WO2007048230A1

WO2007048230A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007048230A1
Application number: PCT/CA2006/001739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Gravel
Original assignee: Steve Gravel
Priority date: 2005-10-26
Filing date: 2006-10-24
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: GB0521801D0

Abstract

An exercising apparatus for training the body of a person is provided. The exercising apparatus generally comprises a frame which can be dismountable or not. The exercising apparatus can further be provided with a seating arrangement, mounted thereto, for allowing the person using the apparatus to be in a adequate and safe posture when exercising. Further included are preferably two training assemblies located on each side of the seating arrangement and also mounted to the frame. The training assemblies, which are preferably fully adjustable, each comprises a handle or a hand-graspable accessory pivotally mounted to a preferably longitudinally adjustable crank arm, the crank arm being mounted to a rotatable mechanism which generates a resistance force when rotated. Accordingly, when the person is using the apparatus, he or she rotates the resistance generating mechanisms via the handles and the crank arms in order to create resistance, thereby providing training.

Description

Title of the Invention

[0001] Exercise Apparatus

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0002] There are no cross-related applications.

Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the general field of exercising apparatuses and is particularly concerned with exercising apparatuses adapted to exercise the top portion of the body of a person and more particularly, but not exclusively, to exercise the arms and shoulders of that person.

Background of the Invention

[0004] Nowadays, modern life styles, which are typically more or less sedentary, often fail to provide a suitable amount of physical activity or exercise. These sedentary life styles have become prevalent even though strong evidence, which are well-documented in various literatures including medical literature, shows that regular exercises generally improve fitness, health and longevity.

[0005] One of the main reasons associated with modem life styles for failing to accommodate periods of activity is the lack of time, hi addition, various factors including social factors, weather and other environmental factors may induce individuals to remain indoors as opposed to engaging in outdoor physical activities. Accordingly, even amongst exercise enthusiasts, many prefer the safety and convenience of an in-home or commercial exercise machine in order to provide desired exercise without the attendant inconvenience and even risk of outdoor exercises. [0006] Presently available indoor exercise devices for home or commercial use come in a wide variety of configurations. However, most presently available indoor exercise devices typically focus on the lower body or legs. For example, stationary bicycles simulate bicycle pedaling action, thread mills simulate running, jogging or walking, and stepping machines simulate or replicate the motion associated with stair climbing.

[0007] Although each of these exercise machines is useful and has particular advantages for accomplishing a desired fitness goal, they nevertheless suffer from some drawbacks. One of such drawbacks is that they offer little exercise to the upper body.

[0008] A variety of resistance exercise devices for the upper body is also known, although typically less popular. One of the most popular upper body exercise device is the conventional rowing machine. Although somewhat useful, the conventional rowing machine suffers from being limited in terms of type of movement or exercise that can be performed therewith. Typically, the conventional rowing machine only allows for a linear or near linear stroke-type movement back and forth. Many fitness machines, including rowing machines are hence of such a nature that they provide very repetitive exercises which may contribute to an unbalanced training exercise. In turn, this unbalanced training exercise may potentially result in wear injuries on long-term use despite its overall benefits and more importantly, does not allow certain athletes such as boxers and swimmers to exercise in a way which provides strength training to most if not all muscles used in their sport.

[0009] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved exercise apparatus. It is a general object of the present invention to provide such an improved exercise apparatus and a method of use thereof.

Objects of the Invention

[0010] Objects, aspects and/or advantages of the present invention generally include that the proposed exercise apparatus be adapted to allow an intended user to ergonomically exercise his or her upper body through a variety of exercise motions. Also, the proposed exercise apparatus is preferably designed so as to be customizable and/or adjustable to the specific anthropometric characteristics of the intended user. The combined possibility of performing various exercises and of customizing the apparatus to the anthropometric characteristics of the user is intended to generally reduce the risks of injury associated with the use of the apparatus and to provide better overall strength training of the muscles required to practice a given sport activity. It is estimated that this combination of characteristics will also reduce the boredom associated with the use of conventional repetitive-type exercise apparatuses.

[0011] Furthermore, the proposed exercise apparatus is preferably adapted to provide a wide range of resistance to the intended user so as to allow for different types of workouts (e.g. endurance, hypertrophy, force). Adjustment of the resistance to motion provided by the exercise apparatus is intended to be effectuated through a set of simple and ergonomic steps without requiring special tooling or manual dexterity.

[0012] Still, the proposed exercise apparatus is also preferably adapted to provide a relatively wide range of amplitude of movements so as to train different muscular groups and/or so as to allow different types of workouts.

