WO2013038129A1

WO2013038129A1 - An exercise device

Info

Publication number: WO2013038129A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000716
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Chilton
Original assignee: Kevin Chilton
Priority date: 2011-09-13
Filing date: 2012-09-13
Publication date: 2013-03-21
Also published as: GB201115769D0

Abstract

An exercise device for exercise using a floor includes: an elongate handle, so that, in use, a user holds one end. At a distal end of the handle at least one roller is in contact with the floor. The at least one roller is supported on a portion of the handle whose axis is offset to the axis of the part of the handle which is held by the user. A first (proximal) end and a second (distal) end, whereby the first end is arranged to be held by a user and the second end is arranged to roll across the floor when the first end is pushed. Optionally one or more means for varying the resistive force may be provided.

Description

AN EXERCISE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates more particularly to an exercise device for personal training and physical exercise.

Background

Increasing numbers of people take to exercise in an effort to train their bodies into shape and attain fitness. Many of these people have particular goals in mind when they start training, and particular areas of their bodies that they wish to focus work upon. This is known as spot training.

For example a commonly identified area where it is often desirable to tone muscles, is the stomach and waist area. The stomach and waist are prone to expansion, bad muscle tone and weight gain, particularly in sedentary lifestyles. This leads to a common phenomenon known colloquially as 'beer belly' or 'love handles'.

This part of the body is also known by the definition of the underlying muscles, which are often referred to as obliques. Most people, in an attempt to tone their stomach muscles and remove their 'love-handles', tend to keep increasing the number of oblique exercises they are doing. There is no guarantee that this is effective because it is not possible to reduce fat by exercising the muscles beneath the layers of fat.

In particular it is well-known that, although it is not possible to spot reduce 'love handles', a user can tone oblique muscles and give their waistline a tapered appearance.

However, oblique muscles are difficult to effectively spot train through traditional methods. In addition spot training tends towards an overly repetitive and narrow band of movement, which does not encourage natural muscle training, being liable to develop muscles in an unnatural or anaerobic manner, recognised to be less good for fitness and general body shape.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an effort to deal with this problem.

United States patent US-B-7 846 077 (Osbak) discloses an apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user. The apparatus comprising: a body; guide means for guiding said body along a path, said guide means having first and second ends and a middle portion; biasing means for biasing said body towards said middle portion of said guide means; transmitting means for transmitting alternating torso rotational movements of a user to said body so as to urge said body in reciprocating opposite directions along said path.

European patent EP-B-1 797 927 (Kraemer) discloses a rollingly movable balance roller with a roller body having a lateral surface, characterized in that the roller body consists of two axially adjacent roller segments which are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and in that a frame bracket is provided which carries in its central region a rigid axle which extends on both sides of the roller segments and on which the two roller segments, which are arranged on both sides of the frame bracket, are each mounted so as to be freely rotatable, and in that the frame bracket is provided with an upwardly protruding rod which is provided at its upper end with a gripping arrangement.

United States patent application US-A-2006 270 535 (Casey) disclose an abdominal exercise device, comprising: a strut having a first end, a second end, and a semi-flexible region in between; at least one wheel rotatably attached to the first end of the strut; a handle formed on or attached to the second end of the strut; and a leg pivotally attached to the strut between said first and second ends of the strut and having a distal end that rests on a flat surface.

United States patent application US-A-2006 014 614 (Szabo et al) discloses an apparatus configured for exercising abdominal muscles of a user, comprising: an elongated support structure having a first end and a second end; a translatable member having a first end and a second end, wherein the translatable member is slidably attached to the elongated support structure adjacent the first end of the elongated support structure for enabling translation of the translatable member with respect to the elongated support structure; a lower body support assembly movably mounted on the elongated support structure adiacent the second end of the elongated support structure; and a lower body support lifting mechanism coupled between the first end of the translatable member and the lower body support assembly whereby translation of the translatable member toward the second end of the elongated support structure results in a corresponding upward movement of a lower body engaging portion of the lower body support assembly.

