US Patent 9339688 Core exercise apparatus

An exercise apparatus allows a user lacking core muscle strength to perform a sit-up stand-up maneuver. The exercise apparatus includes a frame having a foot lowered portion, a head lowered portion, and a raised central portion having a knee bar. A back support is connected to the head lowered portion. A foot support and a foot plate are connected to the lower foot support to allow the user to engage one's feet to create leverage to elevate both upper and lower vertebrae from the back support and further facilitate the user to stand up to activate one's lower back muscles that are otherwise ignored in a conventional sit-up.