A swing trainer balance block apparatus for improving balance during swing training includes a foot board having a board top side, a board bottom side, a board front side, a board back side, a board left side, and a board right side. The board top side receives a portion of a user's foot. A base support is coupled to the foot board. The base support is coupled to the board bottom side and is elastically deformable to create instability in the foot board. One swing trainer balance block apparatus is used beneath each of the user's feet to stimulate stabilizer muscles while practicing swinging a baseball bat or a golf club.

A swing trainer balance block apparatus for improving balance during swing training includes a foot board having a board top side, a board bottom side, a board front side, a board back side, a board left side, and a board right side. The board top side receives a portion of a user's foot. A base support is coupled to the foot board. The base support is coupled to the board bottom side and is elastically deformable to create instability in the foot board. One swing trainer balance block apparatus is used beneath each of the user's feet to stimulate stabilizer muscles while practicing swinging a baseball bat or a golf club.

A direct-drive bicycle training system and methods of using the same are provided. The system includes a bicycle trainer that rests on a support surface and supports a bicycle frame in an upright manner with respect to the support surface. The bicycle trainer includes a stator, a rotor that rotates with respect to the stator, a cassette affixed to the rotor, a support frame supporting the stator, rotor, and cassette, and a resistance applying mechanism that operatively couples to a portion of a drivetrain of the bicycle frame and applies varying levels of resistance to the portion of the drivetrain. The support frame moves with respect to the support surface in response to a force applied to the drivetrain of the bicycle frame during use of the bicycle training system, generating a more natural movement of the bicycle and simulating on-road use.

A method for exercising muscles in an ankle, foot, and/or leg of a user includes positioning a foot of a user onto a first body of an exercise device. The first body is spaced away from a second body of the device and pivotably connected to the second body of the device at a pivot axis. The pivot axis is adjacent to a central portion of the first body. The method includes rotating the first body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a first resistive force. Rotating the first body includes subjecting the foot to a first motion. The method includes positioning the foot onto the second body. The method includes rotating the second body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a second resistive force. Rotating the second body includes subjecting the foot to a second motion, the second motion being different than the first motion.

A method for exercising muscles in an ankle, foot, and/or leg of a user includes positioning a foot of a user onto a first body of an exercise device. The first body is spaced away from a second body of the device and pivotably connected to the second body of the device at a pivot axis. The pivot axis is adjacent to a central portion of the first body. The method includes rotating the first body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a first resistive force. Rotating the first body includes subjecting the foot to a first motion. The method includes positioning the foot onto the second body. The method includes rotating the second body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a second resistive force. Rotating the second body includes subjecting the foot to a second motion, the second motion being different than the first motion.

A protective rowing device for compression of the abdomen is provided that comprises a brace and U-shaped support member that may connect to a rowing machine seat and rail.

A direct-drive bicycle training system and methods of using the same are provided. The system includes a bicycle trainer that rests on a support surface and supports a bicycle frame in an upright manner with respect to the support surface. The bicycle trainer includes a stator, a rotor that rotates with respect to the stator, a cassette affixed to the rotor, a support frame supporting the stator, rotor, and cassette, and a resistance applying mechanism that operatively couples to a portion of a drivetrain of the bicycle frame and applies varying levels of resistance to the portion of the drivetrain. The support frame moves with respect to the support surface in response to a force applied to the drivetrain of the bicycle frame during use of the bicycle training system, generating a more natural movement of the bicycle and simulating on-road use.

The present invention is an exercise device comprising a substantially spherical member having a substantially flat portion, wherein a cavity is accessible from the substantially flat portion through a recess, wherein a lip is formed between the recess and the cavity.

The present invention is an exercise device comprising a substantially spherical member having a substantially flat portion, wherein a cavity is accessible from the substantially flat portion through a recess, wherein a lip is formed between the recess and the cavity.

Provided herein is a mechatronic simulator system that provides various types of unexpected perturbations to challenge the proactive and reactive balance control in subjects to thereby improve balance control of the subject. The system includes a motion capture unit and a processing unit capable of analyzing the subject’s response to the perturbations, provide real time feedback, adjust and/or determine training sessions.