Method and system for performing linear and circular movement patterns

A method and system for performing linear and circular movement patterns is provided. The method and the system include a limb-activated linearly and circularly moveable apparatus comprising a rotatable platform coupled to a slideable base. A limb gripping the apparatus can slide the apparatus across a surface while rotating the platform. The apparatus is designed to constantly realign the joints involved in the movements and without straining the joints of the body to maximize productivity and promote joint comfort.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/213,043 filed May 1, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and a system for a human to perform linear and circular movement patterns with an apparatus engineered to help realign the joints involved in the movements to maximize force output and to promote joint comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Activities of daily life have been improved with multiple products that unfortunately have done a poor job of protecting the joints and promoting their realignment during movements. The products suffer by locking or limiting the mobility of the body joints. Such products can cause injuries due to unnecessary strain on the joints, muscle imbalance and pain.

The skeletal system and the muscle groups that are designed to promote movement of the human body are run by the brain and the nervous system that pass on commands for each motion performed by the human body. In order to maximize the force output and efficiency of the movement, the joints involved should be perfectly aligned so that the signal from the brain to the muscle is not interrupted by different factors, such as joint pain, that signals the brain that the movement must be stopped or the joints realigned to protect the body from injury.

Various reasons can cause the body to move at less than the optimum ability or potential. Using products that position the body improperly can lead to interruption of the movement or cause muscle imbalances to develop, leading to injuries and discomfort. People who suffer from joint aches such as arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or any other type of joint disease, also have a serious disadvantage and can have a hard time using products that cause pain and discomfort.

Fitness and exercise has been the answer to gain muscle strength and promote a stronger and more efficient body. Some exercise products attempt to mimic training for everyday activities. Many exercise machines, however, focus on a single muscle group or a single plane of motion, thus somewhat limiting the improvements made to the body. The human body is made to move in multiple planes of motion at different speeds that should be trained in a safe progressive manner in order to best prepare the body for everyday challenges.

Fitness and exercise will be used as the primary topic of the disclosure herein. That is to be taken and understood as exemplary to demonstrate how a method and a system with joint realignment based design will benefit a user from movement enhancement, safety, efficiency, and overall quality of daily activities. Nevertheless, movement improvement based on joint realignment will benefit other aspects of life including, for example, washing, dusting, painting, cleaning, gardening, grooming, ironing, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, buffing, waxing, exercising and more.

With a lack of time to exercise, many people turn to different apparatuses with the hope of getting fast results. Many will realize that being out of shape for a certain period of time has weakened them and most of the machines are challenging or too uncomfortable on their joints. Joint pain becomes an issue and it can be difficult to apply enough strength to perform some exercise. Biomechanics and the laws of physics teach that the skeletal system needs to have its joints perfectly aligned to produce maximum force and avoid joint discomfort during a movement. There is a need for a method and system that helps realign the joints during a movement, in all planes of motion and on any type of surface.

Modern science also teaches that movement based exercise training is more beneficial to the body because it challenges the body to perform at different speeds and following different movement patterns that involve different muscle groups. It is important to note that movements involving multiple joints moved at multiple speeds in different patterns, and that involve different muscle groups to work together in different systems, promote body stability, balance, realignment, and coordination. This type of movement-based training is called functional training, where the body is forced to use proprioception, which is the unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body. This type of stimulation improves balance and stability of the body by using the ability of the brain to memorize movement patterns to create coordination between different muscle groups to stabilize the body and produce the correct amount of force output to create a movement or motion.

Everyday life is full of such challenges and exercising with stable machines in the gym does not challenge the body enough to benefit balance and stability. Those machines are also bulky, very costly and for the most part target one muscle group through a single joint. Muscle isolation promotes the muscle but does little for the ability of the brain to promote movement or memorize movement patterns. There exists a need for a method and system that promotes functional training to train the muscles in less time, and to better prepare the body against injuries. There is a need for a method and system that can facilitate functional training to promote balance, stability, coordination, strength and cardio through a solid full body workout.

One class of portable exercising apparatuses is the Hand-Held Wheeled Exercise Apparatus described in US 2008/0070762. This apparatus allows stretching and exercising by rolling the apparatus on the floor. The apparatus can only be rolled linearly in a straight line and is limited to mainly stretching and exercising the upper body and core muscles. Attempting to use the apparatus in a circular pattern puts pressure on the joints from the wrist to the elbow and the shoulders putting the user at risk of injury. The muscles in the lower parts of the body are also neglected. There is a need for an apparatus that can roll or slide in every direction and in all planes of motion and a method and system to do so without straining the joints by providing joint realignment during the movement.

Another class of portable exercising apparatus is the Exercise Apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,778, the Pushup Exercise Apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,888, and the Push-Up Exercise Unit and Apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,025 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,267. These apparatuses work by rotating the handles in either clockwise or counter clockwise directions while the user is performing a push-up movement. These apparatuses do a good job of protecting the wrist and elbow joints but the bottom surface of the apparatuses are made of a slip resistant material so that the apparatus remains completely stationary during movement. These apparatuses are designed to work in a vertical range of motion for the upper body, and primarily work the wrist, chest, shoulders, triceps and biceps. The muscles of the back and the lower body are not exercised. There is a need for an apparatus that can help perform more than just push-ups in a single plane of motion, and a need for a method and system that can provide exercises for the lower extremities, core and upper body while rolling or sliding in multiple directions and in circular patterns on different surfaces.

The method and apparatus described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,190, works by allowing the user to place a body part on a sliding element and to slide that body part to stretch and/or exercise in different directions. Because there is no handle on the sliding element to provide a secure grip, it limits the amount of force applied by the hand, for example, to return to a starting position after a stretch and/or exercise. This also limits how far the muscle involved can be stretched as well as the range of motion. Furthermore, it exerts pressure on the joints in the wrist and the ankles because there is no rotation of the sliding element. There is a need for a system and method that promotes joint realignment to allow the body to stretch further. There is a need for a reliable system to secure a body limb on an apparatus to allow maximum force to be used to bring the apparatus back from the stretched position to the starting position while safely exercising the muscle stretched, and for performing circular and linear movement patterns in all planes of motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a linear and circular movement system, comprising a limb-activated, linearly and circularly moveable apparatus. The apparatus includes a gripping device adapted for gripping by a limb, such as a hand and/or a foot, a rotatable platform connected to the gripping device, the platform being rotatable by a first movement of the limb, a pivoting element connected to the platform, and a sliding base connected to the pivoting element. The base is slideable across a contacted surface, the base being slideable by a second movement of the limb, wherein by the first and second movements of the limb the gripping device actuates the platform and base to realize both linear and circular motion of the apparatus with respect to the contacted surface.

