Abstract:
A novel balance exercise apparatus and method of training is disclosed which includes a spanning system which spans between two positions in space and supports a suspended system which is suspended between the two positions in space. A user trains their balance skills and exercises by positioning all or part of their body on the suspended system and then moves their body to maintain their balance while remaining in place or doing exercises. The suspended system creates a dynamic balance environment where the suspended system may move such as swing, bend, rotate, or twist, all controlled by the balance and movement of the user. The suspended system may consist of rigid and/or flexible devices that are supported by the spanning system above the ground. In addition, the spanning system and the suspended system may include devices to vary the nature and difficulty of the dynamic balance environment. The dynamic balance environment may range from stiff to very soft and incorporate variable spring and bounce properties. The dynamic nature of the balance environment makes this system a very effective and challenging balance training system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is related to balance training and exercise. 
       CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       SEQUENCE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING 
       [0004]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Balance training exercise equipment has become popular and is used by a multitude of people for many different purposes. Some of these purposes include development of improved balance for sports, rehabilitation to regain loss of balance from sickness or injury, and general exercise. 
         [0006]    There exists a large collection of equipment for balance training and balance exercises. The present invention relates to whole body balance and balance exercise. 
         [0007]    Hakon lie of Oslo Norway in U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,743 dated Apr. 9, 1985 discloses a solid plate you stand on supported by a plurality of springs under it. The springs circle the underside of the plate so it can tilt in all directions. A drive motor is also included to cause the plate to tilt irregularly around the center post. 
         [0008]    Robert Watson of Kansas City, Kans. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,630 dated Nov. 29, 1988 discloses a solid platform to stand on similar to Hakon Lie&#39;s platform but Watson&#39;s platform also rotates. Watson also discloses the use of ropes, springs, and elastic cords for arm exercises while standing, sitting, kneeling, or laying on the solid platform for balance and upper body exercise. 
         [0009]    Jeremy T. Butler of Paradise Utah in U.S. Pat. No. D507,3115 dated Jul. 12, 2005 discloses an inflated device which is an elongated half a ball, as well as many other inflated balance balls designs, where the user positions their body on the inflated domed surface of the ball. 
         [0010]    Jerry M. McShane of Deer Park Tex. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,690 dated Mar. 25, 1997 discloses the combination of solid balance board with springs and ball. In addition he discloses linking the system to a personal computer to monitor and provide angular feedback. 
         [0011]    David Homyonfer of Holon Israel in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,651 dated May 26, 1998 discloses a solid platform which is a plate with a pivot, like a see-saw with an energy-absorbing element at both ends. 
         [0012]    Anthony B. Carey of San Diego, Calif. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,817B1 dated Jan. 23, 2001 discloses a dish-shaped rotary solid platform where the resistance to motion can be adjusted and there is a handrail for support. 
         [0013]    Alexander Nestoiter of Los Angeles Calif. discloses a rubber three-sided balance beam which sits on the floor and has concave sides. The three corners each have a curved top to walk on, with different radii. 
         [0014]    Josef Theunissen of Kerpen, Denmark in U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,285 dated Oct. 8, 2002 discloses a balance training device which has a clear solid platform on top of a half dome, inside the dome is a maze with a ball in it. You tilt the dome with your body to move the ball through the maze. 
         [0015]    Louis Stack of Cagary, Calif. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,583 B1 dated September 2003 disclosed an elongated solid platform in the shape of a skateboard where there are rubber support like springs at either end. 
         [0016]    William Lin of Taichung, Taiwan in U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,175 B2 Dated Mar. 29, 2005 discloses a solid platform connected to an inflated ball where part of the ball passes through the platform. 
         [0017]    Reginald A. Johnson of Meridian, MS in U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,589 B2 dated Aug. 16, 2005 discloses a balance and gait training board which fits inside existing parallel bar systems with flip tip hurdles and interval markings and a beam that can be put on the floor between the parallel bars. 
         [0018]    Michael Kemery of Portland, Oreg. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,920 dated Sep. 20, 2005 discloses a solid balancing platform with a slide apart pivoting dome so that it can pivot in the center on one point or two points if the dome is slid apart. 
         [0019]    Hiroyuki Hojo of Hikone, Japan in U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,415 B2 dated Jul. 4, 2006 discloses a horse-riding like seated device which is motorized and moves to cause the user to reposition their center of gravity. 
