Abstract: A lightweight resistance exercise apparatus providing easy disassembly, portability, adjustable rope resistance, and full choice of exercises of an almost endless variety. The apparatus selectively positions a user within a framework and provides for selectively self-securing of the user. Rope resistance is adjustable up to 700 pounds for each rope equipped elbow at each corner of the framework. Ropes return to a retracted position when released.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing lat pull down exercises has a main frame having a user support pivot mount, a user support pivotally mounted on the user support pivot mount for supporting a user in a seated position, and an exercise arm having handles for gripping by a user movably mounted on the frame for movement between a start position located above the head of a user in a seated position on the user support and an end position lower than the start position and generally below the user's chin. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user support frame and exercise arm substantially replicates the natural movement of the human body when performing a free bar chin up exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame with a pivot mount, a user support frame pivotally mounted on the pivot mount, the pivot mount defining a vertical, gravitational center line, an exercise arm movably mounted for engagement by the user in performing exercises, a connecting link linking movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, and a load for resisting movement of at least one of the moving parts. Movement of the user engagement device in an exercise movement simultaneously moves the user support frame between a start and an end position, the pivot mount being positioned at a predetermined location under the user support frame, such that portions of the combined weight of the user and user support frame are distributed on each side of the gravitational centerline throughout the entire exercise movement and only a portion of the combined weight passes through the gravitational centerline during the exercise movement.

Abstract: A handle assembly adapted to grasp a bar for exercise includes a J-shaped hook for placement on the bar, a rotation assembly, and a handle attached to the rotation assembly. The handle has an inverted U-shaped bracket with a cross piece defining a grip that is connected between ends of the U-bracket. The rotation assembly is connected between a lower end of the hook and the U-shaped bracket and includes a bearing, the handle being rotatable via the bearing by a user during exercise with the J-hook on the bar.

Abstract: An isolation exercise machine for exercising one muscle group has a user support which is pivotally mounted on a main frame by a pivotal mounting system. A user engaging exercise arm is pivotally connected to the user support, and a connecting link links movement of the user exercise arm to movement in the user support. A load provides resistance to movement of the user support, exercise arm and/or connecting link. The pivotal mounting system is configured to place the user support seat in a relatively flat position in the rest or exercise start position and to recline and change the seat angle to an inclined position as the exercise arm is moved.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and a non-motorized lift assist mechanism coupled to the adjustable incline and configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

Abstract: Methods and systems for exercise by performing exercise sets in a sequence progressing from exertion of larger to smaller muscles; with the exercise movement performed using slow movements. Each exercise set is performed to a point of momentary failure. The slow movement is at a rate of less than about thirty degrees per second. The exercise sets are performed with as little rest between each exercise set as global or central fatigue will allow. Resistance is applied during each exercise set to produce muscle failure within a predefined time under tension parameter.

Abstract: A chest press exercise machine has a self-aligning pivoting user support on a main frame and an exercise arm which is linked to the pivoting user support to translate movement of the exercise arm into movement of the user support. A user support pivot which may be a single pivot, floating pivot link, or four-bar pivot linkage arrangement pivotally connects the user support to the main frame. A connecting link is movably associated with the user engagement device or exercise arm and at least one of the main frame, user support, or user support pivot. The user support pivot is positioned so that part of the combined weight of the user and user support is positioned on both sides of the gravitational centerline throughout the exercise movement and a portion of the combined weight passes through the centerline to redistribute the weight as the exercise arm is moved.

Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus has a stationary frame, a first pivoting arm pivoted to the frame at a location intermediate its ends for rotation about a first pivot axis, a second pivoting arm pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and a connecting link pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm. The first arm is an exercise arm with handles at one end for gripping by a user, and the connecting link is of sufficient weight to form a counter-weight to counter-balance the first exercise arm into a rest position corresponding to a start position for an exercise movement. In one example the connecting link is a solid, elongate bar of heavy metal or equivalent material.

