IT201800005313A1 - SYSTEM FOR GYM EXERCISES - Google Patents

Description

of the patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

"SYSTEM FOR GYM EXERCISES"

The present invention relates to a gymnastic exercise system and to a relative gymnastic machine.

Both the implant and the related machine are designed to improve, in particular the selective mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, the pelvic and shoulder girdle, the lower and upper limbs.

Furthermore, by means of this system and this exercise machine, the upper part of the body can be stably constrained with a belt, following a lumbar back support to the device itself, and therefore the lower limbs can be released in order to perform exercises for the improvement of the articular excursion ((ROM) Range of Movement), and for the muscular tonifreazione of the same lower limbs.

On the contrary, the lower part of the body can be stably constrained by means of the same belt, following a lumbosacral support to the device itself to perform exercises for the improvement of the articular excursion (ROM) and for the muscular toning of the upper limbs.

Furthermore, the presence of pulleys anchored to the base of the system allows, through the pull of ropes connected to floats, to develop resistance in upward movements, therefore opposite to the normal one, greatly expanding the number of exercises that can be performed through the use of this system.

In the system according to the invention it is also possible to carry out exercises to train the correct walking of any user who, being stably bound to the exercise machine, is therefore able to divide the rather complex movement of walking in a simple way.

In addition, the advantage of performing movements in water is obtained, without however having to disperse a share of muscular work for stability, flotation and balance, which is necessary when a body is immersed in a liquid.

As is known, swimming is an excellent sport for the completeness of the movements, but it does not manage to reach all the maximum degrees of articulation necessary for optimal toning and is still bound to a plurality of "standard" movements necessary for advancement. in water. Therefore swimming cannot be used effectively to improve selective mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, pelvic girdle, lower limbs, shoulder girdle and upper limbs.

Another type of water training is also known, called Aquagym®.

Aquagym® is basically a form of gymnastics practiced in water, usually in the pool.

The water pressure prevents shocks and minimizes the risk of muscle soreness, tension or strain. This discipline can be practiced without age limits, and is for swimmers and non-swimmers.

This is a great activity for working different muscle groups, including abs, glutes, thighs, arms and shoulders. It is almost always practiced with music, to give a rhythm to the various exercises.

To perform some Aquagym® exercises, the user can sometimes use tools such as an exercise bike resting on the bottom of the pool, or floats on which he rests his body.

However, even the currently existing Aquagym® exercise equipment does not effectively help to improve selective mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, pelvic girdle, lower limbs, shoulder girdle and upper limbs with the aim of improving joint excursion. (ROM) and general muscle toning of a user.

Therefore, the need was felt to devise a system for gymnastic exercises, and a relative gymnastic machine, which allow, in a short time, to obtain a significant improvement in the selective mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, the pelvic girdle, the lower limbs, of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs to improve the range of motion (ROM), and the muscle toning of a user.

The present invention therefore refers to a system for gymnastic exercises which allows to carry out a plurality of exercises in a heated swimming pool (28 ° / 34 ° C) with the use of both fixed and floating devices.

The exercises take place in a swimming pool with, preferably, an average height of 1.30 meters. and possibly equipped with an area of 1.90 meters, where to work in suspension, and another of 1.10 meters.

The present muscle toning exercises exploit the properties of water, starting from the fact that the human body is composed of 70% of it, so it is the environment that the body intimately recognizes as its own.

The force of gravity that conditions all movements in the terrestrial environment by attracting the body downwards is practically absent in water, where there is also a better performance of the muscles, as in a gravity environment a share of the muscular effort is used to hold the body vertical and stable (antigravity function), and the remaining portion is used for movements (phasic function), while in water the muscles are free from this need, so they are mainly used for movement (phasic function) obtaining greater activation of the fibers muscular.

The cardiovascular system benefits from reduced gravity and hydrostatic pressure, brings more blood to the heart and relaxes it, promoting oxygenation of the blood.

At the musculoskeletal level, greater blood oxygenation in the contracting muscles increases the release of oxygen and the removal of CO2 and lactic acid.

Water represents an ideal means to increase performance as it optimizes neuromuscular responses and its viscosity determines a resistance in the three dimensions that improves muscle contraction.

Floating exerts a push opposite to gravity and gives the sensation of lightness.

By virtue of the thrust given by the buoyancy and the hydrostatic pressure, the water represents an excellent means for stretching exercises with the aim of increasing the range of motion (ROM); at the same time, the reduced gravity and the warmth of the water relax the muscles and joints and reduce the defense contractures by implementing their mobility.