European patent application EP-A-1 706 182 (Thonn) discloses an exercise device for exercising the abdominal muscles, the device comprising: a motion arm attached to a support means by a movable attaching means, the motion arm spaced apart from an exerciser in a standing position, the motion arm having a handle means configured so that an exerciser is able to grasp the handle means with the exerciser's arm straight or with elbows bent and the exerciser standing in a straight upright position.

The motion arm is configured to move away from the exerciser when the exerciser pushes out on the motion bar causing and allowing the exerciser's body to lean forward while maintaining a straight body position bending at the ankles with the heels slightly elevated, thereby stretching the abdominal muscles. The motion arm is configured to stop when the exerciser is leaning forward, with arms extended out and up from the exerciser's body, still held in a straight body position. The motion arm is configured to return toward the exerciser when the exerciser pulls back the motion bar causing and allowing the body still held in a straight body position to return to the upright standing position, thereby tightening the abdominal muscles.

United States patent application US-A-3 421 760 (Freeman) discloses an exercising device comprising a frame including a plurality of spaced-apart track members, said track members being rigidly secured in parallel spaced- apart relationship by a pair of transverse frame members secured adjacent the ends of said track members, a pair of vertically disposed upstanding members secured adjacent the ends of one of said transverse frame members, a cross member secured to and extending between said upstanding members in spaced-apart relationship from said one of said transverse frame members.

A body member has a manipulate means adapted to track upon said track members to traverse said track members under the influence of a person utilizing the device, resilient means operatively associated with said body member manipulate means to resist the traversing motion of said manipulate means, said resilient means being secured to the laterally opposed sides of said manipulate means, said resilient means being connectable to the other of said transverse frame members and to said one of said transverse frame members and/or said cross member to resist the movement of the manipulate means, said resilient means being selectively positionable and securable on said members to vary the tension on the manipulate means resiliently retained therebetween. in contrast to the aforementioned devices, the present invention provides a means of exercising abdominal muscles aerobically and anaerobically with a simple exercise motion that focuses upon muscles generally ignored and permits variation in action by a user. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise device for exercise using a surface, such as a floor, includes: an elongate handle, so that, in use, a user holds one end, disposed at a distal end thereof is at least one roller, which in use, is in contact with and moves across the surface, the at least one roller being supported on a portion of the handle whose axis is offset to the axis of the part of the handle which is held by the user.

Optionally the second end is equipped with at least one cylindrical roller, with resistance to rolling. Resistance may be provided by a resiliently deformable means such as an elastic device or a spring.

The exercise device therefore provides resistance to an action similar to brushing or sweeping, or more particularly typical or generic to raking leaves or other garden debris.

Typically the roller, or set of rollers, is formed by a centrally situated handle describing a split roller. Alternatively embodiments are envisaged where the roller is flanked by the handle, for example where the handle split into two centrally above the roller.

The roller may include a multiple roller, or series of rollers, for example the roller may comprise a central axle having a plurality of rollers spaced apart along the central axle. Preferably, the roller comprises a double roller, for example the roller comprises a central axle having a roller located near to or at each distal end of the axle.

Furthermore, preferred embodiments have at least two rollers, arranged adjacent one another or coaxially. For example the rollers may have different levels of resistance, and/or have a facility to rotate at different speeds. Optionally rollers may have independent spindle, axles or friction resistance settings as appropriate.

The device may include a plurality of sets of rollers. In particular, preferred embodiments have two sets of rollers that are parallel one to another, whereby in use the two sets of rollers are arranged such that the longitudinal axes of the two sets of rollers extend perpendicular to a direction of travel for the user. Typically these rollers differ in size.

In this way the sets encourage stability, providing if required a way in which the handle may be fixed at a desired angle to the floor, and in all embodiments ideally including substantial enough mass to prevent tipping.

Preferably a primary set of rollers is used to provide resistance in use to pushing down the handle from the first handle end.