The method and system of the present invention allows a user to slide and/or roll at least one apparatus away from and back toward the body in multiple directions, following a linear and/or circular movement pattern in all planes of motion, while moving a limb of the body secured to the apparatus. The method includes performing movement patterns executed by a user in different planes of motion with a great range of motion and the constant realignment of the joints involved in the movements.

The method and system of the present invention involves securing a limb, such as a hand and/or a foot, onto the apparatus, then moving the limb in multiple directions while progressively realigning the joints involved in the circular and/or linear movement pattern in all planes of motion. The method and system will be described in the context below as exercising and/or stretching in circular and or linear movement patterns in all planes of motion.

According to various embodiments, the method and system of the present invention provides a method of exercising the human body. The method includes performing one or more exercises using the linear and circular movement system. The exercise basically involves positioning an apparatus on a surface, such as an exercise floor, so that the sliding base of the apparatus is in contact with the surface. The apparatus is gripped with at least one limb of the body, such as a hand or a foot, and the limb is moved to slide/and or roll the apparatus in a linear or circular motion across the surface. The method and system of the present invention allows a user to perform exercises in any position, for example, a prone position, supine position, side-lying position, kneeling position, seated position, and standing position.

According to various embodiments, the method and system of the present invention can include more than one apparatus, such as two, three, four or more apparatuses. For example, the movement system can comprise four apparatuses, and two apparatuses can have a gripping device adapted for gripping by a foot, and two apparatuses can have a gripping device adapted for gripping by a hand. A user can position two apparatuses on the surface and grip the apparatuses with, for example, two hands, two feet, or a hand an a foot. In performing an exercise, the user can simultaneously slide both apparatuses, or can alternate sliding each apparatus.

According to various embodiments of the apparatus, the slideable base can include one or more multidirectional wheels mounted to the base and adapted to roll on the surface. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a gripping device such as a handle that is pivotable, collapsible, and/or detachable. In some embodiments, the slideable base can be removable from the apparatus and/or interchangeable. The system can include a variety of bases and each base can provide a different coefficient of friction with the contacted surface. Removable bases also can provide an easy system for replacing the slideable base and can provide a variety of design patterns or colors.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus can include a gripping device such as the handle that can be configured, positioned, and or adjusted on the apparatus to vary the amount of space to receive a limb of the body. For example, the gripping device can be configured and positioned to accommodate a hand, and then adjusted to better accommodate a foot or a knee. The gripping device can be offset to different positions on the apparatus. The handle of the gripping device can be offset, for example, by collapsing, pivoting, sliding and/or detaching from one set of receiving sockets to another set of receiving sockets. In one embodiment, the base on each side of a detachable handle can be adapted to offset the handle by pivoting or flipping the handle 180 degrees horizontally and reattaching to the apparatus.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus can include a gripping device comprising a detachable pad that is made out off a cushioning material with a slip resistant surface to comfortably secure a limb of the body such as a foot, a hand or a knee, to the apparatus. The detachable cushioned pad can be detached from the apparatus and placed on the floor, for example, to serve as a knee-pad.

According to various embodiments, the method and system can include one or more strap, such as an elastic resistance band, connected to the apparatus. The one or more strap can connect two apparatuses to each other.

The method and system of the present invention can be used for different types of training such as strength training, balance, stability, flexibility, Pilates, yoga, and speed training. The method and system can be used by a single user or by a large group of users. The apparatus can be used in multiple ways that can be taught to one individual or to a group of people, for example, at a seminar or a gym class.

The method and system is designed so that any human can use it. The apparatus includes a sliding or rolling base that when in contact with a surface, for example, an exercise floor, the contacted surfaces have a friction coefficient low enough to permit essentially any human user to slide or roll the apparatus across the surface. According to various embodiments, the movement system includes apparatuses having various friction coefficients that provide various degrees of sliding or rolling resistance. For exemplary purposes only, an embodiment of the system would allow a 150 pound person of average strength and mobility to slide and/or roll an apparatus across an exercise floor surface when the apparatus is pressed at an oblique angle. The system can be safely used by any human from a young age to senior citizens and from post-injury rehab to more advanced athletic users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the method and system of the present invention, different movement patterns can be executed by a user with a great range of motion. When a user slides the apparatus, the rotation of the platform with respect to the base allows for a constant realignment of the joints during the movement. By rotating the platform with respect to the base, circular movement patterns can be performed in different planes of motion without straining the joints. The apparatus allows the user to stretch and/or exercise linear and circular movement patterns to stretch muscle groups as far eccentrically as possible and back concentrically from multiple directions while realigning the joints for maximum force output and comfort.

Referring toFIG. 1, the linear and circular movement system of the present invention includes a limb-activated, linearly and circularly moveable apparatus40. Apparatus40comprises a rotatable platform60, rotatably mounted or connected to a sliding base62. Apparatus40also comprises a gripping device adapted for gripping by a limb. In this embodiment, the gripping device includes a gripping bar58connected to platform60. Gripping bar58can also include a slip resistant grip57positioned on the bar for gripping, for example, by a hand. Apparatus40can also include a slip resistant mat59with a slip resistant surface positioned on platform60to receive the limb. The slip resistant surface of mat59can provide a surface for gripping, for example, by a foot, a hand or a knee.

Apparatus40includes a pivoting element connected to platform60and to sliding base62so that platform60and base62are rotatably coupled through the pivoting element. Platform60and base62can be rotatably coupled using, for example, ball bearing plates, however, any of various well known ways of rotatably coupling two pieces together, such as bearings, a lazy-susan, or a swivel mechanism can be used. Platform60can be rotated with respect to base62by a first movement of the limb gripping the gripping device. For example, a hand on gripping bar58can rotate platform60with respect to base62. In another example, a foot placed on mat59can rotate platform60with respect to base62.

