Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise device for performing progressive resistance type exercises of the abdominal, leg, thigh and gluteal muscles includes a generally horizontal extending base frame having a seat support beam extending upwardly therefrom. Front and rear link members pivotally connected to the base frame support an upper back pad and lower back pad at the distal ends thereof. Handles are provided for the user to grasp while exercising. A foot plate is supported at one end of the base frame. One or more resistance straps provide variable exercise resistance.

1 . An exercise apparatus, comprising: 
 a base frame;    a seat supported on a seat support member, said seat support member secured to said base frame;    a lower back pad fixedly secured to an end of a front support member pivotally connected to said base frame and extending upwardly therefrom;    an upper back pad pivotally connected to an end of a rear support member, wherein said rear support member is pivotally secured to said base frame at an opposite end thereof;    a foot plate secured to a front end of said base frame; and    an exercise resistance member adapted for resisting the movement of said front support member.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said upper back pad and said lower back pad are pivotally linked end to end.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said exercise resistance member is joined at opposite ends thereof to said front support member and said seat support member.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  including two or more exercise resistance members.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  including linkage means pivotally connection said upper back pad and said lower back pad to said base frame wherein backward movement of said lower back pad forces said upper back pad to pivot forward.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  including a stop member projecting upwardly from said seat support member for limiting the pivotal movement of said front support member.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  including multiple pivot connections for pivotally connecting said front and rear support members to pivot brackets mounted on said base frame.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  including a foot support bracket pivotally securing said foot plate to said base frame, wherein said foot support bracket includes a plurality of holes for locking said foot plate in selected angular positions relative to said base frame.