Apparatus to facilitate leg press exercises integrated and posterior hip shift exercises

Abstract

An apparatus designed to enhance effectiveness of leg press exercises by incorporating dynamic movement that coordinates the upper body, core, and lower body, enabling users to perform both leg press and posterior hip shift exercises. The apparatus includes a base platform with an adjustable backrest that supports the user's back and allows for customization of the backrest's angle and position for comfort and effectiveness. A footrest, which moves along a linear path in response to the user's leg pressure, enables leg press exercises targeting major muscle groups. The apparatus includes a lever pad that supports posterior hip shift and hip rotation exercises, to promote engagement of core and lower body muscles for comprehensive strength training. The apparatus promotes functional, multi-planar movements, improving neuromuscular coordination and reducing the risk of injury. The apparatus also includes range controllers to limit the footrest and lever pad movements for safety.

Description

APPARATUS TO FACILITATE LEG PRESS EXERCISES INTEGRATED ANDPOSTERIOR HIP SHIFT EXERCISESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, the present invention pertains to an apparatus configured to facilitate leg press and hip shift exercises, offering enhanced effectiveness in targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously.BACKGROUND

[0002] Leg press exercises are a fundamental part of strength training routines, commonly utilized to target the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. These exercises are typically performed using specialized gym equipment known as a leg press machine, which allows users to push against a weighted platform using their legs in a seated or reclined position. However, while the traditional leg press machine is effective for strengthening the lower body, it primarily focuses on the knee extension mechanism and does not fully engage or provide sufficient movement for other muscle groups, such as the hip stabilizers and the posterior chain (including the gluteus muscles and hamstrings).

[0003] The posterior hip shift (PHS) exercise, on the other hand, is a movement designed to target the posterior hip muscles, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles. This exercise is important for improving pelvic alignment, posture, and functional mobility. It requires the user to shift their hips backward in a controlled motion while maintaining stability and alignment throughout the movement. The posterior hip shift exercise, however, is often underutilized in traditional strength training routines due to the lack of appropriate equipment or instruction, making it difficult for users to integrate this important exercise into their workout regimes. The existing solutions in the field of strength training equipment tend to focus on either leg press exercises or posterior hip shift exercises separately, without a unified approach that enables users to perform both exercises efficiently and safely in a single apparatus.

[0004] While some equipment may offer basic hip shift functions or adjustable platforms, these devices do not provide the necessary integration or biomechanical advantages to allow for simultaneous engagement of both leg press and posterior hip shift motions in a controlled, effective manner. Additionally, conventional leg press machines are known to restrict natural joint motion, which can misalign knee and hip mechanics. Improper seating adjustments or excessive weight can also lead to increased lumbar compression, placing unnecessary strain on the lower back. Moreover, the existing leg press machines isolate specific muscles, limiting themovement to a single joint action and reducing the functional transfer of strength to real -world activities that require coordination across multiple joints.SUMMARY

[0005] There exists a need for an exercise equipment that integrates both leg press exercises and posterior hip shift movements, facilitating users to perform these complementary exercises in a seamless and efficient manner. Such an apparatus would allow users to target a wider range of muscles, improve functional mobility, and enhance training outcomes by promoting better movement patterns and muscular coordination between the lower body and the posterior chain. The present invention seeks to fulfill these needs by providing an apparatus that enhances the integration of leg press and posterior hip shift exercises, ensuring greater overall effectiveness in training and improving functional strength.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus designed to enable users to perform leg press exercises in conjunction with hip shift exercises, thereby promoting greater muscular coordination by engaging both the lower body and core muscles.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus configured to strengthen and tone multiple muscle groups by aligning more closely with human biomechanics, facilitating multi-planar movement for the user.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that promotes the integration of leg press and hip shift exercises, thereby activating the quadriceps, hamstrings, core, obliques, and stabilizer muscles.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to simulate natural, functional movements such as twisting or bending, enhancing neuromuscular coordination, improving balance, and reducing the risk of injury by training the body in a more holistic manner, rather than forcing it into rigid, artificial patterns.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that not only enhances the functional carryover of leg press exercises but also promotes overall physical fitness in a way that more accurately mimics the complex movements of daily life.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that improves both the effectiveness and applicability of leg press and hip shift exercises, offering a more holistic and functional approach to strength training.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus configured to enhance the overall user experience by enabling a more comprehensive workout.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables users to perform lower body strengthening exercises while more accurately replicating the natural, integrated movements required for functional tasks.

