A collapsible exercise apparatus is configured to allow a user to perform a gluteal bridge movement or flat bench exercises. In its ready to use position, the exercise apparatus allows a person to properly perform a gluteal bridge movement on a repeated basis. Resistance can be applied to the gluteal bridge movement where the resistance increases the amount of work to be performed by the person during the exercise. The exercise apparatus includes a frame assembly with a support member that extends from a lower frame member. A bench assembly is pivotally connected to the support member to provide an elevated pivot point about which the bench assembly pivots when a user performs the gluteal bridge movement. A stabilization assembly includes a front locking member operably connected to the frame assembly, a front retaining mechanism operably connected to the bench assembly, a rear locking mechanism operably connected to the frame assembly, and an upper retaining mechanism operably connected to the bench assembly. The front locking member, the front retaining mechanism, the rear locking mechanism, and the upper retaining mechanism are configured to place the bench in a flat bench position whereupon the user can perform various flat bench exercises. The exercise apparatus can also be placed in a low-profile, collapsed positon where the apparatus can be stored when not in use.

An exercise apparatus for the exercise of a user's gluteal muscles though a supported seated squat downward from an upper starting position and an upward return movement. The apparatus includes at least one foot ramp having at least one foot support surface to support substantially all of the user's feet in a position that is elevated off the ground during the exercise. The positioning of the user with the foot ramps in combination with the rest of the exercise apparatus provides numerous benefits to the squat exercise.

A stretching machine includes a table having a surface for supporting a patient and a first leg rest for supporting and moving a first leg of the patient. The first leg rest has a first vertical frame operable to rotate around a first horizontal pivot point at an end of the table and a first horizontal frame operable to rotate around a first vertical pivot point on the first vertical frame. A first vertical actuator is for rotating the first vertical frame around the first horizontal pivot point to move the first leg rest in a vertical direction relative to the surface of the table, and a first horizontal actuator is for rotating the first horizontal frame around the first vertical pivot point to move the first leg rest in a horizontal direction relative to the first vertical frame.

An adjustable reformer for exercising is provided. The reformer includes a frame, a carriage slidably mounted to the horizontal frame, and at least one resistance element connected to the carriage. A cord connects the carriage to at least one lower guide and at least one upper guide. Pulling the cord causes movement of the carriage along the frame against resistance provided by the resistance element. The guides can be height adjustable. The reformer can include a cord retraction system. Related methods of exercise are also provided.

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.

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 scientifically controlled exercise based on a measurement of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). A mechanical apparatus includes a sensor, an actuator, and a processor. The apparatus receives a mechanical exertion from a user while the processor receives signals from the sensor and sends signals to the actuator to control the mechanical apparatus. The processor measures a MVC exerted by a user and determines a protocol for the exercise based on the measured MVC. The protocol includes a specified exertion to be performed by a user, the specified force and velocity profile governing the exertion, and a specified sequence of repetitions of the exertion, spaced by rest periods. The protocol includes real-time feedback to the user related to compliance with the protocol. The methodology and equipment described herein provides users a safe and effective means of improving muscular strength or endurance and ameliorating various neurological or physiological conditions.

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.

In one aspect, an active exercise chair comprising seat support, wherein the seat support is rigidly affixed to a top section of a shaft of the gas spring; a seat, wherein the seat is connected to the seat support; a seatback support, wherein the seatback support is pivotably connected to the seat support about a discrete pivot point; a seatback carriage, wherein the seatback carriage is slidably connected to the seatback support, wherein the seatback carriage is connected to a seatback, and wherein the seatback traverses a translational path defined by the geometry of the seatback carriage and the seatback support.

An exercise system includes a bench system usable in combination with a resistance unit for the performance of a wide variety of exercises including those previously performed using free weights, exercise machines, rowing machines, and/or ski machines. The bench system preferably includes a bench unit, which is configurable in various bench configurations including flat, seated, incline and decline configurations as well as a sliding seat configuration. The bench system can include an extension unit mounted to the bench unit, wherein a resistance unit is mountable to the exercise system in a plurality of mounting positions that align with various bench configurations to permit the performance of a wide variety of resistance exercises while varying the angle of resistance generated by the pull cord on the body party being exercised. The mounting positions optimize the location of the resistance unit and the pull cords depending upon the bench configuration to vary and optimize the angle of resistance applied to the user’s muscles and body parts during exercises.