GB2607902A

GB2607902A - Fitness training aid for use in body movement routine

Info

Publication number: GB2607902A
Application number: GB2108467.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rhys Thomas Emma
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-14
Filing date: 2021-06-14
Publication date: 2022-12-21
Also published as: GB202108467D0

Abstract

A fitness training aid 101 comprises a resiliently deformable wrap element 102 that is stretchable from a relaxed condition into a tensioned condition under the application of a deforming force and restorable to the relaxed condition upon release of the deforming force. The resiliently deformable wrap element comprises a body portion 103 and a border portion 104, the body portion formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable layer and having a perimeter 105 and the border portion providing a series of handles 106, 107 along the perimeter of the body portion. The body portion may have a 4-way stretch throughout. Each handle in the series may be a pliable elastically stretchable material secured to the body portion to form an opening that a hand or foot be inserted into. A set of the fitness training aids (1001, fig 10) comprises a plurality of the fitness training aids (101, fig 10) are also disclosed.

Description

FITNESS TRAINING AID FOR USE IN BODY MOVEMENT ROUTINE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fitness training aid for use in a body movement routine, in particular to a fitness training aid that utilises a pliable, elastically stretchable element and is usable during performance of bodily movement associated with stretching.

Background of the Invention

A body movement routine may be performed for exercise, training, rehabilitation, or wellness. Movement may be undertaken with the aim of improving one or more aspects of physical and/or mental health, for example, flexibility, strength, balance, endurance, posture, coordination, mental acuity, cardiovascular response, ability to relax. A person may move their body freely, or while using a fitness training aid. Many different forms of fitness training aid have been proposed, including weights, resistance bands, balance boards, gym balls, exercise rollers, workout benches. A person carrying out physical activity may be focussed on recovering from an injury, increasing physical ability, or maintaining wellbeing.

A body movement routine may comprise a sequence of deliberate, relatively slow movements, each involving one or more parts of the body. Such motion may invoke a response similar to that experienced from pandiculation (the act of yawning-and-stretching, such as may instinctively be done by a person after waking).

It is desirable to provide a fitness training aid that is portable, easy to use and that provides multiple benefits to a user.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a fitness training aid for use in a body movement routine, the fitness training aid comprising: a resiliently deformable wrap element comprising a body portion and a border portion; the resiliently deformable wrap element stretchable from a relaxed condition into a tensioned condition under the application of a deforming force, and restorable to the relaxed condition upon release of said deforming force; the body portion formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable layer and having a perimeter, and the border portion providing a series of handles along the perimeter of the body portion.

In an example, the body portion has 4-way stretch throughout In an example, the pliable, elastically stretchable layer of the body portion is a mesh.

In example, the pliable, elastically stretchable layer of the body portion is fabricated from is fabricated from elastane.

The body portion may be egg-shaped. The body portion may have a length dimension in a length direction, and a width dimension along a width direction, the length direction coincident with a major axis of the egg shape, and the width direction extending normal to the major axis. The fitness training aid may be used by a person with the body portion in a generally "obovoid" orientation relative to their body, with a narrower part towards the feet.

Each handle of the series of handles may be formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable material secured to the body portion to form an opening between the pliable, elastically stretchable material and the body portion for a foot or a hand to be inserted therethrough.

The series of handles may extend all around the perimeter.

The handles may be spaced uniformly around the perimeter.

In an example, at least one of first and second opposed faces of the resiliently deformable wrap element presents at least one visual display that comprises: at least one alphanumeric item, at least one graphic item, an arrangement of different colours.

A carrier may be provided for the resiliently deformable wrap element Instructional material for conveying information relating to the resiliently deformable wrap element may be provided.

According to a related aspect, there is provided a set of fitness training aids, the set of fitness training aids comprising at least a first fitness training aid according to the first aspect and a second fitness training aid according to the first aspect.

A set of fitness training aids may comprise any plural number of fitness training aids.

A set of fitness training aids may comprise at least one fitness training aid that differs from at least one other fitness training aid of the set of fitness training aids in at least one property.

