Patent ID: 7357764
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A method of facilitating abdominal exercise, comprising the steps of; (a) providing an exercise apparatus by; (i) providing a frame configured to rest in a stationary position upon a floor surface; (ii) providing a seat that defines a body supporting surface configured to support a user in a seated position; (iii) pivotally mounting the seat on the frame to define an assembly; (iv) providing a bar configured to receive user exerted force; (v) pivotally mounting the bar on the assembly, wherein at least one of the bar and the seat pivots relative to the frame about an axis that is intersected by a line extending perpendicular to the floor surface and through the body supporting surface when the seat occupies a rest position relative to the frame; (vi) providing at least one link; and (vii) operatively interconnecting the at least one link between the assembly and the bar in such a manner that at least a forward portion of the seat pivots upward relative to the frame in response to forward movement Of the bar relative to the frame; and (b) having the user sit on the seat in the rest position and then contract his abdominal muscles while exerting force against the bar in a manner that decreases an angle defined between the bar and the body supporting surface.