US20210178225A1

US20210178225A1 - Method of exercising the human body preferably in conjunction with the use of at least one piece of gym or sport equiment in the performance of a predetermined training program comprising carrying out of a sequence of steps with each step including a plurality of leg movements on a floor mat wherein at least one leg movement in each step causes a rotational body and/or hip movement in unison with the leg movement during the training program

Info

Publication number: US20210178225A1
Application number: US16/714,107
Authority: US
Inventors: Justin Mannine Gelband
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-13
Filing date: 2019-12-13
Publication date: 2021-06-17

Abstract

The subject invention is directed to a method of exercising the human body comprising the steps of executing a training program on a floor mat consisting of a multiplicity of boxes arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns to form a checker board pattern of boxes on the surface of the floor mat with only one box located in common at the intersection between each horizontal row and each vertical column with each of the multiple boxes being equal in size and adapted to accommodate the foot size of substantially any person exercising on the floor mat such that the location of each foot on the floor mat will correspond to substantially only one coordinate box position with little or no overlapping, with said method comprising the steps of: using a human individual or a recording machine to execute the training program by calling out a sequence of steps corresponding to at least the movement of one leg of the person exercising on the floor mat relative to the other leg which is held stationary so that the moving leg moves from one specified coordinate box position on the floor mat to another specified coordinate box position, with each leg movement selected from the group consisting of a forward leg movement, a backward leg movement, a lateral forward or lateral backward leg movement and a rotational leg movement, and with each step being called out in a predetermined consecutive sequence corresponding to, at least, the leg movements of the person exercising on the floor mat with at least one of the steps, or a consecutive combination of the steps, in said sequence requiring the moving leg to cause the body and/or pelvis of the person exercising on the floor mat to rotate, at least partially, relative to the non-moving leg and in unison with the rotation of the body such that the person exercising on the floor mat forms a pattern of movements corresponding to movements of the person in their everyday lifestyle integral to his or her occupation or to a pattern of movements corresponding to a given gym exercise or for simulating a given sport.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is directed to a method of exercising the human body, preferably using at least one piece of gym or sport equipment, in the performance of a predetermined training exercise comprising the steps of carrying out a predetermined sequence of leg movements on a floor mat alone or in conjunction with the manipulation of a piece of gym or sport equipment, with at least one leg movement in the predetermined sequence causing a rotational body and/or hip (pelvic) movement to occur in unison with the leg movement for functionally strengthening and reconditioning the body and resuscitating muscle deterioration resulting from a lack of exercise and/or age for each exercise training program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A human who lives a sedentary life on a relatively daily basis or has an inactive occupation involving, for example, sitting at a desk for extended periods of time may cause the muscles of the human body, particularly in the hip joint and/or in the back to weaken after a prolonged time period which, in turn, may result in a loss of muscle flexion, extension and medial movement and/or cause deterioration in lateral rotational muscle motion. Muscle deterioration of this type will affect human posture and gait walk, i.e. walking motion which, in turn, may seriously affect the ability of the human, i.e., man or woman, to actively participate in a sport activity, particularly a sport that requires substantial leg movement and/or body rotation such as, for example, in the sport of tennis or racquet ball. Muscle deterioration also occurs over long time periods in different occupations such as, for example, the repetitive practice by fashion models who walk with an unusual gait in high heels.
To counteract muscle deterioration many humans exercise their body in a gym with or without the use of using exercise equipment and/or weights. However, the general use of exercise equipment or the sporadic use of such equipment will not specifically address a loss in body movement from muscular inactivity such as from human aging and may actually be deleterious. As one ages, muscles deteriorate and the deterioration may inhibit the involvement of older people in the participation of an active sport, or may reduce the ability of a person to play at a level commensurate with the level of play of the person at a younger age, or may entirely inhibit the person from participating in an active sport such as tennis and racquet ball where substantial leg movement and body rotation is necessary.
A method of exercising the human body has been discovered in accordance with the present invention comprising carrying out a sequence of leg movements on a floor mat with or without the concurrent use of at least one piece of gym or sport equipment in which at least one of the leg movements is carried out with a simultaneous rotation of the body and/or rotation of the hip during the exercise sequence and with the sequence of leg movements including one or more of the following leg movements: a forward leg movement, a backward leg movement, a lateral forward leg movement and a lateral backward leg movement in which at least one of the leg movements includes a rotational body and/or hip movement and may include simultaneous hand movements the combination of which will resuscitate muscles in the body which may have deteriorated from inactivity or simply getting older. By having the legs move on a floor mat, arranged in the form of a grid consisting of multiple boxes in a checker board pattern, with the legs moving from one coordinate box position to another in response to the calling out of a given sequence of coordinate box positions, creates a pattern of movements based on a given exercise training program for simulating an active sport such as, for example, tennis and/or racquet ball or for simulating the everyday lifestyle movements integral to a given occupation such as that of a fashion model. The objective of each exercise training program is to resuscitate inactive muscles and functionally strengthening the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method of exercising the human body in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of executing a training program on a floor mat consisting of a multiplicity of boxes arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns to form a checker board pattern of boxes on the surface of the floor mat with only one box located in common at the intersection between each horizontal row and each vertical column with each of the multiple boxes being equal in size and adapted to accommodate the foot size of substantially any person exercising on the floor mat such that the location of each foot on the floor mat will correspond to substantially only one coordinate box position with little or no overlapping, said method comprising the step of using a human individual or recording machine to call out a sequence of steps corresponding to different coordinate box positions on the floor mat for a given exercise training program; sequentially following each of the called out steps for moving at least one leg from one coordinate box position to another with each leg movement selected from the group consisting of a forward leg movement, a backward leg movement, a lateral forward and a lateral backward leg movement and a rotational leg movement of one leg relative to the other wherein one or more of the steps being called out causes a predetermined rotational movement of the body and/or pelvis commensurate with the movement of the leg during the exercise training program.
The method of exercising on the floor mat in accordance with the subject invention is preferably carried out in combination with the use of at least one piece of conventional gym or sport equipment selected from the group consisting of a racquet, palate, ring of circular or oval geometry, a ball, one or more flexible bands with handles, bosu, a core-board, an elongated bar or stick, a slant board and a stepping stool.
The training exercise program of the present invention may also be practiced on a floor mat without the use of a piece of gym or sport equipment comprising the steps of carrying out a predetermined sequence of leg movements alone or in conjunction with concurrent movement of the hands in a given sequence of steps corresponding to different coordinate box positions on the floor mat for a given exercise training program. In this instance, the body of the person exercising is aligned, in at least one position of the training exercise program, in a plane in substantial parallel alignment with the floor mat with each hand in contact with a separate coordinate box position along a given horizontal row and with at least one leg moved from one coordinate box position on the floor mat to other coordinate box positions in accordance with a given sequence called out by an individual or a recording machine defining a given training exercise program with at least one or more consecutive leg movements causing a predetermined rotational movement of the body and/or pelvis commensurate with the movement of the leg during the exercise training program. Each leg movement is selected from the group consisting of a forward leg movement, a backward leg movement, a lateral forward, backward or sideways leg movement and a rotational leg movement of one leg relative to the other leg. A rotational movement of the body and/or hip, i.e., pelvis may automatically occur upon movement of one leg from a first given coordinate box position to a second coordinate box position particularly when the moving leg must cross over the non-moving leg or when the first and second coordinate box positions lie in different rows or columns respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic plan view, of a first step, hereinafter identified as step I, in a first training exercise sequence of the present invention, showing a human person exercising on a floor mat 10 consisting of a multiplicity of boxes arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns forming, in combination, a checker board pattern of boxes on the surface of the floor mat 10, as more clearly shown in FIG. 5, with only one box located in common at the intersection between each horizontal row and each vertical column respectively and with the size of each box adapted to accommodate the foot size of substantially any person exercising on the floor mat such that each foot will occupy substantially only one box in a location on the floor mat at the intersection of one horizontal row and one vertical column respectively, with the body of the person exercising lying in a plane substantially parallel to a horizontal axis extending through row C while both hands are holding a ball 12, representing a first piece of sport or gym equipment, with the left leg of the person exercising standing on a conventional step stool 13, representing a second piece of sport or gym equipment, with the step stool 13 located on the coordinate box position C4, which lies approximately in the center of the floor mat 10, and with the right leg of the person exercising located on the coordinate box position C5, adjacent to the coordinate box position C4 upon which the left leg is located;

FIG. 1B is a top view of FIG. 1 showing the outline of both the left foot (L) and the right foot (R) of the person exercising on the floor mat 10 occupying the coordinate box positions C4 and C5 along row C and lying parallel to one another along vertical axes extending through the

vertical columns

3 and 5 respectively;

FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic plan view corresponding to a second step, hereinafter identified as step 2, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, showing the right leg of the person exercising being moved laterally from the coordinate box location C5 along a horizontal axis as shown by an arrow extending through row C to the adjacent coordinate box location C6;

FIG. 1D is a top view of FIG. 1C showing the outline (L) of the left foot and the outline (R) of the right foot with the outline (R) of the right foot shown being moved from the coordinate box position C5 to the coordinate box position C6;

FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic plan view corresponding to a third step, hereinafter identified as step 3, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, showing the right foot of the person exercising being moved laterally in a horizontal direction along row C from coordinate box location labeled C6 to the adjacent coordinate box location labeled C7 while the left foot is shown standing on step stool 13 in contact with coordinate box location C4 and the ball 12 is held stationary between both hands;

