Apparatus for stimulating hamstring contraction to effect optimum abdominal muscle conditioning

An abdominal muscle conditioning apparatus comprising:

• a resilient member comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being angulated with respect to each other, the first and second portions each having an end opposite the point of contiguity of the first and second portions;
• a feet securing member for securing the feet of a user, the feet securing member being pivotally attached to the end of the first portion;
• and
• a support member having a substantially planar surface for contacting the buttocks of the user, the support member having a bore therein that is sized for frictionally receiving a portion of the second portion of the resilient member, the portion of the second portion being frictionally and removably disposed within the bore;
• whereby the apparatus effects contraction of the hamstring muscles when (i) the user's feet are secured by the feet securing member, (ii) the user's buttock contacts the support member, (iii) the user lies upon his or her back, (iv) the user performs sit-ups, and (v) the user moves his or her feet toward the user's gluteus maximus muscle during performance of the sit-ups, whereby the contraction of the hamstring muscles during performance of the sit-ups effects optimum abdominal muscle conditioning.

A muscle conditioning apparatus comprising:

• a resilient member comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being angulated with respect to each other, the first and second portions each having an end opposite the point of contiguity of the first and second portions;
• a pair of foot retaining members, each of which having a body portion defining an opening sized for receiving a foot of a user;
• at least one axle member intermediate and attached to the foot retaining members, the axle member being pivotally attached to the end of the first portion of the resilient member;
• and
• a support member having a substantially planar surface for contacting the buttocks of the user, the support member having a bore therein that is sized for frictionally receiving a portion of the second portion of the resilient member, the portion of the second portion being frictionally and removably disposed within the bore.