Base62is designed to be slideable across a contacted surface, such as the floor. In particular, the bottom63of base62is designed to slide on a surface, for example an exercise floor. Base62is slideable across the surface by a second movement with the limb gripping the gripping device. In combination, the first and second movements of the limb gripping the gripping device actuates platform60and base62to realize both linear and circular motion of apparatus40with respect to the contacted surface.

Referring toFIG. 2, gripping bar58can be mounted on platform60. Gripping bar58can be U-shaped and is connected to platform60at two connection points, the extremities77L and77R. The top of platform60T can be designed to receive removable fasteners76L and76R from the bottom of platform60through openings75L and75R to removably secure extremities77L and77R. In some embodiments, extremities77L and77R can have a wider base or can be offset so provide more room for a limb such as a foot or a knee (see also,FIG. 32andFIG. 38). Gripping bar58can also have alternative ways of being secured on apparatus40, for example, to be collapsible, removable, and/or integrated into platform60. Gripping bar58can be built into platform60in a unitary construction. Gripping bar58can also be pivotable along an axis defined by the two connection points.

InFIG. 2, gripping bar58has an inverted U-shape, but other shapes can be used such as a C-shape, a J-shape, a Z-shape, an S-shape, and an L-shape. The base of the inverted U has a slip resistant grip57that can be adapted for gripping by a user's hand and to provide a comfortable and reliable grip on apparatus40. Accordingly, gripping bar58can have an inside length of, for example, about 6½ inches, an outside length of about 8 inches, a height of about 4¼ inches and an extremity width of about 1½ inches. Grip57can have a cylindrical shape that covers most of the length on the inside of gripping bar58. Grip57can also have different shapes such as finger grooves for conforming to the shape of the user's hand and fingers. Grip57can also be removable from gripping bar58.

Platform60is made out of a strong, rigid material such as wood, rubber, metal, plastic, polymers and/or composites, or the like. Platform60is designed to support and/or receive a limb of the body, such as a hand, foot or knee. The bottom of platform60is rotatably mounted to the top of base62through a pivoting element, such as through ball bearing plates61. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, base62and platform60are circular and the diameter of base62is smaller than the diameter of platform60. When coupled together, platform60can turn with little or no friction with respect to base62. Platform60can have a circular shape, for example, with a diameter of about 8 inches and a height of about 1 inch, however, other shapes and sizes can be used such as a square, a triangle, or any polygon.

According to various embodiments, platform60can include a central foundation70with extensions70E designed to reinforce platform60. Formation70can be designed to receive and secure ball bearing plates61on each corner of formation70, for example, by fastening an upper bearing plate69through openings69L and69R, using fasteners71R and71L. A lower bearing plate72can similarly be attached to an internal central foundation67of base62, for example, through openings72L and72R using fasteners73L and73R. The top of platform60T can be designed with at least one opening74for access to fasteners73L and73R and internal square67. Mat59is placed on top of platform60and can cover opening74.

According to various embodiments, mat59can receive at least one foot or at least one hand. Mat59can cover the entire platform60and can have a pattern on the surface to provide extra grip by design. Mat59can be secured onto platform60with glue, or by other techniques such as fasteners, pins, or the like. Mat59can be removable and place on the floor to serve as a kneeling pad (SeeFIG. 32). Mat59can be made out of a soft and cushioning material to provide comfort on a limb such as a foot, a hand or a knee (SeeFIG. 32). Mat59can be made out of a non-slip material, for example, rubber, plastic, foam or fabric. In some embodiments, a slip resistant pattern mold on the top of platform60can serve a similar function as slip resistant mat59(see also,FIG. 26). Platform60can comprise indentations adapted to receive and secure the limb gripping the gripping device. Platform60can be shaped to accommodate a footrest designed to receive the foot, for example, the bottom of the foot, the heel, or the toes. The foot, heel and toe rests can be, for example, engraved small holes or indentations with different shapes designed to receive the appropriate portion of the foot (see also,FIG. 5B).

According to various embodiments, base62includes a bottom surface63designed and/or adapted to slide on an exercising surface in multiple directions. Base62can have a circular shape, for example, about 7½ inch in diameter and 1 inch in height. The base can have a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of platform60. Base62can have a cylindrical shape with the top diameter equal to the bottom diameter. It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that sliding bottom surface63can have a different shape on the outside such as a circle, a square, a triangle, or a polygon.

The top66of base62is rotatably coupled to the bottom of platform60. Base62is connected to a pivoting element, such as ball bearing plate61. Base62can include a central square shape foundation67designed to receive and secure lower bearing plate72through openings72L and72R with fasteners73L and73R. Base62can include alternative designs to accommodate alternative pivoting elements such as a swivel support base apparatus or a swivel mechanism. Any design of the inside of base62can be acceptable as long as base62rotates with respect to platform60with minimal or no friction allowing for a smooth rotation. Extensions68between central foundation67and the inner circumference of base62are designed to reinforce base62.

Base62includes a bottom surface63that is designed to slide on a smooth surface such as an exercise floor. The surface63of sliding base62can comprise, for example, nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene so that apparatus40can slide on any surface, such as hardwood, mirror, glossy hard floor, glossy plastic mat, rubberized floor, linoleum, and carpet. Base62is made out of a strong, rigid material such as wood, rubber, metal, plastic, polymers and/or composites or the like.

Base62can be removable from apparatus40. A variety of removable bases can provide, for example, different coefficients of friction to vary the amount of resistance. Also, a removable base offers an advantage of being a replaceable base with the same coefficient of friction. A removable base can also provide the user with a selection of different colors or decorative patterns, for esthetic purposes (see alsoFIG. 40). Base62can be secured on the apparatus in multiple ways, for example with fasteners, plugs, and screws.

According to various embodiments, apparatus40can comprise a removable boot41. As also illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the inside of boot41is adapted to receive base62of apparatus40. For example, the boot41can have a circular shape with an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of base62. In this way, boot41can be secured to apparatus40without falling off if apparatus40is picked up. The height of boot41can be slightly less than the height of base62that sticks out of platform60, so that when boot41is secured on apparatus40, there is enough space remaining between the bottom of platform60and boot41to allow rotation without being in contact. The inside shape of boot41can be altered according to the outside shape of base62so that boot41can be secured on apparatus40.

