LEG EXERCISE APPARATUS

Abstract

A leg exercise apparatus, the leg exercise apparatus comprising a frame member, the frame member including: at least one foot receiving portion; and at least one leg engagement portion wherein the at least one leg engagement portion is spaced from the at least one foot receiving portion such that, in use, when a user's foot is located on the at least one foot receiving portion, the at least one leg engagement portion may contact a portion of the user's leg. Also disclosed is a method of using the leg exercise apparatus.

Claims

1. A leg exercise apparatus, the leg exercise apparatus comprising: a frame member, the frame member including: at least one foot receiving portion; and at least one leg engagement portion; wherein the at least one leg engagement portion is spaced from the at least one foot receiving portion such that, in use, when a user's foot is located on the at least one foot receiving portion, the at least one leg engagement portion may contact a portion of the user's leg.

2. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises a horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a lateral axis; and wherein the frame member comprises a first support member and a second support member; and wherein the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart along one or more, optionally two or more axes of the frame member.

3. (canceled)

4. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart along the horizontal axis and/or the vertical axis of the frame member.

5. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame member comprises a third support member and wherein the first support member and the second support member are connected by at least the third support member.

6. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third support member is substantially perpendicular to the first support member and/or the second support member.

7. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises a gripping portion configured in use to permit the user to at least partially grip the frame member with the user's feet.

8. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the gripping portion comprises one or more resilient portions.

9. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the leg engagement portion is integrally formed with the first support member, and optionally wherein the foot receiving portion is integrally formed with at least a portion of the second support member.

10. (canceled)

11. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the leg engagement portion comprises a first leg engagement portion and a second leg engagement portion spaced apart along at least one axis of the frame member, optionally the horizontal axis of the frame member.

12. (canceled)

13. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the leg engagement portion is configured to be resilient.

14. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises a first foot receiving portion and a second foot receiving portion spaced apart along at least one axis of the frame member.

15. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second support member is integrally formed with at least a portion of the at least one foot receiving portion.

16. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foot receiving portion comprises one or more planar, or flat portions, for receiving a portion of the user's foot thereon.

17. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a first plane of the frame member is defined by the horizontal axis of the frame member and the vertical axis of the frame member; wherein a second plane of the frame member is defined by the horizontal axis of the frame member and the lateral axis of the frame member; and wherein at least one foot receiving portion comprises a foot receiving surface; and wherein the foot receiving surface is arranged on a plane which is offset from the first plane of the frame member about the horizontal axis of the frame; and/or wherein the foot receiving surface is arranged on a plane which is offset from the second plane of the frame member about the horizontal axis of the frame.

18. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foot receiving portion is configured to be fixed relative to the leg engagement portion.

19. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured to be pivotable, when in use, between a first position and a second position, and optionally wherein the first position is pivotably offset from the second position about at least one axis of the frame member.

20. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the leg exercise apparatus is configured to permit the at least one leg engagement portion to pivot when in use between a first position and a second position.

21. (canceled)

22. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises one or more weight receiving portions configured to be engageable with one or more weights.

23. (canceled)

24. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the components of the frame member are integrally formed.

25. A leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is a substantially one-piece member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0150] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0151] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a leg exercise apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0152] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0153] FIG. 3 shows the leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in an offset position prior to use.

[0154] FIG. 4 shows the leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in a first position while in use.

[0155] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0156] FIG. 6 shows another alternative embodiment of the leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0157] FIG. 7 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0158] FIG. 8a shows an alternative embodiment of the leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0159] FIG. 8b shows the embodiment of FIG. 8a with the user's feet engaged therewith.

[0160] FIGS. 9a and 9b show rear views of the embodiment of FIG. 8a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0161] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9b, a leg exercise apparatus 100 is shown. The apparatus 100 includes a frame member 102.

[0162] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame member 102 comprises a horizontal axis 1x, a vertical axis 1y and a lateral axis 1z. The frame member 102 comprises several elongate members and is a barbell. The frame member 102 is a substantially one-piece member, and is integrally formed. In this embodiment, the components of the frame member 102 are integrally formed to define the complete frame member 102.

