CA2418364C

CA2418364C - Slimming device

Info

Publication number: CA2418364C
Application number: CA002418364A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Norbert Egger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-10
Filing date: 2001-08-10
Publication date: 2007-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-10
Also published as: ES2239679T3; NO20030665L; WO2002011661A3; HRP20030093A2; BR0113254A; PT1307168E; EP1307168A2; HU227062B1; HRP20030093B1; CA2418364A1; CZ300835B6; WO2002011661A2; PL201661B1; PL365838A1; HUP0301552A2; BR0113254B1; EP1307168B1; NO20030665D0; AU2001291757A1; CZ2003391A3

Abstract

The present invention refers to an apparatus for slimming persons, comprising a housing (1) forming a main chamber (2) and in which a working means (5) operable by the legs and a seat (3) for supporting the body of the person is arranged, comprising an opening (8) in the housing (1), which surrounds the person's body, comprising a sealing collar (19) for sealing the housing (1) in the area of the opening (8) against the person's body, and comprising a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum in the housing (1).
In order to enable an adaptation to different training conditions it is provided according to the invention that at least one further chamber (16) is provided in the area of an opening (9), said chamber being sealed by a further sealing collar (20) against the person or the person and the lounger means, and whose internal pressure can be adjusted in accordance with the internal pressure in the first chamber.

Description

Slimming device Field of the Invention The present invention refers to a slimming apparatus for people by increasing the skin circulation of the blood by means of vacuum pressure without additionally straining the joints. The apparatus comprises a housing in which a working means operable by the legs and a seat for supporting the body of the person is arranged, an opening in the housing, which encloses the body of the person and a sealing collar for sealing the housing in the area of the opening against the body of the person, and a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum in the housing. Moreover, the invention comprises a method of physical training of persons.

Related Art An apparatus of this kind is for instance known from EP 0 906 774. Different exercises can be performed and therapeutical concepts can be realized by the known apparatus.
The vacuum that acts on the lower body half of the person during operation of the apparatus has a stimulating effect, wherein in particular the blood circulation of the skin is supported. Thus, an aimed reduction of the body tissue can for instance be achieved.
The therapeutical effect can be adapted to the respective needs by adjusting the vacuum, possibly also by a temporarily applied overpressure, the physical exercise of the person through the working apparatus and by the air conditioning of the chamber.
The therapeutical effect is achieved in the device of EP 0 906 774 mainly by the vacuum pressure.

Although the known apparatus supplies favorable results and can be used in a plurality of indications, the need for an ever more selective application possibility developed.
Furthermore, a training apparatus comprising a treadmill is known from US
5,133,339 A, which is in particular determined for the use in zero gravity. Since the pressing-on pressure of the person onto the treadmill is determined by the vacuum adjusted in the apparatus, the limits especially in the range of low specific load are tight.
The apparatus can be used for training and for rehabilitation, since an exercise of the muscoskeletal tissue is possible in this case so that a growth of the muscular and bone mass is enhanced. To achieve the desired effect it is important that training apparatus are used that are operated standing up or walking, since the human apparatus of locomotion shall be trained by the simulation of increased or reduced gravity. A
simulation of the gravity effect is not possible without using the device standing up.

The disadvantage of the device of US 5,133,339 is that a training effect is only possible under great strain of the joints. To prevent overstraining of the joints, the vacuum in the device according to US 5,133,339 must be reduced again.
Summarv of the lnvention It is the object of the present invention to develop the above-mentioned apparatus in a manner that slimming effect is exerted onto the user without excessively straining the joints.

Furthermore, a possibly far reaching adaptation to specially elaborated therapeutic concepts or training programs shall be enabled.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that at least one further chamber is provided in the area of the opening, which is sealed against the person by means of a further sealing collar and whose intemal pressure can be adjusted independent of the internal pressure in the first chamber.

It has shown that the vacuum in the chamber exerts a local and a systemic effect on the person operating the working unit in the apparatus. The extent of the systemic effect is, however, different in the area of the extremities compared to the area of the trunk.
Moreover, the local conditions, such as the build-up of fatty tissue, are different. By the adjustment of differing pressure levels this fact can be optimally taken into account. It is especially favorable that the pressure relations during the duration of an exercising unit may have a differing temporal course so that a plurality of parameters may be optimized independent of one another.

