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

a biodynamic apparatus and sit-up technology, applied in the field of fitness and wellness of the body, can solve the problems of herniated discs, tremendous negative stress along the spine and long term injuries, and no one has been able to develop an apparatus that helps perform balanced exercises, etc., to achieve a soothing effect on the whole body, great overall flexibility, and no stress on the spine

US20060116262A1Inactive Publication Date: 2006-06-01PANDOZY RAFFAELE MARTINI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2006-06-01
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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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.
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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...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0066] The preferred embodiment of the invention is basically a two-part bench that offers special features for performing both SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises correctly. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus comprising a metal frame built as two embodiments: the lower embodiment 1, resting on the floor and an upper movable section 2 attached to and hinging on the lower section by means of bearings 3. The upper embodiment 2 comprises a padded flat bed 4 that accommodates the user in a supine position; Two male railing tubing, 5, made of chromed or stainless steel, running on either side of the flat bed, allow the horizontal adjustment of a mechanism the inventor calls “flexor”7 with respect to the length of the flat bed 4, used to accommodate users of different body size and height and reverse the exercise from SIT-UP to LEGS-UP. Three pairs of horizontal cylindrical padded members 6 are there to accommodate the feet of the user and offer additional choices for changes in body angle and resistance...