Patent Publication Number: US-11383119-B2

Title: Multimodal fitness bar

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/082,451, filed on Oct. 28, 2020. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a multimodal fitness bar. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fitness bars are known. Resistance bands are known. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the disclosure relates to a multimodal fitness bar with a resistance assembly. In some implementations the multimodal fitness bar may include a bar assembly, which may further include a weighting assembly. The weighting assembly may allow a user to adjust the weight of the multimodal fitness bar. A resistance assembly may be attached to the bar assembly. The resistance assembly may be configured to furl about the bar assembly to reduce the footprint of the multimodal fitness bar when the resistance assembly is not in use. 
     In some implementations, the bar assembly may be configured to be held in the hands of a user. A distal portion of the resistance assembly may include a loop for receiving the user&#39;s foot. When in an unfurled configuration, the user may create resistance between the user&#39;s hands and the user&#39;s foot by pressing the user&#39;s foot away from the user&#39;s hands. Such resistance allows a user to perform a variety of exercises and stretches including, but not limited to: resistance squats, resistance lunges, resistance bicep curls, resistance rows, resistance shoulder press, resistance deadlifts, resistance rows, calf stretches, hamstring stretches, and gluteus stretches. When in a furled configuration, a user may perform a variety of exercises and stretches including, but not limited to: weighted squats, weighted lunges, weighted bicep curls, weighted deadlifts, weighted rows, weighted shoulder press, weighted one handed lateral raises, and overhead triceps extensions. 
     A multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations herein, presents advantages over the fitness bars and fitness bands known in the art including, but not limited to: allowing a user to perform myriad exercises and stretches with a single device; a relatively compact form factor, and a secured furled configuration that substantially reduces the form factor of the device. 
     These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the apparatus and/or method disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial, front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3A  is a bottom perspective view of a weighting assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom perspective view of a weighting assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 4A  is a partial, front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial, front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view of a multimodal fitness bar in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 5B  is a partial rear perspective view of a sheet assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a front furling member, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar in a furled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a bar assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar being used by a user, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar being used by a user, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various implementations and aspects of the disclosure will be described with references to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various implementations. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various implementations of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of implementations of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar  10  (hereinafter multimodal fitness bar  10 ), in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Multimodal fitness bar  10  may include one or more of a bar assembly  11 , a resistance assembly  12 , and a hanging member  13 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a partial, front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar  10 , in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Bar assembly  11  may include one or more of a first handle  201 , a bar  202 , a second handle  203 , and a weighting assembly  204 . In some implementations, first handle  201  may be a generally cylindrical member with a proximal end  210 , a distal end  211 , a diameter  212 , and a length  213 . Proximal end  210  of first handle  201  may be attached to bar  202  and distal end  211  of first handle  201  may be attached to hanging member  13 . In some implementations, length  213  of first handle  201  may be between 100 mm and 140 mm and diameter  212  of first handle  201  may be between 27 mm and 37 mm. 
     In some implementations, bar  202  may be a generally cylindrical member with a first end  220 , a second end  221 , a length  222 , a diameter  223 , a depression  224 , a logo  225 , and bar magnets  226 . First end  220  of bar  202  may be attached to proximal end  210  of first handle  201 . Second end  221  of bar  202  may be attached to proximal end  230  of second handle  203 . In some implementations, bar  202  is constructed of aluminum. It should be appreciated that bar  202  may be constructed of various rigid, or semi-rigid materials. It should be further appreciated that bar  202  may be non-cylindrical. For example, bar  202  might be an octagonal prism, or bar  202  may have curves or kinks, or undulations, such as those known for barbells. In some implementations, length  222  of bar  202  may be between 225 mm and 275 mm and diameter  223  of bar  201  may be between 27 mm and 37 mm. 
     Depression  224  may be a depression in, indentation in, or carve out of the body of bar  202 , with the length of depression  224  being generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of bar  202 . One or more bar magnets  226  may be included at or near the surface of depression  224 . For clarity, bar magnets  226  are referred to as bar magnets  226  due to their placement on or in bar  202 , as opposed to due to the shape or type of magnet. It should be appreciated that bar magnets  226  may be of various sizes, shapes, and numerosity, including a single magnet such as a magnetic strip that spans the length of depression  224 . 