Furthermore, it turned out to be favorable that the first sealing collar is provided for sealing the area of the person's hip, whereas the second sealing collar is provided for sealing the area of the person's thorax. The second sealing collar will preferably be pulled up to the area below the person's axillae. Thus, the abdominal portion and a large part of the thorax can be influenced separately.

For a simple transport and the set-up in a fitness studio, which are often not very spacious, the apparatus shall, in an advantageous design, be formed especially compact. This object is solved according to the invention in that the housing is formed as a round body, in particular in the shape of an egg.

The design of the housing as a round body on the one hand provides an especially compact structural shape, and at the same time the round body reveals the best properties in case of an action of pressure. In this manner a possibly high stability is obtained even if the wall thickness is relatively thin. The use of thin wall thicknesses also has an advantageous effect on the manufacturing costs and the weight of the apparatus.

It tumed out to be especially advantageous that the housing can be divided into half shells, wherein each half shell comprises a part of the opening, that are joined by means of a locking system. The divisibility of the apparatus enables the easy transport of the apparatus also for instance through narrow door openings. A quick acting closure system enables a quick disassembly and assembly of the apparatus.

At the same time, the form of the apparatus in two halves, each of which cornprising a part of the opening, enable a simple entering into the apparatus, since the two parts can for instance be moved apart for entering the apparatus.

Furthermore, it turned out to be advantageous if a portion of the housing at the opening is formed as a door element. This enables a very simple entering and exiting of the apparatus. It is conceivable to form the door element as an element that can be folded downwards and to arrange stair elements on the side folded down in order to further facilitate the entry.

The apparatus is preferably formed in a manner that the person takes a sitting position in the housing. This relieves the leg muscles and the hip, knee and ankle joints are relieved.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the seat can be adjusted in height to support the person. This adjustment in height enables to position the person, if needed, deeper in the apparatus, e.g. for treating abdominal and hip problems, or higher, e.g. if only the legs and the buttock is to be treated.

According to another preferred embodiment, the opening is arranged on the side, and a lounger means extends through the opening into the housing, wherein the person lies during the physical exercise. The lying position relieves the buttock from the body weight and enables a training without pressing-on pressure. This embodiment is advantageous independently of the above-mentioned embodiments:

Especially in cooperation with the vacuum, which increasingly sucks blood into the area of the body loaded with a vacuum, the lying position offers special advantages. In the lying position the legs of the person are not arranged below the trunk so that a return flow of the blood to the heart is advanced. Thus, the position of the legs leads to the fact that the influence of the vacuum onto the circulatory system is compensated while the positive effect of the vacuum to the blood circulation of the fatty tissue is maintained.

It may be advantageous if the lounger means is longitudinally displaceable within the housing. Thereby, the training is enabled in various positions. On the one hand, an aimed effect on the legs and the buttock and on the other hand on the abdomen and the hips may be realized.

It turned out to be favorable if the seat is arranged on the lounger. The seat prevents a slipping into the vacuum chamber caused by the suction force of the vacuum.
Furthermore, supporting means for the shoulders of the person are arranged on the lounger. The shoulder support protects the person from slipping out during the overpressure phase or when the position is lowered.

It tumed out to be favorable if the sealing collar is formed as an inflatable sealing ring and seals the opening against the lounger means and the person. An inflatable seal ring optimally adapts to the respective person and seals the opining in particular also between the opening and the lounger.

The sealing collar is preferably formed as a vacuum cover. Vacuum covers of that type exist in various sizes so that it can easily be adapted to the size or figures of the respective person, i.e. abdominal, waist or hip diameter. The vacuum cover is taken on by the person outside the apparatus and is then pulled onto a sealing ring of the opening.

It is especially favorable if the working means is formed as a stepper, a room bicycle or an ellipse trainer. These working devices can be operated in sitting and lying position.
The seat in the embodiment as a stepper serves for supporting the body so that a high pressure does not have to be exerted onto the legs. In case of an embodiment as an ellipse trainer, the legs are relieved from the body weight and only the suction force acts onto the legs.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the working means is driven by an electromotor and is braked by the body power of the person. This also enables a passive operation in which an especially precise adjustment of the exercise of the person can be performed.

Moreover, it may be provided that a control means is arranged outside the housing. In this manner, the apparatus can easily be operated by the person or by assisting persons. Via a terminal having operating units and at least one display connected to the control means, the training person may call and have displayed all values of the current operating condition of the apparatus according to the invention as well as physiologic values, e.g. the pressure, the treading frequency, the work done and to be done, heart rate, blood pressure. Moreover, the training person may program the exercise conditions via the terminal. In order to obtain a favorable accessibility of the terminal, this terminal is arranged on a movable arm.

