One embodiment of a resistance band exercise machine (100) for various exercises having a cable-pulley variable resistance system housing (102) with a cable-pulley variable resistance system (104). The cable-pulley variable resistance system has a pair of uprights (110) to insert a pair of safety bars (112) or a joined safety bar (118) into a safety bar hole (114) from the uprights to set starting position of an exercise by placing a top plate (106) from the cable-pulley variable resistance system on the safety bars and increase exercise intensity by performing isometrics against the safety bars and a training partner assistantship cable-pulley system (128) or a training partner assistantship feature from the cable-pulley variable resistance system having an input lifting arm (122) with a handle grip (124) and/or a shoulder padding (126) for a training partner (136) to assist the user. The configuration of the cable-pulley variable resistance system may be in any manner based on the exercise. A user (162) performs an exercise on the resistance band exercise machine to overcome a primary (resistance band 116) and secondary (springs 168) sources of variably increasing resistance from the cable-pulley variable resistance system.

An exercise apparatus includes at least one resilient member; a first weight connected to a first end portion of the at least one resilient member; a second weight connected to a second end portion of the at least one resilient member, and a holding member connected to a center portion of the at least one resilient member, the center portion being between the first and second end portions. Another exercise apparatus includes a holding member; a first resilient member having first and second end portions, the first end portion being connected to the holding member; a first weight connected to the first resilient member; a second resilient member having first and second end portions, the first end portion being connected to the holding member opposite the first end portion of the first resilient member; a second weight connected to the second resilient member.

A rehabilitation therapy aid (FIG. 4), for use in aiding a patient to regain and improve movement and control in a limb, comprises a moveable structure (51) having engagement means (53) whereby the structure can be moved by the limb of a patient (72) requiring therapy and separate engagement means (52) whereby the structure can be moved in the same direction by a therapist (71) or by the patient's stronger limb. A movement detector (56) is arranged so that the movement of the structure (51) can be tracked by the patient and/or by the therapist.

A resistance band exercise machine for performing various exercises. An embodiment includes a housing for a cable-pulley variable resistance system. The cable-pulley variable resistance system is configured to receive one or more safety bars to set a starting position of an exercise. Some embodiments include a training partner assistantship feature for a training partner to assist the user by imparting a secondary force on the machine. The configuration of the cable-pulley variable resistance system may be in any manner based on the exercise. A user performs an exercise on the resistance band exercise machine to overcome a primary (resistance band) and secondary (springs) sources of variably increasing resistance from the cable-pulley variable resistance system.

Connecting straps, for use for example in sports activities, include (a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop. In some cases, the band has a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape.

A report of a state of a local exercise device based at least in part on a user response to an electromagnetic resistance unit in the local exercise device is sent. An update based on a state of a remote exercise device is received. The electromagnetic resistance unit is caused to change state in reaction to the received update.

An assistive stretching device worn by a user to reduce physical stress while lifting to aid another individual in stretching and method is disclosed. The device includes a belt sized to fit around the torso of the user, first and second pulleys supported on the belt, first and second wrist attachments; first and second ankle attachments; first and second cords threaded through corresponding pulleys with one end attached to corresponding ankle attachments and the opposite end attached to corresponding wrist attachments. The pulleys operate to change the direction of the lifting force, making it easier to lift and stretch the anterior aspects of the musculature of the individual rather than lifting dead weight. An attachment including a dual pulley system may replace the first and second pulleys and includes an arm supporting a pulley at each end and openings to provide leverage adjustments when attaching the arm to the belt.

A report of a state of a local exercise device based at least in part on a user response to an electromagnetic resistance unit in the local exercise device is sent. An update based on a state of a remote exercise device is received. The electromagnetic resistance unit is caused to change state in reaction to the received update.

A training pad is provided including a flexible resilient shaft having a first end and a second end. A handle portion is provided adjacent the first end of the shaft and a padded member is mounted adjacent the second end of the shaft. A guard is provided having a first end connected to the first end of the shaft and a second end connected to the shaft on a side of the handle portion adjacent the padded member. The guard includes a flexible resilient member being curved between the first and second ends thereof such that the guard defines a convex outer surface supported in front of the handle portion.

Connecting straps, for use for example in sports activities, include (a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop. In some cases, the band has a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape.