Abstract:
A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device includes a substantially rigid handle assembly which has a pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel position by a transversely extending cross-member. The exercise device is used by a person in performing twisting type abdominal exercises to maintain the person&#39;s upper body in proper exercise position relative to the person&#39;s lower body to effectively exercise abdominal muscles at the person&#39;s waist. The exercise device may include a fixed or pivoting abdominal support adapted to engage and be firmly pressed against the waist of the person during exercise to massage the user&#39;s abdominal muscles to provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority of my co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/298,824 filed Jun. 18, 2001, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices for performing abdominal exercises. More specifically the present invention relates to a hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device for twisting type waist exercises by a person which replaces free weights and exercise batons for performing such exercise. The exercise device maintains the person&#39;s upper body in proper exercise position relative to the person&#39;s lower body to effectively exercise abdominal muscles at the person&#39;s waist, so as to safely and effectively exercise all three of the abdominal muscles, while minimizing stresses placed on the user&#39;s back. The exercise device may also be used in performing crunch type sit-ups.  
           [0004]    The hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device is preferably a substantially rigid handle assembly which includes a pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel position by a transversely extending cross-member. The exercise device is used by the person while a standing position with feet slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface by grasping the hand-grip portions such that the person&#39;s hands are positioned with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position parallel or alternatively perpendicular to the person&#39;s upper body. Alternating direction twisting of the upper body with exercise device at the waist relative to the lower body strengthens the abdominal muscles due to alternating inertia and momentum forces of the exercise device and the person&#39;s upper body during such alternating twisting. The exercise device forces the person&#39;s body to assume the correct posture and path of motion as well as the ideal range of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles. The exercise device is preferably weighted to a predetermined inertia to provide the desired level of resistance to twisting motion during exercise.  
           [0005]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0006]    The fitness movement has captured the attention of ever increasing numbers of people in the United States and throughout the world. One result is an endless array of exercise equipment which may be beneficial, though many are merely a marketing gimmick or which may even prove harmful to users thereof. One particular area of concentration for manufacturers and promoters of exercise equipment has been abdominal exercisers to achieve the elusive washboard or “six pack” abdominal muscles seen on body builders and other such weight lifters. The abdominal muscles include three separate muscle groups comprising (1) the rectus abdominous, (2) the inner oblique, and (3) the outer oblique. It is typically necessary to exercise all three muscle groups to achieve a lean, muscular waistline.  
           [0007]    One example of what is likely a marketing gimmick are electronic pulsing devices which claim to strengthen and flatten the abdominal muscles and the waist of a user without doing any sit-ups or other such exercises. While these devices do stimulate the abdominal muscle cells to contract and retract using electrical energy sent through pads affixed to the skin over the muscles, the actual claimed benefits have recently been called into question. Examples of legitimate abdominal muscle exercisers are typically based upon the traditional sit-up exercise.  
           [0008]    Sit-ups are a popular exercise for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles and as such is the most commonly used abdominal exercise. Sit-ups are typically performed by a person laying upon their back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. The person then contracts the abdominal muscles to raise the head and upper body off the ground. The person&#39;s hands may be placed behind the head with the elbows forward so that the elbows touch the knees when the head and shoulders are lifted. Conventional sit-ups can strain the person&#39;s back and spine due to the stresses and the large range of motion required of the back muscles and spine. An alternative to conventional sit-ups is the abdominal “crunch” which has become a popular alternative to the conventional sit-up to lessen stresses placed on the back and spine encountered during conventional sit-ups. Crunches are performed in the same manner as conventional sit-ups except that only the head and shoulders are lifted a short distance rather than the entire upper body. Thus, while only a limited range of motion is required of the spine and the muscles in the lower back, the stress is reduced but not eliminated.  
           [0009]    There are other attempts at exercising the abdominal muscles. One design is a simple bowl-shaped seat in which a person. The bowl-shape assists the person in doing sit-ups by helping in rocking forward during the sit-up. More recently various exercise devices resembling an in-line roller skate with a hand-grip have become popular. The device is used with the user kneeling with hands gripping the handle. The user extends to a near-horizontal position and back to exercise the abdominal muscles.  
