U.S. patent application number 11/077181 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for prompt-based exercise apparatus, system, and method.
Invention is credited to JoEllen Marks.
Application Number | 20060035774 11/077181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35800699 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060035774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marks; JoEllen |
February 16, 2006 |
Prompt-based exercise apparatus, system, and method
Abstract
An exercise system, apparatus, and method. The system and
apparatus include at least one prompt physically associated with a
user, wherein each prompt is directly corresponded to a target area
of the user, and at least one instruction, wherein each instruction
is associated with at least one prompt, and wherein taking action
on the prompt in accordance with the instruction impacts the target
area. The method includes physically associating at least one
prompt with an exerciser, directly corresponding each of said at
least one prompt is to a target on the exerciser, and allowing for
instruction to the exerciser, wherein the instruction is associated
with at least one prompt, and wherein an action on the prompt in
accordance with the instruction impacts the target.
Inventors: |
Marks; JoEllen;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Louis M. Heidelberger;Reed Smith
2500 One Liberty Place
1650 Market Street
Philadelphia
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
35800699 |
Appl. No.: |
11/077181 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60552081 |
Mar 10, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0075 20130101;
A63B 71/0686 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/00 20060101
A63B023/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise system, comprising: at least one prompt physically
associated with a user, wherein each of said at least one prompt is
directly corresponded to a target area of the user; and at least
one instruction, wherein each instruction is associated with at
least one prompt, and wherein taking action on the prompt in
accordance with the instruction impacts the target area.
2. The exercise system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
prop, wherein said prop is integral in the action taken on the
prompt in accordance with the instruction.
3. The exercise system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
matching prompt associated with said at least one prop, wherein the
action taken on the prompt is simultaneously taken on the matching
prompt.
4. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the user comprises an
exerciser.
5. The exercise system of claim 4, wherein the exerciser comprises
one selected from a youth, and adult, and an older adult.
6. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the action taken
comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of
rehabilitation, relaxation, muscle-building, fitness, and
toning.
7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the instructions
comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of audio
instructions and visual instructions.
8. The exercise system of claim 7, wherein the instructions
comprise audio instructions, and wherein the audio instructions
comprise at least one of the group consisting of live instructor
audio and replayed recorded audio.
9. The exercise system of claim 8, wherein the audio instructions
are automatically provided.
10. The exercise system of claim 7, wherein the instructions
comprise visual instructions, and wherein the visual instructions
comprise at least one of the group consisting of written
instructions, scrolled text instructions, and replayed video
recorded instructions.
11. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the instructions
comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of live
demonstration, videos, DVDs, CDs, and computer-readable media.
12. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein the prop comprises
exercise equipment.
13. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein the prop comprises at
least one selected from the group consisting of a mat, a ball, a
towel, a poster, clothing, and velcroed cloth.
14. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein each prompt comprises
at least one selected from the group consisting of symbols, music,
and electrical impulses.
15. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein each prompt comprises a
color.
16. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein each prompt is
physically associated with the user by at least one fastener
selected from the group consisting of dying, velcroing, snapping,
and coloration.
17. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the action taken is at
least one selected from flexing, tensing, covering from view, and
relaxing the target.
18. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the action taken
comprises an exercise selected from the group consisting of
pilates, yoga, weight training, calisthenics, kick boxing, core
training, plyometrics, cardiovascular, cross training, stability
ball training, and aquatic training.
19. An exercise method, comprising: physically associating at least
one prompt with an exerciser; directly corresponding each of said
at least one prompt is to a target on the exerciser; and allowing
for instruction to the exerciser, wherein the instruction is
associated with at least one prompt, and wherein an action on the
prompt in accordance with the instruction impacts the target.
