Patent Publication Number: US-6902515-B2

Title: Multi-functional exercise apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     (Not Applicable) 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not Applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to an improved, multi-functional exercise apparatus which integrates the use of a multi-pivotal upper body assembly and a rotational arm-shoulder device with a conventional recumbent bicycle to allow individual and/or simultaneous physical workout of a user&#39;s legs, arms, shoulders, abdominal and back. 
     Physical fitness has become increasingly popular over the years. This is evidenced by the explosive growth of the health fitness industry and the rapid emergence and increasing popularity of health fitness centers throughout the nation. The primary reason for joining these fitness centers is that they provide a number of exercise apparatus which are each specially designed to exercise specific parts of a human anatomy. 
     However, membership costs for joining these fitness centers can be quite expensive. Such costs are not only substantial but typically recurring for each yearly renewal membership. Further, such fitness centers are typically inconvenient due to their remote location to each user. As such, many users find the commercial fitness centers to be too expensive and too inconvenient to use which have detracted from the overall widespread acceptance. 
     For these and other reasons, many fitness seekers have turned away from the commercial fitness and opted to purchase various personal exercise apparatus such as stationary bicycles, free-weights, leg or thigh exercisers and the like for use at their homes. Although more convenient to use, such home exercise apparatus pose different deficiencies which significantly detract from their overall utility. 
     For instance, as with commercial equipment most home use exercise apparatus is typically configured to exercise just one specific part, or at best one related section, of the human anatomy. Therefor, various exercise apparatus must be purchased for a full and complete body workout which can be very costly. 
     Further, such home exercise apparatus typically take up too much physical space in the home, with users having to allocate a large amount of space in their homes for their proper use. 
     Moreover, the amount of time that each apparatus consumes to exercise one specific part or related section of their bodies can be substantial, resulting in an overly prolonged exercise time which may become very burdensome. 
     In view of the above-described shortcomings of conventional exercise apparatus, there exists a need in the art for an exercise apparatus that can optimally provide essential body workouts of multiple muscle groups without the requirement of purchasing and accommodating a wide range of exercise apparatus. More specifically, there exists a need in the art for an exercise apparatus which can achieve such objective in a time-efficient and user-friendly manner so as to encourage, rather than discourage, its users to maintain their regular exercise routines and achieve their optimal physical fitness level. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-referenced deficiencies associated with the use of the exercise apparatus of the prior art. In particular, the present invention comprises a multi-functional exercise apparatus which uniquely exercises the upper body, back and abdominal muscle groups of a user. More particularly, the exercise apparatus of the present invention specifically integrates the use of a multi-pivotal upper body assembly and a rotational arm-shoulder device which may be attached to and utilized with a conventional stationary bicycle (e.g., recumbent bicycle). As will be demonstrated below, the present exercise apparatus&#39;s adaptability to combine such individual parts into one multi-functional exercise apparatus allows its users to individually and/or simultaneously exercise their legs, arms, shoulders and trunk (i.e., abdominal and back), hence drastically reducing their overall exercise time as well as minimizing physical space requirements. Although adapted for in home use, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is equally adapted for use in commercial fitness centers and the like. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-functional exercise apparatus for allowing individual and/or simultaneous workout of a user&#39;s legs, arms, shoulders and trunk. The exercise apparatus of the present invention may include a stationary bicycle such as a recumbent bicycle which essentially constitutes a support or foundation of the present invention. As is commonly known in the art, a typical stationary bicycle includes two foot pedals which a user can pedal to obtain a cardiovascular and leg muscle group workout. As is further known in the art, such bicycle includes a seat which is typically supported upon a seat mount or saddle designed to slide back and forth with respect to the foot pedals in order to provide leg adjustment to the user. This description of the typical stationary bicycle is only exemplary in nature and it should be recognized herein that its structural configuration may vary somewhat as there are multiple versions of stationary bicycles currently available in the marketplace. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-functional exercise apparatus features an upper body assembly intended for exercising a user&#39;s trunk (i.e., abdominal and back). Specifically, the upper body assembly is preferably formed from three essential components, namely, a base body member, a main body member and an extension body member. The base body member is preferably placed and engaged to the seat mount of the stationary bicycle (e.g., recumbent bicycle) behind the seat thereof. The base body member may be formed of various shapes and configurations as its primary purpose is to movably attach the lower main portion of the main body member. As will be discussed below, a resistive hinged connection or a bearing arrangement may be defined therebetween to allow the main body member to move in various directions relative to the base body member. 
