An apparatus for facilitating hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises

Abstract

An apparatus to facilitate a user to efficiently perform both hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises. The apparatus includes a base platform with three adjustable pads. The user can recline over the pads in a prone position to perform the hamstring curl exercise, with first and third pads inclined to prevent slipping and ensure proper alignment. The apparatus includes at least one lever pad to support the user's ankles, which can be adjusted for optimal positioning and resistance via a weight stack. The third pad is capable of rotating to assist with hip thrust exercises and is connected to a second weight stack for adjustable resistance. Range controllers for the lever pad and the third pad help prevent excessive movement, ensuring safety and allowing users to customize their range of motion. The apparatus includes a belt to secure the torso that rests over the second pad.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING HAMSTRING CURL AND HIP THRUST EXERCISESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, the present invention pertains to an apparatus for facilitating hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises.BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditional hamstring exercise machines are widely used in gyms and rehabilitation centers to target the hamstring muscles. These machines require users to lie face down, positioning their ankles behind a padded lever. When the user curls their legs upward, knee flexion occurs, activating the hamstring muscles. A weight stack is equipped to provide adjustable resistance for movement of the padded lever, to enable targeted strength training for these muscles.

[0003] However, despite their effectiveness in isolating the hamstring muscles, existing hamstring exercise machines have several limitations. A major concern is the prone position of the user, which can lead to a strain in the lower back of the user, especially if the spine of the user is not properly aligned. Many users lack guidance on maintaining the correct posture during exercises, further increasing the risk of discomfort or injury. Moreover, existing hamstring exercise machines primarily isolate the hamstring muscles, which poses a significant drawback in functional training. In everyday activities and sports, the hamstring muscles work in conjunction with other muscle groups, such as the glutes, quadriceps, and calves. Isolating the hamstring muscles without engaging these surrounding muscles does not replicate the complex movements typical of daily life or athletic performance.

[0004] This lack of integration can lead to muscle imbalances, raising the likelihood of injury during dynamic movements involving multiple joints and muscle groups. Furthermore, the existing exercise equipment do not encourage the development of functional movement patterns that are vital for overall athletic performance.SUMMARY

[0005] It is essential for athletes and individuals seeking to enhance their physical abilities to train in ways that mirror natural movements. By focusing solely on isolated exercises, users miss the chance to build strength and coordination that translate to real-life activities, whether in sports, fitness, or daily tasks.

[0006] In light of the aforementioned challenges, there is a pressing need for an innovative solution that not only promotes effective strengthening of the hamstring muscles but also engages surrounding muscle groups simultaneously. There also arises a need to enable engagement of gluteal muscles when hamstrings of a user are activated during a hamstring curl exercise, to prevent impact to the lower back of the user and effectively relieve any strain on the user’s lower back. This approach enables a comprehensive workout that targets multiple muscle groups, providing overall effective functional training for users.

[0007] An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus designed to facilitate both hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises, integrating the benefits of these exercises.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to enable users to perform a combination of hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises, which allows the users to efficiently engage the glutes and hamstring muscles simultaneously.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus configured to enhance the overall user experience by allowing for a more comprehensive workout.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to enable engagement of gluteal muscles when firing of hamstrings of a user during a hamstring curl exercise, to prevent impact to the lower back and effectively relieve any strain on the lower back.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to integrate multiple muscle groups, such as, hamstrings and glutes, to enable increased muscle engagement across the entire body of users, leading to greater strength gains and improved cardiovascular health.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus designed to be easily adjustable, accommodating users of different heights, body types, and fitness levels, thus promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the fitness community.

[0013] The present invention relates to an apparatus designed for performing hamstring curl exercises along with hip thrust exercises efficiently. The apparatus features a base platform that sits flat on the ground and includes three pads, including a first pad for supporting the user’s knees, a second pad for accommodating the user’s torso, and a third pad for supporting the upper body including hands and elbows of the user. When the user lies down in a prone position over the pads, they can perform the hamstring curl exercise comfortably. The first and third pads can be inclined at specific angles to prevent the knees and hands from sliding, ensuring that the user’s hips stay securely on the second pad. The second pad is arranged between the first and third pads, and is raised above the first and third pads in the vertical direction, to ensure that the user’s pelvis is pushed downwards during the exercise. Each padcan be adjusted both horizontally and vertically for optimal positioning, and the first and third pads also allow for angle adjustments to customize the user’s reclining position.

