Abstract: The exercising action of a rowing machine handle may be changed from pulling to pushing by relocating the front end of a link plate, having its rear end pivotally connected to the handle, from an upper position to a lower position on a pair of blocks mounted to a pivotal foot pedal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rower-type exerciser comprising a support base, a seat, and pivot links connecting the seat with the base to produce a glider-type rocking motion. A resistance device is connected between the parts to resist or restrain the rocking motion. Force arms are attached to the links to enable an operator on the seat to induce the rocking motion, and a foot brace is attached to the support base to enable the operator to brace the feet and/or push or pull forward with footstraps in place against the brace to further induce the rocking motion. The user can emphasize force contributions of either the user's top extremities or lower extremities to the rocking motion inducing forces.

Abstract: A horse riding type exerciser includes a seat post pivotally coupled to a base. A handle is pivotally coupled to the base at a pivot shaft and has a panel secured to the handle and rotatable about the pivot shaft. A number of pivot axles are arranged on the panel and located above and below the pivot shaft. A link pivotally couples the seat post to either of the pivot axles. When the link is coupled to the pivot axle located above or below the pivot axle, the exerciser may be used for conducting either pull type or push type exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine of the horse-type on which a user is seated and glides generally horizontally in a reciprocal motion. The present invention comprises a support frame, a seat assembly, a unitary handlebar/footrest assembly, and a glide assembly. The glide assembly is pivotally and operably linked to the seat assembly by a seat riser arm, which in turn is pivotally and operably linked to the handlebar/footrest assembly by a linkage bar. The frame includes generally a rear vertical support fixedly extending upwardly and perpendicularly from a rear base foot, a longitudinal rail assembly upon which the glide assembly reciprocally moves and further includes a front vertical support fixedly extending upwardly and perpendicularly from a front base foot. The front vertical support allows the pivotal attachment of the handlebar/footrest assembly forward of the vertical leg support. The glide assembly is equipped with a frictional means by which added resistance may be variably applied.

Abstract: A horse riding type exerciser includes a base, a pair of seat posts and a foot post pivotally coupled to the base. A column is pivotally coupled to the seat posts and has a pair of rollers rotatably engaging with the base. A handle engaged in the column and has a hand grip secured to the handle for pulling the handle. A link pivotally couples the foot post to the column. The hand grip is pulled in order to simulate horse riding type exercises. The handle is disengaged from the column and the link is disengaged from the foot post so as to fold the exerciser to a compact configuration.

Abstract: A horse riding exerciser includes an inclined beam and a post has a front end pivotally coupled to the beam. The post has a seat cushion secured to the rear end. A bar has a lower portion pivotally coupled to the front end of the beam at a pivot pin and includes two brackets secured above and below the pivot pin. A lever couples the post to either of the upper and the lower brackets. The seat cushion may be elevated when the front end of the lever is coupled to the lower bracket and when the bar is rotated toward the seat cushion, and when the front end of the lever is coupled to the upper bracket and when the bar is pushed away from the seat cushion.

Abstract: A rowing exercise machine is made up of a base, a seat member and a control member. The base comprises a curved portion, an inclined portion and an arcuate portion. The inclined portion and the arcuate portion are provided respectively with a leg for supporting the base on a floor. The seat member comprises a seat rod which is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the arcuate portion and is provided at another end thereof with a saddle. The control member comprises a driving frame and two handles. The driving frame is fastened pivotally with the arcuate portion of the base while the handles are fastened with the seat rod of the seat member. The driving frame is provided with two pedals fastened thereto. The handles are fastened respectively with a connection rod which is fastened pivotally at the bottom end thereof with a roller. The connection rods are actuated by the handles so as to cause the saddle to move upwards.

Abstract: A collapsible riding type exercise apparatus includes a front frame, a seat bar and a forwardly inclining frame pivotally mounted to a rear frame, a pull bar pivotally disposed on the forwardly inclining frame, and a positioning mechanism located at a pivot joint between the forwardly inclining frame and the rear frame. By means of this arrangement, the exercise apparatus may be quickly closed or opened to facilitate transportation and storage.

Abstract: A horse riding simulating exerciser includes a rod for securing a foot support and a seat post pivotally coupled to a middle portion of a frame at a pivot axle and coupled to the rod. A track is secured on the seat post for carrying a slide. A handle is pivotally coupled to the frame and a lever couples the handle to the slide. When the slide is moved to one side of the pivot axle, the seat cushion may be elevated by pulling the handle. When the slide is moved to the other side of the pivot axle, the seat cushion may be elevated by pushing the handle upward.