According to a further embodiment, it tumed out to be favorable if the housing contains at least one additional pressure chamber which may have a pressure different to that in the main chamber. The additional chamber may be arranged in the area of the trunk, in particular in the area of the abdomen of the person. Thus, it is possible to exert a different pressure onto different body parts. The second chamber may already be arranged within the housing or it may be applied to the person outside the housing. For instance an overpressure effect onto the abdomen is enabled by the second chamber, whereas the legs are exerted to a vacuum effect, or vice versa.

Another embodiment provides that magnetic coils are arranged in at least one chamber to generate a magnetic field in the area of the person. The magnetic coils may for instance encompass the abdomen or the legs of the person. In this manner, magnetic fields for supporting the therapeutical effect can be used.

Furthermore, it proved to be advantageous if light sources for in=adiating.
persons are provided in at least one chamber. Rays of different wave lengths, including infrared and ultraviolet rays can be supplied via optical fibers. The irradiation can be directed in an aimed manner onto certain body regions.

An essential influence can furthermore be achieved in that an air conditioning means for adjusting the temperature and the air moisture is provided. The selectivity of the application is increased in that the air conditioning means may air condition each individual chamber independent from the other chamber.

Furthermore, a first vacuum pump for evacuating the main chamber and a vacuum pump for each further chamber may be provided. In this manner the largest possible independence when controlling the vacuum is achieved.

An inexpensive altemative of this embodiment can be achieved in that one single vacuum pump exists which is connected to each individual chamber via a separate pressure control valve.

Furthermore, the invention provides a method for physical exercise by means of an apparatus, comprising a housing in which a working means operable by the legs and a seat for supporting the person's body is arranged, an opening in the housing, which surrounds the person's body, a sealing collar for sealing the housing in the area of the opening against the person's body, and a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum in the housing, wherein first of all a treading motion is exerted onto the working means and then the switch-on of the vacuum pump is activated offset in time.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the lowering of the pressure is adapted to the circulatory system of the person. For this purpose, a device is integrated into the apparatus according to the invention, which besides the pulse also measures the blood pressure and/or the respiratory rate and/or the heart rate of the training person and which outputs this in the form of signals. These measuring devices may in a further development of the invention be connected to the control unit in a data-transmitting manner, which controls the exercise in accordance with the physical exercise values measured. In an automatic control it has proven to be especially favorable to use the pulse rate or the heart rate. For this purpose, the training person may for instance wear a pulse belt etc. which is connected to the control means and which determines the training program on the basis of the data received.

It also tumed out to be advantageous if the vacuum is lowered in predetermined time intervals at predetermined steps.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if after reaching a predetermined, maximum vacuum, a permanent change is generated between the normal pressure and the vacuum over predetermined time intervals.

It is advantageous if the treading resistance and/or the vacuum are controlled in accordance with the pulse rate of the person.

Furthermore, the treading resistance and the interval switching may be coupled with one another.

It becomes clear from the above-mentioned facts that the method consists of an adaptation of treading resistance, treading motion and vacuum effect by constantly taking the person's pulse rate into consideration.

At the beginning of the method, only a treading motion takes place. Normal pressure prevails in the housing. Only after the beginning of the treading motion, the pump is switched on and a vacuum is generated. In. this manner it is prevented that a vacuum effect takes place without a treading motion, since otherwise the blood is drawn into the legs because of the vacuum, but it is not retumed sufficiently by the action of the muscles, which could lead to an insufficient supply of the brain and to an unconsciousness. For this purpose a monitoring means is provided, which monitors the treading motion and which interrupts the power supply to the vacuum pump or opens one or a plurality of valves in the vacuum portion if there is no treading motion over a predetermined period of time.

The treading resistance is preferably adapted to the respective person and is specially adjusted. When treating problem parts of the body in the area of the thighs, the treading resistance is for instance set to 0.8 to a maximum of 1.2 Watts per kilogram body weight: In this case, the seat position in the housing is set to the high position. When treating problem parts in the area of the hip, the treading resistance is set to at least 1 to a maximum of 2 Watts per kilogram body weight. In this case, the person takes a deep seat position so that the abdomen and the hips are subjected to the vacuum effect.

