U.S. patent application number 12/799078 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for portable gym using gravitational forces.
The applicant listed for this patent is Danny Thai Hester. Invention is credited to Danny Thai Hester.
Application Number | 20140005015 12/799078 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49778721 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140005015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hester; Danny Thai |
January 2, 2014 |
Portable gym using gravitational forces
Abstract
A portable gym using gravitational forces of the present
invention includes a gravity gym assembly and a belt harness. The
gravity gym assembly includes a door anchor that is attachable to
any doorway having a door, and an adjustable strap that leads to a
pulley through which a cable passes. The cable is equipped with
detachable handles on each end and may be advanced back and forth
through the pulley when forces are applied to the handles. A series
of exercises may be accomplished by varying body position, and
exercises the entire body by using the person's body weight for
resistance. In an alternative embodiment, the portable gym using
gravitational forces may include attachment of the cable ends to
the belt harness worn around the waist of the athlete and provides
for the stabilization and application of resistance on the body
while exercising. Exercises that are primarily performed in the
gym, including, strengthening shoulder, arm, chest, back, leg, and
abdominal core muscle groups, and performing cardiovascular and
plyometric movements, can be performed virtually anywhere using the
portable gym using gravitational forces of the present
invention.
Inventors: |
Hester; Danny Thai;
(Ventura, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hester; Danny Thai |
Ventura |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49778721 |
Appl. No.: |
12/799078 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 2225/685 20130101;
A63B 21/1663 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 21/4009
20151001; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 7/00 20130101; A63B 71/023
20130101; A63B 23/0205 20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B
23/03541 20130101; A63B 23/1254 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/131 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A portable gym using gravitational forces, comprising: a gravity
gym assembly and a belt harness; said gravity gym assembly
comprising: a door anchor attachable to any doorway having a door,
an adjustable strap that leads to a pulley through which a cable
passes, said cable equipped with detachable handles on each end
advancable back and forth through the pulley when forces are
applied to the handles.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled "Pocket Perfect Gym",
filed Apr. 17, 2009, and currently co-pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices.
The present invention is more particularly, though not exclusively,
useful as an exercise device to perform exercises that are
typically performed in the gym, and can be performed anywhere with
a strong structural base such as a door way, tree branch or
fence.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Early history has provided evidence that man has long been
aware of the benefits of physical fitness, and in the development
of strong muscles. In fact, the Spartans and Greeks are thought to
be some of the most physically fit societies that have ever
existed. As early as the 18.sup.th century, man has developed
exercise devices to assist with the development of muscles and
general fitness.
[0004] One of the first known exercise devices was the "chamber
horse" designed in the late 18.sup.th century. This device included
a chair-like seat having a series of springs under the seat portion
and a pair of handles extending from the arms of the chair. The
person exercising would grip each handle, and bounce up and down to
simulate the riding of a horse, to strengthen the legs an
torso.
[0005] While the "chamber horse" was a very basic and rudimentary
device, it represents the start of a trend that included the
introduction of exercise devices into the mainstream household.
Over the centuries, there have been many improvements on the
chamber horse, and the creation of an endless variety of exercise
devices.
[0006] Hand-in-hand with the growing popularity of exercise devices
came the growing awareness of the day-to-day benefits of strength
and cardiovascular fitness. Perhaps one of the best known advocates
of fitness and strength training was Angelo Siciliano (later known
as Charles Atlas) who developed the "Charles Atlas Exercise
Program" in the early 1920s. The Atlas program is likely one of the
longest-lasting programs to date, and owes is longevity in part to
the consistent advertising of the "Dynamic Tension" exercise
program. "Dynamic Tension" is a self-resistance exercise method
which pits muscle against muscle. The practitioner tenses the
muscles of given body part and then moves the body part against the
tension as if a heavy weight was being lifted. "Dynamic Tension"
exercises are not merely isometrics, since they include movement.
Instead, the method comprises a combination of exercises in three
disciplines: isotonic, isokinetic, and some exercises in the
isometric discipline. No apparatus are required to practice Atlas'
"Dynamic Tension" program, and thus it was affordable and appealed
to many as the in-home fitness solution.
[0007] Following in the footsteps of Charles Atlas, Jack LaLanne
and Joe Weider each came up with their own personal physical
fitness program that included diet, exercise, and weight training.
Unlike Atlas' program, however, both LaLanne and Weider programs
required the use of weight training. In fact, Weider developed an
entire line of weight-lifting and bodybuilding exercise equipment
to accompany his fitness program.
