U.S. patent application number 12/299167 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-22 for exercise apparatus and methods of use.
Invention is credited to Bret Contreras.
Application Number | 20090264265 12/299167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39536743 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090264265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Contreras; Bret |
October 22, 2009 |
Exercise Apparatus and Methods of Use
Abstract
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and
method of use adapted to exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The
exercise apparatus and method of use allow the user to focus on and
exercise gluteus muscles with specificity. Embodiments of the
exercise apparatus comprise an upper body support, a foot support,
an exercise space, and a way of applying a loading force to a
user's hips. The exercise space is typically disposed substantially
between an upper body support and a foot support, and permits
substantial movement of a user's hips in both a forward direction
and a rearward direction, substantially in or parallel to a user's
sagittal plane. The loading force has a direction approximately
perpendicular to a user's spine, directed rearwardly and
substantially in or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The
exercise apparatus and method of use are adapted to load a user's
gluteus muscles throughout a generally large range of gluteus
muscle flexion and extension.
Inventors: |
Contreras; Bret;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Leyendecker & Lemire, LLC
C/O PORTFOLIO IP, P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
39536743 |
Appl. No.: |
12/299167 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/88190 |
371 Date: |
October 31, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60870839 |
Dec 19, 2006 |
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60870828 |
Dec 19, 2006 |
|
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60885346 |
Jan 17, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ; 482/123;
482/133; 482/140; 482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 23/0482 20130101; A63B 23/0222 20130101; Y10S 482/907
20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B
2023/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 ; 482/142;
482/123; 482/133; 482/140 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02; A63B 21/062 20060101 A63B021/062 |
Claims
1-69. (canceled)
70. An exercise apparatus comprising: an upper body support, the
upper body support being adapted to support a mass of at least 80
kilograms; and a foot support, the foot support being: adapted to
support a mass of at least 80 kilograms; and coupled to the upper
body support, and; disposed at a distance of at least 83 cm, but no
more than 150 cm, from the upper body support; and an exercise
space, the exercise space: being disposed substantially between the
upper body support and the foot support, and extending between the
upper body support and the foot support along a straight line
between the upper body support and the foot support; and extending
upwardly at least 37.5 cm from a midpoint and downwardly at least
37.5 cm from the midpoint, the midpoint being on the straight line
between the upper body support and the foot support and being
equidistant between the upper body support and the foot support;
and extending at least 25 cm in all directions from the midpoint;
and being substantially empty of exercise apparatus components.
71. The exercise apparatus of claim 70, wherein a height of the
upper body support above a surface on which the exercise apparatus
rests is within 41 cm of a height of the foot support above the
surface on which the exercise apparatus rests.
72. The exercise apparatus of claim 70, wherein the upper body
support and the foot support are coupled by one or more
substantially rigid members.
73. The exercise apparatus of claim 72, wherein a horizontal
distance between the upper body support and the foot support is
readily adjustable, the horizontal distance being a horizontal
component of the distance from the upper body support to the foot
support.
74. The exercise apparatus of claim 70, wherein the foot support
comprises a foot plate, the foot plate (i) comprising a
substantially planar surface, the substantially planar surface
having a surface area of at least 900 cm.sup.2, and (ii) being
adapted to support a mass of 80 kg at a height of at least 25 cm
above the surface on which the exercise apparatus rests.
75. The exercise apparatus of claim 74, wherein the substantially
planar surface is adapted to have a foot plate angle that is
readily adjustable, the foot plate angle being an angle between the
substantially planar surface and a horizontal plane.
76. The exercise apparatus of claim 70, wherein a height of either
or both of the upper body support or the foot support are readily
adjustable.
77. The exercise apparatus of claim 70, further comprising a
resistance apparatus, the resistance apparatus being adapted to
apply a loading force through a plurality of points within the
exercise space.
78. The exercise apparatus of claim 77, wherein the resistance
apparatus comprises one or more resistance bands.
79. The exercise apparatus of claim 77, wherein the resistance
apparatus comprises one or more pulleys.
80. The exercise apparatus of claim 77, wherein the resistance
apparatus comprises a weight stack.
81. An exercise apparatus comprising: an upper body support, the
upper body support being adapted to support a mass of at least 80
kilograms and comprising a padded member; and a foot support, the
foot support being (i) adapted to support a mass of at least 80
kilograms, (ii) disposed at least 83 cm but not more than 150 cm
from the upper body support, and coupled to the upper body support;
and an exercise space, the exercise space comprising a cylindrical
void, the cylindrical void being shaped like a cylinder and
substantially empty of exercise apparatus components, and
comprising: a center, the center being disposed on a midpoint, the
midpoint being disposed equidistant between the upper body support
and the foot support on a straight line between the upper body
support and the foot support; and a radius, the radius having a
length of at least 40 cm and being disposed on the straight line
between the upper body support and the foot support; and a volume,
the volume being at least 0.251 cubic meters.
82. The exercise apparatus of claim 81, wherein a distance between
the foot support and the upper body support is adjustable from less
than 100 cm to greater than 120 cm.
83. The exercise apparatus of claim 81, wherein: the upper body
support further comprises an upper portion, the upper portion of
the upper body support being of adjustable height; and the foot
support comprises an upper portion, the upper portion of the foot
support being of adjustable height.
84. A method of performing an exercise routine comprising:
providing the exercise apparatus of claim 81; and supporting an
upper body of a user with the upper body support; and placing a
foot of the user on the foot support, the foot of the user being
directly coupled to a leg of the user; and the user moving from a
hip flexed position to a hip extended position, the hip flexed
position and the hip extended position comprising, respectively: a
femur angle being about 90.degree., the femur angle relating to the
leg of the user, and a hip of the user being disposed dorsally
behind a midpoint, the midpoint comprising a point on a straight
line between a sternum of the user and the foot of the user and the
midpoint being equidistant between the sternum of the user and the
foot of the user; and the femur angle being about 180.degree. and
the hip of the user being disposed ventrally in front of the
midpoint.
85. The method of performing an exercise routine of claim 84,
further comprising: supporting a substantial entirety of a body
weight of the user by use of the upper body of the user in concert
with the foot of the user; and the user moving from the hip flexed
position to the hip extended position while the substantial
entirety of the body weight of the user is supported by the upper
body of the user in concert with the foot of the user.
86. A method of performing an exercise routine comprising:
providing an exercise apparatus, the exercise apparatus comprising
an upper body support and a foot support, a distance between the
upper body support and the foot support being in a range between 83
cm and 150 cm, and a user assuming a hip flexed position, the hip
flexed position comprising; an upper back of the user residing
against the upper body support, and a foot of the user residing on
the foot support, the foot of the user being directly coupled to
the leg of the user; and a hip of the user being disposed posterior
to a midpoint, the midpoint comprising a point on a straight line
between a sternum of the user and the foot of the user and the
midpoint being equidistant between the sternum of the user and the
foot of the user; and a femur angle of the user being about
90.degree., the femur angle relating to the leg of the user; and an
active knee of the user being bent at an angle of about 90.degree.,
the active knee of the user being part of the leg of the user; and
extending the hip of the user from the hip flexed position to a hip
extended position, the hip extended position comprising; the upper
back of the user being against the upper body support and the foot
of the user being on the foot support; and the femur angle of the
user being about 180.degree.; and the active knee of the user
remaining bent at an angle of about 90.degree..
87. The method of performing an exercise routine of claim 86,
further comprising having a substantial entirety of the body weight
of the user being supported by the upper back of the user and the
foot of the user while extending the hip of the user from the hip
flexed position to a hip extended position.
88. The method of performing an exercise routine of claim 86,
further comprising providing a resistance apparatus, the resistance
apparatus applying a loading force to the hip of the user, the
direction of the loading force being approximately opposite the
direction of a motion of the hip of the user as the user extends
the hip of the user from the hip flexed position to the hip
extended position.
