Abstract:
The present invention is a device and methods for assisting a person in body strengthening, stretching, or exercising. The present invention comprises one or more base units of particular ratio of dimensions, each having a horizontal bar for use in performing strength and exercise assistance to the user. Owing to their ratio of dimensions, the base units may be placed and oriented to each other in multiple configurations. The user may adjust the present invention to their size and use requirements by controlling such placement and orientation to match their own body width. The present invention is well suited for persons of partial disability, allowing to the user&#39;s own body weight and force resistance to govern use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to a device and methods for assisting a person in body strengthening, stretching, or exercising.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Most exercising devices assume the person exercising has full control of their muscles and body members, such as their hands. Push up bars tend to be smaller and of design different from the present invention. Dip devices typically are of a fixed width, many requiring attachment to multiple station exercise assemblies. Gymnastic and physical therapy horizontal bars tend to be of lager size with non-adjustable fixtures, sized for use in large sports gym or institutional settings. Various devices attempt to address the issue of developing core body strength. Core body strength refers to the neck, upper back, and lower back. People with core body strength have better posture and are less likely to injure themselves. Core body strengthening often prevents or treats back and neck pain. Core body strength exercises are commonly performed by using weight training machines, bands, or floor mat exercises.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     What I am about to describe here is a new way to use a set of manual exercise strength assistant units to develop upper body strength, core body strength and lower body strength through a series of movements. The device, in combination with placement of the body, provides physical feedback to ensure movements are performed accurately for achieving the greatest strengthening in a short amount of time and repetitions. The body movements using the strength assistant units produce systemic muscular trauma both in a direct and ancillary way, such that muscle strength is significantly improved within an efficient time envelope.  
         [0004]     The strength assistant units have an adjustable height on the main horizontal bar for use when sitting down in a chair or wheelchair.  
         [0005]     The strength assistant units may be disassembled for ease in transportation and storage.  
         [0006]     The dimensions of the strength assistant units are engineered such that they may be oriented in various ways relative to each other, providing a selection of methods of use and application.  
         [0007]     Selection of orientation of the strength assistant units, in combination with a selected body movement, allows the user to address a specific physical condition or portion of body requiring physical attention. Required usage may be as little as five to ten minutes per day for certain movements using particular strength assistant unit orientations.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES  
       [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to help people to improve body movement, leading to healthier living. Furthermore, the present invention helps people to stretch their body and build upper and core body strength for everyday normal life uses, including pulling, lifting, carrying, moving, and gripping. People able to stand up may also build strength in their hips and legs.  
         [0009]     One advantage of the present invention is that a person may exercise in a private place, such as in their hotel room, to achieve strength improvement while at the same time achieving heart rate and lung exercise. The present invention is easily transportable for the traveling business person who has limited time to exercise.  
         [0010]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is that people may achieve a full workout with a single device instead of having to purchase multiple machines or work out at an expensive fitness center.  
         [0011]     The methods of use when applying the present invention allows for an exercise regimen that reduces the time per day for exercise to as little as five to ten minutes per day, three times per week.  
         [0012]     The present invention allows exercise in a limited physical space, requiring a space as little as approximately five feet width by an individual&#39;s body length.  
         [0013]     The present invention eliminates any calculations of selection for weight, height, tension strength or any other variable in strength development typically found with weights or exercise machines. Adjustment for body dimensions is achieved by placement and orientation of the two strength assistant units, whose critical fixed dimensions are any established in the unit. This subtly allows the user to use their own body measurements, such as body width, as a ruler to orient and place the units.  
         [0014]     The present invention is light-weight and easy to position and set up for all body sizes, types and strengths. The present invention may be constructed of light-weight aluminum tubing that is easily assembled, disassembled and moved.  
         [0015]     The present invention fits nearly all users who have natural use of hands and wrists, regardless of existing strength condition, size, weight, width, gender or age.  
