Patent Publication Number: US-9895573-B2

Title: Plank support exercise apparatus and related methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/944,154 entitled, “Device for Facilitating Plank Exercises” filed Feb. 25, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to exercise devices and more particularly is related to a plank support exercise apparatus and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A plank exercise is an isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a difficult position for extended periods of time. The most common plank is the front plank which is held in a push-up position with the body&#39;s weight borne on forearms, elbows, and toes.  FIG. 1  is a side view illustration of person  10  in a front plank position, in accordance with the prior art. This type of exercise may also be known as a front hold, hover, or abdominal bridge. As is shown in  FIG. 1 , when in the front plank position, a person  10  may maintain a push-up-like stance with his or her forearms in contact with the ground surface  12 . In this position, the body weight of the person  10  is transferred through their feet and through their upper arms to the ground  12 . Relevant to this disclosure, the transfer of the weight through the upper arms to the ground  12  places significant forces on the person&#39;s elbows, which are in contact with the ground  12 . 
     Variations on the plank exercise include alternative positions, such as the side plank, the reverse plank, and/or the so-called ‘superman’ plank.  FIG. 2  is a side view illustration of person  10  in a side plank position, in accordance with the prior art. In the side plank, the person  10  maintains a static position with a single forearm and single foot in contact with the ground  12 . In this position, the bodyweight of the person  10  is transferred through his or her single foot and single arm which maintain contact with the ground  12 . Relevant to this disclosure, the transfer of the weight through the single upper arm to the ground  12  places a significant force on the elbow of the person which is in contact with the ground  12 . 
     Plank exercises may further include the use of training devices to enhance the effect of the exercise on the person. As is well-known in the art, these training devices may include a padded mat or weighted athletic balls which the person balances his or her bodyweight on while maintaining a plank position or a modified plank position. In all variations of the plank position, the person may experience a balance and core conditioning exercise by requiring muscles in the person&#39;s legs, torso, back, and upper body to remain in a static position, thereby increasing strength, control, and coordination of the muscles within the person&#39;s body. The health benefits of plank exercises are well documented throughout the health, fitness, and exercise science industries. However, there are also some drawbacks of plank exercise, including the discomfort a user experiences at his or her elbows, due to the localized force of their bodyweight being transferred through the elbow. 
     Some devices are available to assist plank exercises. One device includes a unitary shell with handle grips and a platform, and a sliding device positioned on an underside of the platform. A user may grasp the handle grips with his or her elbows in contact with the platform and his or her knees in contact with the ground surface. The user then exercises his or her abdominal muscles by sliding the unitary shell on the ground relative to his or her knees. A similar device uses independent sliding carriages for each arm of the user, whereby a plank position can be assumed on the carriages. It is noted that other plank exercise assisting devices, functioning under the same principles as described herein, may also exist in the conventional art. 
     These devices, along with other conventional devices, have many shortcomings. One major shortcoming is that the devices use unrestricted sliding movement, such that users are highly susceptible to inadvertently overextending exercise positions which can result in injury. Further, the devices require a user&#39;s forearm to be positioned in such a way that their bodyweight is transferred through their elbow and into the device. While some padding on the device may alleviate some of the discomfort to the user&#39;s elbow, it falls far short of eliminating the discomfort. Additionally, conventional devices often have handle grips that are not ergonomically safe. For example, many devices have handle grips positioned aligned with or higher than the user&#39;s arm, which results in an upwards pitching of the user&#39;s wrist. Long term, this position can result in strain on the user&#39;s wrist and forearm. This position may also prevent a user from exerting downward pressure on handle grips in order to leverage their body into an elevated position specific to a plank exercise, without further forcing their arm and/or elbow into a pad. In another example, the conventional handle grips are usually oriented at right angles to the ground, which forces the user&#39;s forearms and wrist into an ergonomically inefficient position. 
