Exercise apparatus and method

A technique for exercise and strength training is disclosed. The technique involves a device that can be affixed to a support point which can allow the user to exercise using body weight. In one embodiment, the stability of the device can be adjusted by varying the position of a stability member.

BACKGROUND

Strength training is used to develop the strength, size, and/or endurance of skeletal muscles. Properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being. Strength training is often associated with resistance training, and particularly weight training. Normally, strength training requires a wide variety of exercise machines and/or weights. The machines or weights can be purchased or a monthly fee must be paid to have access to a gym. Additionally, certain strength exercises require the use of heavy and cumbersome weights which may cause injury if improperly used.

Exercise machines and weights have several disadvantages when used to strengthen skeletal muscle. Exercise machines are usually safer but often do not effectively train stabilizer muscles. In general, free weights more effectively train stabilizer muscles but are more dangerous. In addition, both exercise machines and weights cannot effectively vary the emphasis on the stabilizer muscles.

Certain devices have been developed which allow the user to use body weight for stretching or strength training. These devices have a disadvantage because the emphasis on the stabilizer muscles cannot be varied during exercise. Further, these devices cannot effectively train specific muscles required for mountain and/or rock climbing.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) involves stretching a muscle group passively, contracting the muscle group isometrically while in the relaxed position, relaxing the muscle group and then increasing stretch passively. PNF stretching is typically more effective and more comfortable than conventional stretching, because it exploits the body's own neural mechanisms. PNF has a disadvantage because it usually requires the assistance of a partner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A technique for strengthening stability muscles can involve an exercise apparatus and method. In some cases, the apparatus allows the user to vary stability by adjusting a stability member. In other cases, the user can use body weight as a resistance force while exercising. In some additional cases, the apparatus allows the user to engage in strength training suitable for rock-climbing. Also, exercises are demonstrated using the apparatus in a manner to increase strength and/or endurance. In some embodiments, these exercises allow the stability to be varied to target stabilizer muscles. In other embodiments, PNF stretching can be performed without assistance.

The proposed system, method and device can offer, among other advantages, improved strength and/or endurance training. This can be accomplished in an efficient and robust manner compared to other strength training alternatives. Advantageously, the proposed system, method and device can be used to effectively train skeletal muscle including stabilizer muscles. The system can also provide effective exercises suitable for training in rock-climbing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following description, several specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or in combination with other components, etc. In other instances, well-known implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments, of the invention.

FIG. 1depicts an example of an exercise device100with an adjustable stabilizing member. The example exercise device100includes a handle102, an elongated control strap104, a control buckle106, a connector108, an elongated anchor strap110, an adjuster112, and a support point114.

The handle102is a hollow, rigid structure with the strap104going through the length of the handle102and exiting at opposite ends. The handle102is cylindrical in shape but in other embodiments any shape may be used which are known and/or convenient. The handle102is wider than the average user's hand, making it easy to grip without abrasion from the strap104. In example embodiments, different handle lengths can be used to affect the stability of the apparatus. The width of the handle102may be varied depending on the size of the potential user of the device. For example, a small, medium, large set could be created or a set targeted at women or men.

In some example embodiments, a handle may be metal, plastic, composite material, or any material or combination of material known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments a handle will be padded. Examples of padding materials include cloth, EPDM foam material, sponge material, or any other material known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments a handle will be curved. In some example embodiments, a handle will be telescoping thereby allowing the width to be varied and varying the stability of the apparatus.

In some example embodiments the handle will include an attached strap, which may be padded, to be used as a contact point for exercise. The padded strap may be used as a contact point against the body in circumstances where using a rigid handle would be uncomfortable or unwieldy. In some example embodiments, the padded strap may be used in conjunction with the handle as a foot harness, where the bottom of the foot is placed on the handle and the ankle contacts the padded strap. In this manner the exercise device may be used for a greater number of possible exercise positions.

In an addition example embodiment, straps are attached to either end of a handle. In these embodiments the handle may or may not be hollow. The handle may be attached to the strap by rivets, loops, clamps, or any other method known and/or convenient. In this example embodiment the straps may be part of one continuous piece or multiple non-continuous pieces.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the control strap104goes through the handle102, both ends of the control strap104converge at a control buckle106, and the control strap104is attached to a connector108. The control strap104is flexible and strong enough to support a user's bodyweight. The strap is elongated and usually at least 4 feet in length but a longer or shorter length may be used depending on use and/or cost.

In some example embodiments, a control strap may be military grade tubular webbing, a nylon strap, a rubber strap, a metal cord, a plastic wire, or any other strap known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments, a control strap may contain a spring section creating a greater level of instability during exercise. The spring section may be releasably inserted or built into the strap itself. In some example embodiments, a control strap is marked at specific locations, each mark indicating a point to set a control member to vary the level of stability to a specific and repeatable exercise. The marks may either be permanent or they maybe adjustable by the user. In some example embodiments, the strap is marked with indentations, notches, depressions to make it easier to set the correct location of a control buckle.