         [0016]     The present invention is adaptable for use by people who use wheelchairs or can only exercise in a seated position, such as disabled people. The present invention provides an adjustable height for use in either seated or reclined positions.  
         [0017]     The present invention, using a person&#39;s own body weight and force resistance, provides kinesthetic feedback to the user to ensure proper usage.  
         [0018]     The methods of use when applying the present invention allow movements designed either for near-full body weight via elevation at feet, or for significantly reduced body weight to accommodate weaker users, via elevation at the knees.  
         [0019]     The present invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications, including, but not limited to: a home exercise regimen; meeting the limited time requirements for the busy traveler who still wants to exercise; enhancing the amateur and professional athlete in all sports including as football, baseball, tennis, basketball, hockey, weight lifting, wrestling and many others; meeting the needs for law enforcement, fire and rescue and military conditioning to achieve or maintain strength, stamina and endurance either during on duty condition or in a rough environment where normal exercise equipment or fitness facilities are unavailable; helping people undergoing physical therapy to continue with at home stretching and light strengthening movements; and helping senior citizens to increase core strength, which is what the Center for Disease Control calls the most important exercise process after age fifty-five.  
         [0020]     The present invention may also be used as a lift assistant device for transferring people with limited mobility from a chair, toilet or bed. The present invention may be used as a lift assistant device for people who have trouble getting up film a seated position. The present invention may be used to build leg or lower back strength at home following physical therapy.  
         [0021]     The present invention provides a variety of results, including, but not limited to: noticeable body or strength changes in less than two hours use of the product spread over a one month period; development of back, shoulders, chest, upper and lower arms in major muscle groups in a limited time frame; noticeable improvement in carrying, pulling, lifting strength, such as when carrying boxes and grocery bags, moving firewood, opening jars; and less fatigue and less sleepiness after a full day&#39;s activity.  
         [0022]     The present invention is convenient to set up and store. The present invention may be set up and ready for use in a minute or two. The present invention has a small storage footprint, approximately two foot by two foot when fully assembled and even smaller when disassembled. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0023]     The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and the attached drawings in which:  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a 3-D perspective view of one unit of the strength assistant apparatus;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2A  shows a side view illustrating the use of one strength assistant unit  100  in a front single bar movement, with a seated person in a starting position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2B  shows a side view illustrating the use of one strength assistant unit  100  in a front single bar movement, with a once-seated person seated in a finishing position;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3A  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a seated person in a starting position;  
         [0028]      FIG. 3B  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a seated person in a sting position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 3C  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a once-seated person in a finishing position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 3D  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a person in a sting position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3E  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a person in a finishing position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4A  shows a top view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar to side movement, with a seated person in a starting position;  
         [0033]      FIG. 4B  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar side movement, with a seated person in a starting position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 4C  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar side movement, with a once-seated person in a finishing position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 4D  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar side movement, with a person in a starting position;  
         [0036]      FIG. 4E  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar side movement, with a person in a finishing position;  
         [0037]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar reverse movement, with a person in a seated starting position; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 5B  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar reverse movement, with a once-seated person in a finishing position. 
     
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS  
       [0039]     The following elements are numbered as described in the drawings and detailed description of the invention:  
                                           10   horizontal grip feedback bar   11 grip padding       20   vertical member   22 vertical member alignment pin               23 vertical member locking nut       30   base       40   horizontal stabilizer bar   41 stabilizer padding       50   foot   51 foot padding               52 foot alignment pin               53 foot locking nut               54 foot end cap       60   base unit assembly       100   strength assistant unit                  
 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     The components showing one embodiment of the strength assistant unit  100  are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is the primary active surface a person will use to generate force resistance for exercise, stretching, or strength assistance. Horizontal grip feedback bar  10  may be a tube, pipe, or channel of approximately one inch to two and one-half inches (1.0″ to 2.5″) of thickness with ends fashioned to terminate at a right angle to its dominant longitudinal orientation. The ends of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  are bent at approximately right angles in the same plane and same direction, forming a shallow U-shape. Horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is approximately seventeen inches (17″) long. Preferably, horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is at least partially sleeved along its dominant longitudinal orientation with grip padding  11 . Grip padding  11  is at least approximately one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″) in thickness and may be of elastomeric or foam composition. As defined herein the term “elastomeric” refers to compositions capable of recovering size and shape after deformation. Alternatively, grip padding  11  may be embedded or integrated into the design of the surface of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . To insure attachment of the proper components in the proper orientation, alignment holes are uniquely positioned near the ends of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The outside surfaces of the ends of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  are threaded to receive a locking nut, vertical member locking nut  23 .  