     In some implementations, weighting assembly  204  may include one or more of a weight  240 , a weighting strap  241 , and weight magnets  242 . Weight  240  may be a partially cylindrical member with a length  243 , a diameter  244 , a cylindrical surface  245 , a planar surface  246 , and a channel  247 . For purposes of this specification, a partial cylinder is a shape formed when a cylinder is cut along a plane, which is perpendicular to the ends of the cylinder. Planar surface  246  may be the flat surface formed by such theoretical cut and cylindrical surface  245  may be the remaining cylindrical portion of the surface. Planar surface  246  may be curved at one or both ends, such that weight  240  may be tapered at one or both ends. Diameter  244  of weight  240  is the diameter of the theoretical cylinder from which the partially cylindrical shape is derived. In some implementations, diameter  244  of weight  240  may be 27 mm and 37 mm. In some implementations, diameter  244  of weight  240 , is substantially similar to diameter  224  of bar  202  and the surface of depression  222  is substantially similar in shape to planar surface  246  of weight  240 , such that when weight assembly  204  is coupled with bar  202 , a substantially complete cylinder is formed. In some implementations, length  243  of weight  240  may be between 130 mm and 170 mm. 
     Channel  247  in weight  240  may be a cavity configured to receive weighting strap  241 . For clarity, weight magnets  242  are referred to as weight magnets  242  due to their placement on or in weight  242 , as opposed to due to the weight or type of said weight magnets  242 . Weighting assembly  204  and bar  202  are in an uncoupled configuration in  FIG. 2 . 
     Second handle  203  may be a generally cylindrical member with a proximal end  230 , distal end  231 , diameter  232 , and length  233 . Proximal end  230  of second handle  201  may be attached to second end  221  of bar  202 . In some implementations the longitudinal axis of first handle  201 , second handle  203 , and bar  202 , are aligned such that first handle  201 , second handle  203 , and bar  202  form a continuous cylinder. 
     In some implementations, diameter  212  of first handle  201 , diameter  223  of bar  202 , and diameter  232  of second handle  203  may be substantially similar, such that the diameter of bar assembly  11  is consistent throughout its length, when weighting assembly  204  is in a coupled configuration. In some implementations, first handle  201  and second handle  203  are constructed from cork, to provide comfort and friction, when gripped by a user. It should be appreciated that first handle  201  and second handle  203  may be constructed from a variety of materials, which may provide more or less friction and comfort when gripped by a user. It should be further appreciated that first handle  201  and second handle  203  may be attached to bar  202  using a variety of coupling arrangements. For example, bar  202  may extend into first handle  201  and second handle  203 , which may provide additional bending strength for first handle  201  and second handle  203 . In some implementations, bar  202  may extend for the entire length of bar assembly  11  and first handle  201  and second handle  203  may be sleeves of rubber, fabric, or other material that surrounds the ends of bar assembly  11 . In some implementations, first handle  201 , second handle  203 , and bar  202 , may be constructed of a single material, such as aluminum, and may be an integral whole. In such implementations, gripping features may be etched on or near first handle  201  and second handle  203 , to increase friction with the user&#39;s grip. In some implementations first handle  201  and second handle  203  may be constructed of heavy materials for the purpose of further weighting bar assembly  11 . First handle  201  and second handle  203  may be removably coupled to bar  202 , for example by screwing. First handle  201  and second handle  203  may be hollow, to allow for the insertion of interchangeable weights, such that the weight of bar assembly  11  may be adjusted. 