         [0020]    R. Joel Loane of Park City Utah in U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,621 B2 dated Aug. 15, 2006 discloses a training device with two rails that a solid carriage rolls on. The rails are curved upwards in the center such that some one standing on the solid platform exercises by making the carriage roll over the hump from one side to the other. 
         [0021]    William T. Dalebout of Lohan Utah in U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,168 B2 dated Sep. 26, 2006 discloses a tilting solid platform where the resistance to tilting can be changed. There is a flexible center pivot between the platform and base which has a selectable amount of blockage to movement. 
         [0022]    Marc S. Gotlieb of Raleigh N.C. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,938 B2 discloses a solid platform with a spherical bottom where the height of the sphere can be adjusted, to change the difficulty of balancing on the platform. 
         [0023]    There are many devices for balance training and exercise like those described above. All these devices have the user stand on a solid or inflated platform. Both feet can be used to stand on a platform to help to stabilize the user. They all require that the user use their upper body to balance with their legs and feet acting together to balance or move the platform. 
         [0024]    What is missing is a device which requires complete control of the body and the separate movement of right and left arms and legs to maintain balance and to exercise. Such a device would require more skill. What is needed is a device that does not provide a stable solid or inflated platform to place the body on, a device and exercise system that would require complete concentration and control of every part of the body independent of the other parts so that the whole body is engaged to balance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative and more difficult balance training and exercise device which does not use a solid or inflated platform. The disclosed invention is not based on balancing on a half sphere or a tilting solid plane and is more difficult and requires more skill. As a result, the present invention is a more effective balance training tool and a more effective exercise tool for the whole body. The present invention is based on the most difficult balancing activity: tight rope walking and slack line walking. Tight ropes and slack lines are connected at either end to solid objects connected to or planted into the ground. Normally ropes or chains are used and are connected to a building or poles cemented into the ground, such that they are fixed, not adjustable, not portable, and often too dangerous to be used by most people for balance training and exercise. 
         [0026]    The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly to balance training and exercise equipment that provide an unstable environment for the user to balance on and where the amount of instability can be changed to meet the training and exercise needs of the user. 
         [0027]    The present invention provides a balance environment suspended between two locations or points in space. The two or more points or locations in space are created by a spanning system. The created points in space hold the suspension environment above the ground. 
         [0028]    The user places part or all of their body on the suspension device of the environment which provides an unstable environment for the user. The user then trains or exercises by trying to maintain their position on the suspension device. Alternatively the user trains or exercises by trying to move their position relative to the suspension device. For example the user trys to stand, walk or do exercise on the suspended environment. 
         [0029]    The unstable environment of the present invention causes the user to move or tighten the muscles on different parts of the body to maintain balance and remain their position on the suspension device during static or dynamic training and/or exercise. 
         [0030]    The unstable environment may be adjusted or modified to correspond to the balancing ability of the user. For example in one embodiment the flexibility and movement of the unstable environment may be reduced or increased. 
         [0031]    The unstable environment design may also be modified. For example, the width of the suspension device that the user has to maintain balance upon may be increased or decreased to correspond to the training exercise desired and or ability of the user. 
         [0032]    The suspension device may be a rope, strap, or band or a flexible, semi-solid, or solid member supported in whole or in part by a flexible connection such as a rope, strap, band, hook, or pivot. 
         [0033]    The spanning device of the spanning system may also be of an adjustable design such that the suspension points themselves are dynamic and their movement can be changed or modified. 
         [0034]    The spanning device of the spanning system may fold or come apart for easy transportation. The spanning device may be a rigid or semi-rigid structure, or adjust between flexible and rigid. 
         [0035]    The present invention may include an adjuster which can change the tension of the suspension device such that it flexes more or less under the user&#39;s load. The unstable environment has been designed to be within a safe distance from the floor and less than one step in height, but heights below 1 inch to above 36 inches may be used. Different environments with different types and amounts of instability may be connected to the spanning system and may be used alone or connected together to provide different training experiences such as tight rope, stack line, swings, barrel rolls, or suspended beams may be used alone or in combination. 
         [0036]    In addition, additional devices may be connected to or used by the user while on the unstable, environment to assist in balance, training, and or exercise. 
         [0037]    Also more than one unstable environment may be used at the same time by one user. The additional unstable environment may have the same or different characteristics. 
         [0038]    The present invention provides a portable balance device which does not need to be connected to the ground. 