         [0041]     In an alternate embodiment, the width or shape of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is fashioned to receive the palm of a user&#39;s hand, eliminating the need to grip with fingers. This is accomplished by providing an outer surface area on horizontal grip feedback bar  10  having approximately two inches (2″) of width in the direction that is perpendicular to the dominant longitudinal orientation of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 .  
         [0042]     Vertical member  20  is a tube, pipe, or channel. Vertical member  20  is fashioned such that one end may be received into an end of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . A vertical member, alignment pin  22  is attached to a first end of vertical member  20 . Vertical member alignment pin  22  is any of a variety of typical pin devices that lock into position when inserted into an alignment hole. Vertical member alignment pin  22  is positioned to align with the alignment hole of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  when vertical member  20  is properly positioned, rotated, and inserted into one end of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . Vertical member locking nut  23  is loosely fitted about vertical member  20 . Vertical member locking nut  23  is any variety of typical compression fitting nuts that threadably attach, using a compression washer to achieve a friction fit. Many different similar attachment means or equivalents may be used. A first end of vertical member locking nut  23  has a larger diameter, to threadably attach to horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , than the second end of vertical member locking nut  23 , which conforms to the outer surface of vertical member  20 . Vertical member  20  is inserted into vertical member locking nut  23  such that the first end of vertical member locking nut  23  is closer to the first end of vertical member  20  and the second end of vertical member locking nut  23  is closer to the second end of vertical member  20 . Vertical member alignment pin  22  tends to prevent vertical member locking nut  23  from separating from vertical member  20 . Vertical member locking nut  23  has a threaded inside surface for the purpose of attaching and securing to one threaded end of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . A second end of vertical member  20  is conformed to fit into a first opening of base  30 .  
         [0043]     Base  30  is a tube, pipe, or channel. A first opening is positioned at an intermediate distance between two ends, forming a T-shape. Optionally, a second opening may be positioned at a right angle to both the first opening and to the ends. The second opening may be used to receive a stabilizer bar. The first opening of base  30  is conformed to receive the second end of vertical member  20 . Preferably, the second end of vertical member  20  is fitted into the first opening of base  30  and held fitted by friction or otherwise secured in place. Vertical member  20  and base  30  is typically provided pre-assembled. To insure attachment of the proper components in the proper orientation, alignment holes are uniquely positioned near the ends of base  30 . The outside surfaces of the ends of base  30  are threaded to receive a locking nut, foot locking nut  53 .  
         [0044]     Foot alignment pin  52  is positioned to align with the alignment hole of base  30  when vertical foot  50  is properly positioned, rotated, and inserted into one end of base  30 . Preferably, the alignment holes are positioned such that foot alignment pin  52  and vertical member alignment pin  22  may not be interchanged. This prevents accidental incorrect assembly of strength assistant unit  100 .  
