Exercise mat with printed indicia thereon

Abstract

An improved exercise mat and method for its use comprises a low impact exercise mat having a first and second printed indicia thereon. The first printed indicia, corresponds to a location on the exercise mat. The second printed indicia, corresponds to a direction on the exercise mat. The exercise mat can be used to follow and exercise regimen.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject invention pertains to the field of exercise mats, more particularly to an exercise mat having printed indicia thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mat apparatus for use in exercising and other physical activities are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. 355,226 to Wadley discloses an exercise mat having symbolic indicia printed thereon.

[0003] U.S. Design Pat. No. 393,499 to Brown discloses an exercise mat having numeric indicia printed thereon.

[0004] U.S. Design Pat. No. 6,387,013 to Marquez is for an exercise alignment mat system. The mat has a series of juxtaposed lines and markers that assist the users to properly align their bodies during yoga.

[0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. U.S. 2002/0098947 filed by Brown on Jul. 25, 2002, discloses a multi-layered sports mat having alpha-numeric indicia printed thereon. The numbers are utilized to assist the user in foot placement during exercise. While assisting the user is beneficial, one drawback to the aforementioned apparatus is that there is no directional indicia on the mat.

[0006] Overall, these apparatus suffer from certain flaws due to the restricted nature of the indicia printed thereon. The foregoing suggests that improvements to the exercise mats are both desirable and possible.

[0007] The documents and publications cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings set forth.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An improved exercise mat and method for its use comprises a low-impact exercise mat having first and second printed indicia thereon. The first printed indicia, corresponds to a location on the exercise mat. The second printed indicia, corresponds to a direction on the exercise mat. The exercise mat is generally designed for use with instructional materials or an instructor and is used to follow an exercise regimen, learn dance, or for various physical or cognitive therapies.

[0009] The indicia printed on the face of the mat allows for definitive direction be given by an instructor and received by the user. Such indicia removes the ambiguity common to instructor-user interaction. Instructional cues provided by the instructor are more easily followed by the user, resulting in a higher degree of efficiency.

[0010] The exercise regimen can be in the form of printed material, live instruction, audio recording or video recording.

[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise mat.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise mat having printed indicia thereon.

[0013] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an exercise mat having first and second printed indicia thereon.

[0014] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an exercise mat having a first printed indicia corresponding to a location and a second printed indicia corresponding to a director.

[0015] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an exercise mat for use with an instructor.

[0016] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed disclosure of the invention and appended drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same feature, component or element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an exercise mat according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exercise mat according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of an exercise mat according to the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exercise mat according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of an exercise mat according to the present invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1 the apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated and generally referred to by reference numeral 10.

[0023] The apparatus 10 comprises a low-impact exercise mat 20, a first printed indicia 22 and a second printed indicia 24. The first printed indicia 22 generally comprises a plurality of numbers, letters, symbols or colors that correspond to a location on the apparatus 10. The second printed indicia 24 generally comprises a compass rose, a plurality of arrows, a plurality of letters or a plurality of symbols that correspond to a direction on the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is generally intended for use with instructional materials or an instructor and is used for exercise, dance, or therapy.

[0024] As the user (not shown) utilizes the apparatus 10 and follows instruction or a memorized exercise routine, the user will step to a location on the mat or will step in a direction on the mat.

[0025] Exercise routines performed by the user can come in a variety of forms. Users can create their own routines or receive instruction. Instruction can be in the form of live instruction, printed instruction, audio instruction, video instruction or any combination thereof. For example, in live instruction, an instructor will instruct a user to step to a location on the mat or step in a direction on the mat. The combination of location and direction maneuvers, when performed result in the user's exercise.

[0026] The apparatus is generally a textured mat that is brightly designed with numerical and directional symbols. The mat is made from a padded material that results in a reduced impact on the user joints during exercise. There are different sizes of the low-impact mat available for participants to choose. For examples, mats are 60".times.60" or 45".times.45," and each with a density depth of between about 1/4" and 3/4" thick. The size option serves the purpose of allowing smaller sized participants a more reasonable range of motion. Furthermore, it also provides a choice for participants who desire a lower range of motion for decreased intensity.

[0027] The indicia printed on the mat allow for definitive directions to be given by the instructor and received by participants. This feature lessens the ambiguity usually associated with cues exchanged in most group fitness settings. The numerals and cardinal directions make cueing very clear and precise.

[0028] Participants learn from associating new lessons with things already learned. Participants will likely be familiar with the three core moves, the march, squat, and kick from past experience. This assures an association with any new movements they are asked to learn. Familiarity establishes a comfort level which enhances student's ability to learn. By gradually adding elements of change to these familiar movements, the student has an easier transition to the new movements. This self-assurance provides the ability to heighten intensity with each deliberate movement, thus resulting in a more effective experience. The progressional nature of the learning facilitated by the apparatus, also allows for proper form and posture maintenance throughout the program.

