Abstract: An orthopedic device ankle exerciser for rehabilitating and exercising an injured ankle of a pair of feet where each foot has an arch, a heel, toes, and a mid portion and where one foot of the pair of feet has a healthy ankle. The orthopedic device ankle exerciser comprises a foot board, pivot means, and fastening means. The foot board has a central portion, a lower surface, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The pivot means pivotably and frictionally supports the foot board and the pivot means is fixably and centrally attached to the lower surface of the foot board at the central portion inorder to prevent horizontal translation of the foot board. The fastening means secures the pair of feet to the foot board in selectively fixed side-by-side relation and the fastening means is fixably attached to the upper surface of the foot board proximate the central portion.

Abstract: A suspended trimming device in which two lengths of cable are suspended from a yoke and have loops at their ends, in which the yoke is suspended to pivot at least about a horizontal axis. According to the invention, the yoke is suspended on an elastic cable secured to the yoke at its longitudinal center so that the yoke is vertically movable and can also rotate about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An adjustable physical therapy apparatus consisting of a support base. A horizontally oriented bounding platform assembly support bar is selectively mounted on the support base so as to be vertically adjustable with respect thereto. A bounding platform assembly consists of two pivotally connected bounding platforms which are selectively draped over the support bar so that the free ends thereof rest upon the floor. The angle of inclination of the pivotally connected bounding platforms is selectivley variable by vertically adjusting the support bar with respect to the support base so as to provide bounding surfaces for vigorous lateral rehabilitation exercises by the patient.A modified adjustable physical therapy apparatus is provided whereby two adjustable physical therapy units are fixedly attached in an end-to-end relationship so as to provide adjacent bounding platforms with a reverse angle of inclination so as to provide bounding surfaces for vigorous medial rehabilitation exercises by the patient.

Abstract: A multi-purpose exerciser which includes a U-shaped base frame having two smoothly arched parallel ends and a back pad on the middle, an axle transversely mounted in the U-shaped base frame to hold a pair of pulleys outside the base frame and an elongated polyurethane rollers within the base frame for supporting the user's hips, a T-bar pivoted to the back pad and holding a pair of pulleys, a support frame bar adapted to support the back pad on the floor, the support frame bar having a bottom end holding a supporting wheel for supporting on the floor, a guide pulley mounted on the support frame bar, a handlebar having two locating members near two opposite ends thereof, a pull rope inserted through the guide pulley with its two opposite ends respectively passed through the pulleys on the axle then the pulleys on the T-bar and then coupled to the two locating members on the handlebar by a respective adjusting clamp, and two stop members bilaterally fastened to the pull rope and spaced between the pulleys on th

Abstract: A kinesiology testing apparatus which includes a base. A foot treadle is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally attached to the base. A line is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end is secured adjacent to the second end of the foot treadle. Means is provided for securing the first end of the line to a person's arm. When a person has his arm extended out parallel to a floor, a downward force exerted by a foot of the person upon the foot treadle is transmits, via the line, a downward force upon the person's arm.

Abstract: The leg and ankle exercise device has a foot member rotatable attached to a pair of attachment arms which extend from and are attached to a leg member. The leg member is attached to the back of the lower leg of an exercise user by leg straps. The user's foot rests on the foot member and is positioned and retained by a heel rest and a foot strap. A handle attached to the toe end of the foot rest is then pulled by the user to provide the force against which to rotate and exercise the ankle and the back of the leg including the tendons and muscles, i.e., hamstring muscles, achilles tendon and others, as well as the user's back.

Abstract: An exercise and stretch device constructed of semi-flexible tubing. The exercise and stretch device of the present invention has a rectangular frame disposed between a pair of axially aligned and oppositely extending tubular extensions each with an angular leg support depending therefrom which are adapted to receive the legs of the user. The rectangular frame has a pair of U-shaped handle supports connected perpendicular to the plane of the frame which can be used to support the weight of the user during stretching exercises. The handle supports can be removed depending on the exercise being performed or to allow the user to easily position himself or herself on the stretch machine. The present invention also includes an optional back support member which can be used without the handle supports or in combination with the handle supports.

