Abstract:
A device and method for stretching, toning and strengthening the chest, shoulder, neck and upper back muscles of a patient thereby relieving pain and improving posture. Typically the patient is suffering from tension related muscle problems. The device and method are used to facilitate therapeutic treatment of the muscle problems by progressively stretching the muscles and thereby relieving the muscle problems.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/934,063, filed on Sep. 2, 2004 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/730,313, filed on Dec. 4, 2003. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and methods, and more particularly, to equipment and methods for stretching muscles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to the field of therapeutic equipment used to stretch and exercise certain muscle groups. In particular the device and method of the present invention is directed to treatment of persons who are suffering from stress related muscle problems in the neck, shoulders and upper back. 
     Persons who suffer from these stress related problems typically appear to walk or stand in a slumped forward position which results in short and tight chest muscles. Further, their shoulder muscles are sagging and the upper back muscles between the shoulder blades are long, atrophied and very sore. When the head is carried forward, the muscles in the upper back and lower neck are significantly strained just keeping the head erect. This medical condition is known as “anterior translation” and is the single largest cause of upper back and neck pain as well as tension headaches in the skull. Typically, these conditions result in spinal misalignment of the neck and upper back. The spinal misalignment problems usually start early in life and progress to more serious conditions such as disc problems and hump back. 
     In the past, one of the therapies for the aforementioned problems has been various exercises intended to stretch the muscles without the use of any device to facilitate the exercise. However, patients performing such exercises have generally been unable to precisely and consistently repeat the particular motions associated with the exercises, resulting in a diminished therapeutic effect. The device and method of the present invention is adapted to facilitate and improve upon the muscle stretching exercises which relieves the problems mentioned above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to a platform comprising a device for stretching the muscles in the chest, shoulder, neck and upper back to relieve tension related muscles problems. The device comprises a generally flat longitudinally extending area comprising a top surface and a bottom surface wherein preferably the top surface is padded for a user&#39;s comfort, a plurality of legs attached to the bottom surface of the platform for positioning the device at an angle to a horizontal surface and a rotating handle bar slidingly attached to the bottom of the platform and adapted to allow the user to stretch his or her muscles through sliding movement of the bar in a direction generally parallel to the top of the platform. 
     The present invention is also directed to providing a method for stretching chest, shoulder, neck and upper back muscles of a patient to relieve tension related muscle problems. The method comprises providing a device comprising a platform comprising a generally flat longitudinally extending area comprising a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface is padded for the patient&#39;s comfort, a plurality of legs attached to the bottom surface of the platform for positioning the device at an angle to a horizontal surface and a rotating handle bar slidingly attached to the bottom of the platform and adapted to allow the patient to stretch his or her muscles through sliding movement of the bar in a direction generally parallel to the top of the platform, positioning the patient on the platform of the device, engaging the patient in stretching exercises by setting the rotating handle bar to a position relative to the top of the platform and directing the patient to slidingly move the rotating handle bar a plurality of times to stretch out muscles. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a muscle stretching device comprising a platform assembly, a base assembly and a handlebar assembly connected to the platform assembly is provided. The platform assembly preferably comprises a first section, a second section and a concave transition between the first and second sections. In preferred embodiments, the platform assembly has a compact position and an expanded position. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a muscle stretching device is provided which comprises a base assembly mounted to a platform and a handlebar assembly. The handlebar assembly is preferably adapted for sliding movement with respect to the platform in a direction parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the platform. In preferred embodiments, the handlebar assembly comprises a handlebar that is adapted to rotate with respect to the plane. In additional preferred embodiments, the handlebar is adapted to rotate to a plurality of pre-selected positions with respect to the plane, more preferably, three preselected positions. In other preferred embodiments, the handlebar is adapted to rotate above and below the platform plane. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a muscle stretching device comprising a platform assembly, a handlebar assembly, and a guide assembly is provided. The platform assembly comprises a platform mounted to a base assembly. The guide assembly is attached to the platform and includes a frame having a pair of sidewalls. At least one roller assembly is attached to each sidewall. The handlebar assembly comprises a sliding engagement member connected to a handlebar, and the sliding engagement member slidingly engages the guide assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the guide assembly is attached to the lower surface of the platform. In other preferred embodiments, the sliding engagement member slidingly engages the guide assembly between the roller assembly and the lower surface of the platform. In still other preferred embodiments, three roller assemblies are provided. 
     In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, a method of stretching the muscles for use by a person is provided. According to the method, a platform assembly comprising a platform mounted to a base assembly is provided. The platform has surface that defines a plane. A handlebar assembly is provided which comprises a handlebar adapted for sliding movement with respect to the platform in a direction parallel to the platform plane. To perform the method, the person lies on the platform, grips the handlebar, and extends the handlebar away from the platform in a direction parallel to the plane. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the person rotates the handlebar to a pre-selected position with respect to the plane before extending it. In accordance with other preferred embodiments, the position is about 10 degrees below the plane. In further preferred embodiments, the position is about 40 degrees above the plane, in still other preferred embodiments, the position is about 90 degrees above the plane. In still other preferred embodiments, the platform comprises a first section, a second section, and a concave transition between the first and second sections and the person extends the handlebar such that her shoulders extend beneath the top surface of the platform. In yet additional preferred embodiments, the handlebar defines a plurality of fixed handlebar locations, and the user grips the handlebar at one of those fixed locations. It is particularly preferred that the person repeat the extension step while gripping three different fixed locations. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a muscle stretching device is provided which comprises a platform assembly, a guide assembly, and a handlebar assembly. The platform assembly comprises a platform mounted to a base, wherein the platform defines a plane. The guide assembly is connected to the platform and includes at least one pair of rollers. Each roller has a roller axis projecting away from the plane of the platform and is rotatable bout its respective roller axis. The handlebar assembly is connected to the platform and includes a handlebar and a sliding engagement member connected to the handlebar, wherein the sliding engagement member slidingly engages the guide assembly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the guide assembly has a frame, the frame is connected to the platform and the pair of rollers is connected to the frame. In another preferred embodiment, the sliding engagement member slidingly engages the guide assembly between the pair of rollers. In yet another preferred embodiment, the handlebar is rotatable with respect to the plane of the platform. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a muscle stretching device is provided which comprises a platform mounted to a base. The platform has a surface defining a plane. The device further comprises a handlebar having a neck, a cross-bar, and a plurality of rotational positions with respect to the plane of the platform. A handlebar mounting assembly is operatively connected to the platform and adapted for sliding movement away from the platform in a direction parallel to the plane. The handlebar mounting assembly comprises a pair of sidewalls and a handlebar mounting sleeve connected to the pair of sidewalls. The handlebar mounting sleeve is rotatable between the pair of sidewalls, and the handlebar neck is disposed in the handlebar mounting sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, each sidewall has a plurality of apertures, the plurality of apertures in one sidewall is aligned with the plurality of apertures in the other sidewall to define a plurality of aligned pairs of apertures, and each aligned pair of apertures defines one of the plurality of handlebar rotational positions. In other preferred embodiments, the handlebar mounting sleeve is rotatable with respect to the plane. 
