Pro-Form AB RESISTER User manual

Model No. 831.280780
Patent Pending
Important
Precautions
¥ Read all precautions and instruc-
tions in this manual before using
this equipment. Save this manual
for future reference.
¥ As you exercise, keep the small of
your back on the exercise mat; it
may be necessary to raise your hips
slightly.
¥ Keep your head on the headrest as
you exercise.
¥ If you feel faint, dizzy, or short of
breath at any time while exercising,
stop immediately and begin cooling
down.
¥ Before you begin this or any exer-
cise program, consult your physi-
cian. This is especially important
for persons over the age of 35 or
persons with pre-existing health
problems. SEARS assumes no
responsibility for personal injury
or property damage sustained by
or through the use of this product.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
USERÕS MANUAL

2. Attach a Side
Frame (11) to the
Frame (3) with two
3 1/2Ó Screws (13), a
Frame Spacer (12),
and two 1/4Ó Barrel
Nuts (14). Repeat
this step on the other
side of the Frame.
Make sure that the
Foam Pads (5) are
positioned as shown
in the drawing.
3. Press the indicat-
ed Button (15) and
slide the Right
Resistance Spring
(6) onto the Frame
(3). Move the
Resistance Spring
back and forth until
the Button snaps
into one of the three
holes. Repeat this
step for the left side
of the Frame.
4. Press the two
Buttons (15) in the
Handle (1). Slide the
Handle into the Side
Frames (11). Be
sure to insert the
Handle straight or
it may bind. It may
be helpful to rock
the Handle from
side to side slightly
as you insert it.
Lay the exercise mat
on the floor with the
wide end near the
headrest.
Place all parts in a cleared area and remove the packing
materials; do not dispose of the packing materials until
assembly is completed. Assembly requires the enclosed
allen wrench , a standard screwdriver
, and a rubber mallet (not
included).
1. Before attaching
the Headrest (2) see
drawing 1a for the
proper orientation.
When assembled the
tapered end of the
Headrest should
point slighty up and
away from the Frame
(3) as shown.
Attach the Headrest (2)
to the Frame (3) with
two 1 3/4Ó Screws (9)
and two Rubber Feet
(10). The Headrest
should be attached over
the ÒTOPÓ sticker on
the Frame.
Before You Begin
Assembly
Congratulations for purchasing the innovative
PROFORM¨AB RESISTER. The AB RESISTER is
designed to shape your upper abs, obliques, and lower
abs to give you a firm, flat stomach, in only minutes a
day. The unique AB RESISTER supports your head and
neck as you exercise, and helps you maintain correct
form for maximum results. Used as part of a fitness pro-
gram that includes regular aerobic exercise and a proper
diet, the AB RESISTER will help you to look better,
feel better, and enjoy the benefits of better fitness.
Before you use the AB RESISTER, please read this
manual carefully. In addition, be sure to view the
included videocassette. If you have additional questions,
please call our toll-free HELPLINE at 1-800-736-6879,
Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Central
Time (excluding holidays). To help us assist you quick-
ly, please note the product model number before calling;
the model number is 831.280780.
4
1
11
1
3
5
12
13
1a
11
15
3
5
AssemblyÑCont.
2
36
7
15
2
14
2
3
10
9
10
ÒTOPÓ
Sticker
9
3
2

