Push up trainer

Abstract

An apparatus for performing pushups thereupon, comprising: two arcuate side pieces each comprising a gradually sloping front section and a sharply descending back section terminating in feet; each back leg being telescopically extendible from a back section of an arcuate side piece, and incorporating a locking means to keep the back legs extended by a desired amount; the front and back feet for supporting the apparatus on the ground; the apparatus further comprising a rectangle of struts coupling the arcuate legs together, and an upper cross bar for coupling the arcuate side pieces together near the highest point thereof; such that a user may alternatively:

• • (i) grip the gently sloping front sections and ergonomically support his arms thereby to perform moderate press ups, or (ii) support his ankles on the upper cross bar and hands on the ground to perform demanding press ups.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is directed to providing an exercise device, particularly a compact and portable device for performing more effective push-ups.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The Push-Up is one of the world's oldest exercises and is one of the best ways to strengthen and build up upper body strength, including chest, shoulders, arms abdomen and lower back muscles when done correctly. In particular, push-ups are a favorite exercise for developing strength in biceps, triceps and abdominal muscles, for body-building, fitness and for weight control.[0003]Conventional push-ups are performed whilst lying chest-down with hands at shoulder level and palms flat on the floor and slightly more than shoulder-width apart and feet together and parallel to each other. Keeping the legs straight and toes tucked under the feet, the arms are straightened to push the body up off the floor. Keeping the palms fixed at the same position and the body straight without bend...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]Optionally, the feet comprise rubber grips to prevent the apparatus from slipping backwards.

Problems solved by technology

There is, however, a known limitation with using just push-ups and pull-ups for upper body training that arises as the trainee's strength plateaus, in that with any exercise, whether using one's own body weight, free weights or machines, if the resistance doesn't increase, the muscles are not overloaded and the stimulus these fibers need to grow in size is missing.

With hands on an object, the difficulty of the exercise may be increased by first placing the hands on a wall, later on a desk, then on a chair (or by progressing to lower stairs on a staircase).

The difficulty and hence strength may be further increased by doing push-ups between chairs with the feet elevated; the exerciser lowering himself / herself as far as possible between the chairs.

The device addresses many of the issues described hereinabove, but, though to some extent foldable, nevertheless takes up space, since it consists of separate hand and foot support structures.

This device provides various exercising possibilities but is not suitable for performing push ups.

Razi's apparatus is configured for an exerciser seated upon a ball and thus is not compatible with performing push ups.

Such movement is not necessary when performing a push up and indeed makes the performance of standard push ups extremely difficult.

For normal use a user holds the pulling ropes and treads, jumps, sits or lies on the air cushion. FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,919 shows the device being used to raise the hands of an exerciser performing push ups, however in Yang's device the height of the hands is fixed by the height of the semi-spherical section and is not easily adjusted.

Indeed as outlined above, any object, such as a stool, step or chair could be similarly used to raise the hands during performance of a push up, and Yang's equipment does not contribute to the effectiveness of the exercise.

Soria's apparatus facilitates a particular pull up exercise which targets the development of the triceps for boxing and although it could be used for performing push ups with the hands raised, it does not provide any means of raising the feet above the level of the hands, which is required to increase the effectiveness of the push up exercise for developing biceps.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,014 does not provide a method for raising the feet above the head but supports the whole length of the body with the head raised above the feet.

In addition the device described therein is bulky and not readily adjustable for exercisers of different heights.

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