The control strap104goes through and is traversed by the control buckle106. The control buckle106holds the strap in place and creates a point of convergence in the strap104at the control buckle106. The control buckle106is adjustable by the user so the point of convergence may be adjusted to be farther or closer to the handle102. The control buckle106is designed to securely hold the point of convergence in place on the control strap104.

In some additional example embodiments, a ring, a collar, a clamp, or any other known and/or convenient securing mechanism may be used as the control buckle106. In some example embodiments, a control member may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, composite, or another material known and/or convenient.

The connector108is attached to the control strap104and the anchor strap110. The connector108may be any suitable material which will support the weight of the user's body. The connector may be attached to the control strap104and the anchor strap110in any manner known and/or convenient. For example, and not limitation, the control strap and the anchor strap may be looped around the connector108to facilitate the connection. In additional examples, the connector108may include a clamp portion to clamp the receiving ends of the control strap and anchor strap in place. In other embodiments, the control strap104and anchor strap110may be removably and/or irremovably tied to the connector108. In further embodiments, any convenient and/or known technique may be used to attach the connector to the straps.

In some example embodiments, a fastener may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, composite, or another material known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments, a fastener may be a carabineer, a ring, a latch, or any other fastener known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments a fastener may be releasably attached to a control member and an anchor member.

The anchor strap110is attached to the connector108and runs through the adjuster112. The anchor strap110is flexible and strong enough to support a user's bodyweight. The anchor strap is elongated and is usually of at least 3 feet in length although different lengths can be used based on desired use and/or cost.

In some example embodiments, the anchor member may be marked to indicate the position to be used in relation to an adjustable fastener. The different lengths can correspond to the length needed for different exercises, the intensity of a particular exercise, the portion of the muscle to emphasize, or for any other known and/or convenient reason. In some example embodiments an anchor strap may be military grade tubular webbing, a nylon strap, a rubber strap, a metal cord, a plastic wire, or another item know or convenient. In some example embodiments, an anchor member is releasably attached to a connector and/or an adjuster.

The adjuster112traverses the anchor strap110and allows the length of the strap to be adjusted. The adjuster112is attached to the support point114either directly or through intermediaries. The adjuster can be a clamp which uses friction to substantially hold the anchor strap110at the desired length while in use. In some example embodiments, an adjuster can be a cam lock buckle or any other known and/or convenient alternative.

The support point114is a stable structure which can bear the weight of a user while exercising. The adjuster112is attached to the support point114either directly or through intermediaries. The support point114supports the user while an exercise is in progress. In some example embodiments a support point includes: a ceiling, a wall, support beams, a support cage, chin-up bar, or any other known and/or convenient alternative. In some example embodiments, a plate with multiple adjustable attachment points is mounted to a stable structure. The plate allows the apparatus to be attached at multiple and adjustable locations to increase the diversity of exercises possible.

FIG. 2depicts an example of an exercise device200with an adjustable stabilizing point. The exercise device200includes a handle202, elongated flexible control straps204-1and204-2, a stability member206, a fastener208, a support structure214, and an optional foot strap216.

The handle202is a rigid structure with the control straps204-1and204-2attached at the ends of the handle202. In the example ofFIG. 2, the optional foot strap216is also attached at the ends of the handle202. In some example embodiments, the handle and/or foot strap may be metal, plastic, composite material, or any material or combination of materials known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments the handle and/or foot strap will be padded. In some example embodiments, the handle is hollow. In other example embodiments, the handle will be curved. In some example embodiments, the foot strap can be suited to loop around a section of the user's foot and/or leg and can be used as a contact point rather than or in conjunction with the user's hand. In some example embodiments, the attached strap is suited as a contact point another section of the user's body such as abdomen, neck, or arm.

The control straps204-1and204-2attach at the ends of the handle202and converge at the stability member206. The stability member206may be adjusted to make the control straps convergence point closer to the handle202or farther away from the handle202, depending on the desired stability level. The control straps204-1and204-2go through the stability member206and attach to the fastener208. In some example embodiments, control members204-1and204-2may be military grade tubular webbing, a nylon strap, a rubber strap, a metal cord, a plastic wire, or any other item know or convenient. In some example embodiments, control members are releasably attached to a handle and/or a fastener. In some example embodiments, control members are attached to a handle and/or a fastener in a manner allowing rotation of the handle.

The fastener208is attached to the control members204-1and204-2and the support structure214. The fastener208serves as the connection point between the control straps204-1and204-2and the support point214, and transfers the weight applied to the control straps to the support point214.

In some example embodiments, a fastener may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, composite, or any other material known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments, a fastener is attached to a support structure214by a loop, bolts, clamps, nails, or another method known and/or convenient. In some example embodiments, a fastener is connected to a mounting plate which may be mounted on a support structure. The mounting plated may be mounted by any method known of convenient.