           [0010]    As an alternative to the sit-up or crunch type abdominal exercises there are twisting abdominal exercises which are performed by the person while in a standing position. One such twisting abdominal exercise is performed with the person in a standing position atop a roller plate exercise device on a floor surface. The exercise device has a stationary base which supports a rotary top plate on a plurality of rollers or ball bearings. The person alternately twists the upper body in one direction and the lower body in the opposite direction on the top plate then opposite to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Another such twisting abdominal exercise is performed with the person in a standing position directly on the floor surface. The person holds a conventional dumbbell in each hand at roughly waist level or holds a single elongate barbell used to hold free-weights in both hands at roughly waist level. The person alternately twists the upper body and dumbbells or barbell in one direction then the other direction to strengthen the abdominal muscles. The dumbbells or barbell provide alternate inertial resistance to twisting of the upper body and momentum once in motion to enhance the workout of the abdominal muscles.  
           [0011]    There have been a variety of patented abdominal exercise devices, some of which are large exercise machines which provide resistance to body movement using a plurality of weights which are alternately raised and lowered along a vertical guide rod.  
           [0012]    An upper abdominal sidebend machine is disclosed in Lambert, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,191, issued on Sep. 14, 1982. The sidebend machine includes a base frame which carries a weight-supporting cage, a seating area supported by the base, a roller trackway which revolves about the seat. An upwardly extending transverse track supports a pair of upwardly extending pads whose displacement from a center area on the roller is adjustable. A person may loop one arm over the pad and one arm in front of the pad to provide an exercise in which rotation about the seat exercises the person&#39;s upper abdomen. The roller is connected, through sprockets, chains, and a cam, to a plurality of weights which provide resistance to the person&#39;s twisting motion when exercising to reduce the number of repetitions required.  
           [0013]    Lambert, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,193 issued on Sep. 14, 1982 reveals a lower abdominal twist machine including a frame having a plurality of weights which are slidably mounted in a cage. The weights are operatively connected to a rotatable seat on which a person sits. A hand-grip on the frame may be grasped by the seated person to twist the person&#39;s lower body in each direction against the resistance of the seat provided by the weights thereby exercising the abdominal muscles.  
           [0014]    An exercise apparatus for abdominal exercises is disclosed in Stearns, U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,449, issued on Mar. 10, 1992. The exercise apparatus is used by a person while in a seated position on a fixed seat of a fixed frame. Three separate movable frames in the form of a crunch frame, a sway frame, and a twist frame are provided to allow the user to individually or simultaneously exercise abdominal muscles while crunching or bending forward, swaying or bending from side-to-side, or twisting. Variable resistance to the movement of the frames is provided by weights and pulleys connected through a cable to the individual frames.  
           [0015]    Other patented abdominal exercise devices are more compact to assist the user to perform conventional sit-ups and crunches, or twisting-type abdominal strengthening exercises.  
           [0016]    An abdominal exerciser device is disclosed in Brown U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,520, issued on Feb. 20, 1996. The abdominal exerciser device comprises a one piece frame having a pair of support rails, a pair of arcuate rocker portions, a pair of arm rest portions, and an upstanding arch-shaped portion connecting the support rails together. Removable cushions are disposed on the arm rest portions to receive the elbows of a person when in a supine position. The person&#39;s head and neck are supported on a support extending across the arch-shaped portion. The rocker portions are curved to mimic the curvature of the spine of the person.  
           [0017]    Zetocha et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,337, issued on Nov. 4, 1997 reveals a rotary exerciser machine for exercising the deltoids, the pectorals, the external obliques, the abdominus rectos, the quadriceps, and the calves of a person. The exerciser machine includes a circular top plate which is rotatably mounted on a circular bottom plate. A resistance device in the form of a thumb screw and a brake surface provides variable resistance to rotation of the top plate on the bottom plate. The exerciser machine is used by a person standing upon a top plate and alternately twisting in one direction then the other. The person adjusts the resistance to rotation by turning the thumb screw.  
