Biodynamic apparatus for performing correct SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises and methods

Abstract

A biodynamic apparatus to perform correct, safe and effective SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises and simultaneously perform spinal arching, spinal decompression, and flexibility exercises, comprising of two part frame hinged at one end and a set of parallel bars that elevate and anchor the legs of the user concentrating the exercise in the abdominal area of the body. The main feature of the apparatus is provided by a device the inventor calls “flexor”. The flexor is not an ordinary lumbar support. Its function is to meet the natural fulcrum of the human torso, which is below the sacrum, to safely and efficiently articulate. Most exerciser bend the spine during the exercise, rather than the pelvis putting a tremendous negative stress on the vertebra and on the intervertebral discs. With the help of the “Flexor” the torso can move from horizontal to at least 90 degrees angle as one straight piece, free from the gravitational stress produced on the spine, especially on the cervical vertebra, by the weight of the head during the initiation of the exercises. It is a fact that ordinary SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises the work is performed for the most part by the neck, back and lumbar muscles during the first part of the movement placing a dangerous negative stress on the spine, and especially on the spinal cord. With the use of this apparatus, the reverse can be observed. The user by lying on the “flexor” places in traction the entire set of abdominal, pectoral and neck muscles creating a direct line of force between the abdomen and the head. The spine is arched and decompressed, the abdominal muscles are in traction and the lumbar muscles are neutralized since there are bent beyond their working point. This position of the body allows to safely concentrate 100% the force on the abdominal muscles to initiate the primary work constituted by the lifting of head of the user, instead of the neck, and on the lumbar muscles of the user, as well as to protect the spine and the weak abdominal muscles from negative stress and subsequent short and long term injuries. Decompression, arching, and flexibility of the spine, being achieved during this new method of performing SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises, simultaneously, make this apparatus bio-dynamically correct, as far as distribution, compensation and equalization of stresses; meet the scientific principles of muscle dynamics of traction and contraction; protect the spine from negative stress, especially the weak cervical and lumbar areas; maintain and enhance the spine's integrity and flexibility; and obtain maximum abdominal muscle developments, which are the major benefits of this invention. The flexor is mounted on two external parallel railing as to adjust to the length of all users. It also has an internal adjustable mechanism that allows its two padded flanges to adjust in width to accommodate all waist sizes of users for additional support and prevention of lateral stress to the lower spine.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. The Field of Invention [0002] This invention relates to the field of Fitness and wellness of the body, and in particular to the scientific development of a correct apparatus and methods for performing abdominal exercises such as SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises free of injuries and with maximum results. In practice, the invention produces new and more complete forms of exercises that extend beyond muscle development and combine the health, integrity, alignment and performance of spine. Abdominal exercises are commonly performed by most athletes and fitness lovers to obtain strong and shapely abdominal muscles, but an analytical study conducted by the inventor reveals their negative side, as far as the methods commonly adopted, which are unscientific because they produce negative stress along the spine and projects the inevitable prospects of long term spinal injuries such as slipped or herniated intervertebral disks, thorn cartilages, and even lordo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0055] These adjustments allow exercising the spine simultaneously in both the SIT-UP and Legs-UP exercises. The spinal exercises consist in the user by bending the torso from an extended spine arching position and returning to the same starting position in each repetition of the exercise. The initial and ending position of the exercise is simply lying on the “flexor” with legs elevated and allowing the user's natural weight to gradually bring about progressive spinal curvature, disks decompression and greater overall flexibility.

[0056] Bending or extending the lumbar muscles to a point of neutralization and stretching of the spine has a soothing effect on the entire body. Under these optimal conditions the exerciser is able to bring the entire torso to a 90 degree angle or more, which is the aim of the exercise, without stress to the spine. The Flexor's desirable actions of adequate stretching and neutralizing the lumbar muscles and gradual arching and stretching of the spine, represent the most important features of the invention.

[0057] The next feature is the apparatus' capability of adjusting the curved, upper leg area attached to the flat bed. The user places his feet in between the padded horizontal members that anchor them during the exercise in accordance with the desired exercise intensity. These horizontal padded members, along with the capacity of the flat bed to be set on various degree angles, offer multiple gravity resistance for the exercises. The upper hinged part of the apparatus comprising the flat bed, the “flexor” and the foot anchors, all in one piece, can adjust, from a horizontal position up to a 50 degree angle. This feature is regulated by two telescopic bent pipes bearing the same radius that slide one inside the other. A spring pin secures the multiple positions of the entire hinged part.

Problems solved by technology

As of today, no one has been able to develop an apparatus that helps perform balanced and effective SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises, which are the sole that can develop safe, strong, sculptured abdominal muscles.

With or without the help of ordinary devices and methods, SIT-UP exercises will cause tremendous negative stress along the spine and long term injuries, especially when performed for long extended periods of time in incorrect way and a non progressive manner.

The negative stress derived by ordinary SIT-UP exercises, among the many long terms injuries, produces repetitive abnormal, compression of the intervertebral discs, which may cause serious injuries such as slipped or herniated disks, thorn cartilage, pinched nerves, arthritis, and even scoliosis and lordosis at a point when the vertebra enter in contact bone-to-bone with each other.

As a result, a bad SIT-UP exercise results in a bad sequence of muscle engagement.

The effort of the contraction of the neck's muscles and progressively of the back spine tend to bend the latter unevenly and produce progressive uneven stretching of tendons, cartilage, and ligaments producing the very noticeable unnatural curvature of the spine, as well as unequal compression of the vertebral disks.

These exercises are definitively dangerous in the long run.

Moreover, the drastic and sudden initial effort of lifting the head can compare to a car whiplash, with the same complications that this condition may comport to the cervical vertebral region.

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