An apparatus for reducing body stress on an exerciser

Abstract

An apparatus used during weighted barbell exercises for reducing body stress on the wrists and lower back comprises identical assemblies mounted for rotation on the end sleeves of the barbell. Weights are suspended on the assemblies below the barbell. Each assembly comprises first horizontal tubular member having a sidewall defining an annulus adapted to receive the barbell end sleeves; a vertical extension member welded perpendicular to the first horizontal tubular member; and, a second horizontal member, parallel to the first horizontal tubular member welded to and suspended from the vertical extension member for carrying the weights. During the lift and recovery, the apparatus keeps the combined dynamic centers of gravity of the weights and apparatus close to the body reducing back stress. The apparatus reduces wrist stress by minimizing torque about the wrist.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the field of exercise devices, more particularly, a weight lifting apparatus utilizing weight resistance and a hand held bar with weight at each end, and specifically, an apparatus for reducing body stress on an exerciser during weight lifting exercises using a barbell. DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART [0002] Over the past 20 years, the popularity of weight training has exploded. More than 45 million Americans train with weights regularly. Fortunately, serious injuries are relatively rare. However, minor and potentially debilitating injuries are common. In 1986, weight training injuries accounted for an estimated 43,400 emergency department visits out of a total of 5.6 million visits for all sports. In 1995, the last year for which statistics are available, emergency room visits for weight training injuries totaled 56,400, out of more than 5.4 million visits for all sports. [0003] Exercising with free weights, as opposed to an exerc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an appar

Problems solved by technology

Fortunately, serious injuries are relatively rare.

However, minor and potentially debilitating injuries are common.

Due to the repetitive nature of weight lifting and the use of progressively heavier weights, there are a number of sports-related injuries to muscles and ligaments can occur as a result.

This type of collateral movement does not serve to strengthen the target muscle group but does increase the risk of injury to the lower back by hyperextension.

Furthermore, a bicep curl requires that the heavy weights hang from the wrists causing extension of the soft tissues and a significant bending moment about the wrist thereby straining related bones, muscles and ligaments.

However, the Hightower device does not overcome the collateral movements associated with bicep curls that can result in back injury.

Relatively few patented exercise devices are specifically designed to reduce stress on the body during bicep strength development exercises.

However, the Brennan device does nothing to reduce stress on the back.

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