     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a plank support exercise apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A plank support exercise apparatus has a hand grip. A frame member extends from the hand grip. At least one arm support pad is connected to the frame member, wherein a distance between the hand grip and the at least one arm support pad is adjustable. A ground-interface surface is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a plank support exercise apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. The plank support exercise apparatus has a hand grip. A frame member extends from the hand grip. At least one forearm support pad is connected to the frame member, wherein the at least one forearm support pad is contactable by a forearm of a user. A ground-interface surface is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member, wherein a force from a weight of the user in a position with the forearm thereof on the at least one forearm support pad is transferred from the forearm of the user, through the at least one forearm support pad, and through the ground-interface surface to a ground surface. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a plank support exercise apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. The plank support exercise apparatus has a hand grip. A frame member extends from the hand grip. At least one arm support pad is connected to the frame member. A ground-interface surface is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member, wherein the frame member is translationally static relative to a ground surface. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of using a plank support exercise apparatus. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: the steps of: providing the plank support exercise apparatus having a hand grip, a frame member extending from the hand grip, at least one forearm support pad connected to the frame member, and a ground-interface surface positioned along at least a portion of the frame member; and transferring a force from a weight of a user in a position with a forearm thereof on the at least one forearm support pad from the forearm of the user, through the at least one forearm support pad, and through the ground-interface surface to a ground surface. 
     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view illustration of person in a front plank position, in accordance with the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustration of person in a side plank position, in accordance with the prior art. 
         FIG. 3  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus in use with a user  10 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10-11  are top-view illustrations of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a partially exploded side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view illustration of the plank support exercise apparatus of  FIG. 13 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 15-16  are side-view illustrations of the carriage and raised support of the plank support exercise apparatus of  FIGS. 13-14 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view illustration of a lateral movement device for use with a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is a detailed isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus of  FIG. 18 , in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a front-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus of  FIG. 18 , in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 21-22  are side-view illustrations of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 23-24  are isometric view illustrations of a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 3  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plank support exercise apparatus  110 , which may be referred to herein as ‘apparatus  110 ’ includes a hand grip  120 . A frame member  130  extends from the hand grip  120 . At least one arm support pad  140  is connected to the frame member  130 , wherein a distance between the hand grip  120  and the at least one arm support pad  140  is adjustable. A ground-interface surface  150  is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member  130 . 
     The apparatus  110  may be used to assist or aid in plank exercises where the user maintains a static, isometric position. Accordingly, when the apparatus  110  is used, the user may be positioned in the conventional plank position, as is shown in  FIG. 1 , but with his or her hands grasping the hand grip  120  and his or her forearms in contact with the at least one arm support pad  140 . The apparatus  110  may offer significant benefits to users, as detailed throughout this disclosure. Further, it is noted that the apparatus  110  may include many variations in structure, components, and function, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Relative to  FIG. 3 , the frame member  130  may be a bifurcated frame member having a first leg  132  and a second leg  134 . Each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  may be positioned on opposing sides of the hand grip  120  such that the first and second legs  132 ,  134  is connected between the hand grip  120  and the at least one arm support pad  140 . Further, it may be common for the at least one arm support pad  140  to include a first arm support pad  142  and a second arm support pad  144 , each connected to one of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  of the frame member  130 . Other designs of the apparatus  110  may include a single frame member  130  which is positioned substantially central to the hand grip  120  and/or the at least one arm support pad  140 , as is discussed relative to  FIG. 23-24 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 3 , the hand grip  120  may be integrally formed within a forward section of the bifurcated frame member  130 , wherein each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  extend from opposing sides of the hand grip  120 , respectively. The hand grip  120  may include an ergonomic structure that can be grasped by the user&#39;s hand when using the apparatus  110 . The hand grip  120  may include, for example, a substantially cylindrical structure which is covered, partially or fully, with padding, foam, texturized material, or another material to enhance ease of use of the hand grips  120 . The hand grip  120  may also have a position that provides fully ergonomic use of the apparatus  110 . These ergonomic positions may include the hand grip  120  being positioned slightly below a plane of the user&#39;s arm when resting on the arm support pad  140 , such that the user&#39;s wrist can bend slightly downward, and/or the hand grip  120  being positioned at an angle, relative to a vertical position, inwardly towards a center of the apparatus  110 . Other orientations of the hand grips may also be used to enhance ergonomic use of the apparatus  110 . The first and second legs  132 ,  134  of the frame member  130  may extend from the hand grip  120  in a variety of configurations, such as a straight extension, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Commonly, the first and second legs  132 ,  134  of the frame member  130  may include a tubular member which has a rigid, durable construction capable of supporting the bodyweight of the user. 
