FITNESS EQUIPMENT

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a fitness device with two support elements for a body part, wherein the two support elements are movable in a coordinated manner in two spatial dimensions relative to each other. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an arrangement of two such fitness devices for training four body parts. State of the art

[0002] A wide variety of fitness equipment is known in the current state of the art. Fitness equipment for training leg or arm muscles is generally quite large and bulky. In particular, fitness equipment that allows training of both leg and arm muscles is usually only suitable for stationary use due to its weight and size.

[0003] For example, US 2009 / 0298655 (Mark Lacher) and US 2017 / 113094 A1 disclose a training device with a surface on which two sliding platforms are arranged, wherein the opposing movement of the platforms is synchronized by a mechanism. The synchronization mechanism comprises two racks that engage with a common gear.

[0004] The WO 2015 / 106227 (Serge Goldberg) refers to a training device for the lower upper body with an elongated platform on which two footplates are mounted so as to be linearly slidable and which can be moved around a pivot point in the manner of a seesaw. Two spring elements are attached below the platform and each exerts a force on one end of the platform that opposes a seesaw movement.

[0005] DE 10 2016 106 902 (Uwe Buschhorn) discloses an abdominal training device with a movable arm unit, a movable leg unit and with a longitudinally oriented I <räfteveränderlichen Koppelglied, welches zwischen Armeinheit und Beineinheit angeordnet ist. Zusätzlich sind auch die Armeinheit und / oder die Beineinheit mit einem ortsfesten Halter verbunden, so dass in zwei entgegengesetzten Bewegungsrichtungen bei einer hin und her Bewegung eine I<örpertrainierende Kraft vorhanden ist. Die Armeinheit, die Beineinheit sowie das Koppelglied bilden eine geradlinige Reihe. Die Armeinheit und die Beineinheit sind als Schlitten ausgebildet, wobei zwischen Armeinheit und Beineinheit ein in Längsrichtung I<räfteveränderliches inneres Koppelglied und zwischen Beineinheit und Armeinheit und Halterung jeweils ein in Längsrichtung I<räfteveränderliches äusseres Koppelglied vorhanden ist. Die Koppelglieder können als flexibles Band ausgestaltet sein. Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a fitness device belonging to the aforementioned technical field, which has a design that is as compact and simple as possible, but which nevertheless enables the most efficient isometric training of muscle groups in the legs or arms.

[0007] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the fitness device has a housing on which a first support element and a second support element, each arranged to be linearly movable in two spatial dimensions perpendicular to each other, are mounted. The housing has at least one actuating element which opposes a movement of the first support element or the second support element from their respective home positions with a force. The housing further has at least one coupling element which couples the linear movement of the first support element in a first direction of a first of the two spatial dimensions to a linear movement of the second support element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction in the first spatial dimension.

[0008] By coupling the movement of the first support element with a movement of the second support element, isometric training, for example of the muscles of both legs of a user of the fitness device according to the invention, can be achieved in a simple way.

[0009] The housing is preferably made of a durable, solid material. Preferably, the housing is made of a metal or alloy, in particular steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Alternatively, however, the housing can also be made of a polymer material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS). The housing is preferably cuboid-shaped, particularly with rounded corners. Alternatively, however, the housing can also be in the form of a truncated cylinder.

[0010] The first and second support elements are preferably dimensioned such that a foot or part of an arm can be supported on them. Preferably, the surface of the support elements is provided with a structure that increases the surface friction, for example by applying grip tape to the surface.

[0011] The support elements preferably have a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the support elements can also have an oval, round, or polygonal shape. The support elements are preferably made of a metal, a metal alloy, or a polymer material.

[0012] The two support elements are preferably each arranged on at least one bearing, which allows movement of the two support elements in the first and / or the second spatial dimension. A plain bearing or a rolling bearing, for example, can be used as the bearing.