           [0018]    An abdominal exercise device is disclosed in Abdo, U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,303, issued on Feb. 8, 2000. The abdominal exercise device includes a base support member assembly upon a person is seated, a vertical resistance and restorative force member assembly mounted on the base support member assembly, and an arm support member. The arm support member positions the person&#39;s upper body in an upright position. The exercise device strengthens the major and minor muscles of the upper and lower back, the frontal portion of the midsection, the abdominals, and the obliques while avoiding compression of the person&#39;s spine.  
           [0019]    A waist-trimming exercise apparatus is disclosed in Steinfeld U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,335, issued on Sep. 12, 1995. Steinfeld teaches a system for exercising the muscles at a person&#39;s waist. The exercise apparatus includes a spotting fixture having a base, side frame members, and a central vertical member arranged in a tripod configuration. A pair of C-shape arms are connected to respective top ends of the side frame members and the central vertical member. Mechanical hands are swivel-mounted to opposite ends of each arm which engage the waist of a person standing on the base. The mechanical hands holding the person&#39;s lower body stationary during twisting movement of the person&#39;s upper body. The mechanical hands adjust laterally and vertically to suit the person. Free weights such as a twisting baton can be held by the user to increase the exertion level during exercise.  
           [0020]    It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a relatively simple, low cost exercise device for strengthening the abdominal muscles.  
           [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise device which allows the user to maintain the body in a balanced position maintaining a constant center of gravity during exercise use.  
           [0022]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise device which does not place undue stress of the muscles in the lower back of the user.  
           [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to provide such an abdominal exercise device which is of adjustable inertial swing resistance by utilizing varying weights.  
           [0024]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide such an abdominal exercise device which is safer to use than individual hand-held dumbbells and which is of a more compact design than standard weight bars and free weights.  
           [0025]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such an abdominal exercise device which provides adjustable width of the hand-grips to suit individual users.  
           [0026]    It is finally an object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise device which is constructed of lightweight tubing which is inexpensive to manufacture yet sturdy.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0027]    The present invention accomplishes the above-stated objectives, as well as others, as may be determined by a fair reading and interpretation of the entire specification.  
           [0028]    A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device is provided for use by a person in performing abdominal exercises. The exercise device when held in the person&#39;s hands maintains the person&#39;s upper body in proper exercise position relative to the person&#39;s lower body to effectively exercise abdominal muscles at the person&#39;s waist.  
           [0029]    A first embodiment of the hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device includes a substantially rigid handle assembly which includes a pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel position by a transversely extending cross-member. The exercise device is used by the person while a standing position with feet slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface. The person grasps the hand-grip portions such that the person&#39;s hands are positioned with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position parallel to the person&#39;s upper body. Alternating direction twisting of the person&#39;s upper body with exercise device at the waist relative to the lower body strengthens the abdominal muscles due to alternating inertia and momentum forces of the exercise device and the person&#39;s upper body during such alternating twisting. The exercise device forces the person&#39;s body to assume the correct posture and path of motion as well as the ideal range of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles. The exercise device is preferably weighted to a predetermined inertia to provide the desired level of resistance to twisting motion during exercise.  
           [0030]    A second embodiment of the hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device includes a substantially rigid handle assembly of a generally doughnut shape which includes a pair of hand-grip portions disposed at opposite sides of the handle assembly that are held in a spaced, generally parallel position. The exercise device is used in a similar manner with the person&#39;s hands are positioned with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position perpendicular to the person&#39;s upper body rather than parallel thereto. The exercise device is preferably weighted to a predetermined inertia to provide the desired level of resistance to twisting motion during exercise. The exercise device also preferably includes at least one concave abdominal-engaging portion disposed between the hand-grip portions adapted to engage the person&#39;s waist. The abdominal-engaging portion is adapted to engage and be firmly pressed against the waist of the person using the hand-grip portions to massage the user&#39;s abdominal muscles to provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof.  