[0008] Modern day exercise devices for building and strengthening
muscles range from the basic barbell and weight bench, to
large-scale universal gyms. The "Universal Gym" was developed in
1957 and was the first multi-station selectable-weight training
machine. Over the years, the "Universal Gym" has gradually been
replaced by highly engineered weight training stations.
[0009] In addition to weight-based devices, a variety of exercise
devices have been designed to focus equally on cardiovascular
fitness. These devices include computerized stationary bicycles,
treadmills, stair-stepping machines, elliptical trainers, and
rowing machines. These devices are used to elevate heart rate for a
sustained period of time to improve the cardiovascular health.
[0010] While fitness techniques have ranged from the "Dynamic
Tension" exercises promoted by Atlas, to the equipment-based
exercises promoted by LaLanne and others, there is a gap in the
available products and techniques. Specifically, the "Dynamic
Tension" techniques are limited by the absence of any apparatus
designed to improve specific muscle strength and function. On the
other hand, the equipment-based exercises require expensive, bulky,
and often very complicated, gym equipment. As a result of these two
disparate options, a person must choose between an at-home,
equipment-less exercise program, or invest thousands of dollars to
purchase the latest state-of-the-art equipment for home or join a
gym that has that equipment available at an often significant
cost.
[0011] In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide
an exercise device that provides the athlete with the apparatus
necessary to exercise fully all muscle groups in the body. It would
also be advantageous to provide an exercise device that is portable
thus eliminating the need for bulky equipment or gym memberships.
It is further advantageous to provide an exercise device that is
easy to set up, easy to use, and comparatively cost effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The portable gym using gravitational forces of the present
invention includes a gravity gym assembly and a belt harness. The
gravity gym assembly includes a door anchor that is attachable to
any doorway having a door, and an adjustable strap that leads to a
pulley through which a cable passes. The cable is equipped with
detachable handles on each end and may be advanced back and forth
through the pulley when forces are applied to the handles. A series
of exercises may be accomplished by varying body position, and
exercises the entire body by using the person's body weight for
resistance. In an alternative embodiment, the portable gym using
gravitational forces may include attachment of the cable ends to
the belt harness. The belt harness is worn around the waist of the
athlete and provides for the stabilization and application of
resistance on the body while exercising.
[0013] Exercises that are primarily performed in the gym,
including, strengthening shoulder, arm, chest, back, leg, and
abdominal core muscle groups, and performing cardiovascular and
plyometric movements, can be performed virtually anywhere using the
portable gym using gravitational forces of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The objects, features, and advantages of the method
according to the invention will be more clearly perceived from the
following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an assembly view of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing the gravity
gym assembly having a door anchor, adjustable strap that leads to a
pulley having a cable equipped with an attachable handle at each
end, and a corresponding belt harness attachable to the cable;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym attached to a doorway and engaged in
exercise;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym attached to a doorway and engaged in
exercise with an inclined body position thereby increasing the
gravitational forces applied to the exercise;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a is a perspective view of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym and belt harness attached to a doorway and
engaged in exercise showing the range of body movement in a
side-to-side and rotational direction;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the door anchor of the
portable gym using gravitational forces of the present invention
showing the stop positioned between a door and the door frame
(shown in phantom) adjacent the hinge;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a is a perspective view of the door anchor of the
portable gym using gravitational forces of the present invention
showing the stop positioned between a door and the door frame
(shown in phantom) distant from the hinge;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a is a perspective view of the handle of the
portable gym using gravitational forces of the present invention
showing the handle strap and grip having a pad;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym attached to a doorway, with the athlete
facing toward the door and engaged in an arm curl exercise with an
inclined body position thereby increasing the gravitational forces
applied to the exercise;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym attached to a doorway, with the athlete
facing away from the door and engaged in an arm butterfly exercise
with an inclined body position thereby increasing the gravitational
forces applied to the exercise;
[0024] FIG. 10A-C is a series of views of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym attached to a doorway, with the athlete
facing toward the door and engaged in an upright rowing exercise
with varying angles of inclined body position thereby increasing
the gravitational forces applied to the exercise, and a bar graph
representation corresponding to the proportion of the gravitational
forces experienced by the athlete; and
[0025] FIG. 11A-C is a series of views of the portable gym using
gravitational forces of the present invention showing an athlete
using the portable gym attached to a free-standing post, with the
athlete using the portable gym and belt harness in exercise showing
the range of cardiovascular and plyometric body movements including
for example, squats and lunges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an assembly view of the
portable gym using gravitational forces of the present invention is
shown and generally designated 100. Portable gym 100 includes a
gravity gym assembly 102 and a belt harness 104.