     The main body member extends generally upwardly from the base body member. Preferably, the main body member is positioned such that its centerline is close to the user&#39;s head, and more particularly to an imaginary axis which extends centrally and vertically through the head and spine of the exerciser&#39;s body. As such, the lower main portion is preferably aligned in a generally parallel relation to the exerciser&#39;s imaginary central axis. Such alignment position of the main body member should always be maintained irrespective of the seat mount&#39;s adjustment with respect to the bicycle&#39;s rotatable foot pedals. 
     In use, a user can move the main body member against the resistive biasing force to exercise the user&#39;s abdomens and trunk. In one embodiment, the lower main portion may be resiliently engaged to the base body member in a hinged manner so that the exerciser is allowed to pivot the main body member laterally about a side-to-side arcuate pathway (i.e., side to side movement with respect to the exerciser&#39;s axis of center). 
     In an alternate embodiment, the resiliently engaged main body member may be operatively transitional between a number of different pathways through utilizing a resistive bearing arrangement such as a multi-pivot torsional spring in cooperation with the base body member. Through forming such multi-pivotal connection, the main body member can be pivoted along a side-to-side pathway as explained above, a forward-to-backward pathway (i.e., forward to backward movement with respect to the exerciser&#39;s axis of center) and/or a rotational pathway (i.e., rotational movement with respect to the exerciser&#39;s axis of center). By possessing this capability to move in such multiple pathways, the upper body assembly is configured to provide optimal trunk workout to its exerciser. 
     An extension body member is engaged to the main body member and substantially extends in a forward direction across and over the seat mount and seat of the stationary bicycle. In the preferred embodiment, an upper extension portion of the extension body member is slidably inserted through an upper main aperture formed at the upper main portion. In this regard, the extension body member may be variably axially adjusted with respect to the main body member and a retaining component such as a removable stop pin may be used to fix the extension body member in the desired adjusted position. As will be explained later, this allows the rotational arm-shoulder device which is located at the opposite end of the extension body member to be provided at a desired distance from the user. 
     The extension body member is substantially advanced forward towards the rotating foot pedals of the stationary bicycle and then curved downward to define a lower extension end. The purpose of the lower extension end is to mount the arm-shoulder device such that it may be manually rotated by the exerciser. Although the arm-shoulder device may be formed having differing structure, it is preferably formed having a fly wheel or a hand crank assembly. 
     In the present invention, a resistive assembly is preferably provided with the arm-shoulder device so as to produce a variable resistive force against the rotational movement thereof. Such resistive force may be provided via various structures. For example, a brake shoe may be mechanically applied upon the arm-shoulder device in order to provide variable resistance thereto. It is contemplated herein that various types of resistive assemblies such as frictional and/or magnetic brakes, or even ones that resort to electronic means for resistance, may be used in lieu thereof. For abdominal and back exercise, the exercise apparatus of the present invention may be mechanically connected (via a cable, for example) to different weight sets to acquire variable resistance therefrom in addition to, or instead of, relying on the resilient pivot connections of the apparatus as defined above. 
     In accordance with an alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-functional exercise apparatus of modified structure is disclosed herein. This specific exercise apparatus is essentially designed to perform the same function as that of the above-described exercise apparatus through the use of a modified structural configuration. As will be demonstrated immediately below, it defines multiple locations of pivotal movement all directed toward optimally working out the abdominal and back of the exerciser. 
     In lieu of utilizing one generalized location of pivotal movement, the alternately configured exercise apparatus comprises two locations of pivotal movement, of which one location is intended for performing forward and back trunk exercise, while the other is geared toward conducting twist trunk exercise. The first pivotally moving location is defined adjacent the lower end of the upper body assembly between its base and main body members. More specifically, the main body member is connected to the stationary base body member in a manner as to be pivotally movable with respect thereto about a horizontal pivot axis. Such pivoting action can be effectuated through the exerciser&#39;s exertion of force upon the arm-shoulder device in the forward direction which causes the main body member to pivot relative to the base body member about the horizontal pivot axis. 
     The second pivotally moving location is defined adjacent the upper end of the upper body assembly between the main and connection body members. More particularly, a pivot connection cam is formed adjacent the upper main portion of the main body member whereat the connection body member is pivotally attached thereto and further extended in the forward direction therefrom. By applying such connection cam therebetween, the connection body member is allowed to pivot relative to the main body member about the vertical pivot axis when the exerciser moves the arm-shoulder device side to side with his or her hands. Optionally, the connection body member may be spring mounted to the pivot connection cam so as to be always resiliently urged back to center to its natural rested position. By doing so, the exerciser can repetitively twist his or her trunk in the corresponding directions and optimally exercise the side portions of the abdominal. 