         [0039]    Additional details, features, and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be made obvious from the description and the use of the present invention. Advantages and features of the invention may be obtained and realized by parts and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the present invention as set forth herein. 
         [0040]    In addition a method for using the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows. The advantages and features of the method may be realized through the description and appended claims and may also be obtained by the practice of the method for the present invention as set forth herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages, method, and features of the present invention can be obtained a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  illustrates all exemplary embodiment of a suspension balance training device in accordance with the present invention and an individual user thereon; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the suspension device includes a balance strap stretched between the connection location of the spanning system. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, &amp;  3 C illustrate an exemplary embodiment wherein the suspension system includes a balance strap and ratchet tightener, front, side and top views. 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment providing a detailed view of a user adjusting the tightness of the balance strap. 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment providing a detailed view of a user adjusting the height of the balance feet. 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an alternative tightening mechanism wherein bolts can be used to adjust the tightness of the balance strap. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing a cross section of the alternative tightening mechanism. 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a balance rope stretched between the connection points of the spanning system. 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an alternative tightening mechanism using pivot points and a turn buckle. 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a turn buckle tightener and a tension spring. 
           [0052]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an additional spanner support to reduce deflection and increase band stiffness. 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing a suspension beam with hooks on the end to connect to the spanning system. 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing a suspension beam with locking pins. 
           [0055]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an alternative mechanism for keeping the suspension beam from coming off. 
           [0056]      FIG. 15  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a user balancing on the suspension beam. 
           [0057]      FIG. 16  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with the user balancing on a suspension strap using balance poles to help balance. 
           [0058]      FIG. 17  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is balancing on one leg on a suspension strap. 
           [0059]      FIG. 18  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is balancing on one leg and is using their whole body to stabilize and maintain their balance. 
           [0060]      FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is maintaining balance while doing strength exercises. 
           [0061]      FIG. 20  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is maintaining balance while doing stretching exercises. 
           [0062]      FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is balancing on the balls of their feet. 
           [0063]      FIG. 22  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is doing stretching exercise standing near the suspension strap connection points for a less unstable environment. 
           [0064]      FIG. 23  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is using the strap as a spring similar to a trampoline. 
           [0065]      FIG. 24  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is using their arms on the suspension strap and supporting part of their body on the ground. 
           [0066]      FIG. 25  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is using the suspension strap to cushion and support the body for exercise. 
           [0067]      FIG. 26  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is using the spring affect to exercise the upper body. 
           [0068]      FIG. 27  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein more than one suspension straps are supported by one spanner device. 
           [0069]      FIG. 28  illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein two separate spanning devices are connected together. 
           [0070]      FIG. 29  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a suspended platform that can swing from side to side. 
           [0071]      FIG. 30  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with legs to separately adjust the height of both ends of the balance training system. 
           [0072]      FIG. 31  illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a beam spanning system on one side and a suspended system on the other with legs that allow either side to be positioned on top. 
           [0073]      FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary embodiment which is hinged in the center and can fold. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0074]    The present invention extends to exercise and more particularly to exercise and balance training equipment that provides an environment which forces the user to work to maintain balance. 
         [0075]    The following description of the present invention utilizes a series of diagrams that illustrate the structure of a number of exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention. Using the diagrams in this manner to present the invention is for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. 
         [0076]    Referring now to the drawings wherein, like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout several views.  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a balance training system:  10  on which a user  11  places all or part of their body. The balance training system  10  includes a spanning system  12  and a suspended system  14 . The user  11  places all or part of the support for the user&#39;s  11  body on the suspended system  14  and then tries to maintain their balance. 
