Patent Publication Number: US-8986179-B2

Title: Exercise apparatus for working core muscles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/413,616 filed Nov. 15, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/490,711 filed May 27, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment used to work core muscles such as one&#39;s abdomen, obliques, and lower back. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is believed that the so-called core muscle group has a not insignificant influence on one&#39;s posture by helping align parts of a torso such as a spine, ribs, and a pelvis. The core muscle group typically includes muscles of the abdomen, obliques, and lower back. Different exercises and exercise equipment have been developed to work the core muscle group, including what-is-known as the roman chair device in which a user is suspended over the ground surface with a backside of their legs bearing against a support and a frontside of their waist bearing against another support. The user&#39;s torso hangs freely over the ground surface and the user bends about their waist for a desired number of repetitions. Roman chair devices are primarily designed to work one&#39;s lower back, but can be used to work one&#39;s obliques which require the user to partly dismount in order to reposition themselves. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus including a framework, a leg brace, a waist support, and one or more drive mechanism(s). The leg brace is connected to the framework. The waist support is connected to the framework and is located longitudinally away from the leg brace. And the drive mechanism(s) is operatively connected to the leg brace, the waist support, or both the leg brace and the waist support. When the drive mechanism(s) is actuated, the drive mechanism(s) transmits movement to the leg brace, the waist support, or both the leg brace and the waist support. The movement is transferred to a user by way of the leg brace, the waist support, or both the leg brace and the waist support. The user&#39;s body is then turned to different exercise positions. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus including a framework, a waist support, and a leg brace. The waist support is connected to the framework. The leg brace is connected to the framework and is located longitudinally away from the waist support. The leg brace includes a frame, a drive mechanism, and a leg holder. The frame supports the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is operatively connected to the leg holder by way of one or more shaft(s). When the drive mechanism is actuated, the drive mechanism causes rotation of the leg holder by way of the shaft(s). The rotation is transferred to a user, and the user&#39;s body is turned to different exercise positions. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus including a framework, a leg brace, and a waist support. The framework has a first side frame and a second side frame. The second side frame is located on an opposite side of the framework with respect to the first side frame. The leg brace is connected to the framework. The waist support is connected to the framework and is located longitudinally away from the leg brace. The waist support includes a belt and one or more drive mechanism(s). The belt extends laterally between the first and second side frames. The drive mechanism(s) is interconnected to the belt in order to transmit movement to the belt when the drive mechanism(s) is actuated. In use of the exercise apparatus, legs of a user bear against the leg brace and a waist of the user bears against the belt. Movement of the belt is transferred to the user. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus including a framework, a leg brace, and a waist support. The framework has a first side frame and a second side frame. The second side frame is located on an opposite side of the framework with respect to the first side frame. The leg brace is connected to the framework. The waist support is connected to the framework and is located longitudinally away from the leg brace. The waist support includes a first roller, a second roller, and an endless belt. The first roller is connected to the first side frame. The second roller is connected to the second side frame. The endless belt is looped around the first and second rollers, and traverses laterally across the framework between the first and second side frames. In one or more exercise positions, a backside of a user&#39;s legs bears against the leg brace and a frontside of the user&#39;s waist bears against the endless belt. In this position, a frontside of the user&#39;s body is generally directed toward an underlying ground surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designation denote like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an exercise apparatus, the exercise apparatus being shown in a collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 5A , the exercise apparatus being shown in an uncollapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a leg brace that can be equipped with the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a leg brace that can be equipped with the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partially exploded view of a sixth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a leg brace that can be equipped with the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a driver that can be a part of the leg brace of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of an embodiment of a leg holder that can be equipped with the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 10 , the leg holder being shown in an open position; and 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the leg holder of  FIG. 13 , the leg holder being shown in a closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-14  show several illustrative embodiments of an exercise apparatus that is used for exercising one or more core muscles including one&#39;s abdomen, obliques, and lower back. When using the exercising apparatuses or equipment shown in the different embodiments, the user is placed in a horizontal position over the ground supported at his or her waist and lower legs, thereby requiring the user to utilize their core muscles to maintain their upper body in the horizontal position. The user can rotate rotisserie-style while in this horizontal position, either manually or by motorized assist; for example, by using a motor-driven waist support belt or by using a motor-driven leg brace. Exercise of the core muscles occurs as a result of the user maintaining the horizontal position during this rotation. Also, the user can separately exercise core muscles at different rotational positions; for example, by rotating the body to different positions and then doing waist bends while at each of those positions. By indexing the body to different rotational positions, whether manually or by motorized assist, the user can isolate or otherwise work at least some of the different core muscles. For example, the motorized waist support or motorized leg brace moves to situate the user in a down position in which the user&#39;s frontside faces a ground surface and the lower back can be exercised, in a right-side position in which the user&#39;s leftside faces the ground surface and the right oblique can be exercised, in a left-side position in which the user&#39;s rightside faces the ground surface and the left oblique can be exercised, and in an up position in which the user&#39;s backside faces the ground surface and the abdomen can be exercised. Exercise is also obtained as a result of maintaining the body in the horizontal position during the indexing between rotational positions. 
