Fitness Training Equipment and Method of Use

Abstract

An exercise apparatus for targeting the hip muscles is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a plurality of supports, a footboard, and a belt wherein elastic bands may be attached to the belt and to the base supports to provide resistance. The apparatus is fully adjustable for targeting muscles of interest, and collapsible for ready transport. Adjustable handles are optionally provided to maintain user stability and thus maximize the effectiveness of the exercise. A method of using the exercise equipment is also provided.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a base including at least two base supports and at least one locking member coupled to the base supports; an adjustable footboard rotatably connected to the base, the footboard including a platform; a footboard support, wherein the footboard support is rotatably coupled to the upper end of the platform and wherein the footboard support has at least one distal free end configured to maintain an interlocking relationship with the locking member, wherein the locking member corresponds to maintaining the footboard at a selected angle relative to a plane of the base.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member includes locking bars having opposed ends coupled to a respective one of the base supports.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a belt including a pair of free ends adjustably attached to the apparatus to vary exercise resistance.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the base supports have at least two holes, and further comprising mounting devices adjustably supported by the holes, and wherein the free ends of the belt are adjustably attached to the apparatus using the mounting devices.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mounting devices are J-bolts.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the belt comprises at least one resistance band.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle coupled to at least one of the base supports.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the handle is adjustably coupled to at least one of the holes of the base supports and secured thereto with a locking mechanism.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one peg coupled to the base, and wherein the handle includes notches that adjustably mate with the peg.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one handle includes left and right handles coupled to each of the base supports, respectively.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a band, wherein the band is placed around the user's legs to increase resistance on different muscles during use of the apparatus.

12. An exercise method comprising the steps of: providing a base, a footboard rotatably coupled to the base, and a footboard support rotatably coupled to the footboard; adjusting the footboard to a desired angle by rotating the footboard support and locking the footboard support to the base; and wherein a user prostrates on the same plane as the base plane, in a supine position, and positions at least one foot on the footboard such that the user's lower leg or legs are at an angle approximately 90° to the footboard, and then raises the hips into a modified bridge position and lowers the hips back into original position, and then repeats raising and lowering of the hips.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the footboard includes a platform and platform support, the platform support rotatably coupled to the base.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching a hip belt to at least one of the base and the platform supports, and placing the hip belt over at least one of the user's thighs or hips.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the hip belt includes at least one resistance band.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing handles adjustably locked to the base; and grasping the handles to minimize sliding of the user on a plane of the base.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising positioning a band around the user's legs to increase resistance on different muscles during use of the apparatus.

18. Exercise apparatus comprising: a base including first and second base supports and locking bars disposed between the base supports, wherein each base support includes: a straight bar; a plurality of holes, which are located on an outside face of the straight bar; a pair of bolts, wherein the bolts are movably engageable with the plurality of holes; at least one handle adjustably coupled to one of the base supports; a footboard including a platform and at least one platform support; a footboard support, wherein the footboard support is rotatably attached to the footboard, and wherein the footboard support includes a pair of support arms, wherein the support arms are rotatably attached to the footboard at a proximal end, and each having a concave cutout at a corresponding distal end; wherein the concave cutouts of each support arm engage with one of the locking bars; and a pair of handles, wherein each handle is attached to a respective one of the first and second base supports.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a hip belt including: a strap having first and second ends; and at least one resistance band attached to at least one of the first and second ends, and wherein the hip belt is adjustably coupled to at least one of the base and the platform.

20. (canceled)

21. The exercise apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an elastic band placed around the user's legs to increase resistance on different muscles during use of the apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise apparatus for strengthening a user's gluteus maximus and hip regions according to a preferred embodiment, showing a user preparing to initiate a glute/hip exercise;

[0028] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating the adjustability of the foot support;

[0029] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the exercise apparatus similar to FIG. 2A, illustrating the apparatus collapsed for storage and transport;

[0030] FIGS. 3A & 3B is a front view of the resistance bands of the exercise apparatus of a preferred embodiment, FIG. 3B illustrating the ready disconnect feature;

[0031] FIGS. 3C & 3D is a front view of the resistance bands of the exercise apparatus of an alternate embodiment, FIG. 3D illustrating an alternate ready disconnect apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 4 is partially broken away isometric view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, highlighting the resistance adjustment aspect of a preferred embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 5A is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a user in a starting position.

