GB2482325A

GB2482325A - Exercise support platform

Info

Publication number: GB2482325A
Application number: GB1012781.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ross John Weir
Original assignee: YOUTH SPORT DIRECT Ltd
Current assignee: YOUTH SPORT DIRECT Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-30
Filing date: 2010-07-30
Publication date: 2012-02-01
Also published as: GB201012781D0

Abstract

An exercise support platform 10 for supporting a user thereon during the performance of aerobic or anaerobic exercise, is formed with a generally humanoid shape 11 arranged to guide the user in the performance of an exercise specific to a particular embodiment of exercise support platform 10. The generally humanoid shape 11may be formed by a plurality of generally two-dimensional flat body sections 12 corresponding to a head 13, torso 14, arms 15 and legs 2, all of which are mounted on a tubular framework 24. In certain embodiments, the arms 15 may be divided into upper arms 16 and lower arms 17, whilst the legs 21 may be divided into upper legs 22 and lower legs 23. For each embodiment, the head 13, torso 14, arms 15, and legs 21 and the upper arms 16, lower arms 17, upper legs 22 and lower legs 23, if present are arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration corresponding to the performance of an exercise specific to that embodiment.

Description

Exercise Support Platform This invention relates to an exercise support platform for supporting a user thereon during the performance of aerobic or anaerobic exercise. The invention further relates to an exercise array comprising a plurality of such exercise support platforms, each configured for the performance of a specific exercise thereon.

The present invention seeks to provide an exercise platform which offers the user both a physical platform on which to perform aerobic or anaerobic exercise, and a visual guide to the optimum posture which should be adopted during the performance of that exercise. In this way, the user's technique can be improved leading to enhanced performance, and minimising the risk of injury.

It is envisaged that a range of different exercise support platforms would be produced, each corresponding to the performance of a specific exercise.

Accordingly, the exercise support platform of the present invention will be described herein with reference to commonly performed exercises, such as tricep dip, squat, horizontal pull-up, lunge, press-up, pull-up, sit-up and shoulder press.

A degree of familiarity with these exercises is assumed, and consequently they shall not be described in detail herein.

It is further envisaged that a number of said different exercise support platforms may be gathered together to form an exercise array, such that the user may perform one exercise after another, in a manner akin to circuit training. The scope of the present invention includes such an exercise array.

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise support platform for supporting a user thereon during the performance of aerobic or anaerobic exercise, wherein said exercise support platform is formed with a generally humanoid shape arranged to guide the user in the performance of a specific exercise.

Preferably, the generally humanoid shape of the exercise support platform is characterised by the formation of discernible elements corresponding to the head, torso, arms and legs of said generally humanoid shape. More preferably, said head, torso, arms and legs are arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration corresponding to the performance of a specific exercise.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the platform is mounted on area of ground, and the head, torso, arms and legs of the generally humanoid shape are further arranged relative to the ground in a specific configuration corresponding to the performance of a specific exercise.

The generally humanoid shape of the exercise platform is preferably generally two-dimensional, with each of the head, torso, arms and legs being formed as a flat body section, mounted on a tubular framework of square or circular cross-section. Most preferably, the tubular framework is generally of square cross-section, but is formed with a circular cross-section for those parts of the framework intended to be gripped by the user during the performance of exercise.

The flat body sections are preferably formed from compact grade laminate having a thickness of substantially 12mm. The tubular framework is preferably formed from stainless steel having a wall thickness of substantially 3mm and having a diameter of substantially 40mm where said tubular framework has a circular cross-section, and dimensions of 40mm x 40mm where said tubular framework has a square cross-section.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention where the exercise support platform is mounted on the ground, said mounting is preferably effected by partial submerging of one or more portions of the tubular framework.

Depending upon the exercise for the performance of which the exercise support platform has been configured, the platform may have one or more contact areas adapted for contact with the user during the performance of said exercise.

In such embodiments, said one or more contact areas are preferably provided with a covering of elastomeric material for enhanced user comfort.