20. The exercise method of claim 19, further comprising integrating
at least one prop with the prompt in accordance with the
instruction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/552,081, filed on Mar. 10, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise and fitness, and,
more particularly, to a prompt-based exercise apparatus, system,
and method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Existing training, fitness, recreation, and rehabilitation
equipment, systems, and exercises provide exercise, recreation, or
rehabilitation to users. Often, such equipment, systems, and
exercises target certain regions of the body, or certain muscle
groups. For example, a sit up bench may help the user target the
muscle groups in the abdominal region of the user. This is
particularly important for exercises, equipment, and systems
targeting body regions in need of rehabilitation. For example, a
user suffering from a back injury may target the muscles in the
lower back for strengthening. In general, and in such
rehabilitation cases in particular, it may be very detrimental if
an exercise is performed incorrectly. If an exercise is performed
incorrectly, the wrong region of the body may be targeted by the
exercise and damage to the body of the user may result.
Additionally, incorrectly targeting exercising can eliminate or
curtail the desired results of an exercise. The elimination of the
benefits of a given exercise may be particularly undesirable in the
case of, for example, rehabilitation.
[0004] However, existing exercises, equipment and systems do not
provide a mechanism to allow a user to make certain that the
correct body region is targeted. Without medical training, and
without guidance as to how a targeted exercise should feel, a user
may lack understanding of the intended result of the exercise.
Further, even if the user understands the intended result of an
exercise, a user may lack "muscle memory" to properly perform an
exercise until that exercise has been repeatedly performed. As
such, even users having an understanding of the intended result of
an exercise, and the damage that can be done from improper
performance of the exercise, may nonetheless lack initial muscle
memory, and hence may learn to perform the exercise improperly.
Damage to the body often is the result, even for experienced
exercisers and for medically trained exercisers.
[0005] Experienced and inexperienced exercisers may avoid body
damage or curtailing of desired exercise results by receiving
guidance on regions of the body. This guidance may allow those
exercisers to properly target certain exercises to the desired
region of the body. Such guidance typically includes extensive
medical training, exercise training classes, educational sessions,
or the like. Additionally, guidance may come from the person
teaching an exercise to the exerciser, such as wherein a personal
trainer places a hand on the specific region of the user, or points
to a specific region of the user, to be targeted by a given
exercise and says "you should feel it here".
[0006] However, it is not generally desirable to give extensive
medical or educational training to exercisers, as such training is
time-consuming for both teacher and learner, and as such is
inefficient. Further, exercisers may find it offensive or
irritating to frequently have a body part touched or pointed to by
an exercise professional.
[0007] Thus, the need exists for an exercise, apparatus, system,
and method that allows a user to efficiently learn to focus an
exercise to a properly targeted region of the body, as assessed by
a competent medical and exercise professional.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention includes an exercise system,
apparatus, and method. The system and apparatus include at least
one prompt physically associated with a user, wherein each prompt
is directly corresponded to a target area of the user, and at least
one instruction, wherein each instruction is associated with at
least one prompt, and wherein taking action on the prompt in
accordance with the instruction impacts the target area. The system
and apparatus may additionally include one or more props for
association with the prompts in an exercise to effect the target
area.
[0009] The exercise method includes physically associating at least
one prompt with an exerciser, directly corresponding each of said
at least one prompt is to a target on the exerciser, and allowing
for instruction to the exerciser, wherein the instruction is
associated with at least one prompt, and wherein an action on the
prompt in accordance with the instruction impacts the target.
[0010] Thus, the present invention provides an exercise, apparatus,
system, and method that allows a user to efficiently learn to focus
an exercise to a properly targeted region of the body, as assessed
by a competent medical and exercise professional.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The various features of the present invention and its
embodiments will now be described in greater detail with reference
to the drawings of an embodiment of the present invention, and
various related components, wherein like reference numerals
designate like elements, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a prompt key that correlates prompts to parts of
the body;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a body of an exerciser
having associated therewith one or more prompts corresponded to at
least one exercise to be performed by the user;
[0014] FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate aspects of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other
elements found in typical exercise and fitness applications. Those
of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are
desirable and/or required in order to implement the present
invention. But because such elements are well known in the art, and
because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the
present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided
herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations
and modifications to the applications, networks, and systems
disclosed herein and as will be known, or apparent, to those
skilled in the art.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a prompt key that correlates prompts to parts of
the body, which prompt references are illustratively used
hereinbelow. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that the present invention is not limited to the type or number
of prompts illustratively used hereinthroughout.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a body of an exerciser 20
having associated, such as physically associated, therewith one or
more prompts 1, 3, 5, corresponded to at least one exercise to be
performed by the user, and to at least one body part 1, 3, 5 of the
user. The user may be any exerciser performing at least one
exercise intended to target at least one of the body areas 1, 3, 5,
or targets, corresponded to the at least one prompt 1, 3, 5. The
user may perform the at least one exercise in association with one
or more items of exercise equipment, or in accordance with one or
more exercise routines, or in accordance with an exercise routine
system or equipment system. The user 20 may use the exercises,
equipment and systems to target body areas for rehabilitation,
relaxation, muscle-building, fitness, toning, or for any other
reason known to those skilled in the art. In the present invention,
users 20 may include youths, adults, and older adults. Users 20 may
engage in youth fitness, general fitness, body-building, special or
adaptive fitness, older adult fitness and wellness, physical
therapy and rehabilitation, and the like.