[0013] Each of the two support elements has a home position, that is, a rest position. Preferably, in their home position, the two support elements are in the same position in the first spatial dimension, while in the second spatial dimension, they are spaced apart. The at least one acting element counteracts any movement of the first or the second support element from its respective home position. This means that the at least one acting element pulls or pushes the first or the second support element back into its home position. Because the movement of the first support element is coupled with the movement of the second support element, the force of the at least one acting element is simultaneously transmitted to the other support element via the coupling element.

[0014] The active element is preferably made of a material with elastic properties. For example, the at least one active element can be a rope, band, or piece of an elastomer or rubber material. Alternatively, the at least one active element can also be designed as a pneumatic cylinder. Furthermore, the at least one active element can also comprise magnets that repel each other. Permanent magnets as well as electromagnets can be used as magnets, the latter having the advantage that the repulsive force can be influenced by varying the current flowing through the electromagnets.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one active element is at least one spring. The at least one spring can be a tension or compression spring. Preferably, the at least one spring is designed as a helical spring. However, the at least one spring can also be designed as a torsion spring or a disc spring. In a further embodiment, the at least one spring can also be designed as an air spring or a gas spring.

[0016] The at least one spring can be designed as a tension or compression spring. Preferably, the housing has several acting elements that oppose a movement of the first or second support element from its respective home position. The acting elements are preferably arranged such that a force opposes a movement of the first or second support element in both spatial dimensions.

[0017] The coupling element transmits a linear movement of the first support element, generated by the movement of a user's foot or part of their arm resting on it, to the second support element. The movement of the second support element in the corresponding spatial dimension occurs in a direction opposite to that of the first support element. Through this I <opplung lassen sich die beiden Stützelemente nicht unabhängig voneinander bewegen. Dadurch wird ein isometrisches Training ermöglicht.

[0018] If the fitness device is designed for training leg muscles, the housing has a base that allows it to be placed on a floor. In this case, the housing is preferably designed so that the first and second dimensions are parallel to the floor surface. Such a fitness device can, for example, be used under a desk to allow leg muscle training while sitting.

[0019] The fitness device can also be used to train arm muscles. The housing can be placed on a table or connected to a stand, which is particularly height-adjustable. The housing can have two support surfaces on opposite edges, protruding from the side of the housing facing away from the two support surfaces. This allows the fitness device to be supported on a bed alongside a lying user. This makes the fitness device suitable for training the arm muscles of bedridden patients. Furthermore, the housing can also be equipped with attachments that allow the fitness device to be secured to a wheelchair, enabling a wheelchair user to easily train their arm muscles.

[0020] Preferably, the housing can have at least one vibration unit with which the first support element and / or the second support element can be set into vibration. This allows the fitness device to additionally utilize the benefits of vibration training.

[0021] Preferably, the support elements are guided in the first and / or second spatial dimension by means of at least one linear guide. For example, at least one linear guide bushing or a roller guide running on a rail or in a profile rail can be used as the linear guide.

[0022] Preferably, both support elements are guided by the same at least one linear guide in the first and / or second spatial dimension. Alternatively, however, each support element can be guided by at least one linear guide.

[0023] The at least one linear guide preferably has at least one stopper that limits the movement of the support elements in the first and / or the second spatial dimension. This means that the at least one stopper defines a maximum movement of the support elements from their rest position in the respective spatial dimension in which the linear guide extends.

[0024] Preferably, the housing has at least one first linear guide extending in the first spatial dimension, with a carriage movably arranged on this first linear guide. At least one second linear guide extending in the second spatial dimension is arranged on this carriage. The two support elements are movably arranged on this second linear guide.

[0025] This design is relatively simple in construction, robust, and requires little maintenance. Nevertheless, it allows the two support elements to be moved linearly in both spatial dimensions. Simultaneous movements of the support elements in both spatial dimensions are also readily possible, for example, a circular motion.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one coupling element comprises a first gear, which is arranged substantially centrally on the base of the housing and whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first and second spatial dimensions. A first rack and a second rack engage with the first gear on opposite sides. The first rack is attached to the first support element, and the second rack is attached to the second support element. The first rack and the second rack extend in the direction of the first spatial dimension.