As will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, the exercise support platform may be configured for the performance of a specific exercise selected from a tricep dip exercise, a squat exercise, a horizontal pull-up exercise, a lunge exercise, a press-up exercise, a pull-up exercise, a sit-up exercise and a shoulder press exercise. It should be understood that the foregoing exercises are given as examples of currently preferred configurations for the exercise support platform of the present invention, however the platform may be adapted and configured for the performance of other exercises not described herein.

As noted above, the scope of the present invention includes an exercise array comprising a plurality of different exercise support platforms as hereinbefore described, to enable a user to perform a sequence of different exercises one after another in a manner akin to circuit training.

Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise array, comprising a plurality of exercise support platforms as hereinbefore described, wherein each said exercise support platform in the array is differently configured, so as to guide a user in the performance of a different exercise.

Preferably, said array comprises at least one exercise support platform selected from the group consisting of a tricep dip exercise support platform, a squat exercise support platform, a horizontal pull-up exercise support platform, a lunge exercise support platform, a press-up exercise support platform, a pull-up exercise support platform, a sit-up exercise support platform, and a shoulder press exercise support platform. More preferably, said array comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight exercise support platforms selected from said group. Most preferably, said array consists of eight exercise support platforms, one such platform corresponding to each member of said group.

In order that the present invention may be more clearly understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail, though only by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure la shows a front view of a tricep dip exercise support platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 b shows a rear view of the tricep dip exercise support platform of Figurela; Figure ic shows a side view of the tricep dip exercise support platform of Figures 1 a and 1 b; Figure id shows a perspective view of the tricep dip exercise support platform of Figures 1 a to 1 C; Figure le shows a top view of the tricep dip exercise support platform of Figures lato id; Figure 2a shows a front view of a squat exercise support platform according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b shows a rear view of the squat exercise support platform of Figure 2a; Figure 2c shows a side view of the squat exercise support platform of Figures 2a and 2b; Figure 2d shows a perspective view of the squat exercise support platform of Figures 2a to 2c; Figure 2e shows a top view of the squat exercise support platform of Figures 2a to 2d; Figure 3a shows a rear view of a horizontal pull-up exercise support platform according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3b shows a side view of the horizontal pull-up exercise support platform of Figure 3a; Figure 3c shows a top view of the horizontal pull-up exercise support platform of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 3d shows a perspective view of the horizontal pull-up exercise support platform of Figures 3a to 3c; Figure 4a shows a front view of a lunge exercise support platform according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4b shows a rear view of the lunge exercise support platform of Figure4a; Figure 4c shows a side view of the lunge exercise support platform of Figures 4a and 4b; Figure 4d shows a perspective view of the lunge exercise support platform of Figures 4a to 4c; Figure 4e shows a top view of the lunge exercise support platform of Figures 4a to 4d; Figure 5a shows a top view of a press-up exercise support platform according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b shows a side view of the press-up exercise support platform of Figure 5a; Figure 5c shows a rear view of the press-up exercise support platform of Figures 5a and 5b; Figure 5d shows a perspective view of the press-up exercise support platform of Figures 5a to 5c; Figure 6a shows a front view of a pull-up exercise support platform according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6b shows a rear view of the pull-up exercise support platform of Figure 6a; Figure 6c shows a side view of the pull-up exercise support platform of Figures 6a and 6b; Figure 6d shows a perspective view of the pull-up exercise support platform of Figures 6a to 6c; Figure 6e shows a top view of the pull-up exercise support platform of Figures 6a to 6d; Figure 7a shows a side view of a sit-up exercise support platform according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7b shows a top view of the sit-up exercise support platform of Figure 7a; Figure 7c shows a rear view of the sit-up exercise support platform of Figures 7a and 7b; Figure 7d shows a perspective view of the sit-up exercise support platform of Figures 7a to 7c; Figure 8a shows a front view of a shoulder press exercise support platform according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8b shows a rear view of the shoulder press exercise support platform of Figure 8a; Figure 8c shows a side view of the shoulder press exercise support platform of Figures 8a and 8b; Figure 8d shows a first perspective view of the shoulder press exercise support platform of Figures 8a to 8c, with the arms in a rest position; Figure 8e shows a second perspective view of the shoulder press exercise support platform of Figures 8a to 8d, with the arms in an active position; Figure 8f shows a top view of the shoulder press exercise support platform of Figures 8a to 8e; and Figure 9 shows an exercise array, according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprising the exercise support platforms of Figures 1 to 8.

