EXERCISE APPARATUS

Methods and exercise apparatuses for assisting in squats, upper body exercises, and toe raises are disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a support and a resistance member. The support includes a top surface that is angled relative to a horizontal plane. The user pulls on and tensions the resistance member by hand for balance and support during a squats or toe raises. The user can pull on and tension the resistance member by hand for upper body exercises as well.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has recognized that in a proper squat, the knees should not extend beyond the toes. The knees should remain centered over the feet during any downward movement, and the knees should not roll inwardly or outwardly. In addition, the back is maintained in a neutral position. The curve of the back should not flatten, and the back should not arch. During a conventional squat, the arms may be stretched outwardly for balance.

While squats are a commonly performed exercise, proper squatting form is often difficult to achieve. The inventor has recognized that, when a person squats while standing on a horizontal plane, the body's center of gravity tends to shift backwardly. The inventor has found that people have a natural tendency to lean forwardly to compensate for the backward shift in the center of gravity, resulting in increased weight and stress on the lower back and on the knees, which can lead to injury. Thus, the inventor has recognized that a need exists for an exercise apparatus that helps a user to maintain proper balance and form during a squat. The inventor has discovered that positioning the person's center of gravity in a forward position throughout the squat may help to suppress the tendency to lean forward during a squat, making it easier to maintain proper form.

According to one aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus includes a support with an inclined surface, and a handheld resistance member. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS.1A-1B, an exercise apparatus1is placed on a horizontal plane100. Exercise apparatus1includes a support10and at least one resistance member30. As shown inFIGS. 1A,1B, and4, the support10may include a top surface12, a bottom surface13, a first end15, and a second end17. The top surface12includes a bottom edge14a top edge41. The vertical distance between the horizontal plane100and the bottom edge14is less than the vertical distance between the horizontal plane100and the top edge41.

The top surface12forms an incline angle θ relative to the horizontal plane100. In some embodiments, where bottom surface13is parallel to the horizontal plane100, top surface12may also form an incline angle θ relative to bottom surface13. However, in some embodiments, the top surface may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane but not inclined relative to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the support has no bottom surface or has a bottom surface with a surface area that is much smaller than that of the top surface. For example, in one embodiment, the top surface may be inclined using one or more pedestals or legs. In another embodiment, the support may be a single board such as a plank that can be leaned against a raised surface, such as a curb or a step.

The top surface may be planar or curved. The top surface may be partly planar and partly curved. For example, the majority of the top surface may be planar, but one or more ends of the top surface may be curved. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, the top surface12is planar near the top edge41, but curved near the bottom edge14. In some embodiments, the top edge41may be beveled or otherwise have a flat edge. A flat top edge41may help to promote stability or otherwise increase comfort of the user. In other embodiments, however, top edge41is a non-beveled corner, as this aspect is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, the incline angle θ may be within the range of 22 to 25 degrees, inclusive. In other embodiments, the incline angle may be within the range of 21.5 to 25 degrees, inclusive. In other embodiments, the incline angle may be within the range of 18-25 degrees, inclusive. In some embodiments, the incline angle may be 22, 23, 24, or 25 degrees. In another embodiment, the incline angle is 22.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the support includes a mechanism to adjust the incline angle. In other embodiments, the incline angle is not adjustable. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1A,1B, and4, the support10may include a rear surface19. Rear surface19is connected to the top edge41, and may be connected to a bottom surface13. Rear surface19may form an angle0relative to the horizontal plane100. In some embodiments, where bottom surface13is parallel to the horizontal plane100, rear surface19may also form an angle θ relative to bottom surface13. In some embodiments, angle θ may be less than 90 degrees. Having an angle θ less than 90 degrees may help promote stability of support10by preventing the support from rocking backwards over the rear surface19. In some embodiments, angle θ may be 62 to 72 degrees. In some embodiments, angle θ may be 60 to 75 degrees. In some embodiments, angle θ may be 67 degrees. In some embodiments, however, angle θ may be 90 degrees or any other suitable angle, as this aspect is not limited in this regard.

