Inflatable sit-up exercise device

Abstract

An inflatable exercise device for cushioning and supporting the body when used by an exerciser doing sit-up type exercises to stress the exerciser's abdominal muscles. The one-piece device is comprised of at least one hollow inflatable chamber containing a pressurized fluid medium and is formed from a thin flexible resilient plastic material. One portion of said chamber when inflated is generally T-shaped and supports the buttocks, tailbone and lumbar spine areas of the exerciser. The other portion of said chamber when inflated is generally U-shaped and supports the upper and lower back muscles of the exerciser to provide a pelvic tilt effect when the exerciser moves reciprocatably and pivotally between essentially prone and sit-up positions to assist in such pivotal movement. The pressurized hollow chamber of the device maintains the exerciser in longitudinal alignment and out of contact with the device supporting surface, with the user's weight comfortably supported. The hollow chamber has an essentially uninflated hinged portion at the pelvic area to assist in performance of sit-up type exercises. The hollow chamber may be separated into two separate hollow chambers inflated preferably by low-pressure air through two separate valve elements by mouth or pump to support the buttocks, tailbone and spine by one chamber and the back muscled area by the second chamber. While the device is contoured to provide lateral stability to the exerciser, the hands may be placed, if desired, on the floor or device supporting surface to provide increased stability.