Patent Publication Number: US-11642567-B1

Title: End platform for an exercise machine

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/113,231 filed on Dec. 7, 2020 which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 11,298,586 on Apr. 12, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No. 16/202,330 filed on Nov. 28, 2018 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,857,420, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/591,549 filed Nov. 28, 2017. Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Example embodiments in general relate to an end platform for an exercise machine for increased support of an exercisers&#39; spine, neck and head which allows for an expanded scope of exercises that cannot otherwise be performed on the machine without the improved platform. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the end platform for an exercise machine in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the end platform for an exercise machine that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the end platform for an exercise machine in detail, it is to be understood that the end platform for an exercise machine is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The end platform for an exercise machine is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Resistance based exercise machines with a reciprocating, spring biased exercise platform have been commercially available for many years, and are well known to those in the fitness industry. For instance, various exercise machines with a spring biased substantially horizontal reciprocating platform are used to perform exercises in accordance with the teachings of the Pilates Method or the Lagree Method, both methods being practiced worldwide. 
     Such exercise machines comprise a substantially longitudinal structure, a platform that reciprocates on tracks or rails substantially between the opposed ends of the longitudinal structure, and a biasing means such as a plurality of springs or elastic ropes that removably attach the reciprocating platform to one end of the longitudinal structure. Exercises are performed by exerting a force against the reciprocating platform in opposition to the resistance induced against the platform by the biasing means. 
     The Lagree Method of exercising has, over the years, broadened to include the practice of new and novel exercises that were previously impossible to perform on traditional Pilates machines and, correspondingly continued to advance the art through innovative machine designs that provided for the performance of an ever expanding repertoire of unique, beneficial exercises, many of which are performed by an exerciser only partially positioned on the machine, and partially positioned on the floor of the exercise facility. 
     The Lagree Method and the Pilates Method similarly teach maintaining spinal alignment throughout the exercise routine, but substantially differ in that the history of the Pilates Method has kept the exerciser positioned almost entirely on the reciprocating platform, while the Lagree Method continually moves the exerciser from a position on the reciprocating platform to positions that require use of stationary platforms affixed at substantially the opposed ends of the longitudinal structure. However, there is a continued demand to overcome the functionality limitations of traditional exercise machines as a means to expand the scope of exercises not performable on exercise machines with end platforms of traditional geometry. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate the novelty and commercial value of an improved end platform that provides for enhanced spinal support, and for the attachment of various exercising accessories that significantly expanded the scope of exercises that could be safely and efficiently performed on the machine. 
     SUMMARY 
     An example embodiment is directed to an end platform for an exercise machine. The various embodiments described herein provide for a novel, ergonomically improved stationary platform affixed to at least one opposed end of a substantially longitudinal exercise machine that comprises at least a resistance biased reciprocating platform. The improved end platform provides for increased support of exercisers&#39; spine, neck and head, thereby allowing for an expanded scope of exercises that cannot otherwise be performed on the machine without the improved platform, and further provides for the attachment of new and novel exercise equipment accessories to the exercise machine. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the end platform for an exercise machine in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the end platform for an exercise machine that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the end platform for an exercise machine in detail, it is to be understood that the end platform for an exercise machine is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The end platform for an exercise machine is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. 
         FIG.  1    is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a longitudinal end platform with indicia. 
         FIG.  2    is an exemplary illustration showing an isometric view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  3 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  3 B  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine with a reciprocating platform and a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  4 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a side view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  4 B  is an exemplary illustration showing a side view of an exerciser on a tilted exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  5    is an exemplary illustration showing a back view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  6    is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine with a plurality of extended end platforms. 
         FIG.  7 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a longitudinal end platform assembly. 
         FIG.  7 B  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of one variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 C  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 D  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 E  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 F  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 G  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a yet another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 H  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 I  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 J  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an accessory attached to a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  7 K  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exerciser in the supine position on a resistance exercise machine. 
         FIG.  7 L  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exerciser repositioned in the supine position on a resistance exercise machine. 
         FIG.  8 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  8 B  is an exemplary illustration showing an zoomed-in top view of a longitudinal end platform assembly at one end, and a traditional wide end platform at the opposed end of an exercise machine. 
         FIG.  9 A  is an exemplary illustration showing the top view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  9 B  is an exemplary illustration showing the top view of an exerciser positioned supine on an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. 