[0163] A first plane of the frame member 102 is defined by the horizontal axis 1x and the vertical axis 1y of the frame member 102. A second plane of the frame member 102 is defined by the horizontal axis 1x and the lateral axis 1z of the frame member 102.

[0164] With reference to FIG. 1, the frame member 102 comprises a first support member 104 and a second support member 106. The first support member 104 is an elongate member. The second support member 106 is an elongate member. The first support member 104 and the second support member 106 are spaced apart along the vertical axis 1y and the lateral axis 1z of the frame member 102. The first support member 104 is substantially parallel to the second support member 106. The first support member 104 is shorter in length than the second support member 106.

[0165] The first support member 104 includes a leg engagement portion, which in this embodiment includes a first leg engagement portion 108a and a second leg engagement portion 108b. The leg engagement portion is located on the first support member 104.

[0166] The first leg engagement portion 108a comprises a first resilient portion 110a. The second leg engagement position 108b comprises a second resilient portion 110b. The first resilient portion 110a and the second resilient portion 110b are formed from a padded section, which spans substantially all of the first support member 104. It will be understood that the leg engagement portion of the apparatus 100 could be arranged in a different way and could be formed from a different type of resilient portion.

[0167] The second support member 106 includes a first foot receiving portion 112a and a second foot receiving portion 112b. The first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are integrally formed with a portion of the second support member 106. The first foot receiving portion 112a and second foot receiving portion 112b are spaced apart along the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0168] The first support member 104 comprises a first end portion 104a, a second end portion 104b and a central portion 104c. The second support member 106 comprises a first end portion 106a, a second end portion 106b and a central portion 106c.

[0169] The frame member 102 comprises a third support member 114. The third support member 114 is elongate substantially in the direction of the vertical axis 1y of the frame member 102. The central portion 104c of the first support member 104 and the central portion 106c of the second support member 106 are connected by the third support member 114.

[0170] The third support member 114 is substantially perpendicular to the first support member 104 and the second support member 106.

[0171] The first support member 104 and the second support member 106 are angularly offset with respect to the vertical axis 1y of the frame member 102 about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0172] The third support member 114 is angularly offset with respect to the vertical axis 1y of the frame member 102 about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0173] The third support member 114 is shorter along its elongate direction than the first support member 104 and the second support member 106 along their respective elongate directions.

[0174] The leg engagement portion comprises a first leg engaging surface 118a and a second leg engaging surface 118b. The leg engagement portion has a circular cross section. The first leg engaging surface 118a and the second leg engaging surface 118b are arcuate surfaces. The first and second leg engaging surfaces 118a, 118b engage the user's shins when the apparatus 100 is used.

[0175] The first leg engagement portion 108a is arranged, in use, to be in contact with a portion of the user's leg, and the second leg engagement portion 108b is arranged, in use, to be in contact with a portion of the user's other leg. FIG. 3 shows the second leg engagement portion 108a in contact with one of the user's shins. This engagement of the leg engagement portion with the user's legs helps to stabilise the leg exercise apparatus 100 in use. The first leg engagement portion 108a and the second leg engagement portion 108b are spaced apart along the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102. The first leg engagement portion 108a and the second leg engagement portion 108b are positioned on either side of the centrally positioned third support member 114, which connects the first support member 104 and the second support member 106 together.

[0176] The first and second foot receiving portions 112a, 112b, each comprise a planar or flat portion for receiving at least a portion of the user's foot thereon. The first foot receiving portion 112a comprises a plate member 112c for receiving at least a portion of the user's foot thereon and the second foot receiving portion 112b comprises a plate member 112d for receiving at least a portion of the user's foot thereon.

[0177] The first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are configured to grip the user's foot. The first and second foot receiving portions 112a, 112b, each comprise a tread portion 130a, 130b configured to increase the grip on the user's foot on the first and second foot receiving portions 112a, 112b. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the tread portions 130a, 130b include textured rubber.

