Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprising a seat and a foot support secured on a longitudinal support frame, the seat and foot support being configured to support the torso and feet of a user so that the hips of the user are positioned in an exercise area defined between the seat and foot support, wherein the apparatus further includes an arm having a first end and second end, the first end being mounted to the support frame and the second end including a deformable material, wherein the first end is mounted for pivotal motion of the arm within a limited range, the arm including a support bar restricting pivotal motion within the exercise area whereby the second end is suspended within the exercise area and enabled for pivotal motion in a transverse direction relative to the support frame, the arm further being operatively associated with a source of resistance to the pivotal motion of the arm in the transverse direction relative to the support frame.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising a seat and a foot support secured on a longitudinal support frame, the seat and foot support being configured to support the torso and feet of a user so that the hips of the user are positioned in an exercise area defined between the seat and foot support, wherein the apparatus further includes an arm having a first end and second end, the first end being mounted to the support frame and the second end including a deformable material, wherein the first end is mounted for pivotal motion of the arm within a limited range, the arm including a support bar restricting pivotal motion within the exercise area whereby the second end is suspended within the exercise area and enabled for pivotal motion in a transverse direction relative to the support frame, the arm further being operatively associated with a source of resistance to the pivotal motion of the arm in the transverse direction relative to the support frame. 
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the source of resistance comprises weights disposed on the arm. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the source of resistance comprises elastic bands connected with the arm and the support frame. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal support frame comprises two elongated, parallel frame members defining a longitudinal space therebetween. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising opposing bases, each opposing base being attached to the two elongated, parallel frame members. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein each opposing base includes at least two foot members, the at least two foot members extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the two elongated, parallel frame members. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the seat is adjustably connected to the two elongated, parallel frame members. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the foot support is adjustably connected to the two elongated, parallel frame members. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise apparatus comprising a seat and a foot support secured on a longitudinal support frame, the longitudinal support frame comprising dual elongated frame members, the dual elongated frame members being in a spaced apart parallel relationship with respect to one another, the seat and foot support being configured to support the torso and feet of a user so that the hips of the user are positioned in an exercise area defined above the support frame and between the seat and foot support, wherein the apparatus further includes an arm having a first end and second end, the first end being mounted to the support frame and the second end including a deformable material, wherein the first end is mounted for pivotal motion of the arm within a limited range, the arm including a support bar restricting pivotal motion within the exercise area whereby the second end is suspended within the exercise area and enabled for pivotal motion in a transverse direction relative to the support frame, the arm further being operatively associated with a source of resistance to the pivotal motion of the arm in the transverse direction relative to the support frame. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the source of resistance comprises weights disposed on the arm. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the source of resistance comprises elastic bands connected with the arm and the support frame. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising opposing bases, each opposing base being attached to the dual elongated frame members. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein each opposing base includes at least two foot members, the at least two foot members extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the dual elongated frame members. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the seat is adjustably connected to the two elongated, parallel frame members for axial movement along the dual elongated frame members. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the foot support is adjustably connected for axial movement along the dual elongated frame members.