[0027] Gravity gym 102 assembly includes a door anchor 110. Door
anchor 110 includes a stop 112 that is enlarged compared to the
relatively thin door anchor strap 114. As will be discussed in
greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6, the stop 112 is
enlarged so as to prevent the stop from passing between a door and
its frame.
[0028] Clip ring 116 attaches anchor strap 114 to ring 118 that is
attached to leader strap 120. Adjustable clamp 122 attaches leader
strap 120 to adjustable strap 124 so that the overall length of the
combination of leader strap 120 and adjustable strap 124 can be
adjusted and secured. This adjustment capability provides for the
use of the gravity gym assembly in nearly any setting.
[0029] Adjustable strap 124 ends with a ring 125 that attaches to
clip ring 126 which clips to a pulley 128. Pulley 128 includes an
axle 132 which supports a wheel 130 sized to receive a cable 134.
In a preferred embodiment, cable 134 may be a polymer encased steel
cable to provide suitable durability and strength. Alternative
cabling as is known in the art may be used without departing from
the present invention.
[0030] Each end of cable 134 includes a cable stop 136 and loop
138. Cable stop 136 is sized so that the cable stop 136 cannot pass
through pulley 128 thereby preventing the cable 134 from passing
entirely through pulley 128. A clip ring 140 attaches to loop 138
and may be attached to a handle 142. Specifically, handle 142 is
formed with a ring 144 that is removably clipped to clip ring 140
to secure the handle 142 to the gravity gym assembly 102.
[0031] The portable gym using gravitational forces 100 of the
present invention also includes the belt harness 104. The harness
104 includes a strap pad 160 which is attached to an elongated
strap 162 having an adjustable clip 164 on one end, and a clip
receiver 166 on the other end. It is to be appreciated that
adjustable clip 164 provides for the adjustment of the length of
strap 162 and is securely received in clip receiver 166 so as to
secure the belt harness around an athlete's body, such as the waist
or chest.
[0032] A pouch 170 may be attached to, or formed integral to, strap
pad 160 and equipped with a zipper 172. In a preferred embodiment,
gravity gym assembly 102 can be stored fully within pouch 170 of
the belt harness 104 to provide for the easy and convenient
transportation and storage. Moreover, because the portable gym 100
using gravitational forces of the present invention is highly
versatile, the ability to easily transport the gym on an athlete's
waist is highly advantageous for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. An
accessory pouch 174 attached to strap pad 160 provides additional
storage for an athlete during these periods of transportation, and
are perfectly suited for personal electronics, such as cellular
telephones and i-pods.
[0033] A pair of belt rings 176 are securely attached to the strap
162 adjacent each end of strap pad 160. As will be shown in greater
detail in conjunction with FIG. 4, clip ring 140 of the gravity gym
assembly 102 may also be attached to belt rings 176 for additional
exercises. In such configurations, handles 142 can be removed from
gravity gym assembly 102, or they may remain in place on clip rings
140 and adjacent belt rings 176.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the portable gym
using gravitational forces 100 of the present invention is shown as
typically used by an athlete 200. As shown, gravity gym 102 is
attached to a structure, such as a doorway by positioning stop 112
inside a door 210 so that anchor strap 114 passes between the door
210 and the door frame 208. Once the door 210 is securely closed,
the door anchor 110 is securely captured in place.
[0035] As shown in this Figure, athlete 200 is facing away from
door 210 and gripping handles 142 and engaged in exercise of the
torso 202, right arm 204 and left arm 206. As can be understood
from this Figure, when right arm 204 is moved forward and away from
the door 210, cable 134 passes through pulley 128 causing left arm
206 to move backwards toward door 210.
[0036] FIG. 3 provides another perspective view of the portable gym
using gravitational forces 100 in the same basic exercise as shown
in FIG. 3, provided that the position of the athlete 200 provides
increased resistance on the movement of arms 204 and 206, and
increased needs of core muscle strength in torso 202 due to the
athlete's inclined position relative to the ground. More
specifically, the athlete depicted in FIG. 3 has positioned his
feet 224 closer to the door 210 than in FIG. 2. This foot position
results in an increase in the angle of the athlete's body position.