[0027] This allows for the creation of an I using simple, yet robust and low-maintenance means. <opplung der linearen Bewegung des ersten Stützelements mit der Bewegung des zweiten Stützelements in der ersten Raumdimension erzielen.

[0028] The gear is preferably a spur gear, particularly preferably with axially parallel teeth. The engagement of the first and second racks with the teeth of the first gear forms a rack and pinion drive between the first and second racks, respectively, and the first gear. Since the two racks are located on opposite sides of the first gear, the movement of the racks in the first spatial dimension is opposite when the first gear rotates.

[0029] Preferably, the housing comprises a second coupling element, which has a second gear arranged substantially centrally on the base of the housing and whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first and second spatial dimensions. The second gear is arranged above or below the first gear. A third rack and a fourth rack engage with the second gear on opposite sides, the third rack being attached to the first support element and the fourth rack to the second support element. The third rack and the fourth rack extend in the direction of the second spatial dimension.

[0030] Preferably, the axes of rotation of the first and second gears are identical, meaning that the two gears are perfectly aligned.

[0031] In the present application, the term "opposite" is understood to mean an arrangement in which the racks engage with the first and second gears at positions that are offset from each other by 180° on the first and second gears, respectively.

[0032] Preferably, the at least one working element is designed such that its force, which counteracts a movement of the first support element or the second support element from its basic position, acts on the first gear and / or on the second gear.

[0033] This enables a particularly compact, low-maintenance design of the fitness device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the working element can, for example, be designed as a torsion spring, in particular as a leg spring.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one active element can be designed as an electric motor or as an electromechanical drive. This allows for a dynamic adjustment of the force that counteracts a movement of the first or the second support element from its basic position, and this force can also be varied over the course of a training session.

[0035] An electric motor or an electromechanical drive is particularly preferred when the force acts on the first and / or the second gear. In this case, the axis of rotation of the first or second gear can be formed by the shaft of the electric motor.

[0036] In the present application, an electromechanical drive is understood to be a combination of an electric motor and a gearbox. The gearbox preferably has a reduction or gear ratio.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the fitness device has an electric motor or electromechanical drive for both the first and second support elements, each of which opposes a movement of the respective support element from its home position with a force. The fitness device further comprises a control unit that assumes the function of the at least one coupling element by controlling the electric motors or electromechanical drives in such a way that the linear movement of the first support element in a first direction of a first of the two spatial dimensions is coupled to a linear movement of the second support element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction in this first of the two spatial dimensions.

[0038] Preferably, the force of the at least one acting element, which counteracts a movement of the first support element or the second support element from its basic position, is adjustable.

[0039] When using a spring as the at least one acting element, the force can be adjusted by changing the spring's preload. This is achieved, for example, by allowing the spring length to be adjusted using an adjusting screw in the support elements' basic position. This screw allows a mounting point of the spring to be moved linearly along the spring's longitudinal axis. If a pneumatic cylinder is used as the at least one acting element, the force can be adjusted by varying the air pressure within the pneumatic cylinder.

[0040] Preferably, the housing has at least one sensor that monitors the movement of the first and / or the second support element. This sensor can be an optoelectronic sensor, for example, a light barrier. Alternatively, the sensor can be an acoustic sensor, in particular an ultrasonic transducer with a corresponding receiver. Furthermore, the sensor can also be an accelerometer. Alternatively, the housing has at least one sensor that measures the force acting on the first and / or the second support element.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one sensor measures the speed, position, and / or acceleration of the first and / or second support element. Preferably, the fitness device has a control unit that can evaluate the data from the at least one sensor. Preferably, the control unit is designed such that it can display information to a user of the fitness device on at least one display, for example, an LCD screen, based on the data measured by the at least one sensor. Preferably, the control unit uses the data from the at least one sensor to adjust the force opposing the movement of the first or second support element from its home position, in particular so that the speed and / or acceleration of the first or second support element, as measured by the at least one sensor, remains within a target value range.This setpoint range is preferably stored in the controller and corresponds to a value range that enables optimal muscle training.

