A training pad is provided including a flexible resilient shaft having a first end and a second end. A handle portion is provided adjacent the first end of the shaft and a padded member is mounted adjacent the second end of the shaft. A guard is provided having a first end connected to the first end of the shaft and a second end connected to the shaft on a side of the handle portion adjacent the padded member. The guard includes a flexible resilient member being curved between the first and second ends thereof such that the guard defines a convex outer surface supported in front of the handle portion.

Exercise machines for performing exercises that are resisted in the push and pull directions, the machines having at least one user support, at least one user engagement actuator, and a one directional flywheel operatively connected to a braking mechanism for providing resistance to the push and pull exercises. A drive system operatively connects the at least one user engagement actuator to the one directional flywheel, the drive system can be configured such that more or less force is required to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the push direction than to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the pull direction. The resistance of the push direction can be less than, greater than, or equal to the resistance of the pull direction. Resistance to the motion of the at least one user engagement actuator can be adjusted prior to or during operation of the machine.

A gait trainer adapted for use with a treadmill and, optionally, a spinning cycle, provides greater accessibility for therapeutic and rehabilitative gait pattern training to individuals confronting injury, illness, or disability. The gait trainer is adjustable, to accommodate a wide variety of users with different stride lengths and needs.

An exercise apparatus includes at least one resilient member; a first weight connected to a first end portion of the at least one resilient member; a second weight connected to a second end portion of the at least one resilient member, and a holding member connected to a center portion of the at least one resilient member, the center portion being between the first and second end portions. Another exercise apparatus includes a holding member; a first resilient member having first and second end portions, the first end portion being connected to the holding member; a first weight connected to the first resilient member; a second resilient member having first and second end portions, the first end portion being connected to the holding member opposite the first end portion of the first resilient member; a second weight connected to the second resilient member.

Connecting straps, for use for example in sports activities, include (a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop. In some cases, the band has a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape.

An assistive stretching device worn by a user to reduce physical stress while lifting to aid another individual in stretching and method is disclosed. The device includes a belt sized to fit around the torso of the user, first and second pulleys supported on the belt, first and second wrist attachments; first and second ankle attachments; first and second cords threaded through corresponding pulleys with one end attached to corresponding ankle attachments and the opposite end attached to corresponding wrist attachments. The pulleys operate to change the direction of the lifting force, making it easier to lift and stretch the anterior aspects of the musculature of the individual rather than lifting dead weight. An attachment including a dual pulley system may replace the first and second pulleys and includes an arm supporting a pulley at each end and openings to provide leverage adjustments when attaching the arm to the belt.

An exercise straps to help beginners and players to improve the push up exercise practice without being frustrated by let a player get a help of a second person who can hold the strap from the above.

Exercise machines having at least one user support and at least one user engagement actuator wherein motion of the at least one user engagement actuator is resisted in both the push and pull directions by a rotational one directional flywheel and braking mechanism. The resistance of the push direction can be less, greater, or equal to the resistance of the pull direction. Resistance to the motion of the at least one user engagement actuator can be adjusted prior to or during operation of the machine. Each machine can have one or two user supports with each user support comprising a user engagement actuator and each machine having a single common one directional flywheel and braking mechanism.

An exercise machine with a user support and at least one user engagement actuator and a one directional rotational resistance flywheel for performing exercises that are resisted in the push direction and the pull direction. The drive system that operatively connects the at least one user engagement actuator to the one directional rotational resistance flywheel is configured such that more or less force is required to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the push direction than to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the pull direction.

A method of athletic training includes attaching a position training device to users. The position training device includes a positioning member, flexible spacing members each having a first end portion and a second end portion, and attachment members. The first end portions of the spacing members are each coupled to the positioning member and are spaced relative to adjacent ones of the first end portions, and the second end portions of the spacing members are each coupled to an attachment member. Each user is attached to the position training device by an attachment member, and the positioning member is located between the users. The method further includes moving the users apart such that the spacing members are tensioned and the positioning member is elevated, and moving the users such that the positioning member remains elevated while the users move and pass an object between one another as they move.