GYM MACHINE FOR DIP EXERCISES AND TWIST WORKOUT

A gym machine for dip exercises in combination with body twist, includes frame members, a seat, a weight stack, elements for supporting the weight stack movably on the frame members, moving elements for moving the weight stack in response to a performance by the user, a chain element connected to the moving elements, and a handle element attached to one end of the chain element for a user to perform the exercise movement. The gym machine further includes brace elements for steadying the user in a performing position for dip exercise in combination with body twist for the duration of performing the workout, the brace elements including an upper leg support, lower forward leg supports, lower rearward leg supports, and a handgrip for steadying the non-supporting arm. The brace elements support the user with the hand of a performing arm engaging the handle element.

FIG. 1shows schematically an exemplary embodiment for a dip exercise machine for dip exercises, whereby is achieved a sawing movement based on body twist and a new type of impact made possible thereby on the upper and mid-body muscle groups. The preferred exemplary embodiment shown in the figure comprises a horizontal support leg1, preferably a steel leg, by which the gym machine is propped on a gym floor or the like foundation structure. On the horizontal support leg1, preferably at a distance from one of its lengthwise ends, is mounted a vertical support leg2. The horizontal support leg1and the vertical support leg2can also be made in one piece. The gym machine further comprises a weight stack3, which is provided with weight plates, for example 5 kg weight plates. As known per se from weight stacks, the weight plates are provided with a hole, the weights for use during a performance being selected by means of a pin inserted therein. The weight stack3has for example a total weight of 150 kg or 200 kg. Arranged on top of the weight stack3is preferably a loose weight item, for example a clasp4, which can be provided with small, for example 1-5 kg loose weights, for example add-on weight plates, for a more precise adjustment of the exercise weight. On the horizontal support leg, preferably at one of its lengthwise ends, is mounted a vertical support frame member5, preferably a steel member, which extends on either side of the machine. The horizontal support leg1and the vertical support frame member5can also be made in one piece. The support frame member5is fitted with rails6, preferably metal rails, along which the weight stack3is adapted to be movable in up-down direction during workout. To the weight stack3is attached a cable or the like suspension element7, which has a lifting capacity preferably of at least 500 kg and which is wear resistant. On the support frame member5is mounted a horizontal top support frame member8, which connects the upright support frame member5and the rails6. The top support frame member8comprises pulleys9or the like rotating elements, which are preferably disposed inside the same and which are preferably made of steel, as well as a track assembly6for guided movement of the cable7. The cable7or the like suspension element is linked to an adjustable chain element11by way of an openable loop member10. The adjustable chain element11is preferably a metal link chain11, comprising links, preferably metal links, secured to each other for a chain. The chain element11is preferably adapted to withstand a weight of about 300 kg. To the chain element11can be fixed a handle12to be grasped by the user with one hand for performing an exercise movement, such as a sawing movement involving dip exercises in combination with body twist during a workout. Preferably on either side of the vertical support leg2is provided an upper leg support13, which extends on both sides of the machine and under which is braced the thigh of the forward leg at a position above the knee in a crosswise manner with respect to the performing arm, and on top of which is placed the forearm of whichever is the non-performing arm. Preferably, the upper leg support13has at least its top surface cushioned to provide a comfortable support for the forearm of a non-performing arm throughout the workout. The upper leg support13is adjustable in terms of its height by way of an adjustment mechanism, for example a pin-in-hole assembly. The upper leg support13is provided with a handgrip14for the hand of a non-performing arm. Preferably, the handgrip14is adjustable in terms of its height by way of an adjustment mechanism, for example a pin-in-hole assembly. Above the horizontal leg support1, by means of the support leg2and a vertical support leg of the upper leg support13, is mounted a seat15for the user to sit on during a workout. The seat15is adjustable in terms of its height by way of an adjustment mechanism, for example a pin-in-hole assembly. The vertical support shank for the upper leg support13is on either side thereof provided with lower forward leg supports16, under one lower forward leg support16of which is braced the foot of whichever is the forward leg for securing the balance. The vertical support leg or support shank18is on either side thereof provided with lower rearward leg supports17, under which the foot of whichever is the rearward leg is braced for the duration of a workout and for securing the balance. The gym machine size can be for example 80 cm (length)×80 cm (width)×230 cm (height).

