An end platform for an exercise machine for increased support of an exerciser's spine, neck and head which allows for an expanded scope of exercises that cannot otherwise be performed on the machine without the improved platform. The end platform for an exercise machine generally includes a novel, ergonomically improved stationary platform affixed to at least one opposed end of a substantially longitudinal exercise machine that includes at least a resistance biased reciprocating platform. The improved end platform provides for increased support of exercisers' spine, neck and head, thereby allowing for an expanded scope of exercises that cannot otherwise be performed on the machine without the improved platform, and further provides for the attachment of new and novel exercise equipment accessories to the exercise machine.

An exercise machine may include a frame, a resistance mechanism supported by the frame, first and second pull cables supported by the frame and linked to the resistance mechanism, a power rack attached to the frame, first and second handles selectively attachable to the first and second pull cable, and first and second pulleys. The power rack includes upright posts configured to have barbell holders adjustably attached thereto such that the barbell holders are configured to be adjusted in various positions between highest positions and lowest positions on the upright posts. The pulleys are configured to selectively receive the pull cables to enable the pull cables to be selectively attached to a barbell to assist or hinder a user in lifting the barbell in a combined cable and free weight workout, the pull cables decoupled from the pulleys for cable workouts.

Training apparatuses configured to receive, and conform to, the back of a user's knee and provide varying resistance and tactile feedback to a user performing quadriceps exercises and methods for using such apparatuses are disclosed herein. A preferred embodiment of the training apparatuses for quad sets comprises a solid, deformable, resilient body that includes a non-skid base and a top surface with a recess configured to receive the back of a user's knee. The body of this embodiment is preferably made of open-cell polyurethane foam with a uniform density ranging between 1 lb/ft.sup.3 and 8 lbs/ft.sup.3, and more preferably between 1.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 and 4.5 lbs/ft.sup.3. The embodiment provides gradually increasing resistance to compression, e.g. tactile feedback to the user's knee, when the user increasingly pushes his/her knee down against the embodiment, and thus allows dynamic quad setting and strengthening.

A versatile weight device for physical fitness routines is disclosed which comprises a plate having a generally H-shaped body having a first leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a second leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a third leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a fourth leg having an end having a hand grip portion, a first handle spanning between the first leg and the fourth leg, a second handle spanning between the second leg and the third leg, a central bore, a first cutout section formed between the first leg, the first handle, and the fourth leg, a second cutout section formed between the first leg and the second leg, a third cutout section formed between the second leg, the second handle, and the third leg, and a fourth cutout section formed between the third leg and the fourth leg.

A muscular training apparatus to present muscular training accessories. The muscular training apparatus has a bottom part including a central panel and two lateral panels on each side of the central panel. The two lateral panels are installed free to pivot about the central panel. The apparatus can be converted between at least one working position and one storage position. In a working position, the lateral panels are unfolded at the sides of the central panel to form a self-supporting structure. In the storage position, the lateral panels are folded adjacent to the central panel. The bottom part further includes a locking element to secure the self-supporting structure in the working position of the apparatus.

A Pilates Aquatics Device (PAD) including a board, the board being generally rectangular, planar, buoyant, and having top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides that are generally parallel to one another with a longitudinal axis midway there between, first and second ends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a strap defining three loops on the top surface of the board, the loops aligned along the axis, the loops defining openings perpendicular to the axis for insertion of a user's hands or feet to control the PAD.

A reduced friction massage and exercise device, which includes a base frame and at least one anchoring arrangement for anchoring a first body part of a user. A reduced friction surface is mounted onto the base frame, and includes a plurality of ball transfer units arranged such that adjacent ball transfer units engage one another. The device further includes at least one cable column including a weight stack. Each of the motion transfer balls is adapted for omnidirectional rotation relative to a corresponding housing element and independently of other the motion transfer balls. The reduced friction surface is adapted to have a second body part of the user placed thereon during performing of a physical activity applying force to the second body part, while reducing friction between the second body part and the surface.

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.

An exercise machine accessory system for facilitating exerciser rehydration during a workout and antibacterial machine wipe down. The exercise machine accessory system generally includes an exercise machine having a first end and a second end, first and second stationary exercise platforms, a movable carriage movably positioned upon a rail, a biasing member connected to the movable carriage, first and second handle assemblies connected to the frame of the exercise machine, a first bottle holder, a first antibacterial wipes dispenser and/or a first disposal receptacle connected to the first right handle assembly or the first left handle assembly.