In an example, a first training aid has first dimensions and a second fitness training aid has second, different dimensions. In an example, a first fitness training aid has a first resistance and a second fitness training aid has a second, different resistance. In an example, a first fitness training aid has first dimensions and a first resistance, and a second fitness training aid has second, different dimensions and a second, different resistance.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures I & 2 show a fitness training aid; Figure 3 shows an optional feature of the fitness training aid; Figure 4 shows an instance of the fitness training aid in use; Figures 5-9 show further instances of the fitness training aid in use; and Figure ID shows an example set of fitness training aids.

Description

Examples are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the apparatus described herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to precise examples described and/or shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially, and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. In addition, features referred to herein in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Similarly, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has" and/or "having" when used herein, specify the presence of the stated feature or features and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention provides a fitness training aid for use in a body movement routine.

Described herein is a fitness training aid comprising a resiliently deformable wrap element that is stretchable from a relaxed condition into a tensioned condition under the application of a deforming force and restorable to the relaxed condition upon release of the deforming force. The resiliently deformable wrap element comprises a body portion and a border portion, the body portion formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable layer and having a perimeter and the border portion providing a series of handles along the perimeter of the body portion. Also described herein is a set of the fitness training aids.

A fitness training aid 101 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 10. The fitness training aid 101 may be used in a body movement routine.

Referring initially to Figures 1 & 2, fitness training aid 101 comprises a resiliently deformable wrap element 102, the resiliently deformable wrap element 102 comprising a body portion 103 and a border portion 104. The resiliently deformable wrap element 102 is stretchable from a relaxed condition into a tensioned condition under the application of a deforming force, and is restorable to the relaxed condition upon release of the deforming force. The body portion 103 is formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable layer and has a perimeter 105. The border portion 104 provides a series of handles, such as handles 106 and 107, along the perimeter 105 of the body portion 103.

The pliable, elastically stretchable layer of the body portion may have any suitable construction and be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials (and a material may be natural or synthetic and may comprise any suitable arrangement of fibres or particles). The pliable, elastically stretchable layer may comprise sublayers. The pliable, elastically stretchable layer may comprise sublayers of the same type and/or different types.

The pliable, elastically stretchable layer may define a plurality of openings therein. The distribution of the openings may be regular or irregular. The plurality of openings may comprise openings of the same size and shape or openings of the same shape and different sizes or openings of different shapes and sizes. The pliable, elastically stretchable layer may be a mesh or a net The pliable, elastically stretchable layer may have a woven construction.

The pliable, elastically stretchable layer may have a knitted construction.

In an example, the pliable, elastically stretchable layer is fabricated from, or at least comprises, elastane. In a specific example, the pliable, elastically stretchable layer is a mesh made from elastane. In a more specific example, the pliable, elastically stretchable layer is a mesh that has a knitted construction and is made from elastane.

According to this illustrated example, the pliable, elastically stretchable layer is a mesh. As illustrated in Figure 2 in particular, the mesh comprises strands that extend in different directions and define a plurality of openings, such as strands 201, 202 extending respectively in the perpendicular directions indicated by arrows 203 and 204 and opening 205.

The body portion 103 may have any suitable shape. Preferably, and according to this illustrated example, the body portion 103 is egg-shaped. The fitness training aid 101 is shown in Figure 1 and likewise in Figure 2 in an "obovoid" orientation, with a narrower region 213 of the body portion 103 downwards. The fitness training aid 101 may be used by a person in a generally "obovoid" orientation relative to their body, with the narrower region towards the feet Preferably, and according to this illustrated example, the body portion 103 has 4-way stretch throughout The handles may have any suitable construction and any suitable dimensions, and be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials (and a material may be natural or synthetic, and may comprise any suitable arrangement of fibres or particles). Each handle may be formed individually, or in a linked group that comprises at least one other handle and may comprise all other handles. The fitness training aid may be provided with handles of the same type and dimensions, or handles of different types and/or dimensions. In an example the handles are formed from a rubber or a rubberised material. Rubber used for the handles may be a natural or a synthetic rubber. Preferably the handles are soft to the touch. More preferably, the handles are "spongey" or "squishy" so that they are compressible under an applied force, such as when squeezed by a hand. This property of the handles is desirable for user comfort For example, if an edge of the fitness training aid is stepped on, a handle underfoot will not cause discomfort.