         [0045]     Foot  50  is a V-shaped tube, pipe, or channel. Preferably, foot  50  is at least partially sleeved with foot padding  51 . Foot padding  51  may be of elastomeric or foam composition. A foot alignment pin  52  is attached to a first end of foot  50 . Foot alignment pin  52  is any of a variety of typical pin devices that lock into position when inserted into an alignment hole. Foot alignment pin  52  is positioned to align with the alignment hole of base  30  when foot  50  is properly positioned, rotated, and inserted into one end of base  30 . Foot locking nut  53  is loosely fitted about foot  50 . Foot locking nut  53  is any variety of typical compression fitting nuts that threadably attach, using a compression washer to achieve a friction fit. Many different similar attachment means or equivalents may be used. A first end of foot locking nut  53  has a larger diameter, to threadably attach to base  30 , than the second end of foot locking nut  53 , which conforms to the outer surface of foot  50 . Foot  50  is inserted into foot locking nut  53  such that the first end of foot locking nut  53  is closer to the first end of foot  50  and the second end of foot locking nut  53  is closer to the second end of foot  50 . Foot alignment pin  52  tends to prevent foot locking nut  53  from separating from foot  50 . Foot locking nut  53  has a threaded inside surface for the purpose of attaching and securing to one threaded end of base  30 . A second end of foot  50  receives foot end cap  54 .  
         [0046]     Foot  50  and base  30  are designed to provide approximately sixteen inches (16″) of linear support that is both approximately perpendicular to vertical member  20  and approximately perpendicular to horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The remainder of V-shaped foot  50  extends, preferably at a sixty-sevens degree angle or at approximately a forty-five to ninety degree angle to the perpendicular of the major longitudinal direction of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , in an outward direction, away from the rest of the assembly, creating at least one laterally disposed weight bearing anchor point to the floor or ground. Typically, the resulting perpendicular extension of the end of foot  50  from the longitudinal orientation of base  30  is six inches (6″).  
         [0047]     Optionally, a horizontal stabilizer bar  40  may be attached between the two bases  30 . Horizontal stabilizer bar  40  is friction mounted into a second opening of base  30 .  
         [0048]     Base unit assembly  60  comprises the two vertical members  20 , two bases  30 , four feet  50 , and, optionally, horizontal stabilizer bar  40 . Preferably, the distance between the respective second ends of diametrically opposed feet  50 , forming a virtual line which crosses horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , is approximately thirty-thee inches (33″). This represents a distance between respective second ends of adjacent feet  50 , forming a virtual line approximately parallel to horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , of approximately twenty nine inches (29″). This also represents a distance between respective second ends of adjacent feet  50 , forming a virtual line approximately perpendicular to horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , of approximately sixteen inches (16″). The ratio of distances may vary by up to approximately plus or minus twenty percent.  
         [0049]     One strength assistant unit  100  comprises horizontal grip feedback bar  10  and base unit assembly  60 . Strength assistant unit  100  is fabricated to support a minimum of two hundred pounds (200 lbs.) on horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The preferred total height from bottom of base  30  to top of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is approximately eighteen inches (18″), but may be between approximately fourteen inches (14″) and approximately thirty-two inches (32″), depending upon application.  
         [0050]     Two strength assistant units  100  are used to perforce various strength assistant exercise, stretch, and body movement routines.  
         [0051]     Strength assistant unit is assembled by attaching the second end of vertical member  20  to the first opening of base  30 . A second vertical member  20  is likewise attached to a second base  30 . Preferably, vertical member  20  is pre assembled to base  30  and may be permanently attached together. Optionally, the two bases  30  are connected together by inserting each end of horizontal stabilizer bar  40  into each respective second opening of bases  30 .  
         [0052]     Assembly continues by inserting vertical member alignment pin  22  of vertical member  20  into one end of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , rotating into the proper orientation until member alignment pin  22  locks into the alignment hole of grip feedback bar  10 . Vertical member locking nut  23  is threaded onto the threaded end of horizontal grip feedback bar  10 , securing vertical member  20  to horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The second vertical member  20  is inserted into the second end of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  using the same technique.  