According to various embodiments, boot41comprises a plastic cup65and a nylon sheet64covering the bottom of cup65. An alternative to a nylon sheet is cloth of a material strong enough not to rip when sliding apparatus40, but also with a friction coefficient to allow sliding on an exercise surface. Other material can be used such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cotton fabric and the like.

Depending upon the friction coefficient of the material, the bottom surface of apparatus40can be adjusted to provide for the ideal friction coefficient, creating different levels of resistance. For example, nylon with a gloss surface has a different friction coefficient than cotton fabric, and thus the different materials can provide for the ideal friction coefficient and/or resistance level of boot41.

According to various embodiments, and as illustrated inFIG. 4, apparatus40can comprise a wheeled base270having one or more multidirectional wheel272adapted to roll on the contacted surface. One or more multidirectional wheel272can be mounted directly to base62or they can be mounted to wheeled base270that is separate from base62. Wheeled base270can be removable and can have a top271with a diameter large enough to receive and secure to base62so that when picked up base270remains secure on apparatus40. Wheeled base270can be adapted to roll on a slip resistant surface such as a rubber surface, cement, concrete, asphalt, and the like. Wheels272can be made with a desired friction coefficient allowing apparatus40to roll at a desired speed so the user can have control rolling away and back. Wheels272can be made of any material with a desired friction coefficient, for example, rubber, or a material with a gritty or abrasive surface, or with a slip resistant pattern engraved into the wheels. Depending on the desired friction coefficient, wheeled base270can allow apparatus40to roll on slip resistant surfaces as well as less slip resistant glossy hard surfaces and soft surfaces. Depending on the friction coefficient of the material used for wheels272, a different level of resistance can be used from wheeled base270having wheels that will roll harder or easier to bring different levels of difficulty to the movement system.

Wheels272can be multidirectional and have a diameter, for example, of about one inch, but they can have larger or smaller diameters. Wheels272can be secured and mounted on a vertical rotating axle fastened into base270so that wheels272can freely rotate on the vertical axle and turn on their own axis making them multidirectional. Apparatus40offers the option of plugging and unplugging wheeled base270on to slideable base62, but further designs offer plugging and removing wheels272on a base62having openings to receive the wheels (see also,FIGS. 39A-39C).

The method and system of the present invention allows for constant realignment of the joints involved in the movement. This results in the user having less strain on the joints and more comfort during a stretch or exercise. Realignment of the joints also provides greater force output due to faster joint stabilization prior to a movement. The same process enhances strength through the stabilization of the joints, in addition to a further stretch on the muscles involved, allowing bigger overload during the exercise and gains in muscle flexibility. The increased range of motion allows the user to stretch muscles by sliding an apparatus further out and returning to the starting position choosing linear or circular pathways without stressing the joints. The muscles can be stretched and exercised in one movement involving the core muscles to benefit the user's fitness by gaining strength, flexibility, balance, stability and coordination.

For the purpose of illustrating and better understanding the present invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings different exercises and stretches using the method and system of the present invention. The exercises and stretches have been selected to demonstrate the variety of exercises and stretches contemplated by the present invention. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the system and method of the present invention is not limited to the exercises and stretches disclosed herein. It is evident that one of ordinary skill in the art can create additional exercises and numerous exercises routines, as well as apply the invention to other fields of activities.

FIGS. 5-24illustrate various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention to perform a variety of stretches and exercises, each stretch or exercise including sliding an apparatus on a surface by moving a limb of the body secured onto the apparatus. The stretches and/or exercises can include, for example (i) pull stretches and/or exercises involving upper body muscle groups such as the forearms, biceps, upper back, lower back and rear deltoid, (ii) push stretches and/or exercises involving upper body muscle groups such as triceps, pectoral muscles, and front deltoid, (iii) push-pull stretches and/or exercises involving major and minor core muscle groups such as major muscles such as the pelvic floor muscles, transverse abdominals, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominals, erector spinal (sacrospinalis), longissimus thoracic, and the diaphragm, and minor core muscles such as latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, and trapezes, and (iv) one or more push-pull/flexion-extension stretches and/or exercises, involving lower body muscle groups such as hip flexors, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoral, gracilis, sartorius, popliteus, gastrocnemius, quadriceps, ankle flexors and extensors.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate various embodiments of apparatus40held in different ways such as one hand on a gripping bar, one hand on a slip resistant mat, both hands on a gripping bar, one foot with the toes on a slip resistant mat, one foot with the heels on a slip resistant mat, both feet with the toes on a slip resistant mat and both feet with the heels on a slip resistant mat (not shown) ready to perform a stretch and/or an exercise according to the method and system of the invention.

During all circular and linear sliding patterns, platform60rotates with respect to base62while the feet and/or the hands are secured on platform60to avoid friction on the joints to maximize the force output of the arms and legs exercised and/or stretched.

FIGS. 6A-6Fillustrate several push-up style exercises according to the inventive method and system. These exercises start from a basic push-up position holding an apparatus40on each hand, feet and together and palms of the hands facing the feet, as shown inFIG. 6A.

InFIG. 6B, the user progressively lowers the torso by bending the elbows and twisting the wrists outward down to a final stretching position before pushing up the torso back to the starting position while twisting the wrists inward. During the push, gripping bar58of apparatus40stays perpendicular to both arms and platform60rotates with respect to base62so there is no discomfort on the wrists and elbows.

FIG. 6Cillustrates a single arm push-up and single arm chest fly combo. The user progressively lowers the torso by bending the left elbow and sliding apparatus40of the right hand while twisting the wrists outward to bring the body down to a stretching position with the right arm sliding out perpendicular to the body. The user then returns back up to the starting position by pulling and sliding apparatus40back to shoulder width level. The user can then switch movements to the other hand to complete the second repetition of the exercise. The push and the pull are done at the same time so the torso is always parallel to the exercise floor.

FIG. 6Dillustrates a prone chest fly. In this exercise, the user progressively lowers the torso by linearly sliding out both apparatuses40with the elbows slightly bent and the arms perpendicular to the body while twisting the wrists outward. The user then pulls apparatuses40back in to shoulder width while twisting the wrists inward to push the torso back up to the prone position. The push and the pull are done at the same time so the torso is parallel to the exercise floor at all time.

