Abstract: An exercise device for uniformly developing and conditioning the parts of the body. The device has a body support unit, an exercise loading unit, a leg support unit, a knee support unit, a reaction restraining unit and a back plate support unit and develops and conditions muscles by providing multidirectional exercises, i.e., upward, downward, frontward, backward, inward and outward exercises, for the upper and lower body. Particularly, this device easily efficiently provides a simple walking exercise of legs as well as a calf muscle exercise according to an ankle exercise, a thigh muscle exercise according to a knee exercise, an abdominal muscle exercise according to the thigh muscle exercise and etc. The exercise loading unit of this invention can be easily located at various positions corresponding to several kinds of exercises.

Abstract: An exercise bench for strengthening the muscles of the lower back, having a seat mounted to an inclined beam and a knee brace mounted to the beam at a position spaced downwardly from the seat, and a first restraining belt affixed proximate the seat, and a second restraining belt affixed proximate the knee brace.

Abstract: A traction device including, in combination, an elongated flat surface of a length and width to accommodate a human patient in a supine position, the surface defined by a foot-end and a head-end arranged in a spaced-apart relationship, device for elevating the foot-end above the head-end in a tilted fashion, and a foot retainer pivotally attached about the foot-end for retaining the patient's feet therein when the patient is in traction, wherein the elongated flat surface exhibits an extremely low coefficient of friction for allowing the patient's body to stretch and slide freely downward therealong under its own weight when pitched in a head-down position.

Abstract: A body exercising and stretching mat having a resilient surface. The mat folds into several sections along a hinge line for easy storage. The mat has a plurality or stations arranged on the mat. One or more handles or grips may be selectively inserted into the stations. The user sits on the mat and reaches outwardly to grasp the handles to provide stability and to provide a progressive measure of exercise progress. The mat may also be used with a toe bar which is positionable to assist the user in doing other types of exercises such as sit-ups. Elastic bands may be attached to either the toe bar or at selected stations for additional stretching and exercising capability.

Abstract: Passive exercise apparatus with parallel bars for receiving the feet. The exercise equipment, or cradle, has extendible tubular construction wherein the distance between the parallel bars and the distance of the apparatus from the floor are adjustable. The cradle has attached adjustable-length straps which may be secured to the users feet to enhance the exercise. These straps are comprised of surgical-type tubing.

Abstract: A portable exercise and therapy device for the muscles of the lower back and the muscles of the abdomen. A framework in the shape of a parallelogram supports a cushion maintaining a constant angle of 131 degrees between the lower back of the user and the upper legs of the user. The cushion can contain a lower back massager and an elastic band adapted to hold hot or cold packs for application to the lower back. A variety of exercises can be performed on the device that tend to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and the lower back.

Abstract: A variable resistance band exercise machine for exercising the body of a user including their arms, waists and legs. The user moves various groups of movable exercise components against the resistance provided by elastically deformable resistance bands. The deformable resistance bands are removable and can be interchangeably exchanged with any group of exercise components.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening and toning gluteal muscles of an exerciser includes structure for supporting the exerciser with his feet fixedly elevated over the remainder of his body, linearly moveable structure for directing movement of the upper portion of the exerciser's body as he pushes that portion of his body out-and-away from his fixedly positioned feet, and structure for varying the resistance presented by the linearly moveable structure to the out-and-away movement made by the exerciser.

Abstract: Muscle stretching apparatus characterized in that it comprises a support structure (3) mounted so as to pivot on a frame (1) by means of a pin (2), this support (3) being provided with means (5.sub.1, 5.sub.2) for supporting the two legs of the user, these means being mounted on the support by means of pivot pins (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, which are perpendicular to the pin (2) on which the support (3) pivots on the frame (1), this frame including a support platform of adjustable height, the arrangement of the three rotation pins (2, 4.sub.1 and 4.sub.2) making it possible to position the physiological joint axes of the individual in alignment with the pins of the machine, regardless of the movement performed and the morphology of the individual.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercising the muscles of the upper legs and lower torso wherein the exerciser is placed on his/her side in a generally horizontal position on a support including a movable portion which rotates about a vertical axis in response to forces generated by the exerciser. At least two vertically extending pads are secured to the movable support portion to receive the exerciser therebetween. The pads serve to position and retain the exerciser as well as to transmit forces from the exerciser to the movable support portion to rotate the same. A weight stack is connected to the rotatable support portion by a drive mechanism located below the support portion and connected to the bottom of a weight rod included in the weight stack. During the exercise, the movable support portion is rotated by the exerciser from a start position in one direction against the resistance of the weight stack and then returned to the start position whereupon the exercise is repeated.