[0178] The first foot receiving portion 112a is adjacent to the first end 106a of the second support member 106. The second foot receiving portion 112b is adjacent to the second end 106b of the second support member 106.

[0179] The third support member 114 comprises a gripping portion, which is configured to permit the user to grip the third support member 114 with their feet. A first gripping portion 116a is located adjacent to the first foot receiving portion 112a. A second gripping portion 116b is located adjacent to the second foot receiving portion 112b. In this embodiment, the first and second gripping portions 116a, 116b include resilient portions, which are padded sections on the third support member 114.

[0180] The first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are positioned either side of the centrally positioned third support member 114, which connects the first support member 104 to the second support member 106.

[0181] The apparatus 100 is configured to permit the frame member 102, in use, to pivot between a first position 102a (FIG. 4) and a second position 102b (FIG. 3). The first position 102a is pivotably offset from the second position 102b about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0182] The apparatus 100 is configured to permit the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b to pivot, in use, between a first position and a second position. The first position is pivotably offset from the second position about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0183] The apparatus 100 is configured to permit the first leg engagement portion 108a and the second leg engagement portion 108b to pivot, in use, between a first position and a second position. The first position is pivotably offset from the second position about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0184] As will be described in more detail below, the pivoting of the frame member 102 is particularly useful when performing a hamstring curl exercise with the apparatus 100, as the user can walk in to the apparatus 100 (as shown in FIG. 4), while it is resting on the floor, and curl the apparatus 100 to perform the exercise (the start of the curl shown for illustrative purposes in FIG. 3, with one foot). Coupled with the arrangement of the foot receiving portions and leg engagement portions, there is therefore no need for the apparatus 100 to be lifted by another person, or mounted to a stand or other piece of exercise equipment, to be used. The apparatus 100 can instead be used by a single person, by walking in, or stepping in, to the frame member 102, lying flat on a bench, or the like, and curling the frame member 102 in a hamstring curl motion, due to the ability of the frame member 102 to pivot, and the arrangement of the foot receiving portions and the leg engagement portion.

[0185] The apparatus 100 is configured such that the first leg engagement portion 108a and the second leg engagement portion 108b remain fixed relative to the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b when the first leg engagement portion 108a and the second leg engagement portion 108b pivot between their first and second positions and when the first foot receiving portion 112a and second foot receiving portion 112b pivot between their first and second positions.

[0186] The frame member 102 comprises a first base member 124a and a second base member 124b operable to raise the frame member 102 above the ground. The first base member 124a and the second base member 124b are operable to raise the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b above the ground. The first base member 124a and the second base member 124b are operable to permit the frame member 102 to pivot relative to the first base member 124a and the second base member 124b. Alternatively, if the base members 124a and 124b become immovable relative to the frame member 102, the frame member 102 can be pivoted about its horizontal axis 1x by rolling the apparatus 100 on the ground, as the base members 124a, 124b are disc-shaped. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the first base member 124a is a first weight plate and the second base member 124b is a second weight plate. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the base members 124a, 124b could be any suitable base members for raising the frame member 102 above the ground.

[0187] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the frame member 102 is operable to receive a plurality of first weights (example first base members 124a) and a plurality of second weights (example second base members 124b) and the addition of the weights to the frame member permits the frame member 102 to pivot about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0188] The apparatus 100 is configured, in use, to permit pivoting of the first leg engagement portion 108a, the second leg engagement portion 108b, the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b when the frame member 102 is mounted to each base member 124a, 124b. These components of the frame member 102 can therefore pivot in use, when the user curls the apparatus 100. It will be understood that the use of the apparatus 100 has been described with reference to hamstring curls, but other uses of the apparatus 100 will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0189] As best shown in FIG. 2, the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged to be inclined when the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are in the first position.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 2, the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged on a plane that is angularly offset from the second plane of the frame member 102. In this embodiment, the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged on a plane that is angularly offset from the second plane of the frame member about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0191] The second support member 106 is configured to be fixed relative to the first support member 104.