[0014] 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, thereby promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the fitness community.

[0015] The present invention pertains to an apparatus designed to enhance the effectiveness of leg press exercises by incorporating dynamic movement and coordination between the upper body, core, and lower body. The apparatus enables users to perform leg press exercises integrated with posterior hip shift exercises, providing an innovative solution for comprehensive lower body strength training. The apparatus includes a base platform, designed to rest on a flat surface, with a backrest mounted on it to support the back of the user during the exercise. The backrest may be inclined relative to a horizontal axis, ensuring that when the user rests their back against it, their upper body is positioned higher than their torso. The angle of inclination is adjustable, and the backrest is easily modified both horizontally and vertically to accommodate users of various sizes, optimizing comfort and effectiveness.

[0016] The apparatus includes a footrest that moves between a retracted position and an extended position in response to the load applied by the user’s legs while reclining on the backrest. The footrest is positioned higher than the backrest in the vertical direction and moves along a linear path from the retracted position to the extended position when the load is applied thereto. The footrest is designed for the user to rest their feet against it and apply the load by engaging leg muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, to perform leg press exercises by repeatedly moving the footrest between its retracted and extended positions.

[0017] In an embodiment, the footrest may be equipped with a cushioned roller to support the user’s ankles while their feet rest on the footrest. The roller is configured to rotate about its axis during movement of the footrest between the retracted position and the extended position, providing additional comfort and support during the exercise. In an embodiment, the footrest may also be cushioned to further enhance user comfort. The footrest is adjustable in position, allowing users to customize it for optimal comfort and effectiveness according to their body size.

[0018] In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a first weight stack to adjust the resistance for the movement of the footrest, allowing users to customize the intensity of the exercise according to their fitness level. A first range controller is also configured to adjust or limit the range of motion of the footrest between its retracted and extended positions, ensuringsafety and preventing excessive movement that could lead to discomfort or injury. The first range controller allows users to fine-tune the range of motion for the footrest based on their specific needs.

[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a cushioned lever pad located between the backrest and footrest, positioned beside the backrest to allow the user to rest their torso or hips on the lever pad. The lever pad can move between a first vertical position and a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position, which allows the user to engage their leg and core muscles to move the lever pad by engaging their quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, stabilizers, obliques, and other core muscles. The lever pad facilitates posterior hip shift exercises, enabling the user to engage the lower body muscles after completing one range of motion for the leg press exercise. The lever pad also supports hip rotation exercises by allowing the user to engage their lower body muscles to rotate their torso during movement of the footrest between the retracted and extended positions, either after completing the range of motion for the leg press exercise or at any instance between the retracted and extended positions of the footrest.

[0020] In an embodiment, the lever pad is also adjustable in position to accommodate users of varying body sizes, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness during use.

[0021] In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a second weight stack to adjust the resistance for the movement of the lever pad, allowing users to tailor the intensity of their workout according to their fitness level. Additionally, the apparatus may include a second range controller that adjusts or limits the movement of the lever pad between its first and second vertical positions. This ensures the user’s safety and comfort by preventing excessive movement of the lever pad, which could cause discomfort or injury, while also allowing users to fine-tune the range of motion of the lever pad to meet their specific needs.

[0022] To perform the integrated exercise, the user begins by adjusting starting positions of the backrest, the footrest, and the lever pad. The user can then perform leg press exercises by pushing the footrest, and after completing one range of motion (from retracted to extended or vice versa), they can transition into the posterior hip shift exercises by engaging their core and hip muscles, resulting in the movement of the lever pad from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. This setup promotes greater muscular coordination by engaging both the leg muscles and core muscles, providing a holistic approach to strength training. The apparatus is designed to align with human biomechanics, promoting multi-planar movement and simulating natural, functional movements such as twisting and bending. This enhances neuromuscular coordination, improves balance, and reduces the risk of injury by training thebody in a more natural and functional manner, rather than imposing rigid, artificial movement patterns.

