The present invention relates to the field of fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically, a substantially horizontal exercise machine comprising an exercise platform slidable along one or more rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of the machine structure, the slidable platform spring-biased towards one end of the machine, is tiltable to allow for one end of the machine to be raised or lowered relative to the opposed end of the machine.

A compact, portable, lightweight, easily transportable leg press exercise apparatus to simulate both exercise and the daily activity of sitting in a microgravity environment. The exercise portion of the apparatus creates stress on the lower extremities by supplying a variable resistance to a reciprocating foot pedal by way of a coil spring and damper system acting through a four-bar linkage. The chair is adjustable in angle to fit each user and to simulate a force that is two-thirds of body weight. By combining resistance exercise and lower body negative pressure with the LBNP leg press exercise apparatus, the users experience one or more times body weight (BW) in stress on their musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. By achieving one times BW or greater (artificial gravity) during exercise and two-thirds BW during sitting, the gap between the precondition and post condition syndrome will become smaller.

A headgear for neck rehabilitation and weight training includes first and second straps forming a loop for wrapping a forehead of a user, an upper strap device abutting a top of a head of the user, and a lower strap abutting a chin of the user. The second strap is coupled to the first strap and is adjustable in length to fit the head circumference of the user. The upper strap device is adjustable in length to fit the spacing between the forehead and the top of the head of the user. The lower strap is coupled to the loop formed by the first and second straps and is adjustable in length to fit the chin of the user. The headgear can be assembled with one of two rehabilitation accessories in a rehabilitation mode or assembled with a weight training accessory in a weight training mode.

A core muscle exercising and resistance training device includes a weighted bar having opposed bar ends adapted to removably mount at least one weight or other force generating element. A pad element is removably and frictionally mounted on the bar, the pad element being constructed from a lightweight foam material having a density within a specific range. The pad has an outer surface with a radius of curvature substantially the same as a normal cervical curvature. In use, the outer pad surface is placed adjacent a user's cervical curve and the weighted bar, the additional isometric resistance generating elements and the pad element act in combination to apply a force upon the user's core cervical curve muscles for improving the user's cervical curve posture by gradually modifying the cervical curvature to conform with clinically desirable curvature.

A core muscle exercising and resistance training device includes a weighted bar having opposed bar ends adapted to removably mount at least one weight or other force generating element. A pad element is removably and frictionally mounted on the bar, the pad element being constructed from a lightweight foam material having a density within a specific range. The pad has an outer surface with a radius of curvature substantially the same as a normal cervical curvature. In use, the outer pad surface is placed adjacent a user's cervical curve and the weighted bar, the additional isometric resistance generating elements and the pad element act in combination to apply a force upon the user's core cervical curve muscles for improving the user's cervical curve posture by gradually modifying the cervical curvature to conform with clinically desirable curvature.

A device that exercises the muscles of a person who lays down on a bench (12), by the person shifting his body to counteract a tendency of the bench to tilt to one side or the other. The bench is supported on coil springs (44) that tilt when the person's weight shifts to one side as the person performs exercises while laying on the bench.

An improved barbell having horizontal spring-loaded resistance for increased muscular activity in an individual is provided. Spring action created by the horizontal spring-loaded resistance in the improved barbell provides the individual with additional muscle activation as compared to a traditional barbell. The improved barbell may include a spring that can be compressed and uncompressed using a tubular steel shaft, which is maintained in place by a self-lubricating linear bearing to reduce binding. The design provides a smooth action consistent with muscle-building execution exercises. The spring and bearing may be encased in a barrel with precision. The barrel may be welded to a 1-inch diameter steel tubular shaft. A separate 1-inch diameter steel tubular shaft may be installed in the barrel. The pair of tubular shafts may hold a desired weight.

An exercise machine resistance adjustment system for providing an exerciser the ability to immediately adjust the resistance force by changing their body position on the movable carriage or end platforms. The exercise machine resistance adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned on the frame, a spring connected to the carriage to apply a biasing force to the carriage, one or more left projections within the carriage adapted for a left hand of an exerciser to grasp, and one or more right projections within the carriage adapted for a right hand of an exerciser to grasp. The exerciser is able to efficiently adjust the amount of resistance force applied to the carriage by repositioning their hands (or feet) from a first set of projections at a first distance to a second set of projections at a second distance from the first end of the exercise machine.

A force measurement device has a motion dampening device having at least two ends. A first end is releasably engaged to a base frame and a second end is releasably engaged to a moveable member. A load cell is in communication with the motion dampening device. The load cell measures a force imparted by a user and the load cell registers the force to a display which depicts the registered force exerted by the user. A method for measuring the force a user imparts onto an exercise apparatus comprises the user imparting force onto a moveable member. The motion dampening device imparts a force substantially opposite to the user force and a load cell measures the force exerted by the user. The force is transmitted to a display wherein the display depicts the registered force imparted by the user.

An interactive exercise system with apparatus and methods to optimize muscle strength for rehabilitation, to improve or maintain fitness, and to enhance the performance of athletes. The system uses an electronically controlled linear actuator to generate resistance against the muscular force exerted by the user. The system includes sensors configured to detect acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, duration, and the force applied by the user. A control system preferably continuously monitors the sensors, and instantaneously adjusts the adaptive actuator. This provides a proportional counterforce to the user force throughout the entire range-of-motion. A display panel allows the user to interact with the system in real-time. The objective of the user is to synchronize the exercise performance with a selected target goal, by correlating the user's movement relative to a position on a display panel.