FIG. 1F is a top view of FIG. 1E showing the outline (L) of the left foot and the outline (R) of the right foot of the person exercising with the right foot being moved laterally along horizontal row C from coordinate box position C6 to coordinate box position C7 and showing both feet aligned in parallel with the vertical axes extending through coordinate box positions C4 and C7 respectively;

FIG. 1G is a diagrammatic plan view corresponding to a fourth step. hereinafter identified as step 4, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, showing the right foot of the person exercising being moved laterally backward along a vertical axis extending through column 7 from a location on coordinate box position C7 to the location represented by coordinate box position labeled D7 with the body and arms of the person exercising being rotated partially clockwise relative to the left leg while the right foot is turned outwardly into a position aligned between a vertical axis extending through column 7 and a horizontal axis extending through row D and with the body aligned in a plane lying at an acute angle relative to the vertical axis extending through vertical column 4;

FIG. 1H is a top view of FIG. 1G showing the outline (L) of the left foot and the outline (R) of the right foot respectively of the person exercising on the floor mat with the right foot shown moved along vertical column 7 from coordinate box position C7 to coordinate box position D7 and turned in a clockwise direction to lie in a plane at an acute angle with a vertical axis extending through the vertical column 7;

FIG. 1I is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fifth step, hereinafter identified as step 5, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention showing the right foot of the person exercising moved laterally along row D from the coordinate box position D7 to the coordinate box position D6 while the body, arms and right foot of the person exercising are shown rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the position of the left foot which is held stationary on step stool 13 for turning the body of the person exercising into substantial alignment with the horizontal axis extending through row D while holding the ball 12 between the hands in front of the chest and with the right foot turned inwardly so that the right leg is aligned at an acute angle relative to a horizontal axis extending through row D of the floor mat 10;

FIG. 1J is a top view of FIG. 1I showing the outline of the left foot (L) and the outline of the right foot (R) with the right leg shown moved laterally sideways along horizontal row D from a location on coordinate box position D7 to coordinate box position D6 and with the right foot shown turned partially clockwise relative to a vertical axis extending through the vertical column 6 to form an acute angle thereto;

FIG. 1K is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a sixth step, hereinafter identified as step 6, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with the left foot of the person exercising shown in a standing stationary position upon step stool 13 while the right foot is moved laterally along the horizontal row D from the coordinate box position D6 to the coordinate box position D7 and partially turned outwardly, in a clockwise direction, to form an acute angle with a vertical axis extending through column 7 to form an acute angle thereto and with the body of the person exercising being rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg to align the body in a plane at an acute angle relative to a horizontal axis extending through row D;

FIG. 1L is a top view of FIG. 1K showing the outline of both the left foot (L) and the right foot (R) of the person exercising on the floor mat 10 with the right foot laterally moved from coordinate box position D6 to coordinate box position D7 and turned clockwise relative to a vertical axis extending through column 7 to form an acute angle thereto while the left foot is unmoved from the position shown in step 5;

FIG. 1M is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a seventh step, hereinafter identified as step 7, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, showing the right foot of the person exercising on the floor mat being moved vertically forward along column 7 from coordinate box position D7 to coordinate box position C7 while turning the body and hands counterclockwise relative to the left leg so that the body lies in a plane in substantial realignment with the horizontal axis extending through row C and with the right foot in substantial realignment with the vertical axis extending through column 7;

FIG. 1N is a top view of FIG. 1M showing the outline (L) and the outline (R) of the left and right feet of the person exercising on the floor mat 10 with the right foot shown moved laterally forward from coordinate box position D7 to coordinate box position D6 into a position in alignment with the stationary left foot and in substantial alignment with vertical column 7;

FIG. 1O is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to an eight step, hereinafter identified as step 8, of the first training exercise sequence of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, showing the right foot of the person exercising being moved laterally along row C from the coordinate box position C7 to the coordinate box position C6 while the left foot is shown in a standing stationary position upon step stool 13 in contact with coordinate box position C4 and the body in a plane in the same alignment with the horizontal axis through row C as shown in step 7;

FIG. 1P is a top view of FIG. 1O showing the outline (L) and the outline (R) of the left and right feet respectively of the person exercising on the floor mat 10 with the right foot shown occupying coordinate box position C6 in substantially parallel alignment with the left foot;

FIG. 1Q is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a ninth step, hereinafter identified as step 9, representing the last step in the first training exercise sequence of the present invention, showing the right foot of the person exercising being moved laterally along row C from the coordinate box position C6 to the coordinate box position C5 while the left foot remains standing in a stationary position upon step stool 13 in contact with coordinate box position C4 and the body remains aligned in a plane in substantial alignment with the horizontal axis extending through row C with the ball 12 held between the hands in front of the chest of the person exercising;

FIG. 1R is a top view of FIG. 1Q showing the outline (L) and the outline (R) of the left and right feet respectively of the person exercising on the floor mat 10 with the right foot shown laterally moved sideways along horizontal row C from coordinate box position C6 to coordinate box position C5 with both the left and right feet in substantial alignment in parallel with the axes extending through

vertical columns

5 and 4 respectively;

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic plan view of a second training exercise program of the present invention, showing a person exercising on a floor mat corresponding to the floor mat 10 in FIG. 1, with the body of the person 11 facing forward in parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row C and with both hands shown holding a handle 14 of a conventional racquet 16 for simulating playing either tennis or racquet ball and with the handle 14 positioned substantially in the center of the body with each leg of the person exercising lying substantially parallel to one another with the foot in each leg standing on the two adjacent coordinate box positions C3 and C5 respectively;

FIG. 2B is a top view of FIG. 2A showing the outline (L) of the left foot occupying coordinate box position C3 and the outline (R) of the right foot occupying coordinate box position C5 with both the left and right foot in parallel alignment with each other and in alignment with a vertical axis extending through

rows

3 and 5 of the floor mat 10 respectively;

FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to the second step, hereinafter identified as step 2, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the left leg and the body of the person exercising rotated in a clockwise direction around the right leg, while the right leg is held substantially stationary in a plane in alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 5 so that the left leg is moved from a position in contact with coordinate box position C3 into a position in contact with coordinate box position B5 with the left foot aligned at an acute angle to a vertical axis extending through column 5 and with the body of the person exercising rotated to a new position lying substantially parallel to the vertical axis extending through column 5 while the arms and hands of the person exercising are similarly rotated in a clockwise direction around the right leg until the arms lie in a position forward of the body with the hands holding the racquet 16 in a plane in parallel alignment with the body;

FIG. 2D is a top view of FIG. 2C, showing the outline (L) of the left foot moved from coordinate box position C3 in row C into coordinate box position B5 in row B with the left leg lying in a plane at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis extending through column 5 while the right leg and the outline (R) of the right foot is held stationary in contact with coordinate box position C5 aligned in a plane substantially parallel to the vertical axis extending through column 5 of the floor mat 10;

FIG. 2E is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a third step, hereinafter identified as step 3, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg moved laterally along column 5 from coordinate box position C5 to coordinate box position D5 and the right foot turned into substantial horizontal alignment with row D while the body of the person exercising is partially turned in a counterclockwise direction into substantial parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 5 and the left hand releases the handle 14 of the racquet 16 so that the racquet 16 is held only in the right hand as the right arm is simultaneously turned in a counterclockwise direction into a fully extended position with the right arm and right hand lying in a plane in substantial parallel alignment with the body of the person exercising and with the left leg held in a stationary position in contact with coordinate box position B5 in a direction along row B and in substantial parallel alignment with the right leg to enable the person exercising to simulate playing either tennis or racquet ball with the racquet 16 in position to make a right hand forehand return of a tennis or racquet ball respectively;

FIG. 2F is a top view of FIG. 2E, showing the right leg turned counterclockwise with the outline (R) of right foot moved from the coordinate box position C5 in row C into coordinate box position D5 in row D in substantial parallel alignment with the horizontal axis extending through row D;

FIG. 2G is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fourth step, hereinafter identified as step 4, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the body of the person exercising turned in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg and the right foot turned into alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 6 with the body aligned in a plane lying at an angle to a horizontal axis extending through row D with the right arm rotated counterclockwise to align the right hand holding the racquet 16 in a position in a plane substantially perpendicular to the body to further simulate using the racquet 16 for completing a forehand return of a tennis or racquet ball from the position in step 3 of FIG. 2E;

FIG. 2H is a top view of FIG. 2G, showing the outline (R) of the right foot moved from coordinate box position D5 into coordinate box position D6 and turned into a position in substantial parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 6 while the outline (L) of the left foot is unmoved from contact with coordinate box position B5;

FIG. 2I is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fifth step, hereinafter identified as step 5, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and left leg of the person exercising being turned in a counterclockwise direction relative to the right leg for moving the left leg from coordinate box position B5 in column 5 to coordinate box position D4 in column 4 with the body in a plane aligned parallel to a horizontal axis through row D while using both the right and left hands to re-grip the handle 14 of the racquet 16 so that the racquet 16 is held by both hands in front of the body preferably in a plane extending perpendicular to the body with the left foot in substantial parallel alignment with the right foot;

FIG. 2J is a top view of FIG. 2I, with the outline (L) of left foot shown moved from the coordinate box position B5 in column 5 to the coordinate box position D4 in column 4 in a position in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4 and in substantial parallel alignment with the outline (R) of the right foot;