Abstract: A multi-functional exerciser including a base including a front rod, a rear rod and an intermediate rod mounted between the front rod and the rear rod, a generally inverted U-shaped slide slidably mounted on the intermediate rod and provided at both sides thereof with a roller engaged with the groove of the intermediate rod, a seat assembly including a pair of first supporting rods pivotally connected with the second bracket, a seat fixedly mounted on the supporting rods, and a rotating rod pivotally connected at a lower end thereof with the third bracket and provided at a bottom with a fourth bracket, a pair of resilient members mounted between the first supporting rods and the slide, a backrest assembly including a second supporting rod, a backrest fixedly mounted on an upper portion of the second supporting rod, and a second rotating rod pivotally connected at a lower end thereof with the fifth bracket and at an upper end thereof with an upper end of the second supporting rod, and a footrest assembly inclu

Abstract: An exercise mechanism includes a pair of foot posts having a lower end pivotally coupled to a base. A seat post has a front end pivotally coupled to the base and has a shaft rotatably secured to the middle portion. An extension is extended from the shaft and rotated in concert with the shaft. A lever has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the base at an axle and has a rod secured in the rear end and slidably engaged beneath the seat post. A link pivotally couples the lever to the foot post. A bar is pivotally coupled between the extension and the rod for moving the rod relative to the shaft and for rotating the lever about the axle. A pair of handles have a lower portion secured to the shaft for rotating the shaft and the extension. The rear end of the seat post is moved upward and downward by the rod when the lever is rotated about the axle by the extension.

Abstract: Enhanced body movements and optimum exercising effects are realized in a riding type exercising apparatus which includes separated hand drive and leg drive mechanisms, wherein the hand drive mechanism is located behind the body of the user so that when the user pulls on handles of the hand drive mechanism and pushes pedals of the leg drive mechanism, the handles travel an arcuate path about a pivot point at the hand drive mechanism so that the handles are disposed at a final point that is higher than their starting point. Simultaneously, a seat supporting the user is caused to move forwardly and upwardly in the opposite direction of the handles to prevent unrestricted large arm movements by the user.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a base and a seat post pivotally coupled to the base. A link has a lower end pivotally coupled to the base and has a roller engaged in the upper end for engaging with the bottom surface of the seat post so as to elevate the seat post when the link is rotated. A handle is pivotally coupled to the base and pivotally coupled to the link by a lever. The seat post is rotated by the handle in order to conduct horse riding type exercise. The exerciser may be folded to a rather compact configuration for storing and for transportation purposes.

Abstract: An improved rowing machine includes two main frames, a rear horizontal tube, two rowing bars, a link, a support bar and an action column. A user may ride on a slidable seat of the action column with both feet placed against two pedals at both sides of a front end portion thereof, with both hands pulling the rowing bars. The link drives the support bar to elevate the action column to move on its pivot, so actual rowing may be imitated to achieve exercising effects. As the pivot of the action column is located near the user's side, the slanting angle of the action column when elevated may be reduced to ensure safety. When pressed against by the user's feet, the pedals will provide an auxiliary lifting force according to the lever principle, this facilitating the user's application of force at the rowing bars.

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: A foldable horse-riding exercise device comprises a base having a front support rod and a rear support rod which is provided at the top of the front end thereof with a pivoting portion and at the bottom of the front end thereof with a fastening portion to which the top end of the front support rod is fastened pivotally. Two cross rods are fastened respectively with the free ends of the front and the rear support rods. A support frame is fastened pivotally at the bottom thereof with the pivoting portion of the rear support rod. A pull rod is fastened pivotally at the midsegment thereof with the support frame and is provided with two pedals fastened thereto. A seat rod is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the base such that the seat rod is linked with the pull rod by a linking member which is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the pull rod and at another end thereof with the seat rod.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise machine comprises an upright bar to which an arm drilling device is fastened. The arm drilling device is composed of a sliding seat and a support member. The sliding seat has a frame provided with a plurality of roller sets enabling the frame to move up and down along the upright bar. The support member comprises a support rod on which a leg support is mounted. The support rod is fastened at one end thereof with the frame. The support member is intended to provide both legs of an exerciser with a support when the exerciser is doing an arm building exercise.