     The alternative version of the exercise apparatus may merely resort to the resiliency of the pivot attachments to obtain the required resistance as described in the first embodied exercise apparatus. However, in this alternative version, it is preferred that a mechanical attachment to one or more weights is used for providing the requisite resistance to the forward and twist trunk exercise. Such mechanical attachment may be made by running a cable or cord along the outer perimeter of the pivot connection cam to a generally backward extended roller which in turn directs the cable or cord to the weight(s). This arrangement provides the leverage necessary to raise the weights when performing the forward and/or twist exercise of the exerciser&#39;s trunk. Of course, the weights may be selectively used to vary the resistance of the trunk exercise. 
     In operation, the multi-functional exercise apparatus as depicted in all embodiments of the present invention is adapted to individually and/or simultaneously exercise the legs, arms, shoulders and trunk (i.e., abdominal and back) of a user. To perform such complete body workout at the same time, the exerciser should be first seated upon the seat of the stationary bicycle (e.g., recumbent bicycle). The user can then grasp the hand-crank assembly of the rotational arm-shoulder device. Further, the user may position his or her feet upon the foot pedals of the exercise bicycle. 
     Upon being positioned in this fashion, the user can begin pedaling the foot pedals of the bicycle so as to exercise his or her legs. During such pedaling, the user can also manually rotate the arm-shoulder device through the use of the crank assembly to exercise the user&#39;s arm and shoulder muscle groups. Moreover, the user may further pivot the upper body assembly in a plurality of pathways to exercise the user&#39;s trunk, that is, the abdominal and the back muscle groups. In this respect, the multi-functional exercise apparatus of the present invention allows the user to individually and/or simultaneously exercise the user&#39;s legs, arms, shoulders, abdominal and back so as to drastically reduce the overall exercise time. Of course, the exerciser can optionally operate different parts of the present exercise apparatus individually as opposed to simultaneously. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-functional exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating its multi-pivotal upper body assembly which is extended over a stationary bicycle such as a recumbent bicycle; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear plan view of the multi-pivotal upper body assembly shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating its side to side pivotal exercise movement; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the multi-pivotal upper body assembly shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating its forward pivotal exercise movement; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the multi-pivotal upper body assembly shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating its backward pivotal exercise movement; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the multi-pivotal upper body assembly shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating its hand crank assembly which serves as a rotational arm-shoulder exercise device of the present exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternately configured upper body assembly illustrating a fly wheel engaged thereto which serves as a rotational arm-shoulder exercise device and illustrating an additional resistive connection for the upper body assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the multi-functional exercise apparatus shown in FIG.  1  and illustrating its mechanical connection to a plurality of weights via a cord for providing a variable resistance to a user when performing an abdominal and back exercise; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a multi-functional exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with an alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating various pivot connections which are located at different points of structure than the exercise apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  prospectively illustrates the multi-functional exercise apparatus  10  constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     As will be described shortly below, the exercise apparatus  10  of the present invention specifically integrates the use of a multi-pivotal upper body assembly  14  and a rotational arm-shoulder device  16  which may be preferably moved to the conventional stationary bicycle  12  (e.g., recumbent bicycle). Although preferable, the multi-pivotal upper body assembly  14  and rotational arm-shoulder device  16  need not be mounted to the stationary bicycle  12  but can be supported upon a stationary stand or wall mount (not shown). Such combination of individual parts into a single multi-functional exercise apparatus  10  allows a user  18  to individually and/or simultaneously exercise the legs  20 , arms  22 , shoulders  24  and trunk  26  (i.e., abdominal and back). 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , the multi-functional exercise apparatus  10  of the present invention preferably includes a conventional stationary bicycle  12  such as a recumbent bicycle, which essentially serves as a base or foundation of the present invention. As is commonly known in the art, the stationary bicycle  12  includes two rotating foot pedals  28  in which a user  18  can pedal to obtain cardiovascular and leg muscle exercise. As is further known in the art, such bicycle  12  also includes a seat  30  which is typically supported upon a seat mount or saddle  32  that can slide back and forth with respect to the rotating foot pedals  28  in order to provide necessary adjustment for the user  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multi-pivotal upper body assembly  14  which is specifically intended for exercising a user&#39;s trunk  26  (i.e., abdominal and back) is depicted. In the preferred embodiment, the upper body assembly  14  is formed from three components, namely, a base body member  34 , a main body member  36  and an extension body member  38 . The base body member  34  is preferably placed and mounted to the seat mount  32  of the stationary bicycle  12  (e.g., recumbent bicycle) behind the seat  30  thereof. The base body member  34  may be formed of various configurations as its primary purpose is to mount the main body member  36  at its lower main portion  40 . In this respect, the generally rounded or trapezoidal shape of the base body member  34  is only an exemplary depiction, and thus should not be limited thereto. As will be discussed shortly, a pivot/hinged connection (best shown in  FIG. 6 ) or a pivoting bearing arrangement (best shown in  FIG. 5 ) may be provided between the main body member  36  and the base body member  34  in order to allow the main body member  36  to resistively move in various directions relative to the base body member  34 . 