In order to obtain an optimal effect, a regular treading motion is required.
50 to 70 revolutions per minute tumed out to be especially suitable.

As already described, the first minutes are tread without the effect of the vacuum in order to stimulate the circulatory system. This first phase takes about 3 minutes. Then, the atmospheric pressure in the apparatus is lowered to 10 millibar and is then lowered every 4 to 5 minutes to further 5 to 10 millibar. The lowering of the pressure as well as the time intervals are adapted to the circulatory system of the person. In case of persons have a stable circulatory system, the vacuum is raised between 30 and a maximum of 50 millibar, in case of persons having a weak circulatory system, the range is 20 to 25 millibar.

If a vacuum of 20 millibar is reached, the interval switching starts. During this interval switching, a permanent change between lowered pressure and normal pressure takes place in the apparatus. An increased pressure instead of a normal pressure could also be exerted.

The intervals are adapted to the respective person and are usually within a period of 10 to 90 seconds sucking followed by 10 to 30 seconds ventilation and 10 to 90 seconds overpressure, respectively.

The interval switching can also be coupled with the treading resistance. While the vacuum acts on the person the treading resistance is increased. If the housing is ventilated, the treading resistance reduces. The reversed coupling can also be chosen according to the respective person's need. , Since the vacuum represents an exercise of the circulatory system, the treading resistance and the vacuum must be reduced when the pulse rate is too high.
Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the enclosed drawings:

Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows an axonometric view of an apparatus according to the invention for use while sitting, Fig. 2 shows the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 in a partially cut view, Fig. 3 shows the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 with an additional entry help, Fig. 4 shows a sketch for operating the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 to 3, Fig. 5 and 6 show two alternative switching diagrams for carrying out the invention, Fig. 7 shows a diagrammatic view of a further apparatus according to the invention for use in lying position in a sectional view, Fig. 8 shows the apparatus shown in Fig. 7 in a closed condition, Fig. 9 shows the apparatus shown in Fig. 7, wherein a person is lying in the apparatus, Fig. 10 shows the apparatus shown in Fig. 9 in a closed condition, Fig. 11 shows the apparatus shown in Fig. 7 to 10 in inclined condition; and Fig. 12 shows the apparatus shown in Fig,. 7 to 11 in an exploded view.
Fig. 1 shows a training apparatus suitable for applications in sitting position.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The apparatus comprises a housing 1 encompassing a main chamber 2 in which a seat 3 is arranged on a shifting rail. Furthermore, a working means in the form of a room bicycle 5 is arranged in the main chamber 2, said room bicycle being drivable by an electromotor 6. Operating openings 11 that can be locked in an air-tight manner for instance enable to attach the legs of a person, that is handicapped in moving, from the outside to the pedals of the room bicycle 5.

A box 7 is connected to the chamber 2 which includes a vacuum pump, which is not shown in detail, and a control means for controlling the additional functions that will now be described.

Air can be sucked off via an opening 8 in order to generate a vacuum. A
further opening 9 serves for air conditioning, i.e. in particular for cooiing the main chamber 2 and for adjusting the air moisture.

Light sources 10 serve for irradiating the legs of the person using the apparatus.
Magnetic coils 12 are provided for building up a therapeutically advantageous magnetic field in the area of the person's legs.

An entry door 13 opening towards the bottom enables an easy access into the apparatus. The entry door 13 is arranged in the area of the opening 8. In the unfolded state it may be provided that the entry door in the area visible in the unfolded condition has elevations that may be used by the person using the apparatus as a stairway, which enables an easier entry.

As may in particular be seen from Fig. 3, it is possible to lift disabled persons by means of an entry help in the form of a crane 14 into the apparatus. The person in this case is indicated by reference numeral 15.

A further chamber 16 is arranged above the main chamber 2, said chamber being formed by a cylindrical extension 17. An opening 18 is formed in the area of the transition of the housing 1 to the extension 17, said opening having a sealing collar 19 through which the chamber 2 is sealed against the person 15 in the area of the hip. The sealing collar 19 can be provided in the form of panties having two openings for the person's legs.

A further sealing collar 20 serves for sealing the further chamber 16 against the body in the upper portion of the thorax. A further magnetic coil 21 is provided to generate a magnetic field in the thorax area. The further chamber 16 cannot only be loaded by pressure separate from the main chamber 2, but it can also be ventilated separately and has its own light sources.

Handles 22 serve for supporting the person and for accommodating a display unit 23.

