Systems and methods are presented for performing exercises to strengthen, e.g., the transversus abdominis and related muscles. The systems and methods may involve one or more independent belts, allowing a full range of continuous motion. The systems and methods may further use a resistance-control mechanism that allows a user to adjust the force required to move the one or more belts, thereby controlling the rate of motion in the forward and/or backward directions. The systems and methods may further use a unidirectional resistance mechanism that allows the user to increase the resistance of the one or more belts in one direction, while allowing the one or more belts to move freely in the other direction.

The present invention provides an exercise device (100) for exercising core muscles of a user’s torso. The exercise device comprises a frame (110), configured to be supported by the user and a radially outwardly facing channel (130; FIG. 6), the channel (130) configured to receive a resistance member. The frame defines an aperture (112) configured to receive a torso of the user and the device (100) is configured to provide a resistance force against which the user can exercise when the device (100) is in use. Also claimed is a kit of parts comprising the device (100) and a resistance member, and a method of exercising core muscles of one’s torso.

An exercise device is described which includes a platform having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; first and second wheels, wherein the first wheel is positioned proximate the first end and the second wheel is positioned proximate the second end and the first and second wheels are configured to roll across a surface as the exercise device is displaced along the surface; a first motor configured to apply a first torque to the first wheel where the magnitude of the first torque is related to the distance of the exercise device from a zero position and the direction of the first torque urges movement of the exercise device toward the zero position. Versions are also described with more wheels and more motors.

In at least one aspect, there is provided a system for generating force about one or more joints including a soft exosuit having a plurality of anchor elements and at least one connection element disposed between the plurality of anchor elements. The system also includes at least one sensor to determine a force the at least one connection element or at least one of the plurality of anchor elements and to output signals relating to the force, at least one actuator configured to change a tension in the soft exosuit and at least one controller configured to receive the signals output from the at least one sensor and actuate the at least one actuator responsive to the received signals.

A low friction rehabilitation board having an integral band retaining feature is described. The rehabilitation board may have a coefficient of static friction of no more than about 0.5 and in some embodiments no more than about 0.06. The rehabilitation board has a plurality of band retaining feature configured along one or both ends and may be an integral band retaining features being formed in the board. Additionally, the rehabilitation may include one or more band retaining features on one or both sides of the board. The unique configuration of the band retaining features enables rehabilitation method heretofore not possible with a single board. Resistance bands may be retained in the band retaining features and coupled to a user's limb, such as a foot or ankle, to resist motion, such as sliding or extending the foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board.

A fitness and rehabilitation aid is provided, using mostly centrifugal forces that are taking the body centre of mass from its natural position where the mutual configuration of the individual components, that create the aid, optimally stimulate the desired muscle parts. The aid consists of a loading head for achieving the desired centrifugal force and a handle for grasping by the user. The loading head and handle are interconnected by a flexible connecting component. A length of the flexible connecting component from the point where the flexible connecting component leaves the handle to the point where the connection of flexible connecting component and loading head occurs, i.e. the hole for entering of the connecting component to the loading head, equals at least 600 mm.

This invention is a portable exercise system capable of performing multiple exercises for strength and endurance training. The key component is the force generation unit (FGU) which is small and light enough to be suspended during the exercise yet capable of producing a force of 50 lbs. The FGU is programmable allowing it to generate various force vs distance, time or velocity profiles. Different handles, cables and attachments can be connected or used with the FGU perform different exercises. The FGU can charge its battery from the user's energy during use. The FGU can communicate bidirectionally with computers and smart phones for setup and to track the user's performance. Multiple FGUs may be used simultaneously each performing a separate function. The entire system is small enough to fit in a drawer or suitcase. The accompanying software can track the user's performance and function as an automated personal trainer.

An adjustable reformer for exercising is provided. The reformer includes a frame, a carriage slidably mounted to the horizontal frame, and at least one resistance element connected to the carriage. A cord connects the carriage to at least one lower guide and at least one upper guide. Pulling the cord causes movement of the carriage along the frame against resistance provided by the resistance element. The guides can be height adjustable. The reformer can include a cord retraction system. Related methods of exercise are also provided.

A modular resistance force system includes an axle configured to be rotatable around a rotational axis and one or more resistance mechanisms. Each of the one or more resistance mechanisms includes a resistance element disposed about a portion of the axle, a resistance element housing configured to house the resistance element and a resistance substance disposed between the resistance element and the resistance element housing. Either the resistance element or the resistance element housing is selectively engaged to rotate with the axle. A resistance between the resistance element and the resistance substance causes a force to be applied to the axle when the resistance element and the resistance element housing move relative to each other.

A training apparatus includes a fixed frame, a training rod, a motor, rotation information detection sensor, tilt angle and position difference calculation units, determination, motor drive and position difference eliminating units. The training rod is supported by the fixed frame in a manner capable of being tilted by a motor about at least an X-axis or a Y-axis so as to hold the limb. The tilt angle calculation unit calculates a tilt angle of the training rod. The position difference calculation unit calculates a position difference. The determination unit obtains the position difference every time when a second time period elapses. If the position difference generated in the second time period is a first threshold or lower, the motor drive unit drives the motor so that the position difference is accumulated and maintained. The position difference eliminating unit resets the position difference at a predetermined timing.