[0042] Preferably, at least one display shows a position that a user must assume on the fitness equipment. Using data from at least one sensor, the control system verifies whether the user has assumed the displayed position. The control system can then, for example, evaluate the user based on the number of different positions assumed within a specific time period, or award a score. This can stimulate the user's sense of play and serve as motivation for training.

[0043] Preferably, each of the two support elements has a handle extending in a third spatial dimension that is perpendicular to the first and second spatial dimensions. This allows the two support elements to be grasped by hand.

[0044] The handle preferably has a first part and a second part, the first part being linearly displaceable relative to the second part in the third spatial dimension. Displacement of the first part relative to the second part occurs against a spring force. This allows the arm muscles to be trained not only through movements in the first and second spatial dimensions, but also through movements in the third spatial dimension.

[0045] To generate the spring force, a combination of a tension spring and a compression spring is preferably used, so that in the case of a linear movement of the first part relative to the second part of the handle in both directions, a spring force opposes the movement.

[0046] Preferably, the fitness device can have at least one second coupling element with which a movement of the first part of the handle of the first support element is coupled to a movement of the first part of the handle of the second support element. The coupling can be such that the first parts move in the same direction in the third spatial dimension or in opposite directions.

[0047] The present application further relates to an arrangement of two fitness devices as described above. The housing of the first of the two fitness devices is designed to be placed on a floor, its support elements being suitable for resting feet on. The first spatial dimension and the second spatial dimension are oriented essentially parallel to the floor. A second fitness device is detachably connected to the first fitness device by a rod extending essentially in a third spatial dimension, which is perpendicular to the first and second spatial dimensions, and is spaced from it by a first distance.

[0048] This type of arrangement allows a user to train a variety of muscle groups simultaneously. Since both arms and legs are supported with flexible support, a movement of the arms, for example, automatically causes a counter-movement of the legs, as otherwise balance would be lost. Consequently, more muscle groups are trained than just the leg and arm muscles. The housing of the first fitness device and the bar feature complementary quick-release fasteners for easy detachment.

[0049] Preferably, the first distance is adjustable via an adjustment mechanism on the rod, particularly with a quick-release fastener. This allows for the arrangement of users of different heights. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism can also have an electromechanical drive, which allows the first distance to be changed automatically, for example at the push of a button.

[0050] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be derived from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] The drawings used to illustrate the exemplary embodiment show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a fitness device according to the invention from above; Fig. 2 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in an isometric view; Fig. 3 a second embodiment of a fitness device according to the invention; Fig. 4 an arrangement of two fitness devices according to the invention.

[0052] Basically, identical parts in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0053] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a fitness device 1 according to the invention from above, while the Fig. 2The same embodiment of the fitness device 1 is shown in an isometric view. The fitness device 1 has a frame 2 (on Fig. 2 (not shown for illustrative reasons). On frame 2 are a first support element 3.1 and a second support element 3.2 (on the Fig. 2 (not shown for illustrative reasons). The two support elements 3.1, 3.2 are movable in two spatial dimensions x, y on the frame 2. This movement is made possible by a combination of a first linear guide, which extends in the first spatial dimension x, and a second linear guide, which extends in the second spatial dimension y.

[0054] The first linear guide has four rails 6.1–6.4 extending in the first spatial dimension x. Two carriages 8.1 and 8.2 are arranged to move linearly on the four rails 6.1–6.4 of the first linear guide. A first carriage 8.1 is mounted on the first rail 6.1 and the second rail 6.2 of the first linear guide by means of a first, second, third, and fourth roller guide 7.1–7.4. A second carriage 8.2 is mounted on the third rail 6.3 and the fourth rail 6.4 by means of a fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth roller guide 7.5–7.8.

