US Patent 7614984 Exercise methods and apparatus

A hand-held exercise device includes left and right handles that rotate through respective paths about an axis that is centrally located between the handles. In one mode of operation, the device is rotated while walking to enhance aerobic exercise. In another mode of operation, a strap is secured between the device and at least one of a person's lower limbs to link rotation of the device to movement of the person's hands and at least one of the person's lower limbs toward one another, thereby assisting the person in the performance of abdominal exercises and/or muscle stretching.