89. The method of performing an exercise routine of claim 86,
further comprising a user returning to the hip flexed position.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates by
reference, U.S. provisional Patent Applications 60/870,828, filed
Dec. 19, 2006; 60/870,839, filed Dec. 19, 2006; and 60/885,346
filed Jan. 17, 2007. The aforementioned applications share a common
inventor with the present application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to an apparatus adapted to
exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The present invention is further
directed to an exercise routine that exercises the gluteus
muscles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Numerous exercise devices, assemblies and routines claim to
exercise and develop the gluteus muscles. However, these devices do
not allow the user to work the gluteus muscles with specificity and
through a wide range of motion. The lack of specificity results in
other body structures, such as joints and other muscles,
substantially sharing or experiencing a load that would preferably
be placed on the gluteus muscles.
[0004] For instance, an exercise commonly known as a squat is known
to work the gluteus muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, and lower
back, among other body structures. However, at one end of the range
of motion of the squat, where a user's hips are positioned
rearwardly, the user's knees are bent to a considerable degree and
are highly loaded. In this bent and highly loaded position, a
user's knees are subject to undesirable stress. The user's gluteus
muscles are relatively highly, and therefore desirably, loaded in
this position, where the gluteus muscles are generally extended. At
the other end of the range of motion, where the user's hips are
positioned approximately neutrally, the user's knees are relatively
straight, and the user stands relatively upright. At this end of
the range of motion, the load on the gluteus muscles is relatively
low, which is undesirable for working or exercising the gluteus
muscles. Squats are relatively highly technique dependent; they
require good technique, which can be difficult or time consuming to
develop, to avoid placing undesirable stress on the user's back or
knees. Finally, not only do squats load the gluteus muscles highly
unevenly across the range of motion exercised, that range of motion
is itself limited undesirably. Squats do not extend or position the
user's hips substantially forwardly in the sagittal plane, such
that the gluteus muscles are adequately flexed.
[0005] Most devices, assemblies, and routines suffer the same or
similar drawbacks to those exemplified by squats. They frequently
do not load the gluteus muscles evenly or adequately across a broad
range of motion. They thus only work the gluteus muscles in a
limited range of motion relative to the full range of motion that
is typically available to a person's hips and gluteus muscles.
[0006] Therefore, there exists in the prior art a dearth of
apparatuses, assemblies, or routines, that involve a relatively
small degree of knee angle change, and that focus load on gluteus
muscles, while providing a relatively wide range of motion about
the hip joint, in or parallel to the sagittal plane.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
restraint apparatus comprises band pegs, and a base frame and foot
support are adjustable.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
restraint apparatus comprises a pulley system and plate loading
structure.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
restraint apparatus comprises a pulley system and weight stack
structure.
[0010] FIG. 4A shows a side view of a person on an exercise
apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4B shows a side view of a person on an exercise
apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exercise according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exercise according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using an
exercise apparatus according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention comprise an upper body
support, a foot support, and an exercise space. Embodiments of the
exercise space are disposed between an upper body support structure
and a foot support structure. Embodiments of an exercise space are
free of structures that would obstruct movement of a user's body or
parts thereof in the exercise space. Embodiments of the exercise
space thereby provide room for the user to move within the exercise
space in a manner described in greater detail below.
[0018] Embodiments of the exercise space permit the user to flex
his/her hips rearwardly, to positions where at least one of his/her
femur angles is about 90.degree., with the user's upper back in
contact with an upper body support and the user's foot of the leg
whose femur angle is about 90.degree., in contact with a foot
support. In these positions, the user's gluteus muscles are
extended. Embodiments of the exercise space also permit a user to
extend his/her hips forwardly, to positions where at least one of
his/her femur angles is about 180.degree., with the user's upper
back in contact with an upper body support, and the foot of the leg
whose femur angle is about 180.degree., in contact with a foot
support. In these positions, the user's gluteus muscles are flexed.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, all femur
angles are relative to linear approximations of persons' spines,
and refer to angles at the person's front, or ventral, sides.
Moreover, all femur angles refer to the femur of a leg whose foot
is in contact with, and supported or stabilized by, a foot
support.
[0019] Embodiments of an exercise space provide sufficient room in
a first direction, the first direction being approximately
perpendicular to a line from an upper body support to a foot
support, to permit a user to flex his/her hips such that at least
one of the user's femur angles is approximately 90.degree.. The
same embodiments of the exercise space provide sufficient room in a
second direction, the second direction being opposite the first
direction, to permit a user to extend his/her hips such that the
user's femur angle is about 180.degree.. The positions and angles
described in this paragraph apply to positions where the user's
upper body is supported or stabilized by an upper body support, and
the foot of the leg whose femur angle is described, is positioned
in contact with and supported or stabilized by a foot support.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention further comprise a
resistance apparatus adapted to apply loading force to a user's
hips, in a rearward direction relative to the user. Embodiments of
loading forces have directions approximately perpendicular to
linear approximations of users' spines. Some embodiments of loading
forces are approximately perpendicular to straight lines between
upper body supports and foot supports. Embodiments of loading
forces are approximately in or parallel to users' sagittal planes.
In some embodiments, gravitational pull of the earth on a user's
body provides the loading force. In such embodiments, a ventral or
front surface of a user's hips must be oriented facing upwardly
while exercising, because the loading force provided by
gravitational pull on the user's body is straight down.
[0021] In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a base frame
having a front end and a back end. An embodiment further comprises
an upper body support having a top, wherein the upper body support
is attached toward the back end of the base frame, and the top of
the upper body support is at preferably at least 30 cm from the
base frame or ground, more preferably at least 46 cm, and most
preferably at least 61 cm from the base frame or ground. An
embodiment further comprises a resistance apparatus and a foot
support having a top, wherein the foot support is attached to the
base frame toward the front end and the top of the foot support is
preferably at least 15 cm from the base frame or ground, more
preferably at least 30 cm, and most preferably at least 46 cm from
the base frame or ground.
[0022] Some Embodiments comprise a resistance apparatus that
couples to a hip restraint such as, but not limited to, a hip belt,
the hip belt to be worn by the user around the user's hips or
midsection during exercise. Embodiments of the resistance apparatus
are functionally connected to the base frame. An exercise space is
sufficient in size to allow a user to lower his/her buttocks toward
the base frame/ground, and to move his/her hips upwardly away from
the base frame/ground against resistance created by the resistance
apparatus while the user's upper back is on the upper body support
and at least one of the user's feet is on the foot support.
[0023] An embodiment of an exercise apparatus has handles to assist
a user to mount the exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, the
handles are coupled to an upper body support member or an upper
body support, extending toward a foot support outside an exercise
space.
[0024] Embodiments of the upper body support and/or foot support
are adjustable in an up and down direction to allow the user to
adjust the apparatus to best suit the user's body type or size. In
one embodiment, the top of the upper body support is higher than
the top of the foot support. In some embodiments, a foot support is
at least 15 cm higher.
[0025] Embodiments of a base frame are adjustable so that upper
body and foot supports can be moved closer or further apart in
order to accommodate different user heights. In some embodiments
the upper body or foot supports can be adjustable in a horizontal
direction so as to make the distance between the upper body support
and foot support closer or further apart to accommodate different
user heights. An embodiment of the resistance apparatus is designed
to provide resistance as the user moves his/her hips upwardly away
from the ground. In some embodiments, resistance is adjustable to
provide greater or lesser resistance. In one embodiment, the
exercise apparatus comprises resistance band pegs connected to the
base frame between the upper body support and foot support and one
or more resistance bands, including, but not limited to,
Thera-Bands.RTM. or flex bands, functionally connected to the band
pegs. As is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art,
resistance bands typically comprise elastic material. In some
embodiments, resistance bands may be exchanged with varying
strength resistance bands to accommodate the user's exercise regime
and level of strength.
[0026] In one embodiment, a resistance apparatus comprises a cable
weight machine having a plate loading structure or weight stack
structure, and a pulley system that is functionally connected to
the base frame. In some embodiments, a pulley in the pulley system
is disposed between the upper body and foot supports, in order to
facilitate apply resistance, or loading force, to the user as the
user moves their hips upwardly away from the ground. In some
embodiments, the pulley system may be adjustable to allow the user
to alter the direction and angle of resistance applied during the
exercise motion.