How to Use the AB RESISTER
The AB
RESISTER
offers a variety
of exercises
that shape your
upper abdomi-
nals, oblique
abdominals,
and lower
abdominals.
The pho-
tographs in this manual show the correct form for each
exercise.
The exercises in this manual are divided into four
groups: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert.
Start with the beginning exercises, and progress at your
own pace. Be careful not to overdo it during the first
few weeks of your exercise program. It is better to
increase the number of repetitions you do than to
advance to more difficult exercises too quickly. The
intensity of each exercise can be varied by changing the
position of the springs (see ADJUSTING THE RESIS-
TANCE on page 7), or by changing the position of your
hands on the handle. The lower your hands are posi-
tioned, the more difficult the exercise will be.
To get the most from your exercise, proper form is
important. As you perform each repetition, use your
abdominal muscles to pull yourself up, allowing the AB
RESISTER to roll with you. Keep your head on the
headrest and the small of your back on the exercise mat.
If necessary, raise your hips slightly.
Always begin and end each workout with a few minutes
of stretching. Remember to keep plenty of water nearby
as you exercise and drink periodically to avoid dehydra-
tion. If you feel faint, dizzy, or short of breath at any
time while exercising, stop immediately and begin
cooling down.
Upper
Abdominals
Oblique
Abdominals
Lower
Abdominals
Suggested Stretches
1. Hamstring Stretch
Extend one leg
and rest the
opposite foot
against it as
shown. Reach
toward your
toes and hold
for 15 counts.
Repeat 3 times
for each leg.
2. Toe Touch Stretch
Stand with
your knees
bent slightly as
shown. Relax
your back and
shoulders as
you reach
down toward
your toes. Hold
for 15 counts.
Repeat 3 times.
3. Quadriceps Stretch
Place one hand
against a wall
and grasp one
foot with your
other hand as
shown. Hold
your foot as
close to your
buttocks as
possible, and
hold for 15
counts. Repeat
3 times for
each leg.
WARNING: Before you begin this or any exer-
cise program, consult your physician. This is
especially important for persons over the age of
35 or persons with pre-existing health problems.
SEARS assumes no responsibility for personal
injury or property damage sustained by or
through the use of this product.
Begin and end each workout with a few minutes of
stretching. Stretching prepares the body for exercise by
increasing the body temperature, heart rate, and circula-
tion. After exercise, stretching allows the heart rate to
return to normal and the muscles to cool down gradual-
ly. Stretching is also effective for increasing flexibility.
The correct form for three basic stretches is shown
below. Move slowly as you stretchÑnever bounce.
3

Be sure to stretch for a few minutes before you begin.
1. Basic Crunch
This exercise
targets the
upper abdom-
inals. Lie on
the exercise
mat and bend
your knees as
shown. Hold
the handle as
shown. Curl
up to about a
45¡ angle, and then lower yourself to the starting posi-
tion. This completes one repetition. Perform 10 to 15
repetitions.
2. Basic Crunch with Raised Feet
This exercise
focuses on the
lower abdom-
inals. This
exercise
should be per-
formed in the
same way as
the Basic
Crunch, but
your feet
should be held about one inch off the floor during the
exercise. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions.
3. Basic Oblique Crunch
This exercise
is for the
oblique
abdominals.
Perform this
exercise in the
same way as
the Basic
Crunch, but
turn your
knees to the
side as shown. Complete 5 to 7 repetitions, change your
knees to the opposite side, and then perform another 5
to 7 repetitions.
1
2
3
Beginning Exercises
As your abdominal muscles become stronger, and you
can comfortably perform several repetitions of the
beginning exercises, it is time to move on to the inter-
mediate exercises. Remember to stretch for a few min-
utes before you begin.
4. Raised-knee Crunch with Knees Held to Chest
This exercise
focuses on
the upper
abdominals.
Lie on the
exercise mat
and bring
your knees
toward your
chest as
shown. Curl
up to about a 45¡ angle, and then lower yourself to the
starting position. Keep your knees raised throughout the
exercise. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions.
This exercise can also be performed by resting your feet
on a chair.
5. Raised-knee Crunch with Knees Lifted to Chest
This exercise
targets the
lower abdom-
inals. The
starting posi-
tion is shown
in photograph
5a. Curl up to
about a 45¡
angle, bring-
ing your
knees toward
your chest at
the same
time; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion. Perform
10 to 15 rep-
etitions.
Intermediate Exercises
4
5a
5b
4