     The first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may include structures which are positioned on or carried by the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , such that the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  can be positioned along a length of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . Commonly, the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  include a rigid or semi-rigid structure having a curvilinear shape which matches or substantially matches a human forearm shape. The curvilinear shape may be characterized as a curvilinear arm contact surface which can substantially conform to an outer radial surface of the forearm of the user when the user is positioned with his or her forearm on the arm support pad. The first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may include padding to increase comfort of the user when his or her bodyweight is placed on the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 . 
     When in use, the apparatus  110  may be positioned on a ground surface, which may include any type of athletic supporting surface, such as pavement, a grassy field, a gym floor, or others. The apparatus  110  may include a number of points which make contact with the ground surface. Primarily, the ground-interface surface  150  may be used to interface the contact between the apparatus  110  and the ground surface, and other points along the apparatus  110  may aid or assist in supporting the apparatus  110  on the ground. The ground-interface surface  150  may be any surface or surfaces along a bottom edge of the frame member  130  or other structures extending from the frame member  130 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110  in use with a user  10 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The user  10  in  FIG. 4  is positioned in a plank exercise position on the apparatus  110 , whereby the user is in a static, push-up-like position with his or her hands grasping the hand grip  120  and his or her forearms positioned on the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 . The position of the user&#39;s spaced forearms and less-spaced hands may form a triangular shape, which may correspond to a heightened ergonomic position. In this position, the user&#39;s bodyweight is being transferred through his or her feet to a surface of the ground  12  and through his or her upper arms and into the apparatus  110 . Specific to the transfer of forces through the user&#39;s arms, unlike conventional devices which require the force to be transferred directly through the localized area of the elbow, the apparatus  110  allows the force to be distributed across the user&#39;s forearms and into the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 , as well as through the user&#39;s hands to the hand grip  120 . This distribution of force may prevent harmful concentrated forces from being transferred through the user&#39;s elbows, which can lessen the chance of injury or discomfort to the user&#39;s elbows. Furthermore, since the point of force transfer is removed from the elbows of the user, the user may be required to use his or her hands to stabilize the plank position on the apparatus  110 , in contrast to a plank exercise without a hand grip, where the user&#39;s hands offer little additional support to maintain the static plank position. 
     Relative to  FIGS. 3-4 , the apparatus  110  may have the ground-interface surface  150  positioned on a destabilizing device  160 . The destabilizing device  160  may be connected to the frame member  130 , or one or both of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  thereof, and may facilitate a controlled, destabilizing movement of the frame member  130 . The controlled, destabilizing movement may include, for example, a pivoting of the frame member  130  about a pivot axis located within the destabilizing device  160 . This pivoting movement may be achieved by providing a ground-interface surface  150  which is positioned along the curved surface of the destabilization device  160 . In this example, the ability of the apparatus  110  to pivot may allow the user to achieve an enhanced exercise, since maintaining the static plank position on the apparatus  110  without destabilization utilizes additional muscles within the user&#39;s torso and upper body. The destabilizing device  160  can be moved or positioned along the length of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  to connect thereto at different attachment points. Varying the point of attachment of the destabilization device  160  to the frame member  130  may vary the degree of instability or destabilization of the apparatus  110 , which can be used to effect different exercises on the apparatus  110 . It is also noted that the destabilization device  160  may include a variety of different shapes and/or curvatures to effect different levels of instability, such as, for example, shortened curvatures, enlarged curvatures, constant radii curvatures, or variable radii curvatures, to name a few. 
     It is important to note that the controlled, destabilized movement of the apparatus  110  may be limited to translationally static movement, such that neither the apparatus  110  nor the user  10  on the apparatus  110  moves translationally. Rather, the controlled, destabilized movement may include only rotational movement about one or more axes. In some cases, such as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the rotational movement may be limited to movement in a single degree of freedom, e.g., rotational movement about an axis of curvature of the curved surface of the destabilizing device  160 . This single degree of freedom movement may allow the apparatus  110  to pivot or rock about the destabilizing device  160 , which provides an enhanced plank exercise experience. However, limiting the destabilizing movement to rotational movement only prevents the user from being exposed to injurious situations rife in the conventional art, where an exercise device can slip translationally (forwards, backwards, left, or right) out from underneath the user  10 . A variety of other destabilizing devices  160  can be employed with the apparatus  110 , as are discussed relative to other figures. 