[0027] An embodiment of the exercise apparatus is portable.
Embodiments of the exercise apparatus comprise one or more wheels
or a carrying handle. In one embodiment, the handle is connected to
the front end of the base frame below the foot support, and the
wheels are attached to the back end of the base frame so that the
user can pick up the front end of the apparatus by the handle and
easily move the apparatus to the desired location.
[0028] A method of exercising gluteus muscles of a user comprises
the operations of: (i) providing an exercise apparatus, (ii)
wearing a hip restraint around a user's hips, (iii) placing a
user's upper back on the upper body support, (iv) resting at least
one of a user's feet on a foot support, (v) lowering the user's
buttocks downwardly toward the base frame or floor into the
exercise space between the upper body support and foot support
while flexing the user's hips and extending the user's gluteus
muscles, followed by extending the hips upwardly away from the base
frame against resistance created by the resistance apparatus.
[0029] In some embodiments, an exercise routine is performed with a
relatively slow steady eccentric component, wherein a user's hips
are lowered relatively slowly and steadily, and an explosive
concentric component, wherein a user's hips are extended upwardly
relatively quickly and powerfully. In some embodiments, an exercise
routine comprises a relatively isometric hold at or near the top
portion of hip movement. For a better understanding of the
invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be made to the attached
drawings. It is understood that the attached drawings illustrate
only certain embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to
be considered limiting of its scope. The invention encompasses
other equally effective embodiments as one skilled in the art will
appreciate with the benefit of the detailed disclosure provided
herein.
Terminology
[0030] The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (" ")
in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them
in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this
document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated
otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated
definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case,
to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or
phrase.
[0031] Unless clearly indicated otherwise, the term "or" as used in
this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be
exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning "either or
both".
[0032] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "another embodiment, "a preferred embodiment", "an
alternative embodiment", "one variation", "a variation" and similar
phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or
variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of
the invention. The phrase "in one embodiment", "in one variation"
or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification,
are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the
same variation.
[0033] The terms "couple" or "coupled," as used in this
specification and the appended claims, refers to an indirect or
direct connection between the identified elements, components or
objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related
specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements
interact.
[0034] As applicable, the terms "about," "generally," or
"approximately," as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, means
a margin of +/-20%. Also, as applicable, the term "substantially"
as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +-10%.
It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are
quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.
[0035] The terms "relative to a user's spine," or "angle relative
to a line parallel to a user's spine," or "parallel to a user's
spine," or "relative to a person's spine," as used in this
specification and the appended claims, refers to alignment relative
to a linear approximation of an exercise apparatus user's spine. It
is apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, that most
peoples' spines are curvilinear. However, for the purposes of this
application, a linear approximation of a person's spine is a
straight line approximately through the person's cervical vertebrae
and approximately through the person's coccyx.
[0036] The term "femur angle" as used in this specification and the
appended claims, refers to an angle of a line through a
longitudinal axis of a person's femur, relative to a line parallel
to a user's spine. As used in this specification and the appended
claims, all femur angles refers to angles at the front side, also
known as the ventral side, of the person. Moreover, all femur
angles refer to a femur of a leg whose foot is in contact with a
foot support. Where a person's femur angle is 180.degree., a line
through the longitudinal axis of the person's femur is parallel to
a linear approximation of the person's spine. Similarly, where a
person's femur angle is 90.degree., a straight line through a
longitudinal axis of the person's femur is at a 90.degree. angle
relative to a line parallel to a linear approximation of the
person's spine.
[0037] The term "glute" or "glutes," as used in this specification
and the appended claims, refers to a group of muscles comprising
the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and gluteus minimus. Gluteus
maximus, medius and minimus, or "glutes," are three muscles of the
buttocks and hips.
[0038] The terms "substantially moving," "deflecting," or
"substantially moving or deflecting," as used in this specification
and the appended claims, refers to movement or deflection of a
substantially rigid structure associated with overloading the
structure. Thus where an upper body support or foot support
substantially moves or deflects in response to being placed under
load, weight, or force, the substantially rigid component of the
structure bends, yields, or deforms undesirably in response to the
load weight. All structures move, deflect, or deform slightly in
response to normal load or use; substantially moving or deflecting
does not refer to this normal, nominal, and minor movement or
deflection.
[0039] The terms "substantially between the upper body support and
the foot support," or "substantially between an upper body support
and a foot support" as used in this specification and the appended
claims, refers to points between a plane that intersects a center
of mass of the upper body support and a different plane that
intersects a center of mass of the foot support, both of the
aforementioned planes being substantially perpendicular to a
straight line from the center of mass of the upper body support to
the center if mass of the foot support. The terms "substantially
between the upper body support and the foot support," or
"substantially between an upper body support and a foot support" as
used in this specification and the appended claims, refers to a
three dimensional space in which an exercise space resides.
[0040] The term "exercise space" as used in this specification and
the appended claims, refers to a three dimensional space in which
an exercise apparatus user moves or can move or change position
without being obstructed by a component of the exercise apparatus,
or by a floor, ground, or other surface on which the exercise
apparatus resides. Exercise spaces in embodiments of the present
invention are disposed between an upper body support and a foot
support, and are intersected by a straight line from the upper body
support to the foot support. Typically, when a user performs an
exercise using an embodiment of the present invention, the user's
hips, lower abdomen and back, and upper legs and knees, are the
body parts of the user that do most moving or changing position in
an exercise space. In contrast, a user's upper back, neck, and head
typically remain proximate an upper body support, and do not
substantially move or change position within an exercise space of
embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, at least one of a
user's feet typically remains proximate a foot support, and does
not substantially move or change position within an exercise space
of an embodiment of the present invention. An exercise apparatus
without adequate exercise space prevents a user from moving about
in the exercise space with sufficient range to flex and extend the
user's hips. Prior art exercise devices are deficient in providing
sufficient exercise spaces for users to adequately flex their hips
by achieving a femur angle of 90.degree. or less while, having
their knees bent at an angle of about 90.degree..
[0041] The terms "substantially empty of exercise apparatus
components," as used in this specification and the appended claims,
refers to a characteristic of an exercise space, wherein no
component of the exercise apparatus, other than part of a
resistance apparatus adapted to apply a loading force to a user of
the exercise apparatus, intrudes into the exercise space.
Resistance apparatus parts may, by necessity, intrude into the
exercise space in order to apply resistance force or loading force
to a user. In contrast, other exercise apparatus components would
likely obstruct a user's movement within the exercise space, were
they to intrude into the exercise space.
[0042] The terms "up," "upward" and "upwardly," as used in this
specification and the appended claims, refers being oriented within
45.degree. of straight up, away from the center of the earth.
[0043] The terms "down," "downward" and "downwardly," as used in
this specification and the appended claims, refers being oriented
within 45.degree. of straight down, toward the center of the earth.
For the purposes of this application, the direction of the
gravitational pull of the earth on a person or thing on earth is
straight down, toward the center of the earth.
A First Embodiment Exercise Apparatus
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment exercise apparatus
10 comprises a base frame 20 having a front end 21 and back end 22,
an upper body support 30 having a top 32; a foot support 40 also
having a top 42. The upper body support 30 and foot support 40 are
both coupled to the base frame 20. The upper body support 30 is
attached toward the back end 22 of the base frame 20 and the foot
support 40 is connected toward the front end 21 of the base frame
20. The upper body support 30 and foot support 40 in the first
embodiment are preferably at least 91 cm apart, more preferably at
least 105 cm apart; and most preferably at least 130 cm apart,
thereby providing an exercise space 60 sufficient to allow the user
to lower their buttocks toward the base frame 20 or floor followed
by moving the hips upwardly away from the base frame 20 or floor
against resistance.
