Patent ID: 7090627
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A device to aid a user in exercising abdominal muscles comprising: An elongated rigid member being mechanically coupled to the user's upper body whereby rotational movement of the upper body imparts rotational movement to the rigid member, wherein the rigid member comprises an arcuate portion designed and configured to accommodate a back portion of the user's neck to facilitate stable positioning of contact between the user's neck and the rigid member, and at least one extensible resistance member having a first end and second end, wherein the first end is attached to the rigid member and the second end is attachable to at least one location isolated from the movement of the user's upper body, wherein rotational movement of the elongated rigid member causes chance in extension of the extensible resistance member and the extensible resistance member exerts a force on the rigid member opposing the change in extension, wherein the extensible resistance member is adjustable to vary at least one of the length of the extensible member and the degree of resistance to changes in extension exhibited by the extensible member, and wherein the moment of inertia exerted by the rigid member on the upper body of the user remains substantially constant as the resistance to changes in extension of the extensible resistance member is varied.