           [0031]    A third hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device includes a substantially rigid handle assembly which includes a pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel position by a transversely extending cross-member. An abdominal support is pivotally connected to the handle assembly centrally of and substantially perpendicular to the hand-grip portions. The abdominal support is adapted to engage and be firmly pressed against the waist of the person using the hand-grip portions to massage the user&#39;s abdominal muscles to provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof. The exercise device preferably includes a pair of elastic members which interconnect the abdominal support and the handle assembly to laterally center the abdominal support and provide for lateral movement thereof upon application of sufficient lateral force during use of the exercise device. The exercise device is preferably weighted to a predetermined inertia to provide the desired level of resistance to twisting motion during exercise.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]    Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device generally in the form of a V-shaped tube.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first exercise device.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first exercise device as used by a person.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of an oblong doughnut tube.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second exercise device.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second exercise device as used by the person.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the third exercise device.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third exercise device as used by the person.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth exercise device.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth exercise device as used by the person.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 14 is a perspective view substantially as in FIG. 13, showing the rear of the fifth exercise device.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the fifth exercise device.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the fifth exercise device as used by the person.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the fifth exercise device as used by a person to do crunches.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the fifth exercise device as used by a person to do crunches. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
         [0052]    Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like characteristics and features of the present invention shown in the various FIGURES are designated by the same reference numerals.  
         [0053]    First Preferred Embodiment  
         [0054]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 3 , a first preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device  20 , preferably in the general form of a V-shaped tube is disclosed.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIGS. 1 and 2 include the first exercise device  20  having a V-tube  23 , a pair of resilient tubular hand grips  26 , a pair of domed end caps  29 , and a granulated weighting material  32 . The V-tube  23  is made of a single piece of rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded and formed plastic, metal, etc. V-tube  23  includes a short straight central portion  35 , respective divergent straight portions  38  and  41 , and respective straight hand-grip portions  44  and  47 . The tubular hand grips  26  are made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable material and are press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the respective hand-grip portions  44  and  47  of V-tube  23 . The end caps  29  are hollowed, each including a dome  50  and a dependent tubular stem  53  adapted to be affixed within the respective hand-grip portions  44  and  47  such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding. The weighting material  32  is silica sand, or other such material which may be conveniently added within an elongate inner chamber  56  that extends through V-tube  23 . The desired weight of the exercise device  20  can thus be achieved using the same component parts. The exercise device  20  preferably weighs up to about twenty-five pounds, being adjustable to suit the user thereof. The V-shape also allows the user to invert the exercise device  20  for teaching the hands  62  and  65  to be self-stabilizing during exercise.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 3 shows the exercise device  20  as used by a person  59  grasping the hand-grips  26  in hands  62  and  65  while in an upright position with the feet  68  and  71  slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface  74 . Twisting of the upper body  77  relative to the lower body  80  at the waist  83  with the head  86  moving with the upper body  74  as at arrows “A” and “B” strengthens the abdominal muscles (not shown) of the waist  80 .  
         [0057]    Second Preferred Embodiment  
         [0058]    Referring to FIGS.  4 - 6 , a second preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device  95 , preferably in the general form of a oblong doughnut is disclosed.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 4 and 5 include the second exercise device  95  having an O-tube assembly  98 , a pair of resilient tubular hand grips  101 , and the granulated weighting material  32 . The O-tube assembly  98  is made of a pair of curved half-tubes  107  of a rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded and formed plastic, metal, etc., and a pair of tubular connectors  108 . Half-tubes  107  each include a short curved central portion  110 , and respective curved hand-grip portions  113  and  116  which are oppositely curved from the central portion  110 . The tubular hand grips  101  are made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable material and are press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the respective hand-grip portions  113  and  116  of the half-tubes  107 , which are interconnected by the connector tubes  108  adapted to be affixed within the respective hand-grip portions  113  and  116  such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding. The weighting material  32  of silica sand or other such material is disposed within an elongate inner chamber  119  that extends through each half-tube  107 . The desired weight of the exercise device  95  can thus be achieved using the same component parts. The exercise device  95  preferably weighs up to about twenty-five pounds, being adjustable to suit the user thereof. The adjustable weight allows the user to choose the best range of exercises to perform.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 6 shows the exercise device  95  as used by the person  59  grasping the hand-grips  101  in hands  62  and  65  while in an upright position with the feet  68  and  71  slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface  74 . Twisting of the upper body  77  relative to the lower body  80  at the waist  83  with the head  86  moving with the upper body  74  as at arrows “A” and “B” strengthens the abdominal muscles of the waist  80 . The exercise device  95  is used with one of the curved central portions firmly pressed against the waist  83  to act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum effect.  
