US20100105533A1

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Publication number: US20100105533A1
Application number: US12/653,855
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell J. Nohejl
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2009-12-17
Publication date: 2010-04-29

Abstract

An abdominal training apparatus designed to be used by a seated exerciser for concentrated training of the abdominal muscles in performing crunch exercises, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion pivotably suspended from a base, the upper portion and lower portion being linked together causing them to rotate in opposing directions toward, and in a fixed angular proportion to, one another. The apparatus includes weight addition means on the upper and lower portions to respectively increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercises, so as to accommodate both advanced and beginning exercisers as well as those with injured or weak abdominal muscles. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted seat portion having a plurality of angular positions enabling the apparatus to be used by an exerciser to target both the oblique and the frontal abdominal muscles.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for exercising and strengthening the abdominal muscles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that enables a wide range of exercisers to perform isolated training of both the frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without straining the lower back.

There are many exercise devices intended to train specific parts of the body. Training of the abdominal muscles can be particularly challenging because of the desire to concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles and at the same time minimize the stress and risk of injury to the lower back. Traditional sit-ups on a flat surface or on an inclined bench are far from optimal for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Beginning the exercise in a flat position puts stress on the spine and the neck and may be very difficult for a person with weak abdominal muscles. Additionally, the traditional sit-up motion engages the hip flexor muscles more than the abdominal muscles. Crunches are better than sit-ups insofar as isolating the abdominals. However, because the movement in performing a crunch is from a position with the back flat on the floor to a crunch position where just the head and shoulders are raised from the floor, the range of motion to which the abdominals are subjected is limited.

Various resistance-type exercise devices for exercising abdominal muscles have been developed over the years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,154 [Forcillo] discloses a pivotable abdominal bench that provides lessened or increased resistance while exercising. Although this apparatus provides the capability to both aid an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles in doing a sit-up and increase the resistance for a more advanced exerciser, it suffers from the basic configuration deficiency of starting the exercise in a flat prone position. Therefore, this device does not minimize lower back stress nor does it concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles as opposed to the hip flexors.

Another type of device is known as a seated abdominal exercise machine. Generally, this type of machine places an exerciser in a seated position raised off the ground in a framework and includes an upper torso engaging structure that allows the exerciser to bend forwardly into a simulated crunch position against a variable resistance. The present invention is such a device.

Although various attempts have been made to perfect these machines, there remain several disadvantages to many of the designs. Some of these machines emphasize motions that work the hip flexors more than the abdominal region. Other machines concentrate on moving about a particular axis or axes without fully supporting the head, shoulders, and lower back. Still other versions are limited by other factors such as a limited range of movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,926 [Ellis] discloses a seated exercise machine permitting the exerciser to do crunches against weight resistance from a seated position. However, this device does not provide positive assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles and does not support the exerciser's back throughout the exercise. Additionally, this device has the exerciser seated in a position where the feet are placed on the floor, which may result in an awkward exercise position for exercisers of various heights.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,372 [Steffee, et al.] discloses a seated exercise machine wherein the exerciser works against a weight stack. However, the exerciser's back and head are not supported throughout the range of the exercise motion and there is no assistance provided for exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,748 [Scotti] discloses a seated exercise machine whereby the exerciser pulls down on handles from above which cause his feet, which are resting on a platform, to be simultaneously raised from below in a crunching motion. However, this device provides no back or head support for the exerciser, provides neither weight resistance nor assistance to an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles, and has no means for the exerciser to use his legs to assist in actuating the crunching motion.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus for doing crunches that provides continuous support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser. It is another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that does not impose undue stress on the exerciser's spine. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that concentrates the work on the abdominal muscles of the exerciser.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that provides assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles as well as weight resistance to exercisers with stronger abdominal muscles. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise machine that enables an exerciser to strengthen both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles by a simple adjustment of the apparatus.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an abdominal exercise apparatus to be used by an exerciser in a seated position. The apparatus of the present invention is symmetrical left to right and comprises a base from which an upper and a lower portion are pivotably suspended. The upper and lower portions are linked together, causing them to rotate in opposed directions with respect to the base. As an exerciser pulls down on handles extending from the top of the upper portion, drawing the upper portion pivotably forward and downward, the exerciser also pulls up on leg retaining means extending from the bottom of the lower portion, drawing the lower portion pivotably forward and upward, through the use of the linking bar causing the upper and lower portions to rotate about their respective pivot points on the side supports of the apparatus, resulting in a sit-up or crunch motion. The upper portion and lower portion rotate in a fixed proportion to, and in opposite directions from, one another, to a final relative position that creates a substantial parallelity between the upper and lower portion of the exercise apparatus. Additionally, because the head is supported and the legs and feet are secured, the apparatus concentrates the intensity of the crunch workout on the abdominal muscles.