Furthermore, the exercises that can be carried out in this system exploit the viscosity of the water and the positive pressure in front of the moving object (BOW WAVE - arc wave) which tends to prevent progression, such as the paddle hand that collects water. , and represents 10% / 20% of the resistance to movement.

The exercises can also take advantage of the resistance of the water to progression since increasing the speed also increases the resistance offered by the water since this resistance is directly proportional to the square of the speed.

The front profile also has some influence. For example, advancing with the paddle or rake hand modulates the resistance offered by the water and this is exploited in the progressiveness of the muscular effort required for optimal toning.

Therefore, the main purpose of the present invention is to realize a system for gymnastic exercises that enhances the benefits of exercising in water by offering stability to the user, and which, with the use of floats and pulleys, allows to considerably expand the number and the intensity of the feasible exercises.

For these reasons, a user can considerably improve, in a short time, the selective mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, pelvic girdle, lower limbs, shoulder girdle and upper limbs and general muscle toning.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise machine suitable for use in an innovative type of plant.

Therefore, according to the present invention, an apparatus for gymnastic exercises is realized according to what is claimed in claim 1, or in any one of the claims dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 1.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the teachings necessary to make an exercise machine according to what is claimed in claim 14.

For a better understanding of the present invention, some preferred embodiments are now described, purely by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a gymnastic exercise system made according to the teachings of the present invention; a user was also represented in the plant;

Figure 2 shows a first axonometric view of an exercise machine used in the system of Figure 1 with the user;

Figure 3 illustrates a second axonometric view of an exercise machine used in the system of Figure 1 with the user;

- figure 4 is an axonometric view of a particular configuration of the exercise machine of figures 2 and 3 (without user);

figure 5 shows an exploded view of the exercise machine of figures 2 and 3 (without user);

figure 6 shows the exercise machine of figures 2, 3 while the user is performing a particular running exercise in the water;

figure 7 illustrates the exercise machine of figures 2, 3 while the user is performing an exercise to improve the mobilization of the upper limbs;

- figure 8 shows the exercise machine of figures 2, 3 while the user is carrying out an exercise related to the downward pull of two floating floats, thus obtaining a resistance contrary to the normal one;

figure 9 illustrates the exercise machine of figures 2, 3 while the user is carrying out exercises to mobilize the shoulder girdle with lumbosacral support; And

- figure 10 shows the exercise machine in the same configuration as figure 7 but without the user.

In Figure 1, 100 indicates, as a whole, a system for gymnastic exercises made according to the teachings of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the gymnastic exercise facility 100 includes:

- a tank (SP), in particular a swimming pool, at least partially filled with a liquid (LQ) suitable for allowing the floatation of the body (BD) of a user (US); and

- an exercise machine 50, at least partially immersed in the liquid (LQ), whose support base 10 rests on the bottom (FND) of said tub (SP).

The liquid (LQ) in general includes water, but other liquids cannot be excluded, possibly containing substances for the treatment of the human body, having chemical-physical characteristics comparable to those of water (possibly chlorinated) used in swimming pools.

We will now pass to describe the exercise machine 50 with reference to Figures 2-10.

Incidentally, although the exercise machine 50 in Figures 2-10 has been represented for simplicity of representation outside the pool (SP), it must always be understood that the exercise machine 50, when in use, is always immersed in a liquid environment, for example in the water of a tub or swimming pool.

In greater detail and with reference in particular to the exploded view of Figure 5, the exercise machine 50 in turn comprises the aforementioned support base 10, provided with support feet 11, from which a vertical device protrudes upwards. support 20.

The vertical support device 20, in turn, comprises a vertical counterpiece 30 to which a horizontal support handlebar 40 projecting outwards is fixed.

If necessary, the support handlebar 40 can rotate with respect to the counter 30, so as not to hinder the movements of the upper part (UP) of the user's body (BD) (US), in the manner in which it has been illustrated in Figure 9.

It should be noted that, for this purpose, fastening means are provided between the support handlebar 40 and the counterpiece 30 which are suitable for locking the relative position of the two elements.

The base 10 comprises a tubular element 12 advantageously in the shape of a "horseshoe" closed at its two ends free from caps 12a.

The two prongs of the tubular element 12 are joined by a crosspiece 13 welded thereto.

The counterpiece 30 comprises a first box-like support element 31 welded to the crosspiece 13 and a second box-like support element 32 fixed to the support handlebar 40.

The first box-like support element 31 has a square, or rectangular cross-section, suitable for sliding inside it the aforementioned second box-like support element 32, to which, as mentioned, the aforementioned support handlebar 40 is fixed.