The at least one resistance member30includes at least one hand grip38, and typically a second hand grip39, one on each end of the resistance member30, that can be grasped by a hand. Some examples of resistance members include resistance bands, exercise bands, elastic bands, or any other suitable member that provides a predetermined level of elasticity corresponding to the amount of pulling force needed to stretch the resistance member a desired distance. Resistance members30may be made from rubber, latex, or any elastic, or rubber like material having a predetermined level of elasticity corresponding to the amount of pulling force needed to stretch the resistance member30the desired distance. The resistance member30may have an elasticity resistance of 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 30, or 60 pounds, an elasticity resistance of 3 to 100 pounds, 3 to 60 pounds, 5 to 60 pounds, or any other suitable elasticity resistance. In some embodiments, the resistance member30may contain a non-elastic inner cord that limits the length that the resistance member30may be stretched or any other suitable feature that prevents snapping of the resistance member30. Pulling on the hand grip(s)38and39by hand while restraining a portion of the resistance member30causes the resistance member30to stretch. Depending on the elasticity resistance of the resistance member, a certain level of pulling force is required to stretch the resistance member a certain distance.

At least one portion of the resistance member30is restrained. In some embodiments, the resistance member is anchored to the support10or otherwise restrained by the support. In some embodiments, the support10may include an anchoring mechanism that permits the resistance member to be anchored directly to the support. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 1A, the anchoring mechanism includes a pair of openings16and18in respective ends15and17and a channel33through which a portion of the resistance member30extends. The channel33has a cross-sectional shape that may be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a keyhole, any polygon, or any suitable shape, as this aspect is not limited in this regard. Alternatively, in some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 1B, the member30may extend through an empty space11beneath the surface12. This space may be a cylinder, a half cylinder, a rectangular prism, a triangular prism, a hexagonal prism, a recess, a groove, or any other suitable shape and size.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1A-1B, resistance member30is anchored by the support10without being attached to the support10. As shown inFIG. 2, when a user stands on support10and pulls on hand grips38,39, the portion of the resistance member30that is within channel33or is under surface12, moves very little in the direction of force applied by the user, assuming the user applies an approximately equal force on both hand grips38and39.

In some embodiments, the openings16,18through which the resistance member30passes may be beveled, chamfered, or otherwise have rounded edges to decrease wear on the resistance member30when the resistance member is tensioned.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the arrangements shown inFIGS. 1A-1B. In other embodiments, the resistance member30may be attached to the support10. For example, one end of the resistance member may be attached to the support10, while the hand grip is on the other end of the resistance member. In other embodiments, two resistance members may be used, with one resistance member being attached to the first end15of the support, and the other resistance member being attached to the second end17of the support. Resistance members may be attached to the support10via various known anchoring mechanisms such as an interference fit between the resistance member and a hole or opening in the support10, a known fastener, adhesive, a hook and loop type fastener, a knot in one end of the resistance member adjacent opening16or18, a rod or loop connected to the support, or a knot formed over any other known attachment. In other embodiments, the resistance member may be anchored to a stationary object other than the support, such as a closed door or a pole.

Any suitable number of resistance members may be used in the exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1B, a single resistance member30may be used. In other embodiments, more than one resistance member may be used at a time. For example, a second or third resistance member may be added to the arrangements shown inFIGS. 1A-1B, such that two or more resistance members pass through channel33or empty space11. In one embodiment, the second resistance member may have its own hand grips on each end such that the user holds two hand grips in each hand in order to stretch both resistance members at a time.

In another embodiment, hand grips38,39may be configured to accept more than one resistance member at a time. For example, hand grips38and39may have multiple slots or holes, where each slot or hole attaches to a resistance member30. Two or more resistance members30may attach to such a hand grip at a time. In addition, the hand grip may be arranged such that resistance members can be easily attached to or removed from the hand grip such that the resistance members are interchangeable.

