Exercise device and system

Abstract

An exercise device comprising an elongate, substantially upright and substantially rigid weight-bearing portion which includes a gripping portion extending across the top of the device, the weight bearing portion having an open bottom and generally lying in a first plane; a pair of feet, one at either end of the weight-bearing portion, extending outwardly to stabilize the upright weight-bearing portion without interfering with the open bottom, the feet being spaced apart to permit the positioning of a user between the feet and be clear of interference from the feet. The feet and weight-bearing portion are configured so that the mass of the device is generally balanced about said first plan.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the field of physical fitness, and in particular, the field of exercise devices for physical fitness. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It has long been recognized that regular exercise lengthens life and improves health. Historically, health and physical fitness professionals emphasized cardiovascular exercise, believing that such exercise would, by itself, provide a full range of health benefits. However, it has now been found that strength training is also an important component of any comprehensive fitness program. [0003] For many people who would like to exercise regularly, one of the biggest problems is finding adequate time to do so. The demands of work, family and social interaction often leave little time for exercising. For this reason, many people attend regularly scheduled fitness classes several times per week in an attempt to meet their exercise needs. Historically, such fitness classes were directed primarily to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Therefore, what is desired is an exercise system and device which is usable for a variety of strength training exercises, and preferably adapted for easy use in a fitness class environment, as well as personal training and home use. Preferably, the device will be configured to be suitable for use in performing exercises such as, for example, pull-ups and bicep curls. Also, preferably, the system will be adjustable so as to facilitate performance of exercises such as dips and pushups. Most preferably, the system will be configured to permit bio-mechanical adaptation, so that in the performance of a particular exercise, the user can adjust the system to permit the muscles being worked to be worked more fully, or to permit different muscles to be worked.

Problems solved by technology

For many people who would like to exercise regularly, one of the biggest problems is finding adequate time to do so.

The demands of work, family and social interaction often leave little time for exercising.

However, this method is not well-suited for fitness classes which usually consist of a group of people spaced apart in a large room following the instructor's workout routine.

It would be impractical to provide an adequate selection of weights to each person in such a setting.

However, it has been found that such exercises alone do not provide adequate strength training.

However, the Hunter device is too complex for use in fitness classes.

However, the Sellge device is directed to ballet exercises rather than general strength training.

Furthermore, the elements of the Sellge device, being thin and elastic, are not well-suited to exercises which put more stress and pressure on the device, and in which more of the user's weight needs to be carried by the device.

The Gangloff device is limited to use as a chin-up bar.

Also, though intended for use as a chin-up bar, the base of the Gangloff device inconveniently interferes with the user's body during the performance of chin-ups.

The purpose of the device is to permit the user to do certain specific exercises, such as scissor-kicking, high-knee kicking and “rhythmic bipedal movements.” This device is complex to manufacture, and has elements extending in various directions that could physically interfere with the performance of more conventional strength exercises.

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