     The main body member  36  extends upwardly from the base body member  34 . Preferably, the main body member  36  is positioned such that its vertical centerline is as close to the imaginary centerline extending through the user&#39;s head and spine. In this position, the lower main portion  40  of the main body member  36  should preferably be disposed, although not mandatory, in a generally parallel relation to the exerciser&#39;s central axis. A resistive biasing assembly is provided between the main body member  36  and the base body member  34  such as opposing springs or a torsional/coil spring to cause the main body member  36  to return back to the above-defined position after it be moved therefrom during exercise by the user. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6  only, the upper body member  36  is pivotly mounted to the base body member  34  by a pivot pin  37 . A pair of coil springs  35  may be provided on opposite sides of the body members  36  and  34  to provide a resistive pivot force about the pin  37  such that the user  18  may move the main body member  36  against the resistive spring biasing force to exercise the user&#39;s trunk  26 . This allows the main body member  36  to be pivoted about the axis of the pivot pin  37  along a side-to-side pathway  44  (shown in FIG.  2 ). 
     Referring specifically now to  FIGS. 2-5 , the resiliently engaged main body member  36  may alternatively be mounted to the base body member  34  via a torsional coil spring  39  which provides resistive bending and/or torsional/twisting movement between the upper and base body members to enable transitional exercise movement between a number of different pathways (best shown in FIG.  5 ). Through forming such multi-pivotal connection, the main body member  36  can additionally be pivoted along a side-to-side pathway  44  as explained above. However, the main body member  36  may also be pivoted along a forward-to-backward pathway  48  (best shown in FIGS.  3  and  4 ). Moreover, the main body member  36  may further be pivoted along a rotational or twisting pathway  50 , the movement of which is exemplified in FIG.  5 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 , the extension body member  38  is mounted to the main body member  36  and extends in a forward direction over the seat mount  32  and seat  30  of the stationary bicycle  12 . Preferably, an upper extension portion  52  of the extension body member  38  is slidably inserted through an upper main aperture  54  formed at the upper main portion  56  of the main body member  36 . By forming such configuration, the extension body member  38  may be selectively telescopingly adjusted with respect to the main body member  36  whereby a retaining component  58  such as a removable stop pin can be used to fix the extension body member  38  at a desirable adjusted position (shown in FIG.  5 ). As will be further explained later, this allows the rotational arm-shoulder device  16  which is located at the opposite end of the extension body member  38  to be selectively positioned at a desired axial distance from the seated user  18 . It is contemplated herein, however, that the use of the extension body member  38  is merely preferred, but not mandatory. 
     Likewise, the upper body assembly  14  may be configured to be vertically adjustable so as to accommodate various heights of the exercisers  18 . One configuration of the upper body assembly  14  which allows for such vertical height adjustment is illustrated in FIG.  6 . As shown, a connection body member  60  may be slidably placed within and between the main body member  36  and the extension body member  38 . The connection body member  60  may include a number of fastening holes  62  at locations next to the main body member  36  and the extension body member  38 . In this regard, the connection body member  60  may be vertically adjusted with respect to the main body member  36  whereby a fastener pin  64  is inserted therethrough and into the selected hole  62  to fix those two body members  36 ,  60  in position (shown in FIG.  6 ). Further, horizontal adjustment between the extension body member  38  and the connection body member  60  may be accomplished in the similar manner. In this respect, the upper body assembly  14  may be vertically and horizontally adjusted in a convenient and user-friendly manner to be consistent with the anatomical relationships of height and arm length of the exerciser  18 . 
