JP2020513293A - Exercise aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The exercise assisting device is a platform having a top surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform, a platform having a bottom surface, and a base coupled to the bottom surface, the support structure surface comprising: A base configured to engage. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and has a first position in which the platform extends substantially parallel to or spaced from the support structure surface and the platform is tilted downward to engage the support structure surface. Is movable to and from the second position. The base acts as a fulcrum to allow downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when the center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined degree with respect to the base. Methods of using the motion assist device include standing on the upper surface of the platform and flexing and extending the individual's knee while maintaining the platform in the first position.

Description

  The following description relates to exercise assistance devices, and in particular to devices that assist an individual in achieving a proper posture during certain exercises.

  Individuals exercise frequently to improve or maintain physical fitness and to obtain other health benefits associated with exercise. Sports medicine and athletic science organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provide guidance on the proper posture of certain exercises as part of efforts to maximize physical outcomes and avoid injury. Appropriate postures for exercise may include various factors such as, for example, body axis, foot positioning, motion (or non-motion), stride length and pressure or weight distribution.

  One of the commonly performed movements is called a squat movement. Squat exercises involve positioning the individual's foot specifically to lie flat against the floor, putting weight on the heel, and flexing the knee in a manner that does not extend the knee forward of the toes. Studies support over 200 muscles used to perform squat exercise. However, if the body's body axis is not properly maintained, some muscles will not be activated in their most effective or efficient state. Moreover, if the body axis or pressure distribution of the body is not properly maintained, the exercising individual may experience increased undue stress on the hip, knee and ankle joints. Such excessive stress can be transmitted to the ligaments and tendons of the joint. Ligaments hold the ends of adjacent bones together to form joints, and tendons connect muscles to bones to support the joints. Increased stress on joints, such as ligaments and tendons, can cause discomfort, chronic pain and / or injury.

  Individuals may be given instructions regarding recommended postures for squat exercises. However, textual instructions can be difficult to understand. Audio or video instructions may also explain or indicate a suitable pose. However, the individual remains responsible for monitoring and implementing proper posture. Thus, individuals may remain prone to making mistakes in performing squat exercises in proper posture. Paid training instructors may be able to direct and monitor an individual's posture during a squat exercise. However, the instructions may not be clearly understood by the individual for a variety of reasons, and the training instructor may not be able to consistently make inappropriate posture modifications. In addition, paid training instructors can be expensive and inconvenient to secure a schedule. In other cases, the individual may have limited leg and / or waist flexibility and may not be aware of an improper posture or body axis when performing a squat exercise.

  Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an exercise aid that can provide an exercising individual with real-time physical feedback as to whether proper posture is being used and maintained throughout the squat exercise.

  According to an embodiment, the exercise assistance device is a platform, a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform, a platform having a lower surface, and a base coupled to the lower surface. And a base configured to engage the support structure surface. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and has a first position in which the platform extends substantially parallel to and / or spaced from the support structure surface and the platform is inclined downwardly to the support structure surface. Movable to and from a second position of engagement. The base acts as a fulcrum to allow downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when the center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent with respect to the base.

  According to another embodiment, a method of using an exercise assistance device is provided. The exercise assistance device includes a platform having a top surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform and a bottom surface. The base is connected to the lower surface and is configured to contact the support structure surface. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and has a first position in which the platform extends substantially parallel to and / or spaced from the support structure surface and the platform is inclined downwardly to the support structure surface. Movable to and from a second position of engagement. This method involves standing on the upper surface of the platform with the ankle bone of the individual in a predetermined and proper position relative to the base such that the platform is in the first position and placing the platform in the first position. Flexing the individual's knee to a squat position while maintaining, and extending the individual's knee to return to the standing position while maintaining the platform in the first position.

  According to another embodiment, an exercise assistance device is a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform and a lower surface, the upper surface being on the platform. A locating region configured for locating an individual, the locating region including a platform including one or more marks indicating an appropriate position of the individual on the platform and a base coupled to the lower surface. Including. The base is configured to engage the support structure surface and the one or more marks are located on the platform above the base. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and has a first position in which the platform extends substantially parallel to and / or spaced from the support structure surface and the platform is inclined downwardly to the support structure surface. Movable between a second position in which the base and platform are rotated together to engage. The base acts as a fulcrum to allow downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when the center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent with respect to the base.