         [0061]    Third Preferred Embodiment  
         [0062]    Referring to FIGS.  7 - 9 , a third preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device  122 , preferably in the general form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width is disclosed.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIGS. 7 and 8 include the third exercise device  122  having an adjustable width U-tube assembly  125 , a pair of resilient tubular hand grips  128 , and the granulated weighting material  32 . The U-tube assembly  125  is made of a curved center tube  131 , a tubular center cushion  134 , a pair of curved hand-grip arms  137  and  140 , all of a rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded and formed plastic, metal, etc., a pair of adjustable locking devices in the form of respective spring clips  140 , and a pair of domed end caps  29 . The center tube  131  has a curved center portion  143  and respective opposite end portions  146  and  149  which include a plurality of respective adjustment holes  152  and  155 . The tubular center cushion  134  is made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable material and is press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the center tube  131  between end portions  146  and  149 . The hand-grip arms  137  and  140  include respective curved lower portions  158  and  161 , and respective curved hand-grip portions  164  and  167 . The hand-grip arms  137  and  140  are of such an outer diameter such that the lower portions  158  and  161  closely slidably fit within the respective end portions  146  and  149  of center tube  131 . The lower portions  146  and  149  include a respective adjustment hole  170  and  173  which correspond with adjustment holes  152  and  155  of the center tube  131 . The spring clips  140  include a resilient V-shaped body  176  made of sheet spring steel material and a pair of opposing locking buttons  179  affixed to respective slightly angled end portions  182  and  185  of body  176 . The hand-grip arms  137  and  140  are adjustably connected to the center tube  131  using the spring clips  140 , which are disposed within the respective lower portions  146  and  149  of the hand-grip arms  137  and  140  with the locking buttons  179  extending through the respective adjustment holes  170  and  173  of lower portions  146  and  149 , and  152  and  155  of center tube  131 . The tubular hand grips  128  are made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable material and are press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the respective hand-grip portions  164  and  167  of the hand-grip arms  137  and  140 . The tubular stem  53  of the respective end caps  29  are affixed within the respective hand-grip portions  164  and  167  such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding. The weighting material  32  of silica sand or other such material may be disposed within an elongate inner chamber  188  that extends through the center tube  131 , and respective elongate inner chambers  191  and  194  that extend through the hand-grip arms  137  and  140  using respective large and small sealing cups  197  and  200  which are press-fit or adhesively bonded therewithin to retain the weighting material  32  therewithin. The desired weight of the exercise device  122  can thus be achieved using the same component parts.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 9 shows the exercise device  122  as used by the person  59  grasping the hand-grips  128  in hands  62  and  65  while in an upright position with the feet  68  and  71  slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface  74 . Twisting of the upper body  77  relative to the lower body  80  at the waist  83  with the head  86  moving with the upper body  74  as at arrows “A” and “B” strengthens the abdominal muscles of the waist  80 . The exercise device  122  is used with the center cushion  134  firmly pressed against the waist  83  to act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum effect.  