         [0053]     Assembly continues by inserting foot alignment pin  52  of foot  50  into one end of base  30 , rotating into the proper orientation until foot alignment pin  52  locks into the alignment hole of base  30 . V-shaped foot  50  will extend in an outward direction, in a plane that is both parallel to horizontal grip feedback bar  10  and perpendicular to vertical member  20 , away from the rest of the assembly. Foot locking nut  53  is threaded onto the threaded end of base  30 , securing foot  50  to base  30 . A second foot is inserted into the other end of base  30  using the same technique. In a like manner, two feet  50  are attached to the second base  30 .  
         [0054]     In an alternate embodiment, base  30  is padded.  
         [0055]     In another alternate embodiment, base assembly bases  30  and feet  50  are constructed as an integrated unit.  
         [0056]     In another alternate embodiment, only feet  50  need be assembled onto the remainder of strength assistant  100 .  
         [0057]     In another alternate embodiment, base assembly bases  30  and feet  50  and vertical members  20  and horizontal grip feedback bar  10  are constructed as an integrated unit.  
         [0058]     In another alternate embodiment, the total height from bottom of base  30  to top of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is adjustable from approximately eighteen to thirty-two inches (18″ to 32″).  
         [0059]     In another alternate embodiment, the total height from bottom of base  30  to top of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is adjustable by selection of alternate vertical members  20  of alternate length.  
         [0060]      FIG. 2A  shows a side view illustrating the use of one strength assistant unit  100  in a front single bar movement, within a seated user in a starting position. Strength assistant unit  100  is shown using a height of approximately thirty-two inches (32″); enabling a seated user to place their legs under horizontal grip feedback bar  10  when in the seated position. Base unit assembly  60  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) is sized such that a typical chair or wheelchair may fit between vertical members  20  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) causing the user to be automatically properly aligned and positioned relative to the strength assistant unit. Strength assistant unit  100  is oriented such that horizontal grip feedback bar  10  is over the person&#39;s knees with the major longitudinal direction of horizontal grip feedback bar  10  parallel to, and in front of, the chest or sternum of the user. The user places their palms on horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The user is in the proper starting position when the user&#39;s upper arm is approximately vertical and the user&#39;s forearm angled between zero and approximately thirty degrees (30 deg.) up from horizontal. The movement begins when the user uses their arms to pull, causing the user&#39;s body to bend at the user&#39;s waist and the user&#39;s chest to move forward, toward strength assistant unit  100 . The user ultimately rests their chest on their hands such that the user&#39;s hands are now proximate to the user&#39;s armpits. This movement will tend to use muscles in the region of the user&#39;s shoulder blades, chest and arms.  FIG. 2B  shows a side view illustrating the use of one strength assistant unit  100  in the front single bar movement, with the once-seated user seated in a finishing position. In this example, the user&#39;s knees are typically bent and the user is now positioned relatively closer to strength assistant unit  100 . The user&#39;s fore arm is now approximately horizontal and the user&#39;s upper arm angled approximately thirty to forty-five degrees (30-45 deg.) from vertical and extending laterally outward from the user&#39;s body. Base unit assembly  60  does not move or tip in reaction to the force applied by the user, owing to base unit assembly&#39;s structural footprint. The user may return to the starting position, taking care to not lock their elbows when pushing back to the starting position, thereby cycling back to the beginning of the movement. Typically, this movement is repeated ten times.  
         [0061]      FIG. 3A  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a seated user in a starting position. One strength assistant unit  100  is placed on each side of the seated user, with the major longitudinal direction of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10  aligned perpendicular to the facing direction of the user. The strength assistant units  100  typically are at a height of approximately thirty-two inches (32″). By placing the seated user in between and slightly behind the two strength assistant units  100 , the user is automatically properly aligned and positioned relative to these strength assistant units. As illustrated, the user grips with each hand the respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 .  FIG. 3B  shows a side view illustrating the same double bar front movement, with the seated user in the starting position. Each strength assistant unit is positioned in front of the seated person such that the arms of the person extend slightly in front of the person&#39;s torso to grip each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . Typically, each of the strength assistant units  100  is the same distance in front of the user, forming a virtual line between the person&#39;s two palms. The user then uses their arms to pull their torso forward toward the virtual line, bending at the user&#39;s waist, such that the user&#39;s chest reaches past the horizontal grip feedback bars, as shown in  FIG. 3C .  FIG. 3C  shows a side view illustrating the same double bar front movement, with the seated person in the finishing position.  
