Exercise System with Positioning Markings

Abstract

An exercise system with positioning markings for aiding in identifying proper positioning of the body while performing a wide range of exercises. The exercise system with positioning markings generally includes a carriage slidably secured between a pair of rails. A first platform may be positioned at a first end of the exercise machine and a second platform may be positioned at a second end of the exercise machine. One or more handle assemblies may also be provided for use in various exercises. A longitudinal carriage marking extends between the first and second ends of the carriage and a plurality of cross carriage markings extend perpendicular to the longitudinal carriage marking to ease identification of different points and areas on the carriage during exercise. Platform markings and handle markings may also be included. Reference characters may also be positioned on or around the various markings to aid in identifying their locations.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 924,088 filed Jun. 21, 2013. This application is a continuation-in-part of the Ser. No. 13 / 924,088 application. The Ser. No. 13 / 924,088 application is currently pending. The Ser. No. 13 / 924,088 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.[0002]I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 806,655 filed Mar. 29, 2013. The 61 / 806,655 application is currently pending. The 61 / 806,655 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.[0003]I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 719,763 filed Oct. 29, 2012. The 61 / 719,763 application is currently pending. The 61 / 719,763 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this ap...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is an exercise system that includes a Pilates machine with a sliding carriage between rails. There are two platforms, one at each end of the machine, and a handle assembly for various exercises. The carriage has markings that make it easy to identify different areas and points on the machine during exercise. There are also reference characters and markings on the platforms and handle that help with identification. The technical effect is a more effective and targeted Pilates exercise experience.

Problems solved by technology

In any growing fitness trend that has a rush of new participants, there is also an increase in injuries suffered by new participants.

But with all of the feature enhancements, Pilates apparatuses have only become more complicated in their use, even for the well-informed Pilates user.

Improper positioning on the apparatus not only results in an ineffectual workout, it increases the probability of injury during exercise.

Generally, new exercisers have no idea what muscles need conditioning, or what exercises will condition those muscles.

However, there is dangerous ambiguity surrounding the instructions to an exerciser.

Thus, it is difficult to expect an exerciser to know precisely where to place their foot on the carriage when a trainer instructs them to “place the foot about three quarters of the way back from the front edge of the carriage, and just left of center”.

In any given Pilates class, many exercisers will invariably place their foot in the wrong location.

This delay frustrates the more informed exercisers, wastes valuable trainer time, and shortens the actual workout time.

Although the importance of proper positioning on the Pilates carriage is well-known to those skilled in the art of Pilates fitness training, there does not exist any method to help fitness trainers quickly and efficiently communicate body positioning to a class of exercisers.

The ambiguity of instructions therefore militates smaller class sizes, and increases the risk of injury.

These disadvantages created by the state of the art Pilates apparatuses and methods of teaching exercises thereupon are costly to the exerciser, trainer, and gym owner.

The commercial consequences created by feature-rich Pilates apparatuses and instruction ambiguity include lawsuits filed against gym owners or manufacturers of the exercise apparatus by injured exercisers.

Also, fitness trainers teaching a variety of exercises during a Pilates class waste considerable time instructing the many class participants on how to properly position themselves on the machine prior to starting the next exercise.

This creates frustrated participants who have to spend nearly 50 percent of the class time being properly positioned on the apparatus for each exercise.

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