Yoke training system

Abstract

A yoke training system and method comprising a yoke bar suspended from an overhead mount via a suspension line connected to a swivel on the yoke bar. The yoke bar is able to freely rotate in 360 degrees and freely move front to back, back to front, and side to side. The free moving yoke bar assists the user in positioning himself in compromising positions where he is challenged to stabilize himself by entering into isometric contraction of the core and perform movements such as strength building exercise using the yoke bar in one of the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, two or more of the planes simultaneously or sequentially, or any combination of the different or same planes simultaneously or sequentially. The user may reposition the bar and take on a new position when entering into isometric contraction again. Thus the user movement may be performed in different body positions of isometric contraction. Attachment devices may be connected to enhance effectiveness.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent application having Ser. No. 61 / 218,747 which was filed on Jun. 19, 2009 and which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to an exercise yoke used for a variety of exercises.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Exercise devices and systems for strengthening muscles and for simulating athletic activities are known in the art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,918 to Hill describes an exercise bar shaped like a motorcross handlebar that is used to work the muscles that are normally used in motorcross riding. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2006 / 0040802 to Vittone et al. describes an exercise bar having a U-shaped mid-section with a gap sized to accept a user's head. U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,314 provides an exercise yoke used for maintaining positions of the arms and torso. The yoke is configur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]These and other objects have been met by a yoke training system and method of the present invention comprising a yoke bar suspended from an overhead mount via a chain connected to a swivel connected to the yoke bar such that the yoke bar is able to freely rotate in 360 degrees in a direction parallel to a floor plane. Further the suspended yoke is free to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the floor plane and freely move forward to backward, backward to forward, and side to side. A combination of these movements may occur. The suspended and free moving yoke bar assists the user in positioning himself in unusual, unstable, and / or unpredictable (compromising or compromised) positions where he is challenged to stabilize and then perform movements such as strength building exercises. In use, the user engages the yoke bar, by for example gripping arms on either end of the yoke bar and typically positions the bar in a compromising position where the user is challenged to stabilize himself by entering into isometric contraction of the core muscles (and / or other muscle groups), thus integrating several large and small muscle groups. Once in the state of isometric contraction, or the starting point, the user is able to move or perform strength building or other exercises in one of the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, in two or more of the planes simultaneously, or in any combination of the same or different planes, simultaneously or sequentially, using the free moving yoke bar while recruiting more muscle through full range of motion. Further, the user may reposition the bar and take on a new position when entering into isometric contraction again. Thus the user movement or exercise may be performed in different body positions of isometric contraction. The suspended yoke assists the user in positioning himself in unstable, unusual, and / or unpredictable positions through its free movement while allowing the user to conduct strength training in the compromised position.

[0010]By training this way the user learns to become more comfortable with and recognize compromising positions and integrates several large and small muscle groups including the core muscles and other muscle groups to have optimal movement and strength in unique positions associated with sports (for example snowboarding or football) or in daily activities. This may occur through proprioception. Further, because natural human movement including athletic movement occurs simultaneously across the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, simultaneously training in these three planes and in compromised positions improves results in increased flexibility, agility and overall strength thus improving user performance and decreasing the likelihood of injury in sport or daily activity. The system and method of the present invention strengthen the full body proportionately.

[0011]In addition to the advantages discussed previously, a user stabilizing his body in the compromised position and entering isometric contraction alone helps provide the user with better spatial awareness. Further, it provides the user with better postural alignment because of maximal recruitment of the stabilizer, rotator and other core muscle groups. This can lead to greater flexibility, greater range of motion and increased stamina which, in turn, leads to better performance with a reduction in risk of common injuries related to training and / or sports.

[0012]In one embodiment of the present invention, the yoke bar exercise system uses different attachment devices to impart motion to the yoke bar. The attachment devices enhance the effectiveness and difficulty of the system. In one example, the attachment devices comprise a pair of handles connected to distal ends of the yoke arms via a pair of chains and links connected to the yoke. In another example the attachment devices comprise a pair of slings connected to distal ends of the yoke arms via a pair of chains. In another example, the attachment device comprises a single sling connected to distal ends of the yoke arms via chains configured in a “v” shape. The attachment devices are designed to allow more motion and muscle integration through isometrics and instability (compromising positions). Additionally, the attachment devices are designed so that the individuals use the correct muscle groups for each designated exercise without compromising form.

Problems solved by technology

Though these and other devices provide a way for a user to train and work muscles, users, including athletes and non athletes, are still susceptible to injury.

Prior art exercise devices typically limit exercises to only one plane and fail to provide a mechanism by which a user can work muscles in various planes (both simultaneously and sequentially) with the user's body being positioned in varying positions.

In other words, the prior art training devices fail to provide the user an opportunity to train in positions that mimic multiple and varying positions that are encountered in sports or daily life.

Thus, when a user finds himself in a physical position to which he is not accustomed, a compromising or unstable position, it is difficult for him to maintain his balance and / or to perform movements in various planes relative to the body including the frontal (side to side) plane, sagitall (front to back) plane and transverse (rotating or twisting) plane.

This leads to injuries in sports and in even when performing daily activities such as lifting a baby from a crib or moving furniture.

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