Referring first to Figures la to le, there is shown a first embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 10, configured for the performance of a tricep dip exercise. The tricep dip exercise support platform 10 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a plurality of generally two-dimensional flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17), and legs 21 (divided into upper and lower legs 22, 23) of the generally humanoid shape 11. Each of said flat body sections 1 2 is mounted on a tubular framework 14, effectively forming the structural skeleton of the generally humanoid shape 11.

The tricep dip exercise support platform 1 0 is configured such that the head 13, torso 14 and upper legs 22 are arranged generally vertically, and the lower legs 23 are angled relative to the upper legs 22 thereby to imitate a kneeling posture, as is best shown in Figures ic and id. The upper arms 16 are extended backwardly relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled downwardly relative to the upper arms 16. The platform 10 is mounted on the ground 25 via the submerging of generally vertical portions 26 of the tubular framework 24 constituting extensions of each lower leg 23.

As can best be seen from Figure 1 c, the upper surface 27 of each upper arm 16 is provided with a covering 28 of elastomeric material for enhanced user comfort.

Referring now to Figures 2a to 2e, there is shown a second embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 20, configured for the performance of a squat exercise. As with the first embodiment, the squat exercise support platform 20 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17), and legs 21 (divided into upper and lower legs 22, 23).

The squat exercise support platform 20 is configured such that the head 1 3 and torso 14 are arranged generally vertically, with the upper legs 22 being angled forward relative to the torso 14 and the lower legs 23 being angled downward relative to the upper legs 22, thereby to imitate a seated posture, as is best shown in Figures 2c and 2d. The upper arms 16 are splayed outward and angled upward relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled upward relative to the upper arms 16. The platform 20 is mounted on the ground 25 via the submerging of generally vertical portions 26 of the tubular framework 24 constituting extensions of each lower leg 23.

Referring now to Figures 3a to 3d, there is shown a third embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 30, configured for the performance of a horizontal pull-up exercise. As with the preceding embodiments, the horizontal pull-up exercise support platform 30 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, legs 21, and arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17).

The horizontal pull-up exercise support platform 30 is configured such that the head 13, torso 14 and legs 21 are arranged generally horizontally, thereby to imitate a supine posture, as is best shown in Figures 3b and 3d. The upper arms 16 are splayed outward and angled forward relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled forward relative to the upper arms 16. The platform 30 is arranged on the ground 25, with generally horizontal portions 31 of the tubular framework 24 corresponding to the torso 14 and legs 21 in contact therewith.

The platform 30 further comprises a generally tubular pull-up bar 32 for gripping by the user, said bar 32 being held in a generally horizontal arrangement, and supported at the extremities 33 of the lower arms 17, as is best shown in Figures 3a and 3d.

Referring now to Figures 4a to 4e, there is shown a fourth embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 40, configured for the performance of a lunge exercise. As with the preceding embodiments, the lunge exercise support platform 40 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17), and legs 21 (divided into upper and lower legs 22, 23).

The lunge exercise support platform 40 is configured such that the head 1 3 and torso 14 are arranged generally vertically; a first upper leg 22' is angled forward relative to the torso 14, with a first lower leg 23' being angled downward relative to said first upper leg 22'; and a second upper leg 22" is angled downward relative to the torso 14, with a second lower leg 23" being angled backward relative to said second upper leg 22"; thereby to imitate a one-knee semi-kneeling posture, as is best shown in Figures 4c and 4d. The upper arms 16 are extended backwardly relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled downwardly relative to the upper arms 16. The platform 40 is mounted on the ground 25 via the submerging of a generally vertical portion 26 of the tubular framework 24 constituting an extension of said first lower leg 23', the second lower leg 23" being arranged generally horizontally so as also to contact the ground 25.