     A first illustrative embodiment of an exercise apparatus  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes a framework  12 , a leg brace  14 , and a waist support  16 . The framework  12  provides the structural support for the exercise apparatus  10 , and provides connection for a part or more of the leg brace  14  and the waist support  16 . In general, the framework  12  has a longitudinal front end F, a longitudinal rear end R, a first lateral side S 1 , and a second lateral side S 2 . The ends define a longitudinal direction extending generally between the front end F and rear end R, and the sides define a lateral direction extending generally between the first lateral side S 1  and second lateral side S 2 . Furthermore, the framework  12  can have numerous designs and constructions, including one in which several submembers are separate and distinct and are connected together via welding, fastening, or another way; one in which a one-piece submember has portions providing the needed support and connections of the exercise apparatus  10 ; or a combination of both of these. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the exact design, construction, and submembers used may be influenced by the need to withstand forces transmitted to the exercise apparatus  10  during use, by ergonomics, by industrial design, and by other factors. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the framework  12  includes a base frame  18 , a first side frame  20 , a second side frame  22 , and a grip frame  24 . The base frame  18  rests directly upon an underlying ground surface G, and includes several base members  26  that extend between one another in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. An individual base member  26  can be an elongated structure and can have a cross-section of rectangular shape, circular shape, L-shape, or another shape. The base members  26  can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, or a plastic material such as a hard plastic, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. The first side frame  20  is connected to the base frame  18  at the first lateral side S 1  of the framework  12 , and extends vertically upright therefrom. A part of the waist support  16  is housed in the first side frame  20 . In this example, the first side frame  20  is made up of several panels including a side panel  28 , a rear panel  30 , and a front panel  32 . The panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, or a plastic material such as a hard plastic, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. The side panel  28  has an outwardly bowed contour, and the rear and front panels  30 ,  32  have a generally planar contour. And the first side frame  20  has an opening that is directed laterally inwardly. 
     The second side frame  22  is connected to the base frame  18  at the second lateral side S 2  of the framework  12 , and extends vertically upright therefrom. The second side frame  22  is similar in design, construction, and submembers as that of the first side frame  20 . Here too, a part of the waist support  16  is housed in the second side frame  22 , the second side frame is made up of several panels including a side panel, a rear panel, and the front panel  32 , and an opening  34  is directed laterally inwardly. The grip frame  24  is connected to the base frame  18  at the longitudinal front end F of the framework  12 , and extends generally vertically upright therefrom. The grip frame  24  provides a support for the user to hold when perching themselves onto the exercise apparatus  10  and getting ready to perform exercises. The grip frame  24  includes a pair of handles  38 . 
     The leg brace  14  holds the user&#39;s legs in place while the user is suspended over the ground surface G during use, and helps keep the user balanced and steady on the exercise apparatus  10  while performing exercises. The leg brace  14  can have numerous designs and constructions, including that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In these figures, the leg brace  14  includes first and second leg brace frames  40  and  42 , roller assemblies  44 , and an endless belt  46 . The first leg brace frame  40  is connected to the base frame  18  at the first lateral side S 1  of the framework  12 , and extends vertically upright therefrom. One of the roller assemblies  44  is housed in the first leg brace frame  40 . The first leg brace frame  40  can be one-piece or can be made up of several panels connected to one another; the panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, or a plastic material such as a hard plastic. Also, the first leg brace frame  40  has an opening that is directed laterally inwardly. The second leg brace frame  42  is connected to the base frame  18  at the second lateral side S 2  of the framework  12 , and extends vertically upright therefrom. The second leg brace frame  42  is similar in design, construction, and submembers as that of the first leg brace frame  40 . Here too, one of the roller assemblies  44  is housed in the second leg brace frame  42 , the second leg brace frame can be one-piece or several panels, and an opening  48  is directed laterally inwardly. 
     Each of the roller assemblies  44  includes an idle roller  50  that freely spins about an axle connected to a pair of stationary axle members  52 . The axle members  52  are connected to the base frame  18  and extend vertically upright therefrom. In another embodiment, the roller assemblies can be designed to spin with some frictional resistance, or need not freely spin at all in which case they merely provide support for the endless belt  46 . The endless belt  46  is loosely looped around and anchored at the idle rollers  50 , and is moveable thereabout to accommodate the user&#39;s legs as they turn and move laterally while performing exercises. The user&#39;s legs take up slack and draw the endless belt  46  tight between the idle rollers  50  of the first and second leg brace frames  40 ,  42 . The endless belt  46  extends laterally across the framework  12  and between the first and second leg brace frames  40 ,  42  so that it can receive the user&#39;s legs which are generally directed longitudinally during use. Different flexible materials can be used for the endless belt including high strength fabric, leather, rubber, or another material. In other embodiments, the endless belt can be a belt with a first end fixed-in-place to the first leg brace frame  40  and a second end fixed-in-place to the second leg brace frame  42 ; here, the belt could be made of a low friction material to accommodate the user&#39;s legs as they turn and move while performing exercises. 
     The waist support  16  holds the user&#39;s waist section in place while the user is suspended over the ground surface G during use. The waist support  16  helps keep the user balanced and steady on the exercise apparatus  10  while performing exercises. The waist support  16  can have numerous designs and constructions, including one in which a belt bears directly against the user&#39;s waist section and is capable of selective manual or motorized side lateral movement with respect to the user&#39;s longitudinal body axis. In the motorized version, the user can turn their body counter to the lateral movement to situate themselves in a position to perform an exercise that is different than the exercise they were performing before the belt moved. For example, in an initial position the user&#39;s frontside faces the ground surface G for exercising the lower back muscles. The belt moves toward one side and the user turns their body so that their leftside now faces the ground surface G for exercising the right oblique muscles, while the user is still laterally centered on the belt. These movements and turns can be a part of an automated or manual workout routine in which the user can exercise all of the muscles of the core muscle group consecutively or in any order desired. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the waist support  16  includes several roller assemblies  54 , an endless belt  56 , and, optionally, one or more drive mechanisms  58 . The roller assemblies  54  support the endless belt  56  and guide movement of the endless belt during use of the exercise apparatus  10 . In general, the roller assemblies  54  can be located at various positions of the framework  12  including at the base frame  18  and the first and second side frames  20 ,  22 , and there can be any number of roller assemblies including two or six. In the figures, there are a total of four roller assemblies  54 —two located at opposite corners (upper and lower) of the first side frame  20 , and two located at opposite corners (upper and lower) of the second side frame  22 . The four roller assemblies  54  define different corners of a generally rectangular shape which is outlined by the endless belt  56  when the endless belt is loosely assembled around the roller assemblies. Each of the two roller assemblies  54  at the first side frame  20  include an idle roller that freely spins about an axle connected to a pair of stationary axle members. The axle members are connected to the base frame  18  and extend vertically upright therefrom. Similarly, each of the two roller assembles  54  at the second side frame  22  include an idle roller that freely spins about an axle connected to a pair of stationary axle members. The axle members are connected to the base frame  18  and extend vertically upright therefrom. In another embodiment, the roller assemblies can be designed to spin with some frictional resistance, or need not freely spin at all in which case they merely provide support for the endless belt  56 . 
