US20050164856A1

US20050164856A1 - Method and apparatus for performing pilates exercises

Info

Publication number: US20050164856A1
Application number: US11/032,727
Authority: US
Inventors: Kim Parmater; Ross Mackert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-09
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2005-07-28

Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus for performing Pilates exercises. The apparatus includes a bench defining a plane. The bench has a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion. The bench is adapted to support an associated user. The main body portion is adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise. The apparatus further comprises an upwardly extending frame operatively connected to the bench. An adjustable pulley assembly is operatively connected to the frame, and is adapted to receive an associated resistive band. The adjustable pulley assembly is adapted to be selectively movable along the frame.

Description

This application claims priority from a provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/535,717, filed on Jan. 9, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus which can be used to perform various Pilates exercises.
B. Description of the Related Art
Pilates is a form of exercising which focuses on improving flexibility and muscle strength for the entire body without building bulk. Pilates is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind and performed on a specifically designed exercise apparatus. For example, John H. Pilates, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,621,477, originally developed the concept of using a wheeled platform carriage connected to a resistance device such as a set of weights in conjunction with a stationary frame to provide a variable resistance against which the user could push with his or her feet or pull with the arms while in a sitting or inclined position in order to exercise the major muscle groups of the users truck, legs and/or arms.
However, the current devices used to engage in Pilates are elaborate, expensive and difficult to transport and store. Specifically, health clubs are unable to purchase many of the devices to host such exercising classes due to device costs and storage capabilities. In addition, for certain users, Pilates can be a very difficult workout program to perform until muscles in the body have been developed.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for performing Pilates exercises. The apparatus includes a bench defining a plane. The bench has a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion. The bench is adapted to support an associated user. The main body portion is adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise. The apparatus further comprises an upwardly extending frame operatively connected to the bench. An adjustable pulley assembly is operatively connected to the frame, and is adapted to receive an associated resistive band. The adjustable pulley assembly is adapted to be selectively movable along the frame.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may be pivotally connected to the main body portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may be adapted to pivot between zero and 120 degrees relative to the plane.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may further comprise at least one handle member.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may further comprise two handles members, each may extend upwardly and/or outwardly from the head portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the adjustable pulley assembly may further comprise a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side; a first yoke operatively connected to the first side; a second yoke operatively connected to the first yoke, wherein the second yoke may be adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to the first yoke; a pulley rotatably connected to the second yoke; a lever operatively connected to the second side; and a biasing mechanism operatively connected to the carriage and the lever.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein an interconnection member may interconnect the first yoke and the second yoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the interconnection member may have a first bore and a second bore defined therein, the second bore may be defined substantially perpendicular to the first bore, the adjustable pulley assembly may further comprise a pin adapted to be received in the first bore to connect the interconnection member to the first yoke, the pin defining a pivot axis, the second bore adapted to receive the second yoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the lever may have a first end and a second end. The first end may operatively connect to the biasing mechanism, and the second end may have a peg attached thereto. The peg may be adapted to be received in a hole defined in the upwardly extending frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may comprise a bench defining a plane, the bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion, the bench adapted to support an associated user, the main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise; an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to the bench, the upwardly extending frame may have two leg members and a top member, the top member extending between the leg members, the top may have at least one loop; a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the first adjustable pulley assembly may be adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end may have a grip for placing the first resistive band in tension, the first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the first adjustable pulley assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein the main body portion may further comprise a loop, wherein the first end of the resistive band may be selectively attachable to the loop of the main body portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end having a grip for placing the second resistive band in tension, the second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the adjustable pulley assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein each of the adjustable pulley assemblies may further comprise a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side; a first yoke operatively connected to the first side; a second yoke operatively connected to the first yoke, wherein the second yoke is adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to the first yoke; a pulley rotatably connected to the second yoke; a lever operatively connected to the second side; and a biasing mechanism operatively connected to the carriage and the lever.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein each of the adjustable pulley assemblies may further comprise an interconnection member interconnecting the first yoke and the second yoke; each of the interconnection members may have a first bore and a second bore defined therein, the second bore may be defined substantially perpendicular to the first bore, each of the adjustable pulley assemblies may further comprise a pin adapted to be received in the first bore to connect the interconnection member to the first yoke, the pin defining a pivot axis, the second bore may be adapted to receive the second yoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein the lever may have a first end and a second end, the first end may be operatively connected to the biasing mechanism, the second end may have a peg attached thereto, the peg may be adapted to be received in a hole defined in the legs of the upwardly extending frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise an extension member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the extension member may be adapted to selectively attach to the first end of the first resistive band, and the second end of the extension member may be adapted to selectively attach to the first end of the second resistive band.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for using a strength training device to perform Pilates exercises, which may comprise the steps of:

