Patent Publication Number: US-2016220860-A1

Title: Exercise Table

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/668,148, filed on Nov. 2, 2012, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/554,896, filed Nov. 2, 2011. The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention generally relates to exercise equipment, including an improved exercise table or “reformer” with improved strength, adjustability, appearance and/or safety to be used in Pilates or other types of exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Exercise and other efforts to improve physical fitness and general health have become increasing popular. Many different forms of exercise and fitness routines have come into being such as aerobics, weight training, yoga and more recently, exercises related to Pilates, Gyrotonics and the like. Pilates has become increasingly popular since it provides a unique blend of training to improve flexibility, strength and aerobic stamina. 
     Various forms of exercise may be performed without the use of any equipment, while other forms may require basic or specialized equipment. Many exercises associated with Pilates involve an exercise table that is commonly referred to as a reformer. A reformer typically includes a frame which supports a platform or carriage that may move back and forth along the frame&#39;s length. A user may lie, kneel or assume some other body position on the platform. Springs are typically connected to the platform and extend to the frame where one or more of the springs are typically attached to adjust the resistance to be experienced by the user. The user may press against the frame with his or her hands or feet, and thereby move the platform away from the end of the frame against the spring&#39;s resistance. The bias of the springs will then tend to move the carriage so that it returns to its original position, and the user may exert resistance to control this return motion. The carriage thus moves back and forth along the length of the frame. 
     Typical reformers include a foot bar which extends upward from the foot end of the frame and against which the user may apply pressure to move the platform away from the foot end against the spring&#39;s resistance. Typical reformers also include handles attached to ropes which the user may also pull to move the platform against the spring&#39;s resistance. 
     Certain reformers may also include an upright member sometimes referred to as a tower. The tower may include what is known as a push through bar, and springs and/or pulleys may also be attached to the tower. The tower attachment allows the user to perform different types of exercises. 
     An attachment known as a jump board may also be attached to the reformer. Typically, the user presses against the jump board with enough force so that the carriage (and the user) moves from the foot end to the head end of the reformer so that the user&#39;s feet separate from the jump board. The bias of the springs then returns the carriage to the foot end, and the user&#39;s feet may then “land” on the jump board and “jump” off of it again for another repetition. 
     Many Pilates studios have one or more reformers that are used by different people. Sometimes, a given reformer will be used by numerous people in a given day. The height and body proportions, such as leg and torso lengths, may vary between users, sometimes significantly. This, as well as the various types of exercises that may be performed on a given reformer, typically requires the springs to be adjusted, both in the number of springs that are used to provide a certain resistance and/or the placement of springs on the tower. The location of the pulleys is also typically adjusted as well. Therefore, it is important that reformers be easily adjustable, and once adjusted, sturdy so that the user may safely perform his or her exercise routine. 
     The towers on some current reformers are made from off-the-shelf tubular metal and connection fittings that are typically used with light rigging. Towers made of such components may be less sturdy than ideal, and that may become weaker over time. Furthermore, certain towers may not be solidly connected to the reformer or other type of exercise equipment. Still further, such towers may only offer certain, fixed locations at which to attach springs and/or pulleys. And adjustment of the location at which a spring or pulley connects to the tower may involve a cumbersome process of detaching a connector and then reattaching the connector at a new location. Oftentimes, this includes unscrewing a loop fitting, repositioning the spring and then tightening the loop fitting again. This is disadvantageous because in Pilates and other forms of exercise, the “flow” or ease in which the user may perform one exercise after another is important. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved tower for use with reformers and other exercise equipment. 
     As noted above, reformers typically include a foot bar for the user to press against, e.g., as the carriage moves from the foot end to the head end. Certain types of current foot bars may be designed in such a way that may allow the foot bar to become disengaged during an exercise routine. This may create a safety hazard. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved foot bar that is solidly locked in place during the exercise, but may still be readily adjusted. 