[0013] Furthermore, the proposed exercise apparatus is also preferably designed so as to be relatively compact so as to be readily fittable in most indoor areas.

[0014] Still furthermore, the proposed exercise apparatus is preferably designed so as to be manufacturable using conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide an exercise apparatus that will be economically feasible, long-lasting and relatively trouble- free in operation.

[0015] Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

Summary of the Invention

[0016] The exercise apparatus of the present invention provides a novel and inventive way to exercise the upper body of a person and more particularly but not exclusively the arms and shoulders of that person.

[0017] Accordingly, the exercise apparatus of the present invention allows the user to exercise his arms, shoulders and generally upper torso by allowing rotational movements of different amplitudes and/or different resistance.

[0018] Hence, the exercise apparatus preferably comprises a frame, preferably made of multiple structural elements such as struts or beams mounted to each other via mounting means such as threaded bolts. Other connecting elements could also be used if required.

Preferably, the structural elements of the frame are removable in order to be able to dismount the exercise apparatus if necessary. Still, the structural elements of the frame could alternatively be fixedly mounted together by means known in the art such as welding.

[0019] According to the present invention, the exercise apparatus is further provided with at least one but most preferably two exercising assemblies. The exercising assemblies are generally symmetrical and disposed on each said of the frame. Each exercising assembly generally comprises a preferably adjustable arm assembly having at one end thereof, a resistance force generating means, and being connected to the frame at the other end thereof.

[0020] Preferably, the arm assemblies of the exercising assemblies are generally provided with a plurality of arm segments wherein each two consecutive arm segments are pivotally connected together via lockable pivotal joints. Moreover, some or all the arm segments may be longitudinally adjustable, via, for example, a telescopic or a sliding arrangement. In a preferred version of the apparatus, the axis of rotation of at least two of the pivotal joints are substantially perpendicular to each other in order to allow for a greater adjustability of the exercising assemblies and to allow the exercising assemblies to better conform to the anthropometric characteristics of the user.

[0021] As explained above, the exercising assemblies are each provided with a resistance force generating means. The resistance generating means can take a plurality of shape and construction. Yet, the resistance generating means are designed to create a certain amount of the resistance force when they are rotated. Accordingly, the resistance force can be created via a plethora of devices generating different types of resistant such as, but not limited to, mechanical friction (e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,108,091 and 6,749,544), wind drag (e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,953,850 and 5,000,444), magnetic dampening (e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,244,990 and 6,736,761) and viscous dampening (e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,542,507 and 5,674,158). The apparatus is therefore not limited to any particular means for generating a resistance force when rotated.

[0022] Further mounted to each of the resistance generating means is a crank arm or lever with preferably a handle pivotally mounted thereto. In order to provide different amplitudes of movement, the crank arms can advantageously be longitudinally adjustable with respect to the resistance generating means in order to adjust the distance between the handles and the center of rotation of the resistance generating means. This flexibility in the amplitude of the movements of the exercising assemblies would be clearly advantageous for all kind of users. For example, a boxer training his uppercut movements would generally prefer movements of small amplitude whereas a swimmer training for his crawl technique would probably prefer movements of large amplitude.

[0023] However, since some rotational movements, such as oval or elliptical movements, include portions having large amplitude and portions having small amplitude, the length of the crank arm could advantageously dynamically adjust itself during the movement so as to provide a rotational movement of dynamically varying amplitude. Understandably, the dynamically varying amplitude could also be provided by the handle which could be, for example, mounted on the crank arm so a to be able to longitudinally slide along the length of the arm. Other systems are also possible.

[0024] In variants of the present invention, the handle could be removable and replaced by other pivotally mounted accessories such as, for example, a simulated paddle, hi certain embodiments, the accessories could advantageously mounted to both crank arms. For example, a simulated paddle could be mounted to both exercising assemblies, via their respective crank arms, to simulate kayak paddling movements.

[0025] The present apparatus can also be provided with an adjustable seating assembly. Though preferably mounted to the frame, the seating assembly can alternatively be free standing. In the latter embodiment, the apparatus could be used either seated, using the seating assembly, or upstanding, without the seating assembly. Depending on the desired type of workout, either the seated or the upstanding position could be preferred.

[0026] Accordingly, when the user wishes to train using the apparatus of the present invention, he or she simply has to adjust the position of the resistance generating means, via the adjustable arm assemblies, with respect to his or her anthropometric characteristics and then to manually rotate the resistance generating means via the handles and crank arms.