- providing a bench defining a plane, the bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion, the bench adapted to support an associated user, the main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise; an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to the bench, the upwardly extending frame having two leg members and a top member, the top member extending between the leg members, the top having at least one loop; a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the first adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end having a grip for placing the first resistive band in tension, the first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the first adjustable pulley assembly;
- attaching the first end of the first resistive band to the loop of the top of the upwardly extending frame member;
- positioning a user's extremity in the grip;
- moving the extremity so as to place tension on the first resistive band;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first resistive band; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise the steps of:

- providing a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end having a grip for placing the second resistive band in tension, the second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the adjustable pulley assembly;
- attaching the first end of the second resistive band to the loop of the top of the upwardly extending frame member;
- positioning a user's second extremity in the grip;
- moving the first and second extremities so as to place tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein the strength training device may further comprise an extension member having a first end and a second end, the method may further comprise the steps of:

- removing the first ends of the first and the second resistive bands from the loop of the upwardly extending frame;
- attaching the first end of the extension member to the first end of the first resistive band;
- attaching the second end of the extension member adapted to the first end of the second resistive band;
- laying on the bench;
- positioning a user's feet on the extension member;
- placing tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

- providing a loop on the main body portion of the bench;
- removing the first end of the first resistive band from the loop of the upwardly extending frame;
- attaching the first end of the first resistive band to the loop of the main body portion of the bench;
- positioning the user's extremity in the grip;
- placing tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main body portion of the bench of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head rest portion of the bench of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a top plane view of the frame supporting the bench of the main body portion of the bench.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame portion of the head portion of the bench.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the elevated u-shaped frame.
FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a resistance band.
FIG. 9 a is a front elevational view of an extension member.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a grip.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adjustable pulley assembly.
FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a left side view of FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second yoke.
FIG. 16 is a left side view of FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a smaller yoke.
FIG. 18 is a left side view of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the inner connection mechanism.
FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 19 taken along line 19-19.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-20 show the present invention.
FIGS. 1-8 illustrate the present apparatus 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present apparatus 10 may take the form of a strength training apparatus so that the user can perform exercises, such as but not limited to, Pilates exercises. The apparatus 10 includes a bench 12 having a cushion surface 11 operatively connected to a frame 13. The bench 12 may support the entire length of the user's body. The bench 12 includes a main body portion 14 and a head portion 16.
With specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the main body portion 14 is shown in further detail. The frame 13 comprises two longitudinal support members 18, 20, which may be parallel. The frame 13 further comprises first and second cross members 22, 24, which may be u-shaped. The first and second cross members 22, 24 interconnect the two longitudinal support members 18, 20 and have legs 26 which contact an underlying surface. The frame 13 may further comprise angled support members 28, which connect to the legs 26 of the first and second cross members 22, 24 and about a mid-point of the longitudinal support members 18, 20. The first cross member 22 may further comprises a resistive attachment mechanism 30, such as a loop, operatively connected thereto, which is adapted to receive a resistance band 32. The first cross member 22 may further comprise brackets 34 to connect an upwardly extending frame 36 to the bench 12.