       FIG. 5  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. One of the benefits of the apparatus  110  is its ability to be easily adjusted to users of different body sizes. One way of achieving this adjustability is by adjusting a distance between the hand grip  120  and the at least one arm support pad  140  by moving the at least one arm support pad  140  along a length of the frame member  130 . There may be a number of ways to achieve this adjustability, one of which includes utilizing a plurality of holes  136  positioned at spaced intervals within the frame member  130 , or within each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  of the frame member  130 . These holes  136  may receive an extended connector  146  which is positioned on the at least one arm support pad  140 , or on both of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 . Similarly, the destabilizing device  160  may be adjustable between positions along the length of the frame member  130  to vary a point of controlled, destabilized movement. The destabilizing device  160  may incorporate the same or similar extended connector  146  as the arm support pads  140 . 
     The extended connector  146  may include, for example, a male fastener which can be positioned within the hole  136  to locate the arm support pad  140  substantially above or proximate to the hole  136 . By varying the positioning of the extended connector  146  within the plurality of holes  136 , the user can select which positioning of the arm support pad  140  is desired. The extended connector  146  may include features to retain it within the hole  136 , such as a biased or snap connector. One type of extended connector  146  may utilize a tab and slot system, where when the extended connector  146  is moved into the hole, a tab on the interior sidewall of the hole  136  is received within a shortened slot in the extended connector  146 . Once the extended connector  146  achieves a fully-inserted position, the tab may be positioned beyond the slot where the extended connector  146  may be rotated to lock the extended connector  146  within the hole  136 . 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,  FIG. 6  depicts the hand grips  120  formed integral with a bifurcated frame member  130  having first and second legs  132 ,  134 . Each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  may have a specific shape which allows for more adjustability of the apparatus  110 . As is shown, each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  may include holes  136  which are positioned for arm support pad attachment along various portions of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . These various portions of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  may include straight and angularly positioned lengths, such that the relative distance between the first leg  132  and the second leg  134  can be variable, dependent on which location along the first and second leg  132 ,  134  is selected. As is further shown in  FIG. 6 , the relative distance between the first leg  132  to the second leg  134  can be variable along one section of the frame member  130 , e.g., the angularly-positioned, middle section, and constant along a different section of the frame member  130 , e.g., the section proximate to a terminating end of each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . Any combination of variable and/or constant distances may be used. 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 7  illustrates the apparatus  110  having a bifurcated frame member  130  with first and second legs  132 ,  134  that are integrally connected to the hand grip  120 . The arm support pad  140  includes first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  which are positioned on the each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , respectively. Instead of using holes and extended connectors, the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may utilize a strap  148  which is connected to each of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  and positioned around each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , respectively. The strap  148  may be movable along the length, or a portion of the length, of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  to adjust the position of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 . The strap  148  may include a variety of components to enhance usability, include a high-friction material coating an exterior of the strap  148 . The exterior of the strap  148  surface having the high-friction material may act as the ground-interface surface  150  to retain the apparatus  110  in place during use. 
       FIG. 8  is a side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plank support exercise apparatus  110  includes the hand grip  120  and a bifurcated frame member  130  extending from the hand grip  120 , wherein first and second legs  132 ,  134  are connected to either side of the hand grip  120 . The arm support pad  140  includes first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  which are each connected to one of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . A distance between the hand grip  120  and the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  is adjustable. A ground-interface surface  150  is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member  130 . 
     The apparatus  110  of  FIG. 8  includes some variations relative to  FIGS. 3-7 . For example, the apparatus  110  of  FIG. 8  may include side-mounted holes  136  positioned along each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . The first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may be carried on a hub  170  which interfaces between the first and second legs  132 ,  134  and the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 , respectively. The hub  170  may be connected to the destabilizing device  160  and include one or more extended connectors (not shown) which can be engaged with one of the plurality of holes  136  to adjust the location of the arm support pads  140  along the frame member  130 . To control engagement of the extended connectors with the holes  136 , an actuatable engagement device  172  may be used, where actuation of the actuatable engagement device  172  disengages the extended connector from the hole  136  to permit the arm support pad  140  to move along at least a portion of the length of the frame member  130 . The actuatable engagement device  172  may include a button or other feature which can be depressed to disengage the extended connector from the hole  136 . Various designs may be used to facilitate the internal functioning of the actuatable engagement device  172 . 