Abstract: A Gravity Sled Exercise Machine wherein leveraged body forces act to overcome gravity to move a two piece body sled and client upward, along biangular support rails, from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. To support the torso during the change in spatial orientation, a fixed angle sled seat reciprocates in lineal motion on the lower of two differentially inclined rails. In concurrent action, the lower section of a back rest pivots on an axle at the rear of the seat, while its upper end rides via a pivot guide on the upper, more vertically inclined rail. That kinetic linkage produces a curvilinear motion that constantly repositions the sled and introduces variable resistance to the exercise cycle.An arrangement of handrings, lines and pulleys provides the leverage for arm and upper body exercises, while Class I and II levers enable leg and lower body exercises. A flexible coupling attaches a leg lever assembly to either the static lower rail or to the moving sled seat.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus to assist in building stomach muscles by a user performing situps with the apparatus, the apparatus comprising first and second anchoring devices disposed on a horizontal surface, devices to position the first and second anchoring devices spaced apart a selected distance, and attaching devices to releasably attach first and second feet of a user to surfaces of the first and second anchoring devices, respectively, to hold the first and second feet of the user relatively immobile so as to assist the user in performing situps.

Abstract: An exercise device for people with lower body paralysis. The exercise device guides and resists the motion of the hands and feet away from and towards the trunk. The exercise device holds the feet at a nearly constant angle in relation to a line drawn between the ankles and hips. The arm motion is constantly mechanically linked to the leg motion so that voluntary arm motion causes motion of paralyzed legs. A knee guide keeps paralyzed legs in proper alignment. Arm motion controls the application of electrical stimulation to leg muscles. Electrical stimulation of leg muscles causes the generation of leg forces that contribute to the overcoming of the resistance to the movement of the hands and feet in relation to the trunk.

Abstract: Apparatus as an aid while performing bent knee sit-ups, comprising, in combination a strap of material adapted to extend and be positioned over the ankles of a person doing bent knee sit-ups, when in a deployed orientation, but adapted to be rolled up when in a storage orientation; a pair of assemblies, each assembly having a hollow base in a rectangular configuration with a slot within the upper surface for the passage of one end of the strap, each base having a circular hole for the passage of a fixed plug, each base having a cylindrical tube rotatively secured around the plug with a spring secured at one end of the plug and secured at the other end to the interior of the tube, and with one end of the strap secured to the exterior surface of the tube wherein the ends of the strap may be coiled about the tube when the spring is released and the assemblies in close proximity to each other when in a storage orientation, but wherein the assemblies may be spread apart to extend the strap to the deployed orientat

Abstract: A universal-use knock-down weight-lifting frame with vertically and horizontally adjustable members designed to work in parallel with a second adjustment frame. A main frame has front and rear spaced opposed ends, a front substantially vertical multifunction upright disposed at the front end of the main frame, and a member disposed at the front end of the main frame for varying the vertical length of the front multifunction upright. There is a front substantially horizontal support foot at the front end of the main frame, and an element disposed at the front end of the main frame for varying the horizontal length of the front support foot. A rear vertically adjustable substantially vertical multifunction upright is disposed at the rear end of the main frame, as well as a rear substantially horizontal leg of which the horizontal length can be varied.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the trunk muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger that contacts the trunk of a user for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist trunk flexion and extension of a seated user. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in position of the plunger. The backrest and seat are made optionally tiltable.

Abstract: An exercise device has a board wherein an oval recess is formed. A circular recess is formed in the oval recess. An oval plate has a first side and a second side on which a disk is rotatably attached. The oval plate is receivable in the oval recess. The disk is receivable in the circular recess. The first side of the plate and the upper side of the board form a plain surface on which the exerciser can do sit-ups when the oval plate is received in the oval recess and the disk is received in the circular recess. When the oval plate is received in the recess with the second side thereof exposed, there is exposed the disk on which exercisers can stand and twist.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise bench comprising an elongate upper frame and an auxiliary elongate rectangular base combined together, the upper frame having two semi-round openings for two feet of a user to extend through to hook on the frame, the base having an upper sloped-down surface and a thinner lower end to pass through a gap between the floor and a bottom end of a door, which secures immovable this exercise frame for the user ot take abdominal exercise sitting on the floor with his feet hooked on the upper frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for skate training exercise comprising arms of relatively long length pivotably mounted on a frame. The user's foot is secured in a stirrup on the arm opposite the pivot point. A resistance means is provided to provide resistance as the user pushes his foot away from the body along an arcuate path defined by the arm in simulated skating stroke. A return means is provided to assist the user in returning his foot along the arcuate path after predetermined angle is traversed. Various resistant means include electro-magnetic, fly wheel-fan and weight stack.