     The endless belt  56  is somewhat tightly looped around and anchored at the four roller assemblies  54 , and is moveable thereabout upon actuation of the drive mechanism. At any movement position, the endless belt  56  has a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the first side frame  20 , a portion that traverses the lateral extent adjacent the base frame  18 , a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the second side frame  22 , and a comparatively more-exposed portion that traverses laterally across the framework  12  adjacent an upper end of, and between, the first and second side frames. The more-exposed portion directly receives and bears against the user&#39;s waist section. Different flexible materials can be used for the endless belt including high strength fabric, leather, rubber, or another material. Sides of the endless belt  56  can be coated with, and can be composed of, different materials. For example, the side of the endless belt  56  that makes direct contact with the user can be a material suitable for the contact such as a soft or slightly padded fabric material, while the side of the endless belt that makes contact with the roller assemblies  54  can be a material that generates an acceptable amount of friction with the outer surface of the idle rollers to facilitate movement thereover. In one specific example, the endless belt  56  has a width dimension (i.e., dimension in the longitudinal direction) of about 8½ inches, and has a perimeter length (i.e., its longest dimension) of about 165 inches; of course, other width and length dimensions are possible. 
     In some embodiments, the endless belt  56  is undriven and only moves along its path around the roller assemblies  54  when caused to do so by the user. In other embodiments, a driver such as the drive mechanism  58  is used. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism  58  is interconnected to the endless belt  56  and transmits motion to the endless belt upon its actuation, which in turn causes movement of the endless belt. In general, the drive mechanism  58  can be located at various positions of the exercise apparatus  10  including at the base frame  18  and the first and second side frames  20 ,  22 , and can have various interconnections to the endless belt  56  including a direct connection via a rotating shaft of the drive mechanism or an indirect connection via a linkage or gearing assembly cooperating with one or more of the roller assemblies  54 . Furthermore, there can be a single drive mechanism transmitting motion in both of the side-to-side lateral directions or only one of the lateral directions, or there can be more than one including a pair of drive mechanisms with one for the first lateral direction and one for the second opposite lateral direction. In the example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the drive mechanism  58  can include a motor such as an electric motor with an armature, commutator, and a spinning shaft. The rotating shaft can be directly connected to the endless belt  56  in order to transmit motion and cause the endless belt to move in both directions back-and-forth. In this example, the drive mechanism  58  can be supported and housed in the first side frame  20  or the second side frame  22 . The drive mechanism  58  could be equipped with a power cord for plugging into a power supply, or could be equipped with a battery for the power supply. The drive mechanism  58  can be electrically coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) that sends command signals to the drive mechanism for directing operation thereof, including turning the drive mechanism on and off. The ECU can include a programmable and readable medium. The command signals sent by the ECU are based on user input at a human-machine-interface (HMI). Different workout routines can be programmed and stored in the HMI and the ECU for selection and execution. Furthermore, in some examples the HMI can be equipped with voice-interaction capabilities that emit audible instructions, information, encouragement, or other sounds to the user before, during, and after a particular workout routine. 
     In use, the user positions themselves on the exercise apparatus  10  to prepare for exercising one or more muscles of the core muscle group. From an initial standing position longitudinally between the leg brace  14  and the waist support  16  with the body frontside directed toward the waist support, the user leans their body forward so that their waist section meets the more-exposed portion of the endless belt  56 . At the same time, the user&#39;s legs are placed inside of the initially relaxed endless belt  46  of the leg brace  14 . The user holds on to the handles  38  as they lower themselves further forward, their legs rise up off of the ground surface G, and they become suspended off of the ground surface G and over at least a part of the base frame  18 . Their upper body and torso hang freely longitudinally beyond the endless belt  56 , while their legs are held down by the now tightly-drawn endless belt  46 . In this down position, which is that depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the user&#39;s frontside confronts the ground surface G and the user can bend at their waist to exercise the lower back muscle, or the user can keep their lower back muscles and other muscles tensed and their body straight and plank-like to exercise these muscles. 
     Once positioned on the apparatus  10 , exercise comes primarily in two forms. One is by the use of core muscles to maintain the upper body in the horizontal position, either statically while in the initial position, or dynamically while the body rotates rotisserie-style on the apparatus. Second, individual exercises such as repetitive waist bends can be performed at different, static rotational positions. For example, one possible exercise regimen involves performing three to four revolutions at a speed of about ten seconds per revolution while maintaining the body horizontal and unbent. This is then followed by indexing the body between different static rotational positions, such as eight positions each forty-five degrees apart, and then holding the body steady and/or performing waist bends at each of those positions. To bring themselves to a different position and exercise a different core muscle, the user can manually turn their body about its longitudinal axis unassisted by the motorized waist support (i.e., drive mechanism  58  turned off), or the user can manually turn their body about its longitudinal axis with the assistance of the movement of the endless belt  56  (i.e., drive mechanism  58  turned on). In either case, the user can remain suspended off of the ground surface G and can use the handles  38  to turn their body, though need not. The endless belts  46 ,  56  facilitate the user&#39;s physical actions by accommodating and flexing with the different movements. For assistance by the endless belt  56  and drive mechanism  58 , the user can first select a workout routine via the HMI. In one example, the endless belt  56  is actuated and moved at timed intervals; for instance, the endless belt can move in one lateral direction for a predetermined distance and remain stationary for sixty seconds, and then can move in the same lateral direction for another predetermined distance and remain stationary for another sixty seconds. For these time periods, the user can bend at their waist repeatedly, can keep tensed and plank-like, or a combination thereof. And the user can be situated in one of the different positions in each time period, namely the previously-described down position, right-side position, left-side position, and up position. 
