Abstract: An extendable fitness bar including an internal elastic member. The fitness bar includes two, hollow external bars with ends facing one another. On an interior of the two external bars is an internal bar. The elastic member extends through the two external bars and the internal bar. The elastic member is attached to a far end of each of the external bars. A user can grasp each external bar and separate them, exposing the internal bar and creating a longer continuous bar. This separation also causes the elastic member to stretch creating tension. The user may also twist the two external bars in opposing directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) for additional stretches.

Abstract: A push-up exercise apparatus includes two base seats pivotable relative to each other about a vertical axis, and two handgrips respectively disposed on the base seats. Each base seat includes a connecting body. The connecting bodies of the base seats are disposed one above the other and are rotatable relative to each other about the vertical axis. A retaining mechanism includes a rotating cap rotatably disposed on an upper one of the connecting bodies, an elastic member disposed between the connecting bodies, and at least one retaining unit including first and second retaining members respectively disposed on the rotating cap and a lower connecting body and engaged with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising muscles of a user. At least one member has a dynamic mass distribution that changes according to an orientation of the apparatus. The orientation of the apparatus may be altered by the user so as to exercise the user's muscles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable exercise device for enabling a user to perform sit-up exercises. Also disclosed is a portable exercise system that comprises the portable exercise device, and a mat for supporting a back portion of the user while performing the sit-up exercises. The portable exercise device comprises a base member having a pair of base portions foldably coupled to each other and a pair of pedal portions configured on the pair base portions, a pair of strap members coupled to the pair of pedal portions, a pair of support members removably coupled at end portions of the pair of pedal portions, and a counting unit movably mounted on the base member. The counting unit comprises a timer adapted to determine a period of the sit-up exercises, at least one pressure, and a counter operatively coupled to the at one pressure sensor to determine a number of the sit-up exercises.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device is described that includes an alarm means to promote proper user positioning for abdominal muscle isolation. The exercise device includes a frame; a seat carried on the frame; a backrest attached to the frame, the backrest including a mounting plate and a backrest pad pivotally attached to the mounting plate; a user perceivable alarm; a first sensor associated with the backrest to sense the pressure exerted by the user on the backrest, the first sensor activating the alarm when the pressure is outside a preset range; and, optionally, a second sensor associated with the backrest to sense the angle of the backrest pad, the second sensor activating the alarm when the angle is outside a preset range.

Abstract: The grip strength device is configured to gauge the grip strength of contracted muscles or aid in exercising particular muscles by providing resistance against the contracted muscles. The grip strength device is inserted into a user's vagina or held in a user's hand. The user either contracts the pubococcygeal or hand muscles depending on the casing used. The grip strength device has a removable casing containing a first fluid, a first bellows, a second bellows and a pressure gauge. The first bellows has a closed end and a first valve in communication with the casing. The second bellows has a second fluid. The second bellows has a second valve connected to the pressure gauge, and a closed end abutting the closed end of the first bellows. Pressure applied to the removable casing is communicated from the first bellows to the second bellows and measured by the pressure gauge.

Abstract: A new and improved exercise treadmill may include a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is parallel to the first end. Two sidewalls interconnect the first and second end. The treadmill may further comprise a motor in order to drive a belt, which is trained over a front roller and a rear roller. A deck is positioned underneath the belt in order to support the user. The treadmill may also comprise a belt tensioning device, which provides a visual indicator so that the rear roller may be moved on each end in equal distance relative to the front roller. Another feature of the invention is a slot between the side rails and the frame so that an extended member can be inserted therein to lubricate the belt.

Abstract: The pulley machine counter is a weight lifting machine repetition counter that may be easily installed on, and removed from, a weight lifting machine. The pulley machine counter has a counting mechanism that includes a pushrod that increments the repetition count each time the pushrod is depressed. When mounted on a weight lifting machine, each complete weight lifting repetition causes the weights to contact and depress the pushrod, thereby incrementing the repetition count. When the pulley machine counter is properly positioned at the maximum vertical travel of the weights during a complete lift, the pulley machine counter will count only complete repetitions. A clamp, used to hold the pulley machine counter in place, has a friction-enhancing member to facilitate proper positioning.

Abstract: An exercise product and an exercise system using it has a grid of at least first marks on a surface of the exercise product. The first marks incorporate or are associated with indicia. Preferably, the first marks are first straight lines, the grid further comprises second straight lines orthogonal to and intersecting the first straight lines and the indicia are incorporated into the second straight lines by the second straight lines comprising dashes.

Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes a post extended from a base, a pair of foot pedals pivotally secured to the post with a pivot axle and movable up and down relative to the base about the pivot axle, a shaft rotatably secured to the post and having an inner end disposed in the post and an outer end located outside the post, and a lever secured to the outer end of the shaft and having two ends disposed below and engaged with the bottom surfaces of the foot pedals. A counting device may be used for counting the rotational movement of the shaft relative to the post and the base.

Abstract: A display for exercise devices includes a holder, a display body, resilient members, two damper assemblies and a lock assembly. The holder has an open top and a central cavity. The display body has a bottom and is movably mounted in the central cavity of the holder with the resilient members and the damper assembly. When the display body moves downward in the central cavity and compresses the resilient members, the lock assembly mounted in the holder near the bottom of the holder locks the display body in position. When the lock assembly unlocks the display body, restitution forces in the resilient members push the display body smoothly out of the central cavity by means of the damper assemblies damping the speed of the display body.

Abstract: A pogo stick or jump leg is used for amusement and exercise and is formed of a cylindrical body, a handle frame, a footboard, a landing rod, and a counting mechanism which is disposed in the handle frame and is formed of a counter, a drive member, and a linking member. The linking member is actuated by the landing rod in motion to activate the drive member so as to drive the counter for keeping count of jumps made by the landing rod.

Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes a base having an upright tubular member disposed thereon. The tubular member has lower left and right portions formed with a respective circumferentially extending slot, and upper left and right portions having a respective pivot arm extending radially therefrom. A rotary member is disposed inside the tubular member and is rotatable relative to the tubular member about an axis of the tubular member. The rotary member has a pair of force transmitting rods that extend outwardly and respectively of the tubular member through the slots. Each of a pair of pivot couplers is sleeved rotatably on a respective pivot arm, and has a movement driving rod that extends downwardly therefrom and that abuts against a respective force transmitting rod. Each of left and right pedal arms has a front end connected to a respective one of the pivot couplers. Each of a pair of resistance cylinders interconnects the base and the rear end of a respective pedal arm.

Abstract: Disclosed as an apparatus for measuring at least one performance metric of an athlete. The apparatus comprises an elongated tether with a first end and a second end. An attachment means is attached to the first end of the elongated tether wherein the attachment means can be attached to the athlete. A vertical jump by the athlete causes a displacement of the elongated tether proportional to a distance, or height, of the vertical jump. A retractor is attached to the second end of the elongated tether to withdraw the elongated tether after a jump. An encoder determines a magnitude of the displacement of the elongated tether and generates a signal proportional to the magnitude. A conversion device receives the signal from the encoder and converts the signal to the performance metric. An output device reports the performance metric.

Abstract: A strength training apparatus is for strengthening the body muscles, and includes a housing; at least one compression spring element which includes a housing; at least one compression spring element which is placed in the housing and which is acted upon by muscular force of the body muscles. There is a lever mounted in the housing, and this lever has a power arm end around which an outwardly extending pulling loop is engaged. This lever has a work arm end pressing against the compression spring element.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises first and second members connected together by spring means so as to be movable towards each other by the application of a compressive force therebetween or to be movable away from each other by the application of a tensile force to said members. A sounder is provided on one member which, on contact with a striker surface on the other member, emits a warning sound. The striker surface is adjustable towards and away from said sounder so that the warning sound is emitted when a selected predetermined force is applied to the members.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating abdominal exercise (10) which includes a frame (12) having a central portion (20) between left (14) and right (16) hand engaging portions, the left (14) and right (16) hand engaging portions extending forward from the central portion (20), the central portion and the left and right hand engaging portions being essentially co-planar. A receptacle (18) is attached to the central portion, the receptacle (18) having a concave back of a head receiving portion (50) and an elongate groove neck receiving portion (52) extending from the back of the head receiving portion (50), the receptacle (18) extending transverse the plane of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing equilibrium exercises which includes a fitting assembly for fitting the device to a part of the body, for instance the head, of a user and a position indicating assembly connected to the fitting assembly for indicating the position of the device. The position indicating assembly is herein observable by the user and can be formed by a conventional or electronic spirit level instrument.

Abstract: A digital resistance indicator for P.S.I. Nordic Track, of Chaska, Minn., under the mark NORDIC TRACK exercise machines is provided for use with exercise machines having a frictional resistance device for creating a resistive force in response to reciprocating arm movements by an operator. The resistance indicator comprises a resistance adjustment device, operatively connected to the frictional resistance device, for varying the level of the resistive force; and a digital indicator, coupled to the resistance adjustment device, for displaying a numerical value corresponding to a particular position of the resistance adjustment device. The resistance adjustment device may comprise a rotatable handwheel, a lever, or any other suitable element which can be grasped by the human hand and used to impart an increase or decrease in resistive force to the frictional resistance device.