     In still other preferred embodiments, the handle bar mounting assembly comprises a rotational alignment sleeve connected to the handlebar mounting sleeve, wherein the rotational alignment sleeve is alignable with each of the plurality of aligned pairs of apertures. In further preferred embodiments, the handlebar cross-bar is adjustable to a plurality of distances from the handlebar mounting sleeve. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a muscle stretching device is provided which includes a platform and a base. The base comprises a unitary first base member having two legs integrally connected by a first cross-member. The first base member is pivotally connected to the platform assembly such that the platform assembly is adjustable between a compact position and an expanded position. The device further comprises a handlebar operatively connected to the platform assembly proximate the platform assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the base further comprises a second base member connected to the platform assembly, the platform has a length defining a lengthwise direction, and the first base member is spaced apart from the second base member in the lengthwise direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is a right-side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 5  is a left-side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view thereof. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10   a  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a portion of a handlebar assembly used in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a detail view of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the handlebar assembly fully extended. 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a right side elevational view thereof in which the handlebar is extended. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view thereof with the handlebar assembly removed from the platform assembly. 
         FIG. 18  is a right side elevational view thereof showing the handlebar in different rotational positions. 
         FIG. 19  is a portion of a right side elevational view thereof showing the handlebar in different rotational positions. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded view of a handlebar mounting assembly in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a right side elevational view of the third embodiment of the present invention with the handlebar assembly removed showing the adjustment of the device from a compact to an expanded position. 
         FIG. 22  is a detail bottom plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention showing the pivotal attachment of one of the base members to the platform assembly. 
     
    
    
     Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in the context of its presently preferred embodiment as illustrated in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many obvious modifications may be made thereto with departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, exercise device  10  comprises a platform  12  on which a user of the device will lay. The platform  12  is padded and covered with a vinyl material for the comfort of the users. A rotating handle bar  14  is slidingly connected to the bottom of the platform  12  at its top end  13 . The device  10  further comprises a plurality of legs  16 . The legs  16  are fixed to the bottom of platform  12  in a conventional manner near its top end  13 . The legs  16  are sized to provide the proper angle to the horizontal for the stretching exercises described below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the bottom of platform  12  is provided with a first set of elongated tracks  18 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rotating handle bar  14  is connected to a second set of elongated metal tracks  20 . The tracks  20  are adapted to be slidingly received in tracks  18 . As described below, when the user moves the bar  14 , the tracks  20  will be extended in a longitudinal direction into and out of tracks  18 . 
     A ring pin  15  on the rotating handle bar  14  allows the user to rotate the handle bar  14  to different positions with respect to the top of the platform  12 . As explained below, changing the angle of the rotating handle bar  14  with respect to the platform  12  allows the user to set the difficulty level for the stretching exercises. 
     The method of using the device  10  will now be described. First, the user sets the rotating handle bar  14  to the position with respect to platform  12  that provides the easiest movement. This is accomplished by removing the ring pin  15 , turning the bar  14  to a first mark  17 , and reinserting the ring pin  15 . 
     As partially illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the user lies on the platform  12  on her back with her head at the top end  13  of the platform  12 . She flexes her knees to the chest and positions the feet directly under her buttocks. The user then does three stretches each of which is progressively more strenuous. The stretches target the muscle groups from the outer edge of the body to progressively closer to the midline of the spine. For the easiest stretch, the user places her or his hands on outer stripes  19  on rotating handle bar  14 . She extends the arms above the head and then repeats the exercise and thereby extends rotating handle bar  14  by means of the tracks  20  extending out of the tracks  18 . The user then locks the elbows, slowly counts to about 60 or more, and then retracts the bar  14  into the original position. 
     This position—with the hands on the outer stripes  19 —stretches and tones the muscles of the chest as well as the muscles along the outer sides of the body which including the chest, trunk and arms. Next, she places her hands on middle stripes  21  and repeats the same exercise. This stretches and tones the muscle groups between the outer edge of the body and midline of the spine including the muscle around the shoulder blades and shoulder joints. Finally, the user places both hands on inner stripe  22 . This stretches the key muscle groups along the spine itself including those in the mid and upper back, the lower neck, and across the traps. 
     The user is able to completely stretch and tone all of the joints and muscle groups across the chest, in the shoulders and rotator cuff, the traps and upper shoulders, the lower neck, the upper and mid back, as well as the key groups between the shoulder blades in a relatively short period of time. Thus, the key muscle groups that cause stress, back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches are stretched out. Consequently, the user&#39;s stress related symptoms will be lessened and/or preferably alleviated through repetition of these exercises. 
     Once the user is comfortable using the device  10  of the present invention in the easiest setting, she or he can set the handle bar  14  through the adjustment of the ring pin  15  to a setting which causes more stretching by rotating bar  14  further from the top of platform  12 . The increased setting puts more external rotation into the shoulder girdle which dramatically increases the stretch benefit when extending overhead. After the user is comfortable with an increase, she or he can progress to a more advanced setting by rotating the bar  14  further from the top of platform  12 . This is the most challenging and therapeutic of all. 
