Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus that exercises at least four groups of muscles is disclosed. The apparatus exercises the hamstring muscle, the quadriceps muscle, the maximus gluteus muscle and the abdominal muscle. The apparatus uses a seated position for the person exercising and incorporates elastomeric tension members to provide the resistance. The exercise apparatus incorporates a backrest and a footrest.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus for exercising at least the hamstring muscle, the quadriceps muscle, the maximus gluteus muscle, and the abdominal muscle comprising: 
 a padded backrest having a front side and a back side;    a headrest member attached to said backside of said backrest, said headrest member having a top end and a bottom end;    a circular headrest adjustably attached to said top end of said backrest member;    two handles, one of each side attached to said bottom end of said headrest member;    a circular bar attached to the back side of said headrest member;    two flexible straps having a top end and a bottom end, said top end being attached to said circular bar, said bottom end having hand holds attached thereto;    a frame assembly having a front end and a back end, said front end having a footrest attached and said back end having a cross member attached, said cross member providing stability;    a padded seat attached to the top of said frame assembly.    
     
     
         2 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said cross member of said frame assembly has a hinge bracket attached thereto.  
     
     
         3 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said bottom end of said headrest member has a hinge bracket attached thereto.  
     
     
         4 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said exercise apparatus has a link member, said link member having a front end and a back end, said front end of said link member being attached by hinge pin to said hinge bracket, which is further attached to said headrest member.  
     
     
         5 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 4  wherein said back end of said link member is attached by a hinge pin to said hinge bracket which is further attached to said cross member of said frame assembly.  
     
     
         6 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said frame assembly has a rod bracket attached thereto, said rod bracket having a rod there through, said rod having two ends with securing means on each end of said rod.  
     
     
         7 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said headrest member has a rod bracket attached thereto, said rod bracket having a rod there through, said rod having two ends with securing means on each end of said rod.  
     
     
         8 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 6  wherein said securing means is a spring biased pin through a hole in said rod.  
     
     
         9 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 7  where said securing means is a spring biased pin through a hole in said rod.  
     
     
         10 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 6  wherein said rod having an elastomeric attached to each end of said rod, said elastomeric secured on each end by said securing means.  
     
     
         11 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 7  wherein said rod having an elastomeric attached to each end of said rod, said elastomeric secured on each end by said securing means.  
     
     
         12 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 11  wherein said elastomeric, having a specific tension, can be replaced by an elastomeric with a different tension depending on the requirements of the person exercising.  
     
     
         13 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein a person exercising can sit on said seat, place their back against said backrest, place their head on said headrest, place their hands on said two handles, and place their feet on said footrest, said person exercising when pushing back against said backrest will cause the person exercising to lift off said seat, causing tension in the elastomerics and exercise the hamstring muscle, the quadriceps muscle, and the maximus gluteus muscle of said person exercising.  
     
     
         14 . An exercise apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein a person exercising can sit on said seat, place their back against said backrest, place their head on said headrest, place their hands in said hand holes attached to said flexible straps, said person exercising can pull said flexible straps which will cause the person exercising to bend forward which will in turn provide a tension in said elastomerics thereby providing exercise to the abdominal muscle.