[0014] The apparatus includes at least one lever pad attached to the side of the first pad that faces away from the second pad. This lever pad supports the user’s ankles while they recline over the pads in the prone position, helping them to perform the hamstring curl exercise. The lever pad can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, allowing users to easily change an original position of the lever pad before the start of the exercise. While in the prone position, the user can rotate their lower legs to lift the lever pad upwards, effectively performing the hamstring curl exercise. Once the user’s legs reach the end of the motion, the user can return their legs to the original position and repeat the exercise to strengthen and tone their hamstring muscles.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a set of handles configured with the third pad to allow the user present in the prone position to hold the handles while performing the hamstring curl exercise. The handles may be mounted either on a side or below the third pad to provide an ergonomic gripping position for the user to grip the handles, while their hands and elbows rest over the third pad.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lever pad may be operatively coupled to a first weight stack, allowing the user to adjust the resistance for moving the at least one lever pad as they perform the hamstring curl exercise. The first weight stack enables the user to select a desired weight to adjust the resistance offered to the at least one lever pad for performing the hamstring curl exercise.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a first range controller designed to adjust or restrict the range of motion of the at least one lever pad. The first range controller helps prevent excessive movement that could lead to discomfort or injury for the user. Additionally, the first range controller allows users to customize the range of motion of the lever pad.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third pad may be adapted to hingedly rotate with respect to the second pad, to assist the user in performing hip thrust exercises simultaneously with the hamstring curl exercise.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second pad may be adapted to move in the vertical direction based on a load exerted by the pelvis of the user during the hamstring curl exercise. The second pad may be operatively coupled to a second weight stack, to allow the user to adjust the resistance for movement of the second pad in the verticaldirection. The second weight stack enables the user to select a desired weight to adjust the resistance offered to the movement of the second pad for performing the hip thrust exercise.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a second range controller that adjusts or restricts the range of motion of the second pad. The second range controller is designed to prevent excessive movement of the second pad in the vertical direction, which could also cause discomfort or injury. Furthermore, the second range controller enables users to tailor the range of motion of the second pad.

[0021] In operation, the user can firstly adjust the first and third pads to specific inclination angles, and recline over the pads in the prone position to perform the hamstring curl exercise. Once the user performs knee flexion (after starting in knee extension), they can shift their pelvis anteriorly after it starts in a posteriorly shifted position by engaging their gluteal muscles that results in movement of the second pad in the vertically downward direction, enabling effective hip thrust exercises. After completing the hip thrust movement, the user can move their pelvis back to the posteriorly shifted position to finish one repetition of the hip thrust exercise, while simultaneously moving their lower legs back to the starting position to complete one repetition of the hamstring curl exercise.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a lap band or pad belt designed to secure the torso that rests over the second pad, to prevent any unwanted movement of the user during the exercise.

[0023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus configured to facilitate a user to integrate hamstring curl exercises with hip thrust exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary perspective view of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary perspective view of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary perspective view of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] Conventional hamstring exercise machines, commonly found in gyms and rehabilitation centers, target the hamstring muscles by requiring users to lie in a prone position and curl their legs upward against a weight stack for adjustable resistance. However, these machines have significant limitations, including the risk of lower back strain due to the prone position and the lack of guidance for maintaining proper posture. Furthermore, they primarily isolate the hamstrings without engaging surrounding muscle groups like the glutes, which is detrimental to functional training. This isolation can result in muscle imbalances and increase the risk of injury during dynamic movements. Additionally, existing equipment does not promote the development of functional movement patterns essential for overall athletic performance, causing users to miss opportunities to strengthen coordination and skills applicable to real-life activities.

[0031] Embodiments described here pertain to an apparatus designed to facilitate both hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises, effectively combining the benefits of these movements. By encouraging functional movement patterns, the apparatus improves the overall effectiveness of hamstring training while reducing the risk of lower back strain and muscle imbalances. The apparatus ensures that gluteal muscles of a user are efficiently engaged when hamstrings of the user are fired / engaged during a hamstring curl exercise, to prevent impact to the lower back and effectively relieve any strain on the user’s lower back. Furthermore, it provides users with a safer and more holistic approach to strengthening not only the hamstrings but also the surrounding muscle groups, in line with natural movement dynamics. This apparatus enhances the user experience, increases muscle engagement, and fosters a more comprehensive workout routine. By addressing the limitations of traditional exercise equipment, this innovative apparatus establishes itself as a significant addition to the fitness landscape, transforming how users approach hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus 100 designed to facilitate hamstring curl exercises with simultaneous hip thrust exercises. The apparatus 100 allows users to perform hamstring curl exercises while integrating hip thrust exercises, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the workout. The apparatus 100 includes a base platform 102 adapted to be placed on a ground surface while remaining substantially parallel thereto. The base platform 102 is equipped with a plurality of pads, which includes a first pad 104 adapted to accommodate knees of the user, a second pad 106 adapted to support torso of the user and a third pad 108 configured to provide a resting position for the upper body including hands and elbows of the user, while the user reclines over the pads 104, 106, 108 in a prone position to perform a hamstring curl exercise.

