Disclosed is a backbone retraction apparatus which includes a support member supporting a hip of a user, a center member coupled to the support member by a hinge structure, a backrest member inserted into the center member, a neck support member inserted into the backrest member, moving means comprising a wire having a first side fixed to the center member and a second side fixed to the neck support member and a first latching protrusion protruded from the backrest member and adapted to have the wire hung on the first latching protrusion, the second side of the wire being fixed under the first latching protrusion, and length adjustment means adapted to be connected to the support member and the backrest member.

In accordance with the invention, a uniquely constructed, lightweight calf raise exercise device is provided which is user friendly, portable, and inexpensive—providing athletes with the ability to effectively strengthen leg muscles without going to the gym, which is optimal for the busy lifestyle. The calf raise device generally includes a platform assembly having a length extending between a front side and a rear side, the platform assembly including a first surface extending a segment of the length from the front side and an elevated second surface extending the remainder of the length between the first surface and the rear side, wherein the first surface is configured to support the user's heels during operation and the second surface is configured to support the user's toes during operation and throughout the motion of the calf raise. The calf raise device also includes at least two ankle cuffs configured to receive the ankles of the user wearing the calf raise device and at least two elastic resistance members operably connecting the platform assembly with the at least two ankle cuffs respectively. The elastic resistance members are configured to provide resistance throughout the motion of the calf raise.

A leg stretching apparatus, which may comprise a harness operable with at least a portion of a user's leg. The leg stretching apparatus may further comprise a flexible section operable to couple with the harness. Additionally, the leg stretching apparatus may comprise a joint operable to couple to a structure fixed in at least on direction. The structure may provide an anchor sufficient to support a load in the at least one direction.

There is accordingly provided a flexible sheet assembly for stretching exercises. The assembly has a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes an elongate flexible sheet having a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending sides. The sheet has a pair of spaced-apart ends that extend between the sides. The sheet has a first longitudinal portion extending from a first one of the ends towards a second one of the ends. The sheet has a second longitudinal portion extending from the second one of the ends towards the first one of the ends. At least a first one of the longitudinal portions of the sheet has an aperture extending therethrough. Portions of the first one of the longitudinal portions of the sheet adjacent to the aperture are curved.

A rollable exercise device is formed as a carriage having multiple sides, a main bearing embedded in a concave center, and a removably insertable weight with gripping handle. The main bearing facilitates rolling engagement with the weight and allows for dynamic adjustment of gripping angle relative to the carriage. A bottom surface of the carriage supports a plurality of rollerballs by means of bearings that facilitate omnidirectional rolling engagement of the carriage on a planar surface. Components may be embedded into the sides for attaching external equipment or to attach the device in tandem to a similar device.

A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

A layered strap-like apparatus for exercising, stretching and training multiple muscle groups of the entire body of a user. The apparatus is adapted to be worn about the waist or carried as a bandolier about the user's body. The apparatus has an optional, releasably closable pocket between the layers for securing and carrying accessories, such as attachable handles and elastic bands. The apparatus and methods of use provide the user with balanced loading options and the flexibility to exercise anywhere.

A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

A exercise roller device including a center roller portion provided with shaped end roller portions, and the center roller portion provided with a centered circumferential groove. A method of making the exercise roller device.

An exercise apparatus that includes a handle frame and a base frame.