Exercise apparatus and method for using same

An exercise apparatus for use by a human having first and second legs, comprising a base, an arm assembly having first and second arms for respectively engaging the outside of the first and second legs of the human, a coupling assembly for securing the arm assembly to the base, the coupling assembly including a first pivot assembly for permitting the first and second arms to move between a contracted position when the first and second legs are extending alongside each other and an extended position when the first and second legs are pivoted away from each other and a second pivot assembly for permitting the first and second arms to pivot between a first position and a second inclined position relative to the base independent of the first and second arms moving between the contracted position and the extended position, and a force-exerting device for urging the first and second arms towards the contracted position whereby gluteus maximus muscles of the human are exercised when the first and second legs of the human are pivoted away from each other against the force of the first and second arms.

An exercise apparatus for use by a human having an upper body and first and second legs, comprising a vertical support, an upper body support element adapted for engagement by the upper body of the human and a slide assembly carried by the vertical support and secured to the upper body support element for permitting the upper body support element to move vertically on the vertical support from an upper position when the human is in a standing position and a lower position when the human is in a squat position whereby the upper body support element provides support to the human when moving between the standing position to the squat position.