A device for stretching either the quadriceps or hamstring muscles of an individual's legs while the individual is in a standing position. The device includes a frame assembly and a rotational mount connected thereto. A stretching member is rotationally mounted on the rotational mount intermediate its ends to provide a first section extending on one side of the rotational mount and a second section extending on a second side of the rotational mount. The stretching member includes a foot support adjacent a distal end of the first section spaced from the rotational mount and a gripping member adjacent a distal end of the second section spaced from the rotational mount. The gripping member is engageable by an individual in a standing position to apply a rotational force to the stretching member with the individual's foot on the foot support to stretch either the quadriceps or hamstring muscles of the individual's legs.

This application discloses systems and methods of applying vibration to a targeted area on an individual that is experiencing pain, discomfort, or other musculoskeletal symptoms. Steps of the method include lengthening followed by oscillation and vibration. The lengthening step requires positioning the individual (e.g., with the help of a stretching cage) such that the individual experiences a stretching sensation in a targeted area (e.g., a group of muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.). Next, the individual oscillates in and out of that lengthened position while vibration is applied to the targeted area. It has been discovered that these techniques can bring about dramatic and quick improvements in flexibility and range of motion, while also diminishing symptoms like pain and discomfort.

This application discloses systems and methods of applying vibration to a targeted area on an individual that is experiencing pain, discomfort, or other musculoskeletal symptoms. Steps of the method include lengthening followed by oscillation and vibration. The lengthening step requires positioning the individual (e.g., with the help of a stretching cage) such that the individual experiences a stretching sensation in a targeted area (e.g., a group of muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.). Next, the individual oscillates in and out of that lengthened position while vibration is applied to the targeted area. It has been discovered that these techniques can bring about dramatic and quick improvements in flexibility and range of motion, while also diminishing symptoms like pain and discomfort.

The present specification discloses an exercise system comprising a stable support purchase, such as a ballet barre, and an unstable support apparatus, such as a ball or a roller, wherein an individual may support a limb on the unstable support apparatus and selectively contact the stable support purchase for balance while performing an exercise, such as a ballet position, and an associated method comprising the steps of positioning at least one limb on the unstable support apparatus and simultaneously performing the exercise.

A device for stretching either the quadriceps or hamstring muscles of an individual's legs while the individual is in a standing position. The device includes a frame assembly and a rotational mount connected thereto. A stretching member is rotationally mounted on the rotational mount intermediate its ends to provide a first section extending on one side of the rotational mount and a second section extending on a second side of the rotational mount. The stretching member includes a foot support adjacent a distal end of the first section spaced from the rotational mount and a gripping member adjacent a distal end of the second section spaced from the rotational mount. The gripping member is engageable by an individual in a standing position to apply a rotational force to the stretching member with the individual's foot on the foot support to stretch either the quadriceps or hamstring muscles of the individual's legs.

A weighted hip and lower back exerciser, for use in isolating and working out a targeted portion of the lower back or gluteal muscles through weighted internal and external rotation, that includes a framework, a upper body support section, a weight system, a the weighted leg pivot section. A user secures one of his/her legs onto a leg pad and pivots the leg pad by rotating his/her hip and lower back. The leg pad is connected to weights by a band passing through a pair of pulleys and a pulley cord guide. When the user swivels the leg rest, the user tenses the band thus lifting the weights, and resistance is generated. The user will isolate the rotational movement to the hip and lower back by leaning onto a chest support and resting his/her arms on an arm support mounted on a vertical rack above the weight assembly.

Presented is an Isokinetic exercise system having a base, a pedestal, a vertical member, a height adjustable vertical column for resting a rotary actuator on top, a resistance control valve unit with rotatable dials connected to the actuator, wherein the rotatable dials are selectively used to rotatably set a range of resistances for opposing movements to accommodate varying exerted forces by a user performing an intended exercise. The system further includes an electronics module to detect angle and pressure related data (as a measure of voltages) associated with the actuator, an A to D converter to convert the detected voltages in a digital form, a display unit embodying a program product for receiving, and processing the detected voltages to generate and display a muscular performance assessment report, store the received voltages for future comparison and enable printing the muscular performance assessment report, enable configuring next intended exercise.

An exercise machine for leg strengthening, the exercise machine comprising a stationary frame; and a thigh support member and an ankle support member coupled to the frame and configured to support a user's thigh and ankle, respectively, during a hamstring curl exercise motion. The thigh support member and the ankle support member are each movable with respect to the stationary frame during the hamstring curl exercise motion, thus facilitating contraction and extension of both of a hamstring and glute of the user during the hamstring curl exercise motion.

A long travel cable carrier guide has a plurality of guideposts that support an upper portion of a cable carrier. The plurality of guideposts include rollers that move between an extended and retracted position that allows the cable carrier to pass by the guideposts. The rollers automatically return to an extended position wherein the rollers protrude into the path of the cable carrier and provide support to the upper portion of the cable carrier as needed.

A lightweight and portable fitness apparatus comprises a pair of wheel assemblies connected by a connecting bar. The apparatus may be used to perform Pilates-style exercises by a variety of activities such as lifting or rolling the apparatus. The connection bar of the apparatus is offset from a center of each wheel assembly and rotatable from an outer portion of each wheel assembly. The offset position allows the connection bar and wheel assemblies to act as a stable rolling platform, similar to a platform of a Pilates reformer, but as the lightweight and portable apparatus.