     A second illustrative embodiment of an exercise apparatus  110  is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The exercise apparatus  110  has a similar functionality as the exercise apparatus  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and allows performance of the same exercises in a similar way as described. There are some differences, however, in the design, construction, and submembers between the exercise apparatus  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  and the exercise apparatus  110  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The exercise apparatus  110  includes a framework  112 , a leg brace  114 , and a waist support  116 . The framework  112  includes a base frame  118 , a first side frame  120 , a second side frame  122 , and several handles  138 . The base frame  118  has a solid foot platform  125 , and the first and second side frames  120 ,  122  extend vertically upright from the platform and are each mostly closed structures that house a large part of the waist support  116 . Each of the first and second side frames  120 ,  122  have an opening  127  through which a portion of an endless belt  156  of the waist support  116  traverses. The handles  138  project from a front surface  129  of each of the first and second side frames  120 ,  122 . 
     The leg brace  114  of  FIGS. 3 and 4  includes a leg brace frame  140 , a rigid member  131 , and numerous bearings. The leg brace frame  140  is connected to the base frame  118  and extends vertically upright from the foot platform  125 . The rigid member  131  has an elongated arcuate shape that extends from the leg brace frame  140 , and has a free end spaced a lateral distance from the leg brace frame and spaced a vertical distance from the foot platform  125 —the resulting opening provides room for placing the user&#39;s legs in the leg brace  114 . The bearings can be carried by the rigid member  131  at its arcuate portion and can be located at an underside of the arcuate portion. The bearings can be slightly protruding from an outer surface thereat in order to make contact with the user&#39;s legs when they are placed in the leg brace  114 . During use, the bearings facilitate physical movement and turning of the user&#39;s legs. In another embodiment, the bearings need not be provided in which case the rigid member&#39;s outer surface could be padded and makes contact with the user&#39;s legs; also, the bearings could be rollers that are padded for comfort and that are mounted to rotate as the user rotates while switching between different exercises. 
     The waist support  116  includes several roller assemblies, an endless belt  156 , and one or more drive mechanisms. The roller assemblies can be located at various positions of the framework  112  including underneath the foot platform  125  and inside of the first and second side frames  120 ,  122 , and there can be any number of roller assemblies including two, four, or six. Each of the roller assemblies can include an idle roller that freely spins about an axle connected between a pair of stationary members. Furthermore, the roller assemblies can be designed to spin with some frictional resistance, or need not freely spin at all in which case they merely provide support for the endless belt  156 . At any movement position the endless belt  156  has a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the first side frame  120 , a portion that traverses the lateral extent underneath the foot platform  125 , a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the second side frame  122 , and a comparatively more-exposed portion that traverses laterally across the framework  112  adjacent an upper end of, and between, the first and second side frames (this is the portion that is visible in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     The drive mechanism can be located at various positions of the exercise apparatus  110  including underneath the foot platform  125  and inside of the first and second side frames  120 ,  122 , and can have various interconnections to the endless belt  156  including a direct connection via a rotating shaft of the drive mechanism or an indirect connection via a linkage or gearing assembly cooperating with one or more of the roller assemblies. Furthermore, there can be a single drive mechanism transmitting motion in both of the side-to-side lateral directions or only one of the lateral directions, or there can be more than one including a pair of drive mechanisms with one for the first lateral direction and one for the second opposite lateral direction. The drive mechanism can be electrically coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) that sends command signals to the drive mechanism for directing operation thereof, including turning the drive mechanism on and off. The command signals sent by the ECU are based on user input at a human-machine-interface (HMI)  135  which is located at an upper end of the first side frame  120 . Different workout routines can be programmed in the HMI  135  and the ECU for selection and execution. Furthermore, in some examples the HMI  135  can be equipped with voice-interaction capabilities that emit audible instructions, information, encouragement, or other sounds to the user before, during, and after a particular workout routine. 
     A third illustrative embodiment of an exercise apparatus  210  is shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . There are some similarities in the design, construction, and submembers between the exercise apparatuses  10 ,  110  of  FIGS. 1-4  and the exercise apparatus  210  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B . There are also some differences, including that the exercise apparatus  210  does not have a motorized waist support. The exercise apparatus  210  includes a framework  212 , a leg brace  214 , and a waist support  216 . The framework  212  includes a base frame  218 , a first side frame  220 , a second side frame  222 , and several handles  238 . The base frame  218  is made up of several base members constructed to be collapsed in a general lateral direction so that the exercise apparatus  210  can be stowed during non-use. The base frame  218  includes a first longitudinal base member  237  located at the first lateral side S 1 , a second longitudinal base member  239  located at the second later side S 2 , a first lateral base member  241  located near the front end F, and a second lateral base member  243  located near the rear end R. Numerous wheels  245 , such as caster wheels, are mounted on a bottom surface of the first and second longitudinal base members  237 ,  239  for moving the exercise apparatus  210  place-to-place on the ground surface G. 