[0023] In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a lap band or belt attached to the backrest to secure the user’s torso during the exercise, preventing unwanted movement. Additionally, the backrest may be equipped with handles for the user to grip, ensuring safe and efficient performance. A pair of shoulder pads on the lateral sides of the backrest further stabilizes the user, preventing them from falling off during the exercise.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary perspective views of an apparatus for facilitating leg press exercises with improved effectiveness, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] 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.

[0028] Leg press exercises are an essential component of strength training, typically targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves using a specialized machine where users push a weighted platform with their legs from a seated or reclined position. While effective for lower body strengthening, traditional leg press machines mainly focus on knee extension and fail to engage other muscle groups, such as hip stabilizers and the posterior chain, including the glutes and hamstrings. On the other hand, posterior hip shift exercises target the posterior hip muscles and is essential for improving pelvic alignment, posture, and functional mobility. However, this exercise is often underused in conventional strength training routinesdue to a lack of appropriate equipment or guidance. Existing machines typically focus on either leg press or posterior hip shift exercises separately and do not integrate both movements in a single apparatus. Furthermore, many leg press machines restrict natural joint motion, potentially misaligning knee and hip mechanics, while improper settings or excessive weight can increase lumbar compression and strain the lower back. Additionally, leg press machines tend to isolate muscles and limit movement to a single joint, reducing the functional transfer of strength to real -world movements that require coordinated action across multiple joints.

[0029] Embodiments described here relate to an exercise machine (also referred to as “apparatus” herein) designed to improve the effectiveness of leg press exercises by incorporating dynamic movements that engage coordination between the upper body, core, and lower body. The exercise machine allows users to perform leg press exercises in conjunction with posterior hip shift exercises, offering a novel approach to comprehensive lower body strength training. The posterior hip shift focuses on hip flexion and extension, effectively targeting the glutes, hamstrings, and the muscles along the spine. By integrating this movement, the exercise machine facilitates a more complete activation of the posterior chain, as opposed to traditional leg press machines, which tend to primarily activate the quadriceps. This design increases the range of motion in the hips, enabling users to perform deeper, more functional movements that more effectively engage multiple muscle groups. The posterior hip shift also mimics natural movements, such as squatting or rising from a seated position, making the exercise not only more effective but also beneficial for improving overall mobility and flexibility over time. Additionally, the integrated exercise enhances the transfer of strength gains to everyday activities and athletic performance by improving joint coordination and functional movement patterns. Ultimately, the exercise machine offers a more joint-friendly, biomechanically aligned workout, promoting safer and more efficient strength development across various muscle groups.

[0030] FIGs. 1 to 4 depict various exemplary views of an exercise machine 100, which is specifically designed to integrate leg press exercises with posterior hip shift exercises. This exercise machine 100 is engineered to optimize effectiveness of leg press exercises by incorporating dynamic movements that coordinate the upper body, core, and lower body. The apparatus 100 includes a robust base platform 102, which is designed to rest securely on a flat surface, providing a stable foundation for the apparatus 100. Attached to the base platform 102 is a backrest 104, which provides essential support for the user’s back during the exercise.

[0031] The backrest 104 features an adjustable incline, allowing users to modify its angle relative to a horizontal axis. This flexibility ensures that when the user reclines against thebackrest 104, their upper body is positioned higher than their torso, promoting an ergonomic and comfortable exercise posture. An inclination angle of the backrest 104 is fully adjustable to accommodate users of various body types, and both its horizontal and vertical positioning can be customized. These adjustments allow users to fine-tune the exercise machine 100 for optimal comfort and performance, regardless of their body size.

[0032] The apparatus 100 includes a footrest 106, which moves along a linear path between a retracted position and an extended position, depending on a load applied thereto by the user’s legs. The footrest 106 is positioned higher than the backrest 104 and moves from its retracted position to the extended position in response to the load exerted by the user’s legs, enabling them to activate major muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. By pushing the footrest 106, the user performs leg press exercises, repeatedly moving the footrest between its retracted and extended positions. This exercise helps the user to build strength and efficiently strengthen the muscles in the lower body, contributing to overall fitness.