FIG. 2K is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a sixth step, hereinafter identified as step 6, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and right leg of the person 11 exercising turned in a counterclockwise direction relative to the left leg which remains stationary while the right foot is moved from coordinate box position D6 in column 6 into coordinate box position C5 in column 5 and with the body aligned in a plane extending diagonally between a horizontal axis through row D and a vertical axis extending through column 5 with both hands rotated in a counterclockwise direction while holding the handle 14 and racquet 16 in a position with the racquet 16 aligned in a plane substantially parallel to the left forearm for simulating a two handed forehand return when playing either tennis or racquet ball and with the right foot turned inward in a direction at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis extending through column 5;

FIG. 2L is a top view of FIG. 2K, showing the outline (L) of the left foot occupying coordinate box position D4 in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4 and showing the outline (R) of the right foot moved from coordinate box position D6 to coordinate box position C5 and lying in a plane extending diagonally between a vertical axis through column 5 and a horizontal axis extending through row C;

FIG. 2M is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a seventh step, hereinafter identified as step 7, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and left leg turned counterclockwise relative to the right leg which is held stationary for moving the left leg from coordinate box position D4 into coordinate box position E5 with the body aligned in a plane along a vertical axis extending through column 5 and with both the arms and hands holding the tennis racquet 16 in front of the body in preparation for simulating a two handed forehand return of a tennis ball in the sport of tennis with both feet in column 5 in relative alignment with one another in a horizontal direction;

FIG. 2N, is a top view of FIG. 2M, showing the outline (L) of the left foot rotated from coordinate box position D4 into coordinate box position E5 in parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row E while the right foot remains stationary with the outline (R) of the right foot in contact with coordinate box position C5 aligned in a plane extending diagonally between a vertical axis through column 5 and a horizontal axis extending through row C;

FIG. 2O is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to an eight step, hereinafter identified as step 8, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and left leg of the person exercising being turned in a clockwise direction relative to the right leg for moving the left foot from coordinate box position E5 in row E into coordinate box position D4 in row D with both hands shown moving the handle 14 and racquet 16 along a substantially vertical direction following vertical column 3 of the floor mat 10 for simulating the completion of a two handed forehand return of a tennis ball in the sport of tennis while the right leg is held stationary in contact with coordinate box position C5 and in diagonal alignment between the vertical axis extending through column 5 and the horizontal axis extending through row C;

FIG. 2P is a top view of FIG. 2O, showing the outline (L) of the left foot rotated in a clockwise direction from coordinate box position E5 in row E into coordinate box position D4 in row D and into parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4 while the outline (R) of the right foot is held in stationary contact with coordinate box position C5 in diagonal alignment between a vertical axis extending through column 5 and a horizontal axis extending through row C;

FIG. 2Q is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a ninth step, hereinafter identified as step 9, of the second training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and right leg of the person exercising turned in a counterclockwise direction with the right foot moved from a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 to a position in contact with coordinate box position D6 and the body rotated into parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row D and showing the left hand releasing the handle 14 so that the handle 14 and racquet 16 is held only in the right hand while the right arm is turned in a counterclockwise direction so that the right hand holds the handle 14 and racquet 16 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the body to simulate preparation for renewing play in the sport of tennis;

FIG. 2R is a top view of FIG. 2Q, showing the outline (R) of the right foot moved from coordinate box position C5 in floor mat 10 to coordinate box position D6 in column 6 and into parallel alignment with the outline (L) of the left foot;

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a first step, hereinafter identified as step 1, of a third training exercise of the present invention, showing a person 11 exercising on a floor mat 10 corresponding to floor mat 10 in FIG. 1, facing forward with the body of the person 11 aligned in parallel with a horizontal axis extending through row C, and the arms of the person 11 extending outwardly from the body in a plane substantially parallel to the body, with the upper forearms of the person 11 folded over the elbows at an angle of substantially 90 degrees, the left hand of the person 11 holding one end of a first stretch band 18 while the right hand holds a similar one end of a second stretch band 19 on each opposite side of the body of the person 11 exercising on the floor mat 10, with each of the

stretch bands

18 and 19 having opposite ends coupled in common to a coupling 20 affixed to a stationary structure or wall, not shown, with the left foot of the person 11 in contact with coordinate box position C3 and the right foot of the person 11 in contact with coordinate box position C5 and with the left and right feet aligned in parallel to each other and to the vertical axes extending through

columns

3 and 5 respectively.

FIG. 3B is a top view of FIG. 3A, showing the outline (L) of the left foot in contact with coordinate box position C3 and in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 3 with the outline (R) of the right foot in contact with coordinate box position C5 and in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 5;

FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a second step, hereinafter identified as step 2, of the third training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg of the person exercising moving laterally forward from coordinate box position C5 to coordinate box position B5 along column 5 and the body turned counterclockwise into a position aligned at an acute angle to the horizontal with the left leg held stationary and with the left foot in coordinate box position C3 aligned in parallel with a vertical axis extending through row 3 while simultaneously rotating the arms and hands of the person 11 in a counterclockwise direction so that the left and right forearms turn with the body moving the right forearm and right hand forward of the head to pull the second stretch band 19 forward relative to the position of the first stretch band 18 for exercising the bicep and/or tricep muscles in the right arm simultaneous with the rotational movement of the body and/or hips;

FIG. 3D is a top view of FIG. 3C, showing the outline (L) of the left foot in coordinate box position C3 in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 3 and showing the right leg rotationally turned in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg which is held stationary moving the right leg and the outline (R) of the right foot from coordinate box position C5 into coordinate box position B5 with the right foot aligned in a direction at an acute angle between the horizontal axis extending through row B and the vertical axis extending through column 5 in grid mat 10;

FIG. 3E is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a third step, hereinafter identified as step 3, of the third training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and the right leg of the person exercising rotated counterclockwise relative to the left leg to realign the body of the person 11 back into the position shown in step 1 of FIG. 3A with the plane of the body in parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row C and with each arm moved into the same position shown in step 1 of FIG. 3A holding one end of the first stretch band 18 and one end of the second stretch band 19 aligned on opposite sides of the body of the person 11 with both the left and right foot in parallel alignment to one another and to the vertical axes extending through column 3 and column 5 respectively;

FIG. 3F is a top view of FIG. 3E, showing the outline (L) of the left foot lying in coordinate box position C3 with the left foot aligned in parallel with a vertical axis extending through column 3 and showing the outline (R) of the right foot moved from coordinate box position B5 to coordinate box position C5 to realign the right leg in parallel with the left leg and with a vertical axis extending through column 5;

FIG. 3G is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fourth step, hereinafter identified as step 4, of the third training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and left leg of the person exercising turned clockwise relative to the right leg which is held stationary so that the left foot is moved from coordinate box position C3 to coordinate box position B3 while rotating the body of the person 11 in a clockwise direction into a plane lying at an angle between a vertical axis extending through column 3 with the left arm and left hand rotated with the body pulling the left hand and the first stretch band 18 in a forward direction relative to the position of the second stretch band 19 held by the right arm for exercising the bicep and/or tricep muscles in the left arm simultaneous with the rotational movement of the body and/or hips;

FIG. 3H is a top view of FIG. 3G showing the left leg rotated partially clockwise relative to the right leg with the outline (L) of the left foot moved from coordinate box position C3 to coordinate box position B3 and turned inwardly to lie at an angle with the vertical axis extending through column 3 and showing the right leg held stationary in contact with coordinate box position C5 with the outline (R) of the right foot in parallel alignment with the vertical axis extending through column 5;

FIG. 3I is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fifth step, hereinafter identified as step 5, of the third training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and left leg turned clockwise relative to the right leg, which is held stationary, for rotationally moving the left leg from coordinate box position B3 in column 3 into coordinate box position A4 in column 4 with the body of the person 11 turning clockwise, in unison, with rotational movement of the left leg with the body placed into a position diagonal to a vertical axis extending through column 4 while simultaneously rotating the left arm and left hand clockwise in unison with the clockwise rotation of the body for pulling the left hand and the first stretch band 18 in a forward direction relative to the position of the second stretch band 19, which is held relatively stationary by the right arm, with the left foot turned inwardly when turning the left leg so that the left foot lies at an angle between a horizontal axis extending through row A and a vertical axis extending through column 4;

FIG. 3J is a top view of FIG. 3I, showing the outline (L) of the left foot moved from coordinate box position B3 into coordinate box position A4 with the left foot diagonally turned inwardly to lie in a plane at an angle with a vertical axis extending through column 4 and with the outline (R) of the right foot held stationary on coordinate box position C5 in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 5;

FIG. 3K is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a sixth step, hereinafter identified as step 6, of the third training exercise of the present invention, showing the body turned counterclockwise relative to the left leg which is held in a stationary position in contact with coordinate box position A4 as shown in step 5 for turning the body into parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4 while rotationally turning the right leg from a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 in column 5 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C4 in column 4 with the right foot oriented into parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through horizontal row C while rotating the arms and hands so that both the right arm and left arm turn counterclockwise in unison as the body turns counterclockwise with the right forearm in parallel alignment with the left forearm and with the first stretch band 18 being pulled from the left hand a greater distance from the attachment of the coupling 20 to a wall, not shown, relative to the distance of the second stretch band 19 pulled from the right hand of the person 11;

FIG. 3L is a top view of FIG. 3K, showing the outline (R) of the right foot moved from coordinate box position C5 into coordinate box position C4 while being turned and reoriented into a position in parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row C while the left leg is held stationary in contact with coordinate box position A4 with the outline L of the left foot diagonally aligned at an angle with a vertical axis extending through column 4;

