Exercise bench methods and apparatus

An exercise assembly includes a bench sized and configured to support the back of a supine person. In a first mode of operation, the bench is structurally supported in a fixed, upwardly facing orientation relative to an underlying floor surface. The structural support is selectively removed by the person to switch to a second mode of operation, in which the bench is tiltable laterally relative to the underlying floor surface. Left and right pivot poles are mounted on one end of the bench and selectively pivoted back and forth by the feet of the person lying supine on the bench.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Disclosed herein is subject matter entitled to the filing date of U.S. Provisional No. 61/686,898, filed Apr. 13, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise bench methods and apparatus for exercising muscles of the human body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide improved exercise methods and/or apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one mode of operation, a person lies supine on a bench that is supported in a fixed, upwardly facing orientation on an underlying floor surface. Left and right pivot arms or poles are pivotally mounted on an end of the bench, and the person selectively uses his left and right feet to move respective poles back and forth. The person also has the option of performing abdominal exercises on the bench and/or weight lifting exercises on the bench.

In another mode of operation, a person lies supine on the bench with the bench free to tilt laterally relative to the underlying floor surface. While using his hands to exert downward force against the floor surface to stabilize the bench, the person selectively uses his left and right feet to move respective poles back and forth. The person also has the option of performing weight lifting exercises while pressing his left and right feet against the floor surface to stabilize the bench.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes selectively deployable legs adjustably connected to the bench and selectively deployable handles removably connected to the bench. The legs selectively telescope into opposite ends of a tube proximate the same end of the bench as the pivot poles. The legs also selectively rotate between a stabilizing orientation and a de-stabilizing orientation relative to the tube. On one embodiment, the handles selectively telescope into opposite ends of a tube proximate an intermediate portion of the bench, and they also selectively rotate between a stabilizing orientation and a de-stabilizing orientation relative to the tube. On another embodiment, different handles selectively underlie the bench, and they may be orientated to resist withdrawal from beneath the bench or accommodate withdrawal from beneath the bench.

Both sets of handles are also selectively removable from the bench by a person lying supine on the bench, and thereafter, may be selectively re-engaged with the bench by the person lying supine on the bench. As a result, the person may switch between the two modes of operation described above, and/or assume a ready position on the bench before switching to the second mode of operation described above. Both sets of the handles may also be used in the second mode of operation for purposes of exerting force against the underlying floor surface.

Many features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the more detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first exercise assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as100inFIGS. 1-2and3a-3e. Generally speaking, the exercise assembly100may be described in terms of a tiltable bench101, left and right legs120operatively connected to a foot end of the bench101, left and right handles and/or stops130releasably bracing respective sides of the bench101against tilting, left and right pivot arms or poles150pivotally mounted on the foot end of the bench101, and left and right pedals155operatively mounted on respective poles150.

The bench101includes a back pad102sized and configured to underlie the spine and head of a person lying supine on the bench101, and a seat pad104sized and configured to underlie the entire buttocks of a person lying supine on the bench101. On the embodiment100, the back pad has a length of 28 inches and a width of 8 inches, and the seat pad has a length of 14 inches and a maximum width of 12 inches. Each pad102and104is manufactured in a manner already known in the art, and preferably includes an intermediate cushion layer enclosed between a lower plywood layer and an upper upholstery layer. On alternative embodiments, the pads102and104may be integrally formed as a single part, and/or manufactured by molding self-skinning foam rubber onto an underlying structure of plywood or plastic, or blow-molded in its entirety.

The pads102and104are secured to left and right underlying reinforcing bars110by screws or other means known in the art. The bars110extend almost the entire length of the assembly100and are preferably square steel tubes. Proximate a foot end of the assembly100, the bars110are connected to a transverse member114by welding or other means known in the art. The transverse member114is preferably a cylindrical steel tube that measures one foot in length.

Each leg120is preferably a cylindrical steel tube that has been bent to form a 90 degree angle or elbow, thereby creating a generally L-shaped configuration. A relatively longer segment of each leg120is selectively inserted into a respective end of the transverse member114, and selectively secured in place by a conventional detent pin122inserted through aligned holes in the leg120and the transverse member114. An opposite, relatively shorter segment of each leg120is configured to engage an underlying floor surface when arranged as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3d-3e. In this regard, a plastic end cap and/or plug is preferably fitted onto/into the distal end of the leg120. Alternative holes are provided in the legs120to accommodate respective pins122when the legs are rotated to the orientations shown inFIGS. 2 and 3a-3c. The legs120are present on the preferred embodiment, but are not critical to practicing certain aspects of the present invention, and thus, are not present on certain alternative embodiments.

