Patent Application
20210283457
The subject matter of the invention relates generally to a training system, and more particularly to a tension trainer system and method.
Resistance training/exercise takes advantage of the concept of progressive resistance, which has shown to be highly effective in personal training, rehabilitation, physical therapy, etc. In progressive resistance training/exercise, resistance can be progressively increased by various different methods, such as, adding weight, increasing repetitions, or by increasing time under tension. Some of these can have undesirable effects. For example, with regard to adding weight, at some point as training progresses, one may get to the point where further increases to the weight may become impractical and may be more dangerous than beneficial to the exerciser. For example, with regard to increasing repetitions, this can be suitable up until the individual gets to the point where the increased number of repetitions crosses over into “cardiovascular” exercise protocols instead of “strength building” protocols. With regard to time under tension, it has been shown to be a very effective way to progressively increase resistance, without the drawbacks noted above with regard to increasing weight and repetitions. However, with time under tension it can be difficult to accurately measure the time under tension and to precisely increase or regress resistance, which can negatively affect an exerciser's exercise progression.
Thus, there is a need for a device and training system that allows an exerciser to accurately measure the time under tension and to precisely increase or regress resistance to maximize safe exercise progression.
In one embodiment, a tension trainer system is provided. The tension trainer system may include a resistance strap having a first portion and a second portion; an anchor attachment point disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the resistance strap; grip attachment points, wherein a first one of the grip attachment points may be disposed at an end of the first portion of the resistance strap opposite that of the anchor attachment point and a second one of the grip attachment points may be disposed at an end of the second portion of the resistance strap opposite that of the anchor attachment point; and one or more tension measurement devices may be integrated with the resistance strap. A first tension measurement device may be integrated at a point between the anchor attachment point and the grip attachment point of the first portion of the resistance strap and a second tension measurement device may be integrated at a point between the anchor attachment point and the grip attachment point of the second portion of the resistance strap. The resistance strap may include a first strap and a second strap, and wherein the first strap and the second strap may include the first portion and the second portion, respectively. The resistance strap may include an elastic resistance material. The system may further include one or more adjustment mechanisms, wherein the one or more adjustment mechanisms may be configured to adjust a length of at least one of the first portion and/or second portion of the resistance strap. The system may further include one or more grip attachments, wherein the one or more grip attachments may be configured to interchangeably attach to one or more of the grip attachment points. The one or more grip attachments may include one or more of a handle grip, a ring grip, a ball grip, a sleeve grip, a bar, a rope grip, a resistance strap, and/or an anchoring device. The anchor attachment point may be configure to anchor a portion of the resistance strap in a stationary position. An anchoring device may be attached to the anchor attachment point, and wherein the anchoring device may be configured to anchor the resistance strap to a stationary structure. A position of the anchor attachment point may be adjustable along a length of the resistance strap. The anchor attachment point may be disposed at about a midpoint of the resistance strap between the first portion and the second portion of the resistance strap. At least one of the one or more tension measurement devices may be integrated with the resistance strap at a point in-line between the attachment points and anchor attachment point on each of the first portion and the second portion of the resistance strap. The one or more tension measurement devices may be configured to measure one or both of an amount of time tension is being applied to the resistance strap and/or an amount of tension being applied to the resistance strap. The one or more tension measurement devices may further include a display, wherein the display may be configured to display one or both of the amount of time tension is being applied to the resistance strap and/or the amount of tension being applied to the resistance strap. The one or both of the amount of time tension is being applied to the resistance strap and/or the amount of tension being applied to the resistance strap may be displayed in real-time and/or as a cumulative running total over a period of time. The one or more tension measurement devices may further include a communications interface, and may be configured to transmit the measured amount of time tension is being applied to the resistance strap and/or the amount of tension being applied to the resistance strap is transmitted to a remote computing device. The communications interface may be configured for wireless communication. The one or more tension measurement devices may further include one or more of a timer, a sensor, memory, a processor, a speaker, and/or an input/output interface. The system may further include a trainer application installed on the remote computing device, wherein the trainer application may be configured to receive and process data from the one or more tension measurement devices. The trainer application may be configured to process the data received from the one or more tension measurement devices to one or more of determine an exerciser's progress, recommend exercise progressions, and/or recommend exercise regressions based on the exerciser's performance as compared to a predefined criteria for a selected exercise or workout regime. The trainer application may be configured to transmit data to the one or more tension measurement devices, wherein the transmitted data may include prompts to an exerciser to one or more of begin or end a selected exercise or workout regime, to increase or decrease a tempo of the selected exercise or workout regime, to increase or decrease a tension of the resistance strap for the selected exercise or workout regime, to increase or decrease a time under tension during the selected exercise or workout regime, to change the exerciser's position for the selected exercise or workout regime, and/or to recommend an exercise or workout regime to the exerciser. The prompts may be any one or more of audible, visual, and or tactile. The trainer application may include one or more preprogrammed workout regimes. The system may further include an exercise mat, wherein the exercise mat may include position markings.