  These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an exercise assistance device according to embodiments described herein. It is a rear view of the exercise assistance device of FIG. It is a side rear perspective view of the exercise assistance device of FIG. It is a top view of the exercise assistance apparatus of FIG. It is a top perspective view of the exercise assistance apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3A is a side view of a motion assistance device in a first position, according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 7 is a side view of the exercise assistance device of FIG. 6 in a second position, according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 7 is a side view of the exercise assistance device of FIG. 6 in a first position in which an individual is appropriately performing an exercise motion on the exercise assistance device, according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 7 is a side view of the exercise assistance device of FIG. 6 in a first position in which the individual is suitably performing another motion of the exercise on the exercise assistance device, according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 7 is a side view of the exercise assistance device of FIG. 6 in a second position with an individual improperly performing exercise on the exercise assistance device in accordance with embodiments described herein.

  Although the device may be embodied in various forms, the present disclosure should be considered exemplary of the device and is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown. The presently preferred embodiments are shown in the figures and described below, with the understanding that they are not.

  With reference generally to FIGS. 1-10, a motion assist device 10 in accordance with embodiments described herein includes a base or “tilting beam” 12 and a platform 14. The base 12 is configured to engage a support structure surface “S” (see FIGS. 6-10), such as a floor, and the platform 14 is supported on the base 12. The platform 14 is configured to support an individual 100 (see FIGS. 8-10) such that the individual 100 can stand on the platform 14 and be supported by the platform 14, and particularly on the platform 14. It is configured to accommodate the foot 102 (see FIGS. 8-10). In one embodiment, the base 12 and platform 14 may be coupled together, for example, in a molding process, formed as a single, continuous, unitary component. That is, the base 12 and platform 14 may be formed as a single continuous body. Alternatively, base 12 and platform 14 are separately formed and include, but are not limited to, adhesives, bolts, screws, snap fits, friction fits, positive interconnections or other known suitable fasteners. They may be connected to each other using one or more fasteners such as fasteners.

  1-3, in one embodiment, the base 12 has two or more spaced apart feet 16 configured to engage a floor or other similar support surface "S". You can In one embodiment, the base 12 may be formed as a single piece continuous structure. The feet 16 may be positioned substantially at opposite ends of the base 12 and may be formed as part of the thickened base 12. The middle portion 17 of the base 12 may have a reduced thickness so that it extends between the feet 16 and is spaced from the surface "S" during use. Alternatively, the base 12 may be formed as two or more separate spaced apart feet 16. In one embodiment, the spacing between the feet 16 may be adjusted to adapt the device 10 to different skill levels of different individuals. For example, with the spacing between the feet 16 reduced or minimized, the device 10 may be more suitable for individuals having high physical or motor skill levels. Conversely, with the feet 16 as far apart as possible, the device 10 may be more suitable for a novice user.

  As best shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the base 12 may optionally include a pad 18 on its side configured to engage the surface S. For example, each foot 16 may have a pad 18 disposed generally below the foot 16. In one embodiment, the pad 18 can be an elastic material that provides the motion assist device 10 with a cushioning effect on the surface "S", and can be formed of, for example, a foam material. In addition, the pad 18 may have a relatively high coefficient of friction to frictionally engage the surface "S" in a manner that reduces or minimizes unintended sliding on the surface "S". Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, synthetic rubber or polymers or other materials with similar suitable properties. In another embodiment, the pad 18 may be formed of a harder material such as hard rubber or other similar material.

  However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above example. For example, in another embodiment, the base 12 may be formed with a single foot 16 configured to engage the surface “S” along the length of the foot 16. The single foot 16 may include a pad 18 or a plurality of spaced pads 18. In one embodiment, the base 12 may have a substantially constant thickness along the length of the base 12.

  In one embodiment, the one or more feet 16 have a substantially flat surface configured to engage the surface "S". Accordingly, the foot 16 may be substantially flush with the surface "S" when the motion assist device 10 is in the first position, as further described below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more feet 16 may be formed with a slight convex surface to allow the one or more feet 16 to roll with respect to the surface “S”.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, for example, in one embodiment, the platform 14 can be generally planar and have an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22. The base 12 extends from the lower surface 22. The upper surface 20 presents an area for positioning and supporting an individual. However, it is understood that the platform 14 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the platform 14 can be formed with various contours to be non-planar. Various contours, for example, define the area in which the individual 100 positions the foot, provide the desired weight distribution or distribution, and / or may replace the angled edge area.

  Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the platform 14, and thus the motion assist device 10, includes a first position (FIG. 6) in which the platform 14 extends substantially parallel to and / or is spaced from the surface “S”. And a second position in which the base 12 rolls or tilts to tilt the platform 14 forward toward the surface "S" such that a portion of the platform 14 engages the surface "S" (FIG. 7). It is possible to move between. That is, the base 12 can serve as a fulcrum that allows the platform 14 to tilt forward.

  As will be described below, the first position, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 8 and 9, is where the individual 100 is standing on the platform 14 in a suitable location and has a suitable technique (ie, proper posture and body position). The axis approximately corresponds to the position of the platform 14 when performing a motion such as a squat motion. That is, the first position may allow the individual 100 to confirm that the individual 100 is generally properly positioned on the platform 14 and performing exercises with a suitable technique. The second position substantially corresponds to the position of the platform 14 when the individual is standing in the wrong place or performing an exercise, such as a squat exercise, with an incorrect technique. For example, in the second position, as shown in FIG. 10, the individual's knee 104 extends forward of the individual's toe 106 during a squat exercise, thereby causing the center of gravity of the individual 100 to move forward on the platform 14. It may correspond to the position of the platform 14 at the time. Thus, with the platform 14 in the second position, the individual 100 may be warned that the individual 100 is improperly positioned on the platform or performing an exercise with an improper posture or technique.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the platform 14 may include a positioning area 24 on the upper surface 20 that is configured for positioning the individual's foot 102 on the platform 14. Positioning region 24 is generally located in the rear region of upper surface 20 and includes the portion of platform 14 on which base 12 is positioned below. The platform 14 also includes a front region 26 located in front of the positioning region 24. In one embodiment, the platform 14 may include one or more rounded protrusions 28 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) positioned generally in the anterior region 26. Referring to FIG. 1, the lower surface 22 of the platform 14 in the anterior region 26 may include one or more anterior pads 30 formed similarly to the pad 18 described above. The front pad 30 may engage the surface “S” when the platform 14 is moved to the second position.

  For example, referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the base 12 is positioned generally behind the platform 14 or below the positioning region 24. Accordingly, the platform 14 extends forward relative to the base 12 such that the platform 14 is substantially cantilevered from the base 12.

  In use, an individual's foot 102 may be positioned flat against a positioning area 24 on the upper surface 20 of the platform 14. To achieve proper positioning on the platform 14, the individual's ankle 108 should be positioned substantially above the base 12. The proper positioning of the individual is that the platform 14 extends substantially parallel to the surface “S” or floor and / or is spaced from the surface “S” or floor, ie, as shown in FIG. Can be confirmed when in position. Conversely, if the individual 100 is positioned too forward on the platform 14, the device 10 will move the anterior region 26, and particularly the anterior edge, downwardly toward the surface "S" as shown in FIG. 7, for example. As described above, the base 12 is tilted. This tilting movement alerts the individual 100 that it is being improperly positioned on the platform 14.

  In other words, and with further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the individual 100 is properly positioned on the platform and performing the exercise by the appropriate technique, the preferred center of gravity “A” (FIG. 6) is Extends through 12. Conversely, when the individual 100 is positioned too forward on the platform 14, such as when using improper kinematic techniques, the unfavorable center of gravity "B" of the device 10 (FIG. 7) and the individual 100 are Is moved forward to tilt the device 10 forward.

  During a squat exercise, for proper posture and body axis, the individual 100 keeps the knee 104 posterior to the toes 106, flexing the knee 104 and hips until the thigh is substantially parallel to the ground, flexing the torso. It should remain substantially vertical. Through these movements, the individual 100 may reach a squat position in which the thighs are substantially parallel to the ground, for example, as shown in FIG. Maintaining the knee 104 posterior to the toes may reduce stress on the individual's knee joint and keep the individual's center of gravity positioned substantially over the ankle bone 108. Next, the individual 100 extends the knee 104 and the waist while maintaining the knee 104 behind the toe 106, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, so as to return to the standing posture. While positioned on the motion assist device 10 and performing the squat exercise with the proper posture and body axis, the center of gravity of the individual 100 should be over the individual's ankle 108, and thus over the base 12. Is. Thus, when the individual 100 is properly positioned with respect to the base 12 and performs the flexion and extension movements of the knee 104 with the proper posture and body axis, the platform 14 will move to the surface "S" as shown in FIG. Configured to be substantially parallel and / or remain spaced apart from the surface "S". The position of such platform 14 allows the individual to confirm that the squat is being performed with proper posture and body axis.