Abstract: An exercise device having a first and second foot stirrup securable around the feet of a user, a flexible padded belt having a first and second end securable around the lower back of a user while in the sitting position on a floor. A first collapsible linkage connected between first end of flexible belt and first foot stirrup. A second collapsible linkage connected between second end of flexible belt and second foot stirrup. A first tension mechanism with a first and second end connected between first flexible belt end and first foot stirrup and a second tension mechanism with a first and second end connected between second flexible belt end and second foot stirrup. A first and second adjusting "S" hook connected between the first and second collapsible linkages to allow user to selectively position device to fit users body size.

Abstract: A backbone stretching exerciser including a base frame unit having two front lugs and two rear guide rollers respectively disposed at the top, a seat frame unit having a fixed end pivoted to front lugs of the base frame unit and a free end, a back frame unit pivoted to the free end of the seat frame unit and adapted for supporting the user's back, the back frame unit having two substantially arched guide tubes bilaterally disposed at a back side thereof and respectively supported on the guide rollers of the base frame unit, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the base frame unit and the free end of the seat frame unit to impart a damping resistance to the seat frame unit.

Abstract: Stretching apparatus which includes a flared, concave array of tensioned, smooth elastic cords removably connected to a support, constituting an inexpensive, compact, and flexible mechanism for providing a substantial variety of free-styled or controlled, repeatable exercises. The elastic cords are simultaneously accessible to multiple portions of the body with a wide range of orientations because of the generally concave or frustoconical shape formed by an array of elastic cords which permit multiple multi-directional resistive-type exercises in nearly all directions. The elastic cords preferably comprise shock cords, and the shock cords and/or supporting structures carry visible indicia to indicate the degree of resistance and difficulty of a preplanned routine or to facilitate free-style usage.

Abstract: A portable exercise device comprises a rigid planar base having a horizontal upper surface. At least one support bracket is mounted to the upper surface. A generally vertically disposed pole is mounted to the support brackets at one of a co-arcuate array of positioning locations on the brackets to vary the angular orientation of the pole. The pole may also be disposed in a completely collapsed horizontal condition during transportation and storage of the device. The base has hand accommodating structure to facilitate the carrying of the base. A body supporting member, such as a bench, may be mounted to the pole and the base. In addition, a rigid exercise bar could be mounted to the pole. A plurality of elastic exercise cords could be mounted to the base.

Abstract: A lower body exercise apparatus includes a plurality of supports, each support configured to be positioned on a horizontal surface and including a base having an inclined surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the inclined surface forms an angle between approximately 20.degree. and 55.degree. from horizontal. In one aspect of the invention, the plurality of supports includes two supports positioned at a distance from one another and having an angle relative to one another. The user can perform exercises on the two supports to exercise the lower body and to improve agility. In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of supports includes a first set of two supports positioned at a distance from one another and having the inclined surfaces facing one another, and a second set of two supports positioned at a distance from one another and having the inclined surfaces facing one another, and where the supports are arranged substantially in a rectangle on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abdominal exercise apparatus having an adjustable curved back support. The machine is used to produce an exercise that isolates, stretches, works, and develops the muscles of the abdominal wall (abs). The machine positions and supports the body to prevent it from unfolding at the hips, eliminating use of the thigh flexors and pain they cause from the exercise. Then it arches the back, which in turn extends the abs fully. In a preferred embodiment, the tension of extension of the abs is adjustable through positioning of back support.

Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.

Abstract: A novel abdominal exercise machine is provided which is adaptable for a variety of strength exercises utilizing at least some of the weight of a user for resistance. The exercise machine includes a first frame having laterally spaced and parallel side arms adapted for at least partially receiving a user in a supine position therebetween for abdominal exercise. A second frame is pivotally attached to one side of the first frame and includes a support member for at least partially supporting a user's weight thereon during utilization of the exercise machine. When utilized for abdominal exercise, the support member can support a user's head thereon. When utilized for a variety of strength exercises, the support member can support at least some or all of the weight of a user thereon wherein the user can stand, sit, or kneel on the support member. The amount of resistance encountered during strength exercises can be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise bar for use in rehabilitative therapy of joint structures, especially those of an impaired limb of a user. The exercise bar preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and two ends, a loop member comprising a loop attached to a first end of the shaft, and a handle member attached to a second end of the shaft at an angle to both the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the plane defined by the loop of the loop member. The loop preferably is in the shape of an isosceles triangle with the angles forming arcuated notches for receiving a portion of the user's impaired limb. Once the user's limb is seated within one of the notches, the shaft may be rotated about it axis to enable rotational, resistive stretching of a first joint complex or may be reciprocated along its axis to enable the performance of various exercises.