Referring now to Figures 5a to 5d, there is shown a fifth embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 50, configured for the performance of a press-up exercise. As with the preceding embodiments, the press-up exercise support platform 50 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, legs 21, and arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17).

The press-up exercise support platform 50 is configured such that the head 13, torso 14 and legs 21 are generally aligned with one another and are angled relative to the horizontal, as is best shown in Figures Sb and Sd. The upper arms 16 are extended outwardly relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled downwardly relative to the upper arms 16. The platform SO is mounted on the ground 25 via the submerging of portions Si of the tubular framework 24 constituting extensions of each leg 21 and each lower arm 1 7.

Referring now to Figures 6a to 6e, there is shown a sixth embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 60, configured for the performance of a pull-up exercise. As with the preceding embodiments, the pull-up exercise support platform 60 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, legs 21, and arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17).

The pull-up exercise support platform 60 is configured such that the head 13, torso 14 and legs 21 are arranged generally vertically, thereby to imitate a standing posture, as can be seen from any of Figures 6a to 6d. The upper arms 16 are splayed outward and angled forward relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled upward relative to the upper arms 16. The platform 60 is mounted on the ground 24, via the submerging of generally vertical portions 26 of the tubular framework 24 constituting extensions of each leg 21.

The platform 60 further comprises a generally tubular pull-up bar 32 for gripping by the user, said bar 32 being held in a generally horizontal arrangement, and supported at the extremities 33 of the lower arms 17, as is best shown in Figures 6a, 6b and 6d.

Referring now to Figures 7a to 7d, there is shown a seventh embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 70, configured for the performance of a sit-up exercise. As with the preceding embodiments, the sit-up exercise support platform 70 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, arms 15 (divided into upper and lower arms 16, 17) and legs 21 (divided into upper and lower legs 22, 23).

The sit-up exercise support platform 70 is configured such that the head 13 and torso 14 are generally aligned and angled relative to the horizontal thereby to imitate a reclining posture, as is best shown in Figures 7a and 7d. The upper legs 22 are angled upwardly relative to the torso 14 and the lower legs 23 are angled downward relative to the upper legs 22. The upper arms 16 are extended upwardly relative to the torso 14, and the lower arms 17 are angled relative to the upper arms 16. The platform 70 is arranged on the ground 25 with a framework member 71 located at the junction of the torso 14 and upper legs 22 in contact therewith.

As can best be seen from Figure 7d, the upper surface 72 of at least a lower portion of the torso 14 is provided with a covering 28 of elastomeric material for enhanced user comfort.

Referring now to Figures 8a to 8f, there is shown an eighth embodiment of exercise support platform, generally indicated 80, configured for the performance of a shoulder press exercise. As with the preceding embodiments, the shoulder press exercise support platform 80 has a generally humanoid shape 11, formed by a tubular framework 24 having mounted thereon a number of flat body sections 12 corresponding to the head 13, torso 14, arms 15, and legs 21.

The shoulder press exercise support platform 80 is configured such that the head 13, torso 14 and legs 21 are arranged generally vertically, thereby to imitate a standing posture, as can be seen in any of Figures 8a to 8e. The platform 80 is mounted on the ground 25 via submerging of generally vertical portions 26 of the tubular framework 24 constituting extensions of the legs 21.

Each arm 15 is mounted on the torso 14 a shoulder 81, and arranged for rotational motion, independent of the other arm 15, about said shoulder 81 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the torso 14. Each arm 15 is further provided with a weight 82 mounted on a portion 83 of the tubular framework 24 corresponding to said arm 15. Each weight 82 is mounted for slidable motion on its respective tubular framework portion 83, such that the position of said weight 82 can be varied so as in turn to vary the resistance imparted to the user upon performance of a shoulder press exercise. The framework portion 83 is adapted such that the weight 82 may be retained in any one of a series of positions.

