WO2015054737A1

WO2015054737A1 - Exercise apparatus including external resistance control

Info

Publication number: WO2015054737A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000989
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Varga
Original assignee: Craig Phillips Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-18
Filing date: 2014-10-20
Publication date: 2015-04-23

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a resistance based exercise apparatus including a means of externally controlling the level of resistance, and which enables the selective fitting (and retrofitting) of different resistance mechanisms. Further, the apparatus enables a user supported above a carriage to partake in resistance based exercises including, for example, Pilates.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS INCLUDING EXTERNAL RESISTANCE CONTROL

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a resistance based exercise apparatus including a means of externally controlling the level of resistance, and which enables the selective fitting (and retrofitting) of different resistance mechanisms. The apparatus enables a user supported above a carriage to partake in resistance based exercises including, for example, Piiates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Resistance based exercise apparatus or machines incorporating a sliding carriage for supporting a user during back and forth resistance exercises are well known and are not only used for general exercise, but also for rehabilitation purposes. Such apparatus may be configured to enable a user to perform clinical Piiates exercises, for example. Machines used for this purpose are known as clinical Piiates "reformers". Conventional clinical Piiates reformers known to the Appiicant require users to adjust mechanisms, including springs, manually in order to vary the amount of resistance.

[0003] For example, some reformers accommodate one or more springs extending between a fixed frame section of the machine to a moveable carriage section, the springs typically disposed inwardly of laterally spaced dual rails upon which the carriage is supported. The springs are typically hooked at each of its ends to each of the frame and carriage sections, and may be replaced by manually unhooking the springs and replacing them with one or more springs of different tension. Springs of different tension can be chosen according to the level of resistance required of the machine. Therefore, resistance based exercise apparatus known to the Applicant employ what are commonly known as "fixed spring" arrangements.

[0004] The manual replacement of individual springs to vary resistance is laborious and not user-friendly. It can also at times be dangerous for those who are inexperienced in the removal and replacement of such springs. There is a need in the industry for an improved exercise apparatus which allows for carriage resistance to be externally controlled without the need to manually remove and replace springs.

[0005] A further problem associated with known dual rail reformers of the type described above is that they are not configured to allow for other types of resistance mechanisms to be selectively fitted at the time of manufacture, or retrofitted thereafter. The clinicai Piiates industry is currently shifting towards using electromagnetic load systems to vary resistance, using for example a static electric motor, rather than conventional springs. A reason for this shift is the growing need to be able to record usage data, and the use of electronic means to resist movement allows for eiectronic data recordal. For patients undergoing rehabilitation, this is particularly helpful because the results of each rehabilitation session is recorded, and such data is available for further analysis well after the session. Insofar as the Applicant is aware, such electromagnetic resistance systems cannot be easily fitted or retrofitted to existing dual rail reformers owing to their current design and configuration.

[0006] Known resistance exercise apparatus of this type also have a number of problems associated with general adjustment of components. For example, known reformers typically offer limited adjustability in relation to the position of components such as the handle/foot bar used to support the hands and feet of the user, in addition, known reformers are typically complex and involve a large number of components, mainly in view of the need to support a moving carriage over dual rails.

[0007] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like, which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention, it should not be taken as an admission that any or ail of the previous discussion forms part of the prior art base or was common general knowledge in the field of the invention as it existed before the priority date of any of the claims herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus characterized by a frame for supporting at least one rail in an elevated state, the rail including a longitudinal axis, a carriage supported above said at least one rail and moveable along said longitudinal axis between a forward and a rearward position, said carriage including a suspended engagement portion configured to slideably engage the at least one rail and thereby enable said longitudinal movement of the carriage, a resistance mechanism including a longitudinally moveable sub-frame associated with one end of said frame, and at least one biasing means including a first end associated with said carriage and a second end associated with said sub-frame, wherein when said sub-frame is locked in a Iongitudinai position relative to the frame, the biasing means provides resistance against movement of the earriage in a longitudinal direction away from the sub-frame, and wherein said sub-frame is iockabie at varying longitudinal positions relative to the frame to thereby provide the carriage with varying levels of resistance.

[0009] Accordingly, the apparatus of the present invention provides a resistance based exercise/rehabilitation apparatus wherein the ievei of resistance can be externally varied without the need to remove or replace springs,

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus including a frame for supporting an elevated monorail, the monorail including a longitudinal axis, a moveable carriage supported above said monorail, said carriage including a suspended engagement portion configured to sSideably engage the monorail and thereby enable longitudinal movement of the carriage, and wherein said monorail and carriage are configured to accommodate the mounting and use of alternate resistance mechanisms.