         [0077]      FIG. 1  discloses a balance training system  10  where the suspended system  14  is a support band system  15  suspended in space by the spanning system  12 . The user  11  is shown standing with both feet on the support band system  15 . In this embodiment of the present invention the support band system  15  is made of flexible webbing  16  such as nylon or polyester webbing, the same type of webbing used for seat belts and cargo straps. The webbing  16  deflects from the weight of the user  11  and twists with the slightest movement of the user  11 . This unstable environment requires the user  11  to tighten the muscles of their body to counter act the instability. Unlike the solid balance platforms disclosed earlier there is no solid platform for the feet to move to maintain balance, instead the user  11  must make correction in their body position. Every part of the user&#39;s  11  body must be controlled to gain and maintain a steady state position or move from one position to another.  FIG. 1  discloses a spanning system  14  which includes a stability system  18  with an adjustment system  19 . In this embodiment the stability system  18  consists of legs  13  connected to the spanning system  12 . The legs  13  are angled outward like a sawhorse so that the ends of the support band system  15  are stable and can support the weight of the user  11 . When weight is applied to the suspended system  14  the weight causes the spanning system  12  to bow, bend, and or twist so that all the feet  34  connect firmly with the ground. Preferably the spanning system  12  and stability system  18  are made of metal tubing such as steel or aluminum from less than one to greater than three inches in diameter; connected together with fasteners or by welding. In this embodiment, the spanning system  12  is 1.5 inch diameter heavy wall steel tubing and is welded to the stability system  18 . The spanning system  12  is in the shape of a bow as used in archery and the suspended system  14  is similar to the string on a bow. When the string is pulled the bow bends and the bow acts as a spring and it quickly pulls the string back into position when the force on the string is reduced or removed. The spanning system  14  also bends and acts as an archery bow or spring loaded surface as on a trampoline. By changing the design of the spanning system  12  the stiffness, travel, and response of the spring action can be modified. The suspended system  14  may be non-stretch such as a metal band, or stretchable and act as a spring itself. 
         [0078]    The suspended system  14  design and rigidity will also affect the movement of the spanning system  12 . The more the suspended system  14  is moved, stretched or bent by the weight, position, and movement of the user  11  the greater the bending force will be on the spanning system  12 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 2  shows the balance training system  10  including the support band system  15  wherein a tension adjuster  20  has a ratchet mechanism  22  for adjusting the tension of the support band system  15 . In this embodiment the support band system  15  is supported between the suspension supports  24 . The suspension supports  24  are connected to and held apart by the spanning system  12 . This gives the suspension supports  24  a high level of stability. 
         [0080]      FIG. 3A  side.  3 B top, and  3 C end views show three views of the balance training system  10 .  FIG. 3A  shows how the spanning system  12  is composed of a bow shaped bottom tube  30  which is supported off the floor  32  by the stability system  18 . When a load is applied to the suspended system  14  such that the supports  24  are pulled inward and the spanning system  12  may bend. Preferably the spanning system  12  is high enough off the floor  32  that the spanning system  12  will not hit the floor  32 . The reason the spanning system  12  is suspended off the floor  32  is so that the spanning system can move. If the spanning system  12  contacts the floor  32  when the user applies a load on the suspended system  14  this can cause the feet  34  to lift off the floor  32  and cause the spanning system  12  to rock on the floor and be unstable. 
         [0081]      FIG. 3B  shows how the suspended system  14  can be positioned directly over the spanning system  12  from the top view. By having the bottom tube  30  directly under the suspended system  14  the bottom tube  30  is kept from deflecting sideways when a load is applied by the user  11 . Also this keeps the spanning system  12  out of the way when the user steps on and off the suspended system  14 . In this embodiment the support band system  15  passed over the suspension supports  24  to the tension adjuster  20 . In this embodiment, the suspension supports  24  are ½ inch diameter solid bent steel rod welded to the stability system  18 , however many different support designs may be used from a single point to multiple points of support. The support band system  15  webbing  16  slides through the suspension supports  24  to the tension adjuster  20 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 3C  shows that the bottom tube  30  is held above the floor  32 , and shows how the feet  34  contact the floor  32 . The feet  34  preferably include a soft rubber surface to stop the balance training system  10  from sliding on the floor. 
         [0083]      FIG. 4  shows a close up detail of the tension adjuster  20  of the balance training system  10  where a ratchet mechanism  40  can be used to tighten or loosen the support band system  15 . The user  11  hands  42  are shown adjusting the tension on the support band system  15 . This type of ratchet mechanism  40  is capable of withstanding high loads. The bottom tube  30  stiffness, the tension of the support band system  15 , and the design of the support band system  15  all affect how the support band system  15  will deflect and move when a load is applied. The load being all or part of the user  11  body weight. 