  Although the embodiments described herein refer to the moving center of gravity based on the position of the individual's knee with respect to the individual's toes, other movements and positions of the individual 100 cause the center of gravity to move, and the exercise assisting device. It is understood that 10 can be moved to the second position. For example, forward movement of an individual's torso or arm may also move the center of gravity forward.

  However, the knee 104 may extend forward of the toe 106 if the individual 100 performs a flexion and / or extension motion due to an improper posture or body axis while being positioned on the motion assist device 10. .. This causes the center of gravity to move in front of the individual's ankle 108, and thus in front of the base 12, causing the motion assist device 10 to tilt forward, resulting in the forward edge of the platform 14 moving downward, as shown in FIG. To engage surface "S". Such tilting movement of the exercise assisting device 10 alerts the individual 100 that an improper posture or body axis is being used and that the posture or body axis should be corrected.

  The sensitivity of the exercise assisting device 10 to tilting can be adjusted. Thus, different tolerances for improper posture, body axis or positioning during exercise may be set, for example depending on the intended end user. For example, for professional athletes or fitness professionals, the exercise assistance device 10 may be particularly sensitive to improper posture or body axis, and in response to slight discrepancies with proper posture. It can be adjusted to tilt into position. However, in other settings, the motion assist device 10 may be adjusted to be less sensitive, resulting in the device 10 responding to, for example, long-term or large discrepancies with the proper posture or body axis. It can tilt to the second position. The sensitivity or adjustment can be adjusted, for example, by changing the width of the base 12 in the anterior-posterior direction of the device 10 or by changing the contour of the base 12 configured to engage the surface "S". For example, the sensitivity of the device 10 can be increased by providing a convex curvilinear contour to the underside of the base 12.

  As mentioned above, the platform 14 may include one or more rounded protrusions 28 in the forward region 26. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the platform 14 may be such that the exercise assist device 10 may support the base 12 when the platform 14 remains cantilevered from the base 12 and the center of gravity of the individual moves forward of the individual's ankle 108 in the manner described above. It can be formed in a variety of shapes, as long as tilting forward about the center is caused. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to, squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, and the like. In addition, the platform 14 can be formed by adding or removing material to various portions, eg, with different weight distributions, as long as the functionality described above is maintained. In some embodiments, different shapes or weight distributions of platform 14 are provided that are specific to a particular individual and / or are based on, for example, individual height, weight, height or range of weights, or both. obtain.

  Referring again to FIGS. 4-6, in one embodiment, the top surface 20 of the platform 14 may include markings to indicate proper positioning of the individual's foot 102. For example, in one embodiment, the top surface 20 may include a foot contour 32 that indicates where the individual's foot 102 should be positioned on the platform 14. Alternatively or additionally, the top surface 20 may include a center of gravity mark 34 that indicates where the ankle bone 108 of each foot of the individual should be placed to properly position the foot 102 of the individual relative to the base 12. .. The center-of-gravity mark 34 may be recessed in the top surface 20 of the platform 14, flush with the top surface 20, extend above the top surface 20, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the center of gravity mark 34 is aligned with a suitable center of gravity "A", for example, as shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the center-of-gravity mark 34 may be, for example, a series of marks displaying a range from a minimum value to a maximum value based on the distance from the center of gravity. The maximum value may be the position of the center of gravity.

  In one embodiment, the center of gravity of the device 10 may be at a location that extends through the base 12, so that in an unloaded condition (ie, the individual 100 is not positioned above the base), the platform 14 may have a surface "S". Or extend substantially parallel to the floor and / or be spaced from the surface "S" or floor. In another embodiment, the center of gravity of the device 10 may be at a location spaced from the base 12, ie on the platform 14. Thus, in the unloaded condition, the device 10 may be in the tilted or tilted position, i.e. the second position. It will be appreciated that by forming the platform 14 to have different sizes, shapes, densities and / or different weight distributions, for example, the center of gravity of the device 10 may be moved during manufacturing. Similarly, changing the size, shape, density and / or weight distribution of the base 12 may change the center of gravity of the device 10. However, in the loaded condition, that is, with the individual properly positioned on the device 10, the center of gravity may extend substantially parallel to and / or spaced from the surface "S" on which the platform 14 is positioned. It is understood that they should be positioned at. In addition, with the individual properly positioned on the device 10, the platform 14 is approximately at the surface "S" until the individual's knee 104 has moved forward to the extent that it results in an improper posture or body axis of squat movement. The center of gravity should be positioned so that it remains parallel and / or spaced apart from the surface “S” and the device 10 is configured to tilt forward when the individual's knee 104 moves forward. It

  In the above embodiment, the exercise assistance device 10 is a self-supporting device and may be placed on a surface "S", such as a floor, for use by an individual. Preferably, the surface "S" is flat or nearly flat and is relatively hard.