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the head portion 16 will now be discussed in further detail. The head portion also comprises two parallel longitudinal supports 38, 40. A third u-shaped cross member 42 is attached to the longitudinal supports 38, 40. The third u-shaped cross member 42 may also have legs 44 to contact an underlying surface. The head portion 16 may be pivotally connected to the main body portion 14 through a hinge mechanism 17, which may be, but is not limited to a pin extending between the longitudinal supports 18, 20, 38, 40 of the main body portion 14 and the head portion 16. The head portion 16 is adapted to rotate anywhere from zero to 120 degrees relative to the plane defined by the bench 12. A pair of angled bars 46 are attached to head portion 16. The pair of angled bars 46 can be used to grip the bench 12 while performing certain exercises. In addition, each angled bar 46 may extend upwardly and outwardly. Further, each angled bar 46 may include resistive attachment mechanisms 48, such as, but not limited to a loop, located at the distal ends of each angled bar 46. Although the FIGURES illustrate these resistive attachment mechanisms 48 as hooks or loops, it is within the scope of the present invention that the resistive attachment mechanisms 48 can be any type of attachment for holding and/or supporting a force. These resistive attachment mechanisms 48 allow a user to attach resistive bands or elastic tubing which can be utilized in a variety of exercises.
With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, the frame portion 36 of the apparatus 10 is attached to the main body portion 14 of the bench 12 by means of holes 51 defined in the frame portion 36 and the brackets 34 attached to the main body portion 14. As shown in the FIGURES, the frame portion may be upwardly extending, and it may be u-shaped. In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame portion 36 may include a plurality of cross bars (not shown) which run perpendicular to the bench 10. The upwardly extending frame portion 36 may comprise a first side 52, a second side 54, and a top 56 extending between the first side 52 and the second side 54. A rear side 50 of the frame portion 36 may have a plurality of holes 58 defined therein which may be used to secure an adjustable pulley assembly 60, which will be described in further detail below. The frame portion 36 can easily be disengaged from the bench 12 to lie flat on the bench 12 for storage.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the functionality of a biasing or spring mechanism may be included in the main body portion 14 of the bench. The biasing mechanism allows main body portion 14 to bias in an upwards direction. For example, when the user is lying on the bench 12, the user forces the biasing mechanism downward such that the biased portion of the main body portion is in the same plane as the remaining portion of the main body portion. When the user rolls into a Pilates position (termed “pop up” position), the biasing mechanism allows the biased portion of the main body portion 14 to bias in an upward direction.
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, one example of a resistive band 62 and a grip 64 is shown. Each resistive band 62 has a first end 66 and a second end 68 with a flexible cord member 70. One of the ends 66, 68 of the resistive band 62 is adapted to be selectively attachable to the resistive attachment mechanisms 30, 48. The other end 66, 68 of the resistive band is adapted to be selectively attachable to the grip 64. As shown in FIG. 10, the grip 64 may be comprised of a webbing strap 71. A tube 72 may be connected to the webbing strap 71, which can be gripped by a user's hand or it can support a user's foot. The tube 72 may be covered with foam. In another embodiment of the grip 64, the tube 72 and foam may be slidable along the webbing strap 70 so that a user's foot may be more secure in the grip 64. With reference to FIG. 9 a, an extension member 74 is shown. The extension member 74 has two holes 76 defined therein. The holes are adapted to receive one of the ends 66, 68 of the resistive band 62.
With reference to FIGS. 11-20, the adjustable pulley assembly 60 will be described in further detail. The adjustable pulley assembly 60 is adapted to be selectively movable along the upwardly extending frame portion 36. It may be secured to the frame portion 36 by means of the holes 58. In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable pulley assembly 60 may comprise a carriage 80 having a top 82, a bottom 84, a first side 86, a second side 88, a third side 90, and a fourth side 92. The sides 86, 88, 90, 92 may define a hollow shape, such as square, but is not limited thereto. A first yoke 94 has a bracket member 94 a attached to a shaft 94 b. The shaft 94 b is operatively connected to the first side 86 by means of a sleeve 88. A second yoke 96 has a bracket member 96 a, which is attached to a shaft 96 b. The second yoke 96 is operatively connected to the first yoke 94, wherein the second yoke 96 is adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to the first yoke 94. A pulley 98 is rotatably connected to the bracket 96 a of the second yoke 96. A lever 100 is operatively connected to the second side 88, and a biasing mechanism 102, such as a spring, is operatively connected to the carriage 80 and the lever 100. The lever 100 may have a first end 101 and a second end 103. The first end 101 may operatively connect to the biasing mechanism 102, and the second end 103 may have a peg 105 attached thereto. The peg 105 may be adapted to be received in a hole 58 defined in the upwardly extending frame 36. To change the position of the adjustable pulley assembly 60, the user pushed the first end 101 towards the biasing mechanism 102, which releases the peg 105 from the hole 58 where it is currently positioned. The user slides the carriage 80 upwardly or downwardly to the desired position and releases the first end 101 of the lever 100. The biasing mechanism 102 places force against the first end 101, which in turn causes the second end 103 to place compressive force on the frame and secure the pulley assembly 60 in place. In the embodiment shown in the FIGURES, when the first end is released 101, the peg 105 may slide into one of the holes 58 of the upwardly extending frame 36.