A secondary set of rollers is provided to create a stable action and these are typically smaller, to reflect the handle angle. These smaller rollers are typically situated towards the first end of the handle and a user. That is, the secondary set is located towards a rearward part of the exercise device. This second set of rollers effectively stabilise the exercise device and ensure that it is used correctly by helping to keep movement constant.

There may be provided a brace or strut in order to further strengthen and stabilise the rollers and device.

Such a brace ideally follows the same style as the frame or body of the exercise device and handle angle, from the floor, in order that the device is stronger and more robust. The brace may in some cases also ease use. How? Some embodiments may provide a possibility for the user to alter the angle of the handle with respect to the floor. This variable handle angle may be achieved, for example, by a release button or catch which is optionally included to allow a user to alter the angle of the handle prior to exercise and lock it in position.

Yet further embodiments may have suspension, or resiiiently deformable mounting of sets of rollers as preferred, allowing more flexibility in action and exercise.

For example some other embodiments may have a mechanism that includes a resiiiently deformable member sprung to force the roller or rollers against the floor when the handle is pushed along the floor.

In the preferred embodiments the exercise device may be provided in a foldable, collapsible, screw fitting multipart (self-assemble form) and/or with a telescopic handle, so making transport and/or storage easier.

The exercise device may comprise a number of separable components so that the device may be collapsible for easy storage. For example, the device may include at least two separable components, for example the proximal end of the handle may be separable from the distal end of the handle, preferably the handle and the roller(s) may be separable.

Typically the handle is tubular aluminium or steel. Embodiments may be preferred where the handle includes ergonomic rubber or elastomer handgrips for comfort purposes.

The handle may furthermore have a form or profile that is well suited to comfortable raking movements, for example having a multi-angled or curvilinear profile. The handle may have an angled end to allow user to vary their hand positioning. The upper portion of the handle may have a kink to allow more natural grip. Resistance may be provided by a number of different mechanisms. For example, resistance may be provided by inclusion of a large resistive force device, such as a resistance band (for example a rubber or elastomer band or strap), which is located within a lower part of the handle and attaches to at least one axle within the rollers.

This resistance band ideally provides progressive frictional resistance to at least one roller, or set of rollers, providing a level of resistance that ensures that a user will feel a progressively greater force and so benefit when attempting to push the rollers along a floor.

Other forms of providing resistance may be envisaged and encompassed within the claimed invention, for example these may include bushes or ratchets.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the device may include a ratchet strap mechanism. This allows the user to tighten the strap or band at will allowing a more precise and wider range of adjustment. For example, a first end of the resistance band may be attached to a rotating axle of the roller(s). The resistance band (for example a rubber strap or band) preferably extends within the shaft defined by the handle. The handle further includes a ratchet style handle, which in use can be operated to tighten the resistance band. The user may lift the ratchet style handle causing the inner resistance band to tighten and increase resistance to rotation of the roller(s).

In a further embodiment, a resistance band (for example a rubber strap or band) may have a first end which is attached to or coils around a rotating axle of the roller(s). The second end of the resistance band is attached to a lever. Preferably, the resistance band extends within the shaft provided by the handle of the device. The shaft of the handle of the device provides a plurality of spaced apart pre-defined notches adapted to receive the small lever. In use, the user manually adjusts the position of the small lever along the shaft so as to adjust to a pre-determined tension as defined by the location of the notches the tension and therefore the resistance provided by the resistance band to rotation of the roller(s).

Resistance may also be provided by the inclusion of a mechanical braking system. The braking system may be located at a, or each, distal end of a roller that is the end of the roller located furthest from the longitudinal axis of the handle. For example, the handle may include a twist handle (providing a torsional resistive force) connected to at least one braking system, such that in use rotation of the twist handle directly effects the resistance to rolling of the second end of the handle.

Such a twist handle is preferably located towards the lower end of the handle. The twist handle may be connected to a tube which rotates with the handle. The tube, which may be located inside an outer tube, has its distal end connected to the braking system by at least one tightening member, such as for example a wire, more preferably a steel wire.