     As noted above, a jump board may be attached to certain current reformers. However, existing jump boards oftentimes require cumbersome attachment means such as threaded knobs that must be screwed into the reformer frame. And if the knobs are not adequately screwed in, the jump board may become loose during exercise leading to a safety issue. The jump board may also be less sturdy than ideal. Accordingly, there exists a need for a jump board that may be more readily attached to a reformer and that provides increased sturdiness and safety. 
     Existing reformers may also include sharp edges or surfaces that are not comfortable for a user to touch. Existing reformers may also appear industrial which may not be inviting for certain users. Accordingly, there is a need for a more user-friendly reformer or other type of exercise equipment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The exercise table, or reformer, of the current invention addresses the foregoing and other issues. 
     In one aspect of the current invention, an improved tower is described. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, an improved foot bar assembly is described. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, an improved jump board and the manner in which the jump board is attached to a reformer is described. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, an improved tactile feel and appearance of the exercise equipment is described. 
     Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise table. 
         FIG. 2  is an underneath perspective view of an exercise table. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an exercise table. 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a tower. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a tower. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of a handle area of a tower. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed view of a tower connected to a reformer. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed view of a spring adjustment mechanism of a tower. 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed view of a pulley adjustment mechanism of a tower. 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed view of a safety strap, spring and tower. 
         FIG. 11  is a detailed view of a tower. 
         FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C  show a tower in use. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a foot bar assembly and a jump board. 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed view of a foot bar assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear view of a foot bar assembly and jump board. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the current invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. To facilitate the description, any reference numeral representing an element in one figure will represent the same element in any other figure. The current invention is not limited to the specific description below, as one skilled in the art will appreciate that variations may occur to the subject matter described below while still being within the scope and content of the current invention. The description below makes reference to reformers, but one skilled in the art will recognize that the current invention is suitable for use with other types of exercise equipment, such as equipment where springs or other forms of resistance are used and it may be desired to move the location at which the spring attaches to the equipment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exercise table or reformer  1  typically used for certain Pilates exercises is shown. Table  1  includes frame  10  that may be rectangular and extend about the periphery of table  1 , thereby defining an open interior  3 . Frame  10  may include side members, a head member and a foot member. More particularly, frame  10  may include a longitudinally extending right side member  11 , a longitudinally extending left side member  12 , a head member  13  and a foot member  14 . The frame members  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  may be attached together by any appropriate means. 
     Exercise table or reformer  1  also includes a platform  16  on which the user lies or assumes some other body position, and which may longitudinally move back and forth along the sides of frame  10 . To this end, side frame members  11 ,  12  may include inwardly opening channels  15  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which may define tracks in which vertical rollers may move. Channels  15  may comprise inward facing u-shaped flanges that include a bottom horizontal flange, a vertical wall attached to the side member  11  or  12 , and an upper horizontal flange. In a preferred embodiment a channel  15  may be contiguous with a side member  11  or  12  such that they comprise a single piece. In other embodiments, channel  15  may be separate from side member  11  or  12  but may be attached thereto by suitable fastening means. 
     Vertical rollers  17  may engage the bottom horizontal flange and slide in the channel  15 . Vertical rollers  17  may be attached to platform  16  by a bracket or other suitable device, and may support platform  16  as it moves along the length of frame  10  as shown in  FIG. 2 . As also shown in  FIG. 2 , horizontal rollers  18  contact the vertical wall of the inward channel  15  and may also be attached to and support platform  16 . Horizontal rollers preferably help ensure that platform  16  moves in a straight line as it longitudinally articulates back and forth along frame  10 . 
     Platform  16  is now more specifically described with reference to  FIG. 3 . Platform  16  preferably includes a rigid structural panel  19  of generally rectangular configuration. Platform  16  is preferably designed to support the weight of the user and is sized to accommodate the trunks of larger users. Platform  16  preferably includes support cushion  20  to provide comfort to the user when he or she lies or kneels on it, or assumes some other body position thereon. Cushion  20  may be attached to panel  19  in any suitable manner. 