         [0062]      FIG. 3D  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with a user in an unseated starting position. One strength assistant unit  100  is placed on each side of the user, with the major longitudinal direction of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10  aligned perpendicular to the facing direction of the user. The ends of the feet of each strength assistant unit may nearly touch, creating an opening of approximately eleven inches (11″), representing a proper distance for smaller bodied users, such as women of size 2 to 4, teenagers, or men of jacket size 34 to 36. The strength assistant units  100  are shown using a height of approximately eighteen inches (18″). In this embodiment, the user assumes push-up body position, placing their feet behind the strength assistant units with their hands gripping each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . This is accomplished by the user first resting on their knees. The user then grips the horizontal grip feedback bars, each hand gripping towards the proximate end of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar. The user then extends their feet backward, lifting their knees off the floor. The user&#39;s feet, toes, and hands now bear the user&#39;s weight. This results in the user&#39;s body to be positioned as an inclined plane from the ground, with the user&#39;s feet acting as a fulcrum. The user then lowers their torso downward, bending their elbows. As the user&#39;s torso approaches a finishing position, extending slightly below the height of the horizontal grip feedback bars, the user may be able to extend their thumbs to touch the sides of their torso.  FIG. 3E  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar front movement, with the user in a finishing position. This double bar front movement enables the user to stretch and strengthen their chest muscles, arms, back, abdomen and sides. Alternatively, the user may perform this movement using their knees as a fulcrum (not illustrated), rather than their feet and toes. Typically, a user will train until the user is able to accomplish repeating three sets of this movement, each set comprising repeating this movement ten times. Once a user accomplishes this movement using their knees as a fulcrum, the user may progress to using their feet and toes as a fulcrum.  
         [0063]      FIG. 4A  shows a top view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar side movement, with a seated user in a staring position. A wheelchair is used here to illustrate one method of seating for this movement. One strength assistant unit  100  is placed on each side of the seated user, with the major longitudinal direction of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10  aligned parallel to the facing direction of the user. Typically, the user grips with their hands in front of their torso at a location about one third to one half of the distance from the far end of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 .  FIG. 4B  shows a side view illustrating the same double bar side movement, with the seated user in the starting position. The strength assistant units  100  typically are at a height of approximately thirty-two inches (32″). The user is in the proper starting position when the user&#39;s upper arm is approximately horizontal and extended away from the user&#39;s torso and the user&#39;s fore arm angled between zero and approximately thirty degrees (30 deg.) up from horizontal. The user then uses their arms to pull their torso forward toward their hands, bending at the waist, as shown in  FIG. 4C . This movement results in the user&#39;s upper arm stretching further behind the user&#39;s torso and user&#39;s fore arm squeezing against the user&#39;s biceps, forming an oblique angle between the fore arm and upper arm.  FIG. 4C  shows a side view illustrating the double bar side movement, with the seated person in a finishing position.  