     In an uncollapsed configuration U as shown in  FIG. 5B , the first and second lateral base members  241 ,  243  extend laterally across the framework  212  between the first and second longitudinal base members  237 ,  239 . In a stowed or collapsed configuration C as shown in  FIG. 5A , the first and second lateral base members  241 ,  243  are manually folded inwardly—one at a time or simultaneously—against the first and second longitudinal base members  237 ,  239  and the first and second side frames  220 ,  222  are stacked closer toward each other. In one example, the first lateral base member  241  is hinged at its intersection with the second longitudinal base member  239 , and the second lateral base member  243  is hinged at its intersection with the first longitudinal base member  237 . The free end of the first lateral base member  241  opposite its hinged end is unconnected with the first longitudinal base member  237  and simply abuts against the first longitudinal base member in the uncollapsed configuration U. Likewise, the free end of the second lateral base member  243  opposite its hinged end is unconnected with the second longitudinal base member  239  and simply abuts against the second longitudinal base member in the uncollapsed configuration U. In other examples, the framework  212  can be designed and constructed to collapse and uncollapse in different ways; for instance, lateral base members can telescopically collapse within themselves upon release of an interengaging spring-loaded projection and hole, or the base members of the base frame can be hinged, pivoted, or jointed for folding in another way such as collapsing the exercise apparatus in a general longitudinal direction. 
     The first side frame  220  extends vertically upright from the first longitudinal base member  237 , and the second side frame  222  extends vertically upright from the second longitudinal base member  239 . Each of the first and second side frames  220 ,  222  includes first and second side members  247 ,  249  connected to the respective first and second longitudinal base member  237 ,  239 , and longitudinally spaced a distance away from each other. The handles  238  project from a front surface of the first side members  247  of the first and second side frames  220 ,  222 . 
     The leg brace  214  of  FIG. 5  includes a pair of roller assemblies  244  and an endless belt  246 . One of the roller assemblies  244  is connected to the first longitudinal base member  237  at a top surface thereof, and the other of the roller assemblies is connected to the second longitudinal base member  239  at a top surface thereof. Each of the roller assemblies  244  includes an idle roller that freely spins about an axle connected between a pair of stationary members. Furthermore, the roller assemblies  244  can be designed to spin with some frictional resistance, or need not freely spin at all in which case they merely provide support for the endless belt  246 . The endless belt  246  is loosely looped around and anchored at the roller assemblies  244 , and is moveable thereabout to accommodate the user&#39;s legs as they turn and move or remain somewhat stationary while performing exercises. 
     The waist support  216  includes several roller assemblies  254  and an endless belt  256 . Two roller assemblies  254  are located at opposite corners (upper and lower) of the first side frame  220 , and two roller assemblies are located at opposite corners (upper and lower) of the second side frame  222 . The roller assemblies  254  at the first side frame  220  are connected between the first and second side members  247 ,  249  thereof, and likewise the roller assemblies at the second side frame  222  are connected between the first and second side members thereof. Each of the roller assemblies  254  includes an idle roller that freely spins about an axle connected between the respective first and second side members  247 ,  249 . Furthermore, the roller assemblies  254  can be designed to spin with some frictional resistance, or need not freely spin at all in which case they merely provide support for the endless belt  256 . The endless belt  256  is somewhat tightly looped around and anchored at the four roller assemblies  254 , and is moveable thereabout upon manual actuation. At any movement position, the endless belt  256  has a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the first side frame  220 , a portion that traverses the lateral extent adjacent the base frame  218 , a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the second side frame  222 , and a portion that traverses laterally across the framework  212  adjacent an upper end of, and between, the first and second side frames. 
     In use, to exercise by rotation or to bring themselves to a different position and exercise a different core muscle, the user can manually turn their body about its longitudinal axis. The user can remain suspended off of the ground surface G and can use the handles  238  to physically turn their body. The endless belts  246 ,  256  facilitate the user&#39;s physical actions by accommodating and flexing with the different movements. At the end of each turn, the user is kept generally laterally centered on the endless belt  256  by the movement of the endless belt over the four roller assemblies  254 —the endless belt can be displaced simultaneously with, and by an equal distance as, the turning of the user&#39;s body. 
     A fourth illustrative embodiment of an exercise apparatus  310  is shown in  FIG. 6 . There are some similarities in the design, construction, and submembers between the exercise apparatuses  10 ,  110 ,  210  of  FIGS. 1-5B  and the exercise apparatus  310  of  FIG. 6 . There are also some differences, including that the exercise apparatus  310  does not have a motorized waist support. The exercise apparatus  310  includes a framework  312 , a leg brace  314 , and a waist support  316 . The framework  312  includes a base frame  318 , a first side frame  320 , and a second side frame  322 . The base frame  318  is made up of several base members including a first longitudinal base member  337  located at the first lateral side S 1 , a second longitudinal base member  339  located at the second lateral side S 2 , a first lateral base member  341 , a second lateral base member  343 , and a third lateral base member  345 . The first side frame  320  extends vertically upright from the first longitudinal base member  337 , and the second side frame  322  extends vertically upright from the second longitudinal base member  339 . Each of the first and second side frames  320 ,  322  includes first and second side members  347 ,  349  connected to a respective first and second longitudinal base member  337 ,  339 , and longitudinally spaced a distance away from each other. 
     The leg brace  314  of  FIG. 6  includes a rigid member  331  and numerous bearings. The rigid member  331  has an arcuate shape that extends from, and is connected between, the first and second longitudinal base members  337 ,  339 . A leg pad  351 , which can be made of foam, is wrapped around a portion of the rigid member  331  at about a lateral center position thereof, and has a lateral dimension coextensive with the expected lateral movement of the user&#39;s legs while performing exercises. The bearings can be carried by the rigid member  331  or by the leg pad  351 , and can be located at an underside thereof. The bearings can be slightly protruding from an immediately surrounding outer surface in order to make contact with the user&#39;s legs when they are placed in the leg brace  314 . During use, the bearings facilitate physical movement and turning of the user&#39;s legs. In another embodiment, the bearings need not be provided in which case the leg pad  351  makes contact with the user&#39;s legs. 