FIG. 6Eillustrates a single arm push-up and a single arm pull combo. The user progressively lowers the torso by linearly sliding forward apparatus40with the elbow slightly bent. The user then linearly pulls apparatus40back in to shoulder width level to push the torso back up to the prone position. The user can switch to the other hand or he can finish pulling with one hand for the number of repetitions desired and then start back with the other hand.

FIG. 6Fillustrates a single arm push-up and a single arm butterfly combo. The user progressively lowers the torso by circularly sliding forward apparatus40in a “C” pattern. The user then linearly pulls apparatus40of the right hand back to shoulder width level to push the torso back up to the prone position.

FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate a prone chest press starting with the palms facing out. This exercise is shown starting from the push-up position holding two apparatuses40, one on each hand close together with feet shoulder width apart and palms of the hands facing out with the thumbs perpendicular to the body. The user progressively lowers the torso to the prone stretching position by bending the elbows and linearly sliding out both apparatus40while twisting the wrists inward. The user then twists the wrists outward and linearly slides apparatus40and push-up the torso back to the prone position.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate a prone chest press starting with the palms facing in towards the feet. The user progressively lowers the torso to the prone stretching position and linearly sliding out two apparatuses40while twisting the wrists inward so the thumbs are parallel to the body. The user then twists the wrists outward, and linearly slides in the apparatuses40and push-up the torso back to the prone position.

FIGS. 9A,9B and9C illustrate a crab slide exercise. This exercise begins in the push-up stance and on the right side of a cone158and ends in the same position but on the left side of cone158. The user slides apparatus40of the left hand out along with stepping out with the left foot to a new push-up stance so cone158is in the middle between both hands. The user then slides in apparatus40of the right hand along with stepping the right foot to the push-up stance with both apparatuses40and both feet together while moving the body to the left side of the cone158.

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate a chest fly on the knees in a semi-kneeling position. This exercise starts in a semi-kneeling position with the knees on the floor and both arms extended with the torso parallel to the exercise floor. The user then progressively lowers the torso by linearly sliding out both apparatuses40with the elbows slightly bent and both arms perpendicular to the body while twisting the wrists outward and stretching down to the semi-kneeling prone position. The user then pulls apparatuses40back in while twisting the wrists inward to push the torso back up to the semi-kneeling prone position.

FIG. 10Cillustrates a butterfly on both knees. This exercise starts at a semi-kneeling prone position with the knees on the floor and both arms extended with the torso parallel to the floor. The user then progressively lowers the torso by circularly sliding out both apparatuses40with both arms perpendicular to gripping bar58while twisting the wrists outward and stretching down to the semi-kneeling prone position. The user then circularly slides back apparatuses40while twisting the wrists inward to push the torso back up to the semi-kneeling prone position.

FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate a lateral arm pull-out/pull-in on the knees in the semi-kneeling prone position. This exercise starts at a semi-kneeling prone position with the knees on the exercise floor and both arms extended out in front and parallel to the body. The user pulls out on apparatuses40to circularly slide both arms from a parallel position in front of the body to a perpendicular position beside the body to the semi-kneeling prone position. The user then pulls in on apparatuses40to circularly slide the arms from the perpendicular position back to the parallel position in front of his body.

FIGS. 12A and 12Billustrate a horizontal arm pull-in/push-out combine with an abs slide on both knees. The user progressively lowers the torso by linearly sliding out both apparatuses40with the arms parallel to the body down to the semi-kneeling prone position. The user then linearly slides back apparatuses40and pushes up the torso back to the semi-kneeling prone position.

FIGS. 13A and 13Billustrate a seated linear leg curl and extension for one leg. This exercise starts in a seated position with the right knee flexed, both hands on the exercise floor to support the torso and the left knee extended with the left heel on apparatus40. The user bends the left knee by linearly sliding apparatus40to curl the left heel to the seated position. He then extends the left knee by linearly sliding apparatus40to push the left heel out to the seated position.

FIG. 13Cillustrates a seated circular leg curl and extension for one leg. This exercise starts in a seated position with the right knee flexed, both hands on the exercise floor to support the torso and the left knee extended with the left heel on apparatus40. The user bends the left knee by circularly sliding apparatus40to circle out, and curling the left heel to the seated position. He then extends the left knee by circularly sliding out apparatus40to circle in and pushing the left heel out to the seated position. During the circular slide, platform60rotates with respect to the base62while the heel is secured on the platform.

FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate a seated adductor/abductor and lower abs exercise using an apparatus40on each foot. This exercise starts in a seated position with the knees slightly bent, both hands on the exercise floor to support the torso and the feet spread apart as far as the flexibility of the user can allow him to stretch. The user linearly or circularly slides in both apparatuses40together to pull in the heels to the seated position. The user then linearly or circularly slides out both apparatuses40as far his flexibility will allow while pushing out the heels to the seated position.

FIGS. 15A and 15Billustrate a seated linear and/or circular double leg curl and extension with both feet on a single apparatus40. This exercise starts in a seated position with both hands on the exercise floor to support the torso and the knees extended with the heels on the apparatus40. The user bends the knees by linearly or circularly sliding apparatus40to curl the heels to the seated position. He then extends the knees by linearly or circularly sliding apparatus40to push the heels out to the seated position.

FIGS. 16A and 16Billustrate a supine linear and/or circular leg curl and extension with both feet on a single apparatus40. This exercise starts in a supine position with the arms along the body, the hands on the exercise floor and the knees extended with both heels on apparatus40. The user bends the knees by linearly or circularly sliding apparatus40to curl the heels to the supine position. He then extends the knees by linearly or circularly sliding apparatus40to push the heels out to the supine position.

FIGS. 17A and 17Billustrate the use of three apparatuses40to perform a crunch combine with a supine leg curl and extension. This exercise starts in a supine-cross position with both arms perpendicular to the body with an apparatus40on each hand, the knees extended with both heels on apparatus40. The user performs a crunch while circularly sliding down both apparatuses40along his body and bending the knees by linearly or circularly sliding apparatus40to curl the heels to the supine position. He then circularly slides both apparatuses40back up so his arms are perpendicular to the body and extends the knees by linearly and/or circularly sliding apparatus40to push the heels out to the supine position.