Abstract: An exercise assembly for performing a wide array of exercises including pull-ups and chin-ups is provided which includes a bar connected between rotatable swing arm assemblies. The swing arm assemblies extend along vertical faces of a frame and are adapted to rotate the bar from one position between the vertical faces to another position. The exercise assembly includes at least one handle assembly removably grasping the central bar and having a handle adapted to rotate 360 degrees during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising a user's body comprises an upper exercise assembly, a lower exercise assembly, and a pair of step assemblies. The upper exercise assembly enables exercising of the user's upper body through alternating extension and retraction of the user's arms. The upper exercise assembly comprises an upright member coupled with an overhead member having an impact member suspended therefrom. The lower exercise assembly comprises an upright member coupled with a base member. The upright member of the lower exercise assembly can be coupled with the upright member of the upper exercise assembly. The pair of step assemblies is pivotally coupled with the lower exercise assembly for exercising the user's lower body through an alternating stepping motion. The user can repeatedly strike the impact member while performing the alternating stepping motion to simultaneously exercise the user's upper and lower body.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and a non-motorized lift assist mechanism coupled to the adjustable incline and configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

Abstract: The squat machine of the present invention includes a base having opposite sides, a stationary foot plate fixed on the base, a pair of frames each pivotally mounted to respective sides of the base, and a back rest pivotally mounted to the frames so that the frames and back rests are moveable between an initial squat position and an extended position. The back rest is oriented at approximately a 45°-60° angle in the squat position and moves toward a substantially horizontal orientation in the extended position. In use, with proportional foot platement on the foot plate, the user's knees remain behind their toes throughout full range of motion through the hips during movement of the back rest so as to minimize risk of knee shear. The orientation of the back rest minimizes risk of spinal compression during use of the machine.

Abstract: An exercise assisting apparatus (1) comprises: a seat (13) on which buttocks of a user (2) is sit; a stationary support base (12) for supporting the seat (13); a burden regulator (14) provided between the support base (12) and the seat (13), and for regulating a ratio of self weight of the user which is supported by the seat (13) so that a load due to the self weight of the user acting on leg portion of the user; and a driving mechanism (16) for driving the burden regulator (14) so that the ratio of self weight of the user supported by the seat varies as time passes. The burden regulator (14) couples the support base (12) and the seat (13) in a manner so that a portion of the seat (13) to which the buttocks of the user is sit is tilted between a first state where the portion becomes horizontal and a second state where the portion is slanted downward toward the foot side in a plane including one of femoral regions and the buttocks of the user.

Abstract: A machine is for exercising the muscles of the lower back. The machine includes a base frame and a resistance arm including a resistance pad engaged by the user, the resistance arm coupled to the base frame at a first rotation point and having a center of rotation about the first rotation point. The machine further includes a seat frame member carrying a seat, the seat frame member coupled to the base frame at one or more seat rotation points and having a center of rotation about each of the seat rotation points. The resistance arm and seat frame member are rotated in opposite directions during a repetition cycle about the respective first rotation point and at least one seat rotation point.

Abstract: A freestanding exercise device for a person is disclosed. A stand adjustably supports a generally U-shaped support frame that includes a back rest and a pair of support arms that each terminate in an adjustable hand grip member from which a plurality of ring assemblies are suspended. A pair of footrests are adjustably fixed to base. A high-station assembly includes a high station support member fixed to the stand. A lateral support and a traction bar support arm are fixed to the high station support member, and a traction bar is fixed to the traction bar support arm. The lateral support is fixed at either end thereof to a ring support arm from each of which one ring assembly is suspended. In use, the person may adjust the height of the support frame and the back rest support, and then position himself within the exercise device by resting his back against the back rest, resting his arms on the support arms, gripping the hand grip members, and then performing leg lift exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a dual fulcrum articulated force lever connected to a machine frame. The articulated force lever includes a first force arm and a second force arm. A fixed end of the second force arm is pivotally connected to the frame at a first fulcrum. A movable end of the second force arm is pivotally connected to a first end of the first force arm for pivoting of the first force arm about a second fulcrum. A resistance load is attached intermediately to the first force arm. A handle section is connected to the first end of the first force arm opposite the pivot connection to the second force arm. Movement of the handle section in one direction rotates the first force arm and the second force arm together about the first fulcrum against the load. Movement of the handle section in an opposite direction rotates the first force arm about the second fulcrum against the load.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise machine to be used mainly for lower body exercises that involve quads, shins, thighs, and hip areas of a user and provides a moving seat frame that supports the weight of the user to use it as a source of a resistance as a pedal is pushed away. The resistance can be adjusted by changing the ratio between the seat movement and the pedal movement. The machine can be foldable for a stowed position. A preferred embodiment includes a base assembly that stands on a floor, a seat assembly movable substantially in vertical direction to support the user's weight and use it as a source of the resistance, and a pedal assembly supporting a pedal that moves away from the seat assembly when pushed by the user. The pedal assembly and the seat assembly are linked together so that when the pedal is pushed away, the seat assembly is lifted up from its rest position.

Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine in one embodiment comprises at least two exercise stations for performing different exercises, at least one of the stations having a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame, a user engagement device movably mounted on one of the frames for actuating by a user in order to perform an exercise, and a connecting linkage which links movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A load provides resistance to movement of the user support frame, user engagement device and/or connecting linkage. The connecting linkage, user support pivot, and user engagement device mount are arranged so that movement of the user engagement device results in self-aligning movement of the user support. The other station may have a fixed user support or a moving user support.

Abstract: A chest exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame and movable between a start position and an end position during an exercise, a user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames and having at least one handle for gripping by a user positioned on the user support, and a connecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. The user engagement device provides articulated motion so that the handle moves in a user-defined chest exercise movement path between a start position and an end position. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third extension member is slidably connected to the first arm member and the second extension member is operatively connected to the third arm members, such that the second arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first and third arm members.

Abstract: A computer-controlled training apparatus for spine-stabilizing musculature is designed to tilt an upstanding user by a predetermined angle in accordance with a training program recorded in a computer so as to cause a reflexive movement for the user based on the human body's sense of balance for maintaining posture. The training device for spine-stabilizing musculature includes a base stand, a pitching unit having a pitching plate installed above the base stand in a vertically pivotally rotatable manner, a rolling unit having a rolling plate rotatably coupled to the pitching unit, a securing unit mounted to the rolling unit for securing the user's body at a fixed position, and a cover for preventing the pitching unit and a part of the rolling unit below the rolling plate from being exposed to the outside.

Abstract: A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame and having primary and secondary support portions which support spaced locations on a user's body throughout an exercise, and a leg press exercise arm rotatably mounted relative to the main frame. The exercise arm has a first pivot connection which pivotally links the exercise arm to the user support and a second pivot connection which is associated with the main frame to link movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts.

Abstract: A foldable abdominal and thigh exercise machine comprising a base frame, a seat frame connected to the base frame at a first pivot, an arm connecting to the base frame at a second pivot that connects the arm to the base frame, a lifting link at an arm pivot, wherein the lifting link is connected to the seat frame at a lifting pivot, wherein, when a user pushes the arm, force is transmitted to lift the seat frame via the lifting link connected at the lifting pivot on the seat frame. The exercise machine also comprises a support connected at a support pivot mounted on the base frame and a slider that is slidingly mounted on the seat frame and connected to the lifting link by the lifting pivot, wherein the location of the lifting pivot relative to the seat frame is adjusted by the location of the slider on the seat frame.