     The waist support  316  includes several roller assemblies  354  and an endless belt  356 . Two roller assemblies  354  are located at opposite corners (upper and lower) of the first side frame  320 , and two roller assemblies are located at opposite corners (upper and lower) of the second side frame  322 . The roller assemblies  354  at the first side frame  320  are connected between the first and second side members  347 ,  349  thereof, and likewise the roller assemblies at the second side frame  322  are connected between the first and second side members thereof. Each of the roller assemblies  354  includes an idle roller that freely spins about an axle connected between the respective first and second side members  347 ,  349 . Furthermore, the roller assemblies  354  can be designed to spin with some frictional resistance, or need not freely spin at all in which case they merely provide support for the endless belt  356 . The endless belt  356  is somewhat tightly looped around and anchored at the four roller assemblies  354 , and is moveable thereabout upon manual actuation. At any movement position, the endless belt  356  has a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the first side frame  320 , a portion that traverses the lateral extent adjacent the base frame  318 , a portion that traverses the vertical extent of the second side frame  322 , and a portion that traverses laterally across the framework  312  adjacent an upper end of, and between, the first and second side frames. 
     A fifth illustrative embodiment of an exercise apparatus  410  is shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . There are some similarities in the design, construction, and submembers between the exercise apparatuses  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  of  FIGS. 1-6  and the exercise apparatus  410  of  FIGS. 7-9 . The exercise apparatus  410  includes a framework  412 , a leg brace  414 , and a waist support  416 . The framework  412  includes a base frame  418 , a first side frame  420 , and a second side frame  422 . The base frame  418  is made up of several base members including a longitudinal base member  437 , a first lateral base member  441 , and a second lateral base member  443 . 
     The first side frame  420  extends vertically upright from the base frame  418  and is connected thereto. The first side frame  420  is made up of several panels including a side panel, a rear panel, and a front panel  432 . The panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. Similarly, the second side frame  422  extends vertically upright from the base frame  418  and is connected thereto. The second side frame  422  is made up of several panels including a side panel  428 , the rear panel, and the front panel  432 . Again, the panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. Furthermore, a curved top panel  433  extends longitudinally between the rear panel and the front panel  432 ; and each of the first and second side frames  420 ,  422  has an opening  427  through which a portion of an endless belt  456  of the waist support  416  traverses during use of the exercise apparatus  410 . As shown in this embodiment, the panels form a substantially enclosed and hollow structure that houses parts of the waist support  416 . The substantially enclosed structure has a generally wishbone or Y-shape with a stem portion  401 , a first prong portion  402 , and a second prong portion  403 . And though not shown, handles could be provided and could project from the front panel  432 . 
     The leg brace  414  includes a first leg brace frame  440 , a second leg brace frame  442 , and optionally includes a rigid member  431 . The first and second leg brace frames  440 ,  442  are connected to the base frame  418  and extend vertically upright therefrom; in particular, the first and second leg brace frames extend vertically upright from the second lateral base member  443 . The rigid member  431  has an elongated arcuate shape, and carries a leg pad therearound for contact with the user&#39;s legs during use of the exercise apparatus  410 . The leg pad can be made of foam or another padding material. Though not specifically shown, the leg pad in  FIG. 8  has a cross-sectional profile in the general shape of an open ring, and the leg pad in  FIG. 9  has a cross-sectional profile in the general shape of a rectangle. To keep the leg pad held to the rigid member  431 , a cover  453  is wrapped around the padding part of the leg pad and can be zipped, velcroed, or otherwise closed. In other embodiments, the cover  453  need not be openable and closeable, and instead the leg pad can simply be squeezed over the rigid member  431  for a force-fit therearound. And still in other embodiments, the rigid member need not be provided, and instead the leg pad extends between the first and second leg brace frames  440 ,  442  without the support of a skeletal member. 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the leg brace  414  also includes a longitudinal adjustment assembly to accommodate users of different height and different leg lengths. The longitudinal adjustment assembly is used to slide the leg pad in the fore, or forward, longitudinal direction for users of shorter height, and to slide the leg pad in the aft, or rearward, longitudinal direction for users of taller height. In the example of  FIG. 8 , the longitudinal adjustment assembly includes a first rail  455  and a second rail  457 . The first rail  455  is connected to the first leg brace frame  440 , and the second rail  457  is connected to the second leg brace frame  442 . The rigid member  431  has a first slide  459  carried by the first rail  455 , and has a second slide  461  carried by the second rail  457 . Each slide  459 ,  461  has a thumb screw  463  that can be loosened to permit longitudinal movement of the slide along the respective rail, and that can be tightened-down to fix the desired longitudinal position of the respective slide. In the example of  FIG. 8 , the first and second slides  459 ,  461  are in the form of a sleeve-like structure that receives the respective first and second rail  455 ,  457 . In the example of  FIG. 9 , the longitudinal adjustment assembly also includes the first rail  455  and the second rail  457  connected respectively to the first leg brace frame  440  and the second leg brace frame  442 . In this example, however, ends of the leg pad constitute the slides to provide longitudinal movement along the respective rail. A first slide  465  is provided by a portion of the leg pad received around the first rail  455 , and a second slide  467  is provided by a portion of the leg pad received around the second rail  457 . The portion of the leg pad can be a strap wrapped around the respective rail and velcroed in order to form the respective slide. 