         [0084]      FIG. 5  shows a detail view of the stability system  18  where the legs  13  include an adjustment system  19  which includes adjustable height feet  34 . The adjustment may be accomplished in many ways, preferably with a threaded adjustment  46 . Although four feet are shown in the illustrated balance training system  10 , three legs  13  may also be used with one leg  13  at one end and two legs  13  at the other end in a tripod arrangements Preferably, four legs  13  are used for greater stability at both ends of the balance training system  10 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 6  shows the balance training system  10  with an alternative suspended system  14  which uses a fixed length webbing  50  which has a sewn loops  51  at both ends. A U-shaped bolt  53  is attached and tightened with tension nuts  54 . This system is simple to change the band and easy to tighten the band or strap. 
         [0086]      FIG. 7  shows a cross section of the fixed length webbing  50  and the U-shaped bolt  53  and the tension nuts  54 . The U-shaped bolt  53  goes through a hole in the spanning system  12  such that when the tension nut  54  is turned it loosens or tightens the fixed length webbing  50 . 
         [0087]    The balance training system  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 through 7  shows webbing  16  as the suspended system  4  however may different materials may be employed depending on the properties desired in the suspended system  4 . Many different materials and shapes may be used such as but not limited to, plastic, natural or synthetic threads, metals, rubber, wood in many shapes, such as bands, wire, rope, wire rope, and planks with different cross sectional shapes or even varying cross sectional shape alone or in combination with another material. Preferably the width of the suspended system is between ½ and 6 inches, and more preferably between 1 and 4 inches. 
         [0088]      FIG. 8  shows a suspended system  14  of the balance training system  10  which consists of a rope  60  which goes over a pulley  61  and is tightened with tension nuts  54 . Alternatively the rope may end directly at bolt  53  and be tightened with one tension nut  54 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 9  shows a fixed length strap  65  which connects with hooks  66  to the stability system  18  held together with a spanning bar  67  which has pivot bolt  68  at both ends. In addition there is a tightening system  64  which includes rods  69  and a turnbuckle  70 . The turn buckle  70  when turned adjusts the tension of the strap  65 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 10  shows that in addition to the tightening system  64  a deflection controller  72  can be incorporated to dampen or add bounce to the movement of the strap  65  when a dynamic load is applied, such as the user  11  walking or jumping on the strap  65 . The defection controller  72  may he a spring  73  or be a piece of rubber or a hydraulic cylinder as used in chairs or cars for dampening and shock absorption. 
         [0091]      FIG. 11  shows the balance training system  10  with a stiffener  75  positioned to reduce deflection of the bottom tube  30 . The stiffener  75  may be removable or adjustable to cause the suspended system  14  to react differently under fixed or dynamic load. The stiffener  75  allows for the use of thinner tubing and can help to reduce the unit&#39;s weight, to make it easier to transport. 
         [0092]      FIG. 12  shows a beam  80  which may be suspended by the spanning system  12 . The beam  80  may replace the support band system  15  or be placed over or on the support band system  15  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The beam  80  provides a stiffer surface for the user  11  to practice on. The beam  80  rests upon and is supported by the spanning system  12 . The beam  80  is easily to put on or take off. After the user  11  has trained and is able to move around on the beam  80 , they are ready to remove it and work on the support band system  15 . The beam  80  may balance on one or more locations at either end. The way the beam  80  connects to the spanning system  12  determines how difficult exercising on  30  the beam  80  is. The beam  80  is like a log that one might walk on over a stream, there exists the possibility of the log rolling, or falling off the log or causing the log to fall off the bank. The beam  80  may alternatively be placed on or connected to the support band system  15  and not the spanning system  12 , such that the beam  80  can move and twist as allowed by the support band system  15 . A shorter beam  80  allows more movement. In addition more than one beam  80  can be used that are connected to or sit upon the support band system  15 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 13  shows locking pins  82  which may be inserted into the beam  80  through holes  83 , with the holes  83  located below the support band system  15 . The locking pins  82  can keep the beam  80  from coming off during use. The beam  80  may be connected many different ways to have different amounts and types of movement. The connections may also be permanent or temporary. 
         [0094]      FIG. 14  shows the beam  80  with stabilizing hooks  81  to reduce the side movement and possible falling off of the beam  80 . Besides the stabilizing hooks  81  other connectors such as pins, springs, or clamps may be used to connect the beam to the spanning system  12 . 
         [0095]    The beam  80  may be many widths preferably between 1 and 6 inches more preferably between 2 and 4 inches. 