A rectangular steel tube segment or support116is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the transverse member114. On the preferred embodiment100, the transverse member114extends through a hole in the support116, and the proximate material of the two components is welded together. Another reinforcing bar112has a first end that is welded to a relatively lower portion of the support116. The bar112extends almost the entire length of the assembly100and is preferably a square steel tube like the bars110.

At four longitudinally spaced locations along the assembly100, respective rockers118are fitted onto the bar112and rigidly secured in place directly beneath the bars110and the pads102and104. Each rocker118is preferably a blow-molded plastic part having a flat upwardly facing top wall, and a convex downwardly facing bottom wall. In the absence of other floor engaging structure, including the legs120, the rockers118support the bench101approximately six inches above an underlying floor surface subject to lateral tilting to the left or right.

Another transverse member113is rigidly secured to intermediate portions of the bars110at a location beneath the back pad102and proximate the seat pad104. The transverse member113is preferably a square steel tube like the bars110. The left and right handles and/or stops130have respective square pegs or stems133that are selectively inserted into respective ends of the transverse member113, and selectively secured in place by a conventional detent pin122inserted through aligned holes in the stems133and the transverse members113. First holes in the stems133accommodate the handles130in the orientation shown inFIGS. 1 and 3aand3e. Alternate, second holes in the stems133accommodate the handles130in the orientation shown inFIGS. 2 and 3c-3d. On an alternative embodiment, members with circular profiles may be substituted for the transverse member113and the stems133, if desired.

Each handle130is preferably a cylindrical steel tube that has been bent, capped at the ends, and coated in rubber to arrive at the configuration shown in the accompanying Figures. An upper end of each handle130is sized and configured for grasping in a person's hand, and may be described as a handhold and/or a handlebar (recognizing that it can be hollow or solid and/or steel or some other material). Each handhold or handlebar segment is preferably at least five inches long and one inch in diameter. An opposite, lower end of each handle130is configured to engage an underlying floor surface.

With reference back to the support116, the left and right pivot arms or poles150are disposed on opposite sides of the support116, and a lower end of each pivot pole150is pivotally mounted on the support116for pivoting about a common, transversely extending axis. Each pivot pole150is preferably a steel tube having a rectangular profile. A ninety degree bend is formed in each pivot pole150to accommodate storage of the pivot poles150against the seat pad104. In this regard, the bend in each pivot pole150provides clearance relative to the transverse support114.

A left pedal assembly155is selectively mounted on the left pivot pole150, and a right pedal assembly156is selectively mounted on the right pivot pole150. Each pedal assembly155and156preferably includes a bracket157, a shaft that projects laterally outward from an outer side of the bracket157, a foot platform rotatably mounted on the shaft, and a toe cup and/or strap connected to at least one of the foot platform and the shaft. Each bracket157is preferably a steel tube segment having a rectangular profile sized and configured to slide along a respective pivot pole150. An optional plastic bushing is preferably disposed between each bracket157and a respective pivot pole150. Conventional detent pins122are inserted through aligned holes in respective brackets157and respective pivot poles150to selectively lock the pedal assemblies155and156in any of several available positions along the pivot poles150. The other pedal assembly components are preferably conventional off-the-shelf parts. On certain alternative embodiments, the pedal assemblies155are replaced by simple cylindrical pegs and accompanying foot straps that are rotatably mounted together on respective pivot poles.

The resistance assembly160preferably includes multiple discs of discrete types of material disposed on opposite sides of each pivot pole150and selectively compressed to establish a smooth and moderate level of resistance to pivoting of the poles150. For example, the depicted resistance assembly160preferably includes a group of at least two different conventional friction discs on each side of each pivot pole150. A carriage bolt is inserted through all of the discs, as well as the support116and the ends of the pivot poles150. The carriage bolt has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the pivot axis associated with the pivot poles150. A first knob is secured to the head end of the carriage bolt, and a second knob is threaded onto the opposite end of the bolt, thereby sandwiching the support116between the left and right pivot poles150. The knobs are rotated relative to one another in a first manner to increase compression of the components disposed therebetween, thereby increasing resistance to pivoting of the pivot poles150. Conversely, the knobs are rotated relative to one another in an opposite, second manner to decrease compression of the components disposed therebetween, thereby decreasing resistance to pivoting of the pivot poles150.