Abstract: A therapeutic method, for simultaneously stretching and lifting a user's lower back while the user is lying on his back on the ground, thereby relieving and preventing lower back pain. The device includes a frame which features a horizontally extending upper cross frame for accommodating the back of the user's knees. In use, the lower end of the frame contacts the ground and serves as a fulcrum. The device further includes a foot rest for accommodating the user's feet. The foot rest is mounted to the frame at a convenient point between the cross frame and the lower end.

Abstract: Exercising the wrist and hand of an individual is achieved solely by the individual by anchoring the hand to a fixed support with the palm facing upward and the thumb and fingers free to move. The individual then grasps the thumb of the secured hand by the other hand and pushes the thumb laterally outward and toward the fixed support, thereby stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the hand. Anchoring the hand to a fixed support is achieved by use of a C-shaped clamp, with one open end engaging the underside of the fixed support and the other open end engaging the palm side of the hand in the area between the carpal wrist bones.

Abstract: A leg multi-muscle stretch apparatus for physical therapy includes a foot carriage mounted to a carriage guide track and permitting the foot carriage to move back and forth along a carriage path, for therapeutically stretching a user foot and user leg with reciprocating motion, and a user support structure pivotally connected the carriage track. The apparatus preferably additionally includes user handle grips, and two elongate arm members pivotally connected to the carriage guide track, where the handle grips are connected to the elongate arm members. The user support structure preferably includes a platform structure including two parallel and laterally spaced apart beam members and a planar web member extending between and supported by the beam members.

Abstract: A lower-back therapy apparatus that alternately stretches and strengthens lower-back, leg, and abdominal muscles, the apparatus is constructed with a platform unit having a flat cushioned platform table hinged to a motor-actuated, pivoting platform that can be pivotally raised and lowered by a control switch operated by the user, providing the user with complete control of the range, frequency and duration of the articulation of the pivoting platform for a user-defined stretching-strengthening sequence.

Abstract: The reciprocal inhibition exercise device has a leg beam attached perpendicular to a bottom cross member. The bottom cross member is part of a frame structure which has the bottom cross member attached to a back support member and a front support member. This part of the frame rests on the floor where the user wishes to use the exercise device. Additionally, the front support member has a front vertical support member attached and an exercise grip bar is attached between the front vertical support member and the back support member. The leg beam has a pair of foot pad slides which are attached to a spring or elastic strap which are then attached a leg beam middle plate. The foot pad slides have rotatable stirrups attached to a foot pad pedestal. The exercise device may also have a front grip bar and a back grip bar attached.

Abstract: An exercise device primarily for performing the so-called sit-up exercise is provided with a pivotably adjustable back-rest and a longitudinally adjustable hip-rest. The combined adjustability of the back- and hip-rests gives proper support to the back of a user during exercise and minimize the risk of back injuries notwithstanding that the spine sizes of different individuals depend on their physical particulars.

Abstract: Equipment for carrying out anterior and posterior flexion exercises of the foot and lower limbs for athletic training and rehabilitation comprising a surface (2) for the foot to rest on connected to a curved surface (3) suited to roll on the plane of execution of the exercise and able to provoke, following a corresponding movement of the body, the forward and backward inclination of the footrest surface. Means for the adjustment of the footrest (7) as well as means for fastening the foot to said rest are provided. The curved surface is formed by two portions of different extent and radii of curvature.

Abstract: An exercise method beneficially and safely affects the lumbar spine and muscles of a human. The method uses a simple exercise device having a substantially rigid body with top and bottom surfaces, and a front and back. The top surface is configured and dimensioned to safely passively extend a human's lumbar spine when the human lays with her or his stomach on the top surface (e.g. by providing a concave surface with a total angle of concavity of about 10.degree.-30.degree., preferably about 12.degree.-17.degree.). The bottom surface of the device is configured and dimensioned to allow rocking action in a dimension extending from the front to the rear of the device, and may include two or more spaced rocking strips with front and rear stops.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame which includes a first pair of tracks and a second pair of tracks. A first handle is received in the first pair of tracks, and a second handle is received in the second pair of tracks. A motion-resistant assembly is connected between the first handle and the second handle. A base member is provided, and a frame-to-base pivot assembly, which lies in a vertical plane, is connected between the frame and the base member. When the frame and the base member move relative to each other around the pivot assembly, they move in a horizontal plane. The frame-connected bracket assembly can include a first bracket member connected to the frame, a second bracket member received by the first bracket member and adjustable longitudinally therewith, and a bracket lock connected between the first bracket member and the second bracket member. A kick target assembly can be connected to the frame.