     Platform  16  and panel  19  may include a head end and foot end that correspond to the head end  13  and foot end  14  of frame  10 . At the head end of the panel  19 , an adjustable height head support  21  may be centrally positioned for supporting a user&#39;s head. Head support  21  may be arranged flat (as shown) or tilted up to place the user&#39;s neck in predetermined angles. A pair of shoulder blocks  22  may be located on either side of head support  21 . Blocks  22  may support the shoulders or other body parts such as feet, hands or knees of the user depending upon the exercise being performed. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of resistance members  24  may be attached to platform  16  at their first ends  25 . The current invention also contemplates using a single resistance member  24 . In one embodiment, resistance members  24  comprise coil springs that are attached to the underneath of panel  19 . The second ends  26  of springs  24  may be selectively attached to anchor bar assembly  27 , so that different spring resistances may be experienced by the user. In  FIG. 3 , second ends  26  are not shown attached to anchor bar assembly because in practice, the number of springs attached to anchor bar assembly  27  will vary according to the strength of the user and the exercise being performed. In any event, and as shown in  FIG. 8 , anchor bar assembly  27  may include a bar or rod  50  and a plurality of eyebolts  51  attached thereto. The second ends  26  of one or more springs  24  may be selectively attached to eyebolts  51  to suit the exercise and user. It should be noted that other suitable devices for attaching springs  24  to anchor bar assembly  27  may be used. 
     Other components and other aspects of the operation of an exercise table, such as a reformer, are described in U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/553,930; 11/652,806; 12/555,460 and 61/465,229, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,937, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Exercise table  1  may also include a flat mat surface in addition to or instead of carriage  16 . In this type of exercise table, the user may lay on the mat to perform different types of exercises. 
     An aspect of the current invention involving an improved tower  600  is now described with reference to  FIGS. 4-12 . The improved tower  600  of the current invention preferably provides increased stability when compared to typical current towers, and is easier to use and provides increased functionality by allowing, e.g., quicker adjustments of springs and/or pulleys. Preferably, this provides a better flow between exercises. 
     Tower  600  of the current invention may be attached to a reformer or other exercise equipment. Alternatively, tower  600  need not be attached to a reformer but instead may be attached to a wall. When attached to a wall, it is preferred that tower  600  be located a distance from the wall so that the push through bar may swing in both directions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , tower  600  may include frame  601  which may comprise vertical members  602 ,  604  that may be attached at their top ends to horizontal member  606  via joints  607 . Push through bar  610  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) may be pivotally attached to tower frame  601  at pins  612  so that a user may push bar  610  with his or her hands or feet. Tower  600  may also include handles  630  for the user to grasp during certain exercises. 
     Tower  600  may also include one or more sliding pulley adjustment members  640  that may also slide up and down vertical members  602 ,  604  as discussed later. Tower  600  may also include one or more spring adjustment mechanisms  650  that may slide up and down vertical members  602 ,  604  as discussed later. A spring  622  may be attached to spring adjustment mechanism  650  as shown in  FIGS. 10-11 . 
     Tower  600  may also include an attachment member  660  at or near the base of each vertical member  602 ,  604 . Members  660  may be an extension of vertical members  602 ,  604  or may be a separate bracket or other component otherwise attached to tower frame  601 . Each member  660  preferably includes bolts  662  or other means to attach tower  600  to the frame  10  of reformer  1  or to a floor and/or a wall.  FIG. 7  shows tower  600  attached to reformer  1 . As shown, it is preferred that tower  600  is firmly attached to reformer  1 . This may be accomplished by using multiple bolts  662  or other attachment means that correspond with holes or other means on the reformer to receive the attachment means. 
     The different components of tower  600  are now more fully described. It is preferred that vertical members  602 ,  604  comprise extruded aluminum which yields a more rigid structure when compared to the tubular members used on certain existing towers. This preferably increases user safety. Members  602 ,  604  may include internal ribs in the extrusion process to provide increased rigidity. Horizontal member  607  may also comprise extruded aluminum. It should be noted, however, that other materials may be used and the invention is not limited to aluminum. Furthermore, members  602 ,  604 ,  606  may alternatively comprise separate pieces that are attached together to form each member. In any event, members  602 ,  604 ,  606  may include holes or brackets that allow their coupling by elbows  607 . 