         FIG.  9 C  is an exemplary illustration showing the improved platform-supported area of an exerciser. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of specific embodiments are disclosed in the following description and related drawings. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure relevant details. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description, a discussion of several terms used herein follows. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. 
       FIG.  1    is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a longitudinal end platform assembly  100  with indicia  300 . As a point of reference, one distal end of the opposed ends of a substantially longitudinal machine structure  201  is shown as a dashed line. For clarity, and as will be used in this description, a distal end of the longitudinal end platform assembly  100  shall be the end opposed to the dashed line representing the machine structure  201 , and the proximal end of the platform assembly  100  shall be the edge of the platform  101  closest to the dashed line just described. It should be noted that the end platform assembly  100  is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the machine  200  and the description of a functional component or feature called out in any drawing on one side of the assembly may similarly apply to the component that is mirrored on the opposed side of the central longitudinal axis of the end platform assembly  100 . 
     The end platform assembly  100  therefore comprises a substantially longitudinal platform  101  shown with a varying geometry to be fully described herein, and handles projecting laterally from and affixed to the platform  100 . As one variation, the handles may be affixed to the machine structure proximal to the longitudinal end platform  101 . The platform  101  provides for a plurality of gripping surfaces that allow exercisers  400  to grasp the platform  101  in many positions to perform various exercises. The gripping surfaces may be substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the exercise machine comprising a medial gripping surface  102 , and a lateral gripping surface  104 ; with the space formed between the lateral edge of the gripping surfaces and the handles being of a sufficient dimension to allow a typical hand to be inserted so that the fingers of the hand may wrap the sides and bottom of the platform  101  for gripping. 
     Additional griping surfaces substantially aligned with the transverse axis of the machine  200  are provided; the gripping surfaces being a transverse gripping surface  103  and a transverse pushing surface  105 . In practice, the gripping surface  103  and pushing surface  105  just described may correspondingly become a pushing surface and gripping surface dependent on whether the exerciser  400  is positioned off of and facing back towards the machine  200 , or positioned on the machine  200  facing toward the distal end of the platform  101 . Further, a machine  200  with a reciprocating platform resistance biased toward one given end will influence whether an exerciser  400  has to push or pull against the resistance bias as the means to move the reciprocating platform against the biasing force. 
     The handles  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 ,  111 ,  112 , being of a preferred cross-sectional geometry to allow for easy grasping with a hand, provide for a significantly large number of gripping positions and combinations of positions as may be used for various exercises. More specifically, the handles  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 ,  111 ,  112  may comprise a distal transverse handle  106 , a distal corner handle  107 , a distal side handle  108 , a middle transverse handle  109 , a middle side handle  110 , a proximal corner handle  111  and a proximal transverse handle  112 . It should be appreciated that more or less handles  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 ,  111 ,  112  may be utilized in different embodiments, to suit the needs of different exercisers  400 , or to accommodate different types of exercise machines  200 . 
     The novel structure just described provides for performing numerous exercises that could not be performed before the invention of the structure in the drawing; the previous unavailability of such a structure possibly causing novice exercisers to become confused by the complexity of the many gripping surfaces when a class instructor directs them to change exercise positions. Therefore, it is preferable that various indicia  300  be provided on the end platform assembly  100  to enable an instructor to give clear and efficient direction regarding the body placement or grip positioning during exercising. The indicia  100  shown in the figures and described herein is merely exemplary and thus not meant to be limiting. The indicia  100  may include any visible material either connected to the end platform  101  or integral with the end platform  101 , such as but not limited to any combination of colors, textures, indicator graphics, and alpha or numeric identifiers. The indicia  100  may comprise stickers or materials printed directly on the end platform  101 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the indicia  100  are shown as comprising dotted lines and letters. The indicia  100  could in other embodiments comprise symbols, numbers, logos, drawings, or the like. 
       FIG.  2    is an exemplary illustration showing an isometric view of an exercise machine  200  with a longitudinal end platform  101 ; the end platform  101  being one of a plurality of components of the end platform assembly  100  previously described. In the drawing, it can be readily seen that the end platform assembly  100  is affixed at one distal end of a substantially longitudinal exercise machine  200  comprising a machine base  202 , a longitudinal machine structure  201  extending substantially the length of the machine  200 , a wide end platform  204 , and a reciprocating platform  205  slidable along substantially the length of the machine structure  201  between the longitudinal end platform  101  and the wide end platform  204 . The reciprocating platform  205  is preferably movable on a plurality of attached wheel assemblies in contact with parallel tracks aligned with the longitudinal axis of, and integral with, the machine structure  201 . 