         [0096]      FIG. 15  shows the user  11  walking on the beam  80  suspended at either end by the spanning system  12 . The beam  80  has an anti-slip surface  85  and in the illustrated embodiment is diamond plated sheet metal  86 , however many other systems may be used to create an anti-slip surface including but not limited to rubber, rough textures, holes, sand paper, and fabric attached to the beam  80 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 16  shows the user  11  using balancing poles  90  to help them learn to balance. The balancing poles  90  provide additional stability and allow the user  11  to regain their balance with only light touches of the tips  91  on the ground. Unlike ski-pole tips which are pointed the balancing pole  90  tips  91  are small pads preferably rubber so they will not slip when they touch the ground. 
         [0098]      FIG. 17  shows one balance training exercise where the user  11  tries to remain standing, one leg on the suspended system  14 . Although this appears simple, a study conducted with  50  professional fitness trainers showed that none could balance one leg for two minutes and only a few were able to achieve one minute. This type of balance requires intense concentration, quick reflexes, along with tremendous muscle strength and control. It requires the user  11  to use, control, and monitor every part of their body. Because the system is suspended the axis of the balance pivots goes through the user. 
         [0099]      FIG. 18  shows how the user  11  must use every part of their body to remain balanced and to keep from falling off the balance training system  10 . In  FIG. 18  the user  11  holds out their arms and other leg while at the same time tilting their foot in order to remain balanced. The suspended system  14  twists and swings with the slightest bending of the ankle and body. 
         [0100]      FIG. 19  shows the user  11  standing on one foot on the balance training system  10  and holding one foot out while bending the supporting knee. While standing on the balance training system  10  the user  11  makes all standard exercise much more difficult. The user  11  may bounce balls, lift weights, or juggle while trying to maintain their balance while standing on the balance training system  10 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 20  shows the user  11  doing a ballet stretching exercise where the user  11  stretches out their body horizontally while balancing on one leg on the balance training system  10 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 21  shows the user  11  balancing sideways on two feet on the balance training system  10 . Here the user  11  is balancing on the balls of their feet while trying not to swing or twist the suspended system  14 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 22  shows the user  11  balancing on the suspended system  14 . The user  11  is doing a stretching exercise, standing close to where the suspension system  14  connects to the spanning system  12 . The closer the user  11  is to this connection the more stable the system is. The user  11  can also train by positioning part of their body on the spanning system  12  to help balance the part that is on the suspended system  14 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 23  shows the user  11  using the balance training system  10  as a trampoline to bounce into the air. The balance training system  10  acts similar to a bow used in archery and propels the user  11  upwards. 
         [0105]      FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  shows the user  11  using the ground in conjunction with the balance training system  10  to enhance push up exercises  5 . The user  11  places one or both feet on the ground with their hands on the suspended system  14 . The suspended system  14  also acts to reduce the stress on the user  11  hands and wrists by flexing under the load. 
         [0106]      FIG. 26  shows the user  11  propelling themselves into air while doing push ups, with the trampoline effect of the suspended system  14 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 27  shows the balance training system  10  with two suspended systems  14 . This embodiment allows each of the users legs to be on separate suspended systems  14 . This is good for training skiers, skaters, and other athletes who switch balance from one foot to the other. 
         [0108]      FIG. 28  shows two balance training systems  10  that may be used together. The balance training systems  10  may also be connected together with a connector  95 . The connector  95  keeps the balance training systems  10  from sliding apart. Connector  95  may be designed to hold the two balance training systems  10  apart at different distances, both parallel and non-parallel to each other. 
         [0109]      FIG. 29  shows the balance training system  10  with the suspended system  14  with a suspended platform  100 . The suspended platform  100  hooks  101  hooks on to the spanning system  12 . The hooks  101  are part of the support swing  104  which spans between the hooks  101  and holds up the suspended platform  100 . The suspended platform may be flat like a board and swing side to side and back and forth like a playground swing. In  FIG. 29  the suspended platform  100  is a cylinder  102  and can spin  103  on the support swing  104 . Balancing on the exercise system is extremely difficult and is similar to balancing on a log on a river where the log can rotate as well as move in any direction. 
         [0110]      FIG. 30  shows another embodiment of the present invention where the balance training system  200  includes a height adjustment and angle adjustment.  FIG. 30  shows a set of pivoting legs  201  which can rotate to change the height of the balance training system  200 . A rotation pin  202  can be inserted into different holes in the pivoting legs  201 , to raise or lower one or both sides such that the different ends may be at the same or different heights. The slope of the suspended system  14  can be parallel with the ground or angled.  FIG. 30  shows the spanning system  12  made from rectangular tubing  203  angled up at the ends to create the positions in space for the suspended system  14  to be connected. 