[0028] The one or more prompts 1-20 increase a user's comprehension
of the parts of the body as the intended targets for an exercise.
The prompts may be associated with exercise instructions 40. The
instructions 40 may be spoken by an instructor, written and
presented to the user, audibly presented by an automated or manual
system, or visibly presented by an automated or manual system. For
example, instructions may be visibly presented to the user by
scrolling or otherwise presenting text or pictures via a display on
the equipment used in the exercise, or on a unit mounted within the
fitness facility. Instructions may be included on or in live
demonstration, videos, DVDs, CDs, computer-readable media, and the
like. Further, instructions may be visually presented by, for
example, associating matching prompts on one or more fitness props
to the prompts associated with the user.
[0029] A fitness prop 60, as used herein, includes any item that
may be associated with an exercise. Fitness props 60, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2G may include exercise equipment, a mat
(FIG. 2A) with or without a mat carrying case (such as a sticky mat
or yoga style mat of a suitable size, with or without background
color), a ball 60 with or without a stabilizing ball stand (such as
an inflatable exercise ball of a given size, such as 55 cm, 65 cm,
or 75 cm), a towel of a suitable size, a poster, as in FIG. 2B
(such as a wall mounted poster), or clothing, such as a shirt, as
in FIG. 2C (such as a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, crew shirt, or
the like, of a preferably breathable fabric, such as cotton/lycra,
in varying sizes, such as S-XXXL), sweatshirt or sweatpants in
varying sizes, as in FIG. 2D, jacket (such as long sleeve, with a
breathable fabric, such as cotton, and such as with drawstring
waist, in varying sizes), shorts, as in FIG. 2E, pant, or tights in
varying sizes, such as S-XXXL, or by waist, inseam, or dress size,
or velcroed cloth, for example. The matching prompt 1a, 3a, 5a on a
prop 60 may be matched to the one or more prompts 1, 3, 5
associated with the user. The use of props 60 may, for example, aid
an exerciser 20 in effecting areas of the body the user is unable
to see, such as the upper back, gluteus, or hamstrings, for
example.
[0030] The prompts may include colors, symbols, textures, music, or
electrical impulses, such as lights or sounds, for example. Prompts
have a greater recognizability to a user than the mere name of a
muscle group, pointing by a trainer, or like prior art
methodologies. Prompts may be fastened by fasteners known in the
art for association with the user or with a prop, such as by dying
for cloth or fabric, placing sleeves, such as nylon sleeves as in
FIG. 2F, having prompts thereon over limbs, velcroing to fabric
(such as velcroing color-coded patches directly to or over a user's
clothing, or velcroing a strap around clothing as in FIG. 2G),
snapping using snap tabs, temporary skin colorations, paint, or the
like, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0031] The prompts correlate with one or more muscle groups or
regions of the body effected by an exercise or series of exercises,
and do not typically correlate solely with motions. The effects on
the body part correspondent to the prompt may include flexing,
tensing, or relaxing the body part. Effects may also include
covering a body part correspondent to a first prompt from within
view of a user in favor of a body part correspondent to another
prompt, such as to insure proper form. In an embodiment, the
instructions 40 may focus on one or more prompts as exercise
targets, with or without any reference to the medical terminology
for related regions or muscle groups. For example, an instructor
may give the instruction "tense blue, and relax red", which will be
much more readily understandable to an average user than "tense
bicep, and relax tricep". Further, the instructor may give the
instruction "cross red over blue to hide blue from view", rather
than instructing to "cross right leg over left leg".
