Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening the ankle extensors which includes a platform on which a user jumps repetitively while monitoring the time that he is in contact with the platform and the time that he is out of contact with the platform. In one embodiment, the platform is hinged to a base platform along an edge with a spring and switch in between. The spring holds the platform and base panel slightly apart except when the user is standing on the platform. The switch has two sets of poles, one of which sets activates a circuit for timing the time in contact and the second of which sets activates the time of flight of each jump when the user is out of contact. Monitoring of each period can be performed by any one of several circuits. One circuit includes a clock and display for displaying the current flight or contact time. Another circuit includes structure for presetting target periods for flight and contact times.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a comfort cushion adapted for use by a person standing for a prolonged period. The cushion causes increased leg muscle activity that results in increased movement of blood upward from the feet of the standing person. The cushion is composed of a wear layer which is resistant to abrasion from foot traffic and a base material which is substantially more compressible than the wear layer. The comfort cushion causes the foot to assume a slightly different angular relationship to the horizontal as compared with the conditions that exist when one is standing on a conventional flat floor. This, in turn, causes increased leg muscle activity.