         [0064]      FIG. 4D  shows a front view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar side movement, with a user in an unseated starting position. One strength assistant unit  100  is placed on each side of the user, with the major longitudinal direction of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10  aligned parallel to the facing direction of the user. The ends of the feet of each strength assistant unit may nearly touch, creating an opening of approximately fourteen and one-half inches (14-½″), representing a proper distance for smaller bodied users, such as women of size 2 to 4, teenagers, or men of jacket size 34 to 36. The strength assistant units  100  are shown using a height of approximately eighteen inches (18″). In this embodiment, the user assumes a push-up body position, placing their feet behind the strength assistant units with their hands gripping each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . This is accomplished by the user first resting on their knees. The user then grips the horizontal grip feedback bars, each hand gripping towards the proximate end of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar. The user&#39;s wrists should be approximately aligned with the user&#39;s armpits. The user then extends their feet backward, lifting their knees off the floor. The user&#39;s feet, toes, and hands now bear the user&#39;s weight. This results in the user&#39;s body to be positioned as an inclined plane from the ground, with the user&#39;s feet acting as a fulcrum. The user then lowers their torso downward, bending their elbows. As the user&#39;s torso approaches a finishing position, extending slightly toward the height of the horizontal grip feedback bars, the user may be able to extend their thumbs to touch the sides of their torso. During this movement, the user should attempt to keep their elbows tucked close to their body as the body is lowered towards the finishing position. The user may return to the starting position, taking care to not lock their elbows when pushing back to the starting position, thereby cycling back to the beginning of the movement.  FIG. 4E  shows a front view illustrating the double bar side movement, with the unseated user in a fishing position. Alternatively, the user may perform this movement using their knees as a fulcrum (not illustrated), rather than their feet and toes. Typically, a user will train until the user is able to accomplish repeating three sets of this movement, each set comprising repeating this movement ten times. Once a user accomplishes this movement using their knees as a fulcrum, the user may progress to using their feet and toes as a fulcrum.  
         [0065]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar reverse movement, with a seated user in a starting position. For clarity, only the front strength assistant unit  100  is illustrated. The strength assistant units  100  typically are at a height of approximately thirty-two inches (32″). A wheelchair is used here to illustrate one method of seating for this movement. One strength assistant unit  100  is placed on each side of the seated user, with the major longitudinal direction of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10  aligned parallel to the facing direction of the user. Typically, the user grips with their hands in near their torso at a location about approximately one half of the distance from the ends of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The user is in the proper starting position when the user&#39;s upper arm is approximately horizontal and extended behind the user&#39;s torso and the user&#39;s fore arm angled between zero and approximately thirty degrees (30 deg.) down from horizontal. The user then uses their aims to push their torso up, extending both their upper arm and fore arm towards a fully vertical orientation.  FIG. 5B  shows a side view illustrating the use of two strength assistant units  100  in a double bar reverse movement, with the user approaching a finishing position.  
         [0066]     The double bar reverse movement may also be practiced by a user who is not in a seat (not illustrated). Typically, strength assistant units  100  of a height of approximately eighteen inches (18″) are used. One strength assistant unit  100  is placed on each side of the squatting user, with the major longitudinal direction of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10  aligned parallel to the facing direction of the user. Typically, the strength assistant units are placed slightly further apart than when practicing the double bar side movement, allowing the user to lower their hips below the horizontal grip feedback bars  10 . Typically, the user grips with their hands at their side and aligned close to their torso at a location about approximately one half of the distance from the ends of each respective horizontal grip feedback bar  10 . The user should be able to extend their thumbs to touch the sides of their torso. The user may be sitting with their legs extended horizontally in front of their torso, or, alternatively, may lift their legs to extend horizontally in front of their torso. The user is in the proper starting position when the user&#39;s upper arm is approximately horizontal and extended behind the user&#39;s torso and the user&#39;s fore arm angled down from horizontal. The user then uses their arms to push their torso up, extending both their upper arm and fore arm towards a fully vertical orientation. Alternatively, the user may apply a squat position by placing their feet flat on the ground rather than extending the legs horizontally. The user should tilt their head to look up at approximately a forty-five degree (45 deg.) angle from horizontal in order to avoid neck strain.  
         [0067]     Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this present invention. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the method and apparatus described herein may be practiced, including but not limited to, the embodiments described. Further, it should be understood that the invention is not to be unduly limited to the foregoing which has been set forth for illustrative purposes. Various modifications and alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the true scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims. While there have been illustrated and described particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that numerous changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intended in the appended claims to cover those changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.