Abstract: An exercise belt 10 to be worn around the waist of a user has a case 14 holding a control switch S1, a switch actuator 22, a battery 16, a vibrator 20, and a motor 18 connected to the vibrator 20 to cause the vibrator 20 to vibrate upon energization of the motor 18 by the battery 16 when the control switch S1 changes states. A light emitting device 28 is attached to the case 14 and positioned to be observed when the belt 10 is worn around the waist of a user. A strap 12 has one end attached to one end of the case 14 and another end connected to the switch actuator 22. This strap 12 is adjustable to fit snugly around the waist of a user, with expansion of the user's waist moving the switch actuator 22 to change the state of the control switch S1, energizing the motor 18, vibrator 20, and light emitting device 28.

Abstract: A device for exercising the abdominal muscles and method comprising an informing unit having a sensor, an announciator with a signal-controlling circuit board and a signal reproducer, and elements to enable positioning and retaining the informing unit on the user's belly. The abdominal muscles are exercised by flexing them using the information from the sensor. These attract the user's attention to the exercising of abdominal muscles, by reproducing an exercise command or musical note, serving to indicate to the user to contract muscles, and stop the command, therefore resulting in more efficient development of the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball, about 18 inches in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles, secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specialized exercises that use the ball in a tension mode. The ball is only partially inflated so as to provide soft compliant accommodation to various body surfaces, and can be utilized bidirectionally, i.e. either in compression or in tension, in conjunction with various body parts such as hands, legs, knees, feet, etc., for a broad array of isometric muscle exercises directed to overall body strengthening, particularly for persons prone to and/or desiring protection from the effects of osteoporosis. A sequence of recommended exercises may be depicted directly on the surface of the ball. Attachment of the handles to the main ball portion may be made by sonic welding.

Abstract: A device adapted to be placed upon a human for the purpose of counting exercises incident to therapeutically treating and restoring the part of the anatomy being exercised to normal use. The device accurately counts the number of repetitions the part of the anatomy is exercised in a given time period. The accuracy of the total number in a given time period is assured by anti-cheating elements which render the counting mechanism inoperable in the event the device is not on the human anatomy when the device is utilized.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for stretching muscles includes a foot coupler for coupling to a foot of a user. The foot coupler is coupled to a flexible connector which in turn is coupled to an anchoring device. The anchoring device secures the stretching apparatus to a fixed element such as a door knob. The connector includes an adjustable locking device for adjusting the length of the connector. A handle extends from the locking device for pulling the locking device downwardly and for adjusting the length of the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the angle of flexure between an elongated body limb and the portion of the body to which the limb is affected. The apparatus can be used to monitor flexure between a thigh and lower portion of a human leg. The apparatus is useful during the performance of rehabilitative knee-bends includes means for coupling the apparatus to the thigh, and two gravity actuated switches for monitoring the angle between a long axis of the thigh and vertical axis. The apparatus indicates when the extreme points of the knee-bend have been crossed.

Abstract: A stomach muscle monitoring/warning device includes a belt housing with a slide plate that moves a pin into contact with a flexible sounding spring inside the belt housing to mechanically produce a subtle audible clicking sound when the stomach muscles are expanded beyond a preset limit for warning the user to retract the stomach muscles to improve posture.

Abstract: A device and method for rehabilitation of patients with kinesthetic injuries. The device consists of a base with non-skid feet to securely locate the device on a supporting surface. An upwardly extending guide member is located on the base. A target attachment with target is attached to the guide member. A repositionable platform assembly with a downwardly extending platform support point is placed at a receiving location on the base. From the upper surface of the repositionable platform extends a wand support with a wand tip at its upper end. Optionally, an anti-rotation member can be used to partially prevent movement of the platform. Such an anti-rotation member interacts with the guide member to restrict platform movement. In one configuration, the anti-rotation member is used to prevent yaw of the platform, but allow roll or pitching motion. In use, the patient attempts to move the platform either in single or multiple directions; i.e.