     The rigidity provided by tower  600  preferably provides better user feedback because there is little or no give in the tower. This preferably allows the user to experience the feel of just the progress being made in the exercise, e.g., by pushing on the push through bar  610 , without also feeling any wobbling or movement by the tower relative to the reformer. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 5-11 , vertical members  602 ,  604  may be formed such that channels  620  are formed therein. It is preferred that channels  620  are formed on both the front and back sides of members  602 ,  604  so that adjustable mechanisms  640 ,  650  may fit and slide therein on either side. Grips  630  may also fit within channels  620 . As shown, channels  620  preferably include a plurality of holes  622  to receive pop-pins or other attachment means of handles  630 , pulley adjustment mechanism  640  and spring adjustment mechanism  650 . 
     Where members  602 ,  604  comprise extruded aluminum, channels may be formed along with the rest of the walls of members  602 ,  604  during the extrusion process. Where members  602 ,  604  alternatively comprise pieces attached together, a strip of metal with holes may be attached to other pieces that form the walls. 
     Vertical members  602 ,  604  and horizontal member  604  may be slightly curved and/or polished to provide a more inviting look to users. It is preferred that members  602 ,  604 ,  606  generally match each other in appearance. Joints  607  may also be curved and of the same similar exterior dimensions to provide a contiguous look. The edges of these components may also be rounded to provide an inviting appearance and also to avoid sharp edges for safety concerns. 
     Handles  630  are now more fully described with reference to  FIGS. 4-7 . As shown, handles  630  may include grip  632  which may be rubber dipped for a more tactile gripping surface while the user holds tower  600 . Alternatively, grip  132  may be padded with foam or some other suitable material that preferably withstands contact with sweat. The user may grasp grip  632  when performing certain exercises. While the user may also grasp vertical members  602 ,  604 , for certain exercises and/or users, it may be preferable that handles  630  are grasped. In this manner, additional exercises and/or user safety and comfort may be achieved. 
     Grips  632  may be attached to brackets  634  which may in turn be attached to vertical members  602 ,  604 . This attachment may occur in channels  620 . Brackets  634  may include bolts that are threaded into holes  622 . However, other attachment means may be used. The location of handles  630  may be adjusted up or down on vertical members  602 ,  604  or may alternatively be fixed in a stationary location. 
     Spring adjustment mechanisms  650  are now more fully described with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 and 8 . As shown, spring mechanism may include block  652  which may include holes to receive a pop-pin  654  and eyelets  656 . It is preferred that pop-pin  654  include a pin (not shown) that may extend into holes  622  of channel  620  to securely lock mechanism  650  into place. Eyelets  656  may be threaded into tapped holes of block  652 . Springs  670  may be attached to eyelets  656 . 
     Viewed as a cross-section from the top of vertical members  602 ,  604 , channel  620  may resemble a T. That is, channels  620  may include lips  624 ,  625  that are spaced apart at a particular distance that corresponds to the vertical portion of the T, as well as an interior portion where the distance between the walls of members  602 ,  604  is larger and corresponds to the horizontal portion of the T. 
     So that adjustment mechanism  650  is held by channel  620 , block  652  may have a width that is slightly smaller than the distance between lips  624 ,  626 . However, block  652  may be attached to a wider base block  658  that is sized slightly smaller than the larger distance between the interior walls of members  602 ,  604 . As such, adjustment mechanism  650  is generally constrained by channel  620  but may still travel freely up and down. 
     To adjust spring adjustment mechanism  650 , it is preferred that a user or instructor need simply pull on the pop pin so that the pin disengages from a hole  622 . The user or instructor may then slide mechanism  650  up or down channel  620  to the next desired location. This is an advantage over existing towers where a spring must be disconnected from an eyelet and then connected to another eyelet. In sum, this allows one to easily and safely change the spring heights without disengaging the springs for a smoother transition between exercises. This provides for the enhanced flow of an overall Pilates workout or other form of exercise by reducing the time needed to adjust the equipment between exercises, e.g., where the spring must be positioned at a different angle relative to the user. This also allows for the easy adjustment of spring position for users of different sizes or strengths. 