Advantageously the at least one tightening member, for example wire(s), preferably extends from the inner tube to the braking system located at a, or each, distal end of the roller(s). For example, the inner tube may be connected to a first braking system positioned at a distal end of a first roller by a first tightening member, for example wire. The inner tube may be further connected to a second braking system positioned at a distal end of a second roller by a second tightening member, for example wire.

The aforementioned first and second tightening members, for example wires, may be attached to the inner tube at opposite points/locations on the tube. The first and second tightening members may for example be attached to the braking systems at the distal end of each roller of a double roller. In use, the user may rotate the twist handle causing the inner tube to rotate. Rotation of the inner tube causes the tightening member(s), for example wire(s) to tighten and as a result causes a greater friction between the roller(s) and the brake pad of the braking system(s).

In preferred embodiments there is provided a means of adjusting the level of resistance, wherein a user can choose to define the resistance level, either by selection of a pre-defined level of resistance or by a choosing from a variable selection means.

For example in some embodiments there may be provided a grub screw or thumb screw wherein the user may turn the screw to tighten the resistance level. The user may be able to select the desired resistance level from a number of pre-defined resistance levels by twisting a portion of the handle, for example a twist handle, to a pre-defined position.

The twist handle may include an indication feature which may be rotated so as to align with a number of spaced apart pre-defined indication features on the handle so that in use the user may rotate the twist handle to set the resistance level to one of the pre-defined resistance levels as indicated by the spaced apart pre-defined indication features.

The indication features may take the form of any suitable features such as protrusions for example - letters, numbers, coloured features, dots, raised features, indents or bumps, recesses or grooves, arrows and such like.

The roller(s) have rubber grip covers, outer layers, of textured, crenelated or otherwise grip surface, in order to ensure that in use the user is provided with a feel of feedback on a large variety of floor and that the level of resistance provided by the rollers is not liable to be compromised by slippage of the roller surface. The roller(s) may have nobbled surfaces, for example dots on the surface to provide grip on softer surfaces such as carpet.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1a and 1 b show overall views of an embodiment of the device;

Figure 2a and 2b show isometric views of the device;

Figures 3a to 3c show side views illustrating how the device is used;

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the device;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 5

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the device;

Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 8; and

Figures 11 and 12 show schematic views of a further embodiment of the device.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown various views of one embodiment of the device (Figures 1 and 2).

One end of the exercise device 10 is held by the person undertaking the exercise. Disposed at the other end of the device is a roller 2, which in use is arranged to be in contact with, and roll across, the floor when the first end is pushed.

The exercise device is used with a surface, such as a floor, wall or door. The device includes an elongate handle 3, disposed so that in use at least one roller 2 is in contact with the floor. The handle 3 is kinked or has a bend, typically at an acute angle to the axis of the handle.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the exercise device and Figures 4 show views from below and above. First and second large rollers 1 provide a progressive resistance, whilst two smaller rollers 2, help to create a stable motion. An upper aluminium handle 3 is lightweight and rigid and is held by the user (not shown). A kink or dog-leg 4 is formed in the handle 3. This enables a user to grasp the handle and provides a variety of alternative gripping positions, so enabling variation to an exercise regime.

A synthetic plastics twist handle 5 is located around a lower region of the lower handle 6. The twist handle 5 allows the user to choose one of three resistance different levels of resistance, increasing as the handle 5 is moved or screwed upwards.

Lower handle 6 is ideally fabricated from aluminium and includes location slots for the twist handle to locate into. A hidden resistance band loops around a central pin central to axle 7 which is located between the front rollers 1.

Optionally a rubber or roller textured surface 8, is placed over or formed integrally with the rollers 1 and provides a high level of grip on a wide range of surfaces. End caps 9 are optionally placed to cover the rollers and provide a branding opportunity as well as securing the rollers in position. The pictured and preferred embodiment device is a home training oblique training aid which can be used to help tone and strengthen the oblique muscles.

Further embodiments may be provided that are gender stipulated, or more robust for multiple user scenarios such as gymnasiums.