[0027] Understandably, the exercise apparatus could be a stand-alone exercising apparatus or it could be combined with other training apparatuses, via generally a single multi-purpose frame, in order to define a multi-purpose exercising station as it is often seen in public training centres. Moreover, the exercising assemblies of the present apparatus could also be directly installed on walls or other similar existing structure instead of being mounted to a frame.

[0028] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a partial top perspective view, with sections taken out, of an exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view, with sections taken out, of an exercise apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the exercising assemblies of the exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the exercise apparatus being shown in a configuration wherein the lever of its crank handles are in a substantially vertical plane and the resistance-creating mechanism is also in a vertical plane;

[0033] Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the exercising assemblies of the exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the exercise apparatus being shown in a configuration wherein the lever of its crank handles are in a substantially horizontal plane and the resistance-creating mechanisms is also in a horizontal plane and wherein the crank handles point upward;

[0034] Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the exercising portion of the exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the exercise apparatus being shown in a configuration wherein the lever of its crank handles are in a substantially horizontal plane and the resistance-creating mechanism is also in a horizontal plane and wherein the crank handles point downward. [0035] Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the exercising assembly of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0036] A novel exercising apparatus will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. The exercise apparatus 10 preferably includes a seating assembly 12 known in the art and a pair of generally similar exercising assemblies 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seating assembly 12 and the exercising assemblies 14 are mounted to a frame assembly 16.

[0038] The frame assembly 16 is preferably of the collapsible and adjustable type so as to respectively minimize the required storage space when not in use and to adapt itself to various environmental settings and to the specific anthropometric characteristics of the intended user. Yet, in variants of the present invention, the exercising assemblies 14 could be supported by a wall or walls or other similar existing structure.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the frame assembly 16 includes a set of struts releasably assembled together using suitable struts attachment means such as but not limited to bolts. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the frame assembly 16 includes a pair of lower and upper main struts 18 and 20 respectively which are maintained in a vertically spaced relationship relative to each other by a corresponding pair of vertical upstanding spacing struts 22 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 1) positioned respectively adjacent opposite longitudinal ends of the main lower and upper struts 18 and 20. [0040] The frame assembly 16 typically also includes a pair of lower and upper auxiliary struts 24 and 26 respectively which are extending substantially perpendicularly to the main struts 18, 20. Lower and upper auxiliary struts 24 and 26 are adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the lower and upper main struts 18, 20 respectively. Understandably, even though Fig. 1 shows only one set of auxiliary struts 24 and 26, the frame 16 comprises two sets, one located on each side of the frame 16. Each pair of auxiliary struts 24, 26 is maintained in a vertically spaced relationship relative to each other by both the vertical spacing strut 22 adjacent a first longitudinal end thereof and by an exercise assembly supporting strut 28 positioned adjacent the opposite longitudinal end thereof (see also Fig. 2).

[0041] The main strut 18 and the auxiliary struts 24 are adapted to act as a base for the exercise apparatus 10. The remainder of the struts are adapted to act both as stabilizing means and as means for supporting the exercising assemblies 14.

[0042] Typically, the strut attachment means includes attachment sleeves 30 configured and sized for receiving the end sections of the struts 18 through 26. The attachment sleeves 30 are typically solidly attached together so as to form rigid corner end sections. The end section of the struts 18 through 26 are releasably maintained within corresponding sleeves 30 by suitable releasable fastening means such as bolt components 32. The distal end of the bolt components 32 are adapted to frictionally engage the corresponding strut members for releasably maintaining the latter within corresponding sleeve members 30.

[0043] Understandably, the skilled addressee will understand that the struts 18 through 26 could be mounted to the comer end sections by means other than bolts components 32. Indeed, mounting means such as pin and cotter assembly, screws and nuts and bolts assemblies could also be used. The present invention is not so limited. Also, in a non- demountable variant of the present invention, the struts 18 through 26 could be welded to the corner end sections or even directly together if they are designed accordingly. [0044] Returning to Figs. 1 and 2, the exercise assembly supporting struts 28 are typically pivotally attached to the distal ends of the auxiliary struts 24, 26 for allowing selective pivotal movement thereof about their respective longitudinal axis 34. Selective pivotal movement of the exercise assembly supporting struts 28 is adapted to facilitate proper positioning of the exercising assemblies 14 attached thereto. The exercising assembly supporting struts 28 are further provided with locking means for releasably locking the exercising assembly supporting struts 28 in a predetermined position and selectively preventing rotation of the exercising assembly supporting struts 28 about their respective pivoting axis 34 (see particularly Fig. T). The pivotal locking means may take any suitable form such as that of a locking pin arrangement 36 or the like. Typically, in order for the struts 18, 24 forming the base to be in a substantially co-planar relationship relative to each other despite the presence of the sleeve, the distal end of the auxiliary struts 24 is provided with a levelling cushion or pad 38 attached to an underside thereof typically adjacent a distal end thereof.