     One or more actuators  203  may be provided to allow one end of the machine  200  to be raised to various preferred distances above the floor to adjust an angle between the machine  200  and the ground surface. Each actuator  203  may be positioned on the opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the machine  200 ; thereby providing for repositioning of the reciprocating and end platforms  101 ,  204 ,  205  along a non-horizontal plane. 
     It is sometimes preferred that exercisers  400  have a variety of touch points to mount or dismount the machine  200  and to stabilize during exercise. Various handle assemblies  206 ,  207  may be affixed to the exercise machine  200 , including a front handle assembly  207 , and a variation shown as a back handle assembly  206 . Handle assemblies  206 ,  207  are shown adjacent to the wide end platform  204  or the longitudinal end platform  101 . Positioning of the handle assembles  206 ,  207  may vary in different embodiments. 
       FIG.  3 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine  200  with a longitudinal end platform  101 , and adjacent and lateral thereto, a pair of back handle assemblies  206 . Further, the exercise machine  200  provides for a machine base  202 , a longitudinal machine structure  201 , and a reciprocating platform  205  movable substantially between the longitudinal end platform  101  and a wide end platform  204  at the opposed end of the machine  200 . A pair of front handle assemblies  207  is illustrated as positioned adjacent to the wide end platform  204 . 
       FIG.  3 B  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine  200  with a reciprocating platform  205 , a longitudinal machine structure  201 , a longitudinal end platform  101 , and wide end platform  204  affixed to substantially opposed ends of the machine structure  201 . A reciprocating platform outline  208  shown in the drawing as a dashed line is provided to illustrate one of many movable positions of the reciprocating platform. 
       FIG.  4 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a side view of an exercise machine with a longitudinal end platform. A machine structure  201  is movably affixed to a machine base  202  by a universal joint  209  and a pair of actuators  203  positioned at mirror image locations on opposed sides transverse to the longitudinal axis of the machine structure  201 . A wide end platform  204  is affixed to substantially the front end of the machine structure  201 , and a longitudinal end platform assembly  100  is affixed to the opposed end of the machine structure  201 . A reciprocating platform  205  is movable substantially the length of the machine structure  201  between the wide end platform  204  and longitudinal end platform  101 . A biasing means not shown but affixed between the reciprocating platform  205  and the machine structure proximal to the wide end platform  204 , induces a resistance force R in the direction of the arrow. Exercisers  400  move the reciprocating platform  205  in a direction opposed to the resistance force as a means of exercising. Front handles assemblies  207  and back handle assemblies  206  may be used by exercisers  400  to mount, dismount or exercise upon the machine  200 . 
       FIG.  4 B  is an exemplary illustration showing a side view of an exerciser  400  positioned on a tilted exercise machine  200  gripping the handles of a longitudinal end platform assembly  100 . A pair of actuators  203  is shown extended, thereby lifting one end of the machine  200  at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane. A scissor stabilizer  210  provides for additional stability of the machine structure  201  while elevated. In practice, the exerciser  400  grips the longitudinal end platform assembly  100 , and with the knees solidly positioned on the reciprocating platform  205 , pulls the platform  101  in a direction opposed to the direction of the resistance bias arrow, with a force exceeding the resistance force R. 
       FIG.  5    is an exemplary illustration showing a back view of an exercise machine  200  with a longitudinal end platform assembly  100  on the proximal end of the machine  200 . A pair of back handle assemblies  206  is shown affixed adjacent to and on opposed sides of the longitudinal end platform assembly  100 . A machine structure  201  is supported at an elevation above a machine base  202  by means of a pair of actuators  203  on the proximal end of the machine, and a universal joint  209  at a distal position on the machine. A pair of front handle assemblies  207  is shown positioned at the distal end of the exercise machine. 
       FIG.  6    is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exercise machine  200  with two longitudinal end platforms  100  positioned at opposed ends of the machine structure  201 . As previously described, a reciprocating platform is movable substantially the distance between the end platforms  100  along a machine structure  201 . In the variation of the exercise machine  200  shown, a longitudinal end platform  101  has been affixed to both opposed ends of the machine  200 . It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the exercise machine  200  may include only a single longitudinal end platform  101  on either of its opposed ends. 
       FIG.  7 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a longitudinal end platform assembly  100  comprising a longitudinal end platform  101 , handles  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 ,  111 ,  112  as previously described, and as points of reference, dashed lines to indicate the position of a pair of back handle assemblies  206  and a longitudinal machine structure  201 . 