     When the user has reached the point of maximum stretch and flexibility, which will be different for everyone, she or he can gain more benefit by adding resistance to the regimen described above. Resistance adds the benefits of increased muscle tone, stamina, and strength. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , resistance is added by attaching a stretchable band  24  between the rotating bar  14  and the bottom of the platform  12 . After the resistance is added, the same exercises as described above are repeated. More bands or stronger bands may be added to further increase resistance. The resistance bands take the user to a new level by giving strength and endurance, as well as flexibility. 
     A muscle stretching device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment is depicted generally in  FIG. 10 . As shown in the Figure, the device of this embodiment comprises a platform assembly  100  comprising a platform  110 , a base assembly  200 , and a handlebar assembly  280 . 
     Platform  110  preferably includes a padded material and a vinyl covering for user comfort. Platform  110  includes a first section  112  where the user places his head and a second section  116 , where the user places his torso and legs. Concave transition  114  connects first section  112  and second section  116 . Concave transition  114  is best seen in  FIG. 10A , which is a top plan view of the exercise device of the second embodiment. As  FIG. 10A  indicates, first section  112  comprises straight side portions of platform  110  as does second section  116 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , first section  112  is generally wider than second section  116 . Concave transition  114  comprises two concave side portions of platform  110 , each of which connect the first section  112  and second section  116  on each side of platform  110 . In use, the user places his shoulders at concave transition  114 , such that they roll back and dip below the top surface of platform  110  when extending handlebar  290  away from platform  110 . The ability to roll back and dip the shoulders in this manner provides a more therapeutically effective stretch. However, concave transition  114  can have a number of different specific curvatures that provide this functionality. 
     Base assembly  200  is collapsible and comprises two legs  210 , which are attached at an end of platform  110  near second section  116  and away from handlebar assembly  280 . Legs  210  are connected by cross-member  240 . As best seen in  FIG. 11 , legs  210  are pivotally connected to the lower surface of platform  110  by a bracket assembly  220 . The pivotal connection allows legs  210  to open and close, enabling the user to collapse the device for ease of storage. 
     Handlebar assembly  280  comprises a handlebar  290  attached to a pair of handle brackets  300 . Handle brackets  300  are connected to a handlebar housing  310  which is adapted to rotate to a plurality of preselected positions, as will be described in greater detail below. Handlebar assembly  280  also includes a sliding engagement member  350 , preferably a rectangular metal glide, which allows the user to slide handlebar  290  away from platform  110  in a direction parallel to the surface of platform  110 . Sliding engagement member  350  has upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface (not shown) is preferably smooth. However, the lower surface can be smooth, as in  FIG. 11 , or corrugated, as in  FIG. 12 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 11 , the device of the second embodiment includes a guide assembly  400  which cooperates with sliding engagement member  350  to enable handlebar  290  to slidably move with respect to platform  110 . Guide assembly  400  comprises a frame  410  having a pair of sidewalls  420 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the sidewalls  420  are connected by an integral flat portion  422  that is secured to the lower surface of platform  110  by suitable fasteners. A plurality of roller assemblies  430  are connected to each side wall. Each roller assembly comprises two rollers  432  connected by a roller shaft  434 . Rollers  432  are spaced apart from integral flat portion  422  and rotate freely within frame  410 . 
     Sliding engagement member  350  is disposed within frame  410  such that its lower surface rests on rollers  432  beneath the integral flat portion  422  and the lower surface of platform  110 . The engagement of sliding engagement member  350  with rollers  432  enables the handlebar assembly  280  to slide in and out of frame  410 , and thereby slideably move with respect to platform  110 . Thus, handlebar  290  can be extended from platform  110  in a controlled manner, as it is restrained by the sliding engagement member  350  and roller assemblies  430  such that it can only move in a direction that is parallel to platform  110 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts the device of the second embodiment with the handlebar assembly  280  and cross-member  240  removed. As shown in the figure, the device of the second embodiment further comprises a handlebar extension restraint  460  for restraining the movement of handlebar assembly  280  as the user slides it away from platform  110 . Handlebar extension restraint  460  prevents the user from sliding handlebar assembly  280  entirely out of guide assembly  400 . Preferably, handlebar extension restraint  460  comprises two rectangular blocks secured to integral flat portion  422  and the lower surface of platform  110  by suitable fasteners such as t-nuts. Handlebar restraint  460  has two faces  460   a  (one of which is shown) which are used to abuttingly restrain the movement of sliding engagement member  350 . A variety of materials can be used for the handlebar restraint, however, an acetyl copolymer such as DELRIN®, a registered trademark of DuPont Corporation, is especially preferred. 
     To prevent it from being pulled out of guide assembly  400 , sliding engagement member  350  includes an extension restraining piece  352  on its free end away from handlebar assembly  280 . Preferably, restraining piece  352  is a rectangular block of DELRIN®, secured at the end of sliding engagement member  350  and facing towards the lower surface of platform  110 . Restraining piece  352  and handlebar extension restraint  460  are preferably of sufficient thickness that when the user slides handlebar assembly  280  away from platform  110 , restraining piece  352  will eventually abut handlebar restraint  460  at face  460   a , thereby preventing further movement of handlebar assembly  280  away from platform  110 . At this point, handlebar assembly  280  is fully extended from platform  110 , as depicted in  FIG. 14 . In like fashion, handlebar retraction restraint  450  is attached to lower surface of platform  110  away from handlebar assembly  280 . Retraction restraint is preferably a rectangular block of DELRIN®. Restraining piece  352  and retraction restraint  450  are preferably of sufficient thickness that when the user retracts handlebar assembly  280 , restraining piece  352  abuts against retraction restraint  450 , thereby preventing further retraction. At this point, handlebar assembly  280  is in its fully retracted position. 
     According to the second embodiment, the exercise device is collapsible. To provide collapsibility, base assembly  200  includes a pair of arms  250 , each of which is pivotally connected at one end to frame  410  of guide assembly  400  located on the lower surface of the platform  110 . Any known connector which provides a pivotal connection between arms  250  and frame  410  can be used, such as bolts  245 . Arms  250  are also connected to bearing carrier  260  via nipples  270 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 13 . Arms  250  include an aperture designed to accommodate nipples  270  attached to bearing carriers  260 . Arms  250  are thereby able to rotate about nipples  270 . Each leg  210  of base assembly  200  is inserted through a corresponding bearing carrier  260 , such that each bearing carrier  260  can slide along its corresponding leg  210 . Each nipple  270  is secured within a corresponding end of cross-member  240  by a known connector, such as a nut and bolt or a clevis pin and retainer. The free end of each leg  210  is also provided with a foot  212  which restrains the movement of bearing carrier  260 . 