[0192] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus 100 is configured to permit the second support member 106 to pivot, in use, between a first position and a second position. In the first position an x-axis 2x of the second support member 106 is arranged along the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102. In the second position, the x-axis 2x of the second support member 106 is pivotably offset from the first position about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0193] The apparatus 100 is configured such that the first support member 104 remains fixed relative to the second support member 106 when the first support member 104 pivots between its first and second position and when the second support member 106 pivots between its first and second position.

[0194] The apparatus 100 is configured, in use, to permit the second support member 106 to at least partially pivot about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0195] The apparatus 100 is configured, in use, to permit the first support member 104 to pivot about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102.

[0196] The apparatus 100 is configured, in use, to permit pivoting of the first support member 104 and the second support member 106 when the frame member 102 is mounted to the first base member 124a and the second base member 124b.

[0197] The apparatus 100 is configured, in use, to permit pivoting of the first support member 104 when the first weight and the second weight have raised the second support member 106 above the ground.

[0198] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first foot receiving portion 112a comprises a first foot receiving surface 120a, and the second foot receiving portion 112b comprises a second foot receiving surface 120b on which the user's foot can rest. The first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged on a plane that is angularly offset from the first plane of the frame member 102. The first foot receiving surface 120a of the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving surface 120b of the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged on a plane that is angularly offset from the second plane of the frame member 102.

[0199] The first foot receiving surface 120a of the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving surface 120b of the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged on a plane that is angularly offset from the first plane of the frame member 102 about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102 when in the first position 102a. The first foot receiving surface 120a of the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving surface 120b of the second foot receiving portion 112b are arranged on a plane that is angularly offset from the second plane of the frame member 102 about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102 when in the first position 102a.

[0200] The frame member 102 comprises a first weight receiving portion 122a and a second weight receiving portion 122b. The first weight receiving portion 122a is engageable with the first weight(s) and the second weight receiving portion 122b is engageable with the second weight(s). It is envisaged that any number of weight receiving portions could be used.

[0201] In this embodiment, the first and second weights are Olympic plates. It is envisaged that the weights could be weight plates, Olympic plates, barbell plates, dumbbell plates, and/or plate members, or the like. The weights are substantially planar disc members and each weight receiving portion is configured to engage with stackable weights. The weight receiving portions 122a, 122b are configured to receive an adapter, the adapter being operable to engage with the weights. The adapter converts each weight receiving portion 122a, 122b from being compatible with a first type, or size of weight to a second type, or size of weight.

[0202] The first weight and the second weight are configured to raise the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b above the ground.

[0203] The first weight receiving portion 122a comprises a first stop member 126a arranged to abut at least a portion of the first weight when the first weight is engaged with the first weight receiving portion 122a. The second weight receiving portion 122b comprises a second stop member 126b arranged to abut at least a portion of the second weight when the second weight is engaged with the second weight receiving portion 122b. In this embodiment, the first and second stop members 126a, 126b are flanges.

[0204] The apparatus 100 is operable to retain the first weight to the first weight receiving portion 122a and the second weight to the second weight receiving portion 122b. The first weight receiving portion 122a includes a first retaining member 128a. The second weight receiving portion 122b includes a second retaining member 128b. In this embodiment, the retaining members 128a, 128b are collars. It is envisaged that any number of retaining members may be used to suit the number of weight receiving portions.

[0205] The first weight receiving portion 122a and the second weight receiving portion 122b are located at a region of the frame member 102. A first end portion 134a of the frame member 102 is configured to comprise the first weight(s) and a second end portion 134b of the frame member 102 is configured to comprise the second weight(s).

[0206] The first weight receiving portion 122a and the second weight receiving portion 122b are spaced apart from the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b. The first weight receiving portion 122a and the second weight receiving portion 122b are spaced apart from the first leg engagement portion 108a and the second leg engagement portion 108b.