[0011] in an embodiment, the resistance mechanism includes a longitudinally moveable sub-frame associated with one end of said frame, and at least one biasing means including a first end associated with an underside of said carriage and a second end associated with said sub-frame, wherein when said sub-frame is locked in a longitudinal position relative to the frame, the biasing means provides resistance against movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction away from the sub-frame.

[0012] In an embodiment, the resistance mechanism is a computerized electromagnetic load programmable to interface with designated patient exercises and records. The skilled addressee would realize that an exercise apparatus incorporating a monorail structure configured to accommodate various different resistance mechanisms provides an advantage over conventional dual rail apparatus in that it allows flexibility to manufacturers to select which resistance mechanism to fit to the apparatus. In addition, the fitted resistance mechanism is easily replaceable with an alternate resistance mechanism during the life of the apparatus. For example, the monorail structure may accommodate a mechanical spring resistance mechanism, but is also configured to accommodate an electromagnetic load which is capable of providing resistance without the need for mechanical springs or the like [0013] In an embodiment, the sub-frame is longitudinally moveable with respect to the frame by pushing or pulling a rod associated with the sub-frame, the rod extending longitudinally from the apparatus to enable a user to effect such movement from a front or rear of the apparatus.

[0014] In an embodiment, the rod includes a handle at or near a longitudinal end thereof which facilitates pushing and pulling of the rod.

[0015] In an embodiment, the sub-frame and associated rod and handle are biased in a longitudinal direction, wherein an abutment surface is present at one end of the frame to provide a means of preventing longitudinal movement of the rod.

[0016] in an embodiment, the rod is rotatable with respect to the sub-frame and includes spaced lugs along its length such that when the rod is rotated to a position in which the lugs co-align with a corresponding slit in the abutment surface, the rod and hence the sub-frame is capable of moving in a longitudinal direction opposed to the direction in which the rod and sub-frame are biased.

[0017] In an embodiment, when the rod is rotated towards a second position, the lugs and slit are misaligned and thereby prevent longitudinal movement in the biased direction beyond the next available lug.

[0018] In an embodiment, the frame abutment surface includes a groove for accommodating the next available lug when the rod is in said second position.

[0019] in an embodiment, when the handle or a lug that is nearest the handle abuts against said abutment surface, the carriage experiences least resistance when moved in a direction away from the sub-frame.

[0020] In an embodiment, when a lug that is farthest from the handle abuts against said abutment surface, the carriage experiences greatest resistance when moved in a direction away from the sub-frame.

[0021] In an embodiment, said sub-frame includes a lateral bar with which the second end of the biasing means is associated.

[0022] In an embodiment, the one or more biasing means is in the form of one or more springs. [0023] In an embodiment, the one or more springs are fixed at one end inside cylinders suspended from the carriage and at the other end to anchor points associated with said lateral bar.

[00243 !n ah embodiment, the lateral bar includes a plurality of anchor points laterally spaced apart along the bar and the carriage includes a plurality of laterally spaced cylinders longitudinally aligned with the anchor points, the apparatus thereby capable of accommodating multiple laterally-spaced springs.

[0025] in an embodiment, the frame includes separated front and rear frame portions, between which extends said rail.

[0026] In an embodiment, said rail is of a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0027] In an embodiment, the suspended engagement portion includes a plurality of rollers positioned and oriented such that the rollers contact all four sides of the rail, the carriage thereby supported in a captive state relative to the rail.

[0028] !n an embodiment, the suspended engagement portion includes two laterally spaced apart members each including a perpendicular fold wherein a substantially horizontal surface of each member is fixed to the underside of the carriage and a substantially vertical surface extends downwardly from said carriage, the downwardly extending surfaces being spaced to accommodate said rail therebetween.

[0029] In an embodiment, each substantially vertical surface includes a plurality of spaced rollers which are rotatable about vertical axes and positioned such that they contact side surfaces of the rail.

[0030] In an embodiment, each vertical surface includes a plurality of connecting shafts extending transversely through each surface, said shafts positioned to provide support to rollers which are rotatable about horizontal axes and which are positioned to contact upper and underside surfaces of the rail.

[0031] in an embodiment, the carriage includes an upper surface that is flat and is shaped to support a user of the apparatus there above, including in standing, kneeling, and laying down exercise positions. [0032] In an embodiment, said biasing means is associated with a front frame portion, and the front frame portion also has associated therewith a lateral hand/foot bar that is elevated to a height above the carriage to support hands or feet of a user positioned on the carriage during exercise.

[0033] In an embodiment, the hand/foot bar is rotatably moveable relative to the frame and lockable at varying angles.