In this non-vertical position, the forces exerted on the arms 204
and 206 are much greater due to the effects of gravity. The forces
that are experienced by arms 204 and 206 as they pass through
motions 214 and 216 are far greater due to the athlete's inclined
position. Also, the strength requirement for core muscles in torso
202 is greatly increased as the athlete must maintain a proper body
position and posture.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the portable
gym using gravitational forces 100 of the present invention is
shown and includes an athlete 200 using the gravity gym 102 along
with the belt harness 104. As shown in this Figure, belt harness
104 attaches about the waist of athlete 200 by inserting adjustable
clip 164 into clip receiver 166. Once in position, clip rings 140
are attached to belt rings 176. As shown, the belt harness 104 is
positioned on athlete 200 so that strap pad 160 is adjacent his
stomach. It is to be appreciated, however, that the belt harness
104 may be positioned around athlete 200 so strap pad 160 is
adjacent his back or sides, and may even be worn higher on the
abdomen 220 if desired. In a preferred embodiment, the strap pad
160 is positions so that the bulk of the force applied through the
harness occurs at the strap pad to provide padding and minimize
discomfort to the athlete.
[0038] As shown, gravity gym 100 is attached to a door 210 and door
frame 208, and cable 134 is taut. In this configuration, athlete
200 may engage in a number of exercise routines, and has freedom of
movement in rotational directions 222, as well as side to side 226
and 228 motion. In some exercises, a padding, or slide mat, 230 may
be used to allow the cushion or sliding of feet 224.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the door
anchor 110 of the portable gym using gravitational forces 100 shows
the anchor stop 112 positioned on the opposite side of a door 210,
with anchor strap 114 passing between door 210 and door frame 208
and immediately adjacent hinge 212 (shown in phantom). By
positioning the door anchor 110 adjacent hinge 212, a significant
pulling force may be exerted on leader strap 120 without fear of
damaging the door or frame.
[0040] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the door anchor 110 of
the portable gym using gravitational forces 100 showing the anchor
stop 112 positioned on the opposite side of a door 210, with anchor
strap 114 passing between door 210 and door frame 208 (shown in
phantom). In this installation, the door anchor 110 is distant from
the hinge 212 and demonstrates that there is no limit to the
positioning of door anchor 110. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
the anchor stop 114 is positioned on the side of door frame 208
opposite hinge 212. It is to be appreciated that this is merely
exemplary, and that the anchor stop 114 may be positioned on the
side of the door frame 208 that has hinge 212, with the anchor
strap passing between door 210 and door frame 208 in the opposite
direction as shown in these figures.
[0041] Anchor strap 114 is shown to be formed with a loop 150
through which clip ring 116 passes. As will be more fully discussed
in conjunction with FIG. 11, gravity gym 102 may be attached to
other structures by removing door anchor 110 and clipping clip ring
116 around leader strap 120. In this manner, the portable gym using
gravitational forces 100 of the present invention may be attached
to any sturdy structure, from manmade doorways, railings, posts,
and ceiling joists, to natural structures, such as trees and
rocks.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handle 142 of the
portable gym using gravitational forces 100 of the present
invention. This figure shows the handle strap 146 formed with a
stitched loop 152 around ring 144. Handle strap 146 passes through
a bore 154 formed in grip 148 to provide a robust gripping surface.
This results in a fail-proof design in which, even in the unlikely
event grip 148 breaks, strap 146 passes through the athlete's hand
thereby preventing the uncontrolled release of cable 134. A pad 156
may be provided to grip 148 to assist with the gripping surface by
providing a slip-free surface, while adding a layer of padding to
distribute the pressure on the athlete's hand.
Specific Exercises
[0043] The portable gym using gravitational forces 100 of the
present invention is designed to be useful for accomplishing a near
unlimited number of exercises focusing on the strengthening of all
muscle groups, and providing a cardiovascular workout. In order to
demonstrate the versatility of the portable gym using gravitational
forces 100, a number of exercises are depicted in the drawings. It
is to be understood that these exercises depicted are merely
exemplary of the versatility of the present invention, and are not
in any way to be construed as a limitation on the specific
exercises, or environments, for which the present invention may be
utilized.
[0044] A basic arm curl exercise is shown in FIG. 8. Specifically,
a perspective view of the portable gym using gravitational forces
100 of the present invention is attached to a doorframe 208 and
being used by an athlete 200 facing toward the door 210. As shown
in this exercise, the athlete has positioned his feet 224 slightly
towards the door 210. By gripping handles 142 with his arms 206 and
208 in a curled position, he retains his torso in position 220. By
slowly decreasing the muscle tension on his arms 206 and 208,
gravitational forces pull athlete 200 in direction 240 to a new
position 220' (shown in dashed lines) with his arms fully extended.