In another embodiment, a method of using a tension trainer system is provided. The method of using a tension trainer system may include providing a tension trainer system. The tension trainer system may include a resistance strap having a first portion and a second portion; an anchor attachment point disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the resistance strap; grip attachment points, wherein a first one of the grip attachment points is disposed at a distal most end of the first portion of the resistance strap and a second one of the grip attachment points is disposed at a distal most end of the second portion of the resistance strap; and one or more tension measurement devices are integrated with the resistance strap. The method of using the tension trainer system may further include anchoring the resistance strap via the anchor attachment point; attaching one or more attachment grips to one or more of the grip attachment points; selecting an exercise or workout regime from a trainer application, wherein the trainer application is in communication with the one or more tension measurement devices; and executing the selected exercise or workout regime, wherein data from the selected exercise or workout regime is collected and communicated via the one or more tension measurement devices to the trainer application for processing. The method may further include adjusting one or more elements of the exercise or workout regime in response to prompts from the one or more tension measurement devices, wherein the prompts may be generated by the trainer application based on the processed data and communicated to the one or more tension measurement devices.
Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The subject matter of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The subject matter of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
In some embodiments, the subject matter of the invention provides a tension trainer system that may be a combination device and process that utilizes the “time under tension” principle to provide “progressive overload” in fitness and physical therapy applications. Time under tension is a technique that can be used in strength and conditioning and time under tension is a measure of how long a muscle is under strain during a set. For example, a set of 10 reps may take someone anywhere from 15-25 seconds depending on lifting speed, and thus a time under tension of 15-25 seconds. Progressive overload is the gradual increase of stress placed upon the body during exercise training to improver an individual's physical strength and muscular growth.
The tension trainer system, preferably includes a suspension training system that may include a length of webbing that can be connected to an anchor point, such as an overhead anchor or doorway, and provide an exerciser with an exercise apparatus to perform several different types of resistance exercises/workout routines. The tension trainer system may include an integrated tension-measuring element that measures time under tension, level of tension, and reads, times, and directs exercises, exercise tempo, and rest periods based on preprogrammed workouts related to an exerciser's goals or physical therapy protocols. The tension-measuring element may be capable of wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth capable), allowing it to connect and communicate with a personal trainer application loaded on the exerciser's computing device, such as a mobile computing device, e.g., smart phone or tablet, to record and analyze an exerciser's workout data and track the exerciser's progress, and make recommend exercise progressions (or regressions). The personal trainer application may, for example, record time and rest periods to prompt the exerciser to begin or end an exercise and set the exercise tempo. The personal trainer application could also be set up to allow the exerciser to listen to his/her playlist or podcasts. The tension trainer system may further include a marked exercise mat. The exercise mat may be used with the tension trainer system to, for example, maximizes potential gradual progressive overload by allowing each exercise to be increased in weight/resistance, time under tension, and decreased rest periods by having the exerciser move their position on the exercise mat as indicated by marks on the exercise mat. The tension-measuring element keeps the exerciser on program and makes appropriate recommendations based on the exerciser's workout data. The tension trainer system may further include interchangeable grips/attachments to allow for a wider variety of exercises.
