear frame portion. A carriage is mounted to the pair of rails. The carriage is mounted to slide along the pair of rails. A rear platform is connected to the pair of rails. A plurality of elastic parts is connected to an elastic part retaining block. The elastic part retaining block is mounted to the front frame portion. The plurality of elastic parts pass through an elastic part pulley. The elastic part pulley is mounted to the rear platform. The elastic part pulley has elastic part retaining loops mounted on elastic part retaining loop retainers. The elastic part retaining loops are sized to fit onto hooks that are mounted to the carriage. The Pilates reformer has at least three hooks. A foot bar extends from the rear frame portion. The rear frame portion includes the rear platform.

Abstract: Described is an exercise device for performing dips. The exercise device includes a pair of L-shaped sections connected to one another such that they form a U-shape. A handlebar section is inserted into a vertical portion of the first L-shaped section, and a footrest section is inserted into a vertical portion of a second L-shaped section. The height of the handlebars and of the footrest section can be adjusted by aligning apertures disposed on the exercise device, and inserting a pin therethrough to secure the device in a desired configuration. Further, the distance between the footrest and handlebars can be adjusted in a similar fashion. Once the device is positioned in the desired configuration, a user can hold a handlebar in each hand and position his or her shoulders above his hands, and the user can place his feet on the footrest in order to perform a dip.

Abstract: An exercise machine ergonomic handle system for providing hand-holds for the performance of exercises with reduced flexion and/or extension of the hand and wrist and reduced ulnar and/or radial deviation so as to reduce injury and allow application of full strength to the exercise machine. The exercise machine ergonomic handle system generally includes a longitudinally extending frame, a carriage that moves upon a first longitudinal portion of the frame, and at least one pair of ergonomic handles positioned on a second longitudinal portion of the frame. The ergonomic handles rotate about an axis to prevent flexion and/or extension, and can be positioned at a width and/or angle that reduces ulnar and/or radial deviation.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise system for adjusting an exercise machine such as a Pilates machine between various angles of incline with respect to a fixed base to allow for a wider range of exercises. The adjustable exercise system generally includes a base, an exercise machine pivotably connected to the base, and one or more actuators, for lifting or lowering the exercise machine into varying angles of incline with respect to the base. The rear end of the base is generally pivotably connected to the rear end of the exercise machine by a hinge or pivot connectors. A controller is also provided which communicates via a wired or wireless communications network with one or more of the adjustable exercise systems. Using the controller, an exercise instructor may adjust the adjustable exercise systems of multiple exercisers with a single command.

Abstract: The core balance physical training platform has an inflatable bladder with a flexible, horizontal top surface and sidewalls, conducive for stepping exercises. The device can be used for other exercises involving standing, sitting, or laying on the device. The device allows for performance of cardiovascular activities, proprioception or balance training, and physical therapy.

Abstract: A squat exercise apparatus for use with a hip belt comprising an elevated platform with a hole, a weight holder and a guide rod or other guide, as disclosed herein. The weight holder may be designed to hold free weights and to attach onto a hip belt. As the user performs the squat exercise supported by the platform, the guide rod guides the weight holder as it is lowered into the hole, limiting movement of the weight holder in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a weight holder and a guide rod and base, for use with a user-supplied platform.

Abstract: A health aid and method for treating neck, shoulder and back pain including a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and an attachment connecting the first and second elongated members and configured for the first and second elongated members to move between an open position, wherein a bottom end of each of the first and second elongated members are separated by a first distance, and an engaged position, wherein the bottom ends are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A training device for passively supporting a gymnast while learning and practicing handstands and handstand turns is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the device has a base, an apparatus attachment attachable to the base for a gymnast to practice on various pieces of gymnastics equipment, and a supporter that may be set at a desired height to provide passive support to a gymnast. The support may be fastened or engaged to a tower, which is mounted to or positioned along the base.