Base Frame Embodiments
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, embodiments of a base frame 20
typically comprise at least one elongated rail 23 and at least one
cross member 24 or rail joining member 24A to provide stability to
the apparatus 10. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base frame
20 comprises two elongated rails 23 and at least two rail joining
members 24A to provide stability and to keep the elongated rails 23
from moving apart during use. The rail joining members 24A are
typically, but not necessarily, proximate the front end 21 and back
end 22 of the base frame 20. In embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
2-3, the base frame 20 comprises one elongated rail 23 with three
transverse frame members 24, and in the embodiments shown, three
cross members 24, to provide stability.
[0046] An embodiment of a base frame 20 is made of sufficiently
strong material, such as, rectangular or circular hollow section
steel, to withstand the stresses and safety demands of use for
exercises that work the glutes. In some embodiments, cross members
24 and rail joining member 24A form a rigid and stable base with
the elongated rail(s) 23.
[0047] Some embodiments of a base frame 20 are collapsible to allow
a user to adjust the base frame 20 to accommodate the user's
height. Embodiments of a base frame 20 are collapsible between 30
cm and 46 cm of the length of the exercise apparatus 10. A
variation of a collapsible base frame 20 provides adjustment holes
27 and a locking apparatus 28. In one embodiment, there are at
least eight adjustment holes 27 at two inch increments for a total
adjustment of sixteen inches.
[0048] Embodiments of a base frame 20 are preferably at least 122
cm in length and more preferably at least 152 cm in length. A width
of an embodiment of a base frame 20 is preferably at least 46 cm,
and more preferably between 61 cm and 91 cm wide in order to
provide stability. In one variation, the base frame 20 is over 274
cm long (including a resistance apparatus 50) and over 61 cm wide.
In another variation, the base frame 20 is between 152 cm and 183
cm long, and the width of the base frame is within 15 cm of 61
cm.
[0049] Embodiments of the exercise apparatus 10 are portable with
wheels and a carrying handle 29. In one embodiment, the carrying
handle 29 is connected to the front end of the base frame 20 below
the foot support 40 and the wheels are attached to the backend 22
of the base frame 20 so that the user can pick up the front end 21
of the apparatus 10 by the handle 29 and easily move the apparatus
to the desired location. In one embodiment, the handle 29 also
functions as a cross member 24 or rail joining member 24A, thereby
providing stability to the apparatus while also serving as a handle
29. Variations of the handle 29 have a covering, such as a rubber
hand grip, to provide a comfortable grip while moving the
apparatus.
[0050] In some embodiments, height adjustable feet (not shown) of
the type commonly used on furniture are disposed at various
locations on the base frame 20. Embodiments of height adjustable
feet are of a type commonly used on furniture. Some embodiments of
height adjustable feet facilitate to stability of the exercise
apparatus on an uneven surface. Rubber feet may also be used. For
example, rubber feet 63 may be placed at the ends of the transverse
frame members 24 and/or at the ends of the elongated rails 23.
Upper Body Support Embodiments
[0051] Embodiments of an upper body support 30 are sufficiently
strong and rigid to support a mass of at least 80 kilograms at a
height of at least 25 cm above a floor or other surface on which
the exercise apparatus rests. At least this degree of strength and
rigidity is required to support a user's upper back or upper body
during use of embodiments of the exercise apparatus 10.
[0052] Embodiments of an upper body support 30 are sufficiently
large and shaped to comfortably support a user's upper back while
exercising. Variations are adapted to relatively comfortably
support an upper body of a human user of average sensitivity, with
a force of at least 178 newtons being applied to the upper body
support through the upper body of the human user. In one
embodiment, the upper body support is padded, the padding
comprising open or closed cell foam or similar material.
[0053] Embodiments of upper body supports 30, illustrated in FIGS.
1-3, comprise curvilinear surfaces, on which a user's upper body or
back rests during use of an exercise apparatus. Embodiments of
upper body supports have a curved surface facing approximately
toward a foot support 40.
[0054] In some embodiments, the top of the upper body support 30 is
preferably at least 25 cm high as measured from the base frame 20
or floor, more preferably at least 46 cm high as measured from the
base frame or floor, and most preferably at least 61 cm high as
measured from the base frame 20 or floor. In one variation, the top
of the upper body support 30 is between 61 cm and 122 cm from the
base frame 20 or floor.
[0055] Typically, but not necessarily, the upper body support 30
comprises at least one upper body strut 31, which attaches to the
base frame 20. Embodiments of an upper body strut 31 are adjustable
in an up and down direction to allow the user to customize the
exercise apparatus The range of adjustment is typically, but not
necessarily, between 30 cm to 122 cm in height.
[0056] Embodiments of the exercise apparatus 10 have mounting
handles 33 to assist the user to mount the exercise apparatus 10.
Mounting handles 33 are typically, but not necessarily connected to
the upper body support 30 or the upper body strut 31 itself,
extending toward the foot support 40 outside the exercise space
60.
Foot Support Embodiments
[0057] Embodiments of a foot support 40 are sufficiently strong and
rigid to support a mass of at least 80 kilograms at a height of at
least 25 cm above a floor or other surface on which an exercise
apparatus rests. At least this degree of strength and rigidity is
required to support a user's foot or feet during use of embodiments
of the exercise apparatus 10.
[0058] Embodiments of a foot support 40 are sufficiently large and
shaped to comfortably support a user's feet while exercising. Some
embodiments of a foot support are adapted to comfortably support at
least one foot of a human user of average sensitivity, with a force
of at least 135 newtons being applied to the foot support through
the foot or feet of the human user.
[0059] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the foot support is
padded. An embodiment of a padded foot support 40 is upholstered
with cushioning material such as open or closed cell foam, a foam
mattress, or foam material such as, polyurethane. Embodiments of a
foot support typically comprise one or more foot support struts 43
that connect to the base frame 20.
[0060] The foot support in certain embodiments also comprises one
or more stability struts 47 that attach to the foot struts 43 and
base frame 20 providing additional stability, as shown in FIG.
1.
[0061] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the foot
support 40 is not padded and is in the form of a plate 45. FIG. 2
illustrates an embodiment comprising a foot plate angle that is
readily adjustable, the foot plate angle being the angle between a
straight line between the center of the top of the upper body
support 32 and the center of the top of the foot support 40, and a
plane of the substantially planar surface of the foot plate. In one
embodiment, the foot plate 71 is pivotally connected to the foot
support struts with an angle adjuster 49, the foot angle 71 being
adjustable to between seventy-five and one hundred eighty degrees,
at fifteen degree increments.
[0062] Embodiments of the top of the foot support 40 are preferably
at least 15 cm high as measured from the base frame 20 or floor,
more preferably at least 30 cm, and most preferably at least 61 cm
high. In one embodiment, the top of the foot support 40 is between
30 cm and 122 cm high.
[0063] Embodiments of a foot support 40 and/or upper body support
30 are adjustable in a horizontal direction as shown in FIGS. 2-3.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the foot support is
adjustable by sliding along the elongated rail 23, preferably
providing an exercise space of between 96 cm and 148 cm. Variations
include an increment pin and threaded rod with knob lock the foot
support in position and provide stability. In one embodiment, a
foot support is horizontally adjustable having a horizontal member
which connects to the foot support strut.
[0064] Embodiments of the upper body support 30 and/or foot support
40 are also adjustable in an up and down direction to allow the
user to adjust the apparatus 10 to best suit the user's body size
or type. In one embodiment, the top of the upper body support 30 is
higher than the top of the foot support 40, preferably at least 15
cm higher, more preferably 15 cm to 30 cm higher. For example, in
one embodiment the upper body support 30 is 61 cm high and the foot
support is 46 cm high.
Resistance Apparatus Embodiments
[0065] An embodiment of the resistance apparatus 50 is adapted to
provide resistance as the user moves his/her hips upwardly away
from the ground. In one embodiment, the resistance is adjustable to
provide greater resistance as the user becomes stronger. An
embodiment of the resistance apparatus comprises resistance band
pegs 51, or resistance hooks, connected to the base frame between
the upper body support and foot support. Variations comprise one or
more resistance bands, or flex bands, functionally connected to the
band pegs 51, and functionally connected to a hip restraint to be
worn by the user. Embodiments of suitable hip restraints include,
but are not limited to, a padded hip bar, a hip belt, or a hip
strap. Embodiments of resistance bands may be exchanged with
varying strength resistance bands to accommodate the user's
exercise regime and level of strength.