         [0065]    Fourth Preferred Embodiment  
         [0066]    Referring to FIGS.  10 - 12 , a fourth preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device  203 , preferably in the general form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width with an abdominal support is disclosed.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIGS. 10 and 11 include the fourth exercise device  203  having an adjustable width U-tube assembly  206 , a pair of resilient tubular hand grips  209 , and the granulated weighting material  32 . The U-tube assembly  206  is made of a straight center tube  212 , an abdominal support  215 , a rectangular sheet center cushion  218 , a pair of curved hand-grip arms  224  and  227 , the center tube  212 , the abdominal support  215 . The center tube  212 , the abdominal support  215 , and the abdominal support  215  are all made of a rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded, molded, or formed plastic, or of metal. A pair of adjustable locking devices in the form of respective spring clips  140 , and a pair of domed end caps  29 . The center tube  212  has a straight center portion  230  and respective opposite end portions  233  and  236  which include a plurality of respective adjustment holes  239  and  242 . The abdominal support  215  includes a curved abdominal support plate  245  having a straight center portion  248  and respective opposite curved end portions  251  and  254 . A generally rectangular support tube  257  extends from center portion  248  and includes a concave curved distal end  260  affixed to center portion  230  of the center tube  212 . The flat center cushion  218  is made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient material and is adhesively bonded to support plate  245 . The hand-grip arms  224  and  227  include respective curved lower portions  266  and  269 , and respective straight hand-grip portions  272  and  275 . The hand-grip arms  224  and  227  are of such an outer diameter such that the lower portions  266  and  269  closely slidably fit within the respective end portions  233  and  236  of center tube  212 . The lower portions  266  and  269  include a respective adjustment hole  278  and  281  which correspond with adjustment holes  239  and  242  of the center tube  212 . The hand-grip arms  224  and  227  are adjustably connected to the center tube  212  using the spring clips  140 , which are disposed within the respective lower portions  266  and  269  of the hand-grip arms  224  and  227  with the locking buttons  179  extending through the respective adjustment holes  278  and  281 , and  239  and  242  of center tube  212 . The tubular hand grips  209  are made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable material and are press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the respective hand-grip portions  272  and  275  of the hand-grip arms  224  and  227 . The tubular stem  53  of the respective end caps  29  are affixed within the respective hand-grip portions  272  and  275  such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding. The weighting material  32  of silica sand or other such material may be disposed within an elongate inner chamber  284  that extends through the center tube  212 , and respective elongate inner chambers  287  and  290  that extend through the hand-grip arms  224  and  227  using respective large and small sealing cups  197  and  200  which are press-fit or adhesively bonded therewithin to retain the weighting material  32  therewithin. The desired weight of the exercise device  203  can thus be achieved using the same component parts.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 12 shows the exercise device  203  as used by the person  59  grasping the hand-grips  209  in hands  62  and  65  while in an upright position with the feet  68  and  71  slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface  74 . Twisting of the upper body  77  relative to the lower body  80  at the waist  83  with the head  86  moving with the upper body  74  as at arrows “A” and “B” strengthens the abdominal muscles of the waist  80 . The exercise device  203  is used with the center cushion  218  firmly pressed against the waist  83  to act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum effect.  
         [0069]    Fifth Preferred Embodiment  
         [0070]    Referring to FIGS.  13 - 16 , a fifth preferred hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device  293 , preferably in the general form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width with an abdominal support is disclosed.  
         [0071]    FIGS.  13 - 15  include the fifth exercise device  293  having a U-shaped handle assembly  296 , a pivoting abdominal support  299 , a rectangular sheet center cushion  302 , a pair of elastic members  305 , and a plurality of cylindrical weights  307 . The handle assembly  296  is made of a pair of contoured hollow half-shells  308  and  311  which are molded from a suitable plastic material such as by injection molding, pressure forming, or other suitable process. Alternatively, half-shells  308  and  311  may be made from metal such as by die-casting. Half-shells  308  and  311  include respective generally straight rectangular webbed center portions  314  and  317 , and respective pairs of dependent upstanding contoured hand-grip portions  320  and  321 , and  323  and  324 . Center portions  314  and  317  include respective tubular inserts  326  and  329  defining coaxial transverse slots  332  and  335 . A main pivot pin bore  338  and a pair of anchoring pin bores  341  and  344  extend vertically through a top wall  347  of half-shell  317  and through tubular insert  329 . The half-shells  308  and  311  are connected together to form handle assembly  296  using a plurality of self-tapping screws  350  which extend through respective holes  353  of a plurality of bosses  356  of half-shell  311  and thread into corresponding holes  359  of a plurality of bosses  362  of half-shell  308 . The abdominal support  299  includes a contoured abdominal support member  365  having a contoured wall  368  having a curved periphery  371 , and an integral generally triangular