The exercise apparatus1may be configured to allow interchangeability of the resistance members30. As a result, a user can change the total amount of resistance by adding or removing resistance members30. For example, if the user wishes to exercise with a total resistance of 20 pounds, the user can use two 10 pound resistance members, with each hand holding both resistance members. As another example, if a single 30 pound resistance member is anchored by or to the support10and a user wishes to use less resistance, the user can remove the 30 pound resistance member and replace it with a 10 pound resistance member. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1A-1B, the openings16,18may include respective insertion slots46,48through which the resistance member30can be inserted to position the resistance member inside the openings16,18. The slots may be sized such that the resistance member must be squeezed or otherwise elastically deformed to fit through the slots. In this manner, an application of force may be required to pull the resistance member30out of the openings16,18through the slots46,48, thereby ensuring that the resistance member30remains within the openings16,18during use.

The exercise apparatus1can be used for squats, upper body exercises, and toe raises. A user first places the exercise apparatus on a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the user may wear shoes while using the exercise apparatus. In other embodiments, the user can use the exercise apparatus without wearing shoes. For squats, as shown inFIG. 2, a user stands on the surface12of the support10such that the heels are pointed in an upward direction, typically, although not necessarily, extending beyond the top edge of surface12. In some embodiments, the user stands with feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart and the toes slightly pointed outwardly. In some embodiments, the toes are pointed straight ahead. In this forward slanted position, the center of gravity of the user is brought slightly forward, so that when the user squats downwardly, the user's center of gravity does not shift as far back as it would otherwise without the apparatus, and thus the user does not feel the need to lean in a forward direction. By standing on the support10in this manner, the weight of the user may be concentrated on the heel section of the foot, which may put more tension on the hamstrings and quadriceps during the squat, thereby increasing the muscle-training effectiveness of the squat. As is also shown inFIG. 2, the resistance member30helps stabilize and support the user during the squat. As the user descends downwardly during the squat, the user pulls on the handles38,39, placing the resistance member30in tension. The tension in the resistance member allows the user to maintain good form and posture, and may also help to concentrate forces on the user's heels, giving rise to increased heel push and increased tension on the hamstrings and quadriceps. The tension in the resistance member may help to keep the user's knees from extending beyond the user's toes. In one embodiment, as the user ascends back to the upright position, the user pulls the resistance member30upward. In some embodiments, the user returns to the upright position with the arms fully extended.

In some embodiments, the user's palms may rotate while holding onto and tensioning the resistance member30during the squat. In one embodiment, prior to starting the squat, while holding the resistance member, the user's palms face toward the body. As the user descends downwardly during the squat, the user's wrists supinate so that the palms rotate outwardly away from the body as the user pulls and tensions the resistance member. In other embodiments, the user's wrists may pronate or may not rotate at all during the squat. In some embodiments, the user's palms may not rotate at all, or they may rotate towards the body during the squat. For example, in one embodiment, the user may perform a bicep curl type action during the squat while tensioning the resistance member.

In some embodiments, the resistance member may be used to increase the load on the muscles during the squat. In one embodiment, the user may wrap the ends of the resistance member around the shoulders from the back of the body to the front such that the resistance member is pulled in tension as the user rises up from a squat position. The user may lock the resistance member in place around the shoulders by slightly elevating the elbows. The user may then descend into the squat position, with the resistance member providing increased tension on the muscles.

In addition to training the muscles of the lower body, the exercise apparatus may be used to train muscles of the upper body. In some embodiments, tensioning the resistance member during the squatting movement causes the muscles of the upper body to flex, thereby training the muscles of the lower and upper body at the same time. In some embodiments, when the user returns to an upright position following a squat, the user may continue to pull the hand grips of the resistance member upwardly away from the support to train certain muscles of the upper body. As such, the user may perform an upper body exercise following the squat. Many different types of upper body exercises are possible, including, but not limited to: a bicep curl, clean and jerk, triceps extension, triceps kickbacks, triceps curl, lateral raise, and any other suitable upper body exercise. In some embodiments, a user may alternate between squats and upper body exercises while remaining on support10with the heels slanted upwardly.

Alternatively or in addition, the exercise apparatus may be used for calf exercises such as toe raises. During a toe raise, as shown inFIG. 3A, a user may stand on the surface12of the support10such that the toes of the feet are pointed in an upward direction. The user may then raise the heels, which flexes the calf muscle. During the toe raise, the user holds onto and pulls the resistance member30for balance and support. In some cases, the resistance member30may provide increased tension to the calf muscles. Alternatively or in addition, in some cases, the resistance member30may provide tension to the arm muscles to train the muscles in the arms at the same time as the calf muscles. In some embodiments, the user's palms face outwardly away from the body while pulling the resistance member during the toe raise exercise and do not rotate. In some embodiments, the user may rotate the wrists while pulling the resistance member during the toe raise exercise.