     In some implementations, hanging member  13  may be a loop with two ends that terminate at and are attached to distal end  211  of first handle  201 . Hanging member  13  may be constructed of flexible cord, such as paracord, and may allow multimodal fitness bar  10  to be attached to hooks, carabiners, and the like. It should be appreciated that hanging member  13  may be attached to either end of bar assembly  11 , and may be another means of hanging bar assembly  11 , such as a hook or tie. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a bottom perspective view of a weighting assembly  204 , in accordance with one or more implementations. In some implementations, weighting strap  241  may be a sheet of material with a first end  301 , a second end  302 , and a length  303 . First weighting coupling  304  may be attached to weighting strap  241  at or near first end  301 . Second weighting coupling  305  may be attached to weighting strap  241  at or near second end  302 . First weighting coupling  304  and second weighting coupling  305  may be hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, magnets, or other components that allow the two ends of weighting strap  241  to mechanically or magnetically couple with each other. Weighting strap  241  may also be secured with a cinching mechanism or the like. In some implementations length  303  of weighting strap  241  is sufficient to allow weighting strap  241  to pass through channel  247  and around the body of bar  202 , at or near depression  222 , such that first weighting coupling  304  and second weighting coupling  305  couple to secure weight  240  to bar  202 . 
     It should be appreciated that weighting strap  241  may be replaced or supplemented with additional means of securing weighting assembly  204  to bar  202 . For example, corresponding hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® or magnets could be placed along planar surface  246  and depression  224 . Additionally, weighting strap  241  may be two separate members affixed to cylindrical surface, as opposed to a single member which passes through channel  247 . In such an implementation, channel  247  may be omitted. In some implementations, weighting strap  241  may be constructed of a fabric material similar to that of a fabric watch band, or another flexible and durable material. A user may also unfurl and pull on weighting strap  241  to remove weighting assembly  204  from bar  202 , in implementations where hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® or magnets tightly secure weighting assembly  204  to bar  202 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows a bottom perspective view of a weighting assembly  204 , in accordance with one or more implementations. In this implementation, planar surface  246  is replaced by interior cylindrical surface  307 . Interior cylindrical surface  307  defines a partially cylindrical cavity. Assuming that weight  240  were made of the same material implementations of weighting assembly  204  depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  were made of the same material, the implementation depicted in  FIG. 3A  would weigh more than the implementation depicted in  FIG. 3B . In some implementations, weight  240  may be constructed of aluminum. Weight  240  may also be constructed of heavier or lighter materials, to increase or decrease the weighting effect of weight  240 . Weight  240  may weigh an amount that is considered useful or common for fitness purposes such as a 2 pounds, 5 pounds, or 1 kg. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a partial, front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar  10  with weighting assembly  205  and bar  202  in a coupled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Planar surface  246  of weight  240  is disposed against depression  224  of bar  202 . First end  301  and second end  302  of strap  241  are wrapped around the body of bar  202  and first weighting couplings  304  is coupled with second weighting coupling  305 , securing weight  240  to bar  202 . Weight magnets  242  are aligned with and magnetically coupled with bar magnets  226 , further securing weight  240  to bar  202 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a partial, front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar  10 . In this alternative implementation, bar assembly  11  does not include a weighting assembly. In this implementation, bar  202  is a complete cylinder and lacks depression  224 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view of multimodal fitness bar  10  in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Resistance assembly  12  may include one or more of sheet a  501 , a front furling member  502 , an alignment stitch  503 , and a toggle assembly  504 . In some implementations, sheet  501  is a sheet of elastomeric fabric with a front surface  505 , a rear surface  506 , a proximal end  507 , a distal end  508 , and a length  509 . Proximal end  507  may be attached to bar assembly  11 . In some implementations, sheet  501  may include a first bar coupling  510 , a second bar coupling  511 , and a cutaway  512 , each disposed near proximal end  507 . As used in this specification with respect to sheet  501 , proximal end  507  refers to the end of sheet  501  that is disposed near and/or attached to bar assembly  11 , when resistance assembly  12  is in an unfurled configuration. As used in this specification with respect to sheet  501 , distal end  508  refers to the end of sheet  501  that is disposed farthest away from bar assembly  11 , when resistance assembly  12  is in an unfurled configuration. 
     In some implementations, cutaway  512  may be disposed between first bar coupling  510  and second bar coupling  511 . First bar coupling  510  and second bar coupling  511  may be attached to bar  202 , securing sheet  501  to bar assembly  11 . Cutaway  512  may be of sufficient width and depth to receive a user&#39;s hand in the channel defined by cutaway  512  and bar  202 . In other implementations, cutaway  512  may not be present and the entire width of proximal end  507  of sheet  501  may be coupled to bar  202 . First bar coupling  510  and second bar coupling  511  may be attached to bar  202  by a variety of means, including, but not limited to stitching and adhesives. It should be appreciated that sheet  501  may be attached to bar assembly  11  in a variety of manners with more or less points of coupling. 
