A method for controlling an exercise apparatus via a control interface of an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch has occurred on the surface of the touch screen and whether the touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use specific actions to operate the exercise apparatus from one condition of using a first speed value to another condition of using a second speed value.

An exercise machine support system for providing increased versatility including inclination or declination of an exercise surface, a reduction in the overall length and width of the exercise machine, and an enhanced user interface which reduces the risk of injury. The exercise machine support system generally includes a cantilevered exercise machine which is adapted to have a variable angle of incline or decline with respect to a horizontal ground surface. The exercise machine will generally include a base and a support which extends between the base and the exercise machine. The upper end of the support is connected to the exercise machine by a first pivot such that the exercise machine pivots about the support. An adjustment device may be utilized to pivot the exercise machine and thus adjust its angle of incline. Various types of adjustment devices are disclosed, including an actuator, ratchet-and-pawl, gears, and cam.

There is accordingly provided an exercise apparatus including an inner housing upon which a user may stand. The apparatus includes an outer housing rotatably coupled to the inner housing. The apparatus includes a handlebar coupled to and extending upwards from the outer housing. The apparatus includes a mount for retaining one or more weights thereon. The mount operatively connects to the outer housing and is enclosed within one of the housings.

There is accordingly provided an exercise apparatus including an inner housing upon which a user may stand. The apparatus includes an outer housing rotatably coupled to the inner housing. The apparatus includes a handlebar coupled to and extending upwards from the outer housing. The apparatus includes a mount for retaining one or more weights thereon. The mount operatively connects to the outer housing and is enclosed within one of the housings.

A portable exercise apparatus utilized for exercising, stretching, and training multiple muscle groups of the body of a user. The apparatus is adapted to be worn about the waist or carried as a bandolier about the user's body. The apparatus has at least one releasably closable pocket and fixation rings for securing and carrying accessories, such as attachable handles, suspension lines, and elastic bands. The apparatus and methods of use provide the user with a plurality of configurations for assisted exercise regimens and the flexibility to exercise anywhere.

A portable exercise apparatus utilized for exercising, stretching, and training multiple muscle groups of the body of a user. The apparatus is adapted to be worn about the waist or carried as a bandolier about the user's body. The apparatus has at least one releasably closable pocket and fixation rings for securing and carrying accessories, such as attachable handles, suspension lines, and elastic bands. The apparatus and methods of use provide the user with a plurality of configurations for assisted exercise regimens and the flexibility to exercise anywhere.

A stretching assistance device for helping a user to stretch various muscles. The stretching assistance device includes a rectangular frame having several parallel, horizontal rungs thereon. The lower end of the frame includes a base on which a user can position his or her feet while stretching. The frame further includes a pair of primary handles extending perpendicularly from opposing sides thereof. A secondary handle extends from a lower end of the frame and is positioned on the opposing side of the frame as the pair of primary handles. When stretching, the user can position his or her feet on the base and can grasp the rungs or handles in order to stabilize himself or herself and to facilitate stretching.

A foam exercise block in the shape of a wedge having an inclined front face, a vertical rear face, and a bottom face defining forward, upper, and rear edges. A ball socket is formed in the front face, and upper and lower semi-circular grooves running between the front and rear faces at the upper and forward edges of the wedge provide support for an exercise ball and portions of the body. The continuity of the lateral edges at their ends is interrupted by right-angled cutouts to provide corner handholds for various exercises using the wedge as a brace against a flat surface.

A foam exercise block in the shape of a wedge having an inclined front face, a vertical rear face, and a bottom face defining forward, upper, and rear edges. A ball socket is formed in the front face, and upper and lower semi-circular grooves running between the front and rear faces at the upper and forward edges of the wedge provide support for an exercise ball and portions of the body. The continuity of the lateral edges at their ends is interrupted by right-angled cutouts to provide corner handholds for various exercises using the wedge as a brace against a flat surface.

Methods for improving respiratory effectiveness including inhaling a breath and, while continuously holding the breath, swimming for a period of at least 10 seconds without exhaling or further inhaling, and inhaling a breath and, without exhaling or further inhaling, adopting, and holding for a period of at least 3 seconds, at least one stretch position, which requires constant muscular exertion to maintain.