FIG. 3M is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a seventh step, hereinafter identified as step 7, of the third training exercise of the present invention, showing the body and right leg being turned clockwise relative to the left leg which is held stationary for turning the right foot from a position in contact with coordinate box position C4 to a position in contact with coordinate box position A2 with the right foot positioned into parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 2 and for turning the body into substantial parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row A while simultaneously rotating the arms and hands in unison in a clockwise direction so that the arms extend from the body in a substantially parallel relationship to one another with the hands holding the

stretch bands

18 and 19 substantially equally apart on opposite sides of the body and with each of the

stretch bands

18 and 19 being pulled by the left and right hand a substantially equal distance from the common coupling 20 affixed to a stationary structure or wall, not shown;

FIG. 3N is a top view of FIG. 3M, showing the right leg rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg from a position in contact with coordinate box position C4 into a position in contact with coordinate box position A2 with the outline (R) of the right foot aligned in a direction substantially parallel to a vertical axis extending through row A and in parallel alignment with the outline (L) of the left foot which lies in column 4 in contact with coordinate box position A4;

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a first step, hereinafter identified as step 1, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing a person 11 exercising on a floor mat 10 corresponding to the floor mat 10 in FIG. 1, with the upper torso of the body of the person 11 aligned in parallel with the floor mat 10 with the left and right arms in a fully extended position in parallel to one another with the left hand in contact with coordinate box position A3 in row A and the right hand in contact with coordinate box position A5 in row A, and having each leg between the knee and the foot aligned in parallel along row B so that the left knee is in contact with coordinate box positions B3 and the right knee is in contact with coordinate box positions B5 and with the toes of the left foot in direct contact with coordinate box position C3 and the toes of the right foot in direct contact with coordinate box position C5 respectively;

FIG. 4B is a top view of FIG. 4A, showing the outline of the left hand, with the symbol of the hands shown identified in FIG. 4B1, in contact with coordinate box position A3, the outline of the right hand in contact with coordinate box position A5, the knee of the left leg, with the symbol of the knees shown identified in FIG. 4B1, in contact with coordinate box position B3, the knee of the right leg in contact with coordinate box position B5 and showing the toes of left foot in contact with coordinate box position C3 and the toes of the right foot, with the symbol of the toes shown identified in FIG. 4B1, in contact with coordinate box position C5 respectively;

FIG. 4B1 is a legend illustrating each of the symbols corresponding to the hands, knees and toes of the person 11 exercising on the floor mat 10 in each of the FIGS. 4B, 4D, 4F, 4H, 4J, 4L, 4N, 4P and 4R respectively with the symbol for the left and right hands designated by five fingers for each hand, with the knee of the left leg, designated by a circle enclosing a capital letter L, in contact with coordinate box position B3, the knee of the right leg, designated by a circle enclosing a capital letter R, in contact with coordinate box position B5 and with the toes of right and left foot, designated by a series of 5 circles decreasing in size and having the letters L and R in each leg to identify the left and right foot respectively;

FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a second step, hereinafter identified as step 2, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg of the person 11 in a fully extended position with the right knee elevated above the floor mat 10 for diagonally moving the toes of right foot from contact with coordinate box position C5 in row C of column 5 into contact with coordinate box position D6 in row D of column 6 while the torso of the body and hands are held in essentially the same position as shown in step 1 in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a top view of FIG. 4C, showing the toes of right foot moved from coordinate box position C5 into contact with coordinate box position D6 with the left knee and the toes in the left foot remaining stationary and in contact with coordinate box position B3 and C3 respectively, and showing the outline of the left hand and right hand, in contact with coordinate box positions A3 and A5 respectively;

FIG. 4E is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a third step, hereinafter identified as step 3, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg of the person 11 in a fully extended position being moved laterally downwardly along column 6, with the right knee elevated above the floor mat 10, and with the toes of the right foot moved from contact with coordinate box position D6 into contact with coordinate box position E6 while the torso of the body, the left leg, left knee and right and left hand is held in substantially the same position as shown in step 2 FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4F is a top view of FIG. 4E, showing the toes of the right foot moved from coordinate box position D6 into contact with coordinate box position E6 while the left knee, the toes of the left foot and the left and right hand are held substantially stationary in the same position as shown in step 2 FIG. 4D;

FIG. 4G is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fourth step, hereinafter identified as step 4, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the fully extended right leg of the person 11 rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the left leg while the right knee is held elevated above the floor mat 10 for moving the right foot from column 6 into a position in column 7 with the toes of the right foot in contact with coordinate box position D7 and with the torso of the body, left knee and the left leg being held in substantially the same position as shown in step 3 FIG. 4F;

FIG. 4H is a top view of FIG. 4G, showing the outline of the toes of the right foot rotationally moved clockwise from coordinate box position E6 into contact with coordinate box position D7 while the toes in the left leg, hands and left knee are held in a substantially stationary position on the floor mat 10 as shown in FIG. 4F;

FIG. 4I is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a fifth step, hereinafter identified as step 5, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg in a bended position with the knee elevated above the floor mat 10 while the right leg is diagonally moved from a position with the toes of the right foot in contact with coordinate box position D7 in column 7 to a position with the toes in contact with coordinate box position C6 in column 6 while the torso of the body, the toes in the left leg, left knee and both the left and right hand of the person 11 are held in substantially the same position relative to the floor mat 10 as shown in

steps

1 and 2 of FIGS. 4A and 4C respectively;

FIG. 4J is a top view of FIG. 4I, showing the toes of the right foot diagonally moved from contact with coordinate box position D7 in column 7 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C6 in column 6 while holding the toes of the left leg, the left knee and hands of the person 11 in substantially the same position as shown in in step 4 FIG. 4H of the subject invention;

FIG. 4K is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a sixth step, hereinafter identified as step 6, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg of the person 11 fully extended with the right foot moved laterally from coordinate box position C6 in row 6 to coordinate box position C7 in the floor mat 10 while the torso, left leg, left knee and right and left hands are held in essentially the same position relative to the floor mat 10 as is shown in step 5 FIG. 4I of the subject invention;

FIG. 4L is a top view of FIG. 4K, showing the toes of the right foot moved laterally along row C from a position in contact with coordinate box position C6 into contact with coordinate box position C7 while the toes in the left foot, left knee and hands of the person 11 is held in substantially the same position on the floor mat 10 as shown in step 5, FIG. 4J, of the subject invention;

FIG. 4M is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a seventh step, hereinafter identified as step 7, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg of the person 11 fully extended and rotated clockwise with the toes in the right foot moved from a position in contact with coordinate box position C7 in row 7 to a position in contact with coordinate box position D2 in row 2 while the torso of the body, the toes in the left leg, left knee and both the left and right hand of the person 11 are held in substantially the same position relative to the floor mat 10 as shown in

steps

2 and 3 in FIGS. 4D and 4F respectively;

FIG. 4N is a top view of FIG. 4M, showing the toes of the right foot rotationally moved in a clockwise direction from contact with coordinate box position C7 in row 7 into contact with coordinate box position D2 in row D while the knee of the left foot and the toes in the left foot remain in contact with coordinate box positions B3 and C3 respectively and the left and right hands remain in contact with coordinate box positions A3 and A5 in row A respectively and as is shown in step 6 FIG. 4L;

FIG. 4O is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to an eighth step, hereinafter identified as step 8, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right leg of the person exercising rotationally moved in a counterclockwise direction from a position in column 2, with the right leg fully extended and the toes of the right foot in contact with coordinate box position D2, to a position in column 5 with the toes in contact with coordinate box position E5 and with the torso of the body of the person 11 lying at an inclined acute angle relative to the floor mat 10 while the left leg, left knee and the left and right hand are held in substantially the same position as in step 7, FIG. 4N with the left and right hands in contact with coordinate box positions A3 and A5 in row A, the left knee in contact with coordinate box position B3 in row B and the toes in the left leg in contact with coordinate box position C3 in row C respectively;

FIG. 4P is a top view of FIG. 4O, showing the toes of the right foot rotationally moved in a counterclockwise direction from a position in column 2 in contact with coordinate box position D2 into a position in column 5 in contact with coordinate box position E5 while both hands, the left knee and the toes in the left leg are held in substantially the same position as shown in step 7, FIG. 4N;

FIG. 4Q is a diagrammatic plan view, corresponding to a ninth step, hereinafter identified as step 9, of the fourth training exercise of the present invention, showing the right foot of the person exercising moved laterally forward along column 5 from a position with the toes of the right foot in contact with coordinate box position E5 to a position with the toes in contact with coordinate box position C5 while simultaneously bending the right leg into a position so that the upper portion of the right leg extending above the right knee lies substantially perpendicular to the torso of the body and the lower portion of the right leg extending below the right knee lying lies parallel to the floor mat 10, with the torso of the body of the person 11 lying substantially parallel to the floor mat 10 while the right knee makes direct contact with coordinate box position B5 and both hands, the left knee and the toes in the left leg are held in substantially the same position as in step 8, FIG. 4P;