Abstract: A stationary bike including a stand, a seat and handlebar mounting frame mounted on the stand to hold a saddle and a handlebar at two opposite ends, a transmission gear box mounted in the stand, a crank and pedal assembly pedaled to drive the transmission gear box, and a damping resistance producing device for acting with the transmission gear box to produce a damping resistance upon pedaling of the crank and pedal assembly, wherein the seat and handlebar mounting frame is turned about a pivot on the stand and supported on a link and the transmission gear box is connected to the stand by a pivot such that the seat and handle bar mounting frame is alternatively oscillated up and down when the crank and pedal assembly is pedaled to drive the transmission gear box.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device comprises a frame, a transmission mechanism and two rocking rod members. The frame has a slanted rod provided thereon with a sliding member. The transmission mechanism comprises a first support rod, a horizontal connection rod, and a second support rod. The first support rod is fastened pivotally with the sliding member and the horizontal connection rod. The second support rod is fastened with the horizontal connection rod and is provided with a pivoting lug engageable with a pivot for locating the second support rod. The rocking rod members are mounted respectively on both ends of the horizontal connection rod such that the rocking rod members can be pulled or pushed. The transmission mechanism is provided with an elastic block enabling the multipurpose exercise device to be used interchangeably for doing various exercises.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a platform parallel to the base for the exerciser to stand on, and chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame. A motive device oscillates the platform vertically between a lower position and an upper position while maintaining the platform parallel to the base. Angular displacement of the platform is prevented by attaching the platform to a guide member which permits the platform to travel vertically along the device frameposts but does not permit the platform to travel horizontally relative to the frameposts. The guide members can comprise a set of rollers or collars. The system further includes a control and monitor whereby the force is controlled and the oscillation of the platform is monitored.

Abstract: A riding-type exerciser includes a base frame and a seat unit having an elongated seat frame with a front portion that extends downwardly from a rear portion thereof and that is mounted pivotally on the base frame adjacent to the front end of the base frame. The seat unit further includes a seat member mounted on the rear portion of the seat frame. An elongated support unit has a bottom portion which is mounted pivotally on the base frame between the front portion of the seat frame and the rear end of the base frame. A pull unit includes an elongated pull beam having a rear portion that is mounted pivotally to the front portion of the seat frame and to a top portion of the support unit, and a handlebar mounted on a front portion of the pull beam. A pedal unit includes a support beam having a lower end mounted pivotally on the base frame adjacent to the front end of the base frame, and a pair of pedal plates mounted on two sides of the support beam.

Abstract: A frame has a base and four vertical members supporting a pair of longitudinal supports spaced evenly apart to define a slot. A pair of seats are arranged in opposition at the ends of the frame and a exercise arm is located between the seats. The exercise arm reciprocates between the seats, and has handles for gripping. A dashpot provides resistance to movement of the exercise arm. The device can be adapted for use by one or two users.

Abstract: A multi-function exercise machine which makes use of the body weight of an exerciser and has a base frame and a user support frame pivotably mounted thereon. A lever arm mechanism for pivotably raising and lowering the user support frame against the user's weight is provided and comprises a handle bar having a lever arm depending therefrom and carrying a roller on the lower end thereof. An arcuate track is adjustably mounted to the base frame so as to provide an adjustable arcuate pathway for the lever arm roller to travel upon as the user pivotably motivates the handle bars and lever arm secured thereto in order to raise and lower the user support frame. Pushing and pulling exercises may be performed according to the selected position of the arcuate track.

Abstract: An rowing-type exercise device includes a link unit having front and rear link members. The first end portions of the link members are connected pivotally and respectively to front and rear end portions of a base frame unit. An elongated frame body is disposed above the base frame unit and has opposed front and rear end portions to which the second end portions of the link members are connected pivotally and respectively to permit forward and rearward movement of the frame body relative to the base frame unit. A first connecting member has a first end portion connected pivotally to an intermediate portion of the rear link member between the first and second end portions of the rear link member and a second end portion. A second connecting member has a first end portion connected pivotally to the second end portion of the first connecting member and a second end portion connected to an intermediate portion of the frame body of the seat frame unit.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a bar, a handle and a seat post pivotally coupled to the front portion, the middle portion and the rear portion of a base. A foot support is disposed on top of the bar. A seat cushion is disposed on top of the seat post for supporting the users. A rod includes a front end pivotally coupled to the bar and a rear end coupled to the seat post. When the handle is pushed forward, the seat cushion may move downward. The users have to force against the gravity force of the users when the handle is pulled rearward.

Abstract: A horse riding type exerciser includes a seat post pivotally coupled to a base. A handle is pivotally coupled to the base at a pivot shaft and has a panel secured to the handle and rotatable about the pivot shaft. A number of pivot axles are arranged on the panel and located above and below the pivot shaft. A link pivotally couples the seat post to either of the pivot axles. When the link is coupled to the pivot axle located above or below the pivot axle, the exerciser may be used for conducting either pull type or push type exercises.