[0066] In one embodiment, the resistance apparatus comprises a
cable weight machine having a plate loading structure (see FIG. 2,
plate loading structure 52) or weight stacking structure (see FIG.
3, weight stacking structure 53). Embodiments include a pulley
system comprising a primary pulley 56 that is functionally
connected to the base frame between the upper body support and the
foot support, which connects to a hip restraint (not shown), such
as a hip belt worn by the user, to apply resistance to the user as
the user moves his/her hips upwardly away from the ground. In some
variations, the primary pulley 56 may be adjustable to allow the
user to alter the direction and angle of resistance applied during
the exercise motion. Embodiments of a primary pulley provide a
resistance point, the resistance point being a point toward which a
loading force provided by the resistance apparatus is directed.
[0067] In some embodiments, a primary pulley 56 is disposed between
the upper body support and foot support. Embodiments of the primary
pulley 56 are adjustable in a front to back direction so that when
the upper body support and foot support are moved closer together
the pulley point is adjusted to take in to account the adjustments
made and applies resistance in an up and down direction when the
user reaches the bottom position of the movement. This is typically
about 30 cm in front of the upper body support.
[0068] In one embodiment, resistance band pegs 51 and/or the
primary pulley is disposed between the upper body support 30 and
foot support 40, preferably closer to the upper body support than
the foot support, and more preferably within 25 cm to 41 cm of the
upper body support.
[0069] In yet another embodiment, the resistance apparatus
comprises free weights that can be functionally connected to the
hip restraint to provide resistance as the user moves his/her hips
upwardly away from the floor or base frame.
[0070] In other embodiments, loading force is provided by a
resistance apparatus commonly known to persons of ordinary skill in
the art, including, but not limited to, a plate loading structure,
a weight stack structure, a pneumatic resistance device, or a
deforming bow device such as a Bowflex.RTM. bow.
Exercise Space Embodiments
[0071] Embodiments of the exercise apparatus comprise an exercise
space 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Embodiments of the exercise
space are substantially disposed between an upper body support 30
and foot support. Some embodiments of the exercise space are
adapted to allow the user to exercise throughout a substantially
full range of hip motion in the user's sagittal plane, the full
range of hip motion comprising hip flexion and hip extension. So
adapted, embodiments of exercise spaces permit the user to flex the
user's hips and lower his\her buttocks, with the user's upper back
supported on the upper body support and the user's feet supported
on the foot support, until the user's femur angle is about
90.degree..
[0072] Embodiments of exercise spaces also allow the user to extend
his/her hips upwardly against resistance created by the resistance
apparatus 50 to exercising the glutes. The user's hip flexion and
extension so described are unobstructed within embodiments of the
exercise space. Typically, the upper body support 30 and foot
support 40 are spaced so that the user's knee joints are at around
ninety degrees at the top of the exercise, i.e., when the user's
hips are fully extended upwardly away from the floor or base frame
20.
[0073] In one embodiment, the top of the upper body support 30 and
foot support 40 are preferably at least one foot, more preferably
at least one foot and one half; and most preferably at least 61 cm
from the base frame 20 or ground. Embodiments of the upper body
support 30 and foot support 40 are preferably at least 91 cm apart,
more preferably at least 107 cm apart, and most preferably at least
122 cm apart, being adjustable to 91 cm apart. In one embodiment
the distance between the upper body support 30 and foot support 40
is between 91 cm and 152 cm. The base frame 20 is preferably
adjustable so that the upper body support 30 and foot support 40
can be moved closer or further apart in order to accommodate
different user heights and provide sufficient exercise space
60.
[0074] In some embodiments the upper body support 30 or foot
support 40 is adjustable in a horizontal direction so as to make
the distance between the upper body support and foot support closer
or further apart, to accommodate different user heights.
[0075] In some embodiments, the exercise space is adjustable, for
example, from about 91 cm to 96 cm for a 152 cm tall person to
about 127 cm to 147 cm for a person over 182 cm tall. The exercise
space 60 may be adjustable, for example, by means of an adjustable
base frame 20 (see FIG. 1) or an adjustable upper body support 30
or foot support 40 (see FIGS. 2-3).
[0076] In one embodiment, the upper body support 30 and/or foot
support 40 are adjustable in an upward or downward direction,
preferably by 10 or more cm, for example 15 cm to 30 cm, and more
preferably by at least 20 cm, allowing the user to customize the
exercise apparatus to the user's body type and to customize the
exercise space 60.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first embodiment exercise
apparatus 10 has a base frame 20 comprising two elongated rails 23
and two rail joining members 24A, one at the front end and the
other at the back end. The first embodiment comprises elongated
rails 23 with rubber feet at the ends and a rail joining member 24A
at the front end also serves as a handle 29 having a hand grip
thereon. The first embodiment exercise apparatus 10 further
comprises an upper body support 30 and foot support 40. The first
embodiment foot support 40 comprises a foot pad having a 12 cm
diameter and two vertical foot struts 43 and two stability struts
47 attached to the foot struts 43 and base frame 20, the top of
each vertical foot strut 43 being 57.2 cm from the ground. The
first foot support being adjustably connected to the base frame 20
in a horizontal and up and down direction. The width of the base
frame being 56.5 cm and the length when fully extended being 168 cm
long, with a 41 cm collapsible range comprising eight holes at 5.1
cm increments so that when collapsed the apparatus is about 128 cm
in length.
[0078] The foot support also being adjustable in an up and down
direction having five holes at 5.1 cm increments. The upper body
support 30 comprises a D shaped pad being about 56 cm wide, and a
"T" shaped vertical upper body strut.
[0079] The exercise apparatus further has a resistance apparatus 50
comprising band pegs 51 located between the upper body support and
foot support and resistance bands to provide resistance while
extending the hips upwardly away from the base frame.
Other Exercise Apparatus Embodiments
[0080] In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus 20 is able to
accommodate taller athletes. The apparatus 20 has an exercise space
that adjusts in length from about 96 cm (for a 152 cm tall user) to
about 147 cm (for a 203 cm user). Some embodiments of the apparatus
20 are about 61 cm to 76 cm wide. As shown in FIG. 2, an embodiment
of the base frame 20 comprises one elongated rail 23 and three
cross members 24 providing stability to the apparatus 10.
[0081] Embodiments of the upper body support 30 comprise a D shaped
pad attached to a 2.5 cm shaped vertical upper body strut.
Embodiments of the upper body support further comprise mounting
handles 33, which connect to the upper body support strut 35, the
mounting handles having handle grips 37.
[0082] Embodiments of the foot support comprise a plate made of
3/16 inch diamond plate steel. The foot plate 71 is about 122 cm by
46 cm in an embodiment of an athletic embodiment exercise apparatus
(FIG. 2) and about 61 cm by 41 cm in a commercial embodiment. The
angle of the foot plate 71 is also adjustable, preferably from
seventy-five to one hundred eighty degrees, in fifteen degree
increments (FIGS. 2-3). The foot support 40 may also be
horizontally adjustable sliding along the elongated rail 23 and
having ten positions, which provide an exercise space of between 96
cm to 147 cm. An increment pin 28 and threaded rod with knob 48
lock the foot support in position and provide stability. The foot
support 40 being further adjustable in an up and down direction
along the foot support struts 43, having five holes 27 at 5.1 cm
increments and having a handle 29 to facilitate the foot support 43
adjustments.
[0083] The overall length of an embodiment of the exercise
apparatus 10 is 288 cm, including the resistance apparatus, which
has a pulley weight system 55, coupled to either a plate loading
structure (FIG. 2) or weight stack structure (FIG. 3). The pulley
weight system 55 is about 122 cm tall and about 61 cm long from
front to back along the elongated rail 23. The pulley weight system
55, having a restraint attachment 57 between upper body support 30
and foot support 40, which is attachable to the hip restraint such
as a hip belt, to be worn by the user during exercise. Embodiments
that comprise a restraint apparatus typically comprise a structure,
such as a waist belt, to transfer loading force to a user's
body.