     In some implementations sheet  501  may be constructed of a flexible fabric such as woven recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET). In some implementations, sheet  501  may have elastic qualities that may allow for variable tension during fitness activities. In other implementations, sheet  501  may not have elastic qualities. It should be appreciated that sheet  501  may be constructed of various materials, including but not limited to, woven polymers, rubbers, or traditional fabrics. 
     In some implementations sheet  501  may be generally tapered, with a proximal width  515  that is greater than a distal width  516 . In other implementations, sheet  501  may be generally rectangular. 
     In some implementations, sheet  501  may include an opening  520 , disposed near distal end  508 . Thus, sheet  501  may form a loop  517  at distal end  508 , with an exterior perimeter  518  and an interior perimeter  519 , with the interior perimeter  519  defining opening  520  in sheet  501 . 
     Opening  520  in sheet  501  may be configured to receive the foot of a user. In some implementations, a distal portion of loop  517  that is disposed closest to distal end  508  of sheet  501  may curl towards the user, such that such distal portion of loop  517  may hang in a relatively horizontal configuration, as opposed to the vertically hanging configuration of the remainder of sheet  501 . Such distal portion of loop  517  of sheet  501  may allow for a greater area of interface between the bottom of the user&#39;s foot and sheet  501 . 
     Opening  520  in sheet  501  may be configured to secure the heel of a user, such that the ball of the user&#39;s foot and the underside of the user&#39;s toes may press against front surface  505 , as depicted in  FIG. 10 . In some implementations, a distal portion of loop  517  that is disposed closest to distal end  508  of sheet  501  may curl towards the user, such that such distal portion of loop  517  may hang in a relatively horizontal configuration, as opposed to the vertically hanging configuration of the remainder of sheet  501 . Such distal portion of loop  517  of sheet  501  may allow for the securing of the user&#39;s heel. For the purposes of this specification, the term heel refers to the rear surface of the user&#39;s leg, beginning at the top of the Achilles tendon and extending downward to the point at which the rear of the user&#39;s foot interfaces with the ground when the user is standing, flat footed. One advantage of the present invention is that the a stretch of the plantar fascia may be accomplished without any members that interface with the front of the user&#39;s leg or ankle. For example, no hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® or elastic straps around the front of the user&#39;s shin or ankle are required to secure sheet  501 . 
     In some implementations, sheet  501  may be an integral whole. In other implementations, one or more of loop  517  of sheet  501 , first bar coupling  510 , and second bar coupling  511 , may be non-integral members that are attached to sheet  501 . For example, loop  517  of sheet  501  may be replace with a fabric strap with two ends, each end being connected to sheet  501 , such that sheet  501  and the fabric strap form a loop. Loop  517  of sheet  501  may also be configured to receive both of a user&#39;s feet simultaneously. In some implementations, length  509  of sheet  501  may be between 650 mm and 900 mm. In some implementations, opening  520 , may have a diameter  524  between 5 cm and 12 cm. It should be appreciated that opening  520  need not be annular. 
     In some implementations, sheet  501  may be omitted and another means of securing a user&#39;s fore-foot and heel may be employed in order to achieve a stretch of the plantar fascia. For example, sheet  501  may be omitted and the user&#39;s fore-foot and heel may be secured inside of a pouch-like structure, that may resemble a loose-fitting moccasin. The toe-box area of such pouch-like structure may be attached to bar assembly  11 , such that when a user extends their leg and bulls bar assembly  11  toward the user, the toes of the user are pulled back and a stretch of the plantar fascia is achieved, similar to the stretch demonstrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     In some implementations, toggle assembly  504  may include one or more of a loop  521  passed through two openings in toggle  522 . Loop  521  may be a cord and may be attached to sheet  501  at or near distal end  508  of sheet  501 . In some implementations, toggle  522  may be disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the distal end  508  of sheet  501 . In some implementations, toggle  522  may be between 29 mm and 39 mm in length and between 6 mm and 10 mm in diameter. 
