An inflatable unweighting enclosure for an exercise device is provided formed from a pair of opposing sheets attached to each other by a seam along a closed shape at their perimeter portions, each of which has a top region, an opposite base region, and central region. A trim path interrupts each articulated shape at the base region that defines a perimeter of a base opening for the enclosure when inflated, in which the base and base opening are substantially planar and the base perimeter defines an enclosure inlet. When inflated, the pair of flexible sheets expand laterally apart to define an enclosure inner space and form an elongate, disc-shaped structure interrupted by the base opening. The base opening attaches to a base support of the exercise device, which is shaped and sized to orient and support the enclosure vertically for providing unweighting to a user attached to a top opening.

Provided are apparatuses for augmenting human speed, human-driven compliant mechanisms, artificial limbs to augment human movement, and the like. The apparatuses can include variable stiffness mechanisms including springs that can be configured to selectively store and subsequently release energy generated by human movement. The apparatuses can selectively release the captured energy supplied by the human to provide force and power output beyond the physical capability of the human.

A method of exercising includes positioning a foot of a user onto a pedal of an exercise device. The pedal is pivotably connected to a pair of supports forming a triangular base and has a neutral position relative to a pivot axis of the device. The method includes applying a first force to the pedal to rotate the pedal about the pivot axis in a first direction, toward a first support. The method includes resisting movement of the pedal toward the first support with a resistance mechanism of the device. The method includes applying a second force to the pedal to rotate the pedal about the pivot axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward a second support and away from the first support. The method includes resisting movement of the pedal toward the second support with the resistance mechanism of the device.

An inflatable belt 100 for use in a BFR system with an outer belt material 102 hermetically sealed to an inner belt material 101 along a perimeter, thereby forming at least one inflatable chamber 103, the inflatable chamber having an input port 104 for accepting a gas into the chamber, the inflatable belt further comprising a first fastening means 110 in communication with the outer belt material, for attaching to a second fastening means 111 in communication with the outer belt material, thereby locking a circumference of the inflatable belt, when wrapped around a user's limb, efficacy feedback means 200 for gathering efficacy feedback data 205, for use in prescribing, monitoring and adjusting one or more training parameters of a BFR training session and/or program based on evaluation of the efficacy feedback data.

An exercise treadmill is disclosed. The treadmill can include one or more sensors to acquire input data. A computer system can trigger one or more actions based on the input data. The input data can correspond to a lengthwise position of the user along a length of a usable surface of the platform and/or a lateral position of the user on the belt. The action(s) can include providing feedback to the user and/or adjusting rotation of the belt and/or a resistance of rotation of the belt. The adjustment can be performed in response to input from a user control requesting the adjustment.

The present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus designed to allow a user to perform a gluteal bridge, typically with resistance, to improve the strength of the user's posterior hip and gluteal muscles. The exercise apparatus is configurable for use in different environments—in a gym, fitness center or training facility, a spa or studio, or a home gym. The exercise apparatus includes a frame assembly, a bench assembly, and a resistance assembly. The bench assembly is pivotally connected to the frame assembly to provide an elevated pivot point about which the bench assembly pivots when the user performs the gluteal bridge movement. The resistance assembly is operably connected to the bench assembly and provides a resistance force that the user overcomes in order to pivotally move the bench through the gluteal bridge movement. The resistance assembly can include a cable, pulley and weight stack, or an elastically deformable band.

The present disclosure provides for various objects (weights, playing apparatuses, balls, clothing, etc.) that have liquid disposed in them to assist in building and strengthening small muscle fibers and/or nerves. The various objects can include weights, playing apparatuses such as objects that can be swung in sports, balls, and clothing or other objects that can be worn by humans or other animals. The objects include fluid paths and re-directions walls disposed within the fluid paths to direct fluid flow to particular areas within the objects. The designated areas to where fluid flow is directed aid in development of small muscle fibers and/or nerves due to the fluid sloshing around at those particular locations. Methods of making and using the various objects disclosed are also provided.

An article having a panel and a trim piece. The panel may have at least a first panel edge, an outer surface, and a plurality of integrally-formed flaps that extend from the outer surface. The trim piece may be affixed to the panel proximate the first panel edge and may secure an end portion of at least one of the plurality of integrally-formed flaps between the trim piece and the outer surface of the panel. A plurality of panels may form, or be secured to, a garment in different orientations. Each of the plurality of panels may be separated by one or more trim pieces.

The movement inducing device includes a plurality of air bags, each being provided with a contacting portion configured to contact with a user and induce a movement of an intended skeletal muscle of the user; a drive mechanism configured to expand and compress the air bags by adjusting supply and discharge of air to and from each air bag and a control unit provided with a drive control unit configured to control driving of the drive mechanism to make the intended skeletal muscle of the user perform at least one of an isotonic muscle activity, an isometric muscle activity and an isokinetic muscle activity.

The movement inducing device includes a plurality of air bags, each being provided with a contacting portion configured to contact with a user and induce a movement of an intended skeletal muscle of the user; a drive mechanism configured to expand and compress the air bags by adjusting supply and discharge of air to and from each air bag and a control unit provided with a drive control unit configured to control driving of the drive mechanism to make the intended skeletal muscle of the user perform at least one of an isotonic muscle activity, an isometric muscle activity and an isokinetic muscle activity.