The following exercises are designed to further improve
your strength, tone, and flexibility. Remember to stretch
for a few minutes before you begin.
7. ÒLÓ-Crunch
This exercise
is for the
upper abdom-
inals.
Straighten
your legs and
raise them as
shown. Curl
up to about a
45¡ angle, and
then lower
yourself to the
starting posi-
tion. Keep
your legs
raised
throughout
the exercise.
Complete 10 to 15 repetitions.
6. Raised-knee Oblique Crunch
This exercise
focuses on the
oblique
abdominals.
Bend your
knees, lay
them to one
side, and hold
your legs just
off the floor.
Curl up to
about a 45¡ angle, then return to the starting position.
Hold your legs stationary throughout the exercise.
Complete 5 to 7 repetitions, change your knees to the
opposite side, and then perform another 5 to 7 repeti-
tions.
8. Advanced Raised-knee Crunch
This exercise
focuses on the
lower abdom-
inals.
Straighten
your legs and
hold them just
off the floor
as shown in
photograph
8a. Curl up to
about a 45¡
angle, bring-
ing your
knees toward
your chest as
shown in pho-
tograph 8b;
then return to
the starting
position.
Complete 10 to 15 repetitions.
9. Advanced Oblique Leg Crunch
This exercise
targets the
oblique
abdominals.
Straighten
your legs and
hold them just
off the floor
as shown in
photograph
9a. Curl up to
about a 45¡
angle, bend-
ing your
knees and
bringing them
to the side as
shown in pho-
tograph 9b;
then return to
the starting
position. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternating sides
with each repetition.
Advanced Exercises
Advanced ExercisesÐCont.Intermediate ExercisesÐCont.
6
7
8a
8b
9a
9b
5

10. Bicycle Ab Crunch
This exercise
focuses on
the lower
abdominals.
Straighten
your legs and
hold them
just off the
floor as
shown in
photograph
10a. Curl up
to about a 45¡
angle, bend-
ing one knee
and raising it
as shown in
photograph
10b; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternating legs
with each repetition.
11. Jackknife
This exercise
targets the
lower abdom-
inals.
Straighten
your legs and
hold them just
off the floor
as shown in
photograph
11a. Curl up
to about a 45¡
angle, raising
both legs as
shown in pho-
tograph 11b;
then return to
the starting
position.
Complete 10
to 15 repeti-
tions.
Expert Exercises Expert ExercisesÐCont.
10a
10b
11a
11b
12. Reverse Trunk
This exercise
focuses on
the oblique
abdominals.
Straighten
your legs and
raise them as
shown in
photograph
12a. Curl up
to about a 45¡
angle. This is
the starting
position.
Lower your
legs to the
side as shown
in photograph
12b; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternating sides
with each repetition.
13. Scissors
This exercise
focuses on
the upper and
lower abdom-
inals. Hold
your legs in
the position
shown in
photograph
13a. Curl up
to about a 45¡
angle. This is
the starting
position.
Cross your
ankles as
shown in
photograph
13b; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternately crossing
the right ankle above the left, and then the left ankle
above the right.
12a
12b
13a
13b
The expert exercises should be done only after you can
comfortably perform the advanced exercises.
6

