Versatile exercise apparatus

An exercise apparatus includes a base frame formed of a pair of spaced, circular inner rails, each having an angularly-adjustable, semicircular side rail attached thereto. The upper portion of the base frame includes a pair of handlebars for performing certain pulling exercises. An elastomeric resistance band is securable to any one of a plurality of spaced rings positioned on the entire inner circumference of the inner rails and the side rails. An opposing end of the resistance band is secured to a wearable accessory to allow a user to perform virtually any desired exercise at various angles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that allows a user to perform virtually an unlimited number of exercises with elastomeric resistance bands.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In order to engage in a comprehensive training regimen, an exerciser must typically visit a gym or health club having specialized equipment that targets certain muscles. Usually, each exercise is performed on a different, complex machine having weight stacks that are lifted with rods or cables. To work the entire body, the exerciser must use numerous machines, each of which requires a seat and weight adjustment. When finished, the exerciser must wipe the seat and repeat the task at another machine, which is tedious and laborious. Furthermore, because each machine only targets a specific muscle group, the exerciser must have access to a significant number of machines in order to work the entire body.

Accordingly, there is currently a need for an exercise device that is more versatile than a conventional weight machine. The present invention addresses this need by providing an apparatus that allows an exerciser to perform virtually an unlimited number of exercises using elastomeric resistance bands to target any desired muscle group. Specifically, the device includes a pair of substantially upright, circular rails, each having a semicircular side rail pivotally attached thereto. Each of the rails has a plurality of spaced rings on an inner circumference to which elastomeric bands can be secured to perform a myriad of resistance exercises at various angles. For example, the semi-circular rails with the circumferential rings allow a user to perform numerous suspension-type core exercises while allowing the angle of the limbs relative to the body to be easily varied in both horizontal and vertical planes. Similarly, the upright rails with circumferentially disposed rings allow a user to perform vertical exercises from a myriad of angles, such as hanging leg raises, or arm or leg pulls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus comprising a base frame formed of a pair of spaced, downwardly-diverging, circular inner rails, each having an angularly adjustable, semicircular side rail attached thereto. The upper portion of each inner rail includes a handlebar for performing certain pulling or hanging exercises. An elastomeric resistance band is securable to any of a plurality of spaced rings positioned on the entire inner circumference of the inner rails and the side rails. A wearable accessory is attachable to a distal end of the resistance band to allow a user to perform virtually any desired exercise at various angles.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that allows a user to perform an unlimited number of exercises.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that eliminates the need for numerous, expensive machines in order to target multiple muscle groups.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus comprising a base frame1formed of a pair of spaced, downwardly diverging inner rails2that are each formed of a circular tube. The upper portions of the inner rails are joined with a pair of cross beams having a cover plate3superimposed thereon. An eye bolt4depends from the lower surface of the cover plate for suspending a heavy punching bag5or similar exercise equipment.

Attached to the upper segment of one of the inner rails is a first, substantially linear handlebar6having a pair of opposing, downwardly-angled handgrips7. The upper segment of the other inner rail includes a pair of D-shaped handlebars8for performing certain pulling exercises. A footpad9on the lower segment of each inner rail stabilizes the frame on an underlying surface.

Pivotally attached to each inner rail is a semi-circular side rail10having a pair of distal ends that are each seated within an adjustment plate20. Each distal end has a transverse bore that aligns with any one of a plurality of peripheral apertures11on the adjustment plate. A spring-biased locking pin41releasably fits within an aligned aperture and bore to fix either side rail at a desired angle. The entire inner circumference of both the inner rails and the side rails includes a plurality of spaced rings12to which any one of a number of elastomeric resistance bands13is secured to allow a user to perform virtually any desired exercise, at any desired angle.

The elasticity of each resistance band is varied to correspond to a given weight unit, allowing a user to select the intensity of an exercise, as desired. Accordingly, each resistance band is color-coded and labeled to conspicuously identify the given weight unit. The resistance bands include a loop14at each of two opposing ends. One of the loops is secured to a releasable clamp15that connects the band to the frame while the opposing loop is secured to an accessory worn by the exerciser.

The wearable accessory includes at least a glove16, a boot17and a vest18, each having one or more rings51thereon for coupling with the desired resistance band. The boot and glove each include laces that are covered with a releasable flap52to prevent interference with the exerciser's movements. An opposing end of the band is secured to any one of the rings on the inner rails or side rails to allow the user to perform virtually any exercise that targets a desired muscle group. In addition, the circular rails allow a user to vary the angle of the limbs relative to the body in the x, y and z planes to assure a more comprehensive regimen that targets all muscle groups.

The above-described device is not limited to the exact details of construction and enumeration of parts provided herein. Furthermore, the size, shape and materials of construction of the various components can be varied.