Exercise Device and System, and Methods of Using Same

Abstract

A method of performing exercise movements utilizesan elongated flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated flexible member has a generally arcuate shape. In the method, one end of the elongated flexible member is supported in a substantially fixed position. An opposite end of the elongated flexible member is manipulated such that the opposite end is brought toward the one end substantially in a first plane. With this manipulation, the elongated flexible member is displaced from the relaxed position to a flexed position. The opposite end of the elongated flexible member is rotated in a second plane, different from the first plane, while maintaining the elongated flexible member in the flexed position. In a related method, both ends of the elongated flexible member can be manipulated to the flexed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 321,179, filed Dec. 17, 2002, pending, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in this application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002](NOT APPLICABLE)BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to exercise devices generally, and more particularly to those utilizing elongated flexible members that, with the application of the exercise force by the user, may be forced into a flexed position from an original, unflexed position. Relaxing the force permits the exercise device to regain its original position, and the exercise can then be repeated as desired.Related Art[0004]“Exercising,” or subjecting the human body to resistance forces in excess of those encountered in every day life, has long been used by humans to tone and build muscle groups. Depending upon the muscle group of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The device may be comprised of various materials having properties that allow it to return to its original shape after being multiple flexures, without appreciable loss of resiliency, resistance, flexibility and elasticity. Dimensions, including length, and flexure rating, may be optimized to the particular body of the user.

[0011]The arcuate shape reduces and / or eliminates the initial twisting or rotational movement needed to commence movement of a straight-configured device, yielding a device in which relatively uniform force is required to maintain or increase the extent of flexure. The arcuate shape of the device (as compared to a straight device) also facilitates exercises with the device positioned behind the user's neck, back or legs, and eases carrying out the flexing action without appreciable contact with any part of the user's body other than his or her hands.

Problems solved by technology

Certain muscles are difficult to exercise without some form of resistance training equipment.

By way of example only, biceps exercises are difficult to carry out without some form of equipment.

Obviously, the inconvenience of manipulating and storing very heavy weights is a primary one.

A drawback to known prior art handheld apparatus is that the elongated member, in its unflexed position, is substantially straight.

The geometry presented by such apparatus increases the difficulty of use, as depending upon the flexure rating (that is, the force required to flex the device) the user must have considerable strength to commence flexure.

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