Athletic Training Aid and Method

Abstract

A training aid includes a garment including multiple securements. The securements are located at areas corresponding to predetermined anatomical areas of the torso including but not limited to the chest and abdomen. The training aid also includes at least one pair of securements worn on opposite upper extremities, such as the left and right forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, and / or thumbs and are configured to releasably attach the upper extremities in close proximity to any of the anatomical areas of the torso as desired by the wearer. When attached, the wearer is trained to emulate efficient running styles of world class runners. The various securements can include fibers that interlock when they are brought into pressing contact with each other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to an athletic device, athletic training aid, and method, and more particularly to a device and method for training runners and joggers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Few runners and joggers run with an ideal, efficient running style or gait. An inefficient running style increases fatigue which leads to a greater incidence of lower body injuries. Many devices have been developed to help people achieve a more efficient running style by limiting movement of the arms to some degree. Conventional examples include those that use straps that wrap over the athlete's neck or shoulders, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,875 to Elkin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,938 to Rodriguez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,556 to Segarra, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,590 to Toven. Such devices do not keep the runner's forearms or hands close to the torso, which reflects the common belief that arms and hands should move forward and backward in a piston-li...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

An inefficient running style increases fatigue which leads to a greater incidence of lower body injuries.

Such devices do not keep the runner's forearms or hands close to the torso, which reflects the common belief that arms and hands should move forward and backward in a piston-like movement relative to the torso.

Many conventional devices require the runner to hold onto a handle, which undesirably causes the user to make a first while running.

Some devices require the use of straps which cannot be readily removed from the user's extremities in the event of a fall or a collision.

When falling or before an impending collision, a runner would reflexively put her hands forward for protection, and such straps or handles may delay or even prevent the runner from protecting herself Straps that cannot be readily disengaged are also inconvenient when a runner needs to move his arms to a greater extent to improve locomotion, such as when running uphill, or to improve balance, such as when running over an uneven or unstable surface.

Some conventional devices appear heavy or overly obtrusive as compared to garments typically worn by runners.

Such devices may not provide sufficient ventilation and / or may cause a weight imbalance that increases the risk of fatigue and injury.

Some runners may not be receptive to wearing such devices because of their unusual appearance or obtrusive feel.

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