FIG. 4R is a top view of FIG. 4Q, showing the toes of the right foot moved with the right leg laterally forward along column 5 from a position in contact with coordinate box position E5 in row E into a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 in row C while both hands, the left knee and the toes in the left leg are held in substantially the same position as shown in step 8, FIG. 4P;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged diagrammatic top view of the floor mat 10 of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1-4 respectively with the floor mat 10 consisting of a multicity of boxes arranged in five rows, labeled A-D respectively, and seven columns labeled 1-7 respectively, and with each of the five rows A-D in parallel alignment with a horizontal axis and with each of the seven columns 1-7 in parallel alignment with a vertical axis such that the boxes define multiple coordinate box positions in the floor mar 10 with only one box at the intersection of one row and one column respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method for exercising the human body on a floor mat 10, as shown in each of the FIGS. 1-5, consisting of a multiplicity of boxes drawn on or formed in the floor mat 10 with the boxes visible from the top surface of the floor mat 10 in an arrangement consisting of horizontal rows and vertical columns which intersect one another to form a checker board pattern having only one box in common at the intersection of each horizontal row and each vertical column. FIG. 5 is an enlarged version of a preferred floor mat 10 which, in accordance with the present invention, is limited to only five rows of boxes, with the rows labeled A-E and the seven columns of boxes labeled 1-7 respectively. It should be understood that any number of rows and columns may be used in the practice of the present invention as long as only one box is located in common at the intersection of each horizontal row and each vertical column respectively. The boxes are preferably equal in size with the location of each box representing the coordinate box position of such box at the intersection of a row and a column on the floor mat 10. The seven boxes in row A are labeled A1-A7; the seven boxes in row B are labeled B1-B7; the seven boxes in row C are labeled C1-C7; the seven boxes in row D are labeled D1-D5 and the seven boxes in row E are labeled E1-E7 respectively, with the size of each box being sufficient to accommodate the foot size of any person exercising on the floor mat 10 without resulting in a substantial overlap of a foot in any adjacent coordinate box position to at least any substantial extent. Likewise, column 1 includes boxes A1 to E1, column 2 includes boxes B2 to E2, column 3 includes boxes C3 to E3, column 4 includes boxes A4 to E4 etc. with column 7 including boxes A7 to E7 respectively,
A multiple of different training exercise programs may be used in the practice of the present invention with each training exercise program comprising using a human individual or recording machine to call out a predetermined sequence of steps corresponding to the movement of at least one leg of a person on a floor mat relative to the position of the other leg from one coordinate box position on the floor mat to another coordinate box position in accordance with the sequence of steps being called out with at least one step in each sequence corresponding to a movement of one leg across or around the other leg during movement from one coordinate box position on the floor mat to another causing a predetermined rotational movement of the body and/or pelvis of the person exercising on the floor mat such that the rotational movement occurs in unison with the movement of the leg. Each sequence of steps in the method involves, at least, a predetermined pattern of leg movements such that the person exercising on the floor mat forms a pattern of movements on the floor mat corresponding to movements of the person in their everyday lifestyle integral to his or her occupation which, preferably in combination with the use of a piece of gym equipment, simulates a given gym exercise or simulates playing a given sport.
The movement of the body in accordance with the practice of the present invention is based on applied functional science in three dimensional planes with the understanding, as previously stated, that each exercise training program of the present invention includes at least one or a consecutive number of leg movements which cause a body and/or pelvis rotation to occur substantially simultaneously with the one or more leg movements on the floor mat so as to form a pattern of movements on the floor mat, alone or in combination with hand movements, for simulating body movement in the practice of a given sport, gym exercise or work regimentation.
In accordance with the present invention, the hands of the person exercising on the floor mat may also be moved in coordination with the called out movement of the leg(s) with the hand movement occurring either in response to the movement of the leg(s) or may be called out separately as an integral part of a called out step. One hand or both hands of the person exercising on the floor mat may simultaneously be required to hold a piece of gym or sport equipment so that when the hand or hands holding the piece of gym or sport equipment is moved in coordination with movement of the legs and/or in response to the rotation of the body or pelvis the hands will move in conjunction therewith causing the piece of gym equipment to move with the hands. Any piece of conventional gym equipment may be used in the practice of the present invention including, for example, at least one of the following: a ball, racquet, a stick, a disk, pilate ring, bosu, core board, thera-band, resist band, steps, slant board, and/or a cable machine. A called out step may also require the non-moving foot of the person exercising to stand on the slant board or steps and may be practiced while simultaneously holding another piece of gym equipment by the hands.
The steps called out in each training exercise program in the present invention correspond to movement of at least one leg, of the person exercising, from one coordinate box position on the floor mat 10 to another relative to the other leg which is held stationary. The movement of one leg on the floor mat follows a predetermined sequence for each exercise with at least one called out step in each sequence requiring a leg movement to occur in combination with a rotational movement of the body or hip movement. The rotational movement may occur directly in response to a movement of the leg or may be separately called out as part of a step so that the rotational movement occurs in unison and substantially simultaneous with the movement of the leg. The moving leg moves on the floor mat relative to the other leg which is held stationary upon a given coordinate box position. The non-moving leg, in general, provides stability, for balancing the body when moving the other leg particularly when a rotational movement of the body or pelvis occurs in response to the movement of the leg from one coordinate box position to another. In this regard, a rotation of the body or pelvis automatically occurs in direct response to the movement of a leg when the moving leg is required to cross over or around the non-moving leg in order to move from one given coordinate box position to another particularly when crossing over two axes from one row or column on the floor mat to reach a coordinate box position on another row or column. In any event, the rotation of the body or pelvis should occur substantially simultaneously, i.e., in unison with the movement of the moving leg.
It should be understood that each step in a called out sequence of steps for each training exercise program may comprise only leg movements or may comprise leg movements, body movements and/or hand movements which should occur as part of the same step in substantial unison relative to one another and substantially simultaneously. However, many of the training exercise programs of the present invention involve only leg movements which may cause the body or pelvis to rotate simultaneously in response to the movement of a leg and may also cause hand movements to occur in response to the rotational movement of the body and/or pelvis. Alternatively, each step may specifically call out hand movements to occur in conjunction with a called out leg movement as part of the same step. The called out hand movement may specify moving the hands anteriorly or posteriorly from a first position with the hands in alignment with a given coordinate box position on the floor mat to a second position in alignment with another coordinate box position on the floor mat thereby simultaneously controlling the movement of the hands in conjunction with a called out leg movement. Moreover, the hands may be holding a piece of gym or sport equipment to create a pattern of movements which simulate playing an active sport such as tennis or to simulate a gym exercise using a piece of gym equipment.
Four different training exercise programs of the present invention will hereinafter be explained in detail corresponding to FIGS. 1-4 respectively. It should however be understood that these are only examples of many different training exercise programs which can be carried out in accordance with the present invention on a floor mat 10 consisting of a multiplicity of boxes arranged in five horizontal rows identified by the capital letters A-E and seven vertical columns numerically labeled 1-7, which, in combination, form a checker board pattern of boxes on the surface of the floor mat 10, with only one box located in common at the intersection between each horizontal row and each vertical column respectively. The size of each box is intended to accommodate placement of the foot of any person exercising on the floor mat on one coordinate box position without causing any substantial overlap of the foot on any other coordinate box position.
FIGS. 1A-1R corresponds to the first illustrated exercise training program of the present invention and consists of nine independent exercise steps, with each step called out in consecutive sequence by an individual or a recording machine to correspond to the movement of at least one leg relative to the other from an originating position of the legs on the floor mat 10.
Accordingly, the first step of the first exercise training program of the present invention, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, shows a person 11 standing upright on the floor mat 10, preferably close to or at the center of the floor mat 10, with the body of the person 11 exercising on the floor mat 10 aligned substantially parallel to a horizontal axis extending through row C and with both hands of the person 11 holding a conventional ball 12, representing a first piece of sport or gym equipment, at chest level in a plane in parallel alignment to the body and in parallel with row C such that the ball 12 is being held by the hands in a position in alignment with coordinate box position C4 while the left leg is held stationary at a position standing on a conventional step stool 13. The step stool 13 represents a second piece of sport or gym equipment and is located on the coordinate box position C4, substantially in the center of the floor mat 10. The right leg of the person 11 exercising on the floor mat 10, is in contact with coordinate box position C5, in row C adjacent to the coordinate box position C4, upon which the left leg resides, with the right foot in parallel alignment with the left foot. The left foot is in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4.
In step 2 of the first training exercise program, as is shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to move from the coordinate box location C5, in a lateral direction along row C, into contact with coordinate box location C6 with the left leg held in a non-moving stationary position upon stool 13 and with the right foot aligned parallel to the left foot. In step 2 the movement of the right leg does not cause any substantial change to occur in the position of the body, arms and hands holding the ball 12 from the position shown in the first step. However, step 2 may alternatively call for the right leg to move from the coordinate box location C5 into contact with coordinate box location C6 and, in addition, may call for the hands of the person exercising to move the ball 12 in an anterior motion from its position in alignment with coordinate box position C4 to a position in alignment with coordinate box position B4 or, in addition to the called out right leg movement into coordinate box location C6, to call for the hands of the person exercising to move the ball 12 diagonally to a position in alignment with coordinate box position B6 which will also cause the body or pelvis to rotate clockwise changing the alignment of the body to lie diagonal to a horizontal axis through row C. Another alternative of step 2 would be to call out for the right leg to move backward from the coordinate box location C5 into contact with coordinate box location D5 or laterally to coordinate box location C7 and, at the same time, to call for the ball 12 to be moved to coordinate box position B6, C6 or D6 which would cause the body or pelvis and the hands to rotate clockwise based on the coordinate box position the ball 12 is being moved to. Yet another alternative of step 2 would be to call for the right leg to move rotationally from the coordinate box location C5 into contact with coordinate box location B4 which would cause the arms and hands to rotate with the body and to cause the ball 12 to be moved to a new position with the rotational movement of the hands. As shown in FIG. 1D the right foot has been moved from the coordinate box position C5 to the coordinate box position C6 in satisfaction of the second step of the first training exercise program.
In the third step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F, assuming none of the alternatives of step 2 were called out, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to move from the coordinate box location C6 laterally sideways along row C to the coordinate box location C7 with the right foot held in parallel alignment with the left foot while the left leg is held in a stationary position with the left foot in contact with the stool 13. The third step does not cause any substantial change to occur in the position of the body, arms and hands holding the ball 12 from the position shown in the second step of FIG. 1.
In the fourth step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1G and 1H, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to move laterally backward along column 7 from coordinate box position C7 into the coordinate box position D7 causing a partial rotation of the body and/or the pelvis to occur in a clockwise direction with the body turned into a position aligned diagonal relative to a horizontal axis extending through row D and, in turn, causing both arms and hands of the person 11 to partially turn clockwise in unison with the clockwise rotation of the body so that the hands continue to hold the ball 12 in parallel alignment with the body. In this step the right leg is also simultaneously turned into a direction diagonal to a vertical axis extending through column 7 while the left leg is held stationary upon the stool 13.
In the fifth step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1I and 1J, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to turn counterclockwise and to move laterally sideways along row D from coordinate box position D7 to the coordinate box position D causing the body and/or pelvis to partially rotate in a counterclockwise direction in unison with the rotation of the right leg into a position with the body substantially in alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row D. This causes the arms to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in unison with the rotation of the body so that the hands continue to hold the ball 12 in parallel alignment with the body while the right foot is turned into a position diagonal to a vertical axis extending through column 6 while the left leg is held in a stationary position upon the stool 13.
In the sixth step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1K and 1L, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to turn clockwise and to move laterally sideways along row D from a position in contact with coordinate box position D6 into a position in contact with coordinate box position D7 while the right foot is turned outwardly into a position lying diagonal to a vertical axis extending through column 7 causing the body and/or pelvis to partially rotate in a clockwise direction in unison with the rotation of the right leg into a position diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row D which causes the arms to rotate in unison with the rotation of the body into a position with the hands holding the ball 12 in parallel alignment with the body.