     It is further noted that a variety of mechanical interfaces may be used to facilitate the adjustment or sliding of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  on the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , respectively. For example, the first and second legs  132 ,  134  may have a substantially cylindrical shape, a partially cylindrical shape, or a non-cylindrical shape such as a square shape, e.g., when square tubing members are used to form the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . Any cross-sectional shape of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  may be utilized and the hub  170 , or another component to coordinate adjustment of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 , may have a corresponding shape. In another example, the hub  170  may be positioned only on an upper half of each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , as opposed to fully encircling the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . It is also possible to use any number or type of grooves, ridges, guiding features, or other structural designs that facilitate successful movement of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  on the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.  FIG. 9  is a rear-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hub  170  may also include a lateral movement device  174  which supports the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  and controls a lateral movement thereof. The lateral movement of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 , as depicted in  FIGS. 8-9 , may be along a lateral direction which is oriented substantially perpendicular to a length of the frame member  130  and a length of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . Thus, while the plurality of holes  136  and the extended connector, or similarly functioning device, may allow adjustability of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  along the length of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , the lateral movement device  174  may control movement of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  in a different direction. Lateral movement of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may facilitate the varied shoulder widths of users, allowing the apparatus  110  to properly match each user&#39;s body size. While the lateral movement device  174  may include a variety of mechanical structures to facilitate lateral movement, the lateral movement device  174  of  FIG. 9  may include a plurality of holes  176  spaced at intervals along the length of the lateral movement device  174 . A portion of the hub  170  may extend upwards into the lateral movement device  174  and a biasable pin or other fastener may connect the lateral movement device  174  to the hub  170 . 
       FIGS. 10-11  are top-view illustrations of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. While  FIG. 10  illustrates the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  in a straight-forward orientation, it is possible for the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  to be rotated to achieve an inward-facing orientation, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Rotation of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may be about a substantially vertical axis positioned through each of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144 . The rotation of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may be limited to a specific degree of movement, such as a 90 degree movement. This 90 degree movement of each of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may allow the separate first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  to abut or substantially abut one another to provide, in effect, a combined arm support pad  140 . The combined arm support pad  140  may be used primarily for users in a side plank position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , where the user&#39;s forearm can be positioned in the combined arm support pad  140  to provide additional support during the exercise. 
     While a 90 degree rotation of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may be common to form the combined arm support pad  140 , a rotation of less than 90 degrees may also have benefits. For example, rotation of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may also help orient the user&#39;s wrist at a comfortable trajectory to the hand grips  120 , thereby adjusting the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  for users with different arm or body sizes. The adjustability of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  allows the user to achieve a comfortable trajectory to the hand grips  120 , regardless of their body size or personal trajectory preference. 
       FIG. 12  is a partially exploded side-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  110 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As is shown in  FIG. 12 , the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may attach to the first and second legs  132 ,  134  using a post  180  which can be positioned inside each of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . The post  180  has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the first and second legs  132 ,  134 . The hub  170  supporting the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  may include an interior cavity  182  which can receive the distal end of the first and second legs  132 ,  134  when the post  180  of each of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  is positioned in the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , respectively. 
     The post  180  may further include a groove  184  therein which runs along a length of the post  180 . The groove  184  may engage with a fastener  186 , such as a blunt-tip screw, which can be positioned through one of the holes  136  in the first and second legs  132 ,  134  (in  FIG. 12 , the fastener  186  is shown engaged with the groove  184 ). When the post  180  is positioned within the interior of the leg  132 , for example, the post  180  may be moved therein with the end of the fastener  186  engaged with the groove  184 . A tip of the post  180  may have a stop to prevent the fastener  186  from exiting the groove  184 , thereby preventing disconnection of the first and second arm support pads  142 ,  144  from the first and second legs  132 ,  134 , respectively. 
       FIG. 13  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  210 , in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plank support exercise apparatus  210 , which may be referred to herein as ‘apparatus  210 ’ may be substantially similar to the apparatus  110  described with respect to  FIGS. 3-12 , and may include any of the features, components, or functions discussed relative to  FIGS. 3-12 . The apparatus  210  of  FIG. 13  includes a hand grip  220 . A frame member  230  extends from the hand grip  220 . At least one arm support pad  240  is connected to the frame member  230 , wherein a distance between the hand grip  220  and the at least one arm support pad  240  is adjustable. A ground-interface surface  250  is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member  230 . 