The apparatus of the present invention protects against strain to the spine and lower back by providing support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser, the upper portion of the apparatus comprising head and shoulder pads and the lower portion of the apparatus comprising lumbar and seat pads. As the exerciser draws the apparatus into the crunch position, his back and head continue to be supported throughout the entire range of motion.

The abdominal exercise apparatus of the present invention additionally includes means to add weights to the upper and lower portions in order to both increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercise. An advanced exerciser can benefit by increasing the weight on the upper portion, thereby making the exercise more difficult and enhancing the workout of the abdominal muscles. A beginning exerciser, or one who is rehabilitating from injury or has weak abdominal muscles, can benefit by increasing the weight on the lower portion, thereby making the exercise easier and enabling an exerciser to train using the crunch motion even if he or she is not capable of achieving that motion unassisted. Further, the apparatus of the present invention enables an exerciser to target both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles.

In addition, the seat portion of the apparatus has the capability of pivoting to the left and right to a preselected angular fixed rotation. The seat portion is secured or locked into position in one of a straight-ahead position, a leftwardly angled position, or a similarly rightward angled position, for the exercise routine without the exerciser rising from the apparatus. The seat portion will not move once it is locked into position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its at rest state.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention, shown in a partially articulated state, with the upper (back) and lower (seat) portions of the exercise device rotating towards the other by means of fixed pivot points linked together by a rigid linking bar causing the lower (seat) portion to move its rear section downward about its pivot point as the upper (back) portion moves its upper section forward about its pivot point.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention, shown in its fully articulated state, with the upper (back) and lower (seat) portions of the exercise device rotated towards the other about their respective pivot points with the assistance of the rigid linking bar such that the two portions are in substantial parallelity

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its straight-ahead position, taken along Line4-4 ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its rightwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person seated on the machine) as depicted inFIG. 4 as taken along Line4-4 ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its leftwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person seated on the machine) as depicted inFIG. 4 as taken along Line4-4 ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its at rest state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown inFIG. 1 the abdominal training andexercise apparatus10 in its rest state, comprising abase12, alower portion14, anupper portion16, and aseat portion18. The base12 pivotably supports both theupper portion16 and thelower portion14 via theupper journal34 and thelower journal30, respectively. Arigid linking bar74 coordinates the rotational motion of theupper portion16 and thelower portion14 with respect to each other. The relative motion of theupper portion16 and thelower portion14, controlled by a five-bar linkage, is the key feature of theapparatus10, providing unique exercise benefits and greatly enhancing the range of exercisers who may use theapparatus10.

Theapparatus10 is symmetrical from left to right, as illustrated inFIG. 5. Thebase12 is fabricated from identical left andright side assemblies21 interconnected by thebottom cross rail26 as well as through theupper portion16 and thelower portion14 by way of their

respective journals

34,30. Thebottom cross rail26 is fastened to eachbottom rail20 bybolts27. Each substantially triangularly shapedside assembly21 comprises abottom rail20, afront rail22 affixed to the front portion of thebottom rail20 and extending upwardly therefrom, and arear rail24 affixed to the rear portion of thebottom rail20 and extending upwardly therefrom, therear rail24 being curved frontwardly at its uppermost portion to join with thefront rail22 near the top thereof. Eachside assembly21 further includes twofeet28, one extending frontwardly and downwardly from the front end of thebottom rail20, the other extending rearwardly and downwardly from the rear end of thebottom rail20. Eachside assembly21 is a rigid welded unit that, as part of thebase12, is capable of supporting the weight of theapparatus10, an exerciser seated thereon, and any

weight plates

58,90 that may be added to theapparatus10 during its use. Stop supports64 and stoppads62 mounted on the upper, near-horizontal portion of eachrear rail24 shoulder most of the weight of theupper portion16 when theapparatus10 is not in use.

Theupper portion16 supports the back of an exerciser, provides a means for the exerciser to grip the apparatus with his hands for the purpose of articulating theapparatus10 while exercising, and provides a means for adding weight to increase the difficulty of the exercise. Theupper portion16 comprises a centeredvertical back rail40, left and right back cross rails48 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid portion thereof, an upperweight support rail52 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and ahandle support42 mounted on the upper rear portion ofback rail40.