[0029] One goal of the present invention is to facilitate learning in many different learning styles. Successful application provides a variety of methods of instruction to meet the needs of each of these learning styles. A student will often rely on their dominant learning style when initially learning a move, combination, or sequence. Below are examples of several divergent learning styles:

[0030] Associative Learners

[0031] Associative teaching is employed utilizing geometrical shapes, numbers, and squares to facilitate a user's associative learning. Maneuvers are associated with the aforementioned geometric shapes numbers or squares to learn exercise, dance or therapy. Users adapt quickly as they associate these concepts with their movements.

[0032] Visual Learners

[0033] Having a number on the mat and seeing where the instructor actually steps assists the person who learns visually.

[0034] Mathematical/Logical Learners

[0035] Some learners are mathematical/logical and are able to perform the combination by using the number sequence or using a pattern or shape (such as diamond, square, or diagonal).

[0036] Spatial Learners

[0037] Also there are spatial learners who benefit from the use of directions such as north, south, east, and west as well as using other directional terms such as front, back, beside, and wide.

[0038] Auditory Learners

[0039] Other students are auditory and they need to hear "loud and clear" the numbers or names of the combinations.

[0040] Kinesthetic Learners

[0041] The kinesthetic learner needs to "feel" the mat and the rhythm or beat of the music. They do not necessarily memorize the combination but "feel" the combination.

[0042] Interactive Learners

[0043] There are also those that learn best when they can interact and feel like part of a group.

[0044] Alternative teaching techniques can be incorporated into the program for more learning modes. The end result is more successful learning. The program used in conjunction with the apparatus is very adaptable and can meet the needs of many learners.

[0045] Following are examples illustrating procedures for practicing the invention. These examples should be construed to include obvious variations and not limiting.

EXAMPLE 1

[0046] Generally the center of the Mat is Home-Base. This centered number is where the initial movements and combinations originate or end. It is also used as the transitional placement location to link movements as combinations together. Core moves are the building blocks of base moves because they are recognizable to everyone. Participants will be asked to move through one of three core movements: a march, a squat, or a kick All of the patterns that s are established on the program are based upon variations of these core movements. New "moves" or "steps" are named only after the cueing has directed the participant to a direction or number change and to a variation of the base move. Therefore, a very progressive teaching procedure that can be referred to as associative, takes the participants from prior knowledge to something new.

[0047] A core move uses the "elements of change" to form variations. The elements include:

[0048] Direction--Change direction moving forward and backward, side to side, turn to face North, South, East, or West. Perform 45.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., 225.degree., or 360.degree. turns.

[0049] Rhythm--Change number of steps per beat of music. Perform steps on the steady beat, every 2 beats, every 4 beats, or double time (two steps per beat).

[0050] Number--Change the move by the distance of the movement by the number selected in the movement. Perform the move in the same number "square," "in adjacent squares, or perform larger movements by "skipping" over a number.

[0051] Repetitions--Change the number of repetitions. For example perform a single knee, and then change to a 2, 3, or 4 knees.

[0052] Lever--Change the move by adding a lever. Perform the movement by adding a kick, knee-lift, leg-curl, side-lift (abductor), etc. You can also change the move by changing the direction of the levers. Perform a movement with hands or legs at different levels (forward middle, sideward middle, forward low, etc) or change from bent to straight.

[0053] Intensity--Change the move by making the movement less or more powerful. Perform the move by using more range of motion (with full body, legs, or adding arms), speeding up or slowing down the music, by increasing the impact using hops and jumps.

[0054] Plane--Change the move by changing the two-dimensional surface of which the movement is performed. An example would be crossing a leg in front or back changing the straight line of movement or bringing the arm across the body. The body movement or use of levers changes the plane of the body (frontal, sagital, or transverse).

[0055] Certain moves, derived from core moves, are listed below. Some are associated with certain geometric shapes:

[0056] March

[0057] Wide Step March

[0058] Wide-March Together

[0059] Wide-Slide

[0060] Stride Step March

[0061] Stride-March together

[0062] Stride-Slide

[0063] Square Step

[0064] Diamond

[0065] Rock Step

[0066] Pivot Step

[0067] Tri-Step

[0068] Tri-Step Turn

[0069] X-Step

[0070] Squat

[0071] Step-Tap

[0072] Step-(Knee, Kick, Curl, Etc.)

[0073] Step-Hop

[0074] Kick

[0075] Lunges

[0076] Simple Combinations

[0077] Horizontal Line

[0078] Vertical Line

[0079] Zig-Zag

[0080] Step-Knee, March, March

[0081] To provide a better understanding of a number of terms used in the specification and claims herein, the following definitions are provided.

