Exercise device for exercising upper body simultaneously with lower body exercise

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure Exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body simultaneously with lower body exercise, comprising a lower body exercise machine and at least one upper body exercise module positioned for use in conjunction with the lower body exercise machine. The upper body exercise module comprises an elongated connector having first and second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a force applied to the first end of the elongated connector. Each upper body exercise module is adapted to provide resistance to a full, natural arm swing of at least one arm of the user. Various types of lower body exercise machines, resistance devices, user engagements, relationships between the upper body exercise module and the lower body exercise machine, and exercise methods using the apparatus are disclosed.

Description

Detailed Description of the InventionCross Reference to Related Applications[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 10 / 033,108, filed December 28, 2001, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 259,293, filed on December 29, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 463,534, filed on April 17, 2003, incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field[0002] This invention relates to exercise machines, and more particularly to treadmills having an upper body exercise component for providing total-body exercise.Background of the Invention[0003] The exercise and fitness industry continues to be an area of high growth, marked by a proliferation of exercise machines. Among many of the most popular exercise machines are aerobic leg exercise machines, such as but not limited to: treadmills, air ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] Still another aspect of the invention comprises a method of total body exercise comprising an exerciser performing an upper body exercise simultaneously with a lower body exercise, wherein the upper body exercise comprises exercising with a full, natural, multiplanar arm swing against a resistance force. The resistance force transmitted to the exerciser via a user engagement at one end of a connector connected to a source of the resistance force, wherein the exerciser engages the user engagement with a loose or open grip. The user may adopt a slower pace and take deeper, more rhythmic breaths as compared to the user using the lower body exercise machine without simultaneously using the upper body exercise module.

Problems solved by technology

There are, however, a number of disadvantages inherent in presently available dual action machines.

Typically, the upper body or arm motion provided by such machines is an unnatural motion, requiring the user to push forward and / or pull backward.

Additionally, arm-exercise mechanisms, such as poles, on existing machines typically require the user's arms to be raised above the waist during the entire push / pull cycle.

Additionally, the poles or exercise arms typically travel in a fixed arc in a single plane, thus limiting the range of motion of the arms and upper body to a predetermined distance traveled and to a single plane of motion that is unnatural.

This creates the safety risk of striking the user.

Also, because the poles or exercise arms keep moving and do not fold away, the user is basically forced to use them and has no choice of exercising in a non-dual-action, arms-free mode because the poles interfere with a natural arm swing.

Arm exercise poles and many other arm-exercise devices currently available typically must be held in a closed grip fashion by the hands, which may cause fatigue, strain or cramping of the hand, wrist, and / or arm.

A closed grip may also have the undesirable effect of raising blood pressure.

Additionally, the act of pushing a pole forward may put considerable pressure on the palm of the hand, causing a discomfort in a sensitive pressure point.

In summary, many current dual action exercise machines typically require arm motion that may be unnatural and / or uncomfortable, and in some circumstances, that may be unsafe.

Additionally, the various arm exercise mechanisms known in the art are often relatively expensive.

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