Preferably, and according to this illustrated example, each handle of the series of handles 106, 107 is formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable line of material 206 secured to the body portion 103 to form an opening, such as opening 207, between the line of material 206 and the body portion 103 for a foot or a hand to be inserted therethrough. The line of material may be a fabric material, and may be provided in the form of, for example, a ribbon, a strip, a rope, a cord or similar.

According to this illustrated example, the series of handles extends around the perimeter 105 of the body portion 103. In other words, handles 106, 107 of the series of handles is distributed all the way around the body portion 103.

In an example, the handles 106, 107 of the series of handles are spaced uniformly around the perimeter 105 of the body portion 103. According to this illustrated example, the handles 106, 107 of the series of handles are arranged substantially adjacently, such that there is no or little spacing between them.

Alternative arrangements to those mentioned above are envisaged, for example: a series of handles that extends along only a portion of the perimeter of the body portion; and handles arranged in groups in which the handles within each group are uniformly spaced from each other by a first distance and the groups are uniformly spaced from each other by a second, different distance; alternating handles of different sizes, handles of one size along one portion of the perimeter of the body portion and handles of another size along another portion of the perimeter of the body portion.

Each handle may have any width in the direction along the perimeter, this width dimension being indicated generally by arrow 208.

As mentioned previously, in the present example, the body portion 103 has an egg shape. 25 As indicated in Figure 2, the body portion 103 has a length dimension in a length direction, indicated at 209, and a width dimension along a width direction, indicated at 210, the length direction 209 extending along a major axis 211 of the egg shape, and the width direction 210 extending normal to the major axis 211. The body portion 103 also has a thickness dimension in a thickness direction, indicated at 212. In the X, Y, Z axis co-ordinate system, the width and length directions are along the X and taxes and the thickness direction is along the Z-axis.

In an example, when the body portion 103 is in the relaxed condition, a ratio of the length dimension to the width dimension is in the range of 1.15 to 1.2.

In an example, when the body portion 103 is in the relaxed condition, the length dimension is approximately 165 cm, and the width dimension is approximately 140 cm.

In an example, when the body portion 103 is in the relaxed condition, the thickness dimension is 2 mm or less.

In an example, the resiliently deformable wrap element 102 has a weight in the range of approximately 300g to approximately 400g.

An optional feature of the fitness training aid 101 is illustrated in Figure 3. The resiliently deformable wrap element 102 of the body portion 103 has a first face 301 and a second face 302, the second face 302 facing oppositely to the first face 301.

Optionally, and according to the present example, at least one of the first and second faces 301, 302 presents at least one visual display comprising at least one visual display item. In an example, the or each visual display comprises one or more of: at least one alphanumeric item, at least one graphic item, an arrangement of different colours and/or shades of a colour.

In Figure, 3, a visual display 303 presented by the first face 301 is indicated. The visual display comprises at least alphanumeric item, such as the alphanumeric item indicated at 304, at least one graphic item, such as the graphic items indicated at 305 and 306, and an arrangement of different colours, such as the different colours indicated at 307, 308, 309 (colour 307 being lighter than colour 308, and colour 308 being lighter than colour 309).

A visual display may be used for aesthetic purposes only and/or for education or instructional purposes. For example, a visual display may be provided for the purpose of at least one of: indicating different handles for use in different body movements, identifying the length and width directions of the body portion, identifying a stretch characteristic, distinguishing one region of the fitness training device from another, displaying branding, displaying one or more instructions, displaying one or more warnings.