     As noted above, it is preferred that channels  620  are formed on both the front and rear of vertical members  602 ,  604 . This allows that spring adjustment mechanisms  650  may be placed on both sides of tower  600 , which in turn allows two people to use tower  600  to exercise at the same time. Given that space is at a premium in many Pilates studios, allowing two users to exercise on one piece of equipment at the same time is advantageous. Furthermore, the sturdy nature of tower  600  preferably provides that one user will feel little or no effect of the other user exercising with the same tower at the same time. 
     Pulley adjustment mechanism  640  is now more fully described with reference to  FIGS. 4-9 . As shown, mechanism  640  may include block  642 , pop-pin  644 , spring eyelet  646  and base block  648 , as well as arm  641  and pulley assembly  643 . Pulley adjustment mechanism may travel up and down channel  620  in the same or similar fashion as spring adjustment mechanism  650 . That is, block  642  may be sized slightly smaller than the distance between lips  624 ,  626 , and may be attached to base block  648  which is within channel  620  and which is sized slightly smaller than the distance between the interior walls of members  602 ,  604 . As such, pulley adjustment mechanism is generally constrained by channel  620  but may move freely up or down. 
     The position of pulley adjustment mechanism  640  may be adjusted similar to spring adjustment mechanism  650 . That is, the knob of pop-pin  644  may be pulled so that its pin (not shown) is withdrawn from hole  622  in channel  620 , thereby allowing vertical travel. When the new desired location is reached, the user or instructor may simply release the knob of pop-pin  644  and its pin will engage another hole  622 . It should be noted that other types of pop pins or other means to engage members  602 ,  604  may be used. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 9 , arm  641  may be attached to block  642  by bolt  645  or any other suitable attachment means. It is preferred that arm  641  have a curved and/or polished look similar to members  602 ,  604 ,  606  to provide an inviting appearance. It is also preferred that arm include recess  641  a so that the head of bolt  645  or other attachment means generally fits within the contour of arm  641  to further provide an inviting appearance. Similarly, arm  641  may include recess  641   b  to accommodate the attachment of pulley mechanism  643 . Suitable pulley mechanisms  643  are described in U.S. Ser. No. 11/652,806, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated as if fully set forth herein. 
     It is preferred that the knobs of pop-pins  644 ,  654  are similar so that their adjustment feels uniform to the user or instructor. This also provides a uniform, inviting appearance to the equipment. Blocks  642 ,  652  may be similar in appearance as well. Furthermore, eyelets  646 ,  656  may generally be the same. The uniformity of these component pieces also facilitates manufacturing and reduces cost since numerous components with different dimensions may not need to be produced. 
     Channels  620  may include stops  690  as shown in  FIG. 9  that may be bolted into one of the holes  622  and that may include block  692 . It is preferred that stop  690  may limit the travel of either pulley adjustment mechanism  640  or spring adjustment mechanism  650 . 
     Additional aspects related to the appearance of exercise equipment incorporating the current invention are now described with reference to  FIG. 10 . Typically, a tower will include a safety chain attached to the tower frame and the push through bar. The safety chain serves to limit the travel of the push through bar and to avoid the situation where the push through bar hits the user. Such chains may be unsightly and noisy. As shown in  FIG. 10 , however, the current invention preferably includes a safety strap  680  that may include webbing  682  and loops  684 . Preferably, loops  684 , that may engage connectors attached to tower  600 , are sewn into webbing  682  to provide a softer, more inviting look to the exercise equipment. The use of fabric webbing also preferably avoids the noise associated with clanging safety chains. 
     The use of safety straps  680  is shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C  where strap  680  is shown to become more taut as push through bar  610  nears the user. As also shown in the figures, various other straps or spring holding mechanisms may be attached at other locations on tower  600 . 