       FIG.  7 B  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of one variation of handle  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 ,  111 ,  112  positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  gripping a middle transverse handle  109  and a right hand  402  gripping a proximal transverse handle  112 . 
       FIG.  7 C  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of a second variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  and right hand  402  gripping their respective left and right distal transverse handles  106 . 
       FIG.  7 D  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  gripping a proximal transverse handle  112  and a right hand  402  gripping a middle side handle  110 . 
       FIG.  7 E  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  and right hand  402  gripping their respective left and right media gripping surfaces  102 . 
       FIG.  7 F  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  and right hand  402  gripping their respective left and right middle side handles  110 . 
       FIG.  7 G  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  and right hand  402  gripping their respective left and right distal side handles  108 . 
       FIG.  7 H  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of yet another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  gripping a middle transverse handle  109  and right hand  402  gripping a middle side handle  110 . 
       FIG.  7 I  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of another variation of hand positioning on a longitudinal end platform  101 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned for a certain exercise with a left hand  401  gripping a right middle transverse handle  109  and right hand  402  gripping a left middle transverse handle  109 . It should be noted that an exerciser  400  performing an exercise with the hands  401 ,  402  positioned as shown is preferably positioned standing on the floor beyond the distal end of the machine  200 , facing back towards substantially the entire exercise machine  200 . 
       FIG.  7 J  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an accessory attached to a longitudinal end platform  101 . As previously described, the novel longitudinal end platform  101  provides for the removable attachment of various exercise accessories that support the ability to perform an increased scope of exercises upon the machine  200 . 
     Not meant to be limiting to one type of accessory, the drawing shows a pair of resistance training accessories  211  removably affixed to the longitudinal end platform assembly  100  and/or distal end of the machine structure  201  within the open space created between the lateral edges of the longitudinal platform  101 , the distal transverse handles  106 , middle transverse handles  109  and the distal side handles  108 . The accessories just described provide for individual arm resistance training by means of pull cables with handles  212 , the cables extendible in opposition to a resistance force from, and retractable back into the resistance training accessories. It should be appreciated that a wide range of accessories may be utilized, and that the description of resistance training accessories  211  is merely for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. 
       FIG.  7 K  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exerciser  400  in the supine position on a resistance exercise machine  200 . It is sometimes preferred to position the upper body in a stationary position upon the longitudinal end platform  101  while using the lower body to exercise against the resistance force provided by the reciprocating platform  205 . In the drawing, an exerciser  400  is shown positioned with the upper body in a supine position, with the left and right hands  401 ,  402  gripping the middle transverse handles  109  for support and stability. As can be readily seen, a substantial portion of the upper body of the exerciser  400  is supported on the longitudinal end platform assembly  100 . 
       FIG.  7 L  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exerciser  400  repositioned in the supine position on a resistance exercise machine  200 . In the variation shown, the exerciser  400  is repositioned closer to the distal end of the platform  101  when compared to the previous position  FIG.  7 K ; with the left and right hands  401 ,  402  gripping the distal transverse handles  106 . Such a position may provide for even more upper body support as may be desired for higher intensity exercising. It should be noted that upper body positioning on the longitudinal end platform  101  is not limited to supine positioning, and that prone or lateral recumbent positions may also be used when performing exercises requiring such body positioning. 
       FIG.  8 A  is an exemplary illustration showing a top view of an exemplary exercise machine  200  with a longitudinal end platform  101 . As shown, the exercise machine  200  may comprise a longitudinal end platform assembly  100  and a wide end platform  204 . A dashed line illustrates one position of a reciprocating platform  205 . Further, an exercise machine  200  as previously described is shown using dashed reference lines. The exercise machine  200  is may be comprised of a rectilinear geometry with a length L shown being a substantially larger dimension as its width W. 
       FIG.  8 B  is an exemplary illustration showing an enlarged top view of a longitudinal end platform assembly  100  and a traditional wide end platform  204  of an exercise machine  200 . For reference, a longitudinal machine structure  201  is shown as a broken dashed line, the remainder of the machine  200  being omitted so as to not obscure the description of elements in the drawing. 