As shown in the figure, the gym machine according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises an adjustable chain element11, preferably capable of withstanding a weight of at least 300 kg. The chain11has its height adjusted by securing the openable loop member10to a desired link of the chain11, whereby the height of the chain11is adjustable from top all the way to the handle12grabbed by a user's hand. The chain11has its lower portion, for example over the extent of about 20-60 cm, surrounded by a rubber compound or the like covering for preventing the formation of abrasion marks on the arm during a workout. The chain11has its top and bottom part provided with an openable snap hook or the like fastener, by means of which the chain11is attached at the top to the loop10and at the bottom to the handle12. The chain11has its length variable from 50 cm to 150 cm for example at the intervals of about 2-3 cm. The chain11is inflexible and capable of withstanding major weights. The exemplified gym machine further comprises the handle12, which is preferably made of steel and preferably capable of withstanding a weight of more than 300 kg, and which has its top portion provided with a metal hole or the like hole feature, by means of which the handle12is attachable to the chain11. The handle12enables a one-arm performing technique and jointly with the handgrip14for the non-performing arm a powerful twisting tension and muscular stimulation during workout.

The illustrated exemplary embodiment further comprises the upper leg support13, which is preferably cushioned over its top portion and under which is a per se known metal base with holes and a pin, by means of which the leg support13can be adjusted in terms of its height. The leg support13has its back portion fitted with a handgrip14for the non-performing arm. The upper leg support13functions as a brace for the user's forward leg, having the thigh placed thereunder for the duration of a workout and, in addition, having the elbow of the non-performing arm planted on its top surface. This enables the legs and the balance to be supported during a workout as well as the body twist or so-called sawing movement to be achieved with the handgrip14, the lower forward leg support16, and the lower rearward leg support17. The handgrip14is intended for steadying the non-performing arm in such a way that the fingers take a hold around a post at the end of the handgrip14, thus providing an effective workout of the upper body on a one-arm dip stand as well as a powerful twist exercise impact on muscle groups making up the target. Accordingly, the upper leg support13, the handgrip14for the non-performing arm, the lower forward leg support16, and the lower rearward leg support17enable a controlled forward movement of the upper body as a twist movement for achieving a so-called sawing movement. The gym machine features the lower forward leg support16, under which the foot of the forward leg is secured during a performance, and the lower rearward leg support17, under which the foot of the rearward leg is secured during a performance.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the resistance is adjusted from the weight stack3as desired. The user sits down on the seat15for the duration of a performance, such that the left knee is pushed under the upper leg support13and the left foot is pushed crosswise under the lower forward leg support16. The right foot is pushed back under the lower rearward leg support17, which is on the opposite side with respect to the lower forward leg support16under which the left foot is present. Hence, the feet are in a crosswise position, one under the lower forward leg support16and the other under the lower rearward leg support17. With the hand of a performing arm (in this case, the right arm) is taken a hold of the handle12. The height is adjusted by means of the metal chain11to match the user, such that in a starting position the handle is level with the user's chest. The non-performing arm (in this case, the left arm) is planted with its forearm on top of the upper leg support13and the fingers are used to seize the handgrip14. The user leans forward to a starting position. With the hand of a performing arm in engagement with the handle12which is level with the chest, and with the hand of a supporting (non-performing) arm in engagement with the handgrip14, the handle12is pressed downward as far as it travels and returned slowly up to the starting position. The movement is performed by stopping at the starting position and by commencing from a standstill at the starting position. The handle12is pushed to level with and beyond the upper leg support13with forward rotation, thus generating a powerful tension in the upper and middle body. The thigh muscles also become stronger as the thighs are subjected to a powerful pressure in the performing position. With the left arm as a performing arm, the right knee is pushed under the upper leg support13, the right foot under the lower forward leg support16, and the left foot is pushed back under the lower rearward leg support17, whereby the feet are in a crosswise position one after the other; one under the lower forward leg support16and the other under the lower rearward leg support17.

The invention has been described above with reference to just one preferred exemplary embodiment thereof. Many modifications and variations in details and structure are conceivable within the scope of the inventive concept.