[0045] Understandably, the frame 16 described hereinabove can comprise additional struts or braces if necessary. Moreover, the frame 16 could also have different configurations according, for example, to the available space. Also, even though the frame 16 shown in Fig. 1 is generally adapted to only support exercising assemblies 14, it is conceivable that the frame 16 be part of a multi-purpose training station comprising a plurality of similar or dissimilar training assemblies or devices. Such multi-purpose training stations are common in public training centres.

[0046] Returning to Fig. 1, the seating assembly 12 generally includes a seat 40 having a back rest 42. The seat 40 is provided with a seat locking means for locking the seat 40 in a predetermined relationship relative to the frame assembly 16. The seat locking means typically includes a pair of seat carriage components 44. Slideably mounted on a corresponding pair of carriage rails 46, a carriage-to-rail locking means is provided for locking the carriage component 44 in a predetermined position along the rails 46. [0047] Typically, each rail 46 is provided with a row of pin receiving apertures 48 for substantially fittingly receive corresponding locking pins 50 therein. The seating assembly 12 is thus adjustable with respect to the rails 46.

[0048] The rails 46 are releasably secured to the main strut 18. Typically, the main strut 18 includes a row of strut-to-rail mounting apertures 52 for receiving corresponding main strut-to-attachment pins 54. Also, for added stability of the seating assembly 12, stabilizing braces 56 can be further provided and secured at both longitudinal ends thereof to the main strut 18 and to corresponding tongue protruding from the rails 46 by a similar pin and aperture arrangement 58. Other stabilizing arrangements are also possible.

[0049] Understandably, the apparatus of the present invention could also be provided without the seating assembly 12 or with a free standing seating assembly 12 which is not mounted to the frame 16.

[0050] Each exercising assembly 14 includes a handle 60 graspable by the intended user. Typically, in a general embodiment, the handle 60 has a substantially cylindrical configuration although the handle 60 could have other configurations or shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. The handle 60 is preferably provided adjacent the distal end of a handle arm or lever 62 and pivotally mounted thereto. Still, other configurations are also possible. Typically, the handle arm 62 is provided with length adjustment means for allowing customization of the length thereof. The length adjustment means typically takes the form of a pair of telescoping arm segments though other arrangements are possible. The adjustability of the amplitude of the rotational movements allows for different types of training. Yet, in other embodiments of the present invention, the length of the handle arm 62 could automatically and dynamically adjust itself during the rotational movement in order to allow rotational movements of dynamically varying amplitudes. [0051] Though shown to be substantially parallel to the rotational plane of the resistance force generating means, the handle arm or lever 62 could be mountable and/or adjustable to be at an angle with respect to the rotational plane.

[0052] In a variant of the present invention, the handle 60 could be removably mounted to a pivoting socket (not shown) whereto other hand-graspable accessories could also be mounted. For example, the a simulated paddle or paddle handle could be mounted to the arm 62, via the socket, for providing simulated paddling movements. Ultimately, some accessories could be mounted to both arms 62 in order to provide other forms of training.

[0053] hi order to provide a certain work-out, the exercising assemblies 14 of the present invention are provided with means or mechanisms for generating a resistance force when rotated. Though any possible mechanisms which provide a resistance force when rotated could be used, the present invention will now described according to one such possible embodiment.

[0054] hi one embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end of the handle arm 62 is typically secured to a pulley component 64 for rotating solidarity therewith. The pulley component 64 is, in turn, rotatably mounted to a pulley supporting component 66 for rotation relative thereto.

[0055] Each exercising assembly 14 is provided with a resistance force creating means for selectively creating a resistance force for resisting against the rotation of the pulley 64 and, hence, providing resistance against movement by the intended user when the latter grabs the handle 16 in order to rotate the handle arm 62.

