1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an exercise device that utilizes a plurality of sliding and pivoting motions for the purpose of exercising various muscles, such as the abdominal muscles.
2. Description of Related Art
Various exercising equipment and equipment free methods of exercising have been developed for exercising the abdominal muscles. Abdominal muscles are generally difficult to isolate and strengthen. Many hours and years of exercise are generally necessary to produce a significant effect on the abdominal musculature. Exercising these muscles may create strain and pressure on the back and neck muscles, depending on the technique used. Additionally, failure to maintain consistent and proper alignment while exercising the abdominal muscles may result in an ineffective workout as well as injury.
Generally, exercise devices are known in the art that provide a framework for individuals to extend their upper torsos from a kneeling position to a prone position in order to strengthen and stretch various muscle groups of the upper torso. A typical apparatus would include a sliding member that could be propelled along a sliding surface by the user stretching the user's body from a kneeling to a prone position, and vice-versa.
Known exercise devices are limited in several respects. For example, prior art devices did not provide adjustable resistance by elevating a track on which the sliding member maneuvered. Additionally, such prior devices were not adaptable to provide an exercise regime particularly and individually directed to the muscles groups of the arms, chest, or legs. Generally these devices are limited in that they include a single track with which the user stretches back and forth. Thus, only a certain set of muscles are isolated for strengthening and performance.
What is needed is a push-pull type exercise device that overcomes the above shortcomings. The invention should permit a large number of body parts to be exercised. Furthermore, the exercise device should be comfortable.
The exercise device in accordance with the present invention includes an elevated base that diverges forwardly into a plurality of elevated arms. The elevated base has a single track disposed thereon and each of the elevated arms includes an elongated track member disposed between opposing first and second ends such that said first end is proximal to a forward end of the single track provided on the elevated base. An elevated beam protrudes rearwardly from the elevated base. The elevated beam has a stationary knee support provided thereon. A single slider including a steering mechanism is slidably disposed on the single track and selectively onto an elongated track member of any one of the plurality of elevated arms. Preferably, a plurality of legs are used to elevate the plurality of elevated arms, elevated base and elevated beam from a surface by a distance of at least three inches.
The present exercise device mostly works the abdominal and oblique muscles in addition to chest, back, gluteus, triceps and shoulders. The exercise device is preferably designed with three elevated arms including three elongated track members. In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device is elevated above the surface approximately 12-20 inches and is supported by 5-6 legs.
Generally, the present exercise device utilizes a person's own body weight and strength to perform the exercises. In a knee bent position, the user rolls the single slider forward and backward between the single track and the selected elongated track member. The present exercise device keeps abdominal and other body muscles firm and in shape.
The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Preferably, the only moving element during use of the exercise device 10, 110 is the single slider 36, 136. However, the legs may be extended prior/after use to adjust the height of the exercise device from the support surface. In one embodiment, the legs are extended such that the plurality of elevated arms, elevated base and elevated beam are supported by a distance of at least three inches from a support surface (e.g. floor or ground), more preferably a distance of 12-20 inches from the support surface. In a preferred embodiment including three elevated arms, 5-6 legs are used to support the elevated arms, elevated base and elevated beam. It is also possible to adjust the position of the stationary knee support 22, 122 before/after use of the exercise device. However, it is preferred that the stationary knee support 22, 122 does not move during the use of the exercise device.
Optionally ancillary devices may be attached to the exercise device 10, 110 to provide ease of use and/or improved performance. For example, an Achilles support may outwardly extend from the raised beam 20, 120 near the leg 24, 124. Also, a waist strap may be suspended from a member extending upwardly from the raised beam 20, 120 near the leg 24, 124 such that it extends over the stationary knee support 22, 122. Furthermore, resistance bands may be connected to the single slider 36, 136 along any one of the elongated track members, or each elongated track member. In a preferred embodiment, the steering mechanism 38, 138 may include a miniature finger or thumb brake.
Although the present invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/936,714 filed Feb. 6, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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