An example instance of the fitness training aid 101 being used is shown in Figure 4. It is to be appreciated that the fitness training aid 101 is usable in a body movement routine that comprises a sequence of movements of the body. The sequence may comprise any number of body movements of any suitable type and may comprise repetitions of a type of body movement Repetitions of one type of body movement may be performed one after the other (including, for example, the same body movement being performed to one side of the body/in one direction and then to the other side of the body/in a different direction) and/or after one or more body movements of a different type.

In Figure 4, a person 401 is shown using the fitness training aid 101 with their hands and feet in handles, such as handles 402A, 402B and 402C, of the body portion 103. In the specific pose shown, one hand 403 of the person 401 is shown using a first handle 402A, one foot 404 is shown using a second handle 402B, the other foot 405 is shown using a second handle 402C, and the resiliently deformable wrap element 102 is shown wrapped about the body 406 of the person 401. Thus, according to the illustrated instance of use, the person 401 has their hands 403 and feet 404, 405 inserted through respective handles 402A, 402B, 403C of the fitness training aid 101. In Figure 4, the person 401 is shown standing up; however, the fitness training aid 101 is usable while in a variety of different postures and positions, for example, sitting, lying, crouching.

The fitness training aid 101 is relatively lightweight. This increases the acceptability of the fitness training aid by allowing persons of all strengths, including those who are relatively weak, to use the fitness training aid comfortably. This property also renders the fitness training aid easy to carry. The fitness training aid 101 is collapsible to a relatively small size, which also renders the fitness training aid easy to transport and store.

Preferably, and in this example, the body portion 103 of the fitness training aid 101 is see-through. This increases the acceptability of the fitness training aid by reducing the risk of a person feeling claustrophobic or uncomfortably confined when using the fitness training aid.

Preferably, and in this example, the fitness training aid 101 is air permeable. This reduces the risk of causing any interference with breathing.

Preferably, and in this example, the fitness training aid 101 is washable. This serves to improve personal hygiene and general infection control by allowing the fitness training aid to be cleaned between uses (by the same or a different person). In an example, the fitness training aid is machine washable.

In an example, a carrier 407 may be provided for the resiliently deformable wrap element 102. Such a carrier can be provided to facilitate convenient transportation and storage.

The carrier may be any suitable type of luggage item. The carrier may be made from any suitable material or combination of material, have any suitable dimensions, any desired appearance, and any desired, suitable properties. For example, the carrier may be flexible or rigid. The carrier may be waterproof. The carrier may be air permeable. The carrier may be washable. The carrier may have at least one opening provided with a fastening mechanism, which may be any suitable type for example a button, a toggle, a press stud, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro T"), or a hook and eye fastener. The carrier may have one or more handles and/or straps, each of which may be permanently or detachably secured to the carrier and each of which may have a length that is fixed or adjustable. A carrier provided for the resiliently deformable wrap element may be designed to carry one or other items in addition to the resiliently deformable wrap element.

In an example, instructional material 408 may be provided for conveying information relating to the resiliently deformable wrap element 102. Such an instructional item may comprise a print material medium on which the information is presented or may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to output the information. The instructional item may for example be a leaflet, pamphlet, booklet or manual, or may be a data storage device such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive. It is to be appreciated that the information may be conveyed or conveyable in different ways, for example in audio and/or visual format Figures 5 to 9 each show another instance of use of fitness training aid 101. While Figure 4 shows the fitness training aid 101 being used by a person 401 when in a standing position, Figures 5 to 8 show the fitness training aid 101 being used by the person 401 when sitting or lying, and Figure 9 shows the fitness training aid 101 being used by a person 401 while supported by a chair 901. Figures 4 to 9 are intended to show a variety of movements that a person can perform when using the fitness training aid 101 and are in no way to be construed as showing all bodily movements possible. Further, the reader is reminded that the fitness training aid 101 may be used only across part, rather than all, the body, and that movements carried out with the fitness training aid 101 may focus on one or more regions of the body/muscle groups etc. It is to be appreciated that a set of fitness training aids, each as described herein, may be provided for use by one or more people. A set of fitness training aids may comprise a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements that differ from one another in at least one aspect.

In an example, a set of fitness training aids may comprise a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements that differ in size. Differently sized resiliently deformable wrap elements may be used by people of different heights and/or age. For example, a first resiliently deformable wrap element having first dimensions may be provided for people within a first height range, and a second resiliently deformable wrap element having second, different dimensions may be provided for people within a second, different height range. The first height range may include heights that are associated with adolescent children and the height range may include heights that are associated with adults. It is to be appreciated that a set comprising a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements that differ in size may include a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements of the same size. For example, a set may comprise a plurality of a first size and a plurality of a second size, in which the number of the first and second sizes may be the same or different, and a set may include only one of one size, and a plurality of another size.

In an example, a set of fitness training aids may comprise a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements that differ in resistance. Resiliently deformable wrap elements having different resistances may be used by a person at different stages in a fitness routine or rehabilitation program. For example, a first resiliently deformable wrap element having a first resistance may be provided for use during an initial phase of a series of movements (whether to be completed in the same session or over different sessions), and a second resiliently deformable wrap element having a second, greater resistance may be provided for may be provided for use during a subsequent phase of the series of movements.

Resiliently deformable wrap elements having different resistances may be used by different people having different physical strengths (for example, with a resiliently deformable wrap element having a lower resistance selected for a weaker person and one having a higher resistance selected for a stronger person, or vice versa). It is to be appreciated that a set comprising a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements that differ in resistance may include more than one resiliently deformable wrap elements having the same resistance. For example, a set may comprise a plurality of a first resistance and a plurality of a second resistance, in which the number having the first and second resistances may be the same or different, and a set may include only one having one resistance, and a plurality of others having another resistance.

It is to be understood that a set of fitness training aids, each as described herein, may include at least one resiliently deformable wrap element that differs from at least one other in two or more aspects. Using the previous examples for convenience, a set of fitness training aids may comprise a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements having first dimensions and a first resistance, and a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements having second, different dimensions and a second, different resistance. For example, the set may include some smaller, lower resistance resiliently deformable wrap elements and some bigger, higher resistance resiliently deformable wrap elements, or vice versa. By way of further example, a set of fitness training aids may comprise a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements having first dimensions and a first resistance, a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements having first dimensions and a second, different resistance, a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements having second, different dimensions and the first resistance, and a plurality of resiliently deformable wrap elements having the second, dimensions and the second resistance.

Any suitable way of enabling identification of a relative or actual property of a resiliently deformable wrap element in a set of fitness training aids may be used. Alphanumeric indications may be used, alone or with other types of visual indication. For example, a smaller size may be indicated using a first colour (for example, blue), a medium size may be indicated using a second colour (for example, red), and larger size may be indicated using a third colour (for example, green); then, for example, shades of colour may be used to indicate a resistance level (for example, with paler shades indicating a lower resistance and vice versa) or a pattern or symbol or size of a symbol or number of symbols may be employed.

It is to be appreciated that properties of a fitness training aid as described herein being variable means that many different combinations are possible, and that such properties are not limited to those already described.

An example set of fitness training aids 1001 is shown in Figure 10. The set 1001 comprises fitness training aid 101, along with a second fitness training aid 1002, which has a similar shape to but smaller dimensions than fitness training aid 101, and a third fitness training aid 1003, which again has a similar shape to fitness training aid 101 but larger dimensions. It is to be appreciated that set of fitness training aids may comprise any suitable plural number of the fitness training aids, and may further comprise other complementary items and/or accessories.

The fitness training aid, the use therefore and associated benefits are discussed further below.

The fitness training aid described herein is provided as a tool to give posture a frame of reference, expanding and improving the body's biological and mechanical framework for activity. Posture is important for both structure and function of the body and the mind state.

The disclosed fitness training aid changes the user's perspective from a narrow focus on the specific biomechanical function of concentrated muscle contractions towards a broader whole-body functionality to include fascia, fascial lines, the effects of the body state on the mind, and spatial awareness, in so doing, improving feelings of health and wellbeing by instilling good postural habits.

Currently, in general, exercise, exercise therapies and movement programmes are designed to address particular issues and are goal-orientated; concentrating on discrete muscular activity: a mechanical perspective. This has its place. Mental health therapies are concentrated on the psychological, for example, talking therapies. These have an important role in mental well-being. It is well evidenced that physical activity improves mental well-being and recognition of this fact is growing with prescriptive exercise. Overdependence on either one or the other is missing an opportunity to attend to the body and mind as a whole. Underrated is the body as a sensory organism, this being the gateway feeding directly into the brain. This element is sometimes overlooked when thinking of purpose and function in everyday life.

The body is the central component of our very being, a hugely complex system, an amazing self-regulating organism, assessing every breath and movement that we do. The body is quick to respond to challenges and changing environments. These sensory adaptations to environments through the nervous system are fast A system that feeds on information.

Feedback from all the senses, external tactile responses of the skin, contact with the ground, consequent reactions from long chains of internal muscle contractions and millions of sensory nerves of the fascial system, allow the body to 'know' where it is in space (we stand up against the force of gravity), to 'understand' effort and efficiency, and make appropriate response to demand, both physically and mentally. This does not always go well. We must aim to avoid fundamental errors and everyday misuse; a greater challenge for bodies with certain pathologies or in people that have experienced trauma. The system is not infallible, it can malfunction. To maintain working order and heal when suffering, conscious control is brought to bear through mindful and movement practices. Such activities bring awareness of the body's potential, we do our best to allow it to reach that potential.

The fitness training aid provided by the present invention is a tool to help achieve this goal, whether training for the elite athlete, the reluctant couch potato or helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

The fitness training aid disclosed herein has the potential to revitalise the responding of the nervous system to stimulus because of its slight resistant properties and its size, which maximise sensory feedback. It is a 'second skin'. Adding resistance improves the integrity of the body's tensional properties to maintain good postures. Relaxation and releasing tension feeds positively into neurological pathways. The fitness training aid's size allows the body to be wrapped and unwrapped, supported (as in a hammock) or covered when in a parasympathetic phase of movement. The parasympathetic response of the body reduces stress and anxiety. The fitness training aid may lie on or under the body when supine, it may be positioned in front of, behind, to the side, or in any combination, when standing and moving in different planes. For this reason, the fitness training aid is a stretch fabric mesh, so as not to obstruct the vision or give negative restrictive feelings. Therefore, the fitness training aid provided herein is different to the resistance training, with heavier and heavier loads offered in gym environments, although it has crossover with mind body activities such as Pilates, yoga, and other eastern practices because it brings the user a strong feeling of connectivity with their own body, thoughts and feelings.

The preferred shape of the fitness training aid (egglike) is particular to allow for broad expansion of the limbs of the upper body and at the same time allow for a narrower reach of the lower limbs to form the base of support, yet still connecting, expanding and stretching between all points. Unlike other modalities or equipment, this brings focus to the constant interrelationship of our whole body, our outer physical selves.

IS

The hand and foot handles, which may take the form of loops, around the peripheral edge, preferably all the way around, are important to accommodate different body types and allow variation of width across the base of support and reach of the limbs.

Purposeful variation of hand and footholds are easily possible with the fitness training aid described herein creating challenges to balance and control and offering support where needed.

Once the fitness training aid's usage principles have been learned and understood, it is intended that the fitness training aid be used in longer and longer amalgamations of continuous and flowing movement patterns, not unlike the dancer. The fitness training aid's easy manipulation and low weight accommodate this.

The fitness training aid described herein features: supportive membrane to encompass the whole body.

four-way stretch.

elasti-memory.

suitability for all sizes/ages.

The disclosed fitness training aid: Provides a direct approach to improve posture, move better and change feelings. Gives posture a frame of reference.