In the seventh step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1M and 1N, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to turn in a clockwise direction relative to the stationary left foot while the right foot is moved laterally forward along column 7 from coordinate box position D7 into coordinate box position C7 causing the body of the person 11 to turn in unison with the movement of the right leg aligning the body in a direction in substantial parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row C and causing the arms to partially turn in a clockwise direction in unison with the body so that the hands hold the ball 12 in parallel alignment with the body while the left foot remains stationary in contact with the stool 13.
In the eighth step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1O and 1P, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to move laterally along row C from coordinate box position C7 into coordinate box position C6 with the body held in parallel alignment with row C and the arms and hands holding the ball 12 in the same position as in the seventh step with the ball 12 held in a vertical plane aligned parallel to the body and with the right foot in substantial parallel alignment with the left foot which is held in a stationary position on stool 13 in substantial alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4.
In the ninth step of the first training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 1Q and 1R, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move laterally sideways along row C from coordinate box position C6 into coordinate box position C5 with the body in parallel alignment with row C and with the left leg held stationary upon stool 13 and with the right foot in substantial parallel alignment with the left foot while the arms and hands hold the ball 12 in a vertical plane aligned parallel to the body of the person 11 in a position similar to step 8.
The first step of the second exercise training program of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, showing a person 11 in an originating position for carrying out the second exercise training program with the person 11 shown standing upright on the floor mat 10, preferably close to or at the center of the floor mat 10, with the body of the person 11 aligned parallel to a horizontal axis extending through row C and with both hands of the person 11 holding a handle 14 of a conventional racquet 16, corresponding to a tennis racquet, at chest level with the racquet 16 aligned in a plane perpendicular to the body and substantially perpendicular to row C while the left leg stands substantially upright in contact with coordinate box position C3 and the right leg stands substantially upright in contact with coordinate box position C5 with both feet in substantial parallel alignment to one another.
Step 2 of the second training exercise program I is shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D with the left leg of the person 11, being called out to rotate clockwise relative to the right leg, which is held in a stationary position with the right foot in contact with coordinate box position C5, for moving the left leg from coordinate box position C3 into coordinate box position B5 causing the left foot to partially turn into a diagonal position relative to a vertical axis extending through column 5 and causing the body, arms and hands to turn clockwise in unison with the turning movement of the left leg with the body of the person 11 rotated into a position diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row C and with the arms and hands rotating in unison in response to the rotation of the body into a position with the racquet 16 held in a plane in parallel alignment with the body of the person 11 such that the person 11 is enabled to simulate playing tennis by making a two handed forehand return with the racquet 16.
In the third step of the second training exercise program of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move from the position shown in FIG. 2D with the right foot in alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 5 and in contact with coordinate box position C5 to a position as shown in FIG. 2F in contact with coordinate box position D5 requiring the right leg to rotate in a counterclockwise direction relative to the left leg, which is held stationary, causing the body and/or pelvis to rotate counterclockwise in unison with the rotational movement of the right leg and to align the body in parallel with a vertical axis extending through column 5. This step simultaneously requires calling out for the release of the left hand from the handle 14 of the racquet 16. Moreover, the counterclockwise rotation of the pelvis causes the right arm and right hand to rotate counterclockwise in response to the rotation of the body of the person 11 bringing the racquet 16 back in alignment with column 5 to enable making a simulated forehand swing of the racquet 16 using only the right hand with the racquet 16 extended from the forearm in a plane in substantial parallel alignment with the forearm of the person 11. This third step enables the person 11 to continue to simulate playing the sport of tennis to enable a volley shot to be made with the racquet 16 held only in the right hand from a position aligned with coordinate box positions E5/E6 to a position in alignment with coordinate box position D5/D6 or to lunge to reach a position in alignment with coordinate box positions C6/C7. The swinging of the racquet 16 to simulate a forehand swing in playing tennis would occur in step 4 and require the body of the person 11 to rotate clockwise.
In step 4 of the second training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 2G and 2H, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to rotate clockwise relative to the left leg, which is held in a stationary position with the left foot in contact with coordinate box position B5, for moving the right foot from a position in contact with coordinate box position D5 in row D into a position in contact with coordinate box position D6 in row D causing the right foot to turn into substantial parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 5 and causing the body and/or pelvis to partially rotate in a clockwise direction in unison with the rotational movement of the right leg into a position diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row D and, in turn, causing the right arm and right hand, which holds the racquet 16, to turn in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg in response to the rotation of the body which simulates a right handed forehand return as would be done in playing the sport of tennis.
In step 5 of the second training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 2I and 2J, the left leg of the person 11 is called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position B5 in column 5 into coordinate box position D4 in column 4 which requires the left foot to turn counterclockwise relative to the right leg, which is held in a stationary position with the right foot in contact with coordinate box position D6, causing the body to rotate in unison with the movement of the left leg into a position in parallel with a horizontal axis extending through row D with the feet in parallel alignment to one another in row D along axes extending through columns 4 and 6 respectively, and for causing the right arm and right hand to rotate counterclockwise in unison with the rotation of the body. Simultaneously, step 5 calls out for the left hand to re-grip the handle 14 so that both hands are holding the handle 14 of the racquet 16 in a two handed grip during movement of the left leg with the racquet 16 held in a plane perpendicular to the body of the person 11 to enable the person 11 to continue simulating the sport of tennis with the racquet held in a two-handed grip. In carrying out step 5 the left foot is turned in a counterclockwise direction to move from coordinate box position B5 into coordinate box position D4 so that both feet are aligned in parallel with one another in a vertical direction.
In the sixth step of the second training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 2K and 2L, the person 11 exercising reverses his or her movement to accomplish a backhand swing of the racquet 16 with the right leg of the person 11, called out to move from a position in contact with the coordinate box position D6 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 requiring the right leg to rotate counterclockwise relative to the left leg which is held stationary with the left foot in contact with the coordinate box position D4. This causes the body of the person 11 to rotate counterclockwise in unison with the turning movement of the right leg into a diagonal position relative to a horizontal axis extending through row D and, in turn, causing the arms and hands of the person 11 to also turn counterclockwise in unison with the rotation of the body of the person 11 so that the hands of the person 11 hold the racquet 16 in a position in front of the person 11 and in a plane perpendicular to the body of the person 11 in preparation for making a two-handed forehand shot with the racquet 16 in simulating the sport of tennis. In carrying out step 6, as shown in FIG. 2L the outline R of the right foot is shown moved from coordinate box position D6 in column 6 into coordinate box position C5 in column 5 and is aligned in a position diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row C while the outline of the left foot is held stationary in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4. The backhand swing begins with the racquet 16 held in a plane extending through or between horizontal row D and E aligned with coordinate box position D1 or E1 to make a short volley swing from a position aligned with coordinate box position E1 to D1 or to make a full back hand swing from a position aligned with coordinate box position E1 to a position aligned with coordinate box position C1.
In the seventh step of the second training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 2M and 2N, the left leg of the person 11, is called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position D4 in row D with the left foot in alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4 into a position in contact with coordinate box position E5 in row 5 causing the left foot to rotate counterclockwise relative to the right leg which is held stationary and causing the body and the arms to turn counterclockwise in unison with the turning movement of the left leg with the racquet 16 held by the hands of the person 11 in a two handed grip in a position which enables the person 11 to make a two handed forehand with the racquet 16 aligned in a plane through coordinate box position E3/E2 to a half volley position aligned with coordinate box position D2 or C2 or to swing a full backhand moving the racquet forward vertically along column 2 while rotating the body in a clockwise direction in a follow through movement to a position aligned with coordinate box position B2 or A2 in simulating playing the sport of tennis. In carrying out this step, the left foot is turned in a counterclockwise direction relative to the stationary right leg into a position in parallel alignment with row E while the outline of the right foot held in the same stationary position in contact with coordinate box position C5 as in step 6.
It should be understood that the called out steps can be modified to simulate playing the sport of tennis for making a volley shot or a half volley shot or an overhead shot or a drop shot using either a forehand or backhand all based on the called out leg movements between coordinate box positions on the floor mat 10 in combination with called out arm and/or hand movements in synchronism with the leg movements on the floor mat 10.
In the eighth step of the second training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 2O and 2P, the left leg of the person 11, is called out to move from coordinate box position E5 into coordinate box position D4 causing the left leg to rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the right leg which remains in a stationary position with the right foot in contact with the coordinate box position C5 and causing the body of the person 11 to rotate in a clockwise direction in unison with the turning movement of the left leg into a position diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row D with the arms and hands of the person 11 turning in unison in response to the rotational movement of the body so that the racquet 16 held by both of the hands of the person 11 in front of the person 11 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the body to enable the person 11 to simulate a two handed forehand with the racquet 16 when playing the sport of tennis.
In the ninth step of the second training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 2Q and 2R, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 into a position in contact with coordinate box position D6 causing the right leg to rotate counterclockwise relative to the left leg, which is held stationary in contact with coordinate box position D4, and causing the body of the person 11 to turn counterclockwise in unison with the turning movement of the right leg into a position in parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row D and simultaneously releasing the left hand from the handle 14 of the racquet 16 so that the racquet 16 is held only by the right hand, while the left arm and left hand holding the racquet 16 rotate in unison with the rotation of the body of the person 11 into a position with the racquet 16 held in a plane perpendicular to the body and with both legs in parallel alignment so that the person 11 is returned to a position in preparation for continuing to simulate playing the sport of tennis with the racquet 16 held only in the right hand.
The first step of the third exercise training program of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing a person 11 in an originating position for carrying out the third exercise training program on a floor mat 10 which is identical to the floor mat in the first and second exercise training program with the person 11 shown standing upright on the floor mat 10, preferably close to or at the center of the floor mat 10, with the body of the person 11 aligned parallel to a horizontal axis extending through row C with the left foot of the person 11 in contact with coordinate box position C3 and the right foot of the person 11 in contact with coordinate box position C5 and with both feet in parallel alignment. to the axes extending through vertical columns 3 and 5 respectively.
The person 11 is shown using both hands holding onto one end of a first and second stretch band 18 and 19 respectively with the opposite end of each stretch band 18 and 19 held in common attached to a coupling 20 which, in turn, is affixed to a stationary structure such as a wall, not shown, to enable the person 11 to exercise his or her body in conjunction with the use of the stretch bands 18 and 19 respectively. The forearms of the person 11 are shown holding the two stretch bands 18 and 19 at one end thereof on opposite sides of the body with each of the two stretch bands 18 and 19 held in this originating position, which corresponds to step 1 of the third exercise training program, at a substantially equal distance from the coupling 20. Step 1 in this exercise training program enables the person 11 to stretch the arms forward or backward to enable simulating a small punch or press with the feet held in contact with coordinate box positions C3 and C5. This permits the stretch bands 18 and 19 to be pulled into alignment with a variety of different coordinate box positions such as coordinate box position B2, B3 and B4 on horizontal row B or coordinate box position A2, A3, A4 and A5 on horizontal row A in combination with different leg movements on the floor mat 10 so as, for example, to step with either the right or left foot anteriorly forward to a position in contact with coordinate box position B3 or B4 or B5 or to step posteriorly backward to a position in contact with coordinate box position D3 or D4 or D5 in concert with moving the forearms to pull the stretch bands 18 and 19 to simulate a small punch or press.