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 11-20, an interconnection member 104 may interconnect the first yoke 94 and the second yoke 96. The interconnection member 104 may have a first bore 106 and a second bore defined 108 therein. The second bore 108 may be defined substantially perpendicular to the first bore 106. The adjustable pulley assembly 60 may further comprise a pin 110 adapted to be received in the first bore 106 and holes 112 defined in the bracket 94 a of the first yoke 94. The pin 110 connects the interconnection member 104 to the first yoke 94. The pin 110 defines a pivot axis. The second bore 108 is adapted to receive the shaft 96 b of the second yoke 96. In this manner, the interconnection member 104 can pivot about the pivot axis, and the second yoke 96 is free to rotate 360 degrees about the interconnection member 104. The resistive band 62 is adapted to pass through a space 114 defined between the pulley 98 and the second yoke bracket 96 b. As such, the resistive band 62 can be trained about the pulley 98 to perform the desired exercises.
In order to perform exercises on the present invention, the following steps are taken. It should be noted that the following description is not an exhaustive list of exercises and configurations that can be employed. A device such as that described herein is provided. The user attaches the first end of the second resistive band to the loop of the top of the upwardly extending frame member. The user positions first and second extremities in the grips, such as a hand or foot. The user moves the first and second extremities so as to place tension on the first and the second resistive bands. Next, the user decreases the amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands. The motion is repeated to strengthen the user's muscles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the extension member is utilized. First, the user removes the first ends of the first and the second resistive bands from the loop of the upwardly extending frame. The first end of the extension member is attached to the first end of the first resistive band. Next, the second end of the extension member is attached to the first end of the second resistive band. The user lies on the bench and positions their feet on the extension member. The legs are extended and tension is placed on the first and the second resistive bands. Next, the amount of tension is decreased on the first and the second resistive bands. The exercise is repeated to strengthen the user's muscles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the loop on the main body portion of the bench is utilized. The first end of the first resistive band is removed from the loop of the upwardly extending frame. It is then attached to the loop of the main body portion of the bench. The user positions an extremity in each of the grips. The user repeatedly extends their arms or legs to place tension on the bands and benefit from the exercise.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a variety of different exercises can be performed based on attaching a pair of bands 62 to resistive attachment mechanisms 30, 48 and the adjustable pulley assembly 60. Many exercises that strengthen and work the abdominals, gluts, thighs and hamstrings can be performed using the present invention. In one exercise, the user is lying on the bench 12 with their head in close proximity to upwardly extending frame 36, and their feet are in close proximity to head portion 16 of the bench 12. The user places their feet in the grips 64, which are attached to the bands 62. The bands are trained about the pulleys 98 and are attached to the resistive attachment mechanism 30 of the main body portion 14. The user is able to extend their legs into an upward direction while lifting their legs and hips from bench 12. The user can perform various exercises and leg movements while rolling in and out of the “pop up” position to work and lengthen various muscles. The user can also roll in and out of the “pop up” position while extending their legs in a lateral direction.
The above-described invention describes use of particular resistive bands attached to resistive attachment mechanisms 30, 48 on the frame 13, 36. It should be noted that there are several variations in the type, length and resistance of such bands as well as several variations of the amount and location of attachments to the frame. These variations should be based on the user's particular fitness level and comfort zone. The bands and attachments should provide appropriate resistance while still providing appropriate assistance in attaining various Pilates positions, such as the “pop up” position as disclosed. Depending upon the exercise, one band or multiple bands may be utilized. Further, the adjustable pulley assembly can be positioned at any point along the upwardly extending frame so that the appropriate amount of tension can be placed on the bands. Depending upon the position of the adjustable pulley assembly and if the bands are attached the loop on the top of the frame or the main body portion of the bench, will determine the degree of resistance experienced by the user.
The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a bench defining a plane, said bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to said main body portion, said bench adapted to support an associated user, said main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise;