[0207] As is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when the user applies their weight to the first foot receiving portion 112a and the second foot receiving portion 112b, the frame 102 rotates around the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102 from the first position 102a to the second position 102b.

[0208] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100. The apparatus is substantially identical to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, where additionally the first end 106a of the second support member 106 comprises a first pivot 132a and the second end 108b of the second support member 108 comprises a second pivot 132b.

[0209] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the foot receiving portions 112a, 112b are movable relative to the weight receiving portions 122a, 122b. The frame member 102 is configured to permit the at least one foot receiving portion to move between a first position and a second position relative to the one or more weight receiving portions 122a, 122b. The first position is pivotably offset from the second position about the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102. The first position and the second position are angularly offset by between 30 degrees and 45 degrees.

[0210] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the pivots 132a, 132b comprise one or more bearings.

[0211] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 is substantially identical to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, where additionally the foot receiving portion comprises one or more planar portions 133 and one or more sloped portions, which in this embodiment are declined portions 134.

[0212] The planar portion 133 and the declined portion 134 of the foot receiving portion are located at opposite end regions 136 of the foot receiving portion.

[0213] The declined portion 134 is located at a rear region of the foot receiving portion and the planar portion 133 of the foot receiving portion is located at a front region of the foot receiving portion. It will be understood that the planar portion 133 is described as such as it is planar when the apparatus 100 is in the first position 102a, with the declined portion 134 being named in a similar way.

[0214] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, at least a portion of the foot receiving portion has a curved profile through at least a part of the length thereof. The foot receiving portion comprises an arced section. The foot receiving portion has a substantially concave profile.

[0215] Due to the foot receiving portion of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is freestanding. Furthermore, the curvature of the foot receiving portion helps stabilise the apparatus 100 as the apparatus 100 rotates around the base of the foot during a lift. The rotation is minimal (only a few degrees), but this helps improve the grip of the user's shoe to the frame member 102.

[0216] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a first region of the foot receiving portion is arranged such that it is non-planar with respect to the second plane of the frame member 102 and a second region of the foot receiving portion is arranged such that it is substantially planar with respect to the second plane of the frame member 102. The first region is arranged to receive the heel of the user's foot, and the second region is arranged to receive the ball of the user's foot, although the first region and the second region may each receive either the heel or ball of the user's foot depending on the preference of the user.

[0217] FIG. 8a to FIG. 9b show an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 6 and 7. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8a, each gripping portion 116a, 116b, includes a first gripping member 138a, a second gripping member 138b, and a third gripping member 138c arranged to engage with a portion of the user's feet. The first gripping member 138a is located at a front region of each foot receiving portion 112a, 112b and the second gripping member 138b is located at a mid region of each foot receiving portion 112a, 112b. The first gripping members 138a are arranged to protrude from the first foot receiving portion 112a. The second gripping member 138b is located on the third support member 114, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0218] FIG. 8b shows the embodiment of FIG. 8a in use with the user's feet engaged therewith. FIG. 8b shows a portion of user's foot engaging the first gripping member 138a and a portion of the user's foot engaging the second gripping member 138b. The user is thereby able to support the frame member 102 and prevent rotation around the vertical axis 1y.

[0219] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b show rear views of the apparatus 100, showing a connector 140 which is configured to receive or connect with a cable or the like. The connector 140 is integrally formed with the frame member 102. The connector 140 is a hoop member. The connector 140 is located at the second support member 106 and is adjacent to the third support member 114. The connector 140 is substantially parallel to the first foot receiving portion 120a and the second foot receiving portion 120b. The connector 140 is suitable for connecting the frame member 102 to a rope, a resistance band, a further connector, a cable machine, or the like.

[0220] The connector 140 is configured to engage with a rear portion or heel of the user's foot, and in this embodiment at least a portion of the connector 140 is defined by the third gripping members 138c of the first and second gripping portions 116a, 116b, as at least a portion of the connector 140 functions as a gripping member for the user's foot.

