Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a neck and spine strengthening device. The strengthening device includes a spinal resistance assembly configured to apply a resist force or to resist rotation about at least a first axis, and a head affixing assembly configured to secure to a head of a user during use. The strengthening device is instrumented with sensors and an embedded computing system configured to securely exchange exercise performance and configuration data with local client devices, and to monitor and record exercise activity and exercise performance data.

Methods for instructing a user to perform head and neck exercises with head and neck apparatuses are disclosed. The apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than the threshold pressure. The head and neck exercise apparatus may also include a member operatively arranged with an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, without a valve mechanism, to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than a threshold absolute pressure.

An exercise apparatus (10) has two wheels (12, 12′) rotatably mounted to a base (14, 14′), spaced apart and each located within a pair of wheel housings (15, 15′), respectively. Pivotably connected to each wheel is a cam (16). Another end of the cam (16) is pivotably connected to a push rod (17) which is pivotably connected to a handle (18) which is rotatably mounted in a housing (20). The pair of handle housings (20) are pivotably and respectively mounted to the pair of cams (16) such that movement of each arm in a vertical plane up or down by operating on the respective handle causes an elliptical rotation of the respective cam relative to the respective wheel (12, 12′).

The present invention discloses a power adjustment device. The power adjustment device includes a steel cylinder and a piston arranged inside the steel cylinder in a sliding mode, wherein the piston is fixedly provided with a guide rod, the guide rod being connected to a dustproof cover in a sliding mode, and a steel cable being fixed to an upper end of the guide rod; the piston is provided with a one-way air guide structure, the one-way air guide structure including an air guiding channel, the air guiding channel including a circular upper channel and a circular lower channel, and an adjustment ball being arranged inside the upper channel; and purposes of eliminating vibration, lowering noise, eliminating potential safety hazards, being more convenient in assembly and lowering cost are achieved.

A vertically oriented fitness apparatus utilizes a combination of upper and lower assemblies resistant to vertical motion when the user pushes and pulls against crossbar members of the assemblies vertically. In alternate embodiments of the apparatus, resistance is provided by a dual action dashpot such as an adjustable bidirectional hydraulic damping cylinder which may be used in combination with spring resistance elements. The user is thus able to perform strength training and fitness conditioning exercises for both upper and lower extremities, and their core simultaneously while using the apparatus.

A chair includes a seat (2) and also includes a pair of thigh support elements (17) pivotal n a generally downwardly direction about front pivot axes (20) from a first state forming with a central seat element (15) a substantially common plane, to a second downwardly extending state. The elements (17) are also pivotal about second pivot axes in a generally rearwardly direction for urging the user's thighs away from each other for stretching the adductor muscles. Foot support members (49) extend transversely and sidewardly on respective opposite sides of the chair (1) from a support element (46) for supporting the foot during a stretching exercise with the corresponding thigh of the subject extending downwardly from the seat (14) and the lower leg extending from the knee in a upwardly inclined direction to the foot support member (49) for stretching the quadriceps and the hip flexor muscles of the subject.

A chair includes a seat (2) and also includes a pair of thigh support elements (17) pivotal n a generally downwardly direction about front pivot axes (20) from a first state forming with a central seat element (15) a substantially common plane, to a second downwardly extending state. The elements (17) are also pivotal about second pivot axes in a generally rearwardly direction for urging the user's thighs away from each other for stretching the adductor muscles. Foot support members (49) extend transversely and sidewardly on respective opposite sides of the chair (1) from a support element (46) for supporting the foot during a stretching exercise with the corresponding thigh of the subject extending downwardly from the seat (14) and the lower leg extending from the knee in a upwardly inclined direction to the foot support member (49) for stretching the quadriceps and the hip flexor muscles of the subject.

A method and apparatus for Activity Environment Generator (“AEG”) is provided. The AEG allows a user in a variety of settings such as: domestic settings, office chairs, TV chairs, train seats, airplane seats, domestic or hospital beds. The AEG is particularly useful in the fields of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, injury prevention, falls prevention, training and wellness in general and may also provide recreational and/or entertainment elements. The AEG provides dynamically controllable forces with which the user interacts in the course of his/her activity. In one aspect of the invention, the forces provided by the AEG are generated by a magnetic field. In another aspect of the invention, the forces provided by The AEG are generated by a pneumatic actuator. The AEG is optionally scalable and/or modular and, in specific embodiments, may include one or more of the following: a Remote Trainer, an AEG-Accessory, an AEG-Wearable, optimization by Big Data and machine-learning.

A method and apparatus for Activity Environment Generator (“AEG”) is provided. The AEG allows a user in a variety of settings such as: domestic settings, office chairs, TV chairs, train seats, airplane seats, domestic or hospital beds. The AEG is particularly useful in the fields of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, injury prevention, falls prevention, training and wellness in general and may also provide recreational and/or entertainment elements. The AEG provides dynamically controllable forces with which the user interacts in the course of his/her activity. In one aspect of the invention, the forces provided by the AEG are generated by a magnetic field. In another aspect of the invention, the forces provided by The AEG are generated by a pneumatic actuator. The AEG is optionally scalable and/or modular and, in specific embodiments, may include one or more of the following: a Remote Trainer, an AEG-Accessory, an AEG-Wearable, optimization by Big Data and machine-learning.

An exercise machine has a supporting frame; a resistance fan on the supporting frame, the resistance fan being configured to provide an amount of resistance to a user of the exercise machine; a housing enclosing the resistance fan, the housing having a plurality of openings through which air from the resistance fan is directed towards the user of the exercise machine; and a shroud on the housing. The shroud is movable with respect to the plurality of openings so as to redirect the air from the resistance fan without changing the amount of resistance provided to the user of the exercise machine.