A person 24 is shown in Fig. 4, who attaches the legs of person 15 at the working means 5 through operating openings. In particular in case of disabled people it may prove to be especially advantageous if the working means is provided with food attachments so that the feet are held at the working means.

As shown in Fig. 5, a first line 20 leads out of the main chamber 2 and a second line 21 leads from the further chamber 16 to a first or second pressure control valve 22, 23. A
vacuum pump 24 is arranged at the downstream side of the pressure control valves 22, 23 to evacuate the chambers 2 and 16. A control means 25 controls the pressure control valves 22, 23 and the vacuum pump 24. In this manner, the respective desired pressure is set in the chambers 2 and 16.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 differs from the one shown in Fig. 5 in that an independent vacuum pump 24a and 24b is provided for each chamber 2 and 16, said vacuum pumps being separately driveable by the control means 25.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7 to 11. The apparatus shown in these Figures is a training apparatus that is to be used by the respective person in lying position.

In the description of the drawings the same components are designated by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 to 6.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 7 consists of a housing 1 which encompasses a main chamber 2. A working means in the form of a room bicycle 5 is arranged within this main chamber 2. The housing 1 is arranged in such a manner that the opening 8 is located at the side of the housing so that the person, who is lying, using the apparatus is encompassed by the opening. A lounger means 30 extends into the housing through the opening 8. The lounger means 30 can be moved to different positions within the housing via a frame 31 having a lock element arranged within the housing and extending through the opening 8 out of the housing 1 and which engages the lower side of the lounger means 30. This adjustment enables that the influence only on the legs and the buttock and another time an influence on the abdomen and the hips.

A seat 3 is arranged on the lounger 30 which is formed as lock element and which in case of use is located between the legs of the person. In order to take the different body sizes of the training persons into account, the seat is preferably displaceably arranged on the lounger. The seat on the lounger prevents the person from being pulled into the housing during the vacuum phase.

In order to enable an easier entry, the device, as shown in Fig. 8, may easily be unfolded into two half shells, wherein the two half shell elements 32 and 33 are separated from one another in the area of the opening 8.

Fig. 9 shows the apparatus in used state. In this view, a person has already lied down on the lounger 30, and the lounger 30 is in the desired position within the housing. The person is, as already mentioned, supported on one side by the seat 3. The person is further secured by supports 35 on the lounger 30, wherein the supports are arranged above the shoulder of the person to be treated. These supports are in particular necessary when the lounger is tilted from the horizontal position into another position, as for instance shown in Fig. 11. Moreover, the shoulder support has the effect that during operation using over pressure the person is not pressed out of the apparatus.
During operation, the lounger can be brought into any tilted position up to the vertical position.

A control unit 34 is arranged outside the housing, which can either be operated by the training person itself or by an assisting person. For this purpose, the control unit 34 is provided with an arm-like folding mechanism to move it into different positions.

To seal the person against the opening and against the lounger, it may be provided that the person puts on an inflatable inner ring outside the housing, said ring being put on in the non-inflated condition, and which is inflated after taking the final position on the lounger. It is also possible that the person puts on a vacuum cover which takes the sealing role.

It proved to be especially advantageous if various seals cooperate to realize a complete sealing of the lounger 30 against the opening 8 and the person against the lounger 30 and the opening 8. In this case, the area between the lower side of the lounger means 30 and the portions of the opening 8 encompassing same can be sealed by a separate sealing means.

The modular structure of the apparatus of Fig. 7 to 11 can be derived from Fig. 12. The modular structure enables a quick and flexible adaptation to various training situations and leads to a favorable transport possibility and to a great maintenance-friendliness.
The training apparatus comprises as a first module the adjustable lounger device comprising the lounger or rest 30 and the frame 31 as well as the shoulder support 35 and the seat 3. The seat and the shoulder support and longitudinally displaceably arranged on the lounger 30. The frame 31 is substantially stationary, whereas the lounger 30 on which the body rests during the training, is movable with respect to the frame 31, and, as stated above, can be adjusted in height, length and inclination and can be easily removed for cleaning purposes. For adjustment the lounger comprises adjustable feet 50 having rollers 51. On its upper side, the frame is provided with latches 52, which engage into corresponding counter-latches of the lounger 30 and which fix it in a certain longitudinal displacement.