     As a result of the foregoing configuration, when the user pushes cross-member  240  away from handlebar assembly  280 , bearing carriers  260  slide along their respective legs  210  in the same direction. As a result, arms  250  rotate away from handlebar assembly  280  and eventually abut the lower surface of platform. Frame  410  includes notch  412  which is sized to accommodate cross-member  240 . Once arms  250  have fully rotated away from handlebar assembly  280 , cross-member  240  is positioned within notch  412 , at which point the device is in its compact position and ready for storage. 
     When in use, platform  110  is preferably angled with respect to the legs  210  and the surface on which the device is placed such that the first section  112  is elevated above second section  116 . A variety of angles (θ) between platform  110  and legs  210  can be used. An angle of 0 to 20 degrees is preferred. An angle of 5 to 15 degrees is especially preferred and an angle of 10 degrees is most preferred. The angle is also preferably adjustable between angles of 0 to 20 degrees, and more preferably between 0 and 15 degrees, with an adjustable angle of 0 to 10 degrees being especially preferred. 
     As mentioned previously, the device of the second embodiment is designed to enable the user to rotate handlebar  290  to several pre-selected positions with respect to the plane defined by the lower surface of platform  110 . An exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the handlebar assembly is provided in  FIG. 12 . Handlebar  290  comprises three pieces, a center piece  294   a  and right and left pieces  293   a  and  295   a  (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) which are coupled to center piece  294   a , preferably by screwing or snapping thereto. Handle brackets  300  are attached at one end to handle bar center piece  294   a  and at an opposite end to an inner tube  330  by fastener  331 . 
     It is especially preferred that center piece  294   a  have internally threaded ends which are configured for threaded engagement with complementary external threads on right and left pieces  293   a  and  295   a . Center piece  294   a  also includes a pair of hubs  298  on each of its ends. Bracket apertures  301  are positioned on hubs  298  such that brackets  300  are fixed between right piece  293   a  and center piece  294   a  and between left piece  295   a  and center piece  294   a  when the right and left pieces are coupled to center piece  294   a . Center piece  294   a  is inserted into foam grip  294 , and right and left pieces  293   a  and  295   a  are inserted into foam grip pairs  292  and  293  and  295  and  296  and  296 , respectively. 
     A hollow outer tube  320  is fixedly attached to an outer tube bracket  284  connected to the bottom surface of sliding engagement member  350 . The outer tube  320  has three aperture pairs  322   a - c  (only one pair of which is shown in  FIG. 12 ). The apertures comprising each pair are axially spaced apart from one another proximate opposite ends of outer tube  320 . Each aperture pair  322   a - c  is spaced apart from the other pairs around the circumference of outer tube  320 . The positions of the three aperture pairs  322   a - c  define the pre-selected rotational positions of the handlebar  290 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 12 , inner tube  320  is disposed in the hollow outer tube  320 . Inner tube  320  contains a single pair of apertures  332  which are alignable with each of the aperture pairs  322   a - c  of outer tube  320 . Inner tube  320  has a longitudinal axis which is the axis of rotation of handlebar  290 . 
     Handlebar housing  320  comprises upper half  320   b  and lower half  320   a , which are secured to one another, preferably by screws, so as to partially contain handle brackets  300 , and the apertured portions of outer tube  320 . A locking member  340 , preferably a spring lock, is provided for releasable insertion through apertures  332  and aperture pairs  322   a - c . Locking member  340  has a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, locking member  340  is inserted through apertures  332  and one of aperture pairs  322   a - c . In the release position, it is withdrawn from apertures  332  and aperture pairs  322   a - c . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , locking member  340  has a c-shape with a pair of ends  344  connected by a center portion  343 . Springs  342  are provided to bias locking member  340  in a locking position towards outer tube  320 . Upper half  320   b  and lower half  320   a  of handlebar housing  320  each include complementary pairs of molded in spring retainer guides  341  for retaining locking member  340  and springs  340  within housing  320 . 
       FIGS. 10 ,  10   a  and  11  show the handlebar assembly in its assembled state. Aperture pairs  322   a - c  define three rotational positions located at about 10 degrees below, 40 degrees above and 90 degrees above the plane defined by the lower surface of platform  110 . To adjust the position of handlebar  290 , the user grips center portion  343  of locking member  340  thereby pulling ends  344  out of inner tube aperture pair  332  and one of outer tube aperture pairs  322   a - c . While gripping locking member  340 , the user rotates handlebar  290 , handle brackets  300 , locking member  340 , housing  310  and inner tube  330  about the longitudinal axis of inner tube  330 . Because it is fixedly attached to the bottom of sliding engagement member  350 , outer tube  320  remains stationary during this rotation. Once the user reaches the desired rotation corresponding to one pair of aperture pairs  322   a, b  or  c , he releases locking member  340 . The biasing action of springs  342  then inserts ends  344  through one of the aperture pairs  322   a, b  or  c  of outer tube  320  and through aperture pair  332  of inner tube  330 , thereby locking the handlebar  290  into place at the desired rotational position. 
     The muscle stretching device of this embodiment is preferably designed to facilitate stretching with the hands positioned at multiple widths from one another on handlebar  290 . Stretching at wider hand spacings focuses on the most lateral muscles, including the triceps, latissimus, and lateral rotator cuff muscles. Stretching at narrower hand spacings focuses on the spinal and para-spinal muscles of the lower cervical spine and the entire thoracic spine. Intermediate spacings focus on muscles lying between the foregoing positions along the posterior of the body, including the trapezius and the scapular muscles, as well as muscles located along the anterior of the body such as the pectoralis and the anterior chest muscles. 