Abstract: A new and improved arm wrestling apparatus includes a table assembly and a simulated arm assembly supported by the table assembly. The simulated arm assembly includes a plurality of receiver assemblies for receiving respective incremental counterforce resistance elements. The receiver assemblies are arrayed longitudinally beside and symmetrically astride a longitudinal axis. An arm motion limit assembly is supported by the table assembly for limiting motion of the simulated arm assembly. A limit signaling assembly is supported by the table assembly for signaling when the simulated arm assembly reaches a limit of arm motion. The limit signaling assembly includes a force-receiving portion adapted to receive force exerted by an incremental counterforce resistance element when the simulated arm assembly reaches the arm motion limit assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the angle of flexure between an elongated body limb and the portion of the body to which the limb is affected. The apparatus can be used to monitor flexure between a thigh and lower portion of a human leg. The apparatus is useful during the performance of rehabilitative knee-bends includes means for coupling the apparatus to the thigh, and two gravity actuated switches for monitoring the angle between a long axis of the thigh and a vertical axis. The apparatus indicates when the extreme points of the knee-bend have been crossed.

Abstract: A indicator for an exercising apparatus with a rotating element includes a base, a cover being engaged with the base, a blowing device being disposed on the base, a transmission device having a first end connected to the rotating device of the exercising apparatus and a second end engaged to the blowing device for actuating the blowing device and a float being disposed in the cover and above the blowing device. The float can be propelled upwardly when the blowing device is actuated.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus having a closed loop, hydraulic controller which provides a user selectable resistance to movement over an operating path. A restrictor valve assembly controls fluid flow in an exercise direction and includes a sealed valve body and a rotatable stem piece having a number of flow bores of differing relative dimension to a primary flow path. A pair of separable interlocking piston head pieces at a piston shaft control a reduced bypass resistance with return travel. Alternately disclosed modular frameworks, which include stationary and carriage portions, permit physical motion in relation to a measurement means which displays relative exertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible line guidance and tension measuring device for use on an exercise apparatus to guide a flexible line from a resistance mechanism to an exercise member and measure tension in the flexible line. A fixed member is operatively secured to the exercise apparatus, and a movable member is movably mounted to the fixed member. The flexible line passes over a load bearing pulley rotatably mounted on the movable member. Tension in the flexible line causes the movable member to move relative to the fixed member, and an incremental deflection measuring means measures the relative movement.

Abstract: A device for aerobic step exercises comprising a platform with a flat top, the underside of the platform having a cavity into which either the first or second end of a support member is inserted. Each end has an opening therein or a slot therethrough of a certain depth which contacts engaging means within the cavity to maintain the top of the platform at a certain pre-selected height above the support surface. A respective numeral corresponding to the height is disposed on the support member adjacent its first and second ends. The numeral can be viewed through an opening in the platform when the support member is inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: A sensor device to detect and signal the exercise or movement of a subject's craniofacial and cervical muscles that includes a trigger attached to the subject, sensitive to movement in at least one direction and communicating with a signal emitter in order to emit an appropriate signal upon the sensing of movement that indicates the performance of the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use by individuals includes a base member formed of hingedly secured base members that in turn each include a hinged pivot plate relative to each base plate, wherein each pivot plate is biased exteriorly of each base plate, and at least one elastomeric band mounted to each base plate to permit simultaneous foot, leg, and arm exercise by individuals in areas of limited available space.

Abstract: A monitoring device for posture improvement training, worn as a headband, provides audible feedback of sensed forward or backward deviation from ideal head inclination in the saggital plane. The monitor unit is captivated on an adjustable central strap running front-to-rear over the curvature of the crown of the head. The unit may be moved along the strap to enable initial leveling adjustment to level the unit while the subject's head is maintained in the ideal posture of neutral inclination. A level-sensor, specially mounted in the unit, remains switched in an OFF state as long as the subject's head inclination remains correct, however, whenever the head inclines in either direction in the saggital plane beyond a predetermined critical angle, e.g. 4 degrees, the sensor makes contact to an ON state, actuating a sound-emitting transducer powered by an on-board battery, to indicate the departure from correct posture.

Abstract: A portable muscle building and exercising apparatus wherein a helical compression coil spring is installed in a housing and can be stressed to different degrees by three loop-shaped handles two of which are to be held and pulled by the two hands and the third of which can be engaged and pulled by one or both feet of the user or affixed to a stationary part. The component which actually stresses the spring is a tensioning member having a conductive extension which can complete the circuit of a plug-shaped acoustic alarm when the spring stores a select amount of energy. The alarm can be moved to any one of a number of different positions in the path of movement of the extension of the tensioning member. The audible signal which is generated by the alarm indicates to the user that the selected degree of stress upon the spring has been reached as well as that such stress is maintained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose controller for a stationary bicycle and in particular to one mounted on the lateral side of a rotating disc and having two wires connected with a display and an adjusting knob whereby the controller may provide a function of automatic periodic adjustment mode or a manual adjustment mode as desired as to adapt to the need of various users.