Abstract: A core muscle group training equipment includes a seat, a backrest located on the back side of the seat and a damping mechanism provided at the bottom side of the seat. When sitting on the seat and resting the back on the backrest, the user can selectively bend the upper body forwards and backwards to contract the proximal muscles, or keep the upper body immovable and move the lower body up and down to contract distal muscles. By means of biasing of the seat and the damping effect provided by the damping mechanism during operation, the muscle strength of the abdominal muscles is trained. When releasing the pressure, the damping mechanism returns the machine parts smoothly, preventing accidental injury.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having: a frame having a vertical support; at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical support; a first articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount; a second articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm adapted to independently articulate from the first articulating arm; a pair of resistive elements, each resistive element operatively connected to one of the first and second independently articulating arms to provide resistance; and a cable and pulley system connecting each resistive element to a point on a longitudinal axis of one of the first and second articulating arms.

Abstract: An exercise machine applicable for strengthening a user's abdominal muscles is described. The exercise machine can include a track frame having a higher end and a lower end. Kneeling assemblies may be mounted on parallel gliding rails of the track frame to receive the knees from a user to make movements up and down between the lower end and the higher end of the track frame. A rotationally adjustable armrest holder may be adjustable rotationally mounted on the upper end of the track frame. The armrest holder can be oriented towards a direction having an angular relationship with an axis of the track frame between the lower end and the higher end. The armrest holder may capable of supporting the arms of the user making the movements with a twisting effect according to the angular relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an exercise step that utilize spirally shaped air-cushioning legs. The direction of the spiral of the air-cushioning legs is alternated around the periphery of the exercise step to eliminate rotational creep. Flow regulators are utilized to control the flow of air from the top of each of the air-cushioning legs into an interior portion of the base of the exercise step. Spokes provide an air flow passage between the air flow regulators and the central air regulator, as well as providing structural support for the base. Rings are also used around the base that inner connect the spokes and provide additional support. Recessed portions of a lower plate of the base are welded to an upper plate during a blow molding process to add additional support to the base of the exercise step.

Abstract: An exercise machine applicable for strengthening a user's abdominal muscles is described. The exercise machine can include a track frame having a higher end and a lower end. Kneeling assemblies may be mounted on parallel gliding rails of the track frame to receive the knees from a user to make movements up and down between the lower end and the higher end of the track frame. Each kneeling assembly may be engaged with a pair of the gliding rails. A rotationally adjustable armrest holder may be adjustable rotationally mounted on the upper end of the track frame. The armrest holder can be oriented towards a direction having an angular relationship with an axis of the track frame between the lower end and the higher end. The armrest holder may capable of supporting the arms of the user making the movements with a twisting effect according to the angular relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for both supporting an occupant as a task chair and exercising the lumbar extensors. The chair has two configurations. One configuration is as a task chair. A second configuration is as an exercise device in which the arm rests move to restrain the anterior pelvic region and the lumbar support becomes a posterior pelvic restraint. The seatback moves through a range of motion with a strength curve ratio of about 1.4:1 between flexion and extension. The chair has a resistance mechanism that includes a four-bar linkage connected to a selectable group of coil springs. The chair includes a range of motion monitor and detectors that communicate with a feedback system, which indicates if the occupant is performing the exercise correctly. The feedback system displays a screen showing the angular position of the seatback with a comparison of the ideal position for the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for cooperating with an exercise ball during performance of core exercises thereon. The exercise apparatus comprises: (i) an exercise platform comprising a framework defining a first opening approximate its proximal end for receiving therein a first padded exercise mat and a second opening approximate its distal end for receiving therein a second padded exercise mat; (ii) an upright framework engaged with the exercise platform framework at its proximal end, the upright framework having a vertically adjustable backplate with an adjustable headrest and an adjustable handlebar grip, a handgrip support rail and a stabilizer bar integrally engaged with the proximal end of the exercise platform; (iii) a first padded exercise mat for demountable installation into the first opening defined in the exercise platform framework; and (iv) a second padded exercise mat for demountable installation into the first opening defined in the exercise platform framework.

Abstract: An exercise machine carriage system which allows for a wide range of exercises while maintaining improved balance and control for the exerciser. The exercise machine generally includes a stationary frame and a carriage adapted to slide along at least one track on the frame. The carriage may include at least one opening on its upper surface to be used by an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises. The carriage may also include, either in combination with the openings or alternatively, at least one carriage strap extending across its upper surface for use in a variety of exercises. Platforms may also be included on either end of the frame, each of the platforms including its own platform strap. By utilizing such openings and/or straps, a wide variety of exercises may be accomplished that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to perform on conventional exercise machines.