[0056] hi the exemplary though not limitative embodiment shown throughout the figures, the resistance providing means includes a strap 68 contacting a pulley channel 70 formed on the peripheral surface of the pulley 64. The strap 68 is mechanically coupled to a strap tensioning means for adjusting the tension in the strap 68. The strap tensioning means may take any suitable form such as that of a strap tensioning hook 72 slidably mounted by a cursor component 74 to a strap tensioning post 76. Movement of the cursor 74 along the post 76 allows an intended user to vary the tension in the strap 68 and, hence, the frictional force exerted on the surface of the groove 70. Varying the tension in the strap 68, in turn, allows for customization of the resistance against movement of the handle 60.

[0057] As mentioned above, even though a specific embodiment of a resistance providing means is shown and described herein, the skilled addressee will understand that other types of resistance providing means could be used. For instance, the resistance could be provided by the friction between two adjacent disks, by a magnetic assembly, by a disk and brake assembly, by a hydraulic coupling, by viscous dampening etc. Understandably, the present invention is by no means limited to a particular resistance providing means.

[0058] The pulley attachment component 66 is mounted adjacent the distal end of a pulley attachment arm 78. The pulley attachment arm 78 is adjustable in a variety of positions through a variety of positioning mechanisms, hi the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the pulley attachment arm 78 includes a first arm segment 80 pivotally attached to an arm-to-strut linking component 82 by a lockable pivotal link 84. The first arm segment 80 is provided with a length adjustment means such as a telescoping structure. The arm 78 is also provided with a second arm segment 86. The second arm segment 86 is pivotally attached to the first arm segment 80 adjacent the distal end thereof through a second lockable pivotal link 88. Typically, the first and second lockable pivotal links 84, 88 allow pivotal movement about respective pivotal axes preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0059] The second arm segment 86 is, in turn, pivotally connected to the pulley attachment segment 66 through a third lockable pivotal link 90. The third lockable pivotal link 90 typically allows pivotal movement about the pivotal axis extending in a substantially coplanar relationship with that of the first lockable pivotal link 84. [0060] As illustrated more specifically in Figs. 3 through 5, the various positioning means associated with the exercising assemblies 14 allow the latter to be positioned in a variety of orientations. In use, the intended user grasps the handle 60 and pivots the latter against the resistance provided by the resistance providing means for performing a variety of exercises through a set of ergonomic and non-jarring motions.

[0061] Though in Fig. 1, the lockable pivotal links 84, 88 and 90 are typically of the type using a threaded stem, Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein at least one and preferably all of the pivotal locking links 84', 88' and 90' include a pin-aperture arrangement wherein locking pins 92 extend through corresponding pin locking apertures 94 provided in corresponding locking arc segments 96. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to a particular lockable pivotal links construction and that pivotal links construction of other type and/or construction could be used instead without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] Moreover, even though Figs. 1 to 5 show a particular configuration for the attachment arms 78, other forms are also possible as shown by the embodiment of Fig. 6 wherein the arm segments are slidingly and pivotally connected to each other via tubes mounted at their ends. Understandably, this configuration is also equipped with some sort of locking mechanism such as, but not limited to, locking collars, to lock the arm segments in place when the attachment arm is adjusted for a particular individual.

[0063] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art. In particular, the means creating the resistance force could be any known device whether they be mechanical, magnetic, hydraulic, etc.

Claims

1. An exercising apparatus for a person, said apparatus comprising: a. supporting means; b. a rotatable resistance generating means; c. a supporting assembly having a first end and a second end, said first end being fixedly connected to said supporting means and said second end supporting said resistance generating means; d. a lever having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion being mounted to said resistance generating means; e. a hand-graspable means pivotally mounted to said second end portion of said lever; wherein said rotatable resistance generating means provides a resistance force when manually rotated by said person via said hand-graspable means and said lever.

2. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hand-graspable means is a handle.

3. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hand-graspable means is at least the handle portion of a sport accessory.

4. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said supporting means is a wall.

5. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said supporting means is a frame.

6. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a seating assembly.

7. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said seating assembly comprises a seat mounted to a seat support structure.

8. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the position of said seat with respect to said seat support structure is adjustable.

9. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said seat support structure is mounted to said supporting means.

10. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said supporting assembly comprises a plurality of segments, each two consecutive of said segments being pivotally connected together via pivotal joints.

11. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of said segments is longitudinally adjustable.

12. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein each two consecutive of said segments are angularly adjustable with respect to each other.

13. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is different from the other.

14. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is substantially perpendicular from at least another of said rotation axis.

15. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lever is longitudinally adjustable.

16. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means further comprises means for adjusting the level of resistance force provided thereby.

17. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means comprises at least two mechanical elements whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said at least two mechanical elements.

18. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means comprises at least one mechanical element and a viscous liquid whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said at least one mechanical element and said viscous liquid.

19. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means comprises a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element.

20. An exercising apparatus for a person, said apparatus comprising: a. supporting means; b. a first rotatable resistance generating means; c. a second rotatable resistance generating means; d. a first supporting assembly having a first end and a second end, said first end being fixedly connected to said frame and said second end supporting said first resistance generating means; e. a second supporting assembly having a third end and a fourth end, said third end being fixedly connected to said frame and said fourth end supporting said second resistance generating means; f. a first lever having a fifth end and a sixth end, said fifth end being mounted to said first resistance generating means; g. a second lever having a seventh end and a eighth end, said seventh end being mounted to said second resistance generating means; h. a first hand-graspable means pivotally mounted to said sixth end; i. a second hand-graspable means pivotally mounted to said eighth end; wherein said first and second rotatable resistance generating means each provides a resistance force when manually rotated by said person via said first and second hand-graspable means and said first and second levers.

21. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said first hand-graspable means is a first handle.

22. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said second hand- graspable means is a second handle.

23. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said first hand-graspable means is at least the handle portion of a first sport accessory.

24. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said second hand- graspable means is at least the handle portion of a second sport accessory.

25. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said supporting means is a wall.

26. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said supporting means is a frame.

27. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said apparatus further comprises a seating assembly.

28. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein said seating assembly comprises a seat mounted to a seat support structure.

29. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the position of said seat with respect to said seat support structure is adjustable.

30. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein said seat support structure is mounted to said supporting means.

31. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein each of said first and second supporting assemblies comprises a plurality of segments, each two consecutive of said segments being pivotally connected together via pivotal joints.

32. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31 , wherein at least one of said segments of said supporting assemblies is longitudinally adjustable.

33. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein for said first supporting assembly, each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is different from the other.

34. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein for said second supporting assembly, each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is different from the other.

35. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein for each of said first and second adjustable supporting assemblies, each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is different from the other.

36. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein for said first supporting assembly, each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is substantially perpendicular from at least another of said rotation axis.

37. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein for said second supporting assembly, each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is substantially perpendicular from at least another of said rotation axis.

38. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein for each of said first and second supporting assemblies, each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is substantially perpendicular from at least another of said rotation axis.

39. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said first lever is longitudinally adjustable.

40. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said second lever is longitudinally adjustable.

41. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said first and second levers are longitudinally adjustable.

42. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and second rotatable resistance generating means further comprises means for adjusting the level of resistance force provided thereby.

43. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein both of said first and second rotatable resistance generating means further comprises means for adjusting the level of resistance force provided thereby.

44. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and second rotatable resistance generating means comprises at least two mechanical elements whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said at least two mechanical elements.

45. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and second rotatable resistance generating means comprises at least one mechanical element and a viscous liquid whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said at least one mechanical element and said viscous liquid.

46. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and second rotatable resistance generating means comprises a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element.

47. An exercising assembly to be mounted on a structure, said exercising assembly comprising: a. a rotatable resistance generating means; b. a supporting assembly having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted to be fixedly mounted to said structure and said second end supporting said resistance generating means; c. a lever having a first end and a second end, said first end being mounted to said resistance generating means; d. a hand-graspable means pivotally mounted to said second end of said lever; wherein said rotatable resistance generating means provides a resistance force when manually rotated by said person via said hand-graspable means and said lever.

48. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said supporting assembly comprises a plurality of segments, each two consecutive of said segments being pivotally connected together via pivotal joints.

49. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein at least one of said segments is longitudinally adjustable.

50. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein each two consecutive of said segments are angularly adjustable with respect to each other.

51. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is different from the other.

52. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein each of said pivotal joints defines a rotation axis and wherein at least one said rotation axis is substantially perpendicular from at least another of said rotation axis.

53. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said lever is longitudinally adjustable.

54. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means further comprises means for adjusting the level of resistance force provided thereby.

55. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means comprises at least two mechanical elements whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said at least two mechanical elements.

56. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means comprises at least one mechanical element and a viscous liquid whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said at least one mechanical element and said viscous liquid.

57. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said rotatable resistance generating means comprises a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element whereby said resistance force is provided by an interaction between said first magnetic element and said second magnetic element.

58. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said hand-graspable means is a handle.

59. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said hand-graspable means is at least the handle portion of a sport accessory.