FIGS. 18A and 18Billustrate a prone adductor/abductor and lower abs exercise with an apparatus40secured on each foot. This exercise is shown starting from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor and the feet close together so both apparatuses40touch one another with the knees extended. The user linearly or circularly slides in both apparatuses together keeping the knees extended, and pushing out both apparatuses40by pushing on the toes to get to the push-up position while stretching as far his flexibility will allow him. The user then linearly or circularly slides in both apparatuses40keeping the knees extended and pulling on the toes to get to the push-up position.

FIG. 18Cillustrates a prone reverse crunch sliding two apparatuses40with linear and circular patterns. This exercise starts from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor and the feet close together so both apparatus40can touch one another with the knees extended and the toes on apparatus40. The user linearly or circularly slides in both apparatuses together pulling the toes toward his waist while bending the knees to finish in the prone position. The user then linearly or circularly slides out both apparatuses40extending the leg out and pushing on the toes to get back to the push-up position.

FIG. 19illustrates a mountain climber exercise with an apparatus40on each foot. This exercise starts from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor, the left knee bent with the left toes on apparatus40and the right knee extended with the right toes on the second exercise apparatus40. The user then linearly slides apparatus40of the left foot back and linearly slides apparatus40of the right foot up toward the hips. The user performs this exercise by sliding both apparatuses40back and forth, i.e., the left leg and then the right leg.

FIGS. 20A and 20Billustrate a single leg mountain climber with linear and circular patterns. This exercise starts from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor, the right knee bent with the right toes on apparatus40and the left knee extended with the left toes on the second exercise apparatus40. The user keeps the right knee bent and then linearly or circularly slides the left foot forward pulling the apparatuses40while keeping the right knee bent. The user then linearly slides the left foot backward.

FIGS. 21A and 21Billustrate a prone stiff leg reverse crunch with linear and circular patterns. This exercise is shown starting from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor and the feet close together so both apparatus40touch one another with the knees extended. The user linearly or circularly slides in both apparatuses together keeping the knees extended, pulling on the toes and bringing the apparatuses40up. The user then pushes back on the toes to slide back both apparatuses40in linear or circular patterns to return to the push-up position.

FIGS. 22A and 22Billustrate a single leg mountain climber with linear and circular patterns and using a single apparatus40. This exercise is shown starting from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor with the legs extended and the right toes on a single apparatus40while the left toes stay on the exercise floor. The user keeps the left leg extended and slides up apparatus40in a linear pattern by bending the right knee. The user then slides back apparatus40in a linear pattern to push the right foot back to the push-up position.

FIGS. 23A and 23Billustrate a reverse crunch sliding a single apparatus40with linear and circular patterns. This exercise is shown starting from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor and the feet close together on a single apparatus40with the knees extended and the toes on apparatus40. The user slides apparatus40in a linear or circular pattern to pull the toes toward his waist while bending the knees to finish in the prone position. The user then slides out the apparatus40in a linear or circular pattern extending the leg out and pushing on the toes to get back to the push-up position.

FIG. 23Cillustrates a prone stiff-leg reverse crunch sliding a single apparatus40with linear and circular patterns. This exercise starts from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor and the feet close together on a single apparatus40with the knees extended and the toes on apparatus40. The user slides apparatus40in a linear or circular to pull the toes toward his waist while keeping the knees extended to finish in the prone position. The user then slides out apparatus40in a linear or circular pattern while pushing on the toes to get back to the push-up position.

FIG. 23Dillustrates a prone stiff-leg oblique twist sliding a single apparatus from left to right in a half circular pattern. This exercise starts from the push-up position with both hands on the exercise floor and the feet close together on a single apparatus40with the knees extended and the toes on apparatus40. The user slides apparatus40in a circular pattern to slide apparatus40sideways going right. The user then slides apparatus40sideways towards the left to bring the body to the push-up position.

FIGS. 24A and 24Billustrate a reverse lunge sliding a single apparatus40back and forth in a linear pattern and/or circular pattern. This exercise is shown starting from a standing rest position with an apparatus40secured under one foot. The user begins to slide the right foot backward in a linear pattern and/or a circular pattern to a reverse lunge position, with both hands on his waist. As the right knee is bent at 90 degrees under the body, the right heel is raised up on top of apparatus40to balance and support the user's weight on the ball and toes of the right foot. The left knee is also lowered at 90 degrees in front of the body as the hips are lowered to a reverse lunge position. The user then returns to an upright standing position by sliding forward apparatus40of the right foot in linear pattern and/or circular pattern.

FIG. 24Cillustrates a front lunge sliding a single apparatus40forward and then backward in linear pattern and/or circular pattern. This exercise starts from a standing rest position with an apparatus40secured under one foot. The user begins to slide the right foot forward in a linear pattern and/or a circular pattern to a front lunge position with both hands on his waist. As the left knee is bent at 90 degrees, the left heel is raised up to balance and supports the user's weight on the ball and toes of the left foot. The right knee is also lowered at 90 degrees as the hips are lowered to a front lunge position. The user then returns to an upright standing position by sliding backward apparatus40of the right foot in linear pattern and/or circular pattern.

FIG. 24Dillustrates a side lunge sliding a single apparatus40sideways in linear pattern and/or circular pattern. This exercise starts from a standing rest position with an apparatus40secured under one foot. The user begins to slide the right foot sideways in a linear pattern and/or a circular pattern to a side lunge position, with both hands on his waist. As the right knee is slightly bent, the right heel is progressively raised up to balance and supports the user's weight on the ball and toes of the right foot. The left knee is bent at 90 degrees under the body as the hips are lowered to the side lunge position. The user then returns to an upright standing position by sliding apparatus40back in toward the body in linear pattern and/or circular pattern.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus can be used as a single apparatus only or more than one apparatus (e.g. four apparatuses) at a time to exercise and/or stretch. The apparatus can be used by a single user or by a large group of users, for example, a fitness class, a team, group training, seminars and the like. The different uses of the apparatus can be taught to a single person or to a group of people in classes, seminars and the like.

According to various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, the system can be used while the user is wearing a weighted vest, weighted belt, or ankle weights. The use of dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands can also be incorporated to increase the resistance while sliding the apparatus. The apparatus can be used with other exercise tools to promote more balance, such as a Swiss ball, a medicine ball, a balance board, a BOSU® ball, and the like. For example, the user can hold an apparatus on one hand and have the other hand on a medicine ball to challenge the body for balance.