FIG. 3ashows a person P lying supine on the exercise assembly100with his back and head supported on the back pad102and his posterior supported on the seat pad104. The legs120are pivoted to a de-stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(out of contact with the underlying floor surface). The handles130are arranged in a stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(vertical with the stems133inserted into respective ends of the tube113and the handlebar segments extending vertically). The person P places his left and right feet F into respective pedals155, and grasps the upper ends of the left and right handles130in his respective hands H. The person P then moves the left and right pedals155back and forth in reciprocating fashion about the pivot axis defined by the resistance assembly160, while the handles130(acting as stops) maintain the bench101in a stable orientation relative to the floor surface.

FIG. 3bshows a person P lying supine on the exercise assembly100with his back and head supported on the back pad102and his posterior supported on the seat pad104. As inFIG. 3a, the legs120are pivoted to a de-stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(out of contact with the underlying floor surface). Contrary toFIG. 3a, the handles130are arranged in a de-stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(the stems133have been removed from respective ends of the tube113). The person P places his left and right feet F into respective pedals155, and grasps the upper ends of the left and right handles130in his respective hands H. The person P then moves the left and right pedals155back and forth in reciprocating fashion about the pivot axis defined by the resistance assembly160. The person P uses his hands H to exert downward force against the floor surface in order to stabilize the bench101relative to the floor surface.

FIG. 3cshows a person P lying supine on the exercise assembly100with his back and head supported on the back pad102and his posterior supported on the seat pad104. As inFIG. 3b, the legs120are pivoted to a de-stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(out of contact with the underlying floor surface). Contrary toFIG. 3b, the handles130are arranged in a different de-stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(horizontal with the stems133inserted into respective ends of the tube113and the handlebar segments extending horizontally). The person P places his left and right feet F on the floor surface and holds left and right dumbbells D in his respective hands H. The person P moves the dumbbells D up and down in a bench press motion, while using his feet F to exert downward force against the floor surface in order to stabilize the bench101relative to the floor surface.

FIG. 3dshows a person P lying supine on the exercise assembly100with his back and head supported on the back pad102and his posterior supported on the seat pad104. Contrary toFIG. 3c, the legs120are pivoted to a stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(bearing against the underlying floor surface), and as such may be referred to as stops that brace the bench against tilting. The handles130are arranged the same as inFIG. 3c. The person P places his left and right feet F on the horizontal portions of the legs120and holds left and right dumbbells D in his respective hands H. The person P moves the dumbbells D up and down in a bench press motion, while the legs120maintain the bench101in a stable orientation relative to the floor surface.

FIG. 3eshows a person P lying supine on the exercise assembly100with his back and head supported on the back pad102and his posterior supported on the seat pad104. As inFIG. 3d, the legs120are pivoted to a stabilizing orientation relative to the bench101(bearing against the underlying floor surface), and as such may be referred to as stops that brace the bench against tilting. The handles130are arranged the same as inFIG. 3a. The person P places his left and right feet F on the horizontal portions of the legs120and performs sit-ups, while the legs120and the handles130(acting as stops) maintain the bench101in a stable orientation relative to the floor surface.

FIG. 4shows an alternative embodiment handle/stop combination200suitable for use on an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The handle/stop combination200includes a handlebar230selectively inserted into a stop240. The handlebar230is preferably a cylindrical steel tube that is sized and configured for grasping in a person's hand. In a manner already known in the art, the handlebar230is fitted with end caps and/or plugs, and/or is vinyl dipped or rubber coated.

The stop240is preferably a blow molded plastic part having a generally cubic shape. A cylindrical bore243extends into a sidewall of the stop240to receive an end of the handlebar230. Along two diametrically opposed corners of the cube, notches242and248are formed in the cube. Each of the notches242and248is configured and arranged to nest against a reinforcing bar110in order to resist tilting of the bench101. In this regard, a ledge244is defined to directly underlie a reinforcing bar110when the bench101is parallel to the underlying floor surface. When the reinforcing bars110occupy the notches242in respective stops240, the handlebars230extend vertically upward from the underlying floor surface. On the other hand, when the reinforcing bars110occupy the notches248in respective stops240, the handlebars230extends parallel to the underlying floor surface.