[0033] To enhance comfort and support during leg press exercises, the footrest 106 may be equipped with a cushioned roller 108 to support the user’s ankles. The roller 108 is adapted to rotate around its axis as the footrest 106 moves between its retracted and extended positions, providing additional stability and reducing strain on the user’s legs during the exercise. Furthermore, the footrest 106 itself may be cushioned to further improve comfort. The footrest 106 is adjustable in position, making it easy for users of varying body sizes to customize the setup for optimal performance and comfort, ensuring a better exercise experience.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a first weight stack 106-1 that allows the user to adjust the resistance for movement of the footrest 106 between its retracted and extended positions. The first weight stack 106-1 enables users to tailor the resistance offered to the footrest 106 to their individual fitness level, providing a personalized workout experience. The first weight stack 106-1 allows the user to select a specific weight to adjust the resistance encountered by the footrest 106 during the leg press exercise. The footrest 106 may be connected to the first weight stack 106-1 through a cable and pulley system, ensuring that the footrest 106 remains in the retracted position until the user applies sufficient load through their legs to exceed the resistance of the selected weight, causing the footrest 106 to move toward the extended position.

[0035] The apparatus 100 may include a first range controller, which governs the range of motion of the footrest 106. This first range controller limits the movement of the footrest 106 between its retracted and extended positions, ensuring that the footrest 106 does not movebeyond a safe and comfortable limit. This function helps minimize the risk of injury and allows users to fine-tune the range of motion of the footrest 106 based on their preferences. The first range controller is essential for preventing excessive movement of the footrest 106, which could cause discomfort or strain. By offering precise control over the footrest’s motion, the first range controller enhances safety, targets specific muscle groups more effectively, and accommodates users with varying flexibility levels or those recovering from injuries.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the first range controller may include a set of blocking tracks with a blocking member placed over them. This blocking member contains a track mounted on a support frame, guiding the movement of the footrest 106 along its linear path between the retracted and extended positions. The blocking member may feature a set of slots that define and limit the footrest’s range of motion. A locking bar, slidably attached to the track, can be moved along it and securely fixed in place by engaging one of these slots. As the user completes the leg press motion, the first range controller prevents the footrest 106 from moving beyond the set limit, ensuring safe and controlled movement throughout the exercise.

[0037] The apparatus 100 also includes a cushioned lever pad 110, positioned between the backrest 104 and footrest 106. Located beside the backrest 104, the lever pad 110 provides support for the torso or hips of the user reclining over the backrest 104. The lever pad 110 is designed to move between two vertical positions, i.e., a first vertical position and a lower, second vertical position. This allows users to engage their leg and core muscles, activating the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, stabilizers, and obliques to move the lever pad 110 from the first vertical position to the second vertical position. The lever pad 110 is adapted to remains in the first vertical position until the user exerts a pushing load by engaging their legs and core muscles, at which point the lever pad 110 moves towards the second vertical position.

[0038] The lever pad 110 facilitates posterior hip shift exercises, helping to activate multiple muscle groups of the lower body after the completion of a leg press cycle. Additionally, the lever pad 110 supports hip rotation exercises, enabling the user to rotate their torso during the movement of the footrest 106 between the retracted and extended positions. The lever pad 110 allows the user to perform hip rotation or shift exercises either after completing a full range of motion for the leg press, or at any point during the footrest’s motion, providing a dynamic and integrated workout.

[0039] The lever pad 110 is also adjustable in position, allowing it to accommodate users of various body sizes. This ensures that the apparatus 100 is versatile and can be used by individuals of different shapes and sizes, optimizing both comfort and exercise effectiveness.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a second weight stack 110-1 that adjusts the resistance for the movement of the lever pad 110 between its first and second vertical positions. This enables users to tailor the resistance for hip shift exercises based on their fitness level. The second weight stack 110-1 allows users to select a desired weight to adjust the resistance encountered by the lever pad 110 during the hip shift motion. The lever pad 110 may be operatively connected to the second weight stack 110-1 through a cable and pulley mechanism, ensuring that the lever pad remains in its first vertical position until the user exerts sufficient force to overcome the resistance and move it toward the second vertical position.