In this resting position, gravity provides a force upon athlete 200
that must be overcome in order to return to his original position
200. This motion, commonly referred to as an upright curl, is
repeated thereby strengthening the core muscles in torso 220, as
well as all shoulder and back muscle groups. As will be discussed
more fully in conjunction with FIG. 10A-C, by positioning the
athlete's feet 224 closer to the door 208, the forces experienced
by the athlete due to gravity are increased.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of the portable
gym using gravitational forces 100 of the present invention is
shown and depicts an athlete 200 using the portable gym 100
attached to a doorframe 208. In this exercise, the athlete 200 is
facing away from the door 208 and engaged in an arm butterfly
exercise. This exercise begins with the athlete standing
substantially upright, and his arms 206 and 208 are extended
forward and together from torso 220 and gripping handles 142. As he
relaxes the chest and shoulder muscles, his arms 206 and 208 move
outwards to positions 206' and 208' as his body moves forward in
direction 242 to a new position 220'. In position 220' the athlete
is in an inclined body position thereby increasing the
gravitational forces experienced. By returning his arms from
positions 206' and 208' to their original position, the athlete
returns to his original position 220. This motion, commonly
referred to as a butterfly, is repeated thereby strengthening the
core muscles in the torso 220, as well as all pectoral, latissimus
dorsi, shoulder and back muscle groups. Again, as will be discussed
more fully in conjunction with FIG. 10A-C, by positioning the
athlete's feet 224 closer to the door 208, the forces experienced
by the athlete due to gravity are increased.
[0046] FIG. 10A-C include a series of views A-C of the portable gym
using gravitational forces 100 of the present invention showing an
athlete 200 using the portable gym 100 attached to a doorframe 208.
In these views, note that the overall length 248 of portable gym
100 remains constant, and the athlete 200 is facing toward the door
210 and engaged in an upright rowing exercise with varying angles
of inclined body position thereby increasing the gravitational
forces applied to the exercise. For instance, if athlete 200 was
standing vertically, the amount of gravitational force applied to
his arms would be essentially zero. This would be due to his center
of gravity 249 being directly over his feet 224. Correspondingly,
the closer to the door athlete 200 places his feet 224, the farther
his center of gravity 249 is from being vertically above his feet
224, and the greater the forces required to raise his body
position.
[0047] More specifically, in FIG. 10A, the athlete's feet 224 are a
distance 251 from door 210 resulting in his body axis (shown in
dashed lines) being at an angle 250 towards the ground. This angle
250 is nearly a 90 degree angle as his posture is near vertical.
The bar graph representation 252 corresponds to the proportion of
the gravitational forces experienced by the athlete. In this case,
the gravitational forces are minimal, and the intensity of the
workout using this position would be low.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 10B, athlete 200 has now positioned his
feet 224 a distance 255 from door 210, thereby creating an angle
254 with the ground. As shown in this Figure, distance 255 is less
than distance 251 and athlete's 200 center of gravity 249 is no
longer substantially aligned over his feet 224, and thus, the bar
graph representation 256 indicates a higher gravitational force
required to raise his body position.
[0049] In FIG. 10C, athlete 200 has positioned his feet 224 even
closer to door 210 at a distance 259. This creates an angle 258
with the ground, with his center of gravity 249 greatly offset from
his feet position. In this case, the gravitational forces are
extraordinarily high, and approach the gravitational pull on his
entire body. In fact, depending on the height 262 that gravity gym
102 is attached to a structure, the gravitational (vertical)
component 264 of the downward forces can vary.
[0050] The various exercises that have been shown herein have
demonstrated the bilateral exercise of the arms; however, it is to
be appreciated that the specific exercises may be performed using
both arms, or may also be performed using only one arm. In this
manner, a specific muscle, or muscle group can be isolated for a
more focused workout.
[0051] It is also to be appreciated that in the process of
utilizing the present invention, resistance can be introduced into
the workout by adjusting the position of the feet, as well as by
applying counter-forces by the opposing limb. For instance, when
doing a one-armed exercise, the second arm must counteract the
movement of the cable thereby increasing the resistance experienced
by the athlete. An example of this bi-directional force would
include a biceps of one arm being contracted to draw that arm
towards the body, while the triceps of the other arm must be
contracted to push the other arm away from the body.