Holes or recesses246extend into the ledge244(and the ledge associated with the notch248) to selectively receive or interlock with complementary protruding structures or pegs extending downward from a dedicated location along a respective reinforcing bar110on the alternative embodiment. When the stops240are arranged to receive the pegs, the stops240are effectively latched in place and cannot be removed by a person lying on the bench101. On the other hand, when the stops240are repositioned along the reinforcing bars110to avoid the pegs, then the stops240can be removed by a person lying on the bench101. When the stops240are removed from the reinforcing bars110, a person may use the handlebars230and/or the stops240to exert downward force against the floor surface for purposes of stabilizing the bench101.

Among other things, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the stop240may be used without any associated handlebar230. For example, centrally located, cylindrical recesses249extend into opposite sidewalls of the stop240, and a person can place his thumb in one of the recesses249and one or more of his fingers in the other recess249to pull the stop240out from underneath a reinforcing bar110.

FIG. 5shows another alternative embodiment handle/stop combination300suitable for use on another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The handle/stop combination300includes a handlebar330selectively inserted into a stop340. The handlebar330is preferably a cylindrical steel tube that is sized and configured for grasping. In a manner already known in the art, the handlebar330is fitted with end caps and/or plugs, and/or is vinyl dipped or rubber coated.

The stop340is preferably a blow molded plastic part having a block portion and a generally y-shaped portion. The y-shaped portion of the stop340includes a first handgrip345that extends horizontally away from the bench101when the notch342is accommodating a reinforcing bar110, and a second handgrip347the extends upward and away from the bench101when the notch342is accommodating a reinforcing bar110. The y-shaped portion cooperates with the block portion to define an opening346to accommodate grasping of the stop340by a person lying on the bench101.

A semi-cylindrical notch343extends into a sidewall of the block portion to receive a segment of the handlebar330. A notch342is defined along an upper edge of the block portion. The notch342is configured and arranged to nest against a reinforcing bar110in order to resist tilting of the bench101. As on the previous embodiment200, a ledge is defined to directly underlie a reinforcing bar110when the bench101is parallel to the underlying floor surface, and holes preferably extend into the ledge to selectively receive pegs extending downward from a dedicated location along a respective reinforcing bar110on the alternative embodiment. Also, a person may use the stop340apart from the handlebar330, and/or the handlebar330apart from the stop340.

Another exercise assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as400inFIGS. 6-9. Generally speaking, the exercise assembly400is similar in construction and function to the first exercise assembly100, and the following description will focus primarily on the differences (as well as some embellishments and variations that may apply to other embodiments, including the first embodiment100). The exercise assembly400may be described in terms of a tiltable bench101, left and right legs420operatively connected to a foot end of the bench101, left and right handles and/or stops440releasably connected to respective sides of the bench101, left and right pivot arms or poles450pivotally mounted on the foot end of the bench101, and left and right pedals155operatively mounted on respective poles450.

As suggested by the common reference numerals, the bench101is the same on both embodiments100and400, and the pads102and104are similarly secured to left and right underlying reinforcing bars110by screws or other means known in the art, and the bars110are similarly connected to a transverse member114.

Optional, generally L-shaped legs420are preferably telescopically engaged with respective ends of the transverse member114. The legs420are similar to the legs120, except that the shorter segments are not as long as the shorter segments on the legs120(because the bars110are not as high above the floor surface). A tubular steel bar segment or support416is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the transverse member114. As on the preferred embodiment100, the transverse member114extends through a hole in the support416, and the proximate material of the two components is welded together.

At three longitudinally spaced locations along the assembly400, respective rockers418are rigidly secured in place directly beneath the bars110and the pads102and104. Each rocker418is preferably an injection molded plastic part having a flat upwardly facing and open top edge, and a convex downwardly facing and closed bottom edge. In the absence of other structure, including the legs420, the rockers418support the bench101approximately four inches above an underlying floor surface subject to lateral tilting to the left or right (seeFIG. 8).