Abstract: A horse riding type exercise includes a base having a pin secured in the front portion and having a shaft secured on the front portion. A handle is pivotally coupled to the shaft and includes a rod secured to the middle portion and located above the shaft. A beam has a front portion pivotally coupled to the pin and includes a seat cushion secured on the rear portion and includes a front portion pivotally coupled to the rod. The beam is rotated about the pin when the handle is rotated about the shaft so as to elevate the seat cushion.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a support for the exerciser, and chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame. A motive device provides for movement of the support vertically between a lower position and an upper position. Angular displacement of the platform is prevented by coupling the platform to a guide device which constrains the support to travel along a predetermined path. The guide device can comprise a wheel and track system. Binding of the wheel and track system is avoided by providing a force to the wheel and track system which tends enhance tracking.

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: An apparatus to relieve back and leg pain comprising a housing with fasteners for mounting the housing to a ceiling. A pair of cable lines extend downwardly from the housing, while a foot support is affixed to the lower ends of the cable lines. A mechanism is for controlling the vertical movement of the foot support by raising and lowering the cable lines. A person can lie down on their back upon a horizontal surface under the ceiling adjacent the foot support and place their feet upon the foot support when lowered. The foot support can be raised to assist in easing the back and leg pain the person is suffering from.

Abstract: An exerciser for conducting both pull type and push type exercises includes a base having a front pivot axle and a middle pivot shaft. A handle includes a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot axle. A post includes a lower portion pivotally coupled to the pivot shaft and includes two pivot joints located above and below the pivot shaft respectively. A link includes one end end pivotally coupled to the handle and the other end pivotally coupled to either of the pivot joints so as to simulate both pull type and push type horse riding exercises.

Abstract: A foldable exerciser horse comprising plural sets of pivotally connected frame members, such that a user may imitate the movements of riding to manipulate the exerciser horse and achieve the effect of exercise. Since all the frame members are pivotally connected, the entire exerciser horse can be folded to a minimal volume for convenient packing, storage, and transportation.

Abstract: An exercise device includes an inclined beam. A seat post has a lower end pivotally coupled to the inclined beam and has a seat cushion secured on top. A lever is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the inclined beam and includes a handgrip and a pair of foot pedals. The lever includes two pins extended from the middle portion. A pair of links include one end pivotally coupled to the seat post and the other end having hooks for engaging with the pins so as to couple the seat post to the lever. The hooks are disengaged from the pins for folding the exercise device.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit and method for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs of a person. The apparatus includes a backboard and a belt to restrain the person's pelvis. A single cable is provided with sliding handles, a pulley guiding system, and leg supporting slings. In a stretching exercise segment, the handles are slowly pulled by the person to raise the legs and thereby stretch the supporting muscles of the spine. In a strengthening exercise segment, the person's feet are pushed toward the floor against the resistance provided by the muscles of the arms.

Abstract: A lower back exercise and apparatus for correctly performing the exercise. The exercise avoids hyperextension of lower back muscles, tissue and cartilage. The exercise of those areas promotes blood flow to injured muscles and tissue, and encourages healing. The exercise lowers the legs from the horizontal through the vertical rest position, in a total motion substantially greater than 90 degrees, using the same muscle groups to push the legs past the vertical rest position.

Abstract: An exercise machine is provided having a platform on which a user is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus. A lever is pivotally connected to the platform with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever on the platform. Two of the various embodiments include a base support having a rail on which a lever has a roller mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected to a lower leg for pivotal movement. Other embodiments include a lever having telescoping members with an inner one of such telescoping member being selectively fixed to a rail. Such inner telescoping member reciprocates within an outer telescoping member as the platform is raised and lowered.

Abstract: An arm oscillating exerciser including a base provided with a first pair of lugs and a second pair of lugs, a pole fixedly mounted on the base and having an inclined top, a main support fixedly mounted on the base and formed with a fork-like member at the top end and a slot at the intermediate portion, an oscillating rod pivotally connected with the fork-like member of the main support, an axle inserted through the lower portion of the main support and provided with a pedal at both ends, a front supporting rod pivotally connected with a seat at one end and pivotally connected with the first pair of lugs of the base, a real supporting rod pivotally connected with the seat at one end and pivotally connected with the second pair of lugs of the base, and a linking rod pivotally connected with the front supporting rod at one end and pivotally connected with the oscillating rod at another end, whereby the exerciser can provide a total body workout in one continuous action.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a support for the exerciser, and chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame. A motive device provides for movement of the support vertically between a lower position and an upper position. Angular displacement of the platform is prevented by coupling the platform to a guide device which constrains the support to travel along a predetermined path. The guide device can comprise a wheel and track system. Binding of the wheel and track system is avoided by providing a force to the wheel and track system which tends enhance tracking.

