Apparatus for providing support when performing plank training exercises and methods of manufacturing and using same

Abstract

Exercise apparatuses, and methods of making and manufacturing same, for performing a plank exercise are provided. The apparatuses include a first support member that operates to rest against the chest / body of a user, and a second support member that is attached to, and extends away from, the first support member and may rest on a surface, such as a floor, mat, etc. The apparatuses may include one or more base components to add instability and increase the difficulty of workouts, the base components operating to rest on the surface, instead of the second support member or other component(s), when used. Since an individual, who has not developed proper form and strength, performing the plank exercise can lead to serious injuries, the apparatus / device permits the user to perform the plank exercise more easily and safely while permitting the user to employ the base components to increase the difficulty of an exercise.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13 / 542,766, filed Jul. 6, 2012, and presently pending, entitled “APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT WHEN PERFORMING PLANK TRAINING EXERCISES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND USING SAME”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of exercise devices, and, more particularly, to exercise devices, including training devices, providing support to perform planking exercises / routines and methods of manufacturing and using same. Such plank training exercise devices provide stability while performing plank exercise routines, particularly in situations where individuals using the device have not developed the strength, proper form or other skills needed to perform plank exercises independently.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The plank exercise is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is an exercise device that helps users do plank exercises by supporting their weight. The device can be used between a surface and the user's body, either as a mat or as part of a larger exercise system. The device reduces stress on the arms and shoulders, making the plank exercise more effective. The methods for manufacturing the device are cost-effective and can be used with different users. The device comes with contours that fit the user's body and is easy to use. For users who struggle with plank movements, the device can help improve their performance.

Problems solved by technology

However, it has been found that a problem one encounters with this exercise is that the exercise relies on the arms and shoulders to support the weight of the body.

The arms and shoulders are not intended to be exercised in the plank exercise, but often fatigue as quickly as the core musculature does.

When an individual is not trained to maintain the proper position (e.g., the arms and / or shoulders are not strong enough to perform the exercise independently), it is possible that injuries to, such as, but not limited to, the arms, shoulders, chest, etc., may result from such lack of training, incorrect positioning, errors, etc.

Often times, such injuries can be serious and / or can lead to set-backs in a training regimen.

While gym goers may seek the help of private trainers to learn proper form while conducting such exercises, learning the proper form from a private trainer, especially when required to join, and travel to, a gym, can be cost prohibitive.

This is also true where the user wants to increase the instability of the exercise device in order to achieve a more intense workout, but may not yet be able to perform the exercise routine(s) without the exercise device.

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