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Exercise apparatus

Exercise apparatus description/claims

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and equipment particularly for use in exercising the core muscles of the human body.

A wide variety of exercises are known for toning the muscles of the mid-section of the human body, the most widely known of which comprise simple so-called “sit ups” usually performed as crunches (small movements serving to shorten the abdominal muscle groups under tension), and “spinal twists” and “side bends”.

Such exercising involves the individual lying on their back with their legs either stretched out flat, or raised and bent at the knees, and the individual then lifting their back away from the ground, whilst keeping the buttock region on the ground, and through use of their abdominal muscles.

Various forms of abdominal exercise apparatus and equipment have been proposed so as to assist with this type of exercise such as Swiss Ball the so-called Abs-Crunch Bar and Abs-Roller Frames.

However, all such known apparatus is considered disadvantageously limiting insofar as it requires the user to assume a position on, or in proximity to, the floor and in many cases such positioning can prove uncomfortable and potentially damaging particularly to the spinal joints.

The present invention seeks to provide for exercise apparatus having advantages over known such apparatus and traditional exercise protocol.

In particular, the present invention seeks to provide exercise apparatus having potential to exercise the whole core and not just isolated specific target muscle groups.

According to the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user, the first and second laterally extending portions being movable in a resilient manner relative to the said central portion so that the said first and second laterally extending portions can flex relative to the said central portion.

A particular advantage of the present invention that distinguishes from known apparatus is that an individual wishing to exercise their core muscles can use the apparatus whilst in standing or seated position and indeed, if required, whilst walking.

There is therefore advantageously no need for an individual to adopt a particular exercise position on or in relation to the ground and so the apparatus of the present invention can be more readily adopted for use and so therefore can be far more convenient and attractive for the user. Also the exercise performed by way of the apparatus of the present invention can, as mentioned, include an additional form of exercise such as walking.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it allows for exercising of the core muscles through reciprocating twisting of the trunk/torso of the body about the waist such that the core muscles are worked in a manner to provide for torsion within the trunk/torso of the user's body.

In one embodiment, the first and second laterally extending portions are each arranged to extend over the shoulder region of the user.

Through the extension of the first and second laterally extending portions in this manner, the user is encouraged to lift their arms in a manner sufficiently high so as to raise the rib cage and assist with the rotational movement of the trunk/torso.

Advantageously, the first and second laterally extending portions are arranged to include weighting means for increasing the weight thereof.

The said weighting means are advantageously located at the distal end regions of the first and second laterally extending portions remote from the said central portion.

In this manner, both the overall weight of the exercise apparatus can be varied as required so as to assist with an appropriate level of exercise for the user. In particular, the inertia built up through twisting of the user's torso trunk about the waist region is enhanced through the addition of weights through adoption of the weighting means which serves to increase the work required to initiate, and arrest, movement of the trunk/torso during its twisting movement.

Advantageously, the weighting means can comprise a hollow chamber arranged for receiving weighting medium such as a fluid.

Alternatively, or in addition, the weighting means can include the engagement formations upon which one or more solid weights can be mounted as required.

In accordance with one embodiment, the said first and second laterally extending portions comprise separate members from the central portion but which are connected thereto by a resilient connection means. In this manner, the central portion and the first and second laterally extending portions can each comprise rigid members.

The resilient connector means can advantageously comprise a spring member and, in particular, a elongate helical spring members each having an inner diameter selected for receiving the said first and second laterally extending portions and the said centre portions therein.

As an alternative, the said first and second laterally extending portions can be formed integral with the said central portion and can be formed of a resilient material.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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