Abstract: An apparatus for flexing a knee capsule of a human body which contains a device for grasping a foot, a thigh strap, a first line cord, and a second line cord, a handle, and eight separate guides for guiding line cord is disclosed. This device may readily be used by a patient to rehabilitate a damaged knee capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for flexing a foot of a human body, comprising means for grasping a foot, a first female buckle assembly, a second female buckle assembly, line cord, and ten separate means for guiding the line cord is disclosed. This apparatus allows a patient to rehabilitate an injured foot.

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 apparatus, kit and method for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs of a person. The apparatus includes a backboard and a belt to restrain the person's pelvis. A single cable is provided with sliding handles, a pulley guiding system, and leg supporting slings. In a stretching exercise segment, the handles are slowly pulled by the person to raise the legs and thereby stretch the supporting muscles of the spine. In a strengthening exercise segment, the person's feet are pushed toward the floor against the resistance provided by the muscles of the arms.

Abstract: A device for flexing a person's knee joint is described. The device contains a seat harness, an element for grasping the foot of a user, line cord, and an element for connecting the seat harness to the line cord. Movement of the line cord by the user causes movement of the foot grasping element.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus particularly useful for exercising and toning the lower body which apparatus comprises an A-frame assembly defined by a pair of side members converging to an apex, the side members defining a pair of inclined planar surfaces. A foot rest is movably mounted on each inclined planar surface and means is provided to maintain each foot rest in reciprocal relationship to the other as they move along their respective inclined surface in response to the shift in weight of the person using the apparatus, as well as means to vary the resistance to movement of the footrests along said surfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercising and/or testing the cervical muscles of the neck wherein a seated person is secured against a backrest to isolate movement of his head and neck from the remainder of his body. For exercising the cervical muscles between opposite positions of full extension and flexion, the muscles are used to move the head rearwardly against a pivotable movement arm to move the latter against a yieldable resistance weight connected to the movement arm to bias the movement arm in one direction. The head is then moved forwardly and the process is repeated until the movement arm can no longer be moved by said muscles. The number of repetitions is measured and recorded throughout the exercise.

Abstract: Exercise systems are disclosed which are adapted for connection to at least one structural component of a building to provide a framework for kinestetic exercises. Structures are disclosed which define a plurality of fixable locations for the connection of various kinesthetic exercising apparatus in arrangements suitable for a variety of kinesthetic exercises. The system further include mechanisms for quick releasable and replaceable coupling of exercise apparatus in a freely rotatable manner to accommodate a wide range of body motions.

Abstract: A static rebound exerciser/rehabilitation device for exercising a person regardless of that persons physical condition and particularly for exercising an invalid person. A base platform supports a pair of vertical uprights which have a pivotly attached person supporting boom extending therefrom. The boom is positionable vertically by a hydraulic actuator or jack. A pair of leaf springs are attached to the uprights and extend downwardly from fixed in place ends to distal ends. A pair of cables extend from the distal ends of the leaf springs each around a pulley and extend to common termination member to which is attached a person supporting cable which extends from the end of the boom, a dampening spring and a periodically operated solenoid which pulls against the weight of the person supported by one end of the cable. The person supporting cable passes through a pair of pulleys and extends downward from the distal end of the boom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic and sports device with a frame including four pivotably interconnected parts comprising: lower, upper, front and rear frame parts, the lower frame part being mounted between the front frame part and the rear frame part by first and second joint respectively; a stand to which supports the lower and front frame parts at a rotation bearing and third joint respectively; a saddle carried on the upper frame part; pedals attached to the lower frame part; a drive wheel for driving a flywheel, the drive wheel being pivotably mounted to the lower frame part; a crankshaft which is immovably connected to the drive wheel at a crankshaft bearing; and a connecting rod connected to the crankshaft at a crankshaft connecting rod bearing and connected to the stand at a stationary connecting rod bearing, the distance between the crankshaft bearing and a line connecting the rotation bearing and the third joint and the distance between the stationary bearing and the rotation bearing bei

Abstract: An exercise apparatus, comprising a support structure; a platform mounted on the support structure to support a user's legs, and to allow pivoting of the user's trunk about a generally horizontal axis as the user relatively bends his body and his legs; and other structure associated with the platform to induce contraction of the user's thighs relatively toward one another in response to the trunk pivoting, for producing anterior rotation of the user's ilium, thereby inducing distraction of the user's sacroiliac joint, at the ilium posterior.