  The exercise assistance device 10 according to the above embodiments may be manufactured in different ways using different materials. For example, the motion assist device 10 may be made using a mold, injection molding method, or other suitable process. In one embodiment, the motion assist device 10 may be made from composite materials, polymers, and the like. Exercise assistance device 10 may also include surface details applied, for example, by screen printing or other suitable printing processes.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 8-10, the individual 100 is assisting the exercise device 10 while performing a squat exercise or other exercise that incorporates a squat or similar movement. Can be used. For example, the motion assist device 10 generally flexes the knee 104 to a squat position while maintaining a center of gravity such that the motion substantially overlaps the ankle bone 108 of the individual (see FIG. 8), It may be used when including extending the knee to a standing position (see Figure 9). When using the exercise assistance device 10 for squat exercises or other similar exercises, the movement of the exercise assistance device 10 provides the individual 100 with feedback regarding the use of the proper posture and / or body axis. For example, if the exercise assistance device 10 is tilted forward as shown in FIG. 10, the individual 100 is warned that exercise is being performed with an improper posture and / or body axis. The individual 100 may then modify the posture and / or body axis. Conversely, if the exercise assist device 10 is in a position where the platform 14 is substantially parallel to and / or spaced from the surface "S" during exercise, as shown, for example, in FIGS. The individual 100 confirms that the proper posture and / or body axis is being used. Accordingly, the individual 100 may perform squat or similar exercises with proper posture and body axis without an instructor or training instructor.

  The exercise assistance device 10 is not limited to use in squat exercises. For example, the exercise assistance device 10 may assist the individual in performing another exercise in which the proper posture or body axis involves weight loading on the heel during exercise. In one such exercise, the individual 100 stands upright, holds a barbell or other weight, and performs an arm curl or shoulder press exercise. When performing such exercise on the exercise assist device 10, the exercise assist device 10 is configured to remain in the first position when the individual 100 maintains proper heel pressure on the device 10. It If the center of gravity of the individual 100 moves significantly forward during exercise and proper heel pressure is not maintained, the exercise assist device 10 moves to a second position, thereby providing physical feedback of an improper posture. Can be given. Other exercises that the motion assist device 10 may provide with similar physical feedback include, but are not limited to, reverse leggland, Russian deadlift, and proper posture involving maintaining proper heel pressure. Exercise.

  With further reference to FIG. 8, with the individual 100 performing the exercise with the proper posture and body axis, the motion assist device 10 is configured such that the platform 14 is substantially parallel to the surface “S” and / or the surface “S”. In the first position, which is the state in which it is separated from. A preferred center of gravity "A" may extend through the base 12 when viewed from the side and generally vertically through the ankle 108 of the individual 100, as shown in FIG. The preferred center of gravity “A” is the center of gravity of the load on the exercise assistance device 10. The load may include, for example, the individual 100 and associated exercise equipment such as weights, clothes, shoes, etc. that may be used by the individual 100 during exercise. The weight and / or weight distribution of the motion assist device 10 may also be taken into consideration regarding the positioning of the preferred center of gravity "A". Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in a state in which the exercise is being executed with an appropriate posture and body axis, the position of the individual's knee "K1" is at or behind the position of the individual's toe "T1".

  Referring to FIG. 9, when the individual 100 performs an exercise with an appropriate posture and body axis in order to move to or from a substantially standing posture or an upright posture, the exercise assisting device. 10 remains in the first position. As shown in FIG. 9, when properly positioned in a substantially standing posture or an upright posture, the position "K1" of the individual's knee is behind the position of the individual's toe "T1", and the preferred center of gravity "A" ″ May extend substantially vertically through the ankle 108 of the individual.

  Still referring to FIG. 10, when the individual 100 is performing an exercise with an improper posture or body axis, the motion assist device 10 causes the platform to move toward the surface “S” and / or the surface “S”. To a second position where it contacts. The non-preferred center of gravity “B” may be located in front of the individual's ankle 108 and further in front of the base 12. However, it is understood that the unfavorable center of gravity "B" is not necessarily located in front of the base 12. For example, the unfavorable center of gravity "B" may be moved forward with respect to the preferred center of gravity "A" to a position where the motion assist device 10 moves to the second position. The location of such an unfavorable center of gravity "B" may still extend through a portion of the base 12. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the exercise is performed by an inappropriate posture or body axis, and the position of the individual's knee "K2" is in front of the position of the individual's toe "T2".