[0052] Also, in a preferred embodiment, axle 132 may not allow
wheel 130 to rotate freely within pulley 128 thereby introducing
additional resistance into the system thereby providing a more
vigorous exercise. Additional resistance can be introduced by
attaching the portable gym using gravitational forces 100 of the
present invention to a suspended structure, such as a ceiling joist
or elevated tree limb. In this configuration (not shown), the
athlete can be completely suspended from the ground by grasping the
handles 142 and will experience 100% of the gravitational forces
exerted on the body. By utilizing the portable gym using
gravitational forces 100 of the present invention the athlete can
strengthen his upper-body muscle groups by performing one-arm
pull-ups, two arm pull-ups, and the abdomen and back by performing
crunches and leg lifts.
[0053] FIG. 11A-C includes a series of views of the portable gym
using gravitational forces 100 of the present invention showing an
athlete 200 using the gravity gym 102 attached to a free-standing
post 270. As discussed above, gravity gym 102 may be attached to
such structures 270 by removing door anchor 110 from clip ring 116,
looping leader strap 120 around the structure, and clipping clip
ring 116 directly over leader strap 120. During use, the tension
applied to leader strap 120 cinches the loop tightly to prevent
movement of the strap 120 on the structure.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 11A, athlete 200 is wearing belt harness
104 attached to clip rings 126 at belt rings 176. In this position,
the athlete can engage in core strength training exercises, as well
as cardiovascular activities, while being restrained by the tension
of the portable gravity gym 100.
[0055] FIG. 11B depicts athlete 200 engaged in controlled squats
utilizing the proper body positioning. Specifically, the most
appropriate body positioning for a squat for maximum effectiveness
is for the back to be vertically upright, and the hips to be
positioned directly over the feet. Unfortunately, this position is
nearly impossible to achieve absent support due to the need to
balance oneself. Using the portable gym using gravitational forces
100 of the present invention, the athlete can lean forward against
the tension of the gravity gym 102 to obtain the proper position.
This position can be maintained during the squat exercise as the
gravity gym 102 moves with the athlete to provide a constant
tension force to belt harness 104.
[0056] FIG. 11C depicts athlete 200 engaged in lunges during which
the athlete jumps upwards from a standing or squatting position (as
shown in FIG. 11B), to an upwardly outstretched position while
maintaining tension on gravity gym 102 and belt harness 104.
[0057] The combination of exercises shown in FIGS. 11A-C
demonstrate exemplary range of cardiovascular and plyometric body
movements that are capable using the portable gym using
gravitational forces 100 of the present invention. Notwithstanding
the specific exercises described above, in use, the portable gym
using gravitational forces 100 of the present invention exercises
the entire body with a portable belt harness, pulley and cable
system that uses the person's body weight for resistance. As shown,
setup is very easy. If an athlete is using a reinforced structure
for support, he can simply wrap the adjustment strap around the
structure and clip it to itself. Alternatively, if using a doorway
for support, he can simply place the door anchor between the door
and frame over the top hinge 212 with the large stop 112 behind the
door 208 when closed. Attach the adjustment strap to the door
anchor. When standing and facing the pulley the athlete presses the
adjustment clamp to the desired height position, holds both
handles, and extend the arms fully and leans backwards. By
adjusting the placement of the feet towards the support, the forces
experienced can vary from a little (easy) or a lot (harder)
depending on the desired resistance.
[0058] Exercise can include the athlete pulling the handles
together or separately toward the body then slowly extend, lifting
the user upright against gravity, and back down to the original
position to complete the basic movement. The athlete can then
repeat for the number of desired repetitions.
[0059] When standing and facing away from the pulley, the athlete
presses the adjustment clamp to the desired height position, holds
both handles, extends the arms fully and leans forward. By
adjusting the placement of the feet towards the support, the forces
experiences can vary from a little (easy) or a lot (harder)
depending on the desired resistance.
[0060] This exercise can include the athlete pulling the handles
together or separately away from the body then slowly return,
lifting the user upright against gravity, and back down to the
original position to complete the basic movement. The athlete can
then repeat for the number of desired repetitions.
[0061] An alternative exercise may include performing
cardiovascular, legs, abs and plyometric movements by attaching the
belt harness to the pulley cable and placing the harness around the
waist facing forward or backward depending on the preferred
exercise.
[0062] While there have been shown what are presently considered to
be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *