GB2495445A - Exercise Apparatus With Zones to Guide User Movement - Google Patents

Abstract

Exercise apparatus comprises a raised base adapted to enable a user to perform an exercise routine by stepping onto predetermined zones on the base, wherein the user s feet may be placed side-by-side on a first pair of zones 2,3 and end-to-end on a second pair of zones 4,5. The side walls of the base may be shaped for tactile guidance of the user's foot, and may define a cross-shape. The zones may be an elongate shape, or with rounded cornersThe two zones of the second pair of zones may be at substantially the same height from the floor as each other; the two zones of the first pair of zones are at substantially the same height from the floor as each other; and the second pair of zones may be higher than the first pair of zones. The apparatus may comprise parallel horizontal grooves or a base to facilitate stacking.

Description

Exercise Apparatus This invention relates to exercise apparatus which can be used to enable an exercise routine to be performed. A preferred embodiment of the invention can be used to facilitate the execution of exercises that enhance one or more of strength, endurance and flexibility, such as one or more yoga or yoga-related exercises or postures.

It is well known to use a raised platform on which a user repeatedly steps up and down during an exercise period. However, this is no more than a simple step, which offers no variety in the manner of exercise. It is therefore limited in the type of muscular development and level of balance training that can be achieved. Such simple repetition can also be monotonous and hence boring, reducing enthusiasm for the fitness training. This can, in turn, lead to reduced compliance/participation in the training, reducing the health benefits to the fitness trainee.

A variety of exercises can clearly be performed on the floor, without the aid of apparatus. However, it can be difficult to remember different routines, for exercising different groups of muscles and enhancing the repertoire of balance positions.

The use of exercise machines is expensive. Additionally, exercise machines are not readily portable and require a large amount of space both during storage when not in use, and during use, for example, for multi-participant exercise classes.

The present invention seeks to overcome one or more of these problems by providing a simple and inexpensive exercise aid, which facilitates a routine, or a choice of routines, and which can be easily carried and/or stored.

The invention provides an exercise apparatus comprising a raised cruciform base adapted to enable a user to perform an exercise routine by placing the user's feet onto predetermined zones on the base, the zones being coded for the purpose of guiding the user's movements, wherein a first pair of said zones is arranged so that two feet can be placed side-by-side, and a second pair of said zones is arranged so that two feet can alternatively be placed end-to-end.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface of the base, its upwards facing aspect, comprises zones, preferably four zones, optionally arranged as two pairs.

The zones preferably have respectively different codes, to guide the placement of the user's feet iii an exercise routine. The user may select these zones in different orders, e.g. with the left foot forward and the right foot back, or vice versa. The zones may be each independently coded and may be coded with different numbers; say: 1, 2, 3 and 4. The zones may be coded via a tactile difference in the respective surfaces, so that each zone feels different to the foot of a user. The zones may be colour coded. An advantage of using colour coding is that it is not a sequence of numbers and the zones are easily identifiable.

Preferably, the first pair of zones is arranged to enable the user's feet to be placed side-by-side and spaced apart. The second pair of zones is preferably long enough to enable the user's feet to be placed end-to-end, one behind the other. This will of course depend to a certain extent on the size of the user's feet, but the apparatus can be manufactured and sold to fit different shoe sizes, or shoe size ranges. Thus, in use, a user can place one foot or shoe (e.g. a five-finger shoe) on the front zone and the other foot or shoe on the rear zone and find there is little spare space on each zone. Such close spacing confines the user's foot positions to promote preferred postures during the exercise routines. Further, the first pair of zones are preferably separated by a distance substantially the same as the width of an adult's hips, to encourage a natural stance when standing with both feet on those zones.

The zones are suitably of an elongated shape to fit the user's shoe or foot, preferably a polygon, e.g. a rectangle or an elongated hexagon, or a shape with rounded ends, e.g. an oval, ellipse or a shape with straight sides and substantially semicircular ends. In a specific embodiment, described below, the zones are elongated hexagons, each of the same shape. In other specific embodiments, described below, the zones are ovals all of the same shape and rectangles all of the same shape.

The upper surface of the base is preferably raised so as to define side walls. These side walls may have straight, concave, or convex surfaces, or a may be made up of a series of planar polygons that are connected to form a polygonal lower surface with 6 or more edges, preferably 6 to 12 edges, more preferably 10 edges in horizontal cross section. This rounding, smoothing, curvature or other contouring is designed guide the user's foot in a tactile comfortable way, and to avoid any abrasion. This enables the user to follow instruction by touch, since the base can be out of sight. The sides may flare out from top to bottom at the sides and/or front-back axis. As a result the apparatus is wider and/or longer at its bottom surface, enhancing stability.

The elevation of the upper surface provides a safe stepping height, for example, it could be 5cm or more, preferably 10cm or more, more preferably less than 30 cm, most preferably 10-20cm.

When the apparatus is placed on a surface such as a floor, the two zones of the second pair of zones, the front and back zones, are generally at substantially the same height from the floor as each other. Preferably they are level with each other.

The two zones of the first pair of zones, the right and left hand side zones, are generally at substantially the same height from the floor as each other. Preferably they are level with each other. In embodiments of the invention, Illustrated herein and described below, the height above the floor of the first pair of zones is different from the height from the floor of the second pair of zones; hence they are spaced vertically. Preferably, the second pair of zones is higher above the floor than the first pair of zones. Thus, the raised zones advantageously create the sensation of balancing on a beam when the user's feet are placed end-to-end on the second pair of zones. This induces a sensation of danger while performing training on the equipment, thus increasing the level of challenge, excitement and enjoyment. This, in turn, is likely to increase compliance with, and enthusiasm for, the training regime.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second pair of zones is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, most preferably at least mm, optionally at least 50 mm higher than the first pair of zones.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first pair of zones is wider than the second pair of zones to enhance the perceived difference in the level of danger between the first and second zones, thus further increasing the level of challenge, excitement and enjoyment. The first pair of zones is preferably more than 5%, more preferably more than 8%. In a specific embodiment of the invention the first pair of zones is around 9% or 10% wider than the second pair of zones.

An optional feature is a carry handle located on the apparatus, suitably towards its lower surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more, preferably two or more, more preferably three of more side walls have one or more, preferably two or more, more preferably three or more parallel horizontal grooves, which are sized to enable one or more fingers to be inserted. These grooves have the appearance of a ladder, and are used as targets to reach to while using the apparatus, for example, during a stretch. The grooves placed more towards the floor, when the apparatus is in use, require more flexibility that those grooves places higher on the side wall. Thus, the grooves advantageously form an indicator of the flexibility of the user, which may be monitored for development as the user carries out a training program.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, three side walls have grooves with one set of three grooves being positioned on each sidb wall to the left and right of the user in normal operation of the apparatus and four grooves being positioned on the side wall to the front of the user.

In an embodiment of the invention, the base of the apparatus is contoured to facilitate stacking, thus enabling more compact storage of a number of apparatus.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method for training using the apparatus of the invention herein described.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a base showing stepping zones on its upper surface; Fig. 2 is a side elevation viewed from a raised perspective of the base shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the base shown in Figs 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view an alternative base; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a further alternative base.

Referring to the drawings, a raised cruciform base 1 enables a user to perform an exercise routine by stepping onto predetermined zones 2 3, 4 and S on the upper surface of the base. The zones are respectively colour coded (red, lemon, blue and fuchsia) for the purpose of guiding the user's movements. For em*, certain exercises that teach balance and posture strength may reqiirS the user, on instruction from a teacher, to step onto a particular coloured zone, or to place the foot on the zone. The names of the colours facilitate following the instructions: red for right, lemon for left, blue for back and fuchsia for front.

The zones 2 to 5 are elongated hexagons in a cruciform arrangement. This shape partly reflects the shape of the foot, which are elongated and narrower at the toes and heel. Thus, the position of foot is better constrained on the apparatus.

Additionally, the visual cues formed by the lateral vertices of the hexagonal zones and the short edges of neighbouring zones assists the user in assessing the location of the centre of the zone, which facilitates accurate foot placement.

The upper surface of the base is raised so as to define side walls, made up of a series of planar polygons that are connected to form a polygonal lower surface with 10 edges. This contouring guides the user's foot in a tactile comfortable way, and reduces accidental impact between the user's limb and the base. The sides flare out from top to bottom at the sides to enhance stability. However, the outer ends of zones 4 and 5 rise substantially vertically from the lower to upper surface, to visually enhance the sensation of balancing on an elevated beam. The elevation of the upper surface is around 13cm to zones 2 and 3, and around 16 cm to zones 4 and . The front and back zones are hence 3 cm raised above the left and right zones.

The upper surface of the zones is finished with approximately 5 mm thick yoga mat material to advantageously emulate the familiar look and feel of a yoga mat, which is slightly compliant and thermally insulating and so warm to the touch e.g. with bare feet.

The pair of zones 2, 3 is arranged so that two feet can be placed side-by-side, spaced approximately the spacing of the user's hips, and the other pair of zones 4, 5 is arranged so that two feet can be placed end-to-end. The user may select these zones in different orders, e.g. with the iight foot forward and the left foot back, and vice versa. The coloured zones are easily identifiable.

The base is small enough to fit into a sports bag, being approximately 63 cm long by cm wide, so that it is portable. To further facilitate moving and carrying the base, this embodiment has a handle located on the end of the base 6 (Fig. 3).

An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. This embodiment comprises a raised base 11 that enables a user to perform an exercise routine by stepping onto predetermined zones 12, 13, 14 and 15 on the upper surface of the base. The zones are respectively colour coded (red, blue, yellow and green) for the purpose of guiding the user's movements.

The zones 12 to 15 are elongated shapes with straight sides and semicircular ends in a cruciform arrangement. The upper surface of the base is raised so as to define side walls. This contouring guides the user's foot in a tactile comfortable way, and avoids accidental impact between the user's limb and the base. The elevation of the upper surface is around 13 cm to zones 12 and 13, and around 16 cm to zones 14 and 15.

The upper surface of the zones is finished with approximately 5 mm thick yoga mat material. The pair of zones 12, 13 is arranged so that two feet can be placed side-by-side, and the other pair of zones 14, 15 is arranged so that two feet can alternatively be placed end-to-end.

A further alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. This embodiment comprises a raised base 21 that enables a user to perform an exercise routine by stepping onto predetermined zones 22, 23, 24 and 25 on the upper surface of the base. The zones are respectively colour coded (red, blue, yellow and green) for the purpose of guiding the user's movements.

The zones 22 to 25 are rectangles in a cruciform arrangement. The upper surface of the base is raised so as to define vertical side walls. The elevation of the upper surface is around 20cm to all four zones.

Example I

An apparatus of the invention was constructed according to Figs I to 3, modified as follows: (i) zones, , 4 and 5 are respectively colour coded as red, yellow, green and blue; (ii) zones 2 and 3 are around 9% wider than zones 4 and 5; (iii) zones 4 and 5 are raised with respect to zones 2 and by 30 mm, thus zones 2 and 3 are separated by a central beam-like structure formed by zones 4 and 5; and (iv) three side walls have parallel horizontal grooves with one set of three grooves being positioned on each side wall to the left and right of the user, adjacent zones 2 and 3, and four grooves being positioned on the side wall to the front of the user, adjacent zone4.

An example exercise routine using the apparatus of the invention is as set out in the following paragraphs.

A user placed his two feet in parallel on the lower level (block track), with the right foot positioned centrally on the red zone and the left foot positioned centrally on the yellow zone. The user then shifted his body weight onto the left leg and raised his right knee to his chest and secured the knee in position by grabbing around the top of the right shin with both hands and pulling towards his chest.

The user then ensured his weight is stably and securely balanced on his left leg, and engaged his core stability muscles.

Once the user is balanced, he bent his left leg, lowering his body as low as he can, then pushed through his heel to extend his left leg back to the standing position.

This one-leg squat with knee pointing up was repeated for a total of ten repetitions on the left leg.

Then, the user returned his two feet to the parallel starting position on the block track, with the right foot positioned centrally on the red zone and the left foot positioned centrally on the yellow zone. The user then shifted his body weight onto the right leg and raised his left knee to his chest and secured the knee in position by grabbing around the top of the left shin with both hands and pulling towards his chest.

The user then ensured his weight is stably and securely balanced on his right leg, and ensured his core stability muscles were engaged.

Once the user is balanced, he bent his right leg, lowering his body as low as he can, then pushed through his heel to extend his right leg back to the standing position.

This one-leg was repeated for a total of ten repetitions on the right leg.

The left leg was then straightened and placed on the yellow zone.

Example 2

An apparatus of the invention was constructed according to Example 1.

An example exercise routine using the apparatus of the invention is as set out in the following paragraphs.

A user placed his two feet on the upper level (beam track), with the right foot positioned centrally on the blue zone and the left foot positioned centrally on the green zone. Thus the feet were placed end-to-end with the toes of the right foot pointing to the heel of the left foot. The user then shifted his body weight onto the front (left) leg and fully bent his right leg, while keeping his right thigh vertical. The right leg was secured in position by grabbing around the right foot or ankle with both hands.

The user then ensured his weight is stably and securely balanced on his left leg, and engaged his core stability muscles.

Once the user is balanced, he bent his left leg, lowering his body as low as he can, then pushed through his heel to extend his left leg back to the standing position.

This one-leg squat with knee pointing down was repeated for a total of ten repetitions on the left leg.

Then, the user straightened his right leg, and placed his right foot on the red zone and moved his left leg to the yellow zone.

From this position, the user placed his right foot positioned centrally on the green zone and the left foot positioned centrally on the blue zone. Thus the feet were placed end-to-end with the toes of the left foot pointing to the heel of the right foot.

The user then shifted his body weight onto the front (right) leg and fully bent his left leg, while keeping his left thigh vertical. The left leg was secured in position by grabbing around the left foot or ankle with both hands.

The user then ensured his weight is stably and securely balanced on his right leg, and ensured his core stability muscles were engaged.

Once the user is balanced, he bent his right leg, lowering his body as low as he can, then pushed through his heel to extend his right leg back to the standing position.

This one-leg squat with knee pointing down was repeated for a total of ten repetitions on the right leg.

Then, the user straightened his left leg, and placed his left foot on the yellow zone and moved his right leg on the red zone.

The invention thus provides an exercise apparatus, suitable for execution of exercises that enhance one or more of strength, endurance and flexibility training, such as yoga, or yoga-related exercises or postures.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. An exercise apparatus comprising a raised base adapted to enable a user to perform an exercise routine by stepping onto predetermined zones on the base, the zones being coded for the purpose of guiding the user's movements, wherein a first pair of said zones is arranged so that two feet can be placed side-by-side, and a second pair of said zones is arranged so that two feet can alternatively be placed end-to-end.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said zones have respectively different colour codes, to guide the placement of the user's feet in an exercise routine.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the first pair of zones is arranged to enable the user's feet to be placed side-by-side and spaced apart, and wherein the second pair of zones is long enough to enable the user's feet to be placed end-to-end.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the zones are positioned in a form of cross.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said zones are of an elongated shape.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the zones are polygonal or have rounded corners.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the zones are hexagonal or rectangular.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the base is raised so as to define side walls.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the side walls have concave or convex surfaces, or a may be made up of a series of planar polygons that are connected to form a polygonal lower surface to guide the user's foot in a tactile comfortable way, and to avoid any abrasion.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the side walls have straight surfaces.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the polygonal lower surface has 6 or more edges, preferably 6 to 12 edges, more preferably 10 edges.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sides flare out from top to bottom to enhance stability.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising first and second pairs of zones wherein when the apparatus is placed on a surface such as a floor: the two zones of the second pair of zones are at substantially the same height from the floor as each other; the two zones of the first pair of zones are at substantially the same height from the floor as each other; and the height above the floor of the first pair of zones is different from the height from the floor of the second pair of zones.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the elevation of the upper surface provides a stepping height of 5 cm or more.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in the first pair of zones is wider than the second pair of zones.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in the second pair of zones is higher than the first pair of zones.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second pair of zones is at least mm higher than the first pair of zones.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 17, wherein one or more side walls have one or more parallel horizontal grooves, which are sized to enable one or more fingers to be inserted.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein at least three sides walls have 3 or more grooves.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base is contoured to facilitate stacking.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. Apparatus according to claims Ito 20.</claim-text>