     The muscle stretching device of this embodiment is more preferably designed to facilitate stretching with the hands placed at three widths from one another. Referring again to  FIG. 10 , handlebar  290  is provided with a plurality of foam segments  292 - 296 . The foam segments allow the user to repeatably space his hands at fixed distances from the center of handlebar  290  when using the device, thereby providing for more consistent stretching and enhanced therapeutic effect. For example, the user can use foam segments  292  and  296  to position the hands for a wide stretch, foam segments  293  and  295  for an intermediate stretch, and foam segment  294  for a narrow stretch. The widths and positions of the foam segments  292 - 296  are preferably designed to focus the user&#39;s stretching on the three sets of muscle groups identified above for wider, narrower and intermediate hand spacings. 
     A preferred embodiment of a method for stretching muscles using the device of the second embodiment will now be described. According to this embodiment, the user first adjusts handlebar  290  to the desired rotational position as described above. If more strenuous stretching is desired, handlebar  290  is rotated below the plane defined by the lower surface of platform  110 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , this corresponds to a counterclockwise rotation of handlebar  290 . If less strenuous exercise is desired, handlebar  290  is rotated above the plane. The user then lies on platform  110  with her head positioned in first section  112  and her feet located at the opposite end in second section  116 . The user&#39;s shoulders should be positioned at concave transition section  114  such that they can roll back and dip below the plane of the top surface of platform  110  when extending handlebar  290 . As with the embodiment of the method described previously, the user flexes her knees to her chest and positions her feet directly below her buttocks to take the forward lumbar curve out of the lower back. 
     The user then grips the foam segments  292 - 296  to obtain the desired spacing of the hands with respect to the center of handlebar  290 . For easier stretching, the outermost foam segments  292  and  296  are gripped. For the most difficult stretching, center foam segment  294  is gripped with both hands. It is especially preferred that the user perform three sets of progressively more strenuous stretches, starting from the outside of handlebar  290  and working inward. The particular muscles that are targeted by using the various positions defined by foam segments  292 - 296  on handlebar  290  are described above. 
     While gripping handlebar  290 , the user extends her arms away from platform  110  until fully extended and preferably holds them in the fully extended position for at least 60 seconds. She then retracts her arms to the starting position. It is especially preferred to hold the stretch for at least 60 seconds at each of the three hand spacings defined by foam segments  292296 . 
     The user can optionally add additional resistance to the stretching device of the second embodiment by attaching a resistance increasing device such as a stretchable band, an elongated spring or a bungee cord to it. As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , two-cross bars  440   a  (not visible in  FIG. 11) and 440   b  are preferably provided and attached to sidewalls  420  of frame  410 . The user can attach the ends of such a resistance increasing device to one of the cross-bars  440   a  and  440   b  and to mounting bar  353  which is secured to the bottom of glide  350  proximate handlebar housing  310 . In addition, the user can wrap a resistance increasing device around cross-bar  440   a  or  440   b  and attach both ends of the resistance increasing device to mounting bar  353 . It is especially preferred to connect a linear resistance spring to mounting bar  353  and cross-bar  440   b . If further increased resistance is desired, it is particularly preferred to wrap a linear resistance spring around cross-bar  440   a  and connect both ends of the spring to mounting bar  353 . 
     The device and method described above stretches the chest muscles, tightens the mid back muscles, lifts the chest and pulls the shoulders up and back. The result is preferably improved posture. By straightening the posture, the head is balanced over the shoulders, as it should be and thereby taking all the aggravating stress of the neck and upper back muscles away from the person. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-22 , a third preferred embodiment of a muscle stretching device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As with the previous embodiment, the device of this embodiment includes a platform  110  having a first section  112  and second section  116  connected by a concave transition  114 . However, the guide assembly, handlebar assembly and base have been modified. 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of a muscle stretching device in accordance with the third preferred embodiment. As shown in the figure, the muscle stretching device includes a handlebar assembly  700  with handlebar  702  and a sliding engagement member, which is preferably a glide  760 . Along with guide assembly  500 , glide  760  operatively connects the handlebar  702  to platform  110 . Handlebar  702  is mounted in a handlebar mounting assembly  718  that is connected to glide  760 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The device of the third preferred embodiment preferably includes a guide assembly  500  having a frame  502  with two side members  504  and  506 . Side members  504  and  506  are preferably connected to the underside of platform  110  at various locations. In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , screws  508  and  506  are provided near the foot of the platform (i.e., away from the handlebar assembly  700 ) for securing side members  504  and  506  to platform  110 . As will be explained below, roller assemblies  513  and  515  preferably include fasteners  536 ,  538 ,  540  and  542  which also secure side members  504  and  506  to platform  110 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 16 , handlebar glide  760  slidingly engages guide assembly  500  to allow the user to slide handlebar  702  away from and towards platform  110  in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the surface of platform  110 . To facilitate this sliding engagement, guide assembly  500  includes at least one roller assembly. In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , two roller assemblies  513  and  515  are provided and are spaced apart along the length of platform  110 . Roller assembly  513  includes two rollers  512  and  514  spaced apart from one another along the width of platform  110 . Rollers  512  and  514  each have roller shafts  528  and  530  (see  FIGS. 17 and 22 ) which are preferably bolts around which rollers  512  and  514  respectively rotate. Similarly, roller assembly  515  includes rollers  516  and  518  and their respective roller shafts  532  and  534 . 
     Roller assembly  513  includes roller mounting members  520  and  522 . Roller mounting members  520  and  522  are preferably flat rectangular plates, between which rollers  512  and  514  are disposed. To better illustrate the orientation of the rollers and roller mounting members, in  FIG. 15  the left hand portion of roller mounting members  520  and  522  has been removed. Roller mounting member  522  is located proximal to platform  110  (see  FIGS. 19 and 21 ) and roller mounting member  520  is spaced apart from roller mounting member  522  in a direction that is away from platform  110 , and which is more preferably substantially perpendicular to platform  110 . 
     It is preferred that roller shafts  528  and  530  are connected to each of the roller mounting members  520  and  522  to secure rollers  512  and  514  between the roller mounting members  520  and  522 . Unlike the previous embodiment, roller shafts  528  and  530  are oriented such that they project away from the plane defined by the surface of platform  110 . More preferably, roller shafts  528  and  520  are substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of platform  110 , such that the top and bottom surfaces (facing out of the page and into the page, respectively) of rollers  512  and  514  are substantially parallel to platform  110 . 