Each handle/stop440is preferably a blow-molded plastic part having a handgrip portion443that is sized and configured for grasping in a person's hand, and a block portion444that is connected to an end of the handgrip portion443. The block portion444defines two recessed ledges446and448that extend perpendicular to one another. A catch or wall447projects outward from the ledge446. When each handle/stop440is arranged as shown inFIG. 6, the left and right bars110rest on top of respective ledges446, and laterally outboard relative to respective catches447. As a result, each handle/stop440is selectively slidable along a respective bar110, but trapped against transverse movement relative to a respective bar110. When each handle/stop440is arranged as shown inFIGS. 7-8, the left and right bars110rest on top of respective ledges448, and as a result, each handle/stop440is selectively slidable out from beneath a respective bar110.

FIG. 9shows each handle/stop440in a third position, removed entirely from the bench101and oriented with the handgrips443extending vertically upward from the underlying floor surface. In this configuration, a person may use each handle/stop440in a respective hand to steady himself relative to the floor surface during certain exercises, including the one depicted inFIG. 3b, or alternatively, may simply press his hands directly against the floor surface for stabilization purposes. In other words, one aspect of the present invention may require both the handle portions443and the block portions444, while other aspects of the present invention may involve using the block portions444without the handle portions443, or using the handle portions443without the block portions444, or not using any portions of the handle/stop members440in any capacity.

With reference back to the support416, the left and right pivot poles450are disposed on opposite sides of the support416, and a lower end of each pivot pole450is pivotally mounted on the support416for pivoting about a transverse axis. The pivot poles450are similar to the pivot poles150, except that they are bent to a lesser extent. As suggested by the common reference numerals, similar left and right pedal assemblies155are selectively mounted on respective pivot poles450.

As suggested by the common reference numeral, the same resistance assembly160is provided on the assembly400. The resistance assembly160preferably includes multiple discs165of one or more of the following materials: polyethylene; polyoxymethylene; polypropylene; polyurethane; Kevlar; Teflon; UHMW; Nylon; polycarbonate; and leather. A carriage bolt is inserted through all of the discs, as well as the support416and the ends of the pivot poles450. The carriage bolt has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the pivot axis associated with the pivot poles450. A first knob166is secured to the head end of the carriage bolt, and a second knob is threaded onto the opposite, threaded end of the bolt. At least one of the knobs is rotated relative to the other knob in a first manner to increase compression of the components disposed therebetween, thereby increasing resistance to pivoting of the pivot poles450. Conversely, at least one of the knobs is rotated relative to the other knob in an opposite, second manner to decrease compression of the components disposed therebetween, thereby decreasing resistance to pivoting of the pivot poles450.

FIG. 10shows the handles/stops440removed entirely from the assembly400, and the poles450pivoted to a horizontal position lying on top of the bench101. This configuration is well suited for shipping the product400fully assembled, and/or storing it when not in use. The foot pedal assemblies155are selectively movable toward the pivoting ends of the poles450to fully clear the seat pad104, or in the opposite direction and off of the poles450to fully clear the back pad102. The poles450are pivotal through a range of 180 degrees, from the position shown inFIG. 10to a diametrically opposed position forward of the bench101and lying horizontal on the floor surface.

In a manner known in the art, transverse holes may be formed in the poles450to align and receive a conventional detent pin or other suitable fastener for purposes of locking the poles450together, and in other words, preventing relative pivoting of one pole450relative to the other pole450. Similarly, transverse holes may be formed in the poles450and the support416(or other structure rigidly secured thereto) to align and receive a conventional detent pin or other suitable fastener for purposes of locking the poles450in a desired orientation to the frame member416(such as a vertical orientation), and in other words, preventing pivoting of the poles450relative to the frame member416.

In a manner known in the art, an electronic user interface may be mounted on the support416(or other structure rigidly secured thereto) to measure exercise performance and/or to provide information to a person using the assembly400. For example, the interface may include a timer and/or a display that shows information such as elapsed exercise time or cumulative number of exercise repetitions, and may generate visible and/or audible signals, as well. With regard to repetitions, a magnet may be secured to each pivot pole450at a common radial distance from the pivot axis, and a conventional sensor may be secured (directly or indirectly) to the support416at the same radial distance from the pivot axis to sense the passage of the magnet from front to back and vice versa.