Interchangeable working devices 5a, 5b, 5c are provided as a second module, which can all be operated in lying position. Fig. 12 shows a stepper 5a, a bicycle trainer 5b and an ellipsoidal trainer 5c. The working devices 5a-c are displaceably supported at an adjustment means in the form of a rail 46. The working devices 5a-c all comprise data and signal transmission means which can be connected to the control means.
Moreover, the working devices 5a-c may optionally provided with an electromotor.

The adjustment means 46 enables a correct ergonomic adjustment of the working device independent of the position of the lounger. Thus, a substantially articulation- or joint-sparing positioning of the person to the working device is possible when the lounger 30 is substantially moved into the housing 1 (a large part of the body is exposed to the pressure) and when the lounger 30 is substantially moved out of the housing (a small part of the body is exposed to the pressure).

A further module is the control means or the terminal 34, respectively.

The supply unit 55 is a further module. The devices for the air conditioning control, e.g.
an air conditioning system 56, as well as a pump 57 for generating a vacuum or overpressure in the chamber 2 are stored in the supply unit. The supply unit 55 consists of a housing 58, which has a sound encapsulation so that as few noise as possible is generated during operation in rehabilitation or fitness centers.

The housing forms the last module, which is structured as stated above. The housing 1 rests on a frame 60 adjustable in height that is anchored on the ground.

Due to the modular structure, the apparatus of Fig. 7-11 can be converted from a training in lying position by exchanging only a small amount of elements into a device for training in sitting position as shown in Fig. 1 to 4.

In an embodiment that is especially advantageous in this respect, the housing is designed in a manner that it can be used for training in lying and in sitting position. For this purpose the opening must merely turned upwards after the lounger was removed and replaced by a seat.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 7 to 12 can, as well as the device described with respect to Fig. 1 to 6, be equipped with additionally integrated magnetic coils, air conditioning means or light irradiation means. .

In the apparatus, overpressure as well as a vacuum can be regularly or step-like raised or lowered over a predetermined period of time. In the various phases of treatment, an interval circuit switches the overpressure or vacuum in different period of time on or off, respectively. Overpressure and vacuum may change in one phase of treatment.
Overpressure and vacuum may be controlled manually and automatically.
Regarding the automatic control, it may be provided that this control is calculated on the basis of the heart rate or the blood pressure of the person to be treated, or on the basis of the temperature behavior in the vacuum chamber or at the surface of the skin of the training person or on the basis of the resistance of the ergometer.

The present invention enables to realize an aimed training and a therapy adapted in an improved way to the particularities of the respective person.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for slimming persons by improving the blood skin circulation of blood by means of vacuum without additionally straining the joints, comprising - a housing (1) forming a main chamber (2) and in which a working means (5) operable by the legs is arranged, - an opening (8) in the housing (1), which surrounds the person's body, - a sealing collar (19) for sealing the housing (1) in the area of the opening (8) against the person's body, - a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum in the housing (1), characterized in that a lounger means (30) for supporting the body of the person is provided, on which the person assumes a lying position during the physical training.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the lounger means (30) extends through the opening (8) into the housing.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lounger means (30) is arranged longitudinally displaceable within the housing (1).

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the lounger means (30) comprises an adjustment means for inclining the lounger means.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a seat (3) is arranged on the lounger means (30).

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that supporting means (35) for the person's shoulders are arranged on the lounger means (30).

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the sealing collar (19) is formed as an inflatable sealing ring and seals the opening (8) against the lounger means (30) and the person.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the sealing collar (19) is formed as a vacuum cover.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the housing (10) is formed as a round body, in particular in the shape of an egg.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the housing (1) can be divided into half-shells, wherein each half-shell comprises a portion of the opening (8), which are joined by a closure system.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the working means (5) is formed as a stepper, a room bicycle or an ellipse trainer.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a control means (34) is arranged outside of the housing.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that within the housing at least one main chamber (2) and at least one additional pressure chamber are provided, which is substantially pressure-tightly sealed against the main chamber and which can be loaded by a pressure that is different to the pressure in the main chamber (2).

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the additional pressure chamber is arranged in the area of the trunk, in particular in the area of the abdomen of the person.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that magnetic coils (12) are provided at least in one chamber in order to generate a magnetic field in the area of the person.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the magnetic coils (12) encompass the abdomen of the person.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the magnetic coils (12) encompass the legs of the person.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that light sources (10) for irradiating the person are provided at least in one chamber.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an air conditioning means for adjusting the temperature and the air moisture are provided.