| Resistance device for abdominal exercise -> Monitor Keywords |
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Resistance device for abdominal exerciseRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Support For Entire Body Of User (e.g., Bench, Slant Board, Etc.)Resistance device for abdominal exercise description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070093368, Resistance device for abdominal exercise. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/625,019 filed Jul. 23, 2003. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT [0003] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX [0004] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] The following invention relates to an exercise method and device and more particularly, an exercise method and device for helping to strengthen the abdominal muscles. [0006] Abdominal exercises can be difficult to perform in a way that maximizes the desired effect of strengthening these muscles without causing injury and without involving other muscle groups, which may detract from the effectiveness of the exercise. Many abdominal exercises, such as crunches, are done by isometrically contracting the abdominal muscles. For an isometric contraction, static equilibrium (ie., the lack of motion) during the exercise is achieved by co-contraction of the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis, internal obliques and external obliques) and the muscles of the lower back. However, stress on the lower back is increased when muscles surrounding the spine contract. Biomechanical stress associated with low-back injury is primarily the result of compressive forces on the intervertebral discs of the spine. These compressive forces are the result of the effects of gravity acting on the body above the lower back when the body is upright and the forces produced by muscles surrounding the spine to counteract flexion-extension moments. It would be advantageous to eliminate the contraction of the back muscles when the abdominal muscles are exercised. [0007] For many isotonic abdominal exercises, such as leg lifts or sit-ups, the forces that must be generated by the abdominal muscles are determined by the weight of the torso and/or the legs. If the person cannot generate enough force to overcome this weight, the exercise cannot be performed. This is also true for many abdominal exercise machines that employ weights or springs. For many people, the level of exertion required to perform the exercise is too high and can result in stress on the lower back that can, in turn, cause injury. Thus, traditional exercises and devices require postures that are often stressful on the lower back or are too difficult to maintain. [0008] Moreover, the actual exercise of the abdominal muscle is reduced by the natural increase of momentum of the torso and/or legs during a crunch, sit-up, or leg lift. Controlled uniformity of contraction produces more efficient and effective exercise. [0009] Uniformity of contraction of the upper and lower abdominal muscles throughout their range of motion is enhanced by simultaneously engaging both the upper and lower torso, ie., bringing the chest toward the legs and the legs toward the chest. The term "crunch" exercise as used herein is intended to refer to this movement. The term "crossover crunch" or "crossover" depicts a crunch in which the user presses one side of the upper torso toward the opposite leg while pressing that leg toward the moving aspect of the torso. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] A method of performing an abdominal crunch exercise includes the steps of placing an object on the anterior torso of a user while the user is lying in a supine position. The object lies in the path of the exercise and provides resistance to a compressive force. The user engages the object with the upper thighs and with the arms and attempts to compress the object by contracting the abdominal muscles. [0011] In its broadest sense, the object used in the method includes oppositely disposed surfaces for engaging the respective arms and thighs of the user. A resistance is placed between the oppositely disposed surfaces to resist the movement of the surfaces toward each other which movement is caused by contraction of the abdominal muscles. [0012] The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is a side elevation schematic view of a user performing an abdominal crunch exercise according to the method of the invention. [0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exercise pad for use in performing a crunch exercise. [0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the pad at FIG. 1 including a resistance insert. [0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the exercise pad of FIG. 1 in use with the user's hands extended behind the head. [0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the exercise pad of FIG. 3 in use with the user's arms folded across the pad. Continue reading about Resistance device for abdominal exercise... Full patent description for Resistance device for abdominal exercise Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Resistance device for abdominal exercise patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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