Abstract: An exercise machine or apparatus (10) to permit a user (U) to perform a squatting exercise while supported in an inclined supine position on a slidable platform (12) which may be positioned at a predetermined inclination relative to the vertical by adjustment of the length of a diagonal leg (16) is disclosed. The movable platform (12) has bearing sleeves (64) mounted for sliding movement along fixed rods (60). Shoulder pads (78) on the platform (12) engage the shoulders of user (U) supported on the platform (12) with the feet of the user supported on a foot rest (52). Force exerted by the user (U) against the shoulder pads (78) by a pushing action of the feet from the bent position shown in FIG. 1 forces the platform (12) upwardly for straightening of the legs of the user (U). The vertical load exerted by the user (U) is determined by the inclination of the body support platform (12).

Abstract: An adjustable, elevated platform structure having a T-shaped planform. The upright of the T is a rail (10) on which is mounted a sled (58) carrying an elevated, oblong forward platform (54). The crossbar (12) of the T sports two vertical supports (14) which hold up the ends of an oblong, vertically oriented rear platform (24). A cushioned instep support (42, 44) is mounted across the forward facing side of the rear platform. The forward platform can be moved back and forth along the rail, the rear platform can be moved up and down on the vertical supports, and the cushioned instep support can be moved closer to or further away from the forward facing side of the rear platform. The user places his leading foot (74) on the forward platform and inserts the toe of his trailing foot (76) between the rear platform and the cushioned instep support.

Abstract: A device for exercising internal and external muscles of the leg is provided. The device includes a foot holder for pivotally supporting a user's foot. The foot holder is capable of pivoting around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the foot, and near the front of the user's leg. The device also includes a tension control unit for providing constant resistance to pivoting of the foot holder. The device preferably has separate foot holders and hydraulic tension control units for each foot.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for strengthening the muscles of the lower back and discloses an apparatus for practicing the method the invention. The method permits the user to partition the load between the back muscles and the arm muscles. In practicing the method, the user positions him/herself on a platform having a protrusion and an ankle engaging element. With the pelvic area supported by the protrusion and the ankles restrained by the ankle engaging element, the user engages supports with his/her hands. The user then lowers and raises his/her torso, distributing the load between the back muscles and the arm muscles, repeating the movements a number of times. At the user's discretion, the weight load can be redistributed between the back muscles and the arm muscles by reducing or increasing the load supported by his/her arms.

Abstract: An exercise device for performing both sit-up and hyperextension exercises has a frame with front and rear base members and front and rear inclined portions that extend downwardly from an apex toward the front and rear base members, respectively. A back pad is pivotally mounted to the rear inclined portion of the frame and is adjustable over a range of declination angles. The front inclined portion of the frame includes a slideable member that is telescopically adjustable. A cushioned pad is transversely disposed at the upper end of the slideable member and serve as both a knee support for performing abdominal exercises and an upper thigh support for performing hyperextensions. Below this cushioned pad, a similar cushioned pad is pivotally attached to the slideable member to serve as a foot restraint when performing abdominal exercises. This same cushioned pad may be rotated against the first such pad to provide additional support for the operator's upper thighs when performing hyperextensions.

Abstract: A sit-up device having substantially the capability to support all types of sit-up exercises is disclosed. The device comprises a mounting base generally for the purpose of securing it to a fixture during use. Another aspect of the device is the adjustable section used to control the horizontal and vertical position of the feet restraining bar. When installed for use, the feet restraining bar remains parallel with the floor. The adjustability is produced by sliding motions between a lever and a base member which allows for greater vertical and horizontal adjustments. Hence the device can support all types of sit-up exercises postures. The mounting base of this device can be secured to any flat surface such as a door structure, house-hold and office furniture, smooth concrete, wood or metallic surfaces.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a base frame with a seat adjustably connected thereto for longitudinal movement towards and away from a foot support on the base frame. A bent arm is pivotally mounted on the base frame adjacent the foot support, and has a pair of cushions adjustably mounted on the arm, so as to pivot through an arc with respect to the foot supports. Weights may be added to the bent arm so as to further bias the cushions against pivotal movement. A person seated on the machine exercises the tibialis anterior muscle by pivoting the cushions with the toes of the foot with respect to the foot support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise device. It includes an I shaped base; a seat of a first length; a pad of a second length, the pad being at least 1/5 the length of the seat. The pad is adjustably located with respect to the seat. Further there are adjustable support means attached between said seat and said base. With this construction, the seat may be angularly adjusted with respect to the base and the pad may be adjusted along various planes with respect to the seat.