       FIG. 14  is an isometric view illustration of the plank support exercise apparatus  210  of  FIG. 13 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 13-14 , the apparatus  210  includes a destabilization device  260  which is positioned substantially underneath the arm support pad  240  (or each arm support pad present). The destabilization device  260  may function in the same manner as described in  FIGS. 3-5 , with the added function that the destabilization device  260  shown in  FIGS. 13-14  may be movable between an extended position, shown in  FIG. 14 , where the ground-interface surface  250  positioned on the curved surface of the destabilization device  260  is contactable to a ground surface and a retracted position, shown in  FIG. 13 , where the ground-interface surface  250  positioned on the curved surface of the destabilization device  260  is removed from a contactable position with the ground surface. To achieve the movement between the extended and retracted positions, the destabilization device  260  may pivot about an axis, thereby allowing a specific surface or the destabilization device  260  to be oriented towards a ground surface. In  FIG. 13 , a flat edge of the destabilization device  260  may be oriented downwards (towards the ground surface) and in  FIG. 14 , the curved surface may be oriented downwards. When a user desires to use the apparatus  210  without destabilization, the user may select the configuration shown in  FIG. 13 . When the user desires an enhanced exercise by destabilizing the apparatus  210  with the curved surface of the destabilization device  260 , the user would position the destabilization device  260  as shown in  FIG. 14 . It is noted that the foot pads  228  positioned along a front of the frame member  230  may act as ground-support devices at any point of use of the apparatus  210 . 
     Relative to  FIGS. 13-14  further, it is noted that the arm support pads  240  are also able to rotate, in the same manner as described relative to  FIGS. 10-11 , to provide arm trajectory user-adjustment of the apparatus  210  or to convert the apparatus  210  from a front plank orientation to a side plank orientation. 
     Relative to  FIGS. 13-14 , the apparatus  210  includes a hand grip  220  that is adjustable along the length of the frame member  230 , whereby a distance between the hand grip  220  and the arm support pad  240  can be adjusted. The hand grip  220  may include a carriage  222  which is positioned about the frame member  230 , or a portion thereof, and can be moved along the length of the frame member  230 . The apparatus  210  may also include other devices for permitting movement of the hand grip  220  along the frame member  230 . The carriage  222  may include a raised support  224  which receives an end of the hand grip  220  therein, such that the hand grip  220  can be rotated relative to the raised support  224 . Accordingly, the hand grip  220  may be rotated between a lowered position, as shown in  FIG. 13 , and a raised position, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In the lowered position, the hand grip  220  may be stowed for convenient storage of the apparatus  210 , whereas the raised position of the hand grip  220  may be a position where a user is actively using the apparatus  210 . In some variations, rotating the hand grip  220  may provide benefits in the ergonomic use of the apparatus  210 , not just to make the apparatus  210  more convenient for storage. For example, a user may rotate the hand grip  220  into a more comfortable angle. 
     It is also noted that the movable hand grip  220  may include two separate halves which operate independently of one another or which can be operated together. Other variations of moveable hand grips  220  may include hand grips  220  with male extenders that allow the hand grips  220  to connect or pop in to the frame member  230  along a length of the frame member  230 , to allow adjustment of the positioning of the hand grips  220 . 
       FIGS. 15-16  are side-view illustrations of the carriage  222  and raised support  224  of the plank support exercise apparatus  210  of  FIGS. 13-14 , in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 13-16 , rotation of the hand grip  220  may be controlled, at least in part, with a frictional cam  226  which is connected to the hand grip  220  at a lower part thereof and is positioned to contact the frame member  230 . The frictional cam  226  may include a rubberized structure which is rotatable opposite the hand grip  220 . As is shown in  FIGS. 15-16 , the frictional cam  226  may be positioned proximate to the rotatable joint on which the hand grip  220  can rotate, such that when the hand grip  220  is in a fully or partially lowered position ( FIGS. 13 and 15 ), the frictional cam  226  is free from contact. When the hand grip  220  is moved to the raised position ( FIGS. 14 and 16 ), the frictional cam  226  may contact the frame member  230  through an aperture  227  within the carriage  222 . The contact between the frictional cam  226  and the frame member  230  through the aperture  227  may be sufficient to retain the hand grip  220  in the raised position. Further, this contact may also be sufficient to limit the movement of the carriage  222  along the frame member  230 . 