     At opposite ends of roller mounting members  520  and  522 , holes are provided for accepting fasteners. The holes in the opposing ends of the roller mounting members are preferably aligned with one another and with a corresponding hole in the respective side member,  504  or  506 . A screw  536  is preferably inserted through one end of roller mounting member  520 , the opposed end of roller mounting member  522  and side member  504 . Screw  536  also preferably extends into the underside of platform  110 . Similarly, screw  538  is preferably inserted through the other pair of opposing ends of roller mounting members  520  and  522  and through side member  506 . Screw  538  also preferably extends into the underside of platform  110 . Thus, screws  536  and  538  secure frame  502  to the platform and secure roller mounting members  520  and  522  to frame  502 . 
     Roller mounting assembly  515  is preferably configured similarly to roller mounting assembly  513 . Rollers  516  and  518  are disposed between roller mounting members  524  and  526 , with member  526  being located proximal to platform  110  and member  524  being spaced apart from member  526  in a direction away from platform  110 . 
     Roller shafts  532  and  534  are each connected to roller mounting members  524  and  526  to secure rollers  516  and  518  between roller mounting members  524  and  526 . At opposite ends of roller mounting members  524  and  526 , holes are provided for accepting fasteners, which are preferably screws  540  and  542 . As with roller assembly  513 , it is preferred that screws  540  and  542  are secured to the ends of respective side members  504  and  506  and to the underside of platform  110 . 
     To facilitate the sliding engagement of handlebar assembly  700  with platform assembly  100 , a sliding engagement member, preferably a glide  760 , is provided.  FIG. 17  provides an exploded view of the stretching device of the third embodiment with the handlebar assembly  700  removed from the platform assembly  100 . Glide  760  is preferably an elongated member having a top  762  facing platform  110  (facing into the page), a bottom  764  facing away from platform  110  and first and second sides  766  and  768  ( FIG. 17 ). First side  766  engages roller  512  in roller assembly  513  and roller  516  in roller assembly  515 . Correspondingly, second side  768  engages roller  514  in roller assembly  513  and roller  518  in roller assembly  515 . 
     Each roller  512 ,  514 ,  516  and  518  has a circumferential engagement face (not shown) which engages side  766  or  768  of glide  760 . It is preferred to contour the engagement faces of rollers  512 ,  514 ,  516  and  518  in a manner which prevents glide  760  from abutting the roller mounting members lying above and below it. For example, the circumferential engagement faces may have grooved or channeled surfaces which receive the respective sides  766  and  768  of glide  760 . The channel or groove assists in restraining the movement of glide  760  in a direction substantially perpendicular to platform  110  and minimizes the likelihood that glide  760  will abut roller mounting members  520 ,  522 ,  524  or  526 . In accordance with this embodiment, glide  760  is preferably secured between roller pair  512  and  514  and between roller pair  516  and  518  in a manner which allows the handlebar  702  to be smoothly slid away from and towards platform  110  in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the platform surface, as shown in  FIG. 16 . As best seen in  FIG. 20 , glide  760  includes a retraction restraint or stop  772  at its end proximate handlebar assembly  700 . Stop  772  is preferably welded to glide  760  and includes two sidewalls  773  (not visible in  FIG. 20) and 775  which depend downwardly from glide  760 . When handlebar  702  is retracted towards platform  110 , sloped edges  773  and  775  preferably engage roller mounting member  520  to restrain the inward movement of glide  760  and handlebar  702 , as best seen in  FIG. 19 . 
     In accordance with the third preferred embodiment, handlebar  702  is preferably rotatable with respect to the plane defined by the surface of platform  110 , as best seen in  FIG. 18 . To provide this rotational capability, handlebar mounting assembly  718  is preferably connected to glide  760 . More preferably, stop  772  is welded to one end of glide  760 , and handlebar mounting assembly  718  is connected to stop  772 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , handlebar mounting assembly  718  preferably includes a pair of opposing sidewalls  720  and  722  which face one another and which are spaced apart in the direction of the width of platform  110 . Sidewalls  720  and  722  may be connected to stop  772  by known attachment means. However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , they are welded to stop  772 . 
     Sidewall  720  includes apertures  724   a - 724   e , and sidewall  722  includes apertures  726   a - 726   e . Each set of apertures  724   a - 724   e  and  726   a  to  726   e  preferably defines an arc pattern along its respective sidewall,  720  or  722 . Sidewalls  720  and  722  are preferably aligned and configured such that their respective apertures define aligned pairs of apertures, i.e.  724   a  and  726   a ,  724   b  and  726   b ,  724   c  and  726   c ,  724   d  and  726   d  and  724   e  and  726   e . Handlebar mounting sleeve  730  is pivotally connected to sidewalls  720  and  722  and is sized to receive handlebar neck  706 . Handlebar mounting sleeve  730  is also preferably rectangular. To provide the pivotal connection to sidewalls  720  and  722 , handlebar mounting sleeve  730  includes a rotational connection sleeve  734  on its upper surface. Rotational connection sleeve  734  is preferably a tube welded to the upper surface of handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . To connect the handlebar mounting sleeve  730  to sidewalls  720  and  722 , rotational connection sleeve  734  is aligned with aperture  728  in side wall  722  and aperture  729  (not shown) in side wall  720 . Threaded bolt  738  is inserted through apertures  728  and  729  and through rotational connection sleeve  734  to provide a pivotal connection. To secure bolt  738  to sidewalls  720  and  722 , a nut  740  is preferably provided and is threadedly engaged with threaded bolt  738  at the bolt&#39;s free end. Thus, bolt  738  provides an axis about which handlebar mounting sleeve  730  may rotate with respect to the plane of platform  110 . 
     Handlebar mounting sleeve  730  preferably includes a rotational alignment sleeve  732  which cooperates with sidewalls  720  and  722  to enable handlebar mounting sleeve and handlebar  702  to be rotated to a plurality of defined positions with respect to the plane of platform  110 . Rotational alignment sleeve  732  is preferably a tube that is welded to the upper surface of handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . Rotational alignment sleeve  732  is preferably positioned on handlebar mounting sleeve  730  to be alignable with aligned aperture pairs  724   a / 726   a - 724   e / 726   e.    
