Portable abdominal exercise device

Abstract

A portable abdominal exercise device includes one or more elastomeric resistance bands of sufficient length to encircle a backrest of a chair. A back support plate is positioned in front of the backrest of the chair and connected to the resistance bands. An elongated strap extends from the back support plate around a torso of a user. The elastomeric bands resist movement of the back support plate and strap away from the backrest of the chair as the user moves his or her torso away from the backrest of the chair to perform abdominal exercises while seated in the chair.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to abdominal exercise devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable abdominal exercise device for use in association with a chair, and which can be stored and transported easily. [0002] Abdominal exercises, such as crunches or sit-ups, are performed to strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles. It is well-known that performing abdominal exercises can strengthen the back to avoid back injuries, and trim the waist of the exerciser. These abdominal exercises are performed by bringing the torso towards the bent knees of the exerciser. Such exercises can be performed while sitting in a chair, or lying on the ground. When lying on the ground, gravity provides resistance to raising the torso towards the knees resulting in increased strength to the abdominal muscles. The resistance of gravity while performing such exercises when seated in a chair only has an effect when raising the tor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The present invention resides in a portable exercise device for use in association with a backrest of a chair. The abdominal exercise device of the present invention is small, can be disassembled for transportation, and is relatively inexpensive.

[0007] An elongated strap adapted to fit a torso of a user is typically connected to the back support plate, although the resistance bands may be directly connected to the elongated strap. The back support plate includes a pair of spaced apart apertures which removably accept the strap therethrough in looped fashion. The strap has free ends including means which are adapted to be releasably coupled to one another. Preferably, the strap is adjustable in length and includes padded sections for user comfort.

Problems solved by technology

The resistance of gravity while performing such exercises when seated in a chair only has an effect when raising the torso away from the knees, thus lessening the desired effect on the abdominal muscles.

Some of these are large and cumbersome and restricted to the gym or home setting.

Others are more portable, but still rather complicated in use or generally ineffective.

Moreover, even many of these “portable” exercise devices are not very compact for storage and transportation, such as when traveling.

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