Torso exercise machine

Abstract

The subject invention provides an exercise machine for exercising the lower torso. As described herein, the exercise machine includes a stabilizer pad, which effectively immobilizes the user's lower body to maintain proper pelvic positioning during execution of the exercise. The stabilizer pad can be part of a user support structure having a seat surface, a pelvic stabilizer pad and a footrest. The footrest is positioned so the user can apply a force using the leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic stabilization pad. The spatial arrangement of the stabilization assembly which comprises: pelvic stabilizer pad, seat, and footrest combination effectively immobilize the user's pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in either the anterior or posterior direction.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A lower torso exercise machine comprising: 
 a frame;    a user support structure mounted to the frame, wherein the user support structure includes a seat and a pelvic stabilizing pad, the seat being mounted to the frame below and at an angle oblique to the pelvic stabilizing pad; and    a footrest attached to the frame in front of the user support structure.    
     
     
         2 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the oblique angle is such that the seat is directed towards the footrest.  
     
     
         3 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the footrest is positioned such that a user's thighs are substantially parallel to the ground.  
     
     
         4 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the footrest is positioned such that a user's knees are in an angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30 degrees knee flexion.  
     
     
         5 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the footrest is adjustable such that a user's thighs are substantially parallel to the ground and the user's knees are in an angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30 degrees knee flexion.  
     
     
         6 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the pelvic stabilizing pad is substantially half-cylindrical in shape.  
     
     
         7 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , further comprising 
 an input assembly engageable by a user; and    a resistance mechanism operably connected to the input assembly.    
     
     
         8 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the input assembly includes a padded member affixed to a horizontal arm, wherein the padded member is positioned substantially above the seat and engageable by a user's upper back.  
     
     
         9 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the input assembly comprises a horizontal arm including a pair of arm handles, wherein the arm handles are positioned substantially above the seat and engageable by a user's hands, through the user's extend arms.  
     
     
         10 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 9 , wherein the horizontal arms moves in a substantially liner direction.  
     
     
         11 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 9 , where the weight stack applies a resistive force through the users extended arms.  
     
     
         12 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the input assembly is positioned substantially above and in front of the seat, such that the input assembly is engagable by a user's extended arms.  
     
     
         13 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 7 , further comprising a range-limiting device disposed between the input assembly and the frame, wherein the range-limiting device is pivotally connected to the frame and operatively connected to the resistance mechanism.  
     
     
         14 . A lower torso exercise machine comprising: 
 a frame;    a user support structure mounted to the frame, wherein the user support structure includes a seat and a pelvic stabilizing pad, the seat being mounted to the frame below and at an angle oblique to the pelvic stabilizing pad; and    a footrest attached to the frame in front of the user support structure, such that a user's thighs are substantially parallel to the ground and the user's knees are in an angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30 degrees knee flexion.    
     
     
         15 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the footrest is an adjustable footrest.  
     
     
         16 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 14 , further comprising 
 an input assembly engagable by a user; and    a resistance mechanism operably connected to the input assembly.    
     
     
         17 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 16 , wherein the input assembly comprises a horizontal arm including a pair of arm handles, wherein the arm handles are positioned substantially above the seat and engagable by a user's hands, through the user's extend arms.  
     
     
         18 . The lower torso exercise machine according to  claim 17 , wherein the input assembly includes a padded member affixed to a horizontal arm, wherein the padded member is positioned substantially above the seat and engagable by a user's upper back.  
     
     
         19 . The lower torso machine according to  claim 14 , further comprising a means for transmitting a resistive force through a user's extended arms.  
     
     
         20 . A lower torso exercise machine comprising: 
 a frame;    a user support structure mounted to the frame, wherein the user support structure includes a seat and a pelvic stabilizing pad, the seat being mounted to the frame below and at an angle oblique to the pelvic stabilizing pad;    a footrest attached to the frame in front of the user support structure, such that a user's thighs are substantially parallel to the ground and the user's knees are in an angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30 degrees knee flexion;    an input assembly engagable by a user; and    a resistance mechanism operably connected to the input assembly.