The preferred embodiment mentioned above and described with referenced to Figures 1 to 5, features a large resistance band located within a lower part of the handle and attaches to an axle within the rollers. The resistance band runs down the centre of the lower handle and coils around the axle as the rollers turn.

The preferred and pictured embodiments ideally are delivered in a kit or part- assembled form and so initially must be assembled by the user. Assembly is a relatively easy task as all parts are simply interconnected, by following straightforward instructions and by pushing or screwing into position.

Once assembled the product is ready for use. The user should stand side on holding the handle with one hand at the top and one slightly lower.

Maintaining a smooth and constant motion, the user should apply pressure downwards whilst moving the device towards his/her body. The resistance will then increase progressively.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the exercise device. The resistance of the device can be changed using the twist handle on the lower stem, wherein the user must simply twist the handle anticlockwise, move to the desired position and then turn clockwise to lock it in position.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the exercise device 10 includes a double roller comprising, a central axle 11 having two rollers 16, 16' spaced apart and located at each distal end of the roller. The resistance of the device 10 can be provided by the inclusion of a braking system 12. The braking system 12 is located at a distal end 14 of the roller 16, that is the end of the roller 16 located furthest from the longitudinal axis of the handle 18.

The handle 18 includes a twist handle 20 connected to the braking system 12 such that in use rotation of the twist handle 20 directly effects the resistance to rolling of the roller 16. The twist handle 20 is located towards the lower end of the handle 18. The twist handle 20 is connected to an inner tube 22 which rotates with the handle 18. The distal end 24 of the inner tube 22 is connected to the braking system 12 by a steel wire 26. The wire 26 extends from the inner tube 22 to the braking system 12 located at a distal end 14 of the roller 16.

In use, the user may rotate the twist handle 20 causing the inner tube 22 to rotate. Rotation of the inner tube 22 causes the wire 26 to tighten and as a result causes a greater friction between the roller 16 and the brake pad of the braking system 12. The handle 18 has an angled end 28 to allow the user to vary their hand positioning.

As shown in Figure 5, the user may be able to select the desired resistance level from a number of pre-defined resistance levels by twisting the twist handle 20 to a pre-defined position. The twist handle 20 includes a bump as an indication feature 28 which may be rotated so as to align with a number of spaced apart pre-defined arrows 29 on the handle 18 so that in use the user may rotate the twist handle to set the resistance level to one of the predefined resistance levels as indicated by the spaced apart arrows 29. So as to provide varying levels of resistance.

As shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, device 30 includes a double roller 38 comprising a central axle 36 having two rollers 32, 32' spaced apart and located at each distal end of the roller 38. The resistance of device 30 can be provided by a ratchet-strap mechanism 33. The device 30 comprises a resistance band (not shown) extending down within the shaft 34 provided by the handle 35. A first end of the band is attached to the rotating axle 36 of the roller 38. The handle 34 further includes a ratchet-style handle 40 which allows the user to tighten the band at will allowing a more precise and wider range of adjustment of resistance to rolling. In use, the user lifts the ratchet- style handle 40 causing the inner resistance band (not shown) to tighten and increase resistance to rotation of the roller 38.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the device 50 comprises two sets of rollers 52, 52'. Each set of rollers 52, 52' comprises a double roller having a central axle 53,53' having two rollers 54,55 and 54,55' spaced apart and located at each distal end of the roller 52,52'. The first double roller 52 is larger and is used to provide resistance in use to pushing down the handle 56. The second double roller 52' is smaller and is provided to create a stable action. Resistance of device 50 can be provided by a resistance band (not shown). Although two sets of rollers have been described, it will be appreciated that the embodiment may include only one set or indeed more than two sets.