[0034] In an alternate embodiment, a rear frame portion includes a pulley system also associated with the carriage to allow for additional exercises.

[0035] In an embodiment, the carriage includes a head and two laterally spaced shoulder rests for laying down exercises, said shoulder rests being housed above swivel plates to allow for variations in shoulder rest position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an underside perspective view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a top view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an underside side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig, 6 is a right side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a rear view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 in use; Fig, 10 is an enlarged, perspective view of the underside of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Figs. 11a-11c are perspective photo views demonstrating in sequence how mechanical resistance in the exercise apparatus of Fig. 1 may be varied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT^) OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying Figures. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the embodiments and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

[0038] According to an aspect, the present invention relates to a resistance based exercise apparatus for use in exercise and rehabilitation, including a mechanical resistance mechanism that is capable of being externally controlled without the need for removing or replacing biasing members, namely springs, associated with the mechanism. According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a resistance based exercise apparatus for use in exercise and rehabilitation, including a monorail structure which allows for alternate resistance mechanisms, such as mechanical or electromagnetic, to be incorporated. Figs. 1-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with each of these aspects.

[00393 The apparatus 10 includes a front and rear frame portion 12 and 14 respectively, although other frame configurations could equally well be used. Each of the front and rear frame portions may be of a single-piece construction, as shown, or may alternatively be configured in multiple parts. They are each shown in the drawings as having a substantially concave shape. The purpose of the front and rear frame portions is to provide support to an elevated monorail 16 which extends between the frame portions and defines a longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10. The monorail 16 may be connected to each of the front and rear portions using any known and suitable connection means. A carriage 18 is engaged with the monorail 16 in a configuration which allows the carriage to s!ideably move back and forth along the monorail along the longitudinal direction. This configuration, according to an embodiment, is explained in more detail below. The apparatus 10 further includes a hand/foot bar 20 associated with the front frame portion 12, and a resistance mechanism 22 which is aiso described in more detail below.

[0040] The carnage 18 may include an upper cushioned portion 24 designed to be mounted by a user of the apparatus 10 to perform exercises which may involve the back and forth oscillation of the carriage along the monorail 16. A user may lie flat on the carriage resting their head on a head rest 26, their shoulders in front of shoulder rests 28, and their feet on the hand/foot bar 20 in order to perform one type of exercise. Another type of exercise may require the user to kneel on the carriage rather than lying flat, while placing their hands on the hand/foot bar 20, as shown in Fig. 9. Some exercises may even require a user to partially stand on the carriage. There are a large number of known exercise variations associated with resistance apparatus of this kind and, for the purpose of brevity, this specification will not attempt to characterize them ail.

[0041] The carriage 18 may further include an engagement portion 30 suspended from an underside thereof, including two laterally spaced, perpendicularly folded plates 32, the horizontally extending sections of which may be bolted to the carriage underside. A piece of wood or like material (not shown) may be used to line the underside of the cushioned portion to provide a medium to which other components such as the horizontally extending section of each plate 32 may be fastened. The downwardly protruding section of each of plates 32 are spaced apart to an extent which accommodates the monorail 16 there between, with some additional clearance provided for reasons dtscussed below. Extending between the downwardly protruding plates are upper bolts 34 which have associated therewith an upper set of rollers (not shown) rotatable about the bolts 34.

[0042] Therefore, during assembly, when the carriage 18 is placed over the monorail, it is these upper rollers which contact an upper surface of the monorail 12. The plates also accommodate lower bolts 36 extending there through which have associated therewith a lower set of rollers 38 rotatable about the bolts 36. The bolts are positioned such that the lower rollers 38 contact an underside surface of the monorail 12 whilst the upper rollers maintain contact with the upper surface. Even though the upper rollers are not shown, their position and configuration can be appreciated by viewing the lower rollers which are configured in a similar manner.

[00433 Each of the downwardly protruding plate sections in the embodiment shown also include side rollers 40 configured to contact each side surface of the monorail 12. As such, the carriage 18 is held in a captive state above the monorail such that all four sides of the monorail are contacted by rollers associated with the carriage engagement portion 30. An enlarged view of these underside components of the apparatus is shown in Fig, 10. The skilled addressee would realise that this configuration facilitates sliding of the carriage 18 relative to the monorail 12. The rollers may be in the form of bearings, although other rolling mechanisms may equally well be employed. Movement of the carriage in any one of the longitudinal directions may be restricted using any known means, such as rubber stops (not shown) or the like which prevent movement of one or more of the rollers beyond the position of the stops.

