Exercising apparatus for calf muscle stretching

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercising apparatus for stretching of the calf muscle, comprising a foot support arranged with an inclination (α). On one side on the foot support a bar extends in a vertical direction and is rotatably arranged in a joint on the foot support. The bar comprises a handle part and a supporting part. The supporting part extends at least around a part of the calf, where stretching of a calf muscle on the user can be achieved by moving the bar forward towards a first part of the foot support while a heel part of the user is secured at the foot support.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to an exercising apparatus for calf muscle stretching.BACKGROUND[0002]During exercise, keep-fit activities and rehabilitation, it is common that the person exercising carry out so called stretching, for stretching of different groups of muscles like, inter alia the calf muscle. The calf muscle consists of two parts: the twin muscle (gastrocnemius) with its two projections from the back side of the condyles of the thigh bone and the soleus muscle, a flat muscle on the back side on the fibula. The muscle parts join in the Achilles tendon that attach at the heel bone (calcaneus). For stretching of the calf muscles, a usual exercise is to place the leg to be stretched in a direction behind the body as far back as possible, with the heel in contact with the underlying surface. The other leg is suitably placed a distance ahead of the body. Either the person leans against the wall or the like, or tries to balance with the hands around the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]An object of the present invention is to provide an aid for stretching of muscle groups of the calf that at least partially eliminates those drawbacks that are associated with devices according to the prior art. A further object is to achieve an aid for stretching of the calf muscle that may provide sufficient power during the stretching, for efficient stretching of the calf muscle. An additional object is to provide equipment for calf muscle stretching that is simple to use and prevents the risk for incorrect stretching of the calf muscle.

[0008]An advantage of this solution is that stretching of the calf muscle may be performed in a correct way such that the stretching becomes sufficiently effective and powerfully performed. Another advantage is that stretching may be performed in a safe and reliable way, such that the risk for injuries may be avoided. Yet another advantage is that the present invention eliminates the need for an instructor for correct performance of the stretching. The exercising apparatus according to the present invention is further more user-friendly. Stretching of the calf muscle may be performed with straight or bent knee and it is also possible to lean the foot sideways on the foot support, for stretching different muscles of the calf. Since the foot board is inclined relative to the underlying surface, the user may stand steadily with support of the foot placed on the upper side of the foot support and additionally the user does not need to lean the leg as far forward, during the stretching of the calf muscle, during the use of the exercising apparatus, which makes the stretching of the exercising apparatus according to the present invention user-friendly, safe and efficient. With the apparatus according to the present invention, the calf muscle may be stretched in a relaxed state without having stresses in the other muscles, so called antagonists, influencing the stretching ability. It is also possible to keep the stretching position a longer time, since other muscles are not strained.

Problems solved by technology

Shortened calf muscles may result in that the foot decides to take a position with the toes pointing downwards.

This may give inconveniences such as periostitis, Compartment syndrome, difficulties to descend stairs in a usual way, and also weakness in the shortened musculature.

The problem related to stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus is that unstressing is difficult since the muscle must be balanced, stressed and relaxed.

It is also difficult to find the correct stretching movement.

An exercise for stretching of the calf muscle as has been described above may thus be difficult or even impossible to perform correctly alone without facilities, for instance for unskilled exercisers or persons that are during rehabilitation training, and therefore there is a need for facilitating the stretching of the calf muscle.

In common for those known apparatus is that they are either relatively complicated or that they are not working satisfactory in a desired way.

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