In step 2 of the third training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to take a rotational step to coordinate box position B5 from coordinate box position C5 while partially rotating the right leg in a counterclockwise direction relative to the left leg, which is held in a stationary position in contact with coordinate box position C3. This causes the body of the person 11 to partially rotate in unison, and in the same direction, with the rotation of the right leg for positioning the body in a plane aligned diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row B with the right foot held in a position diagonal to a vertical axis extending through column 5 and causes the right forearm and right hand to rotate in unison with the rotation of the body pulling the second band 19 outwardly from the coupling 20 into a position aligned with coordinate box position B5. Step 2 can also include calling out the right arm to pull the stretch band 19 into a position aligned with coordinate box position A5 or into a position aligned with coordinate box position A4 or A3 which would require the body to partially rotate clockwise.
Each of the stretch bands 18 and 19 are constructed of conventional elastic material which permits each of the stretch bands to be pulled out to a different coordinate box position on the floor mat 10 for stretching each band relative to one another from the originating position shown in step 1 in combination with the called out movement of the legs and the rotational movement of the body of the person 11 in response to the called out leg movement and/or hand movement.
In step 3 of the third exercise training program of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, the person 11 starts from a position based on step 2 to partially rotate the right leg in a counterclockwise direction relative to the left leg from a position in contact with coordinate box position B5 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C5. The left leg is held in a stationary position with the left foot in contact with coordinate box position C3. The rotation of the right leg causes the body of the person 11 to rotate in the same direction and in unison with the rotation of the right leg to realign the body into parallel alignment with a horizontal axis extending through row C and as shown in step 1. The right forearm and right hand are rotated in unison with the rotation of the body so that each of the stretch bands 18 and 19 are back into the position shown in step 1.
In step 4 of the third exercise training program of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H, the left leg of the person 11, is called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position C3 into a position in contact with coordinate box position B3 while partially rotating the left leg in a clockwise direction relative to the right leg which is held in a stationary position with the right foot in contact with coordinate box position C5 causing the body of the person 11 to rotate in the same direction and in unison with the rotation of the left leg into a position diagonal to a horizontal axis extending through row B. The rotation of the left leg causes the left arm to rotate in the same direction and in unison with the rotation of the body for stretching out the first stretch band 18 relative to the second band 19. Step 4 can also include calling for the left arm to pull out the stretch band 19 along column 3 from a position aligned with coordinate box position B2 into a position aligned with coordinate box position A3 or to pull the stretch band diagonally into a position aligned with coordinate box position A4 or A5 which would require the body to further rotate clockwise.
In step 5 of the third exercise training program of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3I and 3J, the feet are located in coordinate box positions B3 and C5 with the right forearm held elevated above the shoulders to stretch the stretch band 18 from a position aligned with coordinate box position B1 or B2 into a position aligned with coordinate box position A1 or A2 with the left leg of the person 11 called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position B3 into a position in contact with coordinate box position A4 which causes the left leg to partially rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the right leg which is held in a stationary position with the right foot in contact with coordinate box position C5. The rotation of the left leg causes the body of the person 11 to rotate in unison with the rotation of the left leg into a position diagonal to a vertical axis extending through column 4 with the left foot lying at an acute angle to a vertical axis extending through column 4. The rotation of the body also rotates the left forearm and left hand in unison and in the same direction with the rotation of the body of the person 11 pulling the first stretch band 18 into a position aligned with coordinate box position A1 or A2. FIG. 3J shows the outline L of the left foot moved from coordinate box position B3 into coordinate box position A4 and aligned diagonal to the vertical axis extending through column 4 and to the horizontal axis extending through row A.
In step 6 of the third exercise training program of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3K and 3L, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to partially rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg from a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C4. The left foot is held in a stationary position in contact with coordinate box position A4. The rotation of the right leg causes the body of the person 11 to rotate in unison with the rotation of the right leg into a position in parallel alignment with a vertical axis extending through column 4 with the right and left forearms and the right and left hands rotated in unison with the rotation of the body so that the forearms and hands are in parallel alignment holding each stretch band 19 and 18 on opposite sides of the body of the person 11 at a substantially equal distance from the coupling 20. The rotation of the arms of the person 11 exercising occurs in response to the rotation of the body and pelvis so that step 6 requires only a calling out of the movement of the right leg which will cause the body and pelvis to rotate which in turn will rotate the arms in unison with the rotation of the body.
In step 7 of the third exercise training program of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3M and 3N, the right leg of the person 11, is called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position C4 as shown in FIG. 3L of step 6 into a position with the right foot in contact with coordinate box position A2 in horizontal row 1 of the floor mat 10. This requires the right leg to be partially rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the left leg, which is held in a stationary position in contact with coordinate box position A4, so that the body of the person 11 is facing a direction opposite the direction shown in step 1 of the third exercise program in parallel alignment with horizontal row 1 and with the hands holding the first and second stretch bands 18 and 19 respectively on opposite sides of the body. In this position and as part of this step the hands can also be called out to pull the stretch bands 18 and 19 toward the body into a position in alignment with coordinate box positions A1 to A4 to exercise the lattisimus dorsi or to perform a triceps exercise or with upright posture to exercise a bicep or deltoid muscle by pulling the stretch bands 18 and 19 into a position in alignment with coordinate box positions B1 to B4 or into a position in alignment with coordinate box positions C1 to C4 respectively.
The first step of the fourth training exercise program of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and shows a person 11, in an originating position on a floor mat 10 identical to the floor mat in the first three exercise training programs, for performing the exercise program with both hands and both feet in contact with the floor mat 10. In all of the steps 1-9 the starting position of the feet are in contact with selected coordinate box positions in horizontal row C with the hand positions changed depending on the position of the person 11 on the floor mat 10 and the spread of the hands in any given row from a narrow contact spread of the hands between coordinate box positions A3 and A4 in horizontal row A or a wider contact spread in horizontal row A between coordinate box positions A3 and A4 or to an even much wider contact spread in horizontal row A between either coordinate box positions A2 and A5 or coordinate box positions A3 and A6 respectively.
As shown in FIG. 4A the upper torso of the body of the person 11 is aligned in parallel with the floor mat 10 with the left and right arms in a fully extended position in parallel to one another with the left hand in contact with coordinate box position A3 in row A and the right hand in contact with coordinate box position A5 in row A and with the left knee in contact with coordinate box positions B3 and the right knee is in contact with coordinate box positions B5 and with the toes of the left foot in direct contact with coordinate box position C3 and the toes of the right foot in direct contact with coordinate box position C5 as is shown in both FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively.
In step 2 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move from a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 into a position in contact with coordinate box position D6 causing the right leg to become fully extended and the right knee lifted from contact with the floor mat 10 while the left leg is held stationary with the left knee in contact with coordinate box positions B3 and the toes of the right foot in direct contact with coordinate box position C5 and without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in direct contact coordinate box positions A5 and A6 respectively as shown in FIG. 4D.
In step 3 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move laterally along column 6 from a position with the toes of the right leg in contact with coordinate box position D6 into a position with the toes of the right leg in contact with coordinate box position E6, without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in step 2, and without moving the position of the left knee and the toes in the left leg on floor mat 10 from the position shown in FIG. 4D.
In step 4 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4G and 4H, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to partially rotate the right leg for moving the toes of the right foot from a position in contact with coordinate box position E6 in column 6, row E into a position in contact with coordinate box position D7 in column 7 row D without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in steps 2 and 3 and without moving the position of the left knee and the toes in the left leg on floor mat 10 from the position shown in FIGS. 4D and 4F.
In step 5 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4I and 4J, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move with the toes of the right foot moved from a position in contact with coordinate box position D7 in column 7, row D into a position in contact with coordinate box position C6 in column 6 row C causing the right leg to bend with the right knee held above the floor mat 10 while the left leg is held stationary with the left knee and the toes in the left leg in contact with the floor mat 10 as shown in steps 2-4 and without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in steps 2-4 and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4F and 4H respectively.
In step 6 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4K and 4L, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move from a position with the toes of the right foot moved laterally along row C from a position in contact with coordinate box position C6 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C7 in column 7 causing the right leg to be fully extended with the right knee held above the floor mat 10 while the left leg is held stationary with the left knee and the toes in the left leg in the same position on the floor mat 10 as shown in steps 2-5 and without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in steps 2-5 and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4F, 4H and 4J respectively.
In step 7 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4M and 4N, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move into contact with coordinate box position D2 causing the toes of the right leg to rotate in a clockwise direction from a position in contact with coordinate box position C7 relative to the left leg which is held stationary while the right leg remains fully extended with the right knee held above the floor mat 6 and with the left knee and the toes in the left leg held in the same position on the floor mat 10 as shown in steps 2-6 and without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in steps 2-6 and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4F, 4H, 4J and 4L respectively.
In step 8 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4O and 4P, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move into contact with coordinate box position E5 causing the toes of the right leg to rotate in a counterclockwise direction from a position in contact with coordinate box position D2 relative to the left leg which is held stationary while the right leg remains fully extended and the right knee held above the floor mat 10 with the left knee and the toes in the left leg held in the same position on the floor mat 10 as shown in steps 2-7 without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in steps 2-7 and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4F, 4H, 4J, 4L and 4N respectively.
In step 9 of the fourth training exercise program, as shown in FIGS. 4Q and 4R, the right leg of the person 11 is called out to move from a position with the toes of the right foot moved laterally along column 5 from a position in contact with coordinate box position E5 into a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 causing the right leg to bend with the right knee moved to a position in contact with coordinate box position C5 on the floor mat 10 while the left leg is held stationary with the left knee and the toes in the left leg in the same position on the floor mat 10 as shown in steps 2-8 and without moving the position of the right and left hand which remain in the same position as in steps 2-8 and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4F, 4H, 4J, 4N and 4P respectively.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method of exercising the human body in the performance of an exercise training program on a floor mat consisting of a multiplicity of boxes arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns to form a checker board pattern of boxes visible from the surface of the floor mat with only one box located in common at the intersection between each horizontal row and each vertical column with each of the multiple boxes being equal in size and adapted to accommodate the foot size of substantially any person exercising on the floor mat such that the location of each foot on the floor mat will correspond to substantially only one coordinate box position with little or no overlapping of the foot on other coordinate box positions; comprising the steps of: using a human individual or a recording machine to execute the training program by calling out a sequence of steps corresponding to at least the movement of one leg of the person exercising on the floor mat relative to the other leg which is held stationary so that the moving leg moves from one specified coordinate box position on the floor mat to another specified coordinate box position, with each leg movement selected from the group consisting of a forward leg movement, a backward leg movement, a lateral forward or lateral backward leg movement and a rotational leg movement, and with each step being called out in a predetermined consecutive sequence corresponding to, at least, leg movements of the person exercising on the floor mat with at least one of the leg movements of one step, or a consecutive combination of steps, in said sequence requiring the moving leg to cause the body and/or pelvis of the person exercising on the floor mat to rotate, at least partially, relative to the non-moving leg and in unison with the rotation of the body such that the person exercising on the floor mat forms a pattern of movements corresponding to the movements integral to the everyday lifestyle movement of the person exercising or in accordance with the occupation of the person exercising or forms a pattern of movements corresponding to a given gym exercise or for simulating a given sport.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the body and/or pelvis automatically rotates in response to said moving leg moving across or around the non-moving leg during movement from said first coordinate box position to said second coordinate box position on said floor mat.

3. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein the person exercising on the floor mat in each training exercise program has one leg located in contact with a first originating coordinate box position with the other leg in contact with a second originating coordinate box position with each of the originating coordinate box positions being located substantially intermediate the number of columns and the number of rows on said floor mat in relative close proximity to one another and to the center of the floor mat.

4. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein one training exercise program of the present invention is practiced with the person exercising on the floor mat having one and or both hands holing a piece of gym or sport equipment selected from the group consisting of a racquet, an elongated stick, a palate or oval ring, a ball, flexible stretch band(s) having a handle at one end of each stretch band, a bosu, and a core-board with at least one step of the training exercise program comprising moving the hand or hands holding the piece of gym or sport equipment in unison and in concert with the movement of the moving leg to cause the piece of gym or sport equipment to move from a first position in alignment with a given coordinate box position in a selected row or column on said floor mat to a given second position in alignment with another coordinate box position on the same or a different row or column on said floor mat in conjunction with the movement of the body of the person exercising as a result of the movement of the leg for exercising the muscles of the person on said floor mat in accordance with a given gym exercise or to simulate a given sport activity.

5. A method as defined in claim 4 wherein the piece of gym equipment being held by the hands of the person exercising on the floor mat is a ball and wherein one step of the method involves moving the hands anteriorly or posteriorly from a first position in alignment with a coordinate box position in a selected row or column on said floor mat to a second position in alignment with another coordinate box position on the same or a different row or column on said floor mat in unison with the movement of the moving leg or in unison with the rotation of the body caused by the movement of said moving leg.

6. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein the non-moving leg of the person exercising on the floor mat is held in a stationary position in direct contact with the second originating coordinate box during the performance of the exercise training program with one or both hands of the person exercising on the floor mat gripping a racquet for simulating playing tennis with the hand or hands holding the racquet moving in unison with the rotation of the body in response to a rotational movement of the moving leg.

7. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein the person exercising on the floor mat in the performance of said exercise training program uses each hand to grip a handle located at one end of a first and second stretch band respectively with the opposite end of each stretch band being connected to a coupling attached to a wall or other structural support to enable the stretch bands to be held in the hands of the person exercising on opposite sides of the body and to be pulled by the hands anteriorly or posteriorly toward or away from the body in concert with the movement of one leg relative to the other for performing a gym exercise to stimulate the muscles in the forearms and/or triceps of the person while exercising on the floor mat.

8. A method as defined in claim 5 wherein the non-moving leg is located on a step stool held in contact with one of the originating coordinate box positions on the floor mat during the performance of the exercise training program.

9. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein the person exercising on the floor mat in the performance of a fourth exercise training program has one leg located on the floor mat in contact with a selected first coordinate box position with the other leg in contact with a selected second coordinate box position, with at least one knee of the one or other leg in contact with a third selected coordinate box position and with each hand in contact with a fourth and fifth selected coordinate box position on the floor mat such that movement of the moving leg in response to a called out step causes the body and/or pelvis of the person exercising on the floor mat to rotate, at least partially, relative to the non-moving leg in unison with the movement of the moving leg.