Is a sensory tool using stimulation and feedback through the body's proprioceptive and vestibular systems. Touch, both positive and negative, is a sense that is underrated and

somewhat overlooked in the field.

Stimulates the body's system of reflexes and continual adaptations to movement and environmental challenges. Also, stimulates physiological and, therefore, emotional change.

Is a whole body tool ("We use the whole body as soon as we use any part of it" (Langford, E., (1999). Mind and Muscle: an owner's handbook. Antwerp: Garant.)) Is flexible and flows over the body's contours. It is a second skin that moves with the body.

Is preferably egg-shaped and has hand/foot holds all around the periphery, for facilitating varied relational positioning. It allows for different stretch qualities between parts of the body. Movement happens between and within parts of the body.

Offers relatively slight resistance (pulls back when stretched).

Promotes whole body stretching, akin to yawning. Overall feelings are of easement and alleviation. Stretching primes the body for action, enhanced movement and body function. Is preferably a stretch fabric mesh (reducing weight and avoiding claustrophobia). It may wrap the body (releasing tension and anxiety).

Is a full body covering, like a light blanket

IC

A fitness training aid for use in a body movement routine is disclosed that comprises a resiliently deformable wrap element, the resiliently deformable wrap element comprising a body portion and a border portion. The resiliently deformable wrap element is stretchable from a relaxed condition into a tensioned condition under the application of a deforming force, with the resiliently deformable wrap element restoring to the relaxed condition upon release of the deforming force. The body portion is formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable layer and has a perimeter. The border portion provides a series of handles along the perimeter of the body portion. A set of the fitness training aids is also disclosed.

Claims

Claims I. A fitness training aid for use in a body movement routine, the fitness training aid comprising: a resiliently deformable wrap element comprising a body portion and a border portion; the resiliently deformable wrap element stretchable from a relaxed condition into a tensioned condition under the application of a deforming force, and restorable to the relaxed condition upon release of said deforming force; the body portion formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable layer and having a perimeter, and the border portion providing a series of handles along the perimeter of the body portion.
2. A fitness training aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion is egg-shaped.
3. A fitness training aid as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body portion has 4-way stretch throughout.
4. A fitness training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pliable, elastically stretchable layer is a mesh.
5. A fitness training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each handle of the series of handles is formed from a pliable, elastically stretchable material secured to the body portion to form an opening between the pliable, elastically stretchable material and the body portion for a foot or a hand to be inserted therethrough.
6. A fitness training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the series of handles extends around the perimeter.
7. A fitness training aid as claimed in claim 6, wherein the handles of the series of handles are spaced uniformly around the perimeter.
8. A fitness training aid as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body portion has a length dimension in a length direction, and a width dimension along a width direction, the length direction coincident with a major axis of the egg shape, and the width direction extending normal to the major axis; and when the body portion is in the relaxed condition, a ratio of the length dimension to the width dimension is in the range of 1.15 to 1.2.
9. A fitness training aid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the body portion has a length dimension in a length direction, and a width dimension along a width direction, the length direction coincident with a major axis of the egg shape, and the width direction extending normal to the major axis; and when the body portion is in the relaxed condition, the length dimension is approximately 165 cm, and the width dimension is approximately 140 cm.
10. A fitness training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently deformable wrap element has a weight in the range of approximately 300g to approximately 400g.
1 I. A fitness training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently deformable wrap element has a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and at least one of the first and second faces presents at least one visual display comprising: at least one alphanumeric item, at least one graphic item, an arrangement of different colours.
12. A fitness training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, and at least one of: a carrier for the resiliently deformable wrap element, instructional material for conveying information relating to the resiliently deformable wrap element
13. A set of fitness training aids, the set of fitness training aids comprising at least a first fitness training aid according to any preceding claim and a second fitness training aid according to any preceding claim.
14. A set of fitness training aids according to claim 13, wherein the first fitness training aid has first dimensions and the second fitness training aid has second, different dimensions.
15. A set of fitness training aids according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first fitness training aid has a first resistance and the second fitness training aid has a second, different resistance.