[0034] FIG. 5B is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a user in an active/extended position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus 10, including how the exercise unit would be used. A base 12 including a pair of parallel base supports 14, 16 rests on the floor during use. Base supports 14, 16 are coupled to a transverse support 18 at the forward end of apparatus 10, and preferably a plurality of locking members such as bars 20 having opposed ends that are coupled to supports 14, 16 towards the middle and rear of base 12 of apparatus 10. Bars 20 provide further stability to the base 12 and, as described below, allow the angle of the footboard 22 to be adjusted.

[0036] Referring next to FIGS. 1 and 2A, an adjustable and collapsible footboard 22 includes a platform 24 mounted to a pair of platform supports 26, 28. Supports 26, 28 extend beyond a bottom of platform 24 and include ends 30, 32 that are rotatably coupled to cross support 18 of base 12 (for example, using appropriate hinges). As described further below, this hinged action between footboard 22 and base 12 allows apparatus 10 to be collapsible for ready storage and transport, while also allowing adjustability of the angle of platform 24 (where a user places his/her feet for support) relative to base 12. This affords the user the ability to truly target muscles to be worked. Preferably, footboard 22 also includes a transverse support 34 to provide further stability to the footboard (minimize twisting, etc.).

[0037] Continuing with FIG. 2A, to support platform 24 in an angled relationship with base 12, a swinging rear footboard support 40 is rotatably coupled to footboard 22. Footboard support 40 includes a pair of parallel support arms 42, 44 coupled at respective ends 46, 48 to the back of platform 24 in a hinged relationship to the platform 24. At the distal ends 50, 52 of each rear arm 42, 44, respectively, is a female-style slotted or contoured cutout, such that the cutout is able to engage a selected one of the horizontal locking bars 20. The female cutouts 54, 56 are of such a size that rear footboard support 40 is able to securely lock with a locking bar 20 when in use, yet may be readily adjusted to allow for positioning of the angle of platform 24. To provide further stability to footboard support 40, preferably, transverse supports 58, 59 having opposed ends are welded to support arms 42, 44.

[0038] In addition, a series of openings or holes 64, 65 are located along the outer side of each base support 14, 16. Corresponding mounting devices, for example, pegs or j-bolts 101, 103, may be movably engaged with openings 64, 65 to provide a place for the opposite ends of a resistance or hip belt 80′ , including resistance bands, to be attached (see also FIGS. 5A and 5B, and corresponding description). The further back (away from the user) j-bolts 101, 103 are placed the more resistance provided for the same resistance band. Notably, according to an alternative, rather than using holes and j-bolts to accommodate a resistance or hip belt, a weight stack and a cable coupled to a bar positioned around or between the user's upper legs (not shown) could be employed to provide the desired resistance when using apparatus 10.

[0039] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, handles 60, 62 are preferably attached to the forward ends of base supports 14, 16, respectively, closest to the user. Handles 60, 62 facilitate ease of body positioning for the user, proper positioning being important to target the desired muscles (glutes, hips, etc.), and as described below in connection with use of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, helps the user maintain body position to maximize work of the targeted muscles. Handles 60, 62 lend stability to apparatus 10, allow adjustment of the placement of the unit to facilitate ready clipping/unclipping hip belt 80′, allow the tension of the bands to be adjusted during a set (e.g., push away to increase band tension, pull closer to decrease tension), and allow the user to keep the distance between her and the apparatus 10 more consistent. These features are further facilitated by optionally including a series of notches 61 in handles 60, 62 that can engage and lock on to studs or pegs 70, 72 (either fixed or removable and positionable) situated to accommodate the user's preferences (comfort, effort, etc.). Handles 60, 62 have opposed free ends having locking mechanisms 67, 69 (e.g., a stud or bolt with a threaded end that mates with a thumb nut that can be hand tightened to secure the handles to the base). This allows handles 60, 62 to be positioned and locked at selected ones of openings 64, 65, with a corresponding one of notches 61 locking on to handle stops or pegs 70, 72 (preferably secured to base by screwing their threaded ends to the base) at a desired location.