  Thus, with confirmation of proper posture or body axis, the individual 100 may perform a squat exercise or other similar exercise in a manner that effectively uses the desired muscles and muscle groups to increase the health and physical fitness benefits of the exercise. You can do it. In addition, by using proper posture and / or body axis during exercise, the individual 100 may reduce stress on joints, such as the knees and hips, and cause injuries, chronic pain or other discomfort. Sex can be reduced. In addition, the use of exercise support device 10 may increase waist flexibility.

  The exercise assistance device 10 described herein may be used in a variety of settings and different applications. For example, the exercise assistance device 10 may be used in hospital or physiotherapy tissues for physical strengthening, balance improvement needs and / or recovery from injuries. Professional and amateur athletic organizations, military organizations and schools may use the exercise assistance device 10 for physical training and / or recovery from injury. The exercise assisting device 10 may also be used in a private home for lower body strengthening and injury prevention. Gyms and fitness clubs may utilize the exercise assistance device 10 for physical training of individuals or groups. Further, the exercise assist device 10 may be used in the office to promote leg, waist and core movements after long sitting. However, it is understood that these examples are not exhaustive and that the exercise assistance device 10 described herein may be used in many settings to obtain various strength and health benefits. ..

  It is understood that various features from any of the above embodiments can be used with other embodiments described herein.

  All patents referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference, whether or not specifically cited in the text of this disclosure.

  In this disclosure, the word "a" or "an" should be construed to include both the singular and the plural. On the contrary, any reference to a plurality of articles includes the singular where appropriate.

  From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of this disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. This disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (9)

A platform having a top surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform and a bottom surface;
A base connected to the lower surface, the base being configured to engage a support structure surface;
A first position in which the platform is cantilevered with respect to the base, and the platform extends substantially parallel to or spaced from the support structure surface; and the platform is tilted downwardly. Movable to and from a second position for engaging the support structure surface,
The base functions as a fulcrum to allow downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when the center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined degree with respect to the base. The exercise assisting device that fulfills the purpose.   The exercise assisting device of claim 1, further comprising a center of gravity mark on the upper surface of the platform to indicate a location for proper positioning of the ankle bone of the individual.   The exercise assistance device of claim 1, further comprising a pad disposed on a bottom surface of the base.   2. The exercise assistance device of claim 1, further comprising one or more pads on the lower surface of the platform, adjacent the front edge of the platform. A method of using an exercise assistance device, comprising:
The exercise assisting device is a platform, the platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform, a lower surface, and a base coupled to the lower surface. A base configured to engage a structural surface,
A first position in which the platform is cantilevered with respect to the base, and the platform extends substantially parallel to or spaced from the support structure surface; and the platform is tilted downwardly. Movable to and from a second position for engaging the support structure surface,
The method is
Standing on the upper surface of the platform with the ankle bone of the individual in a predetermined and proper position relative to the base such that the platform is in the first position;
Flexing the individual's knee to a squat position while maintaining the platform in the first position;
Maintaining the platform in the first position and extending the individual's knee to return to a standing position.   Further comprising bending the knee so as to roll the base and move the individual's knee forward to an extent to move the platform from the first position to the second position. The method according to 5. A platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing on the platform and a lower surface, the upper surface configured for positioning the individual on the platform. A platform including a positioning area, the positioning area including one or more marks indicating an appropriate position of the individual on the platform;
A base coupled to the lower surface, the base configured to engage a support structure surface, the one or more marks being disposed on the platform above the base. An exercise assisting device,
A first position in which the platform is cantilevered with respect to the base, and the platform extends substantially parallel to or spaced from the support structure surface; and the platform is tilted downwardly. Moveable between a second position in which the base and the platform are rotated together to engage the support structure surface,
The base functions as a fulcrum that allows downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when the center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined degree with respect to the base. The exercise assisting device that fulfills the purpose.   8. The exercise assistance device according to claim 7, wherein the one or more marks are places, and a barycentric mark for indicating a place above which the ankle bone of the individual is appropriately positioned.   The exercise assisting device according to claim 7, wherein the one or more marks include two contour lines of the foot.

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