Referring now to
Referring to
Handle grip 125A or 125B may allow an exerciser to grip the device for a number of exercises, e.g., rows, chest presses, and the like. Ball grip 125D, in one example, may be about the size of a lacrosse ball and may allow the exerciser to work on and develop grip strength. Sleeve grip 125E is a handle that simulates a martial arts uniform top that allows the exerciser to develop specific grip strength for martial artist training. Bar 125F may, in one embodiment, serve as a separator bar to rigidly separate ends (or other portions) of straps 105 (for example as shown in
see
Core training resistance strap 125H, may be made of resistance tubing, which could, for example, be placed under an exerciser's spine to measure pelvic tilt tension and be used for core training and also for lumbar spine physical therapy (spondylolisthesis). The core training resistance strap 125H, in one example, may be attached to the grip attachment points 120 and be threaded under the exerciser (e.g., under the exerciser's spine). In use, as the exerciser lays on their back and “tucks” their tailbone (a common rehabilitation exercise prescribed for lower back conditions such as Spondylolisthesis), and, as explained in more detail below, the time under tension could be measured and progressions or regressions could be monitored and directed by the physical therapist or the exerciser.
The tension trainer 101 may further include one or more tension-measuring elements 130. The tension-measuring elements 130 may be integrated with straps 105, for example, disposed at some point in-line between the grip attachment points 120 and anchor point 115 on each of straps 105. The tension-measuring element 130 may be capable of measuring time-under-tension that the exerciser is experiencing during a workout and level of tension. For example, the tension-measuring element 130 may measure the amount of time that there is tension being applied to straps 105 and the amount of tension being applied. Alternatively, the tension-measuring element 130 may include a display 133 that may indicate the time under tension and/or the amount of tension in real-time or as cumulative running total for an exercise or exercise session, and may further include additional information and/or prompts related to the exerciser's exercise protocol. However, in another example, the tension-measuring element 130 may not include a display 133 and may transmit all monitored/collected data to an exerciser's computing device. The tension-measuring element 130 may include a communication interface 155, and preferably may be capable of wireless communication, e.g., Bluetooth capable, and may wirelessly connect and communicate with a personal trainer application 135 on an exerciser's computing device, such as a mobile computing device 140 (e.g., smartphone). The personal trainer application 135 may collect, record, analyze, and/or utilize data (e.g., time-under-tension, amount of tension), from the tension-measuring element 130, to determine an exerciser's progress, and/or recommend exercise progressions, regressions, or other functions as needed, based on the exerciser's ability to generate the necessary constant tension associated with the selected workout related to the exerciser's goals or physical therapy protocols. Therefore, the device acts as a portable pseudo-personal trainer. In one example, the personal trainer application 135 on the exerciser's mobile computing device 140 may record time and rest periods based on data from the tension-measuring element 130 to prompt the exerciser to begin or end an exercise and set the exercise tempo. Tension-measuring element 130 may include components, such as, but not limited to, a timer, sensor (e.g., tension), memory, processor, input/output interface, and/or other components that may enable the tension-measuring element 130 to measure time-under-tension and/or the amount of tension being applied.
Referring now to
The tension trainer system 100 may further include an exercise mat 145 (e.g., as shown in
The personal trainer application 135 may feature preprogrammed (or downloadable) follow along workouts, such as, for example, from a video workout and exercise library. The workouts may play over the exerciser's music playlists utilizing his/her own music library. The workouts may be selected by the exerciser or his/her trainer/care provider to train specific muscle groups, rehab certain injuries, promote fat loss, increase flexibility, develop endurance, and/or other physical fitness/rehabilitation goals. The personal trainer application 135 may prompt the exerciser based on data (e.g., time under tension, amount of tension) that the personal trainer application 135 receives from the tension-measuring element 130 to make sure that the exerciser is making suitable progress (e.g., sustainable, consistent, and incremental progress), to take advantage of time under tension and progressive overload workout and exercise principles. The personal trainer application 135 may also feature a “tension tracker” that talks to other fitness and exercise tracking devices and applications, such as “my fitness pal”, and for example, keeping track of estimated caloric expenditure and may further provide “rewards” such as virtual badges and medals for various fitness milestones or goals achieved that the exerciser could share, for example, on social media. The personal trainer application 135 may further feature a “tension trainer diet” developed by, for example, a registered dietitian to work with calorie tracker applications or devices, such as “my fitness pal”, to help exercisers reach their goals.
A non-limiting example of workout/exercise protocols and options that may be programmed in, downloaded to, or accessible from, the personal trainer application 135 are demonstrated below. However, these are only examples and many other workout/exercise protocols may be programmed in, downloaded to, or accessible from, the personal trainer application 135. Preferably, each exercise would be progressed with increased time under tension and/or resistance.