To vary the
intensity of
your exercise
on the AB
RESISTER,
the position of
the springs can
be adjusted.
There are three
different posi-
tions. Press the button on the outside of the frame as
shown above. Slide the spring forward or backward until
the button snaps into a different hole in the spring.
Adjust the position of the other spring in the same way.
Moving the springs towards the AB RESISTER decreas-
es the resistance. Make sure that the buttons are in
the same holes in both springs.
Part List/Exploded Drawing
Key No. Part No. Qty. Description
1 132703 1 Handle w/Foam Grip
2 131345 1 Headrest
3 131311 1 Frame
4 121642 4 Round Inner Cap
5 130657 2 Foam Pad
6 131347 1 Right Resistance Spring
7 133135 1 Left Resistance Spring
8 131346 1 Exercise Mat
9 122794 2 1 3/4Ó Screw
10 126650 2 Rubber Foot
11 131312 2 Side Frame
12 132674 2 Frame Spacer
13 132839 4 3 1/2Ó Screw
14 132704 4 1/4Ó Barrel Nut
15 110632 4 Button Spring Clip
16 130920 1 Foam Grip
17 131348 1 Training Videocassette
18 131353 1 UserÕs Manual
19 131417 2 Endcap
20 045023 1 5/32Ó Allen Wrench
1
2
3
4
4
5
619
8
9
10 4
11
12
11
13
14
15
15
17
USERÕS MANUAL
QUESTIONS?
Asa manufacturer, we are committed
toproviding complete customer satis-
faction.If you have questions, or if
thereare missing or damaged parts,
wewill guarantee you complete satis-
factionthrough direct assistance from
ourfactory.
TOAVOIDUNNECESSARY
DELAYS,PLEASE CALL DIRECT
TOOUR TOLL-FREE CUSTOMER
HOTLINE.
Thetrained technicians on our cus-
tomerhot line will provide immedi-
ateassistance, free of charge to you.
CUSTOMERHOT LINE:
1-800-999-3756
Mon.ÐFri.,6 a.m.Ð6 p.m. MST
ModelNo. PFMC20260
PATENTPENDING
¥ Read all precautions and instructions in this manual before using this equipment. Save this manual for
futurereference.
¥ As you exercise, keep the small of your back on the exercise mat; it may be necessary to raise your hips
slightly.
¥ Keepyour head on the headrest as you
exercise.
¥ If you feel faint, dizzy, or short of breath at any time while exercising, stop immediately and begin cooling
down.
¥ Before you begin this or any exercise program, consult your physician. This is especially important for per-
sonsover the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. ICON assumes no responsibility for
personalinjury or property damage sustained by or through the use of this product.
Important Precautions
18
16
7
20
831.280780 R0896A
Storage and Maintenance
Adjusting the Resistance
When you are not using the AB RESISTER, the handle
can be removed for more compact storage.
To remove the
handle, press
the buttons on
the sides of the
handle and
slide the han-
dle out of the
side frames. Be
sure to pull
the handle
straight out or
it could bind.
The AB RESISTER can be wiped clean with a damp
cloth and mild, non-abrasive detergent. Do not use sol-
vents.
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
7

Part No. 131353 F02638-C R0896A Printed in USA © 1996 Sears, Roebuck and Co.
QUESTIONS?
If you find that:
¥ you need help assembling or
operating the PROFORM¨AB
RESISTER
¥ a part is missing
¥ or you need to schedule repair
service
call our toll-free HELPLINE
1-800-736-6879
MondayÐSaturday, 7 amÐ7 pm
Central Time (excluding holidays)
REPLACEMENT
PARTS
If parts become worn and need to
be replaced, call the following toll-
free number
1-800-FON-PART
(1-800-366-7278)
All replacement parts are available for immediate purchase or
special order when you visit your nearest SEARS Service Center. To
request service or to order parts by telephone, call the toll-free num-
bers listed at the left.
When requesting help or service, or ordering parts, please be prepared
to provide the following information:
¥ The NAME OF THE PRODUCT (PROFORM¨AB RESISTER)
¥ The MODEL NUMBER OF THE PRODUCT (831.280780)
¥ The PART NUMBER OF THE PART (see page 7 of this manual)
¥ The DESCRIPTION OF THE PART (see page 7 of this manual)
For 90 days from the date of purchase, if failure occurs due to defect in material or workmanship in this
SEARS AB RESISTER EXERCISER, contact the nearest SEARS Service Center throughout the United
States and SEARS will repair or replace the AB RESISTER EXERCISER, free of charge.
This warranty does not apply when the AB RESISTER EXERCISER is used commercially or for rental pur-
poses.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., DEPT. 817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Model No. 831.280780
Full 90-day Warranty