[0040] FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the collapsed and folded- exercise apparatus 10. Hinges connecting platform supports 26, 28 of footboard 22 to base 12, and rear support arms 42, 44 to platform 24 may be rotated such that base supports 14, 16, platform supports 26, 28, and rear support arms 42, 44 lie parallel to one another. Any conventional locking mechanism such as an eye hook (not shown) may be employed to secure the rotating sections for storage and transport.

[0041] Hip belt 80′ allows the user to increase the user's workload when using the apparatus. A resistance band 110 may be incorporated as part of hip belt 80′ by means of a hook, clamp, or buckle also accommodating at most minimally elastic fabric straps. The hip belt 80 fastens around the user by means of a second buckle, as described below.

[0042] FIG. 3A shows hip belt 80 in detail. Preferably, hip belt 80′ is of two piece construction including fabric straps 82, 84 having first ends 86, 88, respectively, supporting a buckle 90 including male 92 and female 94 portions that interlock. Note that while clip connectors are shown, any conventional connector could be employed. Resistance bands 100, 102 are formed in the shape of loops for ready connection to belt hooks, such as j-bolts 101, 103 of apparatus 10. By including buckle 90 as part of hip belt 80′, the user can connect the free ends of resistance bands 100, 102 to the j-bolts 101, 103 first (by slipping the loops over j-bolts 101, 103), and then position his/her body prior to clipping the hip belt 80′ together using buckle 90—an operation made more difficult without the buckle 90. Alternate belts with bands of varying resistance (for instance, rated in pounds) may be employed to vary tension during exercise. In an alternative shown in FIG. 3B, the opposite ends of straps 82, 84 may include male clip portions 96, 98 for connecting to corresponding female clip portions 104, 106 of resistance bands 100, 102. By including quick disconnect clips (96-104, 98-106) for resistance bands 100, 102, the resistance bands could be swapped for alternate resistance bands based on the amount of resistance the user would prefer. In FIGS. 3C and 3D, an alternate and more preferred version of a hip belt 80′ including resistance bands is shown. Resistance bands 110, 112 include elastic bands (114, 116, 118, 120) that may be coupled to links 111, 113 that similarly accommodate looped ends 83, 85 of straps 82, 84. An alternate adjustable buckle 130 is also provided, coupled to the opposite ends of straps 82, 84, including lockable female 132 and male 134 parts. Bands can be replaced for varying resistance, etc., or removed altogether for distraction type exercises (in this case looped ends 83 are placed directly over the J-bolts).

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a close-up of the attachment of one of the resistance bands 110 of hip belt 80′ connected to base 12 of apparatus 10. Again, j-bolts 101, 103 may be movably positioned within one of a series of holes 64 located along the outer edge of the base supports 14, 16. Once j-bolts 101, 103 have been positioned and secured (for example, using a threaded end sized to mate with holes 64 or 65 and tightened with a thumb nut),resistance bands 110, 112 of belt 80′ may be strung over j-bolts 101, 103 so as to secure bands 110, 112 and straps 82, 84 of belt 80′ thereto.