The second support box-like element 32 can therefore slide with respect to the first support box-like element 31 by a certain excursion to adjust the height of the support handlebar 40 with respect to the base 10 according to the height of the user (US) and the exercise. that the user (US) himself is called upon to perform.

Once the height of the supporting handlebar 40 has been adjusted, the second supporting box-like element 32 can be fixed to the first supporting box-like element 31 by means of a screw locking mechanism of a known type.

To give stability to the first box-like supporting element 31, a strut 33 is used which connects, by welding, the curved part of the tubular element 12 with the rear part of the first box-like supporting element 31 itself.

The support handlebar 40 is also advantageously shaped like a "horseshoe" and therefore comprises two lateral support elements 41, 42.

Each lateral support element 41, 42 is able to support in support a respective forearm (AV) of the user (US) (Figure 1).

In greater detail, each lateral support element 41, 42 comprises a respective first portion 41a, 42a, fixed to the second box-like support element 32, and a respective second portion 41b, 42b.

Each second portion 41b, 42b is pivoted to the respective first portion 41a, 42a by means of a respective hinge 41c, 42c, which allows rotations of the second portions 41b, 42b towards the inside, but prevents their rotation towards the outside.

Each free end of each second portion 41b, 42b is provided with a handle 41d, 42d with a vertical axis in the form of a pin which can be inserted in a series of holes 41e, 42e always provided on each second portion 41b, 42b.

Obviously the choice of the hole 41e, 42e in which to insert the vertical handle 41d, 42d is made in such a way that the position of the handle 41d, 42d itself adapts to the length of the forearms (AV) of the user (US).

When the second portions 41b, 42b are rotated inwards, as shown in figure 4, a closed support structure 45 is formed, which will offer support to the user (US) during use, as we will see later. , a floating bridge 48; thus further expanding the number of exercises that can be performed by the user (US) through the system (figures 4, 7, 10).

Furthermore, a crosspiece 43 extends between the two lateral support elements 41, 42.

In other words, the support handlebar 40 comprises two lateral support elements 41, 42 joined by a crosspiece 43.

The vertical support device 20 is completed by a support cushion 44, which is rotatably fixed to the crosspiece 43.

In other words, the support cushion 44 comprises a groove 44a in which the crosspiece 43 fits.

Therefore, as will be seen better below, the cushion 44, depending on the exercise to be performed by the user (US), can assume a vertical position, when it serves as a support for a part of the user's rear body (US ), or it can assume a horizontal position if you want it to become a sort of floating mat to perform the exercises that will be described later (figure 7).

With regard to the exercises relating to buoyancy on the stomach, and referring now instead to figures 7, 10 we can say that it is possible to use the cushion 44, placed in a horizontal position, to which it can be attached (with known means not illustrated) the floating board 48 (also provided, possibly, with a respective restraint device 49a - figures 5, 7, 10) on which the user (US) can lean with the stomach to perform a series of exercises for mobilization complete of the upper limbs up to the level of the shoulders.

As illustrated in Figures 7, 10, the cushion 44 and the floating board 48 fixed to it can be rested on the support handlebar 40 when it is shaped like the closed support structure 45 already shown in Figure 4.

The passage from the vertical to the horizontal position, or vice versa, of the cushion 44 occurs simply by making it rotate around the crosspiece 43.

In summary, it can be stated that, ultimately, the vertical support device 20 comprises the counterpiece 30, the support handlebar 40 and the cushion 44.

As shown again in Figure 5, a restraining device 49 is also fixed to the cushion 44 which allows to stabilize alternatively the back lumbar part (PDL) or the lumbar sacral part (PLS) of the user's body (BD) (US ), depending on the position of the support handlebar 40 (and of the cushion 44 fixed thereto) with respect to the base 10.

Therefore, according to the height of the crosspiece 43 with respect to the base 10, the restraining device 49 allows the buoyancy and mobility of the lower part (LP) of the user's body (BD) (US), or of the upper part (UP ) of the user's body (BD) (US) with the aim of performing particular exercises that will be described later.

The restraining device 49 can be advantageously shaped as a safety belt of the type used in airplanes, with the ends fixed in a removable manner to the lateral edges of the cushion 44.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the restraining device 49 can comprise two bands that can be fixed together by means of a ratchet buckle, or a locking system using Velcro®, etc. Furthermore, as we have said, the two bands can be fixed in a removable manner to the cushion 44 by means known and not shown.

As shown for example in Figures 1, 2, 3. A footboard 14 pivoted to an axis 15 is hinged to the base 10.