[0082] Weight Transfers and Non-Anchored Movements

[0083] Forward--A step moving toward the facing direction.

[0084] Backboard--A step moving away from the facing position.

[0085] Side--A step moving sideward.

[0086] Close--Stepping next to the foot that has moved.

[0087] Pivot--A motion of the designated foot against the floor that turns the body to face a new direction.

[0088] Cross Front--A step moving one foot crossing in front of the other.

[0089] Cross Back--A step moving one foot crossing behind the other.

[0090] Corner--A step into one of the corners of the apparatus.

[0091] Together--A step on the designated foot without lifting the other foot or a jump. bringing both feet together. Weight now is on both feet. (next step can be on either foot).

[0092] Non-Weight Transfers and/or Anchored Movements At least one body part stays "anchored" on these movements. Weight stays on the support foot--movement takes place on the non-supported or "free" leg:

[0093] Squat--Weight is evenly distributed over two feet. Feet usually are wide apart but distance between feet may vary. Knees and hips are flexed in the squat position.

[0094] Tap--A motion of placing the toe to the side or anywhere in front of the support leg on the apparatus.

[0095] Heel--A motion of placing the heel anywhere on the apparatus.

[0096] Kick--A lift of the leg to kick in front.

[0097] Knee-Lift--A lift of the knee toward the ceiling.

[0098] Leg-Curl--A flexion of the knee as the heel is brought toward the buttocks.

[0099] Side-Lift or Abductor--A lift of the straight leg to the side to work the outer thigh.

[0100] Adductor--A leg motion crossing the bent leg in front of the body to work the inner thigh.

[0101] Lunge--A motion of extending the leg directly behind or on a diagonal behind the support leg with only the toe touching. A lunge can also be performed by placing the foot in front of the body and transferring weight to that foot.

EXAMPLE 2

[0102] In an alternative embodiment, the mat is used for teaching dance. Directions, locations, and combinations thereof corresponding to dance maneuvers are provided to the user. This provides the user with a basic understanding of the dance thereby increasing the user's ability to perform the dance without the mat.

EXAMPLE 3

[0103] In a further alternative embodiment, the mat is used in conjunction with physical or cognitive therapy for those rehabilitating injuries. Whether it be skeletal, muscular, or brain injury, the user following an instructor's orders can greatly enhance the user's skills.

[0104] Inasmuch as the preceding disclosure presents the best mode devised by the inventor for practicing the invention and is intended to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to carry it out, it is apparent that methods incorporating modifications and variations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. As such, it should not be construed to be limited thereby but should include such aforementioned obvious variations and be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. An exercise mat for use in an exercise regimen comprising: a low impact mat having a plurality printed indicia thereon; a first printed indicia corresponding to a location on the mat; and a second printed indicia corresponding to a direction on the mat.

2. The mat of claim 1 wherein said first printed indicia is selected from the group consisting of numbers, letters symbols, and colors.

3. The mat of claim 2 wherein said first printed indicia, comprises numbers.

4. The mat of claim 2 wherein said first printed indicia, comprises letters.

5. The mat of claim 2 wherein said first printed indicia, comprises symbols.

6. The mat of claim 2 wherein said first printed indicia, comprises colors.

7. The mat of claim 1 wherein said second printed indicia is selected from the group consisting of a compass rose, a plurality of arrows, a plurality of letters, and a plurality of symbols.

8. The mat of claim D.sub.6 wherein said second printed indicia is a compass rose.

9. The mat of claim 7 wherein said second printed indicia is a plurality of arrows.

10. The mat of claim 7 wherein said second printed indicia is a plurality of letters.

11. The mat of claim 7 wherein said second printed indicia is a plurality of symbols.

12. A method of utilizing an exercise mat having a plurality of indicia printed thereon comprising: obtaining an exercise mat having a plurality of printed indicia thereon, said mat having a first printed indicia and a second printed indicia wherein said first printed indicia corresponding to a location on said mat and wherein said second printed indicia corresponding to a direction on said mat; and utilizing the mat following a regimen wherein movements are made by the user to a location or in a direction corresponding with said first and second printed indicia, respectively, on said mat.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said exercise mat is utilized for exercise.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said exercise mat is utilized for dance.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said exercise mat is utilized for therapy.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said therapy is physical therapy.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said therapy is cognitive therapy.

18. A method of utilizing an exercise mat having a plurality of indicia printed thereon comprising: obtaining an exercise mat having a plurality of printed indicia thereon, said mat having a first printed indicia and a second printed indicia wherein said printed indicia corresponding to a location on said mat and wherein said second printed indicia corresponding to a direction on said mat; and utilizing the mat wherein a user follows a set exercise regimen.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said exercise regimen is provided to said user by instruction.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the from of said instruction is selected from the group consisting of live instruction, video instruction, audio recording instruction, and printed instructional material.