Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization

摘要

Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization enabling a user to progressively increase his/her core body muscular strength. In various embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a resistance cabling system providing a user defined line of motion, and a partial stabilizer pad being adjustably positionable offset from the line of motion, wherein the user's core body is positionable against the pad and required to resist the torque created by the offset. The user can progressively increase the distance between the line of motion and partial stabilizer pad, in order to progressively increase the force which the user's core body must resist to maintain an upright stature. In this way, the user can progressively, over time, increase his or her core body strength. A vertically and rotatably adjustable handle/arm assembly, resistance cabling and pulley assembly, and an overall exercise apparatus having a relatively small footprint but allowing multiple variable exercise routines, are also provided.

主权项

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:
a stationary frame; a resistance cabling system providing a user defined line of motion, the cabling system including at least one handle mounted in a start position and attached to a resistance cable, the handle being grasped in the start position and pulled or pushed by the user to define the line of motion; a partial stabilizer pad adjustably mounted to the frame for varying the position of the pad with respect to the handle, the pad providing a point of contact for the user's torso so as to partially stabilize the user, the pad being adjustably positionable at multiple vertical positions between the mid-scapular level and hip axis level of the user and arranged on the frame such that the user can grasp the handle in the start position while the pad is positioned and in contact with the user's torso between the mid-scapular and hip axis levels and such that a vertical offset between the line of motion and the point of contact of the pad on the user's torso can be successively increased to increase the torque which the user must resist.