[0044] Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, use of apparatus 10 is illustrated. FIG. 5A shows the beginning position of a user about to initiate exercising with apparatus 10. In this position, the user has adjusted the position of footboard 22 relative to base 12 to an angle, α.sub.1. To bring the user's feet more upright and closer to the user's hips (depending on the flexibility and/or size of the user), footboard 22 is adjusted so that the footboard-to-base position is at an angle, α2, whereby platform support 26 moves to a more upright position (referenced as 26′) and rear support arm 42 moves to a more upright position (referenced as 42′). Again, this is accomplished by appropriately positioning footboard support 40 at a locking bar 20 closer to the user. To maximize the effect of apparatus 10, the user wants to adjust the angle of footboard 22 so that s/he can get as close to apparatus 10 as possible, while maintaining a flat back on the floor at the beginning position. This maximizes difficulty by decreasing hip angle and thus increasing the range of motion for the exercise. In the end, the user wants to keep comfort and “feel” of the exercise in mind (being mindful of the feel and effect of the muscles being worked) while making this adjustment.

[0045] In most cases, the user will adjust footboard 22 to a comfortable angle (based on the user's size, etc.) and then positions the resistance band on j-bolts 101, 103 along base 12. The user then lies on the floor positioning her hands at about the handles and buckles hip belt 80′ across her hips/upper thighs. The feet are positioned on the footboard such that the user's hips are at an angle of approximately 90° relative to her upper torso. As an alternative, j-bolts 101, 103 may be placed in openings 71, 73 along supports 26, 28 to accommodate hip belt 80′ being placed to facilitate allowing the user to work different angles/exercises.

[0046] FIG. 5B shows the end position of the exercise associated with apparatus 10. Once in starting position (FIG. 5A), the user grasps handles 60, 62 and then raises his hips, preferably to a straight body position, allowing the resistance band to tighten. The feet are located at the same location on footboard 22 as in the beginning of the exercise. The user's shoulders and head remain on the floor. To complete one repetition of the exercise, the user returns to the position shown in FIG. 5A. Ideally, sets of 10-15 repetitions, with or without holding the extended position, are performed for maximum results. The user may also perform the previous motions using only the left or right leg. This allows the user to isolate each glute/hip. In one example a user may want to do five 2-leg lifts, then three left leg lifts, then three right leg lifts, then back to five 2-leg lifts, then repeat. In addition, handles 60, 62 are also useful if the user would like to re-position the unit during an exercise to ensure proper set-up and technique throughout the exercise.

[0047] Overall, handles 60, 62 provide stability, ease of adjusting the machine for set-up and for maintaining body position to ensure the target muscle/muscle group is continually being asked to do the work, again thereby maximizing results. Notably, once the bands and band position are selected, the force is typically not adjustable during the exercise. However, and more preferably, handles 60, 62 allow the position of apparatus 10 to be adjustable by allowing the user to slide apparatus 10 back and forth on the surface it sits before the user puts little, if any, pressure on footboard 22 (e.g., during a repetition). This allows the relative position of the user and apparatus 10 to be set, and changed as often as necessary, thereby providing an efficient way to vary the resistance by increasing or decreasing tension on the band.

[0048] Note that a hole (not shown) may be formed in footboard 22 for the user to grip to assist in ease of transport. Additionally, openings 71,73 may be provided for alternate placement of bands 110, 112 (alternatively 100, 102), according to the user's preferences.

[0049] Note that “portable” in the present context means collapsible and carryable by anyone (as opposed to, for example, a heavy piece of equipment that might be rollable but not truly transportable for use at remote locations). Ideally, one is able to travel with the apparatus 10.

[0050] To further concentrate the exercise on the hips and glutes, an elastic knee band (or a non-elastic strap or belt) 115 (FIG. 1) may be included. Knee band 115 adds resistance so the user works the hip abductors and external rotator muscles. In particular, as the user exerts herself during the exercise, knee band 115 will maintain knee position generally consistent, thereby strengthening abduction. Ideally, the knees and feet should be maintained about the same distance apart—though the knees may finish slightly further apart than the feet when at the top of the movement (abduction). Note that the strength of the band 115 is important insofar as abduction is compromised if the band is so strong that it brings the knees in closer than the width of the user's feet (i.e., working “knock-kneed” is undesirable).