     A substantial portion of the extension body member  38  is generally advanced forward toward the rotatable foot pedals  28  of the stationary bicycle  12  and then curved downward to define a lower extension end  66 . The lower extension end  66  mounts the arm-shoulder device  16  such that it may be manually rotated about that end  66  by the user  18  (shown in FIG.  1 ). There are multiple ways for accommodating the arm-shoulder device  16 . For one, the arm-shoulder device  16  may be merely attached at or near the lower extension end  66  through the use of a fastening pin, for example, so that it can be freely rotated thereabout. 
     In the alternative, however, the lower extension end  66  may be shaped in such a configuration as to provide an opening in which the arm-shoulder device  16  may be fitted and be freely rotatable therein. As such, the opening resulting from such configuration of the lower extension end  66  should substantially correspond to the shape of the rotational arm-shoulder device  16 . Although the arm-shoulder device  16  may be variously formed, it is preferably a hand crank fly wheel (best shown in  FIG. 6 ) or a crank assembly (best shown in  FIG. 5 ) generally defining a circular configuration. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a resistor assembly  68  is provided with the arm-shoulder device  16  so as to produce a variable resistive force against the rotational movement thereof. The purpose of this is to optimize the arm exercise by increasing the amount of force that the exerciser&#39;s arms  22  are subjected to. Such resistive force may be arranged through various forms and types of resistor assemblies  68 . For example, a brake shoe or galloper brake may be applied upon the arm-shoulder device  16  in order to provide variable resistance thereto. However, it should be contemplated herein that various types of resistive assemblies such as frictional and/or magnetic brakes, or even ones that resort to electronic means for resistance, may be used in lieu thereof. It is simply the concept of applying a variable resistive force upon the arm-shoulder device  16  that should be appreciated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6  only, a pair of hand-graspable member  70  are outwardly extended on opposing sides of the arm-shoulder device  16  so as to accommodate each hand  72  of the user  18 . Through the use of the hand-graspable members  70 , the manual rotation of the arm-shoulder device  16  can be facilitated to exercising the arms  22  of the exerciser  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the multi-functional exercise apparatus  10  of the present invention may portray a slight structural modification to its design for conducting abdominal and back exercise. More specifically, a cable or cord  80  leading to a plurality of weights  82  may be placed in connection with the modified version of the exercise apparatus  10  through the use of one or more rollers  84  selectively provided thereat. It should be noted that such mechanical connection enables the weights  82  to provide additional resistance to the trunk  26  (i.e. abdominal and back) of the exerciser  18  during its exercise, or alternatively be used as a sole means of resistance when the relevant pivot connections as defined above are not characterized by any resiliency. Of course, different number of and/or scaled weights  82  may be utilized to selectively vary the resistance applied upon the trunk  26  of the exerciser  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a multi-functional exercise apparatus  90  which is constructed in accordance with an alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention. The alternately embodied exercise apparatus  90  is essentially designed to perform the same function as that of the above-described exercise apparatus  10 , that is, to individually and/or simultaneously exercise the legs  20 , arms  22 , shoulders  24  and trunk  26  (i.e., abdominal and back) of the exerciser  18 . However, although the structural components for exercising the legs  20 , arms  22  and shoulders  24  may be identical to what has been disclosed above, the counterpart version for exercising the trunk is structurally different therefrom. 
     In particular, the multi-functional exercise apparatus  90  of the alternate embodiment defines multiple locations for pivotal movement which are collectively directed to working out the abdominal and back of the exerciser. More particularly, such apparatus  90  includes two locations for pivotal movement as opposed to one generalized location therefor as characterized in the exercise apparatus  10  embodied above. One pivoting location  92  is for performing forward and back trunk exercise, while the other pivoting location  94  is for conducting twist trunk exercise. 
     In order to allow the forward and back trunk exercise, the first pivotally moving location  92  is defined about the lower end of the upper body assembly  96  where its base body member  98  and main body member  100  are connected to each other. Similar to the above-embodied exercise apparatus  10 , the base body member  98  of this configuration is adapted to be stationarily or fixedly attached to a seat mount or saddle  32  of a stationary bicycle  12  such as a recumbent bicycle. Although it may be formed of various shapes and materials, the base body member  98  utilized in this embodiment is preferably made of metal and is configured in a U-like shape which extends two exposed base ends  102  in an upward direction. 
     The main body member  100  is connected to the two exposed base ends  102  through its lower main portion  104  which defines a substantially corresponding shape to the base body member  98 . Likewise, the main body member  100  is also fabricated from a metallic material. Because of their corresponding shapes, the main body member  100  can engage the base body member  98  by connecting its two complimentary exposed main ends  106  to the two base ends  102 . However, it should be noted herein that such connection between the ends  102 ,  106  is accomplished in a manner as to allow the lower main portion  104  to pivot with respect to the base body member  98  about a horizontal pivot axis  108 . Such pivoting action can be effectuated through the exerciser&#39;s exertion of force upon the arm-shoulder device  110  in the forward direction which in turn causes the main body member  100  to pivot relative to the base body member  98  about the horizontal pivot axis  108 . 
     The second pivotally moving location  94  is defined about the upper end of the upper body assembly  96  where its main body member  100  and connection body member  112  are pivotally connected to each other. More particularly, a pivot connection cam  114  is provided adjacent an upper main portion  116  of the main body member  100 . Although the pivot connection cam  114  may be formed of different materials and shapes, it is preferably constructed of metal and defines an elliptical or semi-round shape. This cam  114  is used to pivotally attach the connection body member  112  which extends in the forward direction therefrom away from the upper main portion  116 . By utilizing such connection cam  114 , the connection body member  112  can pivot with respect to the upper main portion  116  about a vertical pivot axis  118  when the exerciser moves the arm-shoulder device  110  side to side with his or her hands  72 . By doing so, the exerciser can repetitively twist his or her trunk in the corresponding directions and optimally exercise the side portions of the abdominal. 
     Optionally, the connection body member  112  may be spring mounted to the pivot connection cam  114  so as to be always resiliently urged back to center to its natural rested position. This, of course, may provide the resistance necessary to adequately conduct the twist trunk exercise. 
     Although the exercise apparatus  90  may resort to the resiliency of its pivot attachments  92 ,  94  to obtain the required resistance therefrom, it is preferably mechanically connected to one or more weights  120  instead. The weights  120  can be selectively set together to provide varying degrees of resistance to the exerciser  18  during his or her abdominal and back exercise. The exercise apparatus  90  may be connected to the weights  120  through utilizing a cable or cord  122  along the outer perimeter  124  of the pivot connection cam  114 . This cable or cord  122  would then lead to a backward extended roller  124  to be directed to the weights  120 . This provides the leverage necessary to raise the weights  120  when performing the forward-to-back and/or twist exercise of the exerciser&#39;s trunk  26 . 
     Similar to the exercise apparatus  10  of the first embodiment, the arm-shoulder device  110  of the second embodied exercise apparatus  90  may be horizontally adjusted relative to the connection body member  112  so as yield an optimal arm-length distance to the exerciser  18 . Furthermore, it is expressly contemplated herein that the upper body assembly  96  of the second embodied exercise apparatus  90  may be altered in design to be vertically adjustable to satisfy the differing heights of its exercisers  18 . By doing so, the exercise apparatus  90  of the second embodiment may also be conformed to be consistent with the anatomical relationships of height and arm length of the exerciser  18 . 
     With the structure defined, the operation of the multi-functional exercise apparatus  10  of the first embodiment is described herein to essentially illustrate the operation of the exercise apparatus  90  of the second embodiment as well. The exercise apparatus  10  of the first embodiment is adapted to individually and/or simultaneously exercise the legs  20 , arms  22 , shoulders  24  and trunk  26  (i.e., abdominal and back) of the exerciser  18 . To perform such complete a body workout at the same time, the exerciser  18  should first be seated upon the seat  30  of the stationary bicycle  12  (e.g., recumbent bicycle). Upon such seating, the user  18  can then grab the hand-graspable members  70  of the rotational arm-shoulder device  16 . Similarly, the user may place the user&#39;s feet upon the foot crank pedals of the stationary bicycle. 
     Upon being positioned in this fashion, the user  18  is now ready to begin an individual and/or simultaneous exercise workout. The user  18  can begin pedaling the foot pedals  28  of the stationary bicycle  12  so as to exercise his or her legs  20 . During such pedaling, the user can also manually rotate the arm-shoulder device  16  through the use of the hand-graspable members  70  for an arm and shoulder workout. Moreover, the user  18  may further pivot the upper body assembly  14  in a plurality of pathways to exercise his or her trunk  26 , that is, the abdominal and the back muscle groups. In this respect, the multi-functional exercise apparatus  10  of the present invention allows the user  18  to independently and/or simultaneously work out his or her legs  20 , arms  22 , shoulders  24  and trunk  26  (i.e., abdominal and back) so as to drastically reduce the overall exercise time. Of course, the user  18  can optionally operate different parts of the present exercise apparatus  10  separately as opposed to simultaneously. 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.