     Front furling member  502  may be attached to front surface  505  of sheet  501 . In some implementations, front furling member  502  may be attached above loop  517  of sheet  501 . Alignment stitch  503  may be a stitching or other visual identifier disposed near loop  517  of sheet  501 . Alignment stich  503  may serve as a visual que that that may assist the user to properly align the user&#39;s foot in opening  520 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a partial, rear perspective view of sheet assembly  12 , in accordance with one or more implementations. Sheet assembly  12  may include one or more of rear surface  506  and rear furling member  523 . In some implementations rear furling member  523  may be attached to rear surface  506  of sheet  501 . It should be appreciated that rear surface  506  of sheet  501  may be substantially similar to front surface  505  of sheet  501 , in most respects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some implementations, alignment stitch  503  may be omitted from rear surface  506 , insofar as multimodal fitness bar  10  may be more suited to receiving a user&#39;s foot through front surface  505 , due to the direction of the curl of loop  517  of sheet  501 . Still in other implementations, alignment stitch  503  may be included on both front surface  505  and rear surface  506 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a front view of furling member  502 , in accordance with one or more implementations. Furling member  502  may include one or more of a first end  601 , a second end  602 , a middle portion  603 , a first coupling  604 , and a second coupling  605 . Front furling member  502  may be generally rectangular and constructed of a flexible fabric, such as woven RPET. In some implementations, first coupling  604  of front furling member  502  and second coupling  605  of front furling member  502  may be one or more box stitches, disposed at or near first end  601 , and second end  602 , respectively. It should be appreciated that first coupling  604  of front furling member  502  and second coupling  605  of front furling member  502  may be one or more box stitches may be other means of attaching furling member  502  to sheet  501 , including but not limited to various types of stitching or adhesive. 
     In some implementations first coupling  604  and second coupling  605  of front furling member  502  may be attached to front surface  505  of sheet  501 , while middle portion  603  of front furling member  502  may not be attached to sheet  501 , thereby defining a channel between middle portion  603  and front surface  505  of sheet  501 . In some implementations, said channel is of sufficient size to receive toggle  522  in a vertical position, but not so large as to allow toggle  522  to pass therethrough in a horizontal position. In some implementations front furling member  502  may be between 78 mm and 98 mm in length and between 9 mm and 15 mm in width, with the length of said channel being between 30 mm and 42 mm. 
     Rear furling member  523  may be substantially similar to front furling member  502  with respect to dimensions, components, materials, method of attachment, and location of attachment, except that rear furling member may be attached to rear surface  506  of sheet  501 , as opposed to front surface  505  of sheet  501 . 
     It should be appreciated that toggle assembly  502  and furling member  502  may be replaced with various means of securing sheet  501  in a furled position. Such means may include, but not be limited to, snap closures, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, hooks, ties, cinches, and the like. 
       FIG. 7  shows a front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar  10 , in a furled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Insofar as sheet  501  may be constructed of flexible material, it may be furled about bar assembly  11 . Once sheet  501  is furled, toggle assembly  504  may removably couple with front furling member  502  to secure sheet  501  in a furled configuration. It should be appreciated that sheet  501  may be furled in the reverse direction and toggle assembly  504  may be coupled with rear furling member  523  to secure sheet  501 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar  10 , in accordance with one or more implementations. In this implementation, resistance assembly  12  is omitted. The omission of resistance assembly  12  may reduce the cost to produce multimodal fitness bar  10  and reduce the overall size of multimodal fitness bar  10 , while still allowing a user to perform a subset of the exercises that may be performed with other implementations, including but not limited to certain weight training exercises. Apart from the omission of resistance assembly  12 , multimodal fitness bar  10  may be substantially the same as described above. 