       FIG. 17  is an exploded view illustration of a lateral movement device  374  for use with a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The lateral movement device  374  of the third exemplary embodiment may be used with the apparatus as described relative to any figure herein to achieve the same lateral movement as described relative to  FIGS. 8-9 . The lateral movement device  374  may facilitate lateral movement of the arm support pad  340  using a biasable track system which includes a biased engagement device  390  which is movable with a track  392 . The track  392  may be mounted to a frame member or leg of the apparatus. When assembled, the arm support pad  340  may be affixed to hub  370  with biased engagement device  390  positioned in contact below it. A transfer housing  394  and stop  396  are positioned internal of engagement protrusions  398  of the biased engagement device  390 . The stop  396  may connect to the underside of the arm support pad  340  with one or more fasteners and may facilitate rotation of the arm support pad  340  by acting as a rotatable interface, such as a Lazy Susan-type device, for the arm support pad  340 . This rotation of the arm support pad  340  can be combined with the other mechanics of the lateral movement device  374 . 
     In use, teeth on the engagement protrusions  398  may be engaged with teeth on the track  392  where there is weight applied to the arm support pad  340 . When weight is removed from the arm support pad  340 , the stop  396  may bias the transfer housing  394  upwards, thereby allowing the engaged protrusions  398  to retract a sufficient distance to disengage the teeth thereof from the teeth of the track  392 . In this function, the user of a plank support exercise device may select the appropriate lateral position of the arm support pad  340  and then automatically lock the lateral position in place when he or she assumes a plank position on the apparatus. 
       FIG. 18  is an isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  410 , in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plank support exercise apparatus  410 , which may be referred to herein as ‘apparatus  410 ’ may be substantially similar to the other apparatuses described within this disclosure and may include any of the features, components, or functions discussed relative to any other figure herein. The apparatus  410  of  FIG. 18  includes a hand grip  420 . A frame member  430  extends from the hand grip  420 . At least one arm support pad  440  is connected to the frame member  430 , wherein a distance between the hand grip  420  and the at least one arm support pad  440  is adjustable. A ground-interface surface  450  is positioned along at least a portion of the frame member  430 . 
     The apparatus  410  of  FIG. 18  includes a hand grip  420  formed from two distinct structures, each of which is carried on a portion of the frame member  430 . The hand grips  420  are adjustable, such that the distance between the hand grips  420  and the at least one arm support pad  440  can be modified depending on a user&#39;s body size. The hand grip  420  may be movable by repositioning each of the hand grips  420  until they are locked within one of a plurality of preselected positions located at spaced intervals on the frame member  430 . Specifically, as is shown in  FIG. 18 , the frame member  430  may include cavities  432  on a surface thereof which engage with a locking structure on the hand grip  420  to lock the hand grip  420  in place on the frame member  430 . The locked nature of the hand grip  420  to the frame member  430  may be altered when a sufficient force is applied to the hand grip  420 , such that the locking structure of the hand grip  420  is disengaged from the cavity on the frame member  430 . In one of many possible variations, as previously noted, the moveable hand grips  420  may include male ridges or extenders that can be connected to or popped into the frame member  430  along the length of the frame member  430  to provide adjustment of the hand grips  420 . When separate hand grips  420  are used, as is shown in  FIG. 18 , the hand grips  420  themselves may be able to be adjusted laterally on tracks or with holes, thereby allowing a distance between the hand grips  420  to be adjusted. 
       FIG. 19  is a detailed isometric view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  410  of  FIG. 18 , in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 18-19 , the apparatus  410  may have arm support pads  440  which are positioned on a unitary support bar  442 . The unitary support bar  442  may be positioned in a lateral direction, relative to a general length of the apparatus  410 , and allows the arm support pads  440  to be laterally adjusted, similar to as described relative to  FIGS. 8-9 . Accordingly, the arm support pads  440  may be positioned between an extended position on the unitary support bar  442 , as is shown in  FIG. 19 , and a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 20  is a front-view illustration of a plank support exercise apparatus  410  of  FIG. 18 , in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  410  as shown in  FIG. 20  illustrates a destabilization device  460  which is positioned under a substantially center point of the apparatus  410 . The destabilization device  460  may include a semispherical structure which has a lowered edge that is positioned to contact a ground surface. In one example, the destabilization device  460  may include a semispherical structure formed from plastic, rubber, or similar material, which can support the weight of the apparatus  410  with a user on it. The destabilization device  460  may function as previously described, with the exception that it may allow movement of the apparatus  410  in more than one rotational degree of freedom. Using a semispherical surface as a destabilization device  460 , as opposed to a curved surface along two dimensions, may allow three rotational degrees of freedom which provide enhanced destabilization movement. 
