Exercise Device and System, and Methods of Using Same

Abstract

A method of performing exercise movements utilizes an 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. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 368,789, filed Aug. 30, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 243,156, filed Oct. 1, 2008, abandoned, and a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 341,935, filed Aug. 14, 2009, pending. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 243,156 is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 321,179, filed Dec. 17, 2002, abandoned. The entire contents of each of the above-identified patent applications 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...

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.

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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