According to another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus includes a support10with a length of surface12that is less than the length of the user's shoe or foot. During a squat, arranging a portion of the heels of the user to hang freely over the top edge of surface12may be more comfortable for the user and assist in maintaining proper form. In some cases, an overhang distance of the heels allows the heels to pivot slightly during the squat, allowing the user to sense the body's center of gravity, which may help the user to maintain balance.

For a squat, the length of surface12of support10permits a portion of the user's heels to extend beyond the top edge41of surface12while a portion of the toes extend beyond the bottom edge14of surface when the user stands on the support. As shown inFIG. 4, surface12has a length S that extends from the bottom edge14to the top edge41. In some embodiments, the length S is less than the length of the average human adult foot or shoe size. In some embodiments, the length S may be 3 to 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, the length S is 3.125 inches. In one embodiment, the length S may be adjustable by the user. In other embodiments, the length S is fixed.

As shown inFIG. 2, the length of the surface12may be dimensioned such that a portion of the heels of the user extend beyond the top edge41by a heel extension distance D1, while a portion of the toes of the user extend beyond the bottom edge14by a toe extension distance D2. In some embodiments, the heel extension distance D1 is equal to a percentage of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the heel extension distance D1 equals 15 to 40 percent of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the heel extension distance D1 equals 20 to 35 percent of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the heel extension distance D1 equals 25 percent of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, depending on the length of the user's foot, the heel extension distance D1 may be 1 to 3.25 inches. In some embodiments, the toe extension distance D2 may be 3.5 to 6 inches.

For toe raises, as shown inFIG. 3A, the length of the surface12may be dimensioned such that a portion of the user's toes extend beyond the top edge41of the top surface12by a toe extension distance D3, while the heels extend beyond the bottom edge14by a heel extension distance D4 when the user stands on surface12. In some embodiments, the toe extension distance D3 is equal to a percentage of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the toe extension distance D3 equals 15 to 40 percent of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the toe extension distance D3 equals 20 to 35 percent of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, toe extension distance D3 equals 25 percent of the length of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the user may stand on support10such that the ball of the foot is positioned at or near the top edge41. In some embodiments, depending on the length of the user's foot, the toe extension distance D3 may be 1 to 3.25 inches. In some embodiments, the heel extension distance D4 may be 3.5 to 6 inches. The dimensions of support10may permit the exercise apparatus to have a compact size for portability and storage. As shown inFIG. 4, support10has a height H and a width W. In some embodiments, the height H may depend upon and vary with the incline angle θ and/or the length S of top surface12. In some embodiments, the height H may be 1.5 to 2.5 inches. In one embodiment, the height H is 2.125 inches. In some embodiments, the width W may be 3.25 to 3.75 inches. In one embodiment, the width W is 3.5 inches. As shown inFIG. 1A, the support10may have any suitable length L, as this aspect is not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, length L is longer than the width of a person's hips or shoulders to permit a user to comfortably place their feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart on the support. However, in some embodiments, the length L may be only slightly longer than the width of a user's single foot or shoe. In these embodiments, the apparatus may be used for exercises such as single leg squats. In some embodiments, the length L may be small enough to permit the exercise apparatus1to fit within carry-on luggage or a duffel bag for easy storage and/or portability. In some embodiments, the length L may be 21.5 to 23.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length L may be 22 inches.

The above described support may be made with wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood-plastic composite, wood-like composite, any suitable composite, or any other suitable material, as this aspect is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus may be custom designed to best fit the user, or, in other embodiments, one exercise apparatus could be designed for smaller people and children, while another exercise apparatus could be designed for larger people.

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus may be provided in a kit with a plurality of resistance members that have different lengths and/or resistances. In another embodiment, each exercise apparatus may be provided with one or two resistance members of the same type rather than a kit of a plurality of different types of resistance members.