[0221] FIG. 9b shows the connector 140 which is configured to receive or connect with a cable, or the like, engaging with the rear portion of the user's foot. The user can, by connecting a cable to the connector 140, thereby alter the intensity of the exercise by increasing the resistance. Additionally, by gripping the connector 140 with their feet, the user is thereby able to support the frame member 102 and prevent rotation around the vertical axis 1y.

[0222] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a to 9b, the apparatus 100 includes two gripping portions 116a, 116b, each gripping portion 116a 116b, comprising three gripping members 138a, 138b, 138c aligned substantially along the lateral axis 1z of the frame member 102.

[0223] The apparatus 100 is connectable to one or more further exercise apparatuses, such as a weight machine, or the like. The apparatus 100 is connectable to one or more resistance bands, one or more cable members, or the like. It is envisaged the further exercise apparatus may be configured such that it provides resistance to the movement of the leg exercise apparatus. For example, the further exercise apparatus may be a hamstring-curl machine, and the apparatus 100 could be used with that machine.

[0224] An example of how the apparatus 100 may be used will now be provided. First, the apparatus 100 may be positioned near to a weightlifting bench, and the user may sit or lie on the bench. The user will typically position themselves such that their chest is in contact with the bench, with the knees bent and their feet on or towards the ground. The user may place one foot on the first foot receiving surface 120a of the first foot receiving portion 112a, and place the other foot on the second foot receiving surface 120b of the second foot receiving portion 112b (shown in FIG. 4). Typically, the user will adduct their feet, to grip the gripping portions 116a, 116b, which increases the stability of the exercise.

[0225] With the user lying prone on the bench, with their feet on the first and second foot receiving surfaces 120a, 120b, the first and second leg engagement portions 108a, 108b may be spaced apart from the user's legs, or the first and second leg engagement portions 108a, 108b may be in contact with the user's legs, depending on the position adopted by the user. Next, as the user straightens the knees to move the frame member 102 further back from the body, and the user can pivot the frame member 102 with respect to the horizontal axis 1x of the frame member 102 by beginning to perform a hamstring curl (FIG. 3 shows this pivoting with one leg). This initial movement, performed while the apparatus 100 is on the ground, assists in getting the user's feet in a better position to curl the apparatus 100 off the ground. Next, the apparatus 100 is lifted from the ground by the motion of the user performing a hamstring curl. This exercise is similar to hamstring curls performed using a machine, with the main difference being the user can use a free standing piece of equipment and a bench to perform the exercise. The apparatus 100 can also be stowed using standard barbell storage equipment, such as stands and the like.

[0226] During the hamstring curl, the first and second leg engagement portions 108a, 108b will come into contact with the user's legs to support the apparatus 100 as it is lifted from the ground and curled. When the apparatus 100 is towards the end of the curl movement, the leg engagement portion in particular stabilises the apparatus 100 by engaging with the shins.

[0227] The resistance that is provided by the apparatus 100, particularly the first weight and second weight and the weight of the frame member 102, will exercise the hamstrings as the apparatus 100 is curled. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 100 can be used without the added weights, or can be connected to a further exercise apparatus.

[0228] Modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0229] For example, although not shown here, the foot receiving portion could comprise one or more expandable or retractable portions operable to transition the foot receiving portion between a first foot receiving arrangement and a second foot receiving arrangement. The expandable or retractable portions could be manually operable portions. The foot receiving portion may be lockable in the first foot receiving arrangement and/or in the second foot receiving arrangement. This is advantageous as it means the foot receiving portion can be arranged to suit different foot sizes.

[0230] At least a portion of the second support member could comprise a knurled portion. The knurled portion can comprise sharp, deep, coarse or dulled knurling. The knurled portion can comprise sharp and deep knurling. At least a portion of the at least one foot receiving portion of the frame member could comprise a knurled portion. The knurled portion can comprise sharp, deep, coarse or dulled knurling. The knurled portion can comprise sharp and deep knurling.