Abstract: An exercise mitt is provided for a hand or foot, and which is particularly useful in an exercise form such as yoga in which a practitioner maintains a pose or shifts body position while his/her hand or foot is in contact with a support surface. The exercise mitt is specially configured to address the problem of slippage when the practitioner is practicing an exercise form such as yoga, where the practitioner exerts pressure on a support surface in both downward and outward directions as the practitioner is practicing the exercise form. The mitt comprises a sleeve configured to fit snugly about a portion of a human extremity while permitting portions of the human extremity to extend out of the sleeve.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing lat pull down exercises has a main frame having a user support pivot mount, a user support pivotally mounted on the user support pivot mount for supporting a user in a seated position, and an exercise arm having handles for gripping by a user movably mounted on the frame for movement between a start position located above the head of a user in a seated position on the user support and an end position lower than the start position and generally below the user's chin. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user support frame and exercise arm substantially replicates the natural movement of the human body when performing a free bar chin up exercise.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incremental weight system for use with a weight stack of an exercise machines. As described herein, the incremental weight system enables users to incrementally increase the lifting weight, by adding weights that weigh less then the weight of a weight block. The incremental weight system is integrated onto the top of the weight stack, having a weight selector handle operable connected to a pair of engagement pins. The weight selector handle enables the engagement pins to be extended from and retracted into the assembly housing as the weight selector handle is rotated. Incremental weights are disposed at opposite ends of the weight stack. By rotating the weight selector handle, the engagement pins are extended from the assembly housing and engage the increment weights.

Abstract: A shoulder press exercise machine has a main frame, a user support pivotally mounted on the frame for supporting a user in a seated position, at least one exercise arm movably mounted on the frame and movable between a start position in which handles are located in front of the shoulders of a user on the user support frame and an end position in which the handles are located above the head of the user. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support, so that movement of the exercise arm from the start to the end position simultaneously rotates the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user, user support frame and exercise arm between the start and end position substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of a human body when performing a free weight shoulder press exercise.

Abstract: An exercising system has a frame defining a space in which a user is positioned for performing a large number of different exercises. Frame members have holes within which flexible bars are positioned, spanning across the machine, for low-impact exercising using the bars. In a preferred embodiment the bar-supporting frame members, or some of them, are adjustable in position so as to provide a nearly unlimited number of positions for different users and for different exercises. A few of the many exercises facilitated by the system are described.

Abstract: An exercise assisting instrument assists the user's knee-bending exercise, and lightens a burden and maintains safety of the user. It has a base 10, supporting columns 20, lifting mechanisms 30 consisting of lifting arms, lever arms 40, and a chair 50. A three-member linkage system is formed by the supporting columns 20 and the lifting mechanisms 30, so that the chair 50 may move upward and downward. Further, it is equipped with an upward movement assisting device 33, which provides a force in the raising direction to the hinge point 30a of the lifting arms, so that stand-up movement of the user is assisted and lightening the user's burden is possible. Moreover, a locking device 11 and a stopper 13 are equipped, so the user's safety may be improved.

Abstract: A multifunction exerciser includes a base, a coupler rotatably attached to the base, a lever attached to the coupler and having one or more seats for supporting users, a handle device rotatably attached to the base, and a link pivotally coupling the handle device to the coupler and thus to the lever, to allow the user to elevate himself by rotating the handle device relative to the base. A foot support is rotatably attached to the base, and includes one or more foot pedals to support the user, and a connecting rod pivotally couples the foot support to the handle device and the coupler. The handle device includes a connecting bar coupled between two hand grips, and a connector rotatably coupled to the base.

Abstract: An inclined monorail mounts between an adjustable front stanchion and lower rear stanchion. A roller carriage, having a padded bench or seat and spool-shaped rollers, rolls on the monorail. Elasticized tension straps attach between the roller carriage and the front or the rear stanchion to assist or resist the movement of the roller carriage. The user pulls on interchangeable handles either on pull straps on a front bar or a cable pulley system attached to the front stanchion and to the roller carriage to exercise and simulate various sports movements while moving the roller carriage. The stanchions pivot flat onto the monorail to transport the apparatus on a stanchion wheel or mount it vertically on a wall bracket and the cable pulley system lifts the roller carriage vertically with weights on the roller carriage. A detachable foot platform attaches to the rear stanchion for performing leg exercises.

Abstract: A training apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the training apparatus includes a base frame, a saddle pivotally carried by the base frame and a handle pivotally carried by the base frame and engaging the saddle.

Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13–16) include a base support (41F, 41G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: A machine for bi-directional exercising of a muscle group through movement of lever arms against a selected resistance has a sub-frame mounted to a main-frame, for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis, and the levers connected to the sub-frame to pivot on a pair of spaced apart right and left pivot axes axially displaced to provide a moment arm about the horizontal axis. The lever arms each have a pedal, oriented to effect pivotal movement of the sub-frame about the horizontal axis, and a knee pad, oriented to effect pivotal movement of the lever arms about their respective right or left pivot axis. Linkage members connect each lever arm to the main-frame so that, as the sub-frame pivots through a given angle, the lever arms pivot through opposing angles, and a force applied to either the pedals or knee pads will move the sub-frame and lever arms through their respective angular ranges.

Abstract: A tendon stretcher including a base seat and a support frame which is pivotally mounted on the base seat and can be swung. A leaning pad and a saddle are fixedly connected on the support frame. An upward extending upright stem is disposed at one end of the base seat. A top end of the upright stem has a seat body for pivotally connecting with an extension bar. The bottom section of the seat body has an extending stop face. In addition, the seat body has a stop wall. A resilient body is disposed under the bottom of the extension bar corresponding to the stop face for abutting against the stop face. A pad body is disposed on one side of the extension bar corresponding to the stop wall for leaning against inner side of the stop wall.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus includes a hollow central bar member and telescopic end portions operably insertable therein. Such telescopic end portions allow the central bar member to be securely engaged between a pair of vertical members. A plurality of spring members are disposed within the hollow portion of the central bar member and provide resistive force for assisting to maintain the telescopic end portions at stable positions during operating conditions. The central bar member further includes a plurality of apertures spaced along an outer surface thereof and for receiving a plurality of fastening members therethrough so that a plurality of handle members can be selectively positioned along the length of the central bar member. The handle members preferably have first and second portions integral with each other wherein the first portion extends substantially perpendicular from the central bar member and the second portion extends obliquely from the first portion.

Abstract: A foldable exerciser includes an operating member connected pivotally to atop end portion of a rear support member, a driving unit provided with two pedals and mounted on a front support member connected pivotally to the rear support member, a saddle-supporting member connected pivotally to the rear support member and disposed under and movable on a saddle-mounting member mounted with a saddle and connected pivotally to the rear support member, a coupling member interconnecting removably and disposed between the operating member and the saddle-supporting member, and a foldable positioning unit interconnecting the front and rear support members. When the coupling member is removed from the saddle-supporting member, the saddle-mounting member and the saddle-supporting member can be folded on the rear support member.

Abstract: An elongate bar having sliding handgrips concentrically mounted thereon adapted for use with a resistance-type exercise device. In a preferred embodiment, the bar has at least two, and more preferably four, axially oriented grooves in the outer surface thereof dimensioned to accommodate handgrip linking means therewithin. The handgrips, which are constrained to move only in an axial direction, are interconnected by linking means such as belts, in such a manner that the handgrips remain equidistant from the center of the bar throughout their axial range of motion. The interconnecting belts or cables are disposed to travel within the elongate grooves on the bar to provide the bar with a low profile. In the preferred embodiment, the linking means are belts that are supported by pulleys housed within recesses in the bar and rotatably attached thereto.

Abstract: A weightlifting belt hook to support additional weight during weight training. The apparatus is attached to the user's weightlifting belt via a hook and holds disk weights generally at the level of the thighs. A downwardly extending stabilizing member configured to extend over the pelvic area and provide an opening extends from the hook, and a weight supporting member extends upwardly and away from the bottom of the downwardly extending stabilizing member. Exercise disk weights are placed over the weight supporting member and rest near the bottom of the weight supporting member.

Abstract: A chin up bar assembly is provided with a cross bar and a pair of handles slidably mounted on the cross bar. The handles are pivotally mounted for movement between locked and unlocked positions. When a user hangs from the handles, the handles automatically pivot to the locked position to frictionally engage the cross bar and prevent sliding movement of the handles along the cross bar. The handles also can be swiveled during use to exercise different muscles in the user's arms, chest and back.

