AN EXERCISE APPARATUS

摘要

A variable resistance device (15) and an abdominal exercise apparatus that incorporates the device. The device includes at least first (10) and second (12) resilient stages to provide a combined resistance effect, wherein the first resilient stage has a lower coefficient of elasticity than the second resilient stage. In this way, when a user lies on the base (1) of the apparatus and pulls on the yoke (13) a first resistance is experienced by virtue of thin cords (10) until a strap (9) reaches its full length and a second resistance is experienced by virtue of thick cords (12) . The thick cords (12) can be further pre-tensioned by being placed over a series of successive rungs (20) .