[0051] In the end, using apparatus 10 allows the hamstrings to be a bit slack (due to knee bend) thereby allowing the gluteus maximus to do the vast majority of the exercise—the primary driving force behind the preferred embodiments. However, for overall hip health, it is important to work the lateral rotator muscles/abductors of the hips. Knee band 115 around the knees would allow this. In sum, combining band 115 with apparatus 10 in one movement is unique and functional for total hip/glute health, with added intensity, especially at the top extended part of the movement, employing far more muscles.

Exercises

[0052] The preferred embodiments described herein afford a compact, portable package, a wide range of versatility in both the number of muscles worked, and the types of exercises that a user may perform in. The effectiveness in working a variety of muscles and groups of muscles is thereby maximized.

[0053] With respect to single-leg exercises, a single-leg hip extension belt is placed at the hips. Single leg hip extensions with abduction can also be accomplished with the belt at the hips and the band or rigid strap at the user's knees. A single-leg hip lift with anterior elevation of the pelvis is performed with the band at the hips. Using the right leg, the user slightly twists the hip to the left, thus leading with the right hip to work the same. Soleus lifts may also be performed with the belt at the hips. While maintaining hip extension, the user rises up and down on the balls of his/her feet. Abduction may be performed with the belt at the hips and the band or rigid strap at the user's knees. While maintaining hip extension, the user can perform repetitions of abduction (in and out with knee).

[0054] Double-leg exercises include the following: [0055] Double-leg hip extension (with the belt at the hips). [0056] Double-leg hip extension with abduction where the belt is placed at the hips and the band or rigid strap at the user's knees. [0057] Abduction is performed with the belt at the hips and the band at the user's knees. While maintaining hip extension, the user performs abduction repetitions. [0058] Isometric abduction and adduction can be accomplished with the belt at the hips and a rigid strap at the user's knees with a “NERF” type ball between the knees. In this case, while maintaining hip extension, the user isometrically adducts against the “NERF” ball and alternates with isometric abduction against the rigid strap. [0059] Marching is performed with the belt at the hips, and optionally, with the band at the user's knees. While maintaining hip extension, the user alternately pulls one foot off the footboard in a marching motion bringing the knee towards the user's torso; [0060] Soleus lifts employ the preferred embodiments with the belt positioned at the hips. While maintaining hip extension, the user rises up on the balls of his/her feet.

[0061] Distraction exercises can be performed with the preferred embodiments as well, but the set-up is slightly different. In this case, referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D elastic bands 114, 116, 118, 120 are removed from belt 80′ and looped ends 83, 85 placed directly on j-bolts 101, 103 shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B. Distraction exercises may include the following: [0062] “Lying” with a rigid belt around the upper part of the user's thigh. With both legs on the platform, the user presses to “distract” the hip joint of the leg with the belt. [0063] “Standing” with a rigid belt around the upper part of the user's thigh. In this exercise, the user stands sideways to the unit, and with the foot of the belted leg on the platform, the user pushes up to “distract” the hip of the belted leg. NOTE: may require a smaller brace arm assembly to lower the foot platform.

[0064] In sum, there are two main ways to use the preferred embodiments. 1) With Bands: the user employs a lot of hip movement, up and down, which causes the bands to provide resistance to build muscle. The bands can be switched out and combined to vary tension, etc. 2) Without Bands: the user employs very minimal or zero hip movement. These exercises are typically prescribed to loosen the hip joint (distraction). Little to no elasticity is desired.

[0065] Additional exercises may also include the user standing on the preferred embodiments, with the preferred embodiments positioned in a folded flat position. In this arrangement, the preferred embodiments can be used for attaching bands to the body to provide resistance in a variety of lunging, deadlifting and squatting movements (for example, 1-leg (lunge) or 2-legs (squat, deadlift)). Rather than simply standing on a band, the preferred embodiments would make it more stable and allow some varying of the pull angle and resistance. Notably, the above-described exercises can be performed without the hip belt per the user's preferences/goals.

[0066] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the aspects and features of the present invention may be made in addition to those described above, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. The scope of some of these changes is discussed above. The scope of other changes to the described embodiments that fall within the present invention but that are not specifically discussed above will become apparent from the appended claims and other attachments.