The resistance band, for example a rubber strap or band, extends within the shaft provided by the handle 56 of the device 50. A first end of the resistance band coils around the rotating axle of the roller 52. The second end of the resistance band is attached to a small lever 58. The shaft of the handle 56 of the device 50 provides a plurality of spaced apart pre-defined notches 60 adapted to receive the small lever 58. In use, the user adjusts the position of the small lever 58 within the shaft so as to adjust the tension and therefore the resistance provided by the resistance band to rotation of the roller 52.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and ail equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

An alternative embodiment employs a resiliently deformable member - such as an elasticated band - so as to provide a constant or variable force against which work by the user is done in order that the user expends energy. In another embodiment a constant force is provided by the resiliently deformable member, which remains substantially the same throughout an exercise regime. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, one or more devices may be included in order to vary the amount of resistive force. Optionally one or more means for varying the resistive force may be provided. Ideally such a means for varying the resistive force includes a thumb type screw located at one end of the handle, which is adapted to control the amount of resistance offered by the roller.

Claims

1. An exercise device for exercise using a surface, such as a floor, includes: an elongate handle, so that, in use, a user holds one end, disposed at a distal end thereof is at least one roller, which in use, is in contact with and moves across the surface, the at least one roller being supported on a portion of the handle whose axis is offset to the axis of the part of the handle which is held by the user.

2. An exercise device according to claim 1 wherein the roller offers resistance to rolling.

3. An exercise device according to claim 2, in which the at least one roller comprises a central axle having two rollers located at or near to each distal end of the central axle.

4. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the device comprises two sets of rollers arranged such that their respective axes are parallel one to another.

5. An exercise device according to claim 4 wherein the two sets of rollers are arranged, such that, in use both sets of rollers are adapted to be maintained in contact with the surface during the exercise.

6. An exercise device according to claim 4 or 5, in which a primary set of rollers provides resistance, in use, to an axial force applied by the user pushing the handle against the surface.

7. An exercise device according to claim 4, 5 or 6 includes a secondary set of rollers adapted to provide a stabilising action.

8. An exercise device according to claim 7 whereby the secondary set of rollers is smaller than the primary set of rollers.

9. An exercise device according to claim 8 wherein the secondary set of rollers is arranged so that in use, the secondary set of rollers is located closer to the user.

10. An exercise device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device further comprises a means for adjusting the level of resistance.

11. An exercise device as claimed in claim 10 in which the levels of resistance are a plurality of pre-defined levels of resistance.

12. An exercise device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device further comprises a means for providing a progressive resistance to rolling.

13. An exercise device as claimed in claim 12, in which the means for providing a progressive resistance to rolling comprises a resistance band.

14. An exercise device as claimed in claim 13 in which the resistance band attaches to at least one axle of a roller.

15. An exercise device as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, in which the device further comprises a ratchet strap mechanism for adjusting the tension of the resistance band and the resistance to rolling,

16. An exercise device as claimed in any of claims 14 or 15, in which a first end of the resistance band is attached to an axle of the at least one roller and a ratchet style handle is arranged such that in use the ratchet style handle can be operated to tighten (or loosen) the resistance band so as to increase (decrease) resistance to rolling.

17. An exercise device as claimed in claim 16, in which the means of adjusting the level of resistance is provided by a resistance band having a first end attached to a rotating axle of the roller(s) provided by the second end, and in which the second end of the band is attached to a small lever, and in which the shaft of the handle of the device provides a plurality of spaced apart pre-defined notches adapted to receive the small lever so as to in use adjust the level of resistance to one of a pre-defined level of resistance.

18. An exercise device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the device further comprises at least one braking system located at a or each distal end of the at least one roller provided by the second end of the handle.

19. An exercise device as claimed in claim 16 or 17, in which the handle comprises a twist handle connected to the at least one braking system such that in use rotation of the twist handle directly effects the resistance to rolling of the at least one roller.

20. An exercise device as claimed in claim 19, in which the twist handle is connected to an inner tube which rotates with the handle, and in which the inner tube is connected to the at least one braking system by at least one tightening member.

21. An exercise device as claimed in claim 20 in which the tightening member is steel wire.

22. An exercise device for exercise using a surface, such as a floor, includes: an elongate handle, so that, in use, a user holds one end, disposed at a distal end thereof is at least one roller, which in use, is in contact with and moves across the surface and a resiliently