A Fourth Embodiment Exercise Apparatus
[0084] A fourth embodiment exercise apparatus is illustrated in
FIGS. 4A and 4B. The fourth embodiment comprises an upper body
support 430, a foot support 440, a base frame 420, and mounting
handles 433. The fourth embodiment further comprises one or more
wheels 488 adapted to facilitate moving the exercise apparatus.
[0085] FIG. 4A illustrates a user in two different positions on the
fourth embodiment exercise apparatus, with both feet on the foot
support 440. The user is in a hip extended position 492 where
his/her hip extended femur angle 493 is greater than 180.degree..
In the hip extended position, the user's glutes are generally
flexed. The user is in a hip flexed position 494 where his/her hip
flexed femur angle 495 is less than 90.degree.. In the hip flexed
position, the glutes are generally extended.
[0086] In both the hip extended position 492 and the hip flexed
position 494 illustrated in FIG. 4A, the user's hips, knees, and a
substantial portion of the user's torso, are disposed in an
exercise space 460, the exercise space itself being disposed
substantially between the upper body support 430 and the foot
support 440, and above the base frame 420. The user is able to
perform an exercise routine, wherein the user extends his/her hips
to a hip extended femur angle 493 of greater than 180.degree., and
flexes his/her hips to a hip flexed femur angle 495 of less than
90.degree., without having hip extension or flexion obstructed by
any part of the fourth embodiment exercise apparatus, or the floor,
ground, or other surface on which the fourth embodiment exercise
apparatus sets.
[0087] A user's act of moving from the hip flexed position 494 to
the hip extended position 492 lifts the user's hips in a direction
approximately opposite the force of gravity. Gravitational pull of
the earth on the user's body thus provides a loading force, the
loading force being approximately consistent through a broad range
of motion of the user's hips illustrated in FIG. 4A. That range of
motion is substantially in the user's sagittal plane. Similarly,
the glutes are approximately consistently loaded through a broad
range of motion. The even loading of the glutes through a large
range of motion, illustrated in FIG. 4A, is heretofore unknown in
the exercise arts, and is not possible with prior art
equipment.
[0088] Some embodiments of the present invention, with the same
approximate structure of the fourth embodiment exercise apparatus,
but in addition comprising a resistance apparatus, employ the
resistance apparatus to impede hip extension within the exercise
space. Embodiments of the resistance apparatus are adapted to apply
a loading force in a direction approximately opposite the direction
of a user's hip motion when the user extends his/her hips from hip
flexed position to a hip extended position.
[0089] FIG. 4B illustrates a user in two different positions on the
fourth embodiment exercise apparatus, with only the user's left
foot on the foot support 440. The user's hip extended femur angle
493 in this figure is about 180.degree., and the hip flexed femur
angle 495 is about 90.degree.. Here, only the user's left femur
forms a femur angle, as the term is used in this application,
because only the left foot is supported on the foot support. The
glutes on the left side of the user's hips are therefore
preferentially loaded and exercised by the exercise illustrated in
FIG. 4B. The user's left hamstrings are also loaded and
exercised.
A Fifth Embodiment Exercise Apparatus
[0090] A fifth embodiment exercise apparatus 510 is illustrated in
FIG. 5. The fifth embodiment exercise apparatus comprises an upper
body support 530, a foot support 540, an exercise space 560, and a
resistance apparatus, the resistance apparatus comprising a weight
stack 553, a primary pulley 556, a cable 555, and a weight belt
580. The weight belt is a type of hip restraint, also know as a hip
belt.
[0091] The upper body support 530 of the fifth embodiment comprises
two horizontal members 582, on which are disposed handles 537. The
horizontal members of the fifth embodiment upper body support are
disposed on and supported by two upper body struts 531. By virtue
of the substantial rigidity of the upper body struts and horizontal
members, the upper body support of the fifth embodiment can
withstand a substantially horizontal force of at least 490 newtons,
without substantially moving or deflecting. Other embodiments of
the present invention have upper body supports that can withstand
much greater force in a horizontal direction, that force being up
to 2500 newtons or higher.
[0092] The foot support 540 of the fifth embodiment is disposed
with a distance of about 61 cm separating the upper body support
530 from the foot support at their closest points. In other
embodiments, the foot support is disposed with a distance of about
152 cm separating the upper body support from the foot support at
their closest points, and still other embodiments have a distance
of between 61 cm and 152 cm separating the upper body support from
the foot support at their closest points. Some embodiments have a
distance between the upper body support and the foot support at
their closest points that is adjustable, that distance typically,
but not necessarily, being adjustable from 61 cm to 152 cm. The
foot support of the fifth embodiment is also disposed about 41 cm
lower than the lowest point of the upper body support. Other
embodiments have foot supports disposed at positions that are as
little as 30 cm lower than the lowest points of the upper body
supports. The fifth embodiment foot support is substantially rigid,
and can withstand a horizontal force of 300 newtons without
substantially moving or deflecting. Other embodiments of the
present invention have foot supports that can withstand much
greater force in a horizontal direction, that force being up to
1500 newtons or higher.
[0093] The horizontal forces that the upper body support 530 and
foot support 540 can withstand without substantially moving or
deflecting, are sufficient that a user can perform a prescribed
exercise, described below, to lift a weight stack 553 mass of 45 kg
straight up, where the full force of lifting that mass is
transmitted to the weight belt 580.
[0094] The exercise space 560 of the fifth embodiment has a volume
of at least 100 liters, the center of the exercise space being
approximately equidistant between the center of the foot support
540 and the intersections of the upper body struts 531 and the
horizontal members 582.
[0095] The position, shape, and size of the exercise space permits
a user to perform a prescribed exercise, described below. No part
of the fifth embodiment exercise apparatus except the weight belt
580 and a portion of the cable 555 can extend into the exercise
space. The user is thus not obstructed from performing the
prescribed exercise by any part of the fifth embodiment exercise
apparatus. By design, the resistance apparatus of the fifth
embodiment exercise apparatus is adapted to provide a loading force
that impedes a user from performing a particular movement of the
exercise, described below.
[0096] The cable 555 of the fifth embodiment transmits force from
the weight stack 553 to the weight belt 580, where it is a loading
force. Other embodiments use resistance apparatuses comprising
elastomers, plate loading devices, pneumatic devices, bow deforming
devices such as a Bowflex.RTM. bow, and other devices known to
persons of ordinary skill in the art, to generate loading
force.
[0097] The primary pulley 556 of the fifth embodiment is disposed
outside the exercise space, and within 20 cm of a height of a point
equidistant between the center of the top of the upper body support
and the center of the top of the foot support
[0098] A user performs a prescribed exercise on the fifth
embodiment exercise apparatus by engaging an appropriate mass on
the weight stack, and standing with his/her feet on the foot
platform 584 and heels against the foot support 540. The user
places his/her forearms on the horizontal members 582 of the upper
body support 530 and grasps one or more handles 537 with his/her
hands.
[0099] The user places the weight belt around his/her trunk at
approximately his/her waist or hips, and begins the exercise by
extending his/her hips while the user's feet and arms stay
relatively stationary. When the user performs the exercise
properly, his/her hips move away from the weight stack 553 and
primary pulley 558, and the angle of a user's femur relative to a
line parallel to the user's spine increases from approximately
90.degree. at the starting, hip flexed, position, to about
180.degree., and sometimes to greater than 180.degree., in the hip
extended position. The user lifts the engaged appropriate mass of
the weight stack, pulling against a loading force, while extending
his/her hips. After holding the fully extended position briefly,
which entails withstanding the loading force, the user slowly
flexes his/her hips, returning to approximately the starting
position. As the user returns to the starting position, the angle
between the user's femur and a line parallel to the user's spine
decreases to approximately 90.degree., or sometimes less than
90.degree., and the appropriate mass of the weight stack is lowered
as the user's hips move approximately in the direction of the
loading force. The motion described here is repeated for any number
of repetitions, and with any appropriate mass of the weight stack
engaged.