FIG. 3depicts an example of an exercise device300in positions of differing stability. Position301-1shows the control buckle closer to the handle. As such, the handle is less stable and stability muscles can be exercised. Positions301-2shows the control buckle farther from the handle. As such, the handle is more stable and target muscles can be exercised. These two positions are meant as illustrative only and many other possible positions are possible with the device300. In addition, other techniques for controlling stability are possible including, but not limited to, introducing a spring element, varying the material of the control straps, and/or varying the width of a handle element.

FIG. 4depicts an alternate example of an exercise device400. The exercise device400includes a handgrip402, an anchor404, a strap406, and a support structure408. In the example ofFIG. 4, the handgrip402is resembles a rock including a rock that is used on a rock climbing wall. In one embodiment, the handgrip402is half of a rock with a fastening mechanism (not shown) for connecting to the strap406. In other embodiments, the handgrip402is a full rock with a fastening mechanism protruding from a portion of the rock. In additional embodiments, the rock can be any known and/or convenient size and/or shape suitable for rock climbing strengthening exercises. In certain embodiments, the surface of the grip may be smooth, coarse, or any other surface texture known and/or convenient to use. Additionally, the handle may be plastic, metal, rubber, natural rock material, or another material known and/or convenient as a climbing wall grip. In some example embodiments, the handgrip can be exchanged to allow other handle shapes to be used.

FIGS. 5A,5B,5C, &5D depict examples of strength training and PNF exercises using an embodiment of the invention. These examples are meant to be illustrative only and many other exercises are possible. In each exercise depicted other embodiments of the invention can be used in addition to the depicted embodiment.

Illustration501-1and illustration501-2depict two positions in a curl exercise, an exercise targeting the bicep muscle group. The body is alternatively lowered and raised between a contracted and extended position. The handles are gripped in an underhand manner and feet place in front of the center of gravity of the body. Illustration501-1depicts the contracted position where the body weight has been pulled toward the handles. Illustration501-2depicts the extended position. In this exercise the position of the feet may be varied to change the relative amount of body weight on the biceps or stabilizer muscles. The stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability. The exercise depicted in illustration502could also show a PNF stretching exercise targeting the bicep muscle group.

Illustration502-2and illustration502-2depict two positions in a dip exercise, and exercise targeting the triceps and chest muscle groups. The body is alternatively lowered and raised between a contracted and extended position. The handles are gripped on top of the handles. The legs are then raised off the ground. Illustration502-1depicts the contracted position where the bodyweight has been lowered. Illustration502-2depicts the extended position where the body weight has been raised. The stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability.

Illustration503depicts a stretching exercise targeting the back muscles. Illustration503depicts the extended position where the body weight is pulled away from the handles. In this stretching exercise both gravity and the user's leg muscles may be used as a force to stretch the target muscles. In some example embodiments, the stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability.

Illustration504-1and illustration504-2depict two views of a stretching exercise targeting the back muscles. The user's feet are placed on a surface in front of them, and the body is held substantially parallel to the floor. Illustration504-1depicts a view from behind of the extended position where the body weight is pulled away from the handles by gravity. Illustration504-2depicts a side view of the exercise. In some example embodiments, the stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability.

Illustration505-1and illustration505-2depict two positions in a chest press exercise, an exercise targeting the pectoral muscle group. The body is alternatively lowered and raised between a contracted and extended position. The handles are gripped in an overhand manner and feet place in behind the center of gravity of the body. Illustration505-1depicts the contracted position where the body weight has been lowered toward the handles. Illustration505-2depicts the extended position. In this exercise the position of the feet may be varied to change the relative amount of body weight on the pectorals or stabilizer muscles. The stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability. The exercise depicted in illustration505could also show a PNF stretching exercise targeting the pectoral muscle group.

Illustration506-1and Illustration506-2depict two positions in a chest press exercise where the body is inclined, an exercise targeting the lower pectoral muscle group. The body is alternatively lowered and raised between a contracted and extended position. The handles are gripped in an overhand manner and feet place in behind the center of gravity of the body. Illustration506-1depicts the contracted position where the body weight has been lowered toward the handles. Illustration506-2depicts the extended position. In this exercise the position of the feet may be varied to change the relative amount of body weight on the pectoral or stabilizer muscles. The stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability. The exercise depicted in illustration506could also show a PNF stretching exercise targeting the pectoral muscle group.

Illustration507-1and illustration507-2depict two views of a stretching exercise targeting the triceps muscle group. The user's feet are placed on a behind surface. Illustration507-1depicts a side view of the stretch. Illustration507-2depicts a front view of the stretch. In some example embodiments, the stability member position may also be varied relative to the handle to increase or decrease stability. In some example embodiments, different rock-climbing handles may be used.

As used herein, “strength training” is defined to include any resistance training, including training to increase muscle total strength, endurance, or cardiovascular exercise. As used herein, the term “embodiment” means an embodiment that serves to illustrate by way of example but not limitation. As used herein, rock handgrips refers to handles which resemble rocks including natural rocks and artificial rocks commonly encountered in rock-climbing that can be affixed to a rock-climbing wall.