According to various embodiments, the method and system of the present invention can include one or more kneepads to promote comfort on the knees for any stretches and/or exercises that the user would perform on his knees.

FIG. 25illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. An apparatus43includes a band78, such as an elastic band or a strap, to secure a limb to platform60. Apparatus43offers the option of elastic band78used as a strap to secure the foot to platform60so the user can slide apparatus43at a different speed and with more control. If the user has the toes on platform60, the elastic band78can go over the heel to secure the foot; if he has the heel on platform60, the elastic band78can go over the foot.

FIG. 26illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. An apparatus44has a slip resistant pattern79on the top surface of a platform91to receive the limb. Apparatus44offers an option of slip resistant pattern79engraved on platform91instead of a slip resistant mat59. Slip resistant pattern79can be designed to receive a limb of the body in different positions such as the bottom of the foot, the heel, or the toes (see also,FIG. 5B). The designed patterns can include indentions wide enough to receive and secure the feet, the toes or heels.

FIG. 27illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. An apparatus45incorporates an electronic device such as a miniature video and/or music device82secured to a platform81. Apparatus45can have a slip resistant mat80with an opening designed to receive miniature video and/or music device82. Platform81can have an opening designed to receive miniature video and/or music device82and a transparent cover83designed to protect miniature video and/or music device82. Apparatus45offers this option so the user can play music or watch the exercise of his training program while exercising. The training program can be provided separately, for example, with an option of uploading the desired program on apparatus82.

FIG. 28illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. An apparatus46incorporates a body composition reader86. Apparatus46as a platform84designed to receive body composition reader86and a slip resistant mat85with an opening on the side designed to allow access to the body composition reader86and control buttons87. The body composition reader can comprise two receptors88R and88L on a gripping bar89, designed to be held by the hands so an electric charge can come out of the receptor88R through the right hand and travel the entire body back out through the left hand and go back through the left receptor88L. The rate of return of the electric charge from receptor88R through88L is used to determine the body fat percentage and determine the body composition. The age, gender, weight, height, and activity level can be entered with control buttons87so the body composition reading is accurate. A battery compartment196can hold different types of batteries to power the body composition system.

FIG. 29illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. An apparatus47includes an incorporated vibrating system. The vibrating system is adapted to vibrate apparatus47during use. Apparatus47has a gripping bar90, a slip resistant mat93, and a platform92designed to carry the vibrating system turned on and off by a switch94. The vibrating system is an option that provides extra muscle recruitment for balance and stability, which will improve muscle reaction, recruitment and reflexes. This system can also be used to improve flexibility by holding apparatus47with a limb while stretching. Switch94can control different vibration intensity levels.

FIG. 30illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus48includes a shock absorbing system98adapted to cushion the limb during use. Shock absorbing system98can comprise a cushioning material with impact absorbing properties positioned between platform97and base99. Apparatus48can have a gripping bar96with soft handles95designed with a cushioning material having impact absorbing properties, a platform97rotatably mounted on shock absorbing system98and a base99. Apparatus48is designed for ballistic type of training involving, for example, plyometric pushups, which can hurt the wrists and elbow after every landing. Apparatus48can use various types of shock absorbing systems, for example, gel padding, air system, and springs. The shock absorbing system can be placed in any appropriate location in apparatus48as long as it does not interfere with the limb gripping apparatus48.

FIG. 31illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus49includes a half Swiss ball100platform shape. Apparatus49has half Swiss ball100positioned on platform101and is designed to receive a limb while providing balance stimulus to improve stability and muscle balance. Apparatus49can be used with half Swiss ball100facing up or down. Apparatus49with half Swiss ball100facing up as shown can be used for linear and circular movement patterns while providing balance challenges to the body. Alternatively, half Swiss ball100can be used on base62facing down (not shown). With half Swiss ball100facing down the user is provided with an additional balance challenge.

FIG. 32illustrates another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus50includes a cushioned slip resistant pad102placed on top of a platform104designed to secure pad102and a gripping bar103. Pad102can be removable from platform104and can then be placed on the floor, for example, to serve as a kneeling pad to promote comfort to the knee. The cushioned pad102can also be used with apparatus50and provide improved comfort for a limb such as a foot, hand or knee. Apparatus50can improve comfort while exercising in linear and circular patterns. Apparatus50can be used for linear and circular movement patterns while the limb is comfortably secured on pad102in multiple planes of motion and position. This embodiment can provide an apparatus with a storable and multipurpose pad.

FIGS. 33A,33B,33C and33D illustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus51includes a pivotable gripping bar107. Gripping bar107is U-shaped and is connected to platform105at two connection points106R and106L. Gripping bar107is pivotable along an axis defined by connection points106R and106L.

A gripping bar that is pivotable allows for using both sides of apparatus51. Gripping bar107can be positioned on the same side of the Swiss ball100as shown inFIG. 33A. Gripping bar107can also be pivoted as shown inFIG. 33B. Gripping bar107can be pivoted from one side of apparatus51to the other, as shown inFIG. 33C. In apparatus51, gripping bar107can be pivoted so that apparatus51can be held with half Swiss ball100facing down as shown inFIG. 33D.

FIGS. 34A,34B,34C and34D illustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus53is collapsible, for example, for storage and traveling. Apparatus53comprises a collapsible gripping bar108. Gripping bar108comprises a detachable handle117spanning between a left pole110L and a right pole115R. Detachable handle117can comprise inside tubes115L and115R held by a spring114. A connecting switch109can retract spring114on the inside to unlock the left side of detachable handle117out of the left pole110L and then out of the right pole110R, as shown inFIGS. 34A and 34B. Gripping bar108also comprises a collapsible left pole110L and collapsible right pole110R connected to platform116. Collapsible poles110L and110R can be collapsed through their respective axes111L and111R down to the top112of the platform116. Platform116has two holes113L and113R adapted to receive detachable handle117R from one apparatus53and detachable handle117L from second apparatus53so apparatuses can be attached together as shown inFIGS. 34C and 34D.