Abstract: A skiing simulation device includes a pair of horizontal beams and a pair of guiding rails mounted between the horizontal beams. Each guiding rail includes two roller seats having rollers attached thereto so as to slidable along the associated guiding rail. Each of two pedals is mounted to two of the roller seats, the rollers of which are in the same guiding rail to allow skiing simulation practice. Each of the pedals may be mounted to two of the roller seats, the rollers of which are in different guiding rails to allow leg-splay exercises.

Abstract: A knee extension device and method for using same for rehabilitating an injured knee by gradually extending the knee into a straightened position is disclosed. The knee extension device includes an elongated body member, a lower leg support member attached to the body member, and pressure applying strap capable of being wrapped around the body member. A leg is positioned on the body member with the lower portion of the leg resting on the support member. Pressure is selectively applied to the leg using the pressure applying strap to gradually force the knee towards a straightened position.

Abstract: An exercise device that can be used to increase cardiovascular conditioning and weight reduction, primarily through the strengthening of the abdominal muscles. The exercise device includes a foot retaining member having a pair of foot straps. The foot retaining member and foot straps retain and hold the user's feet in contact with the foot retaining member during the exercise movement. A pair of adjustable side straps extend from the ends of the foot retaining member and are adjustably connected to a handle. Preferably, the pair of side straps and the pair of foot straps are constructed of a single piece of material. When the foot retaining member is positioned on the user's feet, the user grasps the handle and begins the exercising movement. By moving his or her legs from an upright position to a generally seated position, the user can exercise his or her abdominal muscles without exerting stress on his or her back or neck muscles.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus for a user in a standing position has a base, a pair of upright bars, a leg rest member slidably engaged between the upright bars for movement between selected vertical positions for stretching posterior leg muscles of a user's leg rested thereon, and a linear drive mechanism fixed to the base provided with a drive motor and a linear drive member having an end coupled to the leg rest member. The linear drive member is operated to raise and lower the leg rest member in the vertical direction in a cycle of stretching, holding, and retracting as desired by the user.

Abstract: A leg exercising device for exercising the knee joint of a patient's leg is disclosed. The device includes an elongate lever which is a rod having a cradle at one end to cradle a lower portion of a patient's leg. A fulcrum member is carried on the rod intermediate its ends and is shaped to bear against a patient's leg near its knee joint which a patient's lower leg portion is cradled. A handle is on the rod end opposite the cradle and is useable by a patient to effect articulation of a knee joint. A distance adjustment means is between the fulcrum member and the cradle. In one embodiment the rod consists of two end connected pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for exercising a person's knee. The apparatus includes a base member that supports a person in a supine position. There are a pair of shoulder braces connected to and extending upwardly from the base member. Each shoulder brace engages a respective shoulder of the supported person. An elongate strap is interconnected to and extends between the shoulder braces. The strap extends across the back of the supported person's leg to hold the upper section of the leg, located generally above the knee, in an upright condition extending upwardly from the base member. The lower section of the leg, located generally below the knee, may be selectively lowered and raised relative to the upper section of the leg to stretch and strengthen the knee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saucer which is adapted to be used in exercising various muscle groups. The saucer includes a frustroconical base having a lower end of a first diameter and an upper end of an enlarged diameter. A number of straps are employed on the upper surface of the frustroconical base for use in securing a user thereon. Thus, with a user secured to the upper surface of the frustroconical base, they may shift their weight in such a manner that the device no longer rests on the lower surface of the base, and thus rests upon the tapered sidewall. The user can then commence various exercising routines in an effort to exercise difficult to reach muscle groups.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus which includes a waist stand made from a substantially U-shaped frame rod, the waist stand having two parallel end rod sections, and a transverse intermediate rod section joined between the parallel end rod sections; a shoulder rack pivoted to the waist stand and connected between the end rod sections for supporting the player's shoulders, the shoulder rack having a shoulder cushion at the top and two handgrips bilaterally disposed in front of the shoulder cushion, the shoulder cushion having two bearing portions for supporting the player's shoulders and defining a mouth for the passing of the player's head; and a back support pivoted to the waist stand to support the waist stand in a sloping position and to support the shoulder cushion in a horizontal position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing forward and/or lateral extension type exercises has one or more grip means in combination with a guide means. The grip means comprises a handle means, such as a shaft, around which the hand can be wrapped during use, and upon which the weight of the user can be applied through the hands. The grip means also comprise a means for permitting sliding or rolling movement of the grip means within conforming guide means. These movement means may be wheels located rotatably on the handle shaft, or simply a low-friction undersurface for sliding movement. The guide means also has adjustable stop means for fixing the distance along which the grip means are permitted to move within the guide means.

Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus is disclosed which provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a leg stretching component and an arm and back stretching component. The leg stretching component allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180.degree. or more using hand crank or motorized mechanisms. Sliding leg deck construction reduces the pressure on the user's knees during leg stretching exercises. The arm and back stretching component allows the user to maintain his or her arms and back muscles in a fully extended position without applying undue force during stretching. The arm and back stretching component includes a platform on which the user is seated and a stretching pole which can be selectively oriented in three dimensional space relative to the user's waist.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for aiding a person in stretching his or her muscles, such as a gymnast. The system comprises a trapezoid shaped base having a pair of pivot grooves formed in a top surface thereof to accommodate adjacent ends of a pair of boards. The spacing of the primary base from the floor or other support surface may be varied by using one or more secondary bases. The various components of the system may be arranged or configured to meet the stretching needs of the user or may be arranged to function as a step for step aerobics. The purpose of the muscle stretching trainer system is to allow for the isolation of muscle groups in order to develop flexibility.

Abstract: The present device, which includes four accessories, incorporates in one machine that which is required for the elongation of muscles in all parts of the body, namely: the static, the dynamic, and the 3s or PNF Methods. The device consists of a main frame (1), a seat with a back (2) mounted on the frame's upper surface, two lateral foot supports (3), and a rolling car (13), which when pulled, operates a load-reducing mechanism (18) which includes two pulleys (7) connected to two supports (5), which open laterally or sidewise, and carry with them two supports (3). Each foot support (3) is equipped with hand grips (12). The accessories include two additional foot supports (29, 33) attachable to the car (13), two modules (35) fitted laterally into the frame (1) and used to support the legs when bent or flexed, and a support accessory connected to the frame (1) through the supporting column (43).

Abstract: A Portable exerciser for stretching or toning muscles of a user is provided. The exerciser has a stretchable elastic anchor loop and a plurality of supplemental elastic loops of different but interchangeable strength and lengths. Accordingly, loops can be interchanged and interconnected in a series by the use of releasable fastening means such as a buckle or the like, for interchangeably combining such loops into a variety of portable exercise devises.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.

Abstract: A device for exercising the muscles of the gluteal region comprising a rigid frame formed as an elongated bar. A hip support is rotatably attached to the middle of the frame and a back support is attached to the hip support. The device further comprises a bootie having elastic resistance members connected to the toe and heel portions of the bootie.

Abstract: A spine therapy and exercise device (10) for conditioning and exercising the muscles associated with the back, abdomen and legs. The device (10) of the present invention includes a belt member (12) and a harness (14). The harness (14) is carried by the belt member (12) and is provided for receiving the arms of the wearer. The harness (14) of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a pair of straps (16), each being secured at one end (18) to the belt member (12), crossing each other to form an "X" configuration, and are then being releasably secured to the belt member (12) at their distal ends (20). Adjustment members (26) are provided on each strap (16) for adjusting the size of the harness (14) to the particular wearer by varying the length of the particular strap (16). The belt member (12) includes a torso engagement portion (28), and a leg engagement portion (34) connected in an end-to-end fashion such as to form a continuous loop.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus is disclosed. The leg stretching apparatus includes a pair of leg assemblies, a handle assembly, and attachment means for securing each leg assembly to the handle assembly. Each leg assembly includes a first leg including a pivot end and an opposite end, and a second leg including a first end slidingly received within the opposite end of the first leg and an opposite end for engaging a user's legs. First means for securing the second leg within the first leg are included so that movement of the second leg is prohibited. The handle assembly includes a first handle having a first and second side and a first and second end, and a second handle having a first and second end. The first end of the second handle is slidingly received within the second end of the first handle. The second end of the second handle may be grasped by a user when the leg stretching apparatus is in use.