Abstract: A compact, portable foot/hand hold device used to perform sit-up, leg-raise and other type exercises with the help of any ordinary, interior, walk-through door. The device has two modes: "assembled" and "stored/travel". In the "assembled" mode the device provides a secure, comfortable foot and hand hold for the user while performing several type exercises. Constructed of three simple parts; an anchor, a connecting line and a foot/hand bar, the device assemblies in seconds. It is secured to the door by the anchor. For sit-up type exercises the user places his feet behind the foot/hand bar, one on each side of the connecting line, so that the bar is resting snugly but comfortably in the hollows above the insteps of the feet. His feet are necessarily positioned such that the heels are resting on the floor and the balls of his feet are pressed firmly against the vertical plane of the door.

Abstract: An exercise machine for isolating and strengthening the abdominal muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger having a convex-shaped back contacting pad for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist back flexing of a seated user, and also has arm and leg immobilizing structure to arrest reactionary forces during such flexing, thereby minimizing hip flexion. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in the degree of flexing.

Abstract: An adjustable bench exercising and rehabilitation apparatus has a bench pivotally attached near one end to a support structure resting on a horizontal surface. The bench has a hoisting device attached near its other end and secured to its support structure for raising and lowering the bench about its pivot point. The hoisting device is actuated by a control panel accessible to the user while reclining on the bench. At the upper end of the bench, the bench has an adjustable ankle retaining bolster to hold the user on the bench as it inclines. The upper end of the bench has an adjustable knee support device which can support its user's knees at a 135.degree. or a 90.degree. angle while on the bench.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise machine comprising a booster bar to which is attached a pair of flexible elastic shock cords which have their other ends attached to fixed structural members. The user exercises his arms or his legs by repeatedly pushing against the booster bar, thus stretching and unstretching the shock cords. The unstretched length of the shock cords is adjusted by rotating the booster bar about its axis, thus winding or unwinding, the shock cords around the booster bar. This, in turn, adjusts the force required to stretch the shock cords to a given dimension. The fixed structural member may be a part of a foot-stand or a cot-like backrest.

Abstract: This apparatus is for the development of the abdominal muscles through their ranges of motion including that known as elongation. The objective of the apparatus is to build muscle power and endurance, not only when the abdominal muscles are mostly contracted, but also when the abdominal muscles are mostly elongated.The apparatus includes an outward arch which fits under the upper lumbar and lower thoracic spine. One slope of the arch provides the user's pelvis and lumbar spine with consistent support. The rest of the arch provides the user's remaining spine to be supported when resting, but to be free to arch beyond the amount of arch that occurs in normal standing posture. This exercise is made functional by a knee retainer that holds down on the knees which, in turn, holds down on the pelvis, thereby creating maintainable contact between the pelvis/low-lumbar area and the slope of the arch.

Abstract: The present invention is for an exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the lower back and a method for using the same. The device has hand rails provided which allow the user to vary the relative involvement of muscles of the lower back. The device has a protrusion with a ridge which supports the pelvic area of the user. Preferably the contour of the ridge is adjustable to ensure the comfort of the user. The device preferably has an ankle retaining means which is adjustable and into which the user's ankles can be slidably engaged with a pivotable motion of the body. This simplifies the positioning of the user on the device.

Abstract: Abdominal exercise apparatus comprising a flexible and resilient board of a length extending from one end near the head portion of a user to an opposing end removed therefrom. The board is constructed to be normally flat in configuration and is bondable into an upwardly curved configuration by upward movement of a user lying thereon to contract and shorten the abdominal muscles with the user's back and head portions in engagement with the board. Handles are removably mounted on the board near the one end thereof. In use, the handles are grasped by the hands of the user during movement to contract and shorten the abdominal muscles and to bend the board upwardly into a concave configuration against the resilient force of the board. During this upward movement, the user's head, neck, shoulder, back, and buttocks portions are supported by the board. Anchoring devices are provided at or near the opposite end of the board to secure the feet, legs or thighs of user thereto.

Abstract: A computer-controlled exercise sit up machine has a frame supporting a bed on which a user may rest his or her body, knee support posts for resting the user's knees, and foot rest support posts for receiving the user's feet and ankles. The exercise sit up machine has a triangular-shaped housing which acts as a fulcrum for pivoting the frame about a transverse axis so that the bed is inclined to a position where the user performs sit ups with the head at a higher vertical level than the feet. A computer controls a motor housed in the triangular-shaped housing for pivoting the frame about the fulcrum. The user may select a desired sit up routine. The computer then operates the machine through the chosen sit up routine and calculates and displays a sit up coefficient score to apprise the user of his or her performance.