     In the fifth illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 7-9 , the waist support  416  includes the endless belt  456  and three drive mechanisms  458 . The endless belt  456  is looped around, and supported by, the drive mechanisms  458 . At any one time, the endless belt  456  has a portion located outside of the framework  412  for receiving the user&#39;s waist section, and has a comparatively larger portion located inside of the enclosed framework. In one example, the endless belt  456  can be supplied by Mol Belting Systems Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich. United States; in other examples, other companies can supply the endless belt. The endless belt  456  can have a structure on its underside that interacts with a complementary structure provided on roller assemblies or drive mechanisms in order to facilitate the movement and guidance of the endless belt. For example, the complementary structures of the endless belt and the roller assemblies and/or drive mechanisms could provide a dovetail joint, or the complementary structures could provide a mating male and female groove joint. Furthermore, to facilitate movement and guidance of the endless belt  456 , guidance structures can be located adjacent the drive mechanisms  458 . 
     The three drive mechanisms  458  are located at ends of the wishbone shaped enclosed part of the framework  412 . In particular, a first drive mechanism  458  is located inside of the first prong portion  402  adjacent the opening  427 , a second drive mechanism  458  is located inside of the second prong portion  403  adjacent the opening  427 , and a third drive mechanism  458  is located inside of the stem portion  401 . In one example, the drive mechanisms  458  can be roller assemblies with a built-in motor such as an electric motor. In another example, one or more of the drive mechanisms  458  of  FIG. 7  is instead an idle roller assembly that is not motorized; and in yet another example, all of the drive mechanisms  458  of  FIG. 7  are idle roller assemblies and the exercise apparatus  410  is not electrically operated. 
     A sixth illustrative embodiment of an exercise apparatus  510  is shown in  FIGS. 10-14 . There are some similarities in the design, construction, and submembers between the exercise apparatuses  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410  of  FIGS. 1-9  and the exercise apparatus  510  of  FIGS. 10-14 . The exercise apparatus  510  includes a framework  512 , a leg brace  514 , and a waist support  516 . The framework  512  can have numerous designs and constructions, including that shown in  FIG. 10 . In this figure, the framework  512  includes a base frame  518 , a first side frame  520 , and a second side frame  522 . The base frame  518  is made up of several base members including longitudinal base members  537  and lateral base members  541 . The base frame  518  also includes a solid foot platform  525 . 
     The first side frame  520  extends vertically upright from the base frame  518  and is connected thereto. The first side frame  520  is made up of several panels including a side panel  519 , a rear panel  523 , and a front panel. The panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. Similarly, the second side frame  522  extends vertically upright from the base frame  518  and is connected thereto. The second side frame  522  is made up of several panels including a side panel  521 , the rear panel  523 , and the front panel. Again, the panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. Furthermore, a curved top panel  533  extends longitudinally between the rear panel  523  and the front panel. As shown in this embodiment, the panels form a substantially closed and hollow structure that has a generally wishbone or Y-shape with a stem portion  501 , a first prong portion  502 , and a second prong portion  503 . Handles could be provided and could project from the front panel. 
     In this embodiment, the leg brace  514  is motorized to turn the user&#39;s body to different rotational positions so that the user can exercise their core muscles. The user&#39;s body turns similarly as in previous embodiments with the motorized waist support. The motorized leg brace  514  can have numerous designs and constructions, including that shown in  FIGS. 10-14 . In these figures, the leg brace  514  includes a leg brace frame  562 , a driver, and a leg holder  566 . In general, the leg brace frame  562  houses and supports other components of the leg brace  514 . Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the leg brace frame  562  is connected to the base frame  518 , and extends vertically upright from the foot platform  525 . Several panels that are connected to one another make up the leg brace frame  562 , including a front panel, a rear panel  568 , a first side panel  570 , and a second side panel  572 . Together, the panels enclose the driver. The panels can be composed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum, and can be connected to one another via welding, fastening, or another way. The leg brace frame  562  could also include one or more frame members connected to one another and optionally connected to the panels, via welding, fastening, or another way. 
     The driver transmits rotational motion to the leg holder  566  upon actuation of the driver. The driver can have numerous designs and constructions including that shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . In these figures, the driver is enclosed mostly inside of the leg brace frame  562  so that its moving parts are not exposed to the user of the exercise apparatus  510 . The driver is connected to the leg holder  566  so that it causes rotary movement thereof. In this embodiment, the driver is a drive mechanism  564 , and includes a support frame  574 , a motor  576 , a clutch  578 , a gear box  580 , and a pair of trunnion blocks  582 . The support frame  574  can be connected to the base frame  518 , can be connected to the leg brace frame  562 , or can be connected to both. The support frame  574  includes several frame members  584 , and includes several mount plates  586  for securing the other components of the driver. The motor  576  can be an electric motor with an armature, commutator, and a spinning shaft  588 . The shaft  588  can be directly connected to the clutch  578  or to the gear box  580 , depending on the arrangement of the components as described below. 
     The clutch  578  selectively transmits motion between its input and output—and thus between a component connected to the input and another component connected to the output—upon engagement and disengagement of the clutch. The clutch  578  can have numerous designs and constructions, including that shown in  FIG. 12 . In  FIG. 12 , the clutch  578  is located and interconnected between the motor  576  and the gear box  580  with the clutch&#39;s input operatively associated with the motor and the clutch&#39;s output operatively associated with the gear box; in other embodiments, the clutch can be located and interconnected between the gear box and the leg holder  566  with the clutch&#39;s input operatively associated with the gear box and the clutch&#39;s output operatively associated with the leg holder. In these locations, and in general, the clutch&#39;s input rotates and axially slides toward the output for engagement therewith and co-rotation therebetween; the component operatively associated with the output then itself is caused to rotate. In the particular embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the clutch  578  includes a slider  590 , a first rotator  592 , and a second rotator  594 . The slider  590  brings the first and second rotators  592 ,  594  axially together and axially apart upon engagement and disengagement. The first rotator  592  rotates with the shaft  588  of the motor  576 , and has a set of teeth for interlocking with a structurally complementary set of teeth of the second rotator  594 . And, the second rotator  594  rotates with an input shaft  596  of the gear box  580 . During use, when engaged and interlocked, the clutch  578  causes the shaft  588  of the motor  576  and the input shaft  496  of the gear box  580  to spin together. Conversely, when disengaged and not interlocked, the shaft  588  of the motor  576  and the input shaft  496  of the gear box  580  spin freely with respect to each other. In another embodiment, for example, the clutch  578  could include friction discs that engage each other instead of the interlocking teeth. 