[0055] On the two carriages 8.1 and 8.2, a second linear guide is located, extending in the second spatial dimension y, on which the two support elements 3.1 and 3.2 are arranged to be linearly movable. Analogous to the first linear guide, the second linear guide comprises four rails 9.1–9.4, which extend in the direction of the second spatial dimension y. A first rail 9.1 and a second rail 9.2 of the second linear guide are arranged on the first carriage 8.1. The first support element 3.1 is arranged to be linearly movable on the first rail 9.1 and the second rail 9.2 of the second linear guide via four roller guides (not shown). A third rail 9.3 and a fourth rail 9.4 of the second linear guide are arranged on the second carriage 8.2. The second support element 3.2 is arranged to be linearly movable on the third rail 9.3 and the fourth rail 9.4 of the second linear guide via four roller guides (not shown).

[0056] Four springs 10.1–10.4 serve as a first working element, which opposes a movement of the first support element 8.1 or the second support element 8.2 from a rest position. A first spring 10.1 and a second spring 10.2 of the first working element are connected to the housing 2 and to the first carriage 8.1, respectively, with the first spring 10.1 and the second spring 10.2 extending in the direction of the first spatial dimension x. A third spring 10.3 and a fourth spring 10.4 of the first working element are connected to the housing 2 and to the second carriage 8.2, respectively, with the third spring 10.3 and the fourth spring 10.4 extending in the direction of the first spatial dimension x.

[0057] The fitness device 1 also has a second acting element which opposes a movement of the two support elements 3.1, 3.2 from their basic position in the direction of the second spatial dimension y. This second acting element also has springs which are connected to the first carriage 8.1 or the second carriage 8.2 and the first support element 3.1 or the second support element 3.2. On the in Fig. 1 These springs are not visible in the top view shown, as they are located below the support elements 3.1 and 3.2. Fig. 2 The fifth spring 10.5 and sixth spring 10.6 belonging to the second working element can be seen.

[0058] Furthermore, the fitness machine has two I <opplungselemente, welche eine Bewegung des ersten Stützelements 3.1 in eine erste Richtung in der ersten Raumdimension oder in der zweiten Raumdimension y mit einer Bewegung des zweiten Stützelements 3.2 in eine der ersten Richtung entgegengesetzten zweiten Richtung koppelt.

[0059] A first coupling element couples the movement of the first support element 3.1 with the movement of the second support element 3.2 in the first spatial dimension x. This first I <opplungselement verfügt über ein erstes Zahnrad 4.1, welches sich im Wesentlichen mittig auf der Grundfläche des Gehäuses 2 befindet. Die Drehachse des ersten Zahnrads 4.1 steht in einem rechten Winkel zur ersten Raumdimension x und zur zweiten Raumdimension y. Eine erste Zahnstange 5.1 sowie eine zweite Zahnstange 5.2 greifen in die Verzahnung des ersten Zahnrades 4.1 ein. Die erste Zahnstange 5.1 ist mit dem ersten Wagen 8.1 verbunden, während die zweite Zahnstange 5.2 mit dem zweiten Wagen 8.2 verbunden ist. Die erste Zahnstange 5.1 und die zweite Zahnstange 5.2 greifen hierbei um 180° in Umfangsrichtung am ersten Zahnrad 4.1 ein, wobei diese parallel zur ersten Raumdimension x ausgerichtet sind.

