An exercise machine with a two directional pivoting user support assembly has a user support or platform which supports the user and pivots about a first pivot axis during an exercise movement, and is also pivotable about at least one second pivot axis to involve the user's core muscles in balancing and maintaining the user support in a stable position. A manually operable locking device with a simple flip switch lever is provided for selectively locking the user support against rotation about the second pivot axis, so that the user can easily chose whether to perform the exercise with a stable support or to add a level of difficulty by using the unstable seat mode and exercising core muscles during the exercise.

An exercise machine with a two directional pivoting user support assembly has a user support or platform which supports the user and pivots about a first pivot axis during an exercise movement, and is also pivotable about at least one second pivot axis to involve the user's core muscles in balancing and maintaining the user support in a stable position. A manually operable locking device with a simple flip switch lever is provided for selectively locking the user support against rotation about the second pivot axis, so that the user can easily chose whether to perform the exercise with a stable support or to add a level of difficulty by using the unstable seat mode and exercising core muscles during the exercise.

A device for multidimensional mobilization of lumbar, pelvic, and hip joints with a generally concave upper surface connected to a generally convex lower surface is disclosed, wherein the generally concave upper surface has a recess to cradle a sacrum.

A universal gym exhibits improved versatility employing a frame supporting a weight stack connected via cable to an exercise attachment point, which further engages a floating pulley with an extension cable. Accessory receiving ports throughout the frame allow placement of the floating pulley virtually anywhere the athlete desires, affording a vast array of exercises employing the weight stack. Free weights, elastic bands, and the weight stack, alone or in combination, can provide a diverse resistance. Decorative panels, optionally mounted with hollow-headed bolts each having an axial recess for receiving and retaining a panel-mounting rivet, can disguise the universal gym when not in use.

A versatile exercise apparatus includes a central foundation frame and two arched bars. The frame comprises two generally parallel lateral cross bars, two generally parallel longitudinal bars, and two partial circular bars attached to four 4-way joints. The two arched bars are also attached at the four 4-way joints and extend perpendicularly from the frame. In some aspects of the invention, the frame elements and two arched bars are attachable and detachable, allowing the formation of two modules. In this aspect the modules may be attached in corresponding or opposing orientations. This permits manual modification of the exercise device, thereby increasing the number of exercises, balance techniques, and stretches that can be performed with the exercise apparatus.

A restoring mechanism for providing a restoring force to an exercising device which includes a fixing structure and a wheel is provided. The restoring mechanism includes a restoring set, a driving set and a connecting set. The restoring set includes a fixed portion and a link-up portion. The fixed portion is connected to the fixing structure. The driving set is connected to the link-up portion. The connecting set is selectively coupled to the driving set. When the connecting set is coupled to the driving set, rotation of the wheel causes the driving set to drive the restoring set such that the restoring set is allowed to accumulate energy.

Disclosed herein are methods of exercising human arms, including a method of exercising human arms that may include: 1) providing an arm exercise assembly, comprising: a) a frame; b) a wheel coupled to the frame; c) two locks disposed on the wheel; and d) a handle coupled to the wheel; 2) coupling the two locks to the wheel; and 3) abutting the handle against one or both of the two locks.

The invention is embodied in an exercise system that can allow its user to counterbalance the effects associated with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle though a fitness device that comprises a combination of (a) supporting the lower body in a manner that permits a user's upper body to act as a third class lever with the user's hips operating as fulcrum and (b) engaging in resistance exercises with the upper body in a horizontal position, unsupported above the greater trochanter.

The tensile force sensor comprises at least one strain gauge in a tension piece comprising a central rectilinear segment and two folds at an angle, significantly thicker than the central rectilinear segment. The strain gauge is arranged in said central rectilinear segment in such a manner that a traction force on the fastening ends of the tension piece results in a U-shaped buckling of the central rectilinear segment. The invention also comprises a processing module connected to the strain gauge, adapted to detect and process as data the elastic deformations caused in the central rectilinear segment by the longitudinal stresses generated by traction on the fastening ends of the tension piece. The invention allows a portable and low cost wireless sensor to be produced.

The tensile force sensor comprises at least one strain gauge in a tension piece comprising a central rectilinear segment and two folds at an angle, significantly thicker than the central rectilinear segment. The strain gauge is arranged in said central rectilinear segment in such a manner that a traction force on the fastening ends of the tension piece results in a U-shaped buckling of the central rectilinear segment. The invention also comprises a processing module connected to the strain gauge, adapted to detect and process as data the elastic deformations caused in the central rectilinear segment by the longitudinal stresses generated by traction on the fastening ends of the tension piece. The invention allows a portable and low cost wireless sensor to be produced.