         [0111]      FIG. 31  shows the balance training system  200  where the pivoting leas  201  have been rotated and the spanning system  12  is on top. The user  11  can now use the rectangular tubing  203  as a surface to balance on, like a balance beam. The balance training system  200  can be quickly switched between the suspended system  14  for training and the spanning system  12  beam for training, just by turning it over. This gives the user  11  two different options of exercise environments without the need for a separate device or beam. 
         [0112]      FIG. 32  shows an alternative embodiment for the balance training system  300  which folds up. There is a spanning system  12  with legs  302  with a hinge  301  designed such that when the user  11  places their body on the suspended system  14  the pressure causes feet  33  to push against the floor and tension the suspended system  14 . By lifting the ends of the suspended system  14  the balance training system  300  folds up. Alternatively, hinges may be put into the spanning system  12  of any embodiment such that the present invention may be folded up by releasing the tension or disconnecting the suspended system  14 . 
         [0113]    Alternatively, the present invention may in addition to folding, separate into smaller sections for transport and storage. All these embodiments are valuable because they do not require fastening a rope or band between to separate solid objects such as buildings or poles, both of which are firmly affixed to the ground. Nothing in the present invention requires that the apparatus be affixed to the ground. All support comes from the present invention itself. 
         [0114]    In the preferred embodiment the balance training system  10  consists of a spanning system  12  constructed of materials stiff enough to support the suspended system  14  and a suspended system  14  strong enough to support some or all of the weight of a user  11 . Preferably the spanning system  12  is made out of wood, fiberglass, plastic, metal, or other strong material. Preferably there is a bottom tube  30  made out of steel or aluminum tubing, the tubing being between 1 to 6 inches in diameter and has a rectangular, round, or oval cross section. Preferably the spanning system  12  holds the suspended system above the ground and although any height may be possible, preferably the spanning system  12  holds the suspended system  14  at a safe distance from the ground less than 3 feet and preferably between 4 and 12 inches. Preferably the distance above the ground is the same as the rise of a standard stair from one step to the next 5 to 8 inches. 
         [0115]    Although the span of the spanning system  12  may be any length preferably the length is long enough to fit two feet on the suspended system  14 . Preferably the length is long enough to take one or more steps along the suspended system. Preferably the length is greater than 1 foot but less than 10 feet long, more preferably between 3 to 5 feet in length. 
         [0116]    An apparatus for balance training and exercise comprising: 
         [0117]    a spanning system which creates support for two or more positions in space and holds the positions apart and a stability system which holds the spanning system and maintains the positions in space above the ground; along with a suspended system that exits between the position in space created by the spanning system such that a user may balance all or part of the user on the suspended system. 
         [0118]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system includes a flexible member stretched between the positions in space created by the spanning system. 
         [0119]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system includes a device to adjust the tension of the flexible member. 
         [0120]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system includes a rigid structure. 
         [0121]    An apparatus wherein the spanning system flexes. 
         [0122]    An apparatus wherein the spanning system is rigid. 
         [0123]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system can swing. 
         [0124]    An apparatus for balance training and exercise comprising: 
         [0125]    a non-linear spanning system which includes connection points at either end, and holds the connection points above the ground, with a suspended system which extends between two points in space such that a user may balance all or part of their body on the suspended system. 
         [0126]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system is held above the ground from less than 1 inch to greater than 36 inches. 
         [0127]    An apparatus wherein the height of the suspended system is adjustable. 
         [0128]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system is less than 1 inch to greater than 4 inches wide. 
         [0129]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system is a woven material. 
         [0130]    An apparatus wherein the suspended system can rotate. 
         [0131]    An apparatus wherein the spanning system folds and unfolds. 
         [0132]    An apparatus wherein the spanning system comes apart. 
         [0133]    A method of exercise including placing all or part of the body on a suspended system supported by a spanning system and moving parts of the body to maintain balance and remain on the suspended system. 
         [0134]    A method of exercise wherein the spanning system can swing. 
         [0135]    A method of exercise wherein the axis of the pivot of the swing goes through the users body. 
         [0136]    A method of exercise wherein the user positions part of their body on the ground and the rest on the spanning system. 
         [0137]    A method of exercise wherein the user bounces on the spanning system. 
         [0138]    Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.