[0060] A second coupling element couples the movement of the first support element 3.1 with the movement of the second support element 3.2 in the second spatial dimension y. This second element <opplungselement verfügt über ein zweites Zahnrad 4.2, welches im Wesentlichen mittig auf der Grundfläche des Gehäuses 2 befindet. Die Drehachse des zweiten Zahnrads 4.2 steht in einem rechten Winkel zur ersten Raumdimension x und zur zweiten Raumdimension y. Das zweite Zahnrad 4.2 ist oberhalb des ersten Zahnrads 4.1 angeordnet. Eine dritte Zahnstange 5.3 sowie eine vierte Zahnstange 5.4 greifen in die Verzahnung des zweiten Zahnrades 4.2 ein. Die dritte Zahnstange 5.3 ist mit dem ersten Wagen 8.1 verbunden, während die vierte Zahnstange 5.4 mit dem zweiten Wagen 8.2 verbunden ist. Die dritte Zahnstange 5.3 und die vierte Zahnstange 5.4 greifen hierbei um 180° in Umfangsrichtung am zweiten Zahnrad 4.2 ein, wobei diese parallel zur zweiten Raumdimension y ausgerichtet sind.

[0061] The Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of a fitness device 1 according to the invention. The fitness device 1 of this embodiment is essentially constructed in the same way as the one shown in the Figs. 1 and 2 The embodiment shown. However, in this embodiment, the first and second linear guides each have only two rails 6.1, 6.2, 9.1, 9.2. The support elements 3.1, 3.2 also each have a handle 12.1, 12.2. The handles extend from the support elements in a third spatial dimension z, which is at a right angle to the first spatial dimension x and the second spatial dimension y. A user of the fitness device 1 can grasp the handles 12.1, 12.2 with their hands, thus enabling effective isometric training of the arm muscles.

[0062] The handles 12.1, 12.2 each have a first part 13.1, 13.2, which is connected to the respective support element 3.1, 3.2. A second part 14.1, 14.2 of the handles 12.1, 12.2 is linearly movable in the third spatial dimension z to the respective first part 13.1, 13.2. The second part 14.1, 14.2 of each handle 12.1, 12.2 can be displaced in the third spatial dimension z against a spring force. Thus, the Fig. 3The illustrated embodiment of the fitness device 1 according to the invention provides training for the arm muscles in all three spatial dimensions. The spring force can be generated by an arrangement of one tension spring and one compression spring within the first parts 13.1, 13.2 of the handles 12.1, 12.2. These generate a force opposing movement of the respective second part from a basic position. A retaining loop 15.1, 15.2 is also attached to the second part 14.1, 14.2 of each handle 12.1, 12.2, which simplifies holding the handles 12.1, 12.2 by a user.

[0063] The Fig. 4Figure 16 shows an arrangement 16 consisting of two fitness devices 1.1 and 1.2 according to the invention. A first fitness device 1.1 has a first frame 2.1, which is designed for placing the first fitness device 1.1 on a floor. Accordingly, the support elements of the first fitness device 1.1 are dimensioned such that a user can place their feet on them. The first fitness device 1.1 is connected to a second fitness device 1.2 via a rod 17. The second fitness device has a second housing, the support elements of which are designed for supporting the forearm or upper arm or for holding with the hands. Both the first housing 1.1 and the second housing 1.2 are detachably connected to the rod 17, in particular via a quick-release fastener. This allows the two fitness devices 1.1 and 1.2 to be used independently of each other. The rod 17 has a mechanism for length adjustment.This means that by changing the length of the bar 17, the second fitness device can be positioned at different distances to the first fitness device 1.1, so that the arrangement can be used by users of different body sizes.

[0064] Furthermore, the second fitness device 1.2 has a display 19, which is connected to the second housing 1.2 via a stand 18. Information about a training session can be displayed on this display 19, for example, an I