     Handlebar  702  preferably comprises a cross-member  704  and a neck  706 . As explained in detail below, neck  706  is disposed in handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . The alignment of rotational alignment sleeve  732  with one of the aperture pairs  724   a / 726   a - 724   e / 726   e  defines the rotational position of handlebar  702  with respect to platform  110 . Thus, by rotating handlebar mounting sleeve  730 , rotational alignment sleeve  732  may be adjustably aligned with each of the different aperture pairs to vary the rotational position of the handlebar  702  between a number of pre-selected positions. 
     To allow the user to secure handlebar  702  at a desired rotational position, a rotational locking member  752  is provided. Rotational locking member  752  is inserted into the selected aperture pair  724   a / 726   a - 724   e / 726   e  and into rotational alignment sleeve  732  to adjustably fix the rotational position of handlebar mounting sleeve  730  and handlebar  702  with respect to the plane of platform  110 . Rotational locking member  752  preferably includes a knob  758  which is attached to a first end of a shaft  754 . Shaft  754  may be attached to knob  758  by any known means. However it is preferred that shaft  754  include external threads (not shown) which engage complementary internal threads in knob  758  (also not shown). At its free end, shaft  754  preferably includes a spring loaded ball bearing  756  which is biased radially outward from shaft  754 . Shaft  754  preferably has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameters of apertures  724   a - 724   e  and  726   a - 724   e . Ball bearing  756  preferably projects a distance from the radial center of shaft  754  which is greater than the aperture radii. To secure the rotational position of handlebar  702 , rotational locking member  752  is inserted through one of the aperture pairs  724   a / 726   a - 724   e / 726   e  and through rotational alignment sleeve  732 . Ball bearing  756  aids in preventing locking member  752  from slipping out of place until the user withdraws the locking member  752  with sufficient force to cause sidewall  722  (and subsequently, sidewall  720 ) to engage and depress ball bearing  756  radially inward of shaft  754 , thereby allowing locking member  52  to be withdrawn completely from between sidewalls  720  and  722 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , because there are 5 aperture pairs  724   a / 726   a - 724   e / 726   e , the handlebar  702  may be rotated to five different positions with respect to platform  110 . As with the previous embodiment, it is especially preferred that the aperture pairs are configured such that the handlebar is rotatable to about 10 degrees below the plane of the platform  110 , about 40 degrees above the plane of the platform  110  and about 90 degrees above the plane of the platform  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , neck  706  is preferably substantially perpendicular to cross-member  704 . Cross-member  704  preferably includes three pairs of hand grip segments,  712 A/B,  714 A/B and  716 A/B, which allow the user to repeatably alter his or her hand spacings in the manner described with respect to the previous embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 ,  17 ,  19  and  20 , in accordance with this embodiment, the handlebar  702  may be adjusted to vary the effective length of the handlebar assembly  700 . More specifically, the distance d between the handlebar cross-member  704  and the handlebar mounting sleeve  730  may be adjusted by sliding the handlebar neck  706  to a variety of positions within sleeve  730 . Handlebar neck  706  includes a plurality of apertures and preferably includes five apertures  708   a - 708   f , along its length. Handlebar mounting sleeve  730  includes an internally threaded flange  736  (see  FIG. 20 ) which defines an aperture in sleeve  730  and projects away from its bottom surface. Flange  736  is alignable with one of the neck apertures  708   a - 708   f . The alignment of internally threaded flange  736  with one of apertures  708   a - 708   f  determines the distance between handlebar cross-member  704  and handlebar mounting sleeve  730 , and correspondingly, determines the effective length of the handlebar assembly  700  as measured from the handlebar cross-member  704  to the free end  770  of glide  760 . 
     Locking member  742  is provided to allow the user to securely retain the handlebar  702  on the handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . Referring to  FIG. 20 , locking member  742  includes a knob  744 , hexagonal bolt  746 , spring  750  and collared pin  748 . Collared pin  758  is externally threaded and engages complementary internal threads (not shown) in opening  745  of knob  744 . Hexagonal bolt  746  is externally threaded and has a hollow interior. Hexagonal bolt  746  also has a face  746   b  on its hexagonal head  746   a  which abuts knob  744 . Face  746   b  includes an opening (not shown) through which collared pin  758  projects to allow it to threadedly engage knob  744 . The opening in face  746   b  is large enough to accommodate collared pin  758 , but small enough to retain spring  750  in the interior of hexagonal bolt  750 . Thus, one end of spring  750  abuts collar  748   a  on pin  748 , while the other end of spring  750  abuts the interior surface of hexagonal bolt face  746   b . This configuration biases bolt  746  towards knob  744  and improves the tightness of the fit between the components of locking member  742 . 
     The external threads on bolt  746  are preferably designed to engage the internal threads of internally threaded flange  736  on handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . Hexagonal bolt  746  allows the locking member  742  to be securely retained on handlebar mounting sleeve  730  while still allowing pin  748  to be selectively withdrawn and inserted from apertures  708   a - 708   f  to facilitate the adjustment of the handlebar neck  706  within handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . 
     To adjust the position of neck  706  within sleeve  730 , the user pulls knob  744  away from sleeve  730 . Because collared pin  748  is threadedly engaged with knob  744 , the pin will be pulled in the direction of the knob, thereby compressing spring  750  between collar  748   a  and the interior surface of hexagonal bolt face  746   b . Due to the threaded engagement of hexagonal bolt  746  and internally threaded flange  736 , the locking member  742  will not be withdrawn from flange  736  by this operation. In order to withdraw locking member  742  from internally threaded flange  736 , the user must unscrew hexagonal bolt  746  from flange  736 . After pulling knob  744 , the user adjusts the handlebar neck  706  to align the desired aperture  708   a - 708   f  with the internally threaded flange  736 . When the alignment is complete, the user releases knob  744 , causing the spring to release and force collared pin  748  and knob  744  inward. The inward movement of collared pin  748  causes its free end to be inserted through the aligned aperture  708   a - 708   f . The insertion of collared pin  748  though the aligned aperture retains the neck at the desired position within sleeve  730  to adjustably fix the distance d (see  FIG. 19 ) between handlebar cross-member  704  and handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 ,  21  and  22 , the device of this embodiment preferably includes a base  600  for supporting the device on the ground or other surface. Base  600  preferably comprises a first base member  602  and a second base member  614  which are spaced apart along the length of platform  110 . First base member  602  is connected to guide assembly  500 , and is more preferably pivotally connected to frame  502  at a location that is relatively closer to handlebar  702  than the point at which second base member  614  is connected to frame  502 . 