     The gear box  580  provides speed and torque conversions between the input shaft  596  and an output shaft  598  that are suitable for transferring rotational movement to the user. The gear box  580  can have numerous designs and constructions, including that shown in  FIG. 12  and described here. A gear assembly, or gear train, with numerous individual gears is enclosed within a housing  600 . One gear can be connected to the input shaft  596  and rotates therewith, and another gear can be connected to the output shaft  598  and rotates therewith. The input gear can engage one or more other individual gears which can in turn engage the output gear in order to, for example, decrease the speed and increase the torque from that at the input shaft  596  to that at the output shaft  598 , and therefore decrease the speed and increase the torque from the motor  576  and to the leg holder  566 . 
     The trunnion blocks  582  can support and facilitate rotation of the output shaft  598  of the gear box  580 , or can support and facilitate rotation of a shaft  601  of the leg holder  566 . Still referring to  FIG. 12 , the trunnion blocks  582  could each have a bore  602 , and a bushing could be fit within each of the bores. A sleeve  604  can be provided to facilitate interconnection between the shafts of the gear box  580  and the leg holder  566 . 
     The leg holder  566  is used to clench the user&#39;s legs for turning the user&#39;s body during use of the exercise apparatus  510 . The leg holder  566  can have numerous designs and constructions, including that shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . As shown in these figures, the leg holder  566  is located outside of the leg brace frame  562  and is spaced a distance from the front panel of the leg brace frame  562  in order to accommodate the user&#39;s feet positioned between the front panel and the leg holder  566 . The shaft  601  of the leg holder  566  can be connected to the output shaft  598  of the gear box  580  for co-rotation therewith, or can otherwise be operatively associated with the output shaft of the gear box for co-rotation therewith. In this embodiment, the leg holder  566  includes a first clasp  606  and a second clasp  608 . The first clasp  606  has a generally disc-shape, and defines a first recess  610  for receiving one leg and a second recess  612  for receiving the other leg of the user. A pad  614  can be fitted around the periphery of each of the first and second recesses  610 ,  612  for comfortably gripping the user&#39;s legs. The second clasp  608  has a generally S-shape, and defines a first recess  616  for receiving the one leg and a second recess  618  for receiving the other leg. Similar to the first clasp  606 , a pad  620  can be fitted around the periphery of each of the first and second recesses  616 ,  618  for comfortably gripping the user&#39;s legs. In  FIG. 13 , the leg holder  566  is shown in an open position to receive and release the user&#39;s legs, and in  FIG. 14 , the leg holder is shown in a closed position to secure the user&#39;s legs during rotation and turning thereof. To go from the open to closed position, the second clasp  608  rotates clockwise in  FIG. 13  to the angular position shown in  FIG. 14  while the first clasp  606  remains stationary. The second clasp  608  can then be locked in this position relative to the first clasp  606 , and rotation of the first and second clasps can be fixed relative to each other for co-rotation with each other during use of the exercise apparatus  510 . The closing and opening actions can be automated, as described below. 
     Though not shown, the waist support  516  can include an endless belt and idle rollers for supporting the endless belt, as described in earlier embodiments. In another embodiment, the waist support can simply include padding located on the curved top panel  533 . 
     As described in earlier embodiments, the exercise apparatus  510  can be designed for automated and programmed operation and functionality. For example, the driver can be electrically coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) that sends command signals to the driver for directing operation thereof, including turning the motor  576  on and off, and engaging and disengaging the clutch  578 . The ECU can include a programmable and readable medium for storing and executing different workout routines. The command signals sent by the ECU are based in part upon input at a human-machine-interface (HMI). The HMI could, for example, allow the user to select the different workout routines, turn automated operation on and off, turn manual operation on and off, and stop operation of the exercise apparatus in the midst of a workout routine. Furthermore, in different examples the HMI could be equipped with voice-interaction capabilities and could be a hand-held remote with blue-tooth capabilities. Different sensors could be provided and could electrically communicate with the ECU. For example, a rotary encoder could be operatively associated with the leg holder  566  to sense and communicate the angular position of the leg holder during and after operation. Also, a sensor could be operatively associated with the waist support  516  to sense and monitor when a user&#39;s weight bears against the waist support. 
     As described and shown, numerous embodiments of an exercise apparatus are possible. Each of the embodiments has its own design, construction, and submembers. It should be appreciated that different designs, constructions, and submembers of the embodiments can be incorporated into and combined with one another; for example, the leg brace  314  of  FIG. 6  could be incorporated into the exercise apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , and the motorized leg brace  514  of  FIG. 11  could be incorporated into the exercise apparatus  110  of  FIG. 3  whereby both of the waist support and leg brace provide motor-assisted movement to the user. The different designs, constructions, and submembers are not necessarily exclusive and limited to the embodiment in which they were presented in the figures and in this description. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims. 
     As used in this specification and appended claims, the terms “for example,” “for instance,” and “such as,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Terms of degree such as “about,” “generally,” and “approximately” include not only the specified dimension or other number, but also variations that do not have a substantial impact on the characteristics or application of that to which the number relates. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.