       FIGS. 21-22  are side-view illustrations of a plank support exercise apparatus  410 , in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the destabilization device  460  of  FIG. 20 ,  FIGS. 21-22  illustrate a variation to a destabilization device  460  which can provide three rotational degrees of freedom. As is shown in  FIGS. 21-22 , the destabilization device  460  may include a semispherical structure  462  which is carried on an arm  464  that is movable between retracted and extended positions. A joint  466  may be used to move the arm  464 , thereby moving the semispherical structure  462  between the retract position, shown in  FIG. 21 , to an extended position, shown in  FIG. 22 . The joint  466  may use levers to unlock a center section of the joint  466  to allow movement of the arm  464  or to lock the joint  466  to prevent arm  464  movement, such as by using a locking ball. In use, extending the arm  464  may increase the destabilization effect on the apparatus  410  whereas lowering or retracting the arm  464  may lessen the destabilization effect. Accordingly, a user can adjust the destabilization device  460  to achieve the desired destabilization effect. 
       FIGS. 23-24  are isometric view illustrations of a plank support exercise apparatus  510 , in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plank support exercise apparatus  510 , which may be referred to herein as ‘apparatus  510 ’ may be substantially similar to the other apparatuses described within this disclosure and may include any of the features, components, or functions discussed relative to any other figure herein. As is shown in  FIGS. 23-24 , the apparatus  510  includes a central frame member  530  which is connected between a hand grip portion  520  and an arm support pad portion  540 . It is noted that the actual hand grips and arm support pads that a user would touch are omitted from  FIGS. 23-24 . The central frame member  530  may permit adjustability of the arm support pad portion  540  along the length of the central frame member  530 . The central frame member  530  may use, for example, a track system which allows the arm support pad portion  540  to be moved to selected locations along its length.  FIG. 23  depicts the arm support pad portion  540  positioned at a distal end of the central frame member  530 , whereas  FIG. 24  depicts the arm support pad portion  540  positioned towards a middle section of the central frame member  530 . The arm support pad portion  540  itself may also include a track to allow lateral movement of arm support pads, as previously described. 
       FIG. 25  is a flowchart  600  illustrating a method of using a plank support exercise apparatus, in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. 
     As is shown by block  602 , a plank support exercise apparatus is provided, the plank support exercise apparatus having a hand grip, a frame member extending from the hand grip, at least one forearm support pad connected to the frame member, and a ground-interface surface positioned along at least a portion of the frame member. A force from a weight of a user in a position with a forearm thereof on the at least one forearm support pad from the forearm of the user is transferred through the at least one forearm support pad, and through the ground-interface surface to a ground surface (block  604 ). 
     The method may include any additional number of steps, processes, and functions, including any disclosed within this disclosure. For example, when the plank support exercise apparatus is in use, an elbow of the user may be free from contact with the at least one forearm support pad. The method may include adjustment of the plank support exercise apparatus, such as moving the at least one forearm support pad along a length of the frame member, thereby adjusting a distance between the hand grip and the at least one forearm support pad, and/or moving the hand grip along a length of the frame member, thereby adjusting a distance between the hand grip and the at least one forearm support pad. The at least one forearm support pad may be moved in a lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction is substantially perpendicular to a length of the frame member and the at least one forearm support pad may be rotated about a substantially vertical axis thereof. Similarly, the hand grip may be rotated about a substantially horizontal axis thereof between a lowered position and a raised position. The method may further include destabilizing the plank support exercise apparatus with a destabilizing device, thereby facilitating a controlled, destabilizing movement of the plank support exercise apparatus. The controlled, destabilizing movement may further comprise translationally static movement and may further include movement in a single degree of rotational freedom. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.