The user (US), placing the soles of the feet on the platform 14, causes the platform 14 to tilt around the axis 15.

As we will see, the pivoting platform 14 stabilizes the lower limbs in the execution of the float shooting exercise shown in figure 8.

The base 10 may further comprise a ballast (not shown) adapted to favor the stability of the exercise machine 50 during the execution of the exercises.

Hooks 16 protrude from the tubular element 12 and can be used for various uses.

For example, return pulleys 17 can be attached to one or more hooks 16, again to perform the aforementioned float pulling exercise shown in Figure 8.

This exercise (figure 8) makes use of a rope 46 associated with a respective return pulley 17.

A float 47 is fixed to a first free end 46a of the cable 46, while, in use, a second free end 46b, also of the cable 46, is pulled by the hand (HN) of the user (US).

When the user (US), in use, pulls his hand upwards (HN) the float 47 is induced to move downwards due to the deviation made by the return pulley 17. Obviously, the float 47 in its displacement downwards meets the resistance of the liquid and therefore the user (US) must make a considerable effort to perform the exercise and contrary to the upward thrust of a float immersed in a liquid.

The difficulty of the exercise can be graduated by increasing or decreasing the surface and / or weight of the float 47.

Ultimately, in the configuration that the exercise machine 50 assumes in Figure 8, exercises similar to those performed in a normal gym with a "lat machine" can be done in partial buoyancy of the user's body (BD) (US). .

Instead in the configuration that the exercise machine 50 assumes in Figure 6, the user (US) leans the back lumbar part (PDL) on the vertical support device 20 protruding from the base 10.

By adjusting the distance of the cushion 44 with respect to the base 10 by making the second supporting box-like element 32 slide downwards with respect to the first supporting box-like element 31, and fixing the relative position of the two elements with known and not shown means, it is also possible to support of the lumbar sacral part (PLS) of the body (BD) (figure 9).

Furthermore, with the aim of allowing the freedom of movement of the upper part (UP), the support handlebar 40 is folded down as has also been illustrated in Figure 9.

The aforementioned restraining device 49 of the user's body (BD) (US) is fixed to the vertical support device 20, as we have said.

As shown in Figure 6, the restraining device 49 can immobilize the back lumbar part (PDL), however allowing the mobility of the lower part (LP) of the body (BD) of the user (US), who, therefore, can run in surplace overcoming the resistance of the water.

Furthermore, as illustrated in figure 9, by binding, instead, the lumbosacral part (PLS), the upper part (UP) of the body (BD) is released, thus allowing the user (US) to perform exercises for mobilization. selective treatment of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs. In this case the support handlebar 40 assumes the configuration illustrated in Figure 9.

POSSIBLE EXERCISES WITH THE GYM MACHINE 50

THE RACE (figure 6)

The user is tied to the exercise machine in the lumbar back with the forearms resting on the device. The user grasps the handles. Once the lumbar back part is constrained, movements are made possible with the lower part of the body in suspension that simulate a normal run, without however having perturbations and limitations due to the most different causes (obesity, dysmetria, various pains, corns, etc.) . With this exercise we obtain a joint mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, on the sagittal plane, induced by the anterior sliding of a hemibacin and by the consensual posterior sliding of the contralateral hemibacin.

THE DANCER (figure 6)

In the same constraint position of the previous exercise (figure 6), with a starting position always with the lower part (lower limbs) in suspension, a triple flexion (hip - knee - ankle) of one limb and a triple flexion is performed simultaneously extension of the contralateral limb. A plurality of cycles must be performed alternating the movements of the two lower limbs. With this exercise we obtain a joint mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, on the frontal plane, induced by the superior sliding of a hemibacin and by the consensual lower sliding of the contralateral hemibacin.

THE FLAMINGO (figure 6)

In the same constraint position as in the previous exercise (figure 6), starting with a femur of a first limb perfectly vertical and stationary, and the relative knee in a position of maximum flexion with the heel as close as possible to the buttock, the other limb performs a triple flexion as in the DANCER exercise. With this exercise we obtain an ipsilateral mobilization of the sacroiliac joints induced by the constraint of a leg, obtained from the vertical and firm position of the femur and relative hemibacin; while the other leg, released, can be moved by making a slide.

THE COMPASS (figure 6)

In the same constraint position as in the previous exercise (figure 6), starting with the lower limbs extended and abducted (with legs apart), a reverse rotation is performed. It is thus possible to carry out joint rotation movements of the two limbs. With this exercise a decoactation of the sacroiliac joints is obtained induced by the even minimal diastasis of the two hemibacins which, pulled by the limbs, rotate jointly with respect to each other.