     An aspect of the current invention involving a foot bar assembly for an exercise table, such as a reformer, is now described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 13-15 . Foot bar assembly  510  may include foot bar  512  that includes a cushion  514  mounted thereon. The cushioned portion  514  may be made of rubber or other material similar to the other surfaces which the user contacts as described above. This preferably achieves the desired pliability for comfort and texture to provide the friction needed to keep the user&#39;s feet safely in place during an exercise routine. This also preferably contributes to an inviting appearance of reformer  1 . 
     Foot bar  512  may be attached at its ends to arms  516  that are in turn pivotally mounted to frame  10  of reformer  1 . To this end, mounting plates  518  may be mounted to the rails of either side of frame  10  and may include pin  520  or other component suitable for allowing the pivotal connection between arms  516  and frame  10 . As discussed later in more detail, plates  518  may include one or more mounting pegs  522 . 
     Arms  516  are also preferably connected to adjusting links  524  through pivotal connection  526 . Adjusting links  524  preferably include a cutout  530  at or near its end as well as a captive hook  532 . As discussed in more detail below, cutout  530  engages any of the pegs  522  for pivotally adjusting foot bar  512  radially about pivotal connection  520 . This engagement locks foot bar  512  in a position for the desired exercise. Adjusting links  524  are preferably connected together by link bar  528 , which preferably maintains the two links  524  in parallel to each other, and which may be used to adjust links  524  from one set if pegs  522  to another. 
     The engagement between adjusting links  524  and pegs  520  is now more fully described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . When in use during an exercise where the user lays on carriage  16  and moves away from foot bar  512 , the user&#39;s feet will generally be pushing horizontally against foot bar  512 . As another example, the user&#39;s hands may press down on foot bar  512  when the user is, for example, in the plank position. 
     In either case, as well as with other exercises, cutout  530  preferably assures that links  524  remain engaged with pegs  522 . This occurs because, when in use, foot bar  512  generally presses downward on links  524 , which in turn press downward on pegs  522  so that the upper portion  530   a  of cutout  530  engages peg  522 . If foot bar  512  were inadvertently pulled or pushed in the opposite direction, foot bar  512  would move only a slight distance until the lower portion  530   b  and captive hook  532  would engage peg  522  thus preventing it from moving further, and also preventing it from becoming disengaged. 
     The adjustment of foot bar  512  is now more fully described. In order to promote safety and to enhance the sturdy feel provided by the current invention, it is preferred that the user or instructor use a two-handed operation to adjust foot bar  512 . To that end, the user or instructor may slightly move foot bar  512  which results in rotation thereof. The user or instructor may then lift and rotate adjustment links  524  by, e.g., pulling up on link  528  so that pegs  522  pass through the opening  530   c  of cutout  530  and adjustment links  524  are fully disengaged from pegs  522 . Alternatively, the user or instructor may lift and rotate links  524  by pulling up on one of the links which will effect movement of the other link due to their being connected by link  528 . 
     Once adjustment links  524  are clear of the set of pegs  522 , foot bar  512  may be adjusted to engage another set of pegs  522  by manipulating foot bar assembly  510  so that another set of pegs  522  pass through opening  530   c  of cutouts  530  of adjustment links  524 . 
     If the user or instructor tried to adjust foot bar  512  by moving only foot bar  512  without also moving links  524 , captive hook  532  would preferably engage peg  522  thereby stopping the motion. It is preferred that the two-handed approach to adjustment helps facilitate safety by avoiding disengagement by any type of inadvertent pushing or pulling on foot bar  512  or other part of foot bar assembly  510 . Again, this is accomplished by virtue of cutout  530  and captive hook  532  which generally surround the peg  522  is being engaged. 
     An aspect of the current invention relating to an improved jump board and the manner in which it may be attached to the exercise equipment is now discussed with reference to  FIGS. 13-15 . Jump board  700  may include base  710  that in turn may include an upper portion  712  and lower portion  714 . Upper and lower portions  712 ,  714  may comprise one contiguous piece of wood or other suitable material that may withstand the forces of users jumping off and landing on jump board  700 . 