[0041] The apparatus 100 may also be equipped with a second range controller, which governs the range of motion of the lever pad 110, limiting its movement between the first and second vertical positions. The second range controller feature ensures that the lever pad 110 does not move beyond a safe and comfortable limit, minimizing the risk of injury and allowing users to customize the range of motion based on personal preferences. The second range controller helps prevent excessive movement of the lever pad 110, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or injury. By offering precise control over the range of motion, the second range controller enhances safety, targets specific muscle groups more effectively, and accommodates users with varying flexibility levels or injury concerns.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the second range controller may feature a design similar to that of the first range controller. The second range controller may include a set of blocking tracks with a blocking member positioned over them. The blocking member contains a track mounted on a support frame to guide the movement of the lever pad 110 along the linear path between the first and second vertical positions. The blocking member may also have a set of slots to define and limit the range of motion. A locking bar, slidably attached to the track, can be moved and secured in place by engaging one of these slots. During the exercise, the second range controller prevents the lever pad 110 from moving beyond the set limit, ensuring safe and controlled motion throughout the workout.

[0043] To perform the integrated exercise, the user begins with adjusting the positions of the backrest 104, footrest 106, and lever pad 110. Once the apparatus 100 is set up, the user starts performing leg press exercises by pushing the footrest 106 from its retracted position towards the extended position. After completing one cycle of the leg press movement (moving the footrest 106 from retracted to extended, or vice versa), the user transitions into posterior hip shift exercises by engaging their core and hip muscles, which causes the lever pad 110 to shift from its first vertical position to its second (lower) vertical position. Subsequently, theuser can repeat the leg press and posterior hip shift exercises, to strengthen and tone multiple muscle groups of their lower body with improved effectiveness. This integrated exercise promotes muscular coordination by engaging both the lower body and core simultaneously. The apparatus 100 is specifically designed to align with human biomechanics, facilitating multi-planar movement that simulates natural, functional activities like twisting and bending. This holistic approach improves neuromuscular coordination, enhances balance, and reduces the risk of injury by encouraging natural, functional movement patterns rather than rigid, isolated exercises.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a lap band or belt attached to the backrest 104 to secure the user’s torso during the exercise, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring safety. The backrest 104 may also be equipped with at least one pair of handles 112 installed on lateral sides of the backrest 104, providing the user with additional stability and ensuring a secure grip during exercises. For further support, a pair of shoulder pads 114 may be positioned on the lateral sides of the backrest 104, offering support to the user’s shoulders and preventing them from sliding off the backrest during the workout. The backrest 104 may also be equipped with a cushioned headrest 116 to allow the user reclining on the backrest 104 to rest their head on the headrest 116, for an effective and comfortable workout experience.

[0045] 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) configured to facilitate integrated leg press and posterior hip shift exercises, the apparatus comprising: a. a base platform (102); b. a backrest (104) mounted on the base platform (102) to support the back of the user while reclining; c. a footrest (106) adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to a load applied by the user’s legs to perform leg press exercises; d. a lever pad (110) positioned to allow the user to rest their torso or hips on the lever pad (110); wherein the lever pad (110) is configured to move between a first vertical position and a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position, facilitating posterior hip shift exercises and hip rotation exercises.

2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a cushioned roller (108) equipped on the footrest (106) to support the user’s ankles, wherein the roller (108) is configured to rotate about its axis during movement of the footrest (106).

3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a first weight stack (106-1) operatively connected to the footrest (106), wherein the first weight stack (106-1) is configured to adjust the resistance for the movement of the footrest (106) between the retracted and extended positions.

4. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a first range controller configured to adjust or limit the range of motion of the footrest (106) between the retracted and extended positions.

5. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the lever pad (110) is adjustable in position to accommodate users of varying body sizes.

6. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a second weight stack (110-1) operatively connected to the lever pad (110), wherein the second weight stack (110-1) is configured toadjust the resistance for the movement of the lever pad (110) between the first vertical position and the second vertical position.

7. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a second range controller configured to adjust or limit the movement of the lever pad (110) between the first vertical position and the second vertical position.

8. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a lap band or belt attached to the backrest (104) to secure the user’s torso during the exercise, preventing unwanted movement.

9. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one pair of handles (112) installed on lateral sides of the backrest (104) for the user to grip.

10. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a pair of shoulder pads (114) on the lateral sides of the backrest (104) to stabilize the user.

11. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a cushioned headrest (116) equipped on the backrest (104).

12. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the footrest (106) is adjustable in position to accommodate users of varying body sizes.

13. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the backrest (104) is adjustable in its angle of inclination, horizontal position, and vertical position.

14. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the footrest (106) is adapted to move along a linear path.

15. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the lever pad (110) is located between the backrest (104) and the footrest (106), and the lever pad (110) is positioned beside the backrest (104).

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