Patent ID: 7278960

Claim:
An exercise device comprising: a) an elongated, substantially narrow member having a body-contacting surface that is curved lengthwise corresponding generally to the curvature of the anterior part of the abdomen; b) a protuberance in the middle of said body-contacting surface, said protuberance forming a ridge having angled sides such that said protuberance is shaped to generally correspond to the vertically oriented depression at the midline of the rectus abdominis muscle; c) means for gripping said member for the purpose of applying pressure, said means projecting at least two inches above said member, such that when said member is placed horizontally against the abdomen with said protuberance positioned against said vertically oriented depression, said pressure applied to said member will be transmitted to underlying muscle tissue, said protuberance further concentrating pressure into the central portion of the rectus abdominis muscle, said pressure resisting the contraction of said underlying muscle tissue so that it is exercised to a greater degree than adjacent uncovered muscle tissue, thus allowing a user to develop precise portions of their rectus abdominis muscle.