THE FLIGHT (figures 7, 10)

In the prone position shown in figure 7 the user is constrained in the back lumbar and lumbar sacral part to the pillow and to the floating plank and can perform rotational movements of the shoulder girdle and abduction / adduction of the arms complete with the upper limbs, being able starting with the upper limbs adhering to the hips and, always floating, being able to reach, moving them parallel, to touch his ears.

LAT MACHINE (REVERSE THRUST) (figure 8)

Using the floats pulled by the ropes, the user pushes the upper limbs upwards by lowering the floats at the same time, thus realizing, in the water, a reverse thrust, allowing to perform exercises very similar to those that can be performed with a lat machine.

THE PENDULUM WITH ARMS (figure 9)

In the position illustrated with plantar support on the platform and the lumbar sacral part bound to the exercise machine, the user performs alternating flexion-extensions of the upper limbs, on the sagittal plane.

The main advantage of the gymnastic exercise system and of the related gymnastic machine object of the invention consists in the fact that it allows the carrying out of a plurality of particular exercises designed to significantly improve, and in a short time, the selective mobilization of the sacroiliac joints, of the pelvic girdle, lower limbs, shoulder girdle and upper limbs, and the overall muscle toning of a user.

Claims (14)

1. A facility 100 for gymnastic exercises; plant 100 comprising a tank (SP), in particular a swimming pool, at least partially filled with a liquid (LQ) suitable for allowing the floating, even partial, of the body (BD) of a user (US); and an exercise machine 50, at least partially immersed in said liquid (LQ), whose base 10 rests on the bottom (FND) of said tank (SP); system 100 characterized in that said exercise machine 50 comprises a vertical support device 20, protruding from said base 10, on which the user (US) supports the back lumbar part (PDL), or, alternatively, the lumbar sacral part (PLS); fixing means 49 for the user's body (BD) (US) being fixed to said vertical support device 20; said restraining means 49 allowing, however, the mobility of the lower part (LP) or of the upper part (UP) of the user (US) himself. 2. System 100, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said vertical support device 20 comprises a support handlebar 40 adapted to support the forearms (AV) of the user (US). 3. System 100, as claimed in claim 2, characterized by the fact that said support handlebar 40 is able to be rotated with respect to a vertical support element 30 also included in said vertical support device 20. 4. System 100, as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that said vertical support device 20 further comprises at least two vertical elements 31, 32 whose respective position is adjustable to adjust the height of said handlebar support 40 with respect to said base 10. 5. System 100, as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said at least two vertical elements 31, 32 comprise a first support box-like element 31 fixed to said base 10 and a second support box-like element 32 fixed to said support handlebar 40. 6. System 100, as claimed in any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that said support handlebar 40 comprises two lateral support elements 41, 42 joined by a crosspiece 43. 7. Plant 100, as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said vertical support device 20 is completed by a support cushion 44, which is rotatably fixed to said crosspiece 43. 8. Implant 100, as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said restraining means 49 for the user's body (BD) (US) are fixed to said support cushion 44. 9. Plant 100, as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that a floating dashboard 48, also provided with respective restraining means 49a, is coupled to said support cushion 44. 10. Implant 100, as claimed in any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that each lateral support element 41, 42 comprises a respective first portion 41a, 42a fixed to the second box-like support element 32, and a respective second portion 41b, 42b pivoted to said respective first portion 41a, 42a by means of a respective hinge 41c, 42c, which allows rotations of said second portions 41b, 42b towards the inside, but prevents their rotation towards the outside. 11. Plant 100, as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, when said second portions 41b, 42b are rotated inwards, a closed support structure 45 is formed for supporting the user (US) during use. 12. System 100, as claimed in claim 9 and claim 11, characterized in that said support cushion 44 and said floating plank 48 fixed thereto are supported on said support handlebar 40 when said support handlebar 40 is shaped as said closed support structure 45. 13. Plant 100, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base 10 is provided with diversion means 16, 17 and with a cable 46; a float 47 being fixed to a first free end 46a of said cable 46, while a second free end 46b of said cable 46 being pulled by the hand (HN) of the user (US). 14. Exercise machine 50 characterized by the fact of comprising a vertical support device 20, protruding from a base 10, on which the user (US) rests the back lumbar part (PDL), or, alternatively, the lumbar sacral part (PLS ); fixing means 49 for the user's body (BD) (US) being fixed to said vertical support device 20; said restraint means 49, however, allow the mobility of the lower part (LP) or of the upper part (UP) of the user (US) himself.