Left and right upper side rails50 are attached rigidly to the outward facing ends of the back cross rails48, extending frontwardly therefrom. Eachupper side rail50 includes astop pin60 protruding outwardly to each side from the rearward portion thereof to come to rest against thestop pads62 of the stop supports64. At the uppermost portion of eachfront rail22, anupper pivot pin70 protrudes inwardly from the side portion thereof to connect with theupper side rail50 of the upper (back)portion16 of theexercise apparatus10. Also, anupper link pin72 protrudes inwardly from near the front end of theupper side rail50 connecting to the linkingbar74. The upper lever distance A between theupper pivot pin70 and theupper link pin72 is a critical measure for the proper operation of theapparatus10.

Theupper portion16 is suspended from the base12 by the upper pivot pins70, which are pivotably supported in theupper journals34. Theupper journals34 are secured in thefront rail22 of the base12 by pairs ofupper journal bolts36 in each of therails22. When theapparatus10 is not in use, or between workout sets, theupper portion16 pivots, under the force of gravity, until the stop pins60 come to rest on top of thestop pads62.

A weightsupport base plate54 extends rearwardly from the bottom end of theback rail40 joining with the upperweight support rail52 to form a rigid triangular structure for supporting any number ofupper weight plates58 which an exerciser may choose to add to increase the workout load of theapparatus10. Anupper weight peg56 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion of the upperweight support rail52 and is sized to acceptstandard weight plates58 such as those used in a gym or fitness center. Weights added to theupper weight peg56 increase the resistance of theapparatus10 during the workout.More weights58 will raise the level of force required to articulate theapparatus10 into a fully crunched position.

Ahead pad66 is attached to the upper portion, and aback pad68 to the lower portion, of the front side of theback rail40 in order to provide continuing support for the back and head of the user. A pair ofhandles44 extends upwardly, frontwardly, and outwardly from thehandle support42 affixed to the upper rear of theback rail40, and includehandgrips46 on the ends of each handle44 for an exerciser to grasp while exercising on theapparatus10. By pulling thehandles44 downward, the exerciser forces theupper portion16 to rotate about the upper pivot pins70, thereby raising theupper weight plates58 as the exerciser bends forward into a sit-up or crunch position. Theback rail40, combined with thehead pad66 and theback pad68, provides support throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise and minimizes the stress on an exerciser's back in completing crunches.

Thelower portion14 supports the seat and lower back of an exerciser and provides a means for adding weight to decrease the difficulty of the exercise. Thelower portion14 comprises a centered verticallumbar rail78, left and right lumbar cross rails82 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid portion thereof, a lowerweight support rail86 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and aseat rail92 extending frontwardly from the bottom end thereof. Alumbar pad84 is attached to the front side of thelumbar rail78.

Left and right lower side rails94 are rigidly attached to the outward facing ends of the lumbar cross rails82, extending frontwardly therefrom. Eachlower side rail94 includes alower pivot pin96 protruding outwardly from approximately the mid-point thereof and alower link pin76 protruding outwardly from the rear end thereof. The lower lever distance B between thelower pivot pin96 and thelower link pin76 is another critical measure for the proper operation of theapparatus10.

Thelower portion14 is suspended from the base12 by the lower pivot pins96, which are pivotably supported in thelower journals30. Thelower journals30 are secured to thefront rail22 of the base12 by pairs oflower journal bolts32 in each of therails22. Astop pad80, backed by astop pad support81, is fastened to the top end of thelumbar rail78. When theapparatus10 is not in use, or between workout sets, thelower portion14 pivots, under the force of gravity, until thestop pad80 comes to rest against the bottom side of the weightsupport base plate54 of theupper portion16, directly beneath the bottom end of theback rail40.

The lowerweight support rail86 is strong enough to support any number oflower weight plates90 which an exerciser may chose to add to decrease the workout load of theapparatus10. Alower weight peg88 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion of the lowerweight support rail86 and is sized to acceptstandard weight plates90 such as those used in a gym or fitness center. Weights added to thelower weight peg88 decrease the resistance of theapparatus10 during the workout, a feature that may be particularly helpful to beginners or exercisers with weak abdominal muscles.More weights90 will reduce the level of force required to articulate theapparatus10 into a fully crunched position, acting to assist a beginning exerciser. Additionally, the interplay between theupper weights58 and thelower weights90 may allow an advanced exerciser to fine-tune the loading of theapparatus10 during a workout. Thelower weights90 counteract proportionally greaterupper weights58, in a ratio of B/A, i.e., the ratio of the distance of the lower lever, measured between thelower pivot pin96 and thelower link pin76, to that of the upper lever, measured between theupper pivot pin70 and theupper link pin72.