[0033] Each of the first pad 104 and the third pad 108 may be inclined at a pre-defined inclination angle with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface, to ensure that the knees and hands of the user do not slide during the exercise. This inclination of the first pad 104 or the third pad 108 also ensures that the hips of the user stay firmly positioned over the second pad 106 during the hamstring curl exercise. Each of the first, second and third pads 104, 106, 108 can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically for optimal positioning. The first and third pads 104, 108 may also allow for adjustments in the inclination angle to provide users with easily customizable reclining positions. The second pad 106 is arranged between the first and third pads 104, 108, and it is raised above the first and third pads 104, 108 in the vertical direction, to ensure that the user’s pelvis is pushed downwards when the user is present in the prone position to perform the hamstring curl exercise. Each of the first, second and third pads 104, 106, 108 may be provided with a cushioning layer to improve comfort of the user.

[0034] The apparatus 100 includes at least one lever pad 110 mounted on a side of the first pad 104 that is opposite the position of the second pad 106 relative to the first pad 104. The lever pad 110 is designed to support the user’s ankles while the user is reclined over the pads in the prone position, so as to assist the user in performing the hamstring curl exercise. The lever pad 110 may be provided with a cushioning layer to improve comfort of the user. The lever pad 110 may be adjustable both vertically and horizontally, enabling the user to easily modify the extent of rotation of their lower leg relative to their knees, while performing the hamstring curl exercise.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, after the user is present in the prone position over the pads 104, 106, 108, the user can simply rotate their lower legs with respect to their knees that rests over the first pad 104, to move the lever pad 110 in vertically upward direction. This movement of the legs facilitates effective performance of the hamstring curl exercise. After theend of range of motion of the hamstring curl exercise, the user can simply move their legs to its original position and repeat the hamstring curl exercise to enable strengthening and toning of the hamstring muscles.

[0036] The lever pad 110 may be operatively coupled to a first weight stack 114, allowing the user to adjust the resistance for moving the lever pad 110 as they perform the hamstring curl exercise. The first weight stack 114 enables the user to select a desired weight to adjust the resistance offered to the lever pad 110 for performing the hamstring curl exercise. The lever pad 110 may be operatively connected to the first weight stack 114 through a cable and pulley mechanism, allowing the lever pad 110 to remain in a fixed position, and move in the vertically upward direction only when the user exerts a force on the lever pad 110 through their legs that is greater than the resistance offered by a pre-selected weight of the first weight stack 114.

[0037] The apparatus 100 may include a first range controller 118 configured to adjust or restrict the range of motion of the lever pad 110. The first range controller 118 helps prevent excessive movement that could lead to discomfort or injury for the user. Additionally, the first range controller 118 allows users to customize the range of motion of the lever pad 110. By providing precise control over the range of motion of the lever pad 106, the first range controller 118 enhances safety, targets specific muscle groups, and accommodates users with varying flexibility levels or injury concerns.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the first range controller 118 may include a set of blocking tracks with a blocking member positioned over them. This blocking member includes a linear track mounted on a support frame to guide the lever pad 110 in a single direction. The blocking member may also include a set of slots designed to define the range of motion, with specific positions that limit movement of the lever pad 110. A locking bar may be slidably attached to the linear track and can be moved along the linear track to secure the adjusted position by engaging with one of the slots. During exercise, the first range controller 118 limits movement of the lever pad 110 when the user reaches the end of the range of motion of the hamstring curl exercise, to prevent excessive movement and unwanted motion.

[0039] The third pad 108 may be adapted to hingedly rotate with respect to the second pad 106, to assist the user in performing hip thrust exercises simultaneously with the hamstring curl exercise. The second pad 106 may be adapted to move in the vertical direction based on a load exerted by the pelvis of the user during the hamstring curl exercise. The second pad 106 may be operatively coupled to a second weight stack 116, to allow the user to adjust the resistance for movement of the second pad 106 in the vertical direction. The second weight stack 116enables the user to select a desired weight to adjust the resistance offered to the movement of the second pad 106 for performing the hip thrust exercise.

[0040] The second pad 106 may be operatively connected to the second weight stack 116 through a cable and pulley mechanism, allowing the second pad 106 to remain in a fixed position, and move in the vertically downward direction only when the user pushes the second pad 106 through their torso by engaging their gluteal muscles to exert a load on the second pad 106 towards the vertically downward direction that is greater than the resistance offered by the pre-selected weight of the second weight stack 116.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may include a second range controller (118’) that adjusts or restricts the range of motion of second pad 106. The second range controller (118’) is designed to prevent excessive movement of the second pad 106 in the vertical direction, which could also cause discomfort or injury. Furthermore, the second range controller (118’) enables users to tailor the range of motion of the second pad 106. The second range controller (118’) may be constructed similarly to the first range controller 118.