Abstract: A composite motion exercise machine has a main frame device, a user support device pivotally linked to the main frame, an exercise arm device pivotally linked to the main frame device, a slide rail mounted on a first one of said devices, and a traveling member engaging the slide rail for movement along the rail. A first connecting link has a first end connected to the traveling member, and a second end linked to a fixed position on a second one of said devices. A further connection device links the traveling member to the exercise arm device, such that movement of the exercise arm is transferred to the user support to lift the support and user.

Abstract: The exercising apparatus has a body support against which the torso of a person using the apparatus mainly rests. The apparatus also has first, upper support means (2; 22; 32) for the person's upper extremities and second, lower support means (3; 23; 33) for the person's lower extremities. The apparatus has drive means (9; 39) for moving the upper and lower support means so that the person's extremities, starting from a rest position (A) are imparted a movement outwardly from the sides of the torso and upwardly towards the person's head, along parts of circular paths, to a turning point (B) and thereafter back to the rest position (A).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to exercise and strengthen the user's arms, shoulders and chest by performing pushups which combine raising and lowering the user's body through raising and lowering the user's arms while the user is in a face down horizontal position with the present invention exercise device used to simulate an up and down pumping action to cause the user to have his/her arms spread apart to make the pushups more difficult while providing a central chest support to facilitate the exercise.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of abdominal exercise with the operator using the sit-up or crunch movements. More particularly, an exercise apparatus that exercises the abdominal and back muscles with the lower torso of the operator supported by a moving seat while the upper torso of the operator is supported by a moving seatback. Continuous support of the lower back prevents back strain. The articulation of the seatback is coordinated with the movement of the seat. Adjustment is provided to adjust the rate of movement of the seat relative to the seatback. Handles are provided such that the arm muscles can assist the sit-up or crunch movements.

Abstract: A pole vault training device includes a pole replicating section having generally cylindrical forward and rearward pipe sections extending generally parallel and generally horizontally offset from each other and a training device mounting and support section including a pivot mount and a pivot shaft having an inner section rotatably mounted on the pivot mount and an outer end, the pivot shaft extending generally horizontally outwards from the pivot mount. An offset mount bar extends downwards and outwards from the outer end of the pivot shaft, and forward and rearward pipe section mount bars each extend upwards and forwards and upwards and rearwards respectively from adjacent the outer end of the offset mount bar to connect to and support the forward and rearward pipe sections.

Abstract: A full-body exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a first mechanism that enables a user to selectively apply positive resistance to a first leg and/or a second leg independently or simultaneously. The resistance is applied during pushing and/or pulling motions as the first leg and/or the second leg move in opposite or similar directions relative to the second leg and/or first leg, respectively. A second mechanism selectively applies positive resistance to a first arm and/or a second arm independently or simultaneously, in different or similar directions. The resistance is applied during pushing and/or pulling motions. A third mechanism facilitates abdominal crunches, leg tucks, and/or back hyperextensions while exercising the legs and the arms via the first and second mechanisms. In a specific embodiment, the third mechanism includes a seatback linked to the first and/or second mechanisms so that actuation of the first or second mechanisms causes actuation of the seatback.

Abstract: A composite motion exercise machine has a main frame, a user support, an exercise arm, a movable wedge, a connecting device, and a load. The user support and exercise arm are pivotally linked directly or indirectly to the main frame, and the movable wedge has first and second travel members in moving engagement with rails on the main frame and user support, respectively. The connecting device links the movable wedge to the exercise arm, such that movement of the exercise arm moves the wedge along the rails to lift the user support in an arcuate path away from the main frame.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes at least one body-building structure, and at least one damping structure serving to bring about a damping effect. The body-building structure is provided with an actuating pulley serving to actuate one or more weighted pulleys of the damping structure in conjunction with a cable. The actuating pulley adds a buffer to the damping effect, thereby preventing a sharp impact from inflicting an injury on a body part of an exerciser.