Therigid linking bar74, adapted in this version of the exercise apparatus to be positioned on the right of the apparatus10 (as shown inFIG. 5), interconnects theupper link pin72 with thelower link pin76 and coordinates the related rotational motion of theupper portion16 with thelower portion14. The linkingbar74 completes the five bar linkage that creates the unique benefits of theapparatus10. The length of the linkingbar74 is fixed so that theback rail40 and thelumbar rail78 are symmetrically aligned when theapparatus10 is at rest. When thehandles44 are pulled by a seated exerciser to rotate theupper portion16 forward and upward about the upper pivot pins70, theupper link pin72 inside bar50 pushes downward on the linkingbar74 which, in turn, pushes downward on thelower link pin76 inside bar94, causing the rear of thelower portion14 to rotate downward and forward about the lower pivot pins96. It should be noted that the linkingbar74 may also be positioned on the left side of the apparatus10 (as shown inFIGS. 1-3) or may be included as a pair of linking bars on both sides of the apparatus.

The relative amount of rotational motion of theupper portion16 and thelower portion14 is fixed by the ratio of the lower lever distance B to the upper lever distance A. For example, if the ratio of B/A equals three, then a 30 degree rotation of theupper portion16 will cause (approximately) a corresponding 10 degree rotation of thelower portion14, so that the total amount of crunch experienced by an exerciser using theapparatus10 will be about 40 degrees. The opposed directions of rotation of theupper portion16 and thelower portion14 explains the reverse effect of thelower weights90 as opposed to theupper weights58. When an exerciser pulls on thehandles44, he is working against theupper weights58, raising them as his torso rotates forward. However, simultaneously, thelower weights90 are pulling downward on the linkingbar74, working in the same rotational direction as the exerciser's hands and helping to rotate his legs upward and inward. Because of the relative distances of the lower lever B and upper lever A, the net effect of a thelower weight plates90 is reduced proportionally when compared with that of theupper weight plates58.

Referring toFIGS. 4-4B, theseat portion18 is pivotably supported above theseat rail92 via theseat journal108 mounted towards the front portion of theseat rail92. Theseat portion18 comprises aswivel rail100, aleg extension rail102 extending downwardly from the front end thereof, and aseat pad98 affixed on top thereof. Aseat pivot pin110 extends downwardly from the mid portion of theswivel rail100 and is received by theseat journal108 in theseat rail92, enabling theseat portion18 to rotate leftwardly and rightwardly. Theseat portion18 can be secured or locked into a desired position by aseat swivel positioner112 and cooperatingseat swivel pin114 in one of three angular positions with respect to theseat rail92, including straight-ahead (parallel to the seat rail92) and approximately 15 degrees to either the right or left of center. Theseat portion18 does not move once it is locked into one of the three angular positions by theseat swivel pin114. Thereby, an exerciser may exercise the frontal abdominal muscles with theseat portion18 in the straight-ahead position as well as the oblique abdominal muscles with the seat in either or both of the left and right positions.

Theseat swivel positioner112 is attached to the front end of theseat rail92 and has three seat positioning holes118 corresponding to the three possible positions of theseat portion18, to secure theseat portion18 in each of those positions. A spring loadedseat swivel pin114 with an associated seat-positioning lever116 is attached to the underside of theswivel rail100. Each of the seat positioning holes118 is adapted for receiving theseat swivel pin114 when the seat-positioning lever116 is released. To rotate theseat portion18 from one position to another, theseat positioning lever116 is actuated to pull theseat swivel pin114 out from one of the seat positioning holes118, theseat portion18 is rotated to the desired position, and theseat positioning lever116 is released to allow theseat swivel pin114 to be received into another of the seat positioning holes118 and thereby locking theseat portion18 into the desired position.

Aleg extension rail102 extends downwardly and frontwardly from the front of theswivel rail100. Theleg extension rail102 supports anankle bar104 at the bottom end thereof, theankle bar104 extending symmetrically leftwardly and rightwardly therefrom, each side of theankle bar104 being covered with anankle pad106. When exercising in theapparatus10, a seated exerciser hooks his ankles behind theankle pads106 so that his legs may be used to assist in the crunching motion of theapparatus10.

