Exercise device and method

An exercise device, the device comprising:

• (a) saddle, the saddle presenting a surface having a convex curvature configured for supporting at least a sacrum of a human user spine in an ascending orientation, at least three human user spine thoracic vertebrae in a descending orientation and the applied body mass of a user of at least 200 pounds;
• (b) a base, the base coupled with the saddle by a slidable attachment and the base operable to stabilize the saddle when the saddle is supporting the sacrum;
• and
• (c) a foot bar, the foot bar coupled with the base and operable to receive force delivered from a human lower leg, wherein the human being drives the foot, ankle or other element of a leg below the knee against the foot bar to stabilize the spine during the performance of an exercise by means of the device.

A method for performing an abdominal exercise by a subject, the method comprising:

• (a) providing an exercise device comprising:
• i. a saddle, the saddle comprising a saddle surface having a convex curvature and a slidable attachment configured for supporting at least sacrum of the spine of the subject in an ascending orientation, at least three thoracic vertebrae in a descending orientation, the curved surface positioned to partially support a plurality of vertebrae while the subject contracts a plurality of abdominal muscles;
• ii. a base, the base affixed to the saddle slidable attachment and the base operable to stabilize the saddle when the saddle is supporting the sacrum during an exercise movement by the subject;
• iii. an adjustable knee bar, the knee bar adjustabley coupled with the base and comprising a positionable rest and leverage arm for partially supporting at least one leg of the subject;
• iv. an adjustable foot bar, the foot bar adjustabley coupled with the base and the foot bar positionable relative to the knee bar, wherein the body of the subject is fully supported by the convex saddle surface, the knee bar and the foot bar;
• (b) the subject assuming a first position of hyperextending a spine over a saddle, the saddle operable to support at least one lumbar vertebrae of the spine;
• (c) at least partially inhibiting a hip flexor of the subject;
• and
• (d) contraction of the subject of at least one abdominal muscle to draw a sternum of the subject toward a pubis of the subject;
• and (d) at least one hip flexor of the subject is at least partially inhibited by pressing at least one foot against the foot bar wherein the foot bar is coupled with the saddle.