Exercise apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides for exercise apparatus for exercising the core muscles of the human body and comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user, the first and second laterally extending portions being movable in a resilient manner relative to the said central portion so that the said first and second laterally extending portions can flex relative to the said central portion, and so as to facilitate lifting of a user's ribcage and in particular twisting of the trunk / torso thereby working the core muscles through twisting (rotational), side bending (lateral) and forward bending (flexion) movement of the apparatus about the core axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and equipment particularly for use in exercising the core muscles of the human body.[0002]A wide variety of exercises are known for toning the muscles of the mid-section of the human body, the most widely known of which comprise simple so-called “sit ups” usually performed as crunches (small movements serving to shorten the abdominal muscle groups under tension), and “spinal twists” and “side bends”.[0003]Such exercising involves the individual lying on their back with their legs either stretched out flat, or raised and bent at the knees, and the individual then lifting their back away from the ground, whilst keeping the buttock region on the ground, and through use of their abdominal muscles.[0004]Various forms of abdominal exercise apparatus and equipment have been proposed so as to assist with this type of exercise such as Swiss Ball the so-called Abs-Crunch Bar and Abs-Roller Frames.[0005]Howeve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A particular advantage of the present invention that distinguishes from known apparatus is that an individual wishing to exercise their core muscles can use the apparatus whilst in standing or seated position and indeed, if required, whilst walking.

[0010]There is therefore advantageously no need for an individual to adopt a particular exercise position on or in relation to the ground and so the apparatus of the present invention can be more readily adopted for use and so therefore can be far more convenient and attractive for the user. Also the exercise performed by way of the apparatus of the present invention can, as mentioned, include an additional form of exercise such as walking.

[0011]A further advantage of the present invention is that it allows for exercising of the core muscles through reciprocating twisting of the trunk / torso of the body about the waist such that the core muscles are worked in a manner to provide for torsion within the trunk / torso of the user's body.

[0012]In one embodiment, the first and second laterally extending portions are each arranged to extend over the shoulder region of the user.

[0013]Through the extension of the first and second laterally extending portions in this manner, the user is encouraged to lift their arms in a manner sufficiently high so as to raise the rib cage and assist with the rotational movement of the trunk / torso.

[0014]Advantageously, the first and second laterally extending portions are arranged to include weighting means for increasing the weight thereof.

Problems solved by technology

However, all such known apparatus is considered disadvantageously limiting insofar as it requires the user to assume a position on, or in proximity to, the floor and in many cases such positioning can prove uncomfortable and potentially damaging particularly to the spinal joints.

Images