Exercising the front abdominal muscles using theapparatus10 is a simple procedure. First, the exerciser places the desired

weight plates

58,90 onto their respective weight pegs56,88. For a more difficult exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount of theupper weight plates58 or, for assistance in the exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount of thelower weight plates90. Second, the exerciser sits on theseat pad98 with his lower back resting against thelumbar pad84, his shoulders resting against theback pad68, and his head resting against thehead pad66. Theseat portion18 is preferably in the straight-ahead position. Once seated, the exerciser hooks his ankles behind theankle pads106 and reaches up to grasp thehandgrips46 on thehandles44. Third, the exerciser simultaneously pulls downward with his hands and upward with his knees, resulting in thelower portion14 andupper portion16 rotating in opposing directions, towards each other. This movement caused by the exerciser results in theupper portion16 rotating forward and downward and thelower portion14 rotating upward and rearward, with theback rail40 of theupper portion16 and theseat98 of thelower portion14 rotating towards each other so as to assume substantial parallelity, resulting in a crunch. Fourth, the exerciser resists the motion of theapparatus10 as it returns to its rest state, theupper portion16 rotating upward and rearward and thelower portion14 rotating downward and frontward until the bottom end of theback rail40 and the upperweight support rail52 contact thelumbar pad84 positioned atop thelumbar rail78. When this is achieved, theexercise apparatus10 is in its at rest position.

To exercise the oblique abdominal muscles, the seated exerciser need only pivotably reposition theseat portion18 to the left or to the right by actuating theseat positioning lever116, rotating theseat portion18 to the desired position, and releasing theseat positing lever116 to secure and lock theseat portion18 in the desired position. Crunches may then be accomplished in exactly the same manner as for the front abdominal muscle exercises. The forward rotating action of theupper portion16, combined with that of the cooperating rearward rotating action oflower portion14, and an independently positionable swivelingseat portion18, all provide the exerciser with a focused and safe abdominal workout while continually supporting the head and back of the exerciser.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch motion comprising:

a base;

an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back rail having a back support, a head support, and at least one handle adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person;

a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a lumbar rail having a seat and a lumbar support; and,

a linking bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base so that said upper portion and said lower portion approach substantial parallelity with each other, with the relative angular displacement of said upper portion and said lower portion being a fixed ratio determined by the distances between the respective pivot points of said upper portion and said lower portion to the base and linking bar attachment points thereto.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said upper portion includes left and right side rails joined to the back rail and by a pair of rotatable upper joints joined to said base, said lower portion includes left and right side rails joined to the lumbar rail and by a pair of rotatable lower joints to said base, and said linking bar connecting said upper portion to said lower portion from the respective side rails providing an off center pivoting allowing said upper portion and said lower portion to move in opposing rotational directions to achieve substantial parallelity between the seat of the lower portion and the back and head supports of the upper portion.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said lower portion additionally includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the intended crunch motion.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said lower portion further includes a means for receiving weights for decreasing the workout resistance of said apparatus so as to assist a person with weak abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said upper portion further includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein said leg retaining means is rigidly interconnected to said seat and said seat is pivotably positionable on said lower portion, allowing said seat and said leg retaining means to be angularly positioned with respect to said apparatus, said lower portion additionally including a means to secure and lock into desired position said seat and said leg retaining means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.

7. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch motion comprising:

a base;

a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a lumbar rail having a seat and a lumbar support;

said upper portion includes left and right side rails joined to the back rail and by a pair of rotatable upper joints joined to said base, said lower portion includes left and right side rails joined to the lumbar rail and by a pair of rotatable lower joints to said base; and,

a linking bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base so that said upper portion and said lower portion approach substantial parallelity between the seat of the lower portion and the back and head supports of the upper portion, with the relative angular displacement of said upper portion and said lower portion being a fixed ratio determined by the distances between the respective rotatable joints of said upper portion and said lower portion to the base and linking bar attachment points thereto.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said lower portion additionally includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the intended crunch motion.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said lower portion further includes a means for receiving weights for decreasing the workout resistance of said apparatus so as to assist a person with weak abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said upper portion further includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said seat and said leg retaining means are interconnected to form a seat portion that is pivotably positionable on said lower portion and said lower portion further includes a seat portion securing means, said seat portion being angularly positioned and secured by said seat portion securing means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position with respect to said apparatus, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.