FIGS. 35A,35B and35C illustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus210comprises a detachable handle117that can be secured vertically in a central hole235of platform233. In this apparatus, the detachable handle117provides a vertically oriented pole connected to the center of the platform. This configuration can provide a different way to hold apparatus210while exercising and stretching. Detachable handle117can comprise inside tubes115L and115R held by spring114. A connecting switch109can retract spring114on the inside to unlock detachable handle117. Detachable handle117can be secured into platform233by central hole235as shown inFIG. 35B. In this configuration, the user can grip apparatus210with the vertically oriented handle117. This feature allows moving apparatus210with more force and offers pulling angles similar to holding onto a pole, as shown inFIG. 35C.

FIGS. 36A and 36Billustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. This embodiment includes apparatuses213and214with one or more resistant band239R and239L that can connect two apparatuses213together and/or a single apparatus214to another source such as a pole242. Apparatus213and214with resistance band239R and/or239L allows for the exercises and/or stretches to be performed with the “assistance” of resistance, in that the resistance helps to pull one apparatus214and/or both apparatuses213back, and also works the muscle groups involved harder as the limb of the body is pushed outward. The exercises are essentially the same in using the resistance, except that the resistance can be used (depending upon the exercise) to either increase or decrease the difficulty.

Apparatus213has a ring238and240designed to attach resistance band239R, for example by a loop or a hook241R. With two apparatuses, resistance band239R can be hooked from one apparatus213to the other one, for example, as shown inFIG. 36A. The apparatus214shown inFIG. 34Bhas resistance band239R going around pole242and then hooked back onto receiving ring240so that the user can pull and/or push from pole242while exercising.

FIGS. 37A and 37Billustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus215includes a removable slip resistant mat248that extends down to cover the entire platform247. A removable gripping bar243can secure mat248and can be removed to allow changing of mat248. Mat248is secured over platform247while openings257R and257L of mat248are placed right above openings246R and246L of platform257to allow sliding in the hooked extremities245R and245L of gripping bar243and to snap in gripping bar243onto platform247. The snapping system is designed to be locked when gripping bar243is snapped onto platform247. The snapping system can be unlocked by putting pressure on the side buttons244R and244L to push in the right hook245R and the left hook245L respectively, then gripping bar243can be pulled out of platform247. Mat248can have different shapes, colors, design patterns on its surface, writings such as slogans, sports teams, brands, logos, etc.

FIGS. 38A,38B,38C and38D illustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus216can include a removable gripping bar217with a vibrating system incorporated therein. The vibrating system can provide vibration as a stimulus and can be triggered by a switch219. The vibrating system can provide additional muscle stimulation when using apparatus216.

Gripping bar218includes an offset base having the extremities245(L&R) and249(L&R). The extremities245(L&R) and249(L&R) are aligned vertically with the handheld portion of the gripping bar218and are secured to platform221. Platform221can include one or more openings250(L&R) and251(L&R) for securing gripping bar218to platform221. The one or more openings250and251can be included on platform221to allow positioning of gripping bar218in a variety of positions on platform221to accommodate limbs of various sizes. Gripping bar218can include right and left extremities and each extremity can have a V shape. Each extremity can then be connected to platform221at two connection points,245R and249R, and244L and249L.

As shown for example inFIG. 38D, when extremities245(L&R) are secured to platform221by openings250(R&L), gripping bar218is offset on apparatus216and provides more room, for example, to better accommodate gripping by the foot. Other combinations of openings and connection points can be used to position gripping bar218.

FIG. 38Aalso shows another embodiment of apparatus216having an offset gripping bar218. Mat201is secured over platform221while openings299R and299L of mat201are placed above openings250(R&L) and251(R&L) of platform221. Hooked extremities245(R&L) and249(R&L) of gripping bar218can slide in to openings250and251(R&L) and snap gripping bar218to platform221. The snapping system is designed to be locked when gripping bar218is snapped onto platform221. The snapping system can be unlocked by putting pressure on a side button244R and244L to push in the right hook245R and the left hook245L respectively, then gripping bar218can be pulled out of platform221. Mat201can have different shapes, colors, patterns designs or writings such as slogans, sports teams, brands, logos, etc.

FIGS. 39A,39B and39C illustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus220includes one or more multidirectional wheels253. Platform91is rotatably connected to a base252having holes254designed to receive multidirectional wheels272. Multidirectional wheels253can be removable so that base252can slide on a surface. Wheels253can be covered by a rubber surface having a friction coefficient that can be altered to produce a greater resistance or a smaller resistance to accommodate any user. Apparatus220can include a slip resistant pattern79engraved in platform91.

FIGS. 40A,40B and40C illustrate another embodiment of the inventive method and system. Apparatus223includes a removable sliding base256. Platform60is rotatably connected to a base255having openings258designed to receive plugs202on removable sliding base256. Removable base256can be designed to slide on soft surfaces; further designs can be used, for example, with a pluggable nylon base for glossy surfaces or a pluggable wheeled base for slip resistant surfaces. One advantage of this embodiment is that the pluggable base can be easily replaced or substituted. The system can include a plurality of removable slideable bases, and each base can provide a different coefficient of friction with the contacted surface.

While the above description contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present invention, but rather as an exemplification of embodiments of the invention.

Further embodiments of the system and method of realigning the joints while performing circular and linear movement patterns are different than the above exemplified field of fitness and exercise. Alternative embodiments include, for example, an apparatus to clean a surface, such as a wall or countertop or a car, while protecting the joints involved in the cleaning movement and pattern. The same will be true for an alternative embodiment with a bottom adapted to have a brush to clean, or paint, or a bottom adapted to have a removable cloth with different cleaning properties such as absorbing and holding liquid, or a bottom adapted to iron clothes with an electric component to control the temperature. It is clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the field of daily activity could determine and influence the proper changes to an apparatus to fit into a specific field within the scope of the present invention allowing joint realignment for any activity with circular and linear movement patterns.

It is evident that the method and system of the present invention provides a new dimension of exercise and stretching never performed. These exercises and stretches can be marketed and sold to target specific training methods, sports, personal trainers, strength coaches, aerobics instructors, pilates/yoga instructors, athletic trainers, or physical therapists. The exercises can be taught to instructors in continuing education classes or made available through the Internet. The system and method of the present invention contemplates that a video tape, DVD, or other recorded image of the exercise routines can be sold and/or downloaded, for example, for playback on a computer, an iPod or other type of apparatus capable of playing video.

Certain changes can be made in the systems and methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consequently, it is intended that all subject matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.