Abstract: The disclosed exercise apparatus manipulates the back in a manner intended to strengthen back muscles and maintain spine flexibility. Adjacent arrays of rollers are mounted on a frame in a manner that allows the arrays of rollers to be secured in a first position relative to one another, wherein adjacent pairs of rollers are coaxially aligned, and in a second position relative to one another, wherein adjacent pairs of rollers are out of alignment.

Abstract: A fitness device is disclosed. A first contracting member is provided for contacting the back of a user. A second contacting member is provided for contacting the legs of the user. The first contacting member is pivotable relative to the second contacting member. A user-operable lever pivots the first contacting member so that in use, the back of the user is applied a pressure by the pivoting first contacting member so that the chest of the user is urged toward the legs of the user. Thus the user bends at the waist in response to the operation of the lever, and the back and leg muscles of the user are stretched. The inventive fitness device is constructed so as to fold up for easy storage and shipping. Also, a user-operated position locking mechanism maintains the position of the pivoted first contacting member so that an adequate stretch can be applied to the back and legs of the user.

Abstract: A calf muscle exercise device includes a base having a surface, inclined at about 35.degree. from horizontal, for supporting a user's feet, and a retainer for holding the user's feet on the inclined surface, with the user's toes pointing downwards. The method of using the exercise device is to position the user's feet on the inclined surface with the toes pointing downwards, to secure the feet against the inclined surface so as to leave the heels free to move, and then for the user to raise and lower their heels.

Abstract: The training device of this invention allows the athlete to stretch his leg and back muscles in the same general position as used to perform the various styles of kicks. The training device includes a generally rectangular frame which is mounted vertically on a wall. A foot pad is slidably carried by the frame and is connected to a cable and pulley system to shift the pad along the frame. In use, the athlete places one foot on the pad while balancing on the other foot. The athlete then pulls handles connected to the cable to raise the pad until the proper amount of stretching is achieved. A pair of handles are connected along the length of the cable which allows the athlete to raise the pad to a higher level by pulling on the second handle. Therefore, using the training device of the subject invention, the athlete's muscles are stretched in an active position simulating more closely the position of the muscles during an actual kick.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided for strengthening the lower back of a user. The exercise device includes a base for being located on a supporting surface. An inclined surface is supported by the base for engaging the thighs of the user to support at an angle a portion of the body extending generally from the waist to the knees. The upper body of the user extends over a front edge of the inclined surface for exercising movement between a flexed position and an extended position. A stabilizer bar is connected to the exercise device for engaging and holding the legs of the user against the inclined surface when exercising.

Abstract: The spine rehabilitation apparatus includes a frame having a vertical part and an inclined part; a counterforce device on the vertical part of the frame has an operating linkage having a pivot axle, and a support adapted to rest against the upper body region of the user of the rehabilitation apparatus, and the operating linkage is rotatable about the pivot axle; a seat part is on the inclined part of the frame, and below the pivot axle and the support, and is adjustably positioned on the inclined part of the frame; a convex member having a substantially cylindrical surface is affixed to the inclined part of the frame above the seat part forming with the seat part a wedge mechanism; a lever-lock mechanism for securing a user's pelvis to the wedge mechanism by holding the knees of the user in a fixed position is attached to and extends from the frame beneath the seat part and includes a foot rest and a supporting structure for securing a user's pelvis with a pressure applied to the user's knees, substantially p

Abstract: A body building station includes three juxtaposed posts extending downwardly from the underside of a securing seat of a seat of a frame. The side posts are pivotally connected to two rocker arms along the front side of the frame to form a leg exercising mechanism, while the central post is pivotally connected to a rotary frame at the rear side of the frame to form a twisting mechanism. Both tips of the rotary frame are connected to a bent press bar to form an abdominal exercising mechanism. Rubber resistance elements may be selectively positioned at suitable locations of the frame to facilitate the carrying out of different exercises.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating traction in a user back and is securable to an apparatus support structure having an apparatus engaging rim and an apparatus upright support face includes an elongate suspension member having a first member end and a second member end, a hook structure extending from the first member end in a first lateral direction for engaging the engaging rim, a support arm secured to and extending from the suspension member in a second lateral direction substantially opposite from the first lateral direction to project away from the upright support face, so that downward loading on the arm member causes the suspension member to pivot on the hook structure to abut and find support against the upright support face.