     A traditional end platform of an exercise machine  200  may be described by length and width dimensions; the length being the dimension measured across the platform in a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine and the width being the dimension measured across the platform in a line substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine. In the drawing, the width of the wide end platform  204  is shown with a dimension W 2 . On the other hand, the length of the wide end platform  204  is shown with a dimension expressed as W 2 −Y, where W 2  is the width of the platform as just described, and Y is a dimension greater than zero. By means of this description which defines traditional machine end platforms, it can be readily understood that the platform  101  is wider than it is long. However, in other embodiments, the reverse could be true, with the platform  101  being longer than it is wide. 
     An improved longitudinal end platform assembly  100  is shown with an overall width expressed as W 1 , and the length as measured across the platform assembly  100  in a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine  200  being expressed as W 1 +X, where X is a dimension greater than zero. By means of this description which defines an improved longitudinal end platform  101 , it can be readily understood that the platform assembly  100  that includes handles  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 ,  111 ,  112  as shown is longer than it is wide. 
     Further, the longitudinal platform  101  of the platform assembly  100  is shown with a major length dimension as substantially the same as the major length of the assembly expressed as W 1 +X, with a major width of the platform  101  being a dimension measured across the platform  101  in a line substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine  200  expressed as W 1 −Z, where Z is a dimension greater than zero. Therefore, as is shown in the drawing, the longitudinal platform  101 , as well as the longitudinal platform assembly  100 , both have length dimensions that are greater than their width dimensions. 
       FIG.  9 A  is an exemplary illustration showing the top view of an exercise machine  200  with a longitudinal end platform  101 . An exercise machine  200  as previously described is shown as dashed lines to prevent obscuring the longitudinal end platform  101  of the longitudinal end platform assembly. A target  301  is shown as a reference point for subsequent discussion. 
       FIG.  9 B  is an exemplary illustration showing the top view of an exerciser  400  positioned supine on an exercise machine  200  with the upper body substantially positioned on a longitudinal end platform  101 , and the lower body substantially supported by a reciprocating platform  205 . As a reference, a target  301  is shown generally over the cervical spine of the exerciser, with the exerciser&#39;s shoulders  403  preferably positioned over the major width area of the longitudinal end platform. The longitudinal end platform  101  is partially obscured by the exerciser  400 , and is therefore not shown in full. 
       FIG.  9 C  is an exemplary illustration showing the platform-supported portions  404  of the upper body of an exerciser  400 . As was previously described, a tenet of the Lagree Method of exercising is to maximize spinal alignment and support throughout exercises performed in the machine  200 . 
     For reference purposes, a target  301  is shown to illustrate the approximate cervical spinal area of the exerciser  400  as previously described and referenced. A hash line  204  is shown as the perimeter outline of a wide end platform  204  as previously described, overlaid on the exerciser  400  to illustrate the approximate contact area between the exerciser&#39;s  400  back and the wide end platform  204 , generally extending from the upper cervical vertebra to the mid thoracic area. It should be noted that this general description may vary depending on the physical size of the exerciser  400 . 
     The perimeter outline of an improved longitudinal end platform  101  is shown as a double line, extending substantially from above the exerciser&#39;s  400  head, nearly to the upper lumbar area of the spine. It can be readily seen that the improved longitudinal end platform  101  just described importantly supports the head that was not supported by traditional wide end platforms, and supports a larger portion of the spine, the additional portions of the upper body provided by the improved longitudinal end platform  101  when compared to the traditional wide end platform therefore shown as cross-hatched sections  404 . 
     As illustrated, the end platform  101  may comprise a body portion and a head portion. The body portion may provide support for the body of the exerciser  400 , such as the shoulders and upper back. The head portion may provide support for the head of the exercise  400 . The body portion of the end platform  101  may be wider than the head portion as shown in the figures. The head portion may extend outwardly from a central point on the end of the body portion so that the head portion is centered with respect to the body portion of the end platform  101 . 
     It should be noted that substantially longitudinal resistance exercise machines  200  providing for a reciprocating platform  205  and one or more end platforms  101 ,  204  can vary significantly in overall dimensions, and further, exercisers  400  vary significantly in size. The actual dimensions of the longitudinal end platform  101  as described herein are not meant to be limiting. Although the figures illustrate that the length dimension is greater than the width dimension of the end platforms  101 , it should be appreciated that other configurations may be utilized. 
     As can now be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various embodiments of present invention as described provide for a new and novel exercise machine end platform that provides substantially more exerciser support, and introduce a large number of previously unavailable gripping positions exercisers may use to perform an expanded number of exercises that previously could not be safely performed on an exercise machine with a traditional wide end platform. Further, the longitudinal end platform assembly provides for the attachment of various exercise accessories. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.