[0100] As is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the act
of extending the hips flexes the glutes, and flexing the hips
extends the glutes. Thus, as the user extends his/her hips, working
against the loading force by use of movement that is approximately
away from, if not directly opposite, the direction of the loading
force, the glutes are approximately consistently loaded. The user's
glutes therefore perform substantial work through a large range of
motion, in the sagittal plane, of the user's hips. Similarly, the
glutes are worked through a large portion of their range of flexion
and extension. The even loading of the glutes through a large range
of motion described here is heretofore unknown in the exercise
arts, and is not possible with prior art equipment. It is
particularly impractical, if not impossible, with prior art
equipment in which the user is disposed in an approximately
standing position.
A Sixth Embodiment Exercise Apparatus
[0101] A sixth embodiment exercise apparatus 610 is illustrated in
FIG. 6. The sixth embodiment comprises an upper body support 630, a
foot support 640, a seat support 662, a resistance apparatus 650,
and a base frame 620. The sixth embodiment upper body support and
foot support are pivotally joined by a medial pivot joint 664. The
sixth embodiment upper body support and the seat support are
connected to the base frame by, and partially supported by, support
struts 631.
[0102] The sixth embodiment foot support 640 and seat support 662
are connected at an angle of about 90.degree.. Thus, when using the
sixth embodiment, a user's leg is bent at a knee at an angle of
approximately 90.degree. when the user sits in the exercise
apparatus with his/her (i) hips resting in a cradle formed by the
upper body support 630 and seat support 662, (ii) back resting
against the upper body support, and (iii) foot of the leg that is
bent at the knee at an angle of approximately 90.degree. resting on
the foot support. The angle of the knee remains at approximately
90.degree. throughout the range of motion of an exercise routine
performed by the user when using the sixth embodiment exercise
apparatus, explained below.
[0103] Embodiments of exercise routines performed using the sixth
embodiment begin with the user sitting in the exercise apparatus
with his/her (i) hips resting in a cradle formed by the upper body
support 630 and seat support 662, (ii) back resting against the
upper body support, and (iii) foot of the leg that is bent at the
knee at an angle of approximately 90.degree. resting on the foot
support. In this position, a sixth embodiment user's hips are
flexed and the user's femur angle is about 90.degree. or less, and
a plane of the upper body support is at an angle of about
90.degree. relative to a plane of the seat support. Throughout an
exercise routine using the sixth embodiment, a user's femur angle
and the angle the of a plane of the upper body support relative to
a plane of the seat support are approximately equal.
[0104] In one variation, the user loads and works his/her glutes by
pushing downwardly against the foot support 640 with at least one
of his/her feet, and pushes downwardly against the upper body
support 630 with his/her upper back. This action extends the user's
hips upwardly, with the sixth embodiment medial pivot joint 664
travelling upwardly approximately the same distance, and at
approximately the same velocity, as the user's hips. A user
typically, but not necessarily, extends his/her hips until a femur
angle increases to approximately 180.degree. or greater, whereupon
the user typically briefly holds a position with his/her hips
generally extended, before returning to a position with his/her
hips generally flexed. The angle of the upper body support relative
to the seat support changes as the upper body support and the seat
support pivot about the medial pivot joint. The motions described
above for the sixth embodiment are repeated for any number of
repetitions, but typically for 5-20 repetitions.
[0105] The hip extension motion of the sixth embodiment, described
above, extends the hips upwardly, and approximately opposite a
loading force on the user caused by the earth's gravitational pull
on the user. Additional loading force is provided by a resistance
apparatus 650 of the sixth embodiment, which comprises an elastic
member 654, the additional loading force being in a direction
approximately opposite a motion of the user's hips as the user
extends his/her hips upwardly, as described above. In other
embodiments, loading force is provided by a resistance apparatus
comprising devices commonly known to persons of ordinary skill in
the art, including, but not limited to, a plate loading structure,
a weight stack, a pneumatic resistance device, or a deforming bow
device such as a Bowflex.RTM. bow.
A Seventh Embodiment Method of Using an Exercise Apparatus
[0106] A seventh embodiment method of using an exercise apparatus
is illustrated in FIG. 7. The first operation 701 of the seventh
embodiment comprises providing the exercise apparatus of FIG.
4A.
[0107] The second operation 702 of the seventh embodiment comprises
a user placing his/her upper back against the upper body support of
the exercise apparatus and both of his/her feet on the foot
support, with the user's femur angle at about 90.degree., and the
user's hips below a straight between the upper body support and
foot support and therefore relatively low in the exercise space. As
is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, this position is
only made possible be an exercise space that extends substantially
below a straight line between the upper body support and the foot
support. So disposed, all of a user's weight is borne by the upper
body support and the foot support in combination; similarly some of
the user's weight is suspended between the upper body support and
the foot support. In other embodiments of methods of using the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 4, a user places only one foot on the
foot support, and therefore preferentially exercises the glutes and
hamstrings on one side of the user's body. In some embodiments,
where a user places only one foot on the foot support, the user is
free to use the other foot to help support his body in some
positions.
[0108] The third operation 703 of the seventh embodiment comprises
the user attaching a hip belt, to which is coupled a mass of 10 kg,
around the user's waist or hips. Other embodiments use no apparatus
to provide additional loading force beyond that provided by the
gravitational pull of the earth on the user's body. Still other
embodiments use resistance apparatuses comprising structures such
as, but not limited to, plate loading structures, weight stack
structures, elastic members, deflecting bow structures such as
Bowflex.RTM. bows, or pneumatic resistance structures. In some
embodiments, a user places a weight such as a plate, dumbbell, or
barbell in his/her lap, to provide additional loading force.
[0109] The fourth operation 704 of the seventh embodiment comprises
the user extending his/her hips upwardly, lifting the 10 kg
attached to the weight belt in the process, until his/her femur
angle is at about 180.degree., and the user's hips are above a
straight line between the upper body support and the foot support.
The user's glutes are approximately consistently loaded throughout
the range of glute flexion and extension of this exercise. As is
apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, moving from a
position with a femur angle of about 90.degree. to a femur angle of
about 180.degree. entails a broad range of glute flexion. In some
embodiments, a user performs the fourth operation with an explosive
burst of effort, extending his/her hips upwardly relatively
quickly.
[0110] The fifth operation 705 of the seventh embodiment comprises
the user briefly holding the position achieved at the end of the
fourth operation. Typically, the user holds this position for about
a second. In some embodiments the user holds this position for
three or more seconds. In other embodiments, the user does not hold
this position for even a second.
[0111] The sixth operation 706 of the seventh embodiment comprises
the user flexing his/her hips to return to a starting position,
where his/her femur angle is about 90.degree., and his/her hips are
disposed below a straight line from the upper body support to the
foot support. In some embodiments, a user performs this operation
relatively slowly compared to the fourth operation of hip
extension. In some embodiments, a user repeats the hip extending
and hip flexing motion of the seventh embodiment numerous
times.
Other Embodiments of Methods of Using an Exercise Apparatus
[0112] In other embodiments of methods of using exercise
apparatuses, users use embodiments of exercises apparatuses
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[0113] In one embodiment, the method comprises the operations of:
(i) wearing a hip restraint 56 around the user's hip area, (ii)
placing the user's upper back on the upper body support 30, (iii)
resting at least one of foot on the foot support 40, (iv) lowering
the user's buttocks downwardly toward the base frame or floor into
the exercise space 60 between the upper body support 30 and foot
support 40 followed by extending the hips upwardly away from the
base frame against resistance created by the resistance apparatus
50. The exercise is repeated according to the user's exercise
regime. Preferably the exercise is performed with a slow steady
eccentric component, an explosive concentric component, and a brief
isometric hold at the top portion of the movement, e.g., one
second. In one optional embodiment, the hip thrust exercise
described can be performed without the exercise apparatus 10, or
with the exercise apparatus 10 but without the resistance apparatus
attached to the user.