       FIG. 9  shows a user  901  operating a multimodal fitness bar  10 , in accordance with one or more implementations. User  901  is lying on her back with one of her feet  902  stretched above her. User&#39;s foot  902  is received through opening  520  in sheet  501  and the bottom of user&#39;s foot  902  rests on the distal portion of loop  517  of sheet  501 . User&#39;s first hand  903  grips first handle  201  and user&#39;s second hand  904  grips second handle  203 . User  901  applies downward force  905  with user&#39;s first hand  903  and second hand  904  to create tension in sheet  501 , thereby stretching user&#39;s  901  calf and hamstring. Weight  240  creates additional downward force to stretch the user&#39;s  901  calf and hamstring. It should be appreciated that  FIG. 9  demonstrates only one of many possible exercises that may be performed with multimodal fitness bar  10 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a user  901  operating a multimodal fitness bar  10 , in accordance with one or more implementations. User  901  is lying on her back with one of her feet  902  stretched above her. Distal portion of loop  517  of sheet  501  is wrapped behind user&#39;s heel  1001 , and the ball of user&#39;s foot  902  and underside of the user&#39;s toes are pressed against front surface  505  of sheet  501 . User&#39;s first hand  903  grips first handle  201  and user&#39;s second hand  904  grips second handle  203 . User  901  applies downward force  905  with user&#39;s first hand  903  and second hand  904  to create tension in sheet  501 , thereby flexing user&#39;s toes back towards user  901  and stretching the plantar fascia of user&#39;s foot  902 , along with other soft tissues. Sheet  501  is secured from sliding off the user&#39;s foot by distal portion of loop  517  being wrapped behind user&#39;s heel  1001 . Weight  240  creates additional downward force. It should be appreciated that  FIG. 10  demonstrates only one of many possible exercises that may be performed with multimodal fitness bar  10 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar  10  in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. In these implementations, multimodal fitness bar  10  comprises a bar assembly  1101  and a sheet  1102 . Bar assembly  1101  comprises a bar  1103  with a first handle  1104 , a second handle  1105 , and a middle portion  1106 . Bar assembly  1101  may be of various shapes, including generally cylindrical, prismatic, or in such shapes as may be found in exercise barbells, such as curl bars or camber bars. The width of first handle  1104  and second handle  1105  may, but need not be, greater than the width of middle portion  1106 . First handle  1104  and second handle  1105  may be attached to middle portion  1106 , or first handle  1104 , second handle  1105 , and middle portion  1106  may form an integral whole. Sheet  1102  comprises a front surface  1106 , a rear surface  1107 , a proximal end  1108 , a distal end  1109 , and a length  1110 . Proximal end  1108  of sheet  1102  may be attached to bar assembly  1101 . In some implementations, proximal end  1108  of sheet  1102  may be furled about bar assembly  1101  and affixed to the body of sheet  1102 , for example by stitching or gluing, in order to attach sheet  1102  to bar assembly  1101 . Alternatively, proximal end  1108  of sheet  1102  may be attached to bar assembly  1101  directly, for example, by stitching or gluing proximal end  1108  of sheet  1102  to middle portion  1106  of bar assembly  1101 . 
     In some implementations sheet  1102  may be generally tapered, with a proximal width  1111  that is greater than a distal width  1112 . In other implementations, sheet  1102  may be generally rectangular. 
     In some implementations, sheet  1102  may include an opening  1113 , disposed near distal end  1109 . Thus, sheet  1102  may form a loop  1114  at distal end  1109 , with an exterior perimeter  1115  and an interior perimeter  1116 , with the interior perimeter  1116  defining opening  1113  in sheet  1102 . 
     It should be appreciated that the implementation of the multimodal fitness bar  10  depicted in  FIG. 11  may be operated by the user in many of the same manners as described with respect to FIGS. SA,  9 , and  10 . It should be further appreciated that the multimodal fitness bar  10  depicted in  FIG. 11  may be of similar dimensions and materials as the implementation depicted in to  FIG. 5A . 
     In some implementations bar assembly  1101  may be replaced with another gripping member or gripping members by which a user can pull sheet  1106  towards the user, in order to flex the toes of the user and achieve a stretch of the plantar fascia. Some examples of gripping members include, but are not limited to: resistance exercise handles, ropes, ball and rope grips, rope loops, elastic loops, straps configured to be gripped by the user, or straps configured to secure the user&#39;s wrists. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.