[0032] In an embodiment, the exerciser is prompted to focus on one
or more targets correlated to the prompts for a given exercise. A
given exercise may include pilates, yoga, weight training,
calisthenics, kick boxing, core training, plyometrics,
cardiovascular exercise, cross training, stability ball training,
aquatic training, or the like, as will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. Prompts, with or without the use of props, and with the
use of instructions, increase the impact of exercise by focusing on
proper form, and decrease the probability of injury.
[0033] Matching prompts on props 60 may be used in conjunction with
the prompts associated with the user. For example, an instruction
may tell the user, "pull the red handle until you feel the
resistance start to burn in the red area of your arms." Matching
prompts on props may be used to insure proper alignment, or the
like. For example, when the feet of the user are properly aligned
on a leg press, one or both of the prompt on the user's feet and
the matching prompt on the leg press may light up, or buzz.
Multiple prompts, and multiple matching prompts on props, may be
used.
[0034] In a series of embodiments, discussed hereinbelow, and with
respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, are several exemplary exercise routines.
The embodiments described are exemplary only, and it will be
apparent that other exercises, prompt types, and prop types may be
used in accordance with the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a Reclined Squats
exercise in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
Recline Squats may be performed by lowering the hips toward the
floor while pressing the low back to the front of a prop 60 in the
form of a ball. The feet may be planted on the floor, and the knees
may be bent to less than a 90-degree angle. The user may initiate a
rocking motion by extending the body supine over the top of the
ball while straightening the legs, then bending the knees once
again, and returning to the starting position.
[0036] During Recline Squats, the user is to focus, such as in
accordance with instructions, on prompts 6, 7, 8, and 14 for muscle
contraction. The user is to focus on prompts 4, 5 and 12 controlled
for stability. By focusing on prompts 6, 7, 8 and 14, the intensity
of the Recline Squat is increased. By directing attention to
prompts 4, 5 and 12, stability is easier to achieve and maintain
throughout the exercise. The ball prop may include matching prompts
to allow for user focus on the desired prompts.
[0037] FIG. 3 also illustrates Table Top Hip Drops in accordance
with an aspect of the present invention. Table Top Hip Drops may be
performed by rolling the body forward into a supine position, and
stopping with the shoulders resting on a prop 60, such as a ball,
to support the weight of the upper body. The knees may be bent to a
90-degree angle with feet resting on the floor, hip distance apart.
The hips may be lifted to horizontal level, then bent toward the
floor and lifted again, while keeping the ball motionless. During
Table Top Hip Drops, the user may focus on prompts 6, 8, 14 and 15,
in accordance with instructions, for range of motion. By focusing
on these prompts, the user can increase the intensity of
contractions throughout the exercise. By focusing on prompts 4, 7,
the user will be able to increase the intensity of the exercise by
increasing the awareness of the abdominals and quadriceps,
therefore eliciting greater muscle response, range of motion and
flexibility. The ball prop may include matching prompts to allow
for user focus on the desired prompts.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating Dips in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Dips may be
performed by sitting upright on a ball prop, hands placed on the
ball next to hips. While pressing hands down into the ball, the
hips lift from the surface of the ball. During Dips, the user may
focus on prompts 10, 11, 12 and 13 for contraction. Prompt 9 should
not be contracted. By raising awareness of prompt 9, improper form
and potential injury can be avoided, as prompt 9 is often
incorrectly utilized during this exercise. By drawing attention to
prompt 10, prompt 9 can be minimized in activity. Also, attention
may placed on prompts 7, 15 to increase support and stability
throughout the exercise.