Additional conventional sensors may be provided on appropriate portions of the assembly400to sense each time the bench101tilts into contact with the floor surface. Information from these sensors may be used to calculate the number of such occurrences and/or the time between such occurrences. Various exercise routines may be developed and/or encouraged with reference to tilting toward or away from one or both sides, for example. Another sort of conventional sensor may be connected to the assembly400to monitor how level the bench101remains relative to the floor surface, and information from this sensor may be used to provide the user with a visual display of the orientation of the bench101, and/or to urge the user to tilt the bench101in a certain direction or a certain pattern, for example.

FIG. 12shows another handle/stop440′ suitable for use with the bench400. As suggested by the common reference numerals, the handle/stop440′ is similar in many respects to the handle/stop440shown inFIG. 11. As shown inFIG. 12, the handle/stop440′ is preferably a blow-molded plastic part having a handgrip portion443that extends between a block portion444and an opposite, block portion442. In addition to performing the same functions as the handle/stops440, the handle/stops440′ also accommodate push-ups performed with respective handgrip portions443grasped in a person's left and right hands and extending parallel to the underlying floor surface. The blocks442may alternatively be configured as rectangles to provide more than one handgrip elevation as a function of the orientation of the blocks442relative to the floor surface.

On other embodiments of the present invention, a sub-frame or base is preferably configured to rest in a stable configuration on a floor surface, and a bench is tiltably mounted on the sub-frame. On these embodiments, left and right stops may be releasably secured between respective sides of the bench and respective sides of the base, or a single catch may be secured between one side of the bench and a corresponding side of the base. The catch may be movable into a tube or other opening to prevent the tube from moving upward or downward. Also, stabilizing handles may be mounted on the base for grasping by a person lying on the bench. In addition, different degrees of tilting may be accommodated depending on a person's level of proficiency.

The present invention may also be described in terms of various methods, including, for example, a method of exercise. One such method involves providing an exercise assembly that includes a bench capable of tilting leftward and rightward, a left foot support movably mounted on a first end of the bench, and a right foot support movably mounted on the first end of the bench; positioning the bench on a floor surface to define an upwardly facing back supporting surface at a height above the floor surface; occupying a supine position on the back supporting surface, with one's left foot on the left foot support, and one's right foot on the right foot support; using one's left arm to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist leftward tilting of the bench; using one's right arm to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist rightward tilting of the bench; and using one's left leg and one's right leg to repeatedly move the left foot support and the right foot support back and forth through at least one path of motion subject to desired resistance in at least one direction. Such a method may further involve the steps of alternatively placing one's left foot and one's right foot on the floor surface, using one's left leg to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist leftward tilting of the bench; using one's right leg to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist rightward tilting of the bench; and moving one's left arm and one's right arm up and down through at least one path of motion subject to desired resistance in at least one direction. Such a method may also involve the preliminary steps of positioning a left stop beneath a left side of the bench to prevent leftward rotation of the bench toward the floor surface; positioning a right stop beneath an opposite, right side of the bench to prevent rightward rotation of the bench toward the floor surface; and when ready to begin exercise movements, removing each said stop. Furthermore, subsequent to removal of each said stop, each said exerting step may be performed against a respective said stop apart from the bench.

The present invention may also be described in terms of a method of exercise that involves providing an exercise assembly that includes a bench capable of tilting leftward and rightward; positioning the bench on a floor surface to define an upwardly facing back supporting surface at a height above the floor surface; positioning a left stop beneath a left side of the bench to prevent leftward tilting of the bench toward the floor surface; positioning a right stop beneath an opposite, right side of the bench to prevent rightward tilting of the bench toward the floor surface; occupying a supine position on the back supporting surface; when ready to begin exercise movements, removing each said stop from beneath a respective said side of the bench; in a first mode of operation, using one's left arm to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist leftward tilting of the bench; using one's right arm to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist rightward tilting of the bench; and moving one's left leg and one's right leg subject to desired resistance; and in an alternative, second mode of operation, using one's left leg to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist leftward tilting of the bench; using one's right leg to exert downward force against the floor surface to resist rightward tilting of the bench; and moving one's left arm and one's right arm subject to desired resistance. In the first mode of operation, each said using step may be performed using a respective said stop apart from the bench.

The present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments and specific applications with the understanding that this disclosure will enable persons skilled in the art to derive various alternative embodiments and applications, including combinations of features from discrete embodiments and/or obvious substitutions of elements. Accordingly, the scope of the subject invention should be limited only to the extent of the allowed claims.