1. Push: press, push up variations, triceps extensions, dips
2. Pull: row, inverted row, single arm row, biceps, pull ups, chin ups
3. Squat: squats, squat hops, pistols, single leg squats, speed skaters
4. Lunge: reverse lunge, jumping lunges, single leg lunge
5. Hamstring curls
6. Rotation: single arm row with reach
Day 1: Full body push
1. Shoulder
2. Chest: Chest press with foot position progressions and regressions
3. Squat: body weight, plyometric, single leg, single leg plyometric
4. Lunge: body weight, plyometric, single leg, single leg plyometric
5. Rotational push-resisted torso rotation, foot position progression and regression
Day 2: Full body pull
1. Back: low row, single arm row, pull up
2. Biceps
3. Hamstrings
4. Rotational pull—one arm row with a reach
1. Chest
2. Shoulders
3. Back
4. Arms
5. Core
Day 2: Lower body
1. Quads
2. Hamstrings
3. Calves
4. Core
Chest
Shoulders
Triceps
Back
Lats
Biceps
Day 3: Lower body and core
Quads
Hamstrings
Calves
Core
1. Lat stretch
2. Calf stretch
3. Chair pose stretch
4. Hamstring stretch
5. Hip flexor/quad stretch
6. Chest stretch
1. Press, row, reverse lunges, hamstring curls
2. Presses, low rows, triceps extension, biceps curl, side plank, hamstring curls, single leg lunges
3. Mountain climbers, single arm rows, TRX burpees
1. tabata intervals (e.g., eight twenty second intervals of exercise with ten seconds of rest)
2. super tabata intervals (e.g., four forty second exercise intervals with a twenty second rest interval)
Knee
Back
Shoulder etc.
In one example, a workout protocol, e.g., such as related to one of the above, is selected, or downloaded by an exerciser, from the personal trainer application 135; the exerciser then executes the selected workout protocol using the tension trainer system 100; and information from the tension-measuring element 130 is fed to the personal trainer application 135, for recording, analysis, and recommendations based on the selected workout and exerciser's goals.
For example, an exerciser may begin a particular resistance exercise requiring the exerciser to stand with both feet at a first position marking 150 of exercise mat 145, and to perform a certain number of repetitions and sets of the exercise at a certain amount of eccentric time (tempo). If the exerciser's goals are met, then the personal trainer application 135 may recommend progression, e.g., recommending one or more of the eccentric time (tempo) lengthened, number of sets increased, number of repetitions increased, and/or exercise changed to a more difficult/demanding variation. In this example, the personal trainer application 135 may recommend the exerciser moving to a second position marking 150 of exercise mat 145 (to increase the amount of resistance), add an additional set, add additional repetition to each set, lengthen the eccentric time by a specified amount, and/or recommend a variation to the exercise to increase its difficulty. However, if the exerciser's goals were not met, then the personal trainer application 135 may recommend the exerciser stay at the same workout settings/tempo, e.g., recommending the eccentric time (tempo), number of sets, number of repetitions, and/or exercise difficulty/demand remain unchanged. In this example, the personal trainer application 135 may recommend the exerciser remaining at the first position marking 150 of exercise mat 145 and keep the number of sets, repetitions, and/or eccentric time length the same. If the exerciser's goals are not met again, then the personal trainer application 135 may recommend regression, e.g., recommending the eccentric time (tempo) be reduced, number of repetitions reduced, number of sets reduced, and/or exercise changed to a less difficult or demanding variation. In this example, the personal trainer application 135 may recommend one or more of the exerciser moving to a third position marking 150 of exercise mat 145 (to decrease the amount of resistance), reduce the number of sets, reduce the number of repetitions per set, reduce the eccentric time by a specified amount, and/or recommend a variation to the exercise to decrease its difficulty.
The tension trainer system 100 facilitates enhanced exercise and workouts by using and leveraging the time under tension principle to provide progressive overload thus allowing an exerciser to progress safely, gradually, and consistently.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.
Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.
For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments, ±100% in some embodiments ±50%, in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.
Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.
Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is related and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 62/820,939, entitled “Tension Trainer System and Method” filed on Mar. 20, 2016, the application of which is incorporate herein by reference in its entirety.