[0039] FIG. 4 also illustrates Roll Aways in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Roll Aways may be performed by,
while kneeling on the floor, placing a stability ball prop directly
in front of the thighs. The fists may rest on the ball, close to
the thighs. The ball may then be pushed away from the thighs
through direct force of the arms, extending the body straight from
the elbows to the knees. The ball may then be pulled back toward
the body while the arms are extended, until the user is resting on
clenched fists. Prompt 9 should remain extended, not contracted,
but is often incorrectly contracted during Roll Aways. Effort and
attention should be placed on prompts 1, 10 and 13 to reduce stress
on prompt 9. Attention should also be placed on prompts 4, 12, 14
and 15 to stabilize the exercise.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating Caboose Kickers
in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Caboose
Kickers may be performed by lying prone over a stability ball prop,
with belly on the ball, hands and feet on the floor. The emphasis
of the exercise is on prompts 14, 15 and 16 for contraction and
range of motion. Extra emphasis may be placed on prompts 14, 15 and
16, increasing the intensity of the contraction through range of
motion. Attention may be focused on prompts 4 and 12 to increase
stability while decreasing the opportunity for pain or injury. For
example, if there is any flexion or motion in prompt 12, there is
an increased likelihood of injury to the low back. Therefore,
attention may be called to prompt 4 to increase contraction, thus
increasing awareness and limiting mobility in prompt 12.
[0041] FIG. 5 also illustrates Push Ups in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Push Ups may be performed while
lying prone over a ball prop, hands on floor, legs on the ball,
with body suspended. The arms may be bent and extended through
range of motion. By drawing attention to prompts 1, 2 and 11, the
user may learn where to exert the force to move through one rep.
Prompt 4 should be contracted, but typically is ignored during this
exercise. Instruction to contract prompt 4 with prompt 7 increases
stability, increases effectiveness, and decreases the opportunity
for injury.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating Swans in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Swans may be
performed by lying prone on a ball prop and separating the feet hip
distance apart. The arms may be extended straight over the head,
move out to 90-degrees from the body, rotate hands, then continue
moving arms back until parallel with the hips. The Swan is a
relatively simple exercise to perform, but without proper emphasis
on the upper back, one could potentially injure the low back.
Prompts 1, 9, 10 and 13 correspond to the primary movers in the
upper back, and prompts 12 and 14 correspond to the lower body
stabilizers.
[0043] FIG. 4 also illustrates Hip Thrusts in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Hip Thrusts may be performed by
lying supine on the floor, feet flat on the top of a ball prop,
knees bent. The user may press feet into the ball and lift hips
from the floor while squeezing the gluteus. The user may focus on
the contraction in prompts 6, 8, 14 and 15, while keeping prompt 16
relaxed to prevent cramping. The user may also pay close attention
to prompt 12 to avoid undue strain to the low back.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating Suspension
Bridges in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
Suspension Bridges may be performed by sitting on the floor, legs
extended straight, heels over the top of a ball prop, hands on the
floor next to the hips. While pressing the hands down into the
floor, the hips may be lifted until straight, body parallel to the
floor, then slowly returned to the starting position. May be drawn
to prompts 9, 101, 11, 12 and 13 to initiate this exercise. The
user may use prompts 4, 14 and 15 to lift and stabilize the hips
before returning to the starting position.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating Pikes in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. May be
performed by lying prone over a ball prop. Once stable, the user
may roll the body forward, until parallel with the floor, with
hands on the floor, knees fully extended and while resting on the
ball. While contracting prompts 4 and 7, the legs may be pressed
down into the ball and the hips lifted. The feet will slide forward
until meeting the ball, shoelaces down. Attention should be focused
on prompts 4 and 7. Focus may also be placed on prompts 9, 10 and
11 to stabilize the exercise as the user moves to an inverted
position. While the user is in an inverted position, there is a
decreased ability to view the surrounding area or look to an
instruction provider. The prompts can be quickly referenced by the
user to ensure proper form and balance are maintained, even without
seeing the instruction provider.