     A jump board cushion  716  may be mounted to upper portion  712  to accommodate the user&#39;s feet. Jump board cushion  716  preferably has the same look as the other components described above which the user contacts. Jump board cushion  716  may also have texture to avoid the user&#39;s feet from slipping upon contacting jump board  700 , and to improve its tactile feel to the user. 
     The manner in which jump board  700  is attached to reformer  1  is now more fully described. A pair of L-shaped flanges  730  may be attached to the interior of foot member  13  of frame  10  of reformer  1 . Flanges  730  may be aluminum or any other suitable sturdy material. Flanges may be attached to the interior of frame  10  by screws, bolts or any other suitable attachment means. 
     When flanges  730  are attached to the interior of frame  10 , a gap preferably exists between the flange and interior frame surface that is about the same as the thickness of lower portion  714  of base  710 . Flanges  730  are also spaced a distance apart from each other at a distance that is about the same as the width of lower portion  714 . As such, a pocket or envelope is created by flanges  730  and frame  10 . 
     To mount jump board  700  to reformer  1 , lower portion  714  may be dropped into the pocket or envelope formed by flanges  730  and frame  10  described above. Lower portion  714  may have relief cuts so that a portion of its width is cut from either side so that it is narrower than upper portion  712  and so that it has about the same width as the envelope. There may also be a transition  718  between upper and lower portions where the width of base  710  increases from lower portion  714  to upper portion  712 . Transition  718  may rest upon the tops of flanges  730  when jump board  700  is dropped into the pocket. 
     Lower portion  712  may also have cutouts, e.g., a trough (not shown), cut out from its surface that may accommodate edge of flanges  730 . In other words, the edges of flanges  730  may protrude into the thickness of lower portion  714  to provide increased stability. It is preferred that lower portion  714  snugly fit within the envelope created by frame  10  and flanges  730  to provide increased rigidity, feel and safety. However, this fit is preferably not overly tight so that jump board  700  may be removed from the envelope without difficulty. 
     The manner in which jump board  700  is further secured by foot bar assembly is now further described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 15 . As shown, bumper  750  may be mounted to the rear side of jump board base  710 . Bumper  750  may include a base  752  having a foot bar receptacle  754  and handle  756 . Receptacle  754  is sized to receive the cushioned section of foot bar  512 . As such, receptacle  754  is preferably cylindrical, and receptacle  754  may be shaped so that its circumference extends more than  180  degrees so as to grip foot bar  712  and provide a solid connection between jump board  700  and reformer  1 . This in turn provides a better feel to the user. 
     Foot bar assembly  510  thus laterally supports jump board  700  when the user lands on the cushioned portion  716  and jumps off. This support serves to stiffen the entire jump board assembly and provides better feel for the user. Furthermore, it provides more security and safety. 
     Bumper  750  may also include handle  756  that may be grasped by the user or instructor to lift jump board  700  out of reformer  1  when it is desired to remove jump board  700 . Handle  756  may also help an individual drop jump board  700  into the envelope between frame  10  and flanges  730  as discussed above. 
     The jump board  700  of the current invention represents an advance over prior jump boards regarding the ease in which it may be attached and removed to the reformer. That is, instead of having to screw knobs at the base of the jump board into the frame as currently exists with many reformers, jump board  700  need only be dropped into the envelope while fitting foot bar  712  into receptacle  754 . Furthermore, the engagement by foot bar assembly  510  provides a mounting device higher up than which occurs with most existing reformers, thereby providing increased stability. Still further, jump board  700  may be easily lifted out of the envelope and disengaged from receptacle  754  instead of having to unscrew knobs from the frame. 
     While various embodiments of an exercise table and aspects thereof have been presented in the foregoing disclosure, numerous modifications, alterations and alternate embodiments may be contemplated by those skilled in the art and may be utilized in accomplishing the various aspects of the present invention. Thus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.