Patent ID: 6575880
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
An anterior loading, torso, spinal and posture training exercise apparatus comprising:a base member; a pair of substantially vertical frame members affixed to and extending upwardly from said base member; a substantially vertical, medial torso support means affixed to and extending upwardly from said base member, said medial torso support means spaced from said vertical frame members and aligned with a mid-plane of said pair of vertical frame members; said medial torso support means having a substantially straight front surface sized and configured to snugly engage a user's medial abdomen when the user's upright body is positioned adjacently facing and leaning against said medial torso support means, said medial torso support means having a terminal top end; a loading beam having first end pivotally mounted in between said pair of vertical frame members at an upper section thereof and a second end extending outwardly beyond and above the terminal top end of said medial torso support means and terminating in a liftable straight-edged free end; said liftable straight-edged free end of said loading beam sized and configured to engage with the base of the front neck of a user; a plurality of weights mounted to a mid-section of said loading beam for loading said loading beam downwardly; a pad encircling said straight-edged free end of said loading beam for minimizing the discomfort at the loading area at the top of a user's anterior torso due to an extended period of loading operation; said pad having a predetermined thickness at its outermost end adapted to allow a proper engagement of said straight-edged free end with the base of a user's front neck, defined on top of a user's anterior torso axis; said liftable straight-edged free end is located on said base relative to said medial torso support means so that a user positioned in an upright position has their chest and medial abdominal region snugly engaged with the front surface of said medial torso support means and has the base of the front of the neck engaged with said pad; wherein a user engaging the base of the front of their neck with the pad of said anterior loading, torso, spinal and posture training exercise apparatus urges a user to straighten up, hold in the abdominal muscles and push forward the upper torso to resist the vertical load thereof and lift said straight-edged free end which in turn causes said loading beam to lift said plurality of weights upwardly; wherein said anterior loading, torso, spinal and posture training exercise apparatus applies a compressive force to a user engaging the base of the front of their neck with the pad to strengthen the torso, inner spine, and particularly, the convex side of the lumbar spine and the muscles thereof; wherein a user engaging the base of the front of their neck with the pad of said anterior loading, torso, spinal and posture training exercise apparatus trains a user to develop a desirable habit of holding straight and upright posture and discourages an undesirable habit of holding a slouching posture; and wherein a user engaging the base of the front of their neck with the pad of said anterior loading, torso, spinal and posture training exercise apparatus enables a user to perform a hand-free weightlifting exercise.