[0114] In this embodiment, the method comprises the operations of
(i) the user holding free weights, such as dumbbells, or optionally
wearing a weighted hip belt around the user's hip area (ii) placing
the user's upper back on the upper body support 30 (iii) placing at
least one foot on the foot support 40, (iv) lowering the user's
buttocks downwardly in the exercise space 60, toward the base frame
or floor, and, (v) lifting and extending the user's hips upwardly
away from the base frame or ground, the lifting being against
resistance created by the free weight or weighted hip belt. The
exercise is repeated according to the user's exercise regime.
A Donkey Model with Resistance Device Embodiment Exercise
Apparatus
[0115] In one embodiment the apparatus is a donkey model used to
exercise the gluteus muscles of a user. An embodiment of a donkey
model with resistance device us illustrated in provisional Patent
Application 60/885,346 filed Jan. 17, 2007, FIG. 2. A donkey model
810 with resistance device embodiment exercise apparatus is
illustrated in FIG. 8, and typically comprises:
[0116] a platform 801 with a front end and back end for the user to
lay on, with stomach down;
[0117] hand grips 833 to provide the user with a gripping surface
so that user can hold on during the exercise, typically with the
arm/hand grips extending forward from the front end of the
platform; and
[0118] a resistance device, comprising a weight stack 853 adapted
to allow the user to keep the legs bent at the knees (preferably
between forty-five degrees and one hundred degrees; more preferably
between seventy-five degrees and ninety degrees) during the
exercise to focus the exercise motion about the hip for maximum
glute development, wherein the user performs an exercise routine as
follows.
[0119] A user typically starts in a fully extended position with
the user's knees bent at approximately the same angle throughout
the complete exercise motion. The resistance device is typically
functionally attached to the user during exercise, such that the
resistance device naturally pulls the user's legs downwardly
towards the ground followed by the user using force (the gluteus
muscles) to extend the legs in the fixed bent state upwardly away
from the ground against resistance created by the resistance device
before allowing the legs to naturally fall back towards the ground,
thereby exercising the user's gluteus muscles.
[0120] In some donkey model embodiments, resistance can be created
by flexible resistance bands or weights. The weights may comprise a
cable weight machine having a plate loading or weight stack
structure, or leg weights so that the user must use force to extend
their legs upwardly to the fully extended state, thereby exercising
the user's gluteus muscles. In one embodiment, the resistance
device is adapted so that at a completed position of the exercise
movement, the resistance is coming in the direction of the sagittal
plane to the user.
A Prone Model Exercise Apparatus Embodiment
[0121] An embodiment of the present invention directed to a prone
models 910 with a resistance apparatus comprising a weight stack
953 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The prone model typically comprises a
leg angle device 903 with a mid leg restraint 904 and lower leg
restraint 905 to allow the user to anchor their legs at an angled
position during the exercise. An embodiment of the prone model also
has an upper leg and hip support 906 so the user can bend forward
at the mid section. Some embodiments have a leg angle device that
is padded for comfort during the exercise.
[0122] An embodiment of the prone model further comprises a
resistance device which provides resistance while the user extends
from a starting position, wherein the user bends forward holding on
to the resistance device handle 933, to a fully extended position
wherein the user lifts his/her upper body upwardly away from the
ground against the resistance created by the resistance device. In
some embodiments, the legs are bent at the knees preferably between
forty-five degrees and one hundred degrees, and more preferably
between seventy-five degrees and ninety degrees by the leg angle
device, while the user is pulling against the resistance created by
the resistance device. Embodiments of the leg angle device focus
the exercise motion about the hip for maximum glute
development.
[0123] In some embodiments, resistance is created by flexible
exercise bands or weights. In some embodiments of the prone model
embodiment the resistance is created by a weight stack pulley
system, wherein a user holds a resistance device handle while
leaning forward in a starting position, wherein resistance is
created when the user extends upwardly away from the ground,
extending the back. In some embodiments, the resistance is created
by flex bands held by the user during exercise. In one embodiment
the resistance device is designed so that the resistance force is
directed at about at a forty-five degree angle from the ground so
that at a completed position of the exercise movement the
resistance is coming in the direction of the sagittal plane.
A Holster Model with Hip Thrust Resistance Device Exercise
Apparatus Embodiment
[0124] In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is a
holster model with a hip thrust resistance device used to
strengthen and develop the gluteus-muscles of a user. The holster
model apparatus typically comprises (i) a base stand having a front
end and a back end, (ii) a shoulder holster, wherein the holster is
attached towards the back end of the base frame, the top of the
shoulder holster is preferably at least twelve inches from, more
preferably at least eighteen inches from, and most preferably at
least twenty-four inches from the ground or base frame, (iii) a
foot support attached toward the front end of the base frame (iv)_a
hip thrust resistance device being connectible to a hip restraint
to be worn by the user during exercise; and (v)_an exercise space
created between the holster and foot support, the exercise space
being sufficient to allow the user to place the upper back in the
holster and feet on foot support while lowering the buttocks
downwardly towards the base frame followed by extending the hips
upwardly away from the base frame against resistance created by the
resistance device.
[0125] Embodiments of the shoulder holster are adapted to
comfortably fit the user's shoulders in place while the user places
their feet on the foot support. The foot support can be anything
that allows the user to safely place their feet during the exercise
without bodily injury. Preferably, the foot support is at least six
inches, more preferably at least twelve inches, and most preferably
at least eighteen inches from the ground to allow the user to have
complete range of motion during the exercise. Examples for suitable
foot supports include: a foot pad, a foot plate, a foot bar,
separate foot pedals or foot stirrups
[0126] An embodiment of a hip thrust resistance device is adapted
to provide resistance as the user extends his/her hips upwardly
away from the ground. The resistance in some embodiments is
adjustable to provide greater resistance as the user becomes
stronger. In one embodiment, the resistance device comprises
resistance band pegs, e.g., resistance hooks, connected to the base
frame in front of the should holster and one or more resistance
bands, e.g., flex bands, functionally connected to the band pegs
and functionally connected to a hip restraint to be worn by the
user. Examples of suitable hip restraints include, for example, a
padded hip bar, a hip belt, or a hip strap. In some embodiments,
resistance bands may be exchanged with varying strength resistance
bands to accommodate user specific exercise regimens.
[0127] In one embodiment, the resistance device comprises a cable
weight machine having a plate loading or weight stacking structure
and a pulley system that is functionally connected to the base
frame, in front of the shoulder holster, which connects to a hip
restraint, e.g., hip belt worn by the user, to apply resistance to
the user as the user extends their hips upwardly away from the
ground. Variations of the pulley system are adjustable to allow the
user to alter the direction and angle of resistance applied during
the exercise motion.
[0128] In yet another embodiment, the resistance device is a weight
belt worn by the user, wherein weight may be added to the belt as
the user develops. In one embodiment, the holster pivots to allow
for maximum range of motion during the exercise. Typically in this
embodiment, the holster movement is partially limited to prevent
the user from slipping out of holster at bottom of movement of the
exercise. For example, near the point during the exercise when the
user's torso becomes close to perpendicular to the base frame, a
stopper would prevent further movement of the holster. In an
embodiment the pivoting of the holster is adjustable to personalize
the exercise to a specific user and their level of flexibility.
A Bench Model with Hip Thrust Resistance Device Exercise Apparatus
Embodiment
[0129] In one embodiment the present invention comprises a bench,
typically comprising a shoulder support pivotally connected to a
lower support and foot support. The bench is adapted to be in a
flexed state, comprising a resistance device wherein the user must
use force to push the bench into the completed position (fully
extended). The resistance is typically from a pulley system, free
weights, flex bands or a hydraulic or pneumatic system, for
example.
[0130] In one embodiment, resistance is created by a hydraulic
system functionally connected between the shoulder support and
lower support to keep the bench in the flexed position. In some
variations, the user pushes against the shoulder support, the
resistance created by the hydraulic system exercises the gluteus
muscles. In some variations, the user pushes until the bench is in
the completed position, in which the exercise can be repeated.
Preferably, the hydraulic system is adjustable so the user can
increase or decrease resistance.
* * * * *