[0042] The apparatus 100 also includes a set of handles 112 configured with the third pad 108 to allow the user present in the prone position over the pads 104, 106, 108 to hold the handles 112 while performing the hamstring curl exercise. The handles 112 may be mounted on a side of the third pad 108, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may include a lap band or pad belt designed to secure the torso that rests over the second pad 106, to prevent any unwanted movement of the user during the exercise.

[0044] In operation, the user can first adjust the first and third pads to specific inclination angles and recline over the pads in the prone position to perform the hamstring curl exercise. Once the user performs knee flexion (after starting in knee extension), they can shift their pelvis anteriorly after it starts in a posteriorly shifted position by engaging their gluteal muscles that results in movement of the second pad in the vertically downward direction, enabling effective hip thrust exercises. After completing the hip thrust movement, the user can move their pelvis back to the posteriorly shifted position to finish one repetition of the hip thrust exercise, while simultaneously moving their lower legs back to the starting position to complete one repetition of the hamstring curl exercise.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2, the handles 112 may be mounted below the third pad 108 to provide an ergonomic gripping position for the user to grip the handles 112, while their hands and elbows rest over the third pad 108. In an exemplary implementation, at the start ofthe exercise, the user can position the first and third pads 104, 108 at desired inclination angles, and rest over the pads 104, 106, 108 in the prone position to perform the hamstring curl exercise. Subsequently, the user can rotate their lower legs about their knees to move the lever pad 110 in the vertically upwards direction. Once the user has performed the knee flexion (after starting in knee extension), they can shift their pelvis located on the second pad 106 anteriorly after it starts in a posteriorly shifted position by engaging their gluteal muscles that results in movement of the second pad 106 in the vertically downward direction, enabling effective hip thrust exercises. After completing the hip thrust movement, the user can move their pelvis back to the posteriorly shifted position to finish one repetition of the hip thrust exercise, while simultaneously moving their lower legs back to the starting position to complete one repetition of the hamstring curl exercise. As a result, the apparatus 100 facilitates integration of both the hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises, which results in an increase in the effectiveness and functional development of multiple muscle groups, including, hamstrings and glutes of the user. The apparatus also improves safety and comfortability of the users by promoting engagement of the gluteal muscles when the hamstrings are fired during the hamstring curl exercise. This effectively prevents impact from being transmitted to the lower back, thereby relieving any strain on the lower back. Additionally, this integration not only improves the user experience but also increases muscle engagement, promoting a more comprehensive workout routine, and boosting the overall effectiveness of the exercise.

[0046] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to individually or in any combination with other members of the group, or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0047] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (100) for facilitating hamstring curl and hip thrust exercises, comprising: a. a base platform (102); b. a plurality of pads configured on the base platform (102), the pads adapted to accommodate a user in a prone position for performing a hamstring curl exercise; and c. at least one lever pad (110) pivotally coupled to the apparatus and operatively coupled to a first weight stack (114), wherein the second pad (106) is operatively coupled to a second weight stack (116), and wherein the apparatus enables the user to perform the hamstring curl exercise and the hip thrust exercise.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pads includes: (a) a first pad (104) adapted to accommodate knees of the user; (b) a second pad (106) adapted to support torso of the user, the second pad (106) arranged between the first pad (104) and a third pad (108), and raised above the first pad (104) and the third pad (108) in the vertical direction to ensure the user’s pelvis is pushed downwards; and (c) a third pad (108) configured to provide a resting position for the upper body including hands and elbows of the user.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a set of handles (112) configured with the third pad (108) to allow the user to hold the handles (112) while performing the hamstring curl exercise.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus enables the user to perform the hamstring curl exercise by moving the lever pad (110) and the hip thrust exercise by moving the second pad (106).

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lever pad (110) is adapted to support the user’s ankles, and is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, enabling the user to easily modify the extent of rotation of their lower leg relative to their knees.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second pad (106) is adapted to move in the vertical direction based on a load exerted by the pelvis of the user.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lap band or pad belt designed to secure the torso that rests over the second pad (106), to prevent any unwanted movement of the user during the exercise.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pad (104) and the third pad (108) are adjustable for angle inclination to customize the user’s reclining position.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pad (104), the second pad (106), and the third pad (108) are adjustable both horizontally and vertically for optimal positioning.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one range controller selected from the group consisting of: (a) a first range controller (118) configured to adjust or restrict the range of motion of the lever pad (110); and (b) a second range controller (118’) that adjusts or restricts the range of motion of the second pad (106).

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lever pad (110) is adapted to support the user’s ankles.

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