an upwardly extending frame operatively connected to said bench; and

an adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said adjustable pulley assembly adapted to receive an associated resistive band, said adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along said frame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head portion is pivotally connected to said main body portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said head portion is adapted to pivot between zero and 120 degrees relative to said plane.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head portion further comprises at least one handle member.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head portion further comprises two handles members, each extending upwardly and outwardly from said head portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjustable pulley assembly further comprises:

a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side;

a first yoke operatively connected to said first side;

a second yoke operatively connected to said first yoke, wherein said second yoke is adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to said first yoke;

a pulley rotatably connected to said second yoke;

a lever operatively connected to said second side; and

a biasing mechanism operatively connected to said carriage and said lever.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an interconnection member interconnects said first yoke and said second yoke.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said interconnection member has a first bore and a second bore defined therein, said second bore is defined substantially perpendicular to said first bore, said adjustable pulley assembly further comprising a pin adapted to be received in said first bore to connect said interconnection member to said first yoke, said pin defining a pivot axis, said second bore adapted to receive said second yoke.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said lever has a first end and a second end, said first end operatively connected to said biasing mechanism, said second end having a peg attached thereto, said peg adapted to be received in a hole defined in said upwardly extending frame.

10. A strength training exercise device, comprising:

an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to said bench, said upwardly extending frame having two leg members and a top member, said top member extending between said leg members, said top having at least one loop;

a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said first adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and

a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said first resistive band in tension, said first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said first adjustable pulley assembly.

11. The strength training exercise device of claim 10, wherein said main body portion further comprises a loop, wherein said first end of said resistive band is selectively attachable to said loop of said main body portion.

12. The strength training exercise device of claim 10, further comprising:

a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and

a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said second resistive band in tension, said second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said adjustable pulley assembly.

13. The strength training exercise device of claim 12, wherein each of said adjustable pulley assemblies further comprise:

a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side;

a first yoke operatively connected to said first side;

a pulley rotatably connected to said second yoke;

a lever operatively connected to said second side; and

a biasing mechanism operatively connected to said carriage and said lever.

14. The strength training device of claim 13, wherein each of said adjustable pulley assemblies further comprises an interconnection member interconnecting said first yoke and said second yoke; each of said interconnection members having a first bore and a second bore defined therein, said second bore being defined substantially perpendicular to said first bore, each of said adjustable pulley assemblies further comprising a pin adapted to be received in said first bore to connect said interconnection member to said first yoke, said pin defining a pivot axis, said second bore adapted to receive said second yoke.

15. The strength training device of claim 14, wherein said lever has a first end and a second end, said first end operatively connected to said biasing mechanism, said second end having a peg attached thereto, said peg adapted to be received in a hole defined in said legs of said upwardly extending frame.

16. The strength training device of claim 12, further comprising an extension member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said extension member adapted to selectively attach to said first end of said first resistive band, said second end of said extension member adapted to selectively attach to said first end of said second resistive band.

17. A method for using a strength training device to perform Pilates exercises, comprising the steps of:

providing a bench defining a plane, said bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to said main body portion, said bench adapted to support an associated user, said main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise; an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to said bench, said upwardly extending frame having two leg members and a top member, said top member extending between said leg members, said top having at least one loop; a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said first adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said first resistive band in tension, said first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said first adjustable pulley assembly;

attaching said first end of said first resistive band to said loop of said top of said upwardly extending frame member;

positioning a user's extremity in said grip;

moving said extremity so as to place tension on said first resistive band;

decreasing amount of tension on said first resistive band; and

repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

providing a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said second resistive band in tension, said second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said adjustable pulley assembly;

attaching said first end of said second resistive band to said loop of said top of said upwardly extending frame member;

positioning a user's second extremity in said grip;

moving said first and second extremities so as to place tension on said first and said second resistive bands;

decreasing amount of tension on said first and said second resistive bands; and

repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said strength training device further comprises an extension member having a first end and a second end, the method further comprises the steps of:

removing said first ends of said first and said second resistive bands from said loop of said upwardly extending frame;

attaching said first end of said extension member to said first end of said first resistive band;

attaching said second end of said extension member adapted to said first end of said second resistive band;

laying on said bench;

positioning a user's feet on said extension member;

placing tension on said first and said second resistive bands;

decreasing amount of tension on said first and said second resistive bands; and

repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

providing a loop on said main body portion of said bench;

removing said first end of said first resistive band from said loop of said upwardly extending frame;

attaching said first end of said first resistive band to said loop of said main body portion of said bench;

positioning the user's extremity in said grip;

placing tension on said first and said second resistive bands;

decreasing amount of tension on said first and said second resistive bands; and

repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.