[0044] Conventional resistance exercise machines typically include dual rails for supporting a carriage, with an associated resistance mechanism for biasing movement of the carriage in one direction only. The apparatus 10 also includes a resistance mechanism 22 for biasing the carriage 18 in one direction. In the embodiment shown, the carriage 18 is biased in the forward direction, and unlike the mechanical resistance mechanisms of conventional dual rail exercise apparatus, is capable of providing external resistance control. Figures 11a-11c demonstrate, according to an embodiment of the invention, how the resistance in the apparatus 10 utilising a mechanical resistance mechanism may be externally varied without the need to manually remove the biasing means, which in the embodiment shown are one or more springs 44.

[00453 The springs 44 may be fixed at one end inside cylinders 46 suspended from the carriage (shown more clearly in Figure 2) and at the other end to anchor points 48 associated with a lateral bar 50 disposed above the front frame. The lateral bar may form part of a sub-frame (not shown) that is Iongitudinally moveable with respect to the front frame by pushing or pulling a rod 52 associated with the sub-frame, the rod extending forward!y from the apparatus 10 to enable a user to effect such movement from a front area of the apparatus 10 without removing the springs 44. In an opposite configuration, the lateral bar 50 could be associated with the rear frame portion. [0046] As shown, the rod 52 includes a handle 54 at its forward most end which facilitates pushing and pulling of the rod, and the rod is also biased such that the handle 54 may be biased in a longitudinal direction against the front frame. As shown, the rod may also be rotatable with respect to the sub-frame and includes spaced lugs 56 along its length such that when the rod is rotated to a first position shown in Fig. 11a, the iugs 56 co-align with a corresponding vertical slit 58 in the front frame which thereby affords longitudinal movement of the rod 52 and hence the sub-frame and hence the lateral bar 50. The rod can then be retracted, as shown in Fig. 11b exposing one or more lugs 56.

[0047] When an appropriate tension is chosen, that is, when an appropriate lug 56 is chosen, the rod 52 may be rotated back towards the second position shown in Fig. 11 c. During this rotation, the lugs 22 and vertical slit 58 become once again misaligned and thereby prevent longitudinal movement beyond that afforded by the chosen lug. The handle itself may prevent longitudinal movement and thereby represent a first, lowest resistance of the apparatus, that is, the least tension may be effected when the handle abuts against the front frame. The maximum tension may be effected when the lug that is the further distance from the handle is exposed and abuts against the front frame. The vertical slit 58 may be accompanied by a horizontal groove 60 which may be shaped to accommodate a lug 22 to not only prevent inward movement of the rod 52 but also prevent rotation of the lug 22. In an alternate configuration, the slit could extend horizontally and the groove vertically. The present invention is not intended to be limited to any one particular slit/groove arrangement. For example, these could extend at an angle other than horizontal and/or vertical.

[0048] Ropes and pulleys 60 are also illustrated but not described in detail herein given that their use in enabling users to partake in additional exercises is well known.

[0049] The skilled addressee would appreciate that the captive monorail component enables all the mechanics to be controlled in a single rail facilitation, resulting in significant ease and safety of tension adjustment without any manual intervention of individual springs required. In addition, the resistance mechanisms may be easily interchangeable. For example, a mechanical resistance mechanism such as the spring resistance described above could be replaced or combined with a computerized electromagnetic programmable load to deliver infinite adjustment and electronic recording for users (which may include rehabilitation patients). For example, such computerized apparatus couid be housed inside the monorail structure.

[0050] One should now be able to appreciate the advantages afforded by the various aspects of the present invention. The configuration of the apparatus 10 is also aesthetically pleasing, less complex than hitherto known apparatus, and provides for lower maintenance and longer life. A variety of exercises can be provided by apparatus 10.

[0051] The front and rear frame portions may be constructed of strong metals which have been laser cut and rolled as single components, resulting in less components and also aiding the manufacture process by reducing the need for chrome or powder coating, thereby significantly minimizing assembly time. However, other configurations and variations are possible.

[0052] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0053] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus characterized by: a frame for supporting at least one rait in an elevated state, the rail including a longitudinal axis; a carriage supported above said at least one rail and moveable along said longitudinal axis between a forward and a rearward position, said carriage including a suspended engagement portion configured to siideably engage the at least one rail and thereby enable said longitudinal movement of the carriage; a resistance mechanism including: a longitudinally moveable sub-frame associated with one end of said frame, and at least one biasing means including a first end associated with said carriage and a second end associated with said sub-frame, wherein when said sub-frame is locked in a longitudinal position relative to the frame, the biasing means provides resistance against movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction away from the sub-frame; and wherein said sub-frame is !ockable at varying iongitudinal positions relative to the frame to thereby provide the carriage with varying levels of resistance.