[0046] FIG. 8 also illustrates Dorothys in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Dorothys may be performed by lying
prone, belly on a ball prop. The arms may be straight, aligned
perpendicularly to the floor, with hands supporting the body
weight. The legs may be extended straight, parallel to the floor
and completely unsupported. The legs may then move in and out from
center, creating a tapping motion at the heels. The motion may be
executed while contracting prompts 6 and 8 to control the motion,
prompt 7 to keep the legs straight, and prompts 14 and 15 to
maintain proper alignment. Prompt 4 remains contracted and in
contact with the ball, thus decreasing stress on prompt 12.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating Protractors in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Protractors may
be performed by sitting upright on the ball, feet flat on the
floor. One leg may be lifted from the floor and extended straight,
parallel to the floor. While maintaining balance, that leg is
lifted and lowered while continuing to remain straight. By bringing
attention to prompt 7, the user is able to maintain the contraction
in the quadriceps, keeping the leg straight. The user may also
focus attention on prompts 4 and 12 to keep the body upright and
stabilized throughout the range of motion. Less apparent to the
user would be the involvement of prompts 9, 10, 12 and 13. These
prompts must be fully engaged to improve posture on the ball, thus
increasing stability.
[0048] FIG. 9 also illustrates Retractors in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Retractors may be performed in
combination with Protractors. The user may be sitting upright on
the ball prop, leg extended straight and parallel to the floor. The
leg moves side to side in a small sweeping motion, from the midline
out and back again. Attention is drawn to prompts 5, 6, and 8, in
addition to prompts 4 and 7 in the Protractors. The present
invention clearly differentiates the contractions of the various
regions of the thigh without confusing the user with the similarly
named muscle groups, namely "Abductors", "Adductors" and
"Abdominals", in such confusingly similar exercises.
[0049] FIG. 9 also illustrates Reverse Planks in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Reverse Planks may be performed by
sitting upright on a ball prop, legs extended straight to the
floor, feet flat. The user may place the hands on the ball, just
outside of the hips. While pressing the hands down, the user may
lift the hips until the hips and the arms are fully extended, and
thus not bent. Attention may be focused on the back to prompts 9,
10, 13 and 14, as well as prompts 1 and 11 in the shoulder and
upper arm. Prompt 9 should be pulled away from the ears, and prompt
2 should be pronounced in the chest, not collapsed or hidden.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating Iron Crosses in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Iron Crosses
may be initiated by kneeling on the floor, ball prop to one side.
One knee remains on the floor, and the body may extend sideways
across the ball, while straightening the top leg fully. The user
may engage in a series of exercises, initiated by raising and
lowering of the top leg. Throughout range of motion, the top leg
should remain parallel to the floor, with the instep of the foot
also remaining parallel to the floor. Prompt 6 should remain on the
top of the leg throughout the exercise, as if prompt 6 rolls
backward or forward, proper form is being compromised and the
exercise decreases in effectiveness. To remain stable on the ball,
attention is also on prompts 4 and 5.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating Cross Overs in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Cross Overs may
be performed in combination with Iron Crosses. The user remains
lying on the side, the lower leg is extended straight, and the top
leg is bent and placed on the floor behind the lower leg. The
straightened lower leg is lifted parallel to the floor, parallel to
the other leg. Throughout the range of motion, prompt 8 should be
on top, but often prompt 7 will roll to the top, negating the
effectiveness of the exercise.
[0052] FIG. 11 also illustrates a Hip Lift in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. The Hip Lift may be performed by
lying supine on the floor, legs extended to a 90-degree angle in
the air, and a ball prop between the lower portion of the legs at
prompt 16. While contracting prompt 4, the hips are lifted off the
mat and slowly lowered. Attention should be placed on prompt 8 to
increase the intensity of the exercise, but prompt 12 should always
maintain contact with the floor to decrease the likelihood of
injury.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of the
present invention. Props used may include a ball prop and a towel
prop. The exercise may be performed while lying prone over a towel
prop, hand prompts 110 on matching towel prompts 110a, leg prompts
as discussed hereinabove on matching ball prompts, with body
suspended. The arms may be bent and extended through range of
motion.
[0054] If not otherwise stated herein, it may be assumed that all
components and/or processes described heretofore may, if
appropriate, be considered to be interchangeable with similar
components and/or processes disclosed elsewhere in the
specification. It should be appreciated that the systems and
methods of the present invention may be configured and conducted as
appropriate for any context at hand. The embodiments described
hereinabove are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims hereinbelow are to
be embraced within the scope thereof.
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