plate support  374  which extends from wall  368 . The plate support  374  includes a base portion  377  and an undercut portion  380  of such a height as to be closely received within the transverse slots  332  and  335  of the handle assembly  296 . A pair of triangular slots  383  and  386  extend laterally into plate support  374 . A main pivot pin hole  389  and a pair of anchoring pin holes  392  and  395  extend vertically through plate support  374 , with the anchoring pin holes  392  and  395  extending through the respective triangular slots  283  and  386 . A central hole  398  is centrally disposed through the plate support  374  to facilitate injection molding thereof and to reduce the amount of plastic required. The center cushion  302  is made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient material. Center cushion  302  is adhesively bonded to the contoured wall  368  of abdominal support member. The elastic members  305  include an elongate body  401  and respective bulbous ends  404  and  407  having respective anchoring pin holes  410  and  413  therethrough. The elastic members are of such a height as to be received within the triangular slots  383  and  386  of plate support  374 , and to also fit within the transverse slots  332  and  335  of handle assembly  296 . Elastic members  305  are molded from an elastic or resilient material such as rubber which can be stretched. The abdominal support  299  pivotally mounts to the handle assembly  296  using a main pivot pin  416  having a head  419  and a shaft  422  with an annular groove  425  distal from head  419 , a pair of long anchoring pins  428  having a head  431  and a shaft  434  with an annular groove  437  distal from head  431 , a pair of short anchoring pins  440  having a head  443  and a shaft  446  with an annular groove  449  distal from head  443 , and respective snap-rings  452  and  455  which engage the respective annular grooves  425 ,  437 , and  449 . The elastic members  305  are retained by the pins  428  and  440 . The cylindrical weights  307  may be disposed within an elongate inner chamber  456  that extends through the handle assembly  296 . The desired weight of the exercise device  203  can thus be achieved using the same component parts.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 16 shows the exercise device  293  as used by the person  59  grasping the assembled together hand grip portions  320  and  321 , and  323  and  324  in hands  62  and  65  while in an upright position with the feet  68  and  71  slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface  74 . Twisting of the upper body  77  relative to the lower body  80  at the waist  83  with the head  86  moving with the upper body  74  as at arrows “A” and “B” strengthens the abdominal muscles of the waist  80 . The exercise device  203  is used with the center cushion  302  firmly pressed against the waist  83  to act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum effect.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIGS. 17 and 18 show the exercise device  293  as used by the person  458  to do the sit-up type exercise commonly called “crunches” by grasping the assembled together contoured hand-grip portions  320  and  321 , and  323  and  324  in hands  461  and  464  while in a prone position on a supporting floor surface  467 . Lifting of the upper body  470  relative to the lower body  473  at the waist  476  with the head  479  moving with the upper body  470  as at arrows “C” and “D” strengthens the abdominal muscles of the waist  80 . The exercise device  203  is used with the center cushion  302  firmly pressed against the waist  83  to act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum effect.  
         [0074]    Using the hand-held abdominal muscle exercise devices of the present invention is safer and easier to use than dumbbells or barbells for doing twisting exercises. The twisting movements involving the use of a barbell may actually cause spinal problems. Conversely, the exercise devices of the present invention stabilize the torso during twisting exercises which reduces lower back pain caused by improper posture or form during use. The exercise devices are held with palms parallel at a fixed or adjustable lateral distance ranging from about five to fourteen inches. The hands when gripping the hand-grips are positioned in a vertical position parallel to the upper body so the torso is forced to a proper exercise position, forcing the body to assume the correct posture and path of motion as well as the ideal range of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles. The user then proceeds to twist in a fashion consistent with conventional abdominal twists. The exercise device works by naturally stabilizing the torso and position the hands in the natural and ideal positioning and for toning and building the abdominal muscles. The exercise devices may also be used for conventional crunches. The user sets the separation distance of the hand-grips and proceeds to twist or crunch in a fashion consistent for proper development of the abdominal muscles. The exercise device may be built in a range of fixed or adjustable weights to provide a desired inertial resistance level.  
         [0075]    Many variations of the present invention are possible while staying within the same inventive concept. For example, while tubes and other hollow handles are used typically with internal weights, the tubes may be replaced with solid rods or bars of a sufficient weight to produce inertia sufficient for twisting exercise with or without the addition of separate weights affixed thereto. The exercise device may be made in different sizes to accommodate different sizes of users. Further, the exercise device may be made in a relatively simple manner for use by an individual at home or in a more robust manner for use as a commercial unit in health clubs.  
         [0076]    While the invention has been described,.disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms or certain embodiments or modifications which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teaching herein are particularly reversed especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.