2. An exercise apparatus characterized by: a frame for supporting an elevated monorail, the monorail including a longitudinal axis; a moveable carriage supported above said monorail, said carriage including a suspended engagement portion configured to siideably engage the monorail and thereby enable longitudinal movement of the carriage; and wherein said monorail and carriage are configured to accommodate the mounting and use of alternate resistance mechanisms.

3. An exercise apparatus according to ciaim 2, wherein the resistance mechanism includes a longitudinally moveable sub-frame associated with one end of said frame, and at least one biasing means including a first end associated with an underside of said carriage and a second end associated with said sub-frame, wherein when said sub-frame is locked in a longitudinal position relative to the frame, the biasing means provides resistance against movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction away from the sub-frame.

4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the resistance mechanism is a computerized electromagnetic load programmable to interface with designated patient exercises and records.

5. An exercise apparatus according to either claim 1 or ciaim 3, wherein the sub-frame is longitudinally moveable with respect to the frame by pushing or pulling a rod associated with the sub-frame, the rod extending longitudinally from the apparatus to enable a user to effect such movement from a front or rear of the apparatus.

6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the rod includes a handle at or near a longitudinal end thereof which facilitates pushing and pulling of the rod.

7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sub-frame and associated rod and handle are biased in a longitudinal direction, wherein an abutment surface is present at one end of the frame to provide a means of preventing longitudinal movement of the rod.

8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rod is rotatabie with respect to the sub-frame and includes spaced iugs along its length such that when the rod is rotated to a position in which the lugs co-align with a corresponding slit in the abutment surface, the rod and hence the sub-frame is capable of moving in a longitudinal direction opposed to the direction in which the rod and sub-frame are biased.

9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the rod is rotated towards a second position, the iugs and slit are misaligned and thereby prevent longitudinal movement in the biased direction beyond the next available lug.

10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the frame abutment surface includes a groove for accommodating the next available lug when the rod is in said second position.

11. An exercise apparatus according to either claim 9 or claim 10, wherein when the handle or a iug that is nearest the handle abuts against said abutment surface, the carriage experiences least resistance when moved in a direction away from the sub- frame.

12. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein when a lug that is farthest from the handle abuts against said abutment surface, the carriage experiences greatest resistance when moved in a direction away from the sub-frame.

13. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein said sub-frame includes a lateral bar with which the second end of the biasing means is associated.

14. An exercise apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the one or more biasing means is in the form of one or more springs.

15. An exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the one or more springs are fixed at one end inside cylinders suspended from the carriage and at the other end to anchor points associated with said lateral bar.

16. An exercise apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the lateral bar includes a plurality of anchor points laterally spaced apart along the bar and the carriage includes a plurality of laterally spaced cylinders longitudinally aligned with the anchor points, the apparatus thereby capable of accommodating multiple laterally-spaced springs.

17. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 16, wherein the frame includes separated front and rear frame portions, between which extends said rail.

18. An exercise apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said rail is of a substantially rectangular cross section.

19. An exercise apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the suspended engagement portion includes a plurality of rollers positioned and oriented such that the rollers contact all four sides of the rail, the carriage thereby supported in a captive state relative to the rail.

20. An exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the suspended engagement portion includes two laterally spaced apart members each including a perpendicular fold wherein a substantially horizontal surface of each member is fixed to the underside of the carriage and a substantially vertical surface extends downwardly from said carriage, the downwardly extending surfaces being spaced to accommodate said rail therebetween.

21. An exercise apparatus according to claim 20, wherein each substantially vertical surface includes a plurality of spaced rollers which are rotatable about vertical axes and positioned such that they contact side surfaces of the rail.

22. An exercise apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein each vertical surface includes a plurality of connecting shafts extending transversely through each surface, said shafts positioned to provide support to rollers which are rofatable about horizontal axes and which are positioned to contact upper and underside surfaces of the rai!.

23. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 22, wherein the carriage includes an upper surface that is fiat and is shaped to support a user of the apparatus there above, including in standing, kneeling, and laying down exercise positions.

24. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 23, wherein said biasing means is associated with a front frame portion, and the front frame portion also has associated therewith a lateral hand/foot bar that is elevated to a height above the carriage to support hands or feet of a user positioned on the carriage during exercise.

25. An exercise apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the hand/foot bar is rotatably moveable relative to the frame and lockable at varying angles.

26. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 25, wherein a rear frame portion includes a pulley system also associated with the carriage to allow for additional exercises.

27. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 26, wherein the carriage includes a head and two laterally spaced shoulder rests for laying down exercises, said shoulder rests being housed above swivel plates to allow for variations in shoulder rest position.