Torso exercise machine

Abstract

A lower torso exercise machine for a user having a frame; a user support structure mounted to the frame, the user support structure including 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 for pushing against by the user's feet, the seat and the stabilizing pad being adjustably positionable relative to the footrest such that the user can selectively adjust the force of the user's pushing against the footrest to enable the user to push the user's pelvis into the stabilizing pad to a degree that immobilizes the user's pelvis.

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.