     First base member  602  comprises legs  604  and  606  which are pivotally connected to side members  504  and  506 , respectively. Legs  604  and  606  are preferably connected by a cross-member  608  which is oriented in a direction parallel to the width of the platform  110 . It is especially preferred that legs  604  and  606  are integrally connected to cross-member  608 , such that the first base member comprises a unitary structure or member. It is particularly preferred that legs  602  and  604  are integrally formed with cross-member  608  or welded to it. Leg  604  is connected to side member  504  via bolt  624  and nut  628  (see  FIG. 22 ), and leg  606  is connected to side member  506  via bolt  626  and nut  630 . Bolts  624  and  626  define respective pivot axes for legs  604  and  606  and are preferably aligned to define a pivot axis about which first base member  602  rotates. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the platform assembly  100  has a compact position wherein first base member  602  is rotated in a direction that is clockwise when the device is viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 21 . In the compact position, cross-member  608  is preferably located proximate the underside of platform  110 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the device also has an expanded position, wherein first base member  602  is rotated in a direction that is counter clockwise when viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 16 . In the expanded position, cross-member  608  is spaced apart from platform  110 . 
     The muscle stretching device of this embodiment preferably includes a mechanism for securing the platform assembly  100  in the expanded or compact position. In accordance with this embodiment, a locking member  631  ( FIG. 22 ) is provided. Like locking member  742 , locking member  631  preferably includes a knob  632 , a hexagonal bolt  634 , a spring  636  and a collared pin  638 . The components of locking member  631  of this preferred embodiment cooperate in the same manner as the corresponding components of locking member  742 , described previously. 
     A bracket  620  is connected to side member  506  of frame  502 , preferably by welding it to frame  502 , and includes an internally threaded flange  622 . Flange  622  defines an aperture through bracket  620  and projects away from first base member  602 . Leg  606  preferably includes a welded reinforcement  644  with an aperture  644   a  that is aligned with internally threaded flange  622  and which is dimensioned to receive the free end of collared pin  638 . Welded reinforcement  644  provides extra thickness for securing the connection between locking member  631  and first base member  602 . However, a welded reinforcement is optional and aperture  644   a  could be provided in leg  606  without the use of a welded reinforcement. 
     When the muscle stretching device of this embodiment is in the expanded position, aperture  644   a  is preferably aligned with internally threaded flange  622 . Hexagonal bolt  634  threadedly engages internally threaded flange  622  to secure locking member  631  to bracket  620 . To rotate first base member  602  and adjust platform assembly  100  between its compact and expanded positions, the user pulls knob  632  away from first base member  602 . Because collared pin  638  threadedly engages knob  632 , the pin will move away from first base member  602 , and its collar  640  (not shown) will compress spring  636  against the interior surface of the face of the bolt head of hexagonal bolt  634  in the same manner described previously with respect to spring  750  and hexagonal bolt  746  of locking member  742 . The user then rotates first base member  602  about the axis defined by bolts  624  and  626  to the desired position. Once the rotation is complete, the user releases knob  632 , causing spring  636  to release. The releasing action of spring  636  then biases collared pin  638  towards first base member  602  such that the free end of collared pin  638  projects through aperture  644   a  of welded reinforcement  644 , thereby preventing further rotation of first base member  602  with respect to platform  110 . In the expanded position, first base member  602  and platform  110  define an angle θ that ranges generally from about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees, preferably from about 8 degrees to about 12 degrees and which is more preferably about 10 degrees. 
     As mentioned previously, base  600  also preferably comprises a second base member  614  spaced apart from first base member  602 . In a preferred embodiment, second base member  602  is welded to side members  504  and  506  or is integrally formed with them. Second base member  614  is preferably a cross-member positioned along the width of the platform  110  and is also preferably substantially parallel to cross-member  608  of first base member  602 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , second base member  614  may include a downwardly projecting stop  615  which aids in restraining the retraction of glide  760  by abuttingly engaging free end  770  of glide  760 . 
     The muscle stretching device of this preferred embodiment allows the user to attach one or more resistance increasing devices such as a stretchable band, elongated spring, or more preferably, a bungee cord. Referring to  FIG. 15 , three bungee cords are shown. To facilitate the attachment of the bungee cords, rod  511  is connected to side members  504  and  506  proximate second base member  614 . Stop  772  includes a rod  778  having a center portion  780  disposed between stop sidewalls  773  and  775  and side projections  782  and  784  projecting away from stop  772 . Rod  778  is preferably a single rod that is welded to stop  772  or connected by other known connecting means. As shown in  FIG. 15 , bungee cord  794  is connected at one end to center portion  780 , while bungee cords  792  and  796  are connected at one end to side projections  782  and  784 , respectively. The other ends of bungee cords  792 ,  794  and  796  are connected to rod  511 . Thus, as the user slides handlebar  702  away from platform  110 , the bungee cords  792 ,  794  and  796  will stretch, thereby providing increased resistance. 
     To facilitate the storage of bungee cords or other resistance increasing devices when they are not in use, rod  517  is provided as shown in  FIG. 15 . Rod  517  is connected at its ends to side members  504  and  506  and is stationary. Thus, when the bungee cords are not in use, they may be attached to rod  517  instead of to rod  778 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , providing a convenient means of storing the cords until increased resistance is desired. 
     The device of this embodiment is preferably used to perform the preferred embodiments of methods for stretching muscles described previously. However, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of a method for stretching muscles, prior to using the device, the user adjusts the handlebar  702  in the manner previously described to obtain the desired distance between the handlebar cross-member  704  and the handlebar mounting sleeve  730 . The adjustment of this distance determines the starting distance of the user&#39;s hands from his shoulders and allows the user to adjust the range of stretching. 
     The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the scope of the following claims.