Each arm 15 further comprises generally tubular handle bars 84 for gripping by the user, each said bar 84 being held in a generally horizontal arrangement, and supported at the extremities 33 of the arms 15.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown an exercise array, generally indicated 90, according to a second aspect of the present invention. The exercise array 90 comprises a plurality of exercise support platforms as hereinbefore described, each configured for the performance of a different exercise. Thus, the exercise array comprises: a tricep dip exercise support platform 10, a squat exercise support platform 20, a horizontal pull-up exercise support platform 30, a lunge exercise support platform 40, a press-up exercise support platform 50, a pull-up exercise support platform 60, a sit-up exercise support platform 70, and a shoulder press exercise support platform 80. The respective exercise support platforms are arranged in close proximity, in order that a user, generally indicated 99, can perform each of the exercises in sequence, in a manner akin to circuit training. -11 -

Claims

Claims 1. An exercise support platform for supporting a user thereon during the performance of aerobic or anaerobic exercise, wherein said exercise support platform is formed with a generally humanoid shape arranged to guide the user in the performance of a specific exercise.
2. An exercise support platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein said generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, arms and legs, and wherein said head, torso, arms and legs are arranged relative to one another in a specific configuration corresponding to the performance of a specific exercise.
3. An exercise support platform as claimed in claim 2, wherein said platform is mounted on area of ground, and wherein said head, torso, arms and legs are further arranged relative to the ground in a specific configuration corresponding to the performance of a specific exercise.
4. An exercise support platform as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the generally humanoid shape is generally two-dimensional, with each of the head, torso, arms and legs being formed as a flat body section, mounted on a tubular framework of square or circular cross-section.
5. An exercise support platform as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tubular framework is generally of square cross-section, but is formed with a circular cross-section for those parts of the framework intended to be gripped by the user during the performance of exercise.
6. An exercise support platform as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the flat body sections are formed from compact grade laminate having a thickness of substantially 12mm, and wherein the tubular framework is formed from stainless steel having a wall thickness of substantially 3mm and having a diameter of substantially 40mm where said tubular framework has a circular cross-section and dimensions of 40mm x 40mm where said tubular framework has a square cross-section.
7. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 when directly or indirectly dependent upon claim 3, wherein the mounting of the platform on the ground is effected by partial submerging of one or more portions of the tubular framework.
8. An exercise support platform as claimed in any claims 4 to 7, having contact areas adapted for contact with the user during the performance of exercise, said contact area being provided with a covering of elastomeric material for enhanced user comfort.
9. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a tricep dip exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, upper and lower arms, and upper and lower legs, with said head, torso and upper legs being arranged generally vertically, said lower legs being angled relative to said upper legs thereby to imitate a kneeling posture, said upper arms being extended backwardly relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled downwardly relative to said upper arms; -the platform is mounted on the ground via the submerging of generally vertical portions of the tubular framework constituting extensions of each lower leg;and -the upper surface of each upper arm is provided with a covering of elastomeric material.
10. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a squat exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, upper and lower arms, and upper and lower legs, with said head and torso being arranged generally vertically, said upper legs being angled forward relative to said torso and said lower legs being angled downward relative to said upper legs, thereby to imitate a seated posture, said upper arms being splayed outward and angled upward relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled upward relative to said upper arms; and -the platform is mounted on the ground via the submerging of generally vertical portions of the tubular framework constituting extensions of each lower leg.
11. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a horizontal pull-up exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, legs, and upper and lower arms, with said head, torso and legs being arranged generally horizontally, thereby to imitate a supine posture, said upper arms being splayed outward and angled forward relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled forward relative to said upper arms; -the platform is arranged on the ground, with generally horizontal portions of the tubular framework corresponding to the torso and legs in contact therewith; and -the platform further comprises a generally tubular bar for gripping by the user, said bar being held in a generally horizontal arrangement, and supported at the extremities of the lower arms.
12. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a lunge exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, upper and lower arms, and upper and lower legs, with said head and torso being arranged generally vertically, a first upper leg being angled forward relative to said torso and a first lower leg being angled downward relative to said first upper leg, and a second upper leg being angled downward relative to said torso and a second lower leg being angled backward relative to said second upper leg, thereby to imitate a one-knee semi-kneeling posture, said upper arms being extended backwardly relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled downwardly relative to said upper arms; and -the platform is mounted on the ground via the submerging of a generally vertical portion of the tubular framework constituting an extension of said first lower leg, the second lower leg being arranged generally horizontally so as also to contact the ground.
13. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a press-up exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, legs, and upper and lower arms, with said head, torso and legs being generally aligned with one another and angled relative to the horizontal, said upper arms being extended outwardly relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled downwardly relative to said upper arms; and -the platform is mounted on the ground via the submerging of generally portions of the tubular framework constituting extensions of each leg and each lower arm.
14. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a pull-up exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, legs, and upper and lower arms, with said head, torso and legs being arranged generally vertically, thereby to imitate a standing posture, said upper arms being splayed outward and angled forward relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled upward relative to said upper arms; -the platform is arranged on the ground, via submerging of generally vertical portions of the tubular framework constituting extensions of each leg; and -the platform further comprises a generally tubular bar for gripping by the user, said bar being held in a generally horizontal arrangement, and supported at the extremities of the lower arms.
15. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a sit-up exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, upper and lower arms, and upper and lower legs, with said head and torso being generally aligned and angled relative to the horizontal thereby to imitate a reclining posture, the upper legs being angled upwardly relative to the torso and the lower legs being angled downward relative to said upper legs, said upper arms being extended upwardly relative to the torso, and said lower arms being angled relative to said upper arms; -the platform is arranged on the ground with a framework member located at the junction of the torso and upper legs in contact therewith; and -the upper surface of at least a lower portion of the torso is provided with a covering of elastomeric material.
16. An exercise support platform as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, configured for the performance of a shoulder press exercise, wherein: -the generally humanoid shape has a head, torso, arms, and legs, with said head, torso and legs being arranged generally vertically thereby to imitate a standing posture; -each arm is mounted on the torso at a shoulder, and arranged for rotational motion, independent of the other arm, about said shoulder in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the torso; -each arm is further provided with a weight mounted on a portion of the tubular framework corresponding to said arm, and wherein each said weight is mounted for slidable motion on said tubular framework portion, such that the position of said weight can be varied so as in turn to vary the resistance imparted to the user upon performance of said shoulder press exercise; -each arm further comprises generally tubular bars for gripping by the user, each said bar being held in a generally horizontal arrangement, and supported at the extremities of the lower arms; and -the platform is mounted on the ground via submerging of generally vertical portions of the tubular framework constituting extensions of the legs.
17. An exercise support platform as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. An exercise array, comprising a plurality of exercise support platforms as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each said exercise support platform is configured to guide a user in the performance of a different exercise.
19. An exercise array as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a tricep dip exercise support platform as claimed in claim 9.
20. An exercise array as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a squat exercise support platform as claimed in claim 10.
21. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a horizontal pull-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 11.
22. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a lunge exercise support platform as claimed in claim 12.
23. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a press-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 13.
24. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a pull-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 14.
25. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a sit-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 15.
26. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 25, wherein one of said plurality of exercise support platforms is a shoulder press exercise support platform as claimed in claim 16.
27. An exercise array as claimed in any of claims 18 to 26, wherein said plurality of exercise support platforms comprises: -a tricep dip exercise support platform as claimed in claim 9; -a squat exercise support platform as claimed in claim 10; -a horizontal pull-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 11; -a lunge exercise support platform as claimed in claim 12; -a press-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 13; -a pull-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 14; -a sit-up exercise support platform as claimed in claim 15; and -a shoulder press exercise support platform as claimed in claim 16.
28. An exercise array as claimed in claim 18 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.