Systems and methods for evaluating the performance of an athlete using a strain gauge is described. In some embodiments, the measurement system comprises a strain gauge and a central processing device. The strain gauge can include a power source, an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) comprising a load cell, a microcontroller, and a wireless communication module. The strain gauge can be configured to output strain data at a rate of at least 1kHz and the central processing device can be configured to receive the strain data transmitted from the wireless communication module.

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for unloading a user's body weight during a physical activity of said user (4), particularly for gait training of said user (4), comprising: a plurality of ropes (41, 42, 43, 44), wherein each rope (41, 42, 43, 44) extends from an associated drive unit (510, 520, 530, 540), is deflected by a passively displaceable deflection device, e.g. a device that is displaceable by means of the forces in the deflected ropes, and then runs to a first free end (41 a, 42a, 43a, 44a) of the respective rope (41, 42, 43, 44), and a node (60) being coupled to said first free ends (41 a, 42a, 43a, 44a) and being designed to be coupled to said user (4), wherein the drive units (510, 520, 530, 540) are designed to retract and release the respective rope (41, 42, 43, 44) so as to adjust a current rope force (FR) along the respective rope (41, 42, 43, 44), which current rope forces add up to a current resulting force (F) exerted on said user (4) via said node (60) in order to unload the user (4) upon said physical activity. Further, the invention relates to a method for controlling such a system.

A device for facilitating or enhancing proprioceptive feedback during breathing and related exercises includes a user attachment component attachable to a user about the thorax. Two elongate tensile members are connected at proximal ends to the user attachment component at points essentially just below the armpits of a user. These two elongate tensile members are connectable at their distal ends to the feet of the user. Another two tensile members are connected at their proximal ends to a back portion or strap of the harness and at their distal ends to or about the user's hands.

An exercise apparatus and method for lower back, abdominal, and leg conditioning. The apparatus is configurable between a pivoting condition and a fixed position. In the pivoting condition, a backboard, pivotally mounted to a frame, is configured for a user to lay on the backboard and alternately raise and lower their hips, while supporting their feet on a foot plate. In a fixed condition, the backboard is positioned proximal to the foot plate, and a user may perform one or more abdominal exercises.

Embodiments allow the application of a settable and/or a programmable resistance to a trainee's leg Drive Phase and/or Recovery Phase while walking or running over extended or infinite distances. Multiple mechanical or electrical feedback loops or combinations of both to monitor the applied resistance to the Trainee by the tether or tethers and then control the amount of breaking (drag) or propulsion created by the Mobile training module during the acceleration and constant speed training phases to accurately generate, control and transfer resistance through the elastic tethers to the Trainee. Embodiments apply multiple, non-varying loads or programmable loads to multiple body parts of a trainee where applied resistance can be manipulated to both increase or decrease over distance as desired by trainee while the trainee is walking, running or sprinting over any distance.

Disclosed are systems and methods for plyometric fitness systems that facilitate constrained multi-directional movements. By utilizing a variety of constrained elastic resistance cords in conjunction with plyometric platform stations and performance patterns, this system enhances dimension, capability and variety to conventional agility and jumping drills. The disclosed plyometric platforms are designed for contrast training, or resistance loaded and unloaded exercises. This allows the muscles to adapt to the loaded exercises and then apply the “learned” movement to the unloaded exercise. This directly reinforces the movement and muscle exertion needed to perform powerful movements thereby enhancing athletic performance.

A running form training device for training a runner to properly position and move their arms includes a harness, a pair of bands, and a pair of cuffs. The harness can be donned by a user so that the harness is removably engaged to a torso of the user. The bands are resiliently stretchable. Each band is engaged to the harness so that the band extends from proximate to a front of a respective shoulder of the user. Each cuff is engaged to a first end of a respective band and is removably engageable to a respective wrist of the user. The bands draw the arms of the user toward the harness, thereby restricting movement and positioning of the arms to promote proper running form.

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 pulley system of an exercise device for suspended weight training includes a first block with a first pulley, a second pulley, and a first attachment point. A second block is removably coupled to a weight and includes a third pulley and a second attachment point. A grip is configured to be held by a user while exercising and has a third attachment point. A line having a first line end is fixedly coupled to the grip and a second line end fixedly is coupled to a connection element. The connection element is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point, permits a user to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip to a pre-selected fraction of the weight.

A multifaceted exercise system is provided having several components, each capable of performing a different exercise. A vest worn by the exerciser has front segment and back segment, each segment having spaced apart O-rings and resistance bands secured by each O-ring adapted to be forced forward and laterally in order to exercise the chest. The back segment of the vest is provided with a panel member having roller receiving cavities each having fitted with a roller for performing a squatting exercise by moving the back panel member up and down a flat surface such as a wall. The back segment of the exercise device is also provided with a left O-ring and a right O-ring, a left resistance band having its upper end secured to the left O-ring and its lower end secured to the left foot, and a right resistance band having its upper end secured to the right O-ring and its lower end secured to the right foot. The exerciser can conduct abdominal exercises by removing the panel member from the back of the vest, placing it on a flat surface, and pushing and pulling the panel member using the hands of the exerciser.