Claims

1. Fitness apparatus (1) having a housing (2) on which are arranged a first supporting element (3.1) and also a second supporting element (3.2), which can each be moved linearly in two spatial dimensions, located at right angles to one another, wherein the housing (2) has at least one active element (10.1-10.5), by means of which a movement of the first supporting element (3.1) or the second supporting element (3.2) out of a respective starting position is counteracted by a force, and wherein the housing (2) has at least one coupling element, which couples the linear movement of the first supporting element (3.1) in a first direction of a first of the two spatial dimensions to a linear movement of the second supporting element (3.2) in the second direction, which opposes the first direction in this first of the two spatial dimensions, wherein the supporting elements (3.1, 3.2) are guided in the first spatial dimension by means of at least one linear guide (6.1, 6.2; 9.1, 9.4), characterized in that the housing (2) has at least one first linear guide (6.1, 6.2), which extends in the first spatial dimension, wherein a carriage (8.1) is arranged in a movable manner on this at least one first linear guide (6.1, 6.2), and wherein this carriage (8.1) has arranged on it at least one second linear guide (7.1-7.8), which extends in the second spatial dimension, and the two supporting elements (3.1, 3.2) are arranged in a movable manner on this at least one second linear guide (7.1-7.8).

2. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one active element (10.1-10.5) is at least one spring.

3. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one coupling element comprises a first gearwheel (4.1), which is arranged essentially centrally on the surface area of the housing (2), and of which the axis of rotation is located at right angles to the first spatial dimension and to the second spatial dimension and also comprises a first rack (5.1) and a second rack (5.2), which engages with the first gearwheel (4.1) on opposite sides of the latter, wherein the first rack (5.1) is fastened to the first supporting element (3.1) and the second rack (5.2) is fastened to the second supporting element (3.2), and wherein the first rack (5.1) and the second rack (5.2) extend in the direction of the first spatial dimension.

4. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises a second coupling element, which has a second gearwheel (4.2), which is arranged essentially centrally on the surface area of the housing (2) and of which the axis of rotation is located at right angles to the first spatial dimension and to the second spatial dimension, and which is arranged above or beneath the first gearwheel (4.1), and also comprises a third rack (5.3) and a fourth rack (5.4), which engage with the second gearwheel (4.2) on opposite sides of the latter, wherein the third rack (5.3) is fastened to the first supporting element (3.1) and the fourth rack (5.4) is fastened to the second supporting element (3.2), and wherein the third rack (5.3) and the fourth rack (5.4) extend in the direction of the second spatial dimension.

5. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one active element is configured such that the force thereof which counteracts a movement of the first supporting element (3.1) or of the second supporting element (3.2) out of the starting position acts on the first gearwheel (4.1) and / or on the second gearwheel (4.2).

6. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 or one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the at least one active element is configured in the form of an electric motor or in the form of an electromechanical drive.

7. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is possible to adjust the force of at least one active element which counteracts a movement of the first supporting element (3.1) or of the second supporting element (3.2) out of the starting position.

8. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two supporting elements (3.1, 3.2) each have a handle (12.1, 12.2), which each extends in a third spatial dimension, which is located at right angles to the first spatial dimension and to the second spatial dimension.

9. Fitness apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the handle (12.1, 12.2) has a first part (13.1, 13.2) and a second part (14.1, 14.2), wherein the first part (13.1, 13.2) can be displaced linearly relative to the second part (14.1, 14.2) in the third spatial dimension, and wherein displacement of the first part (13.1, 13.2) relative to the second part (14.1, 14.2) takes place counter to a spring force.

10. Arrangement (16) comprising two fitness apparatuses (1.1, 1.2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (2.1) of a first of the two fitness apparatuses (1.1, 1.2) is configured for placing on a floor and the supporting elements (3.1, 3.2) of the housing (2.1) are suitable for having feet placed in position on them, wherein the first spatial dimension and also the second spatial dimension are oriented essentially parallel to the floor, and wherein a second fitness apparatus (1.2) is connected in a releasable manner to the first fitness apparatus (1.1), and is spaced apart therefrom by a first distance, via an upright (17), which extends essentially in a third spatial dimension, which is located at right angles to the first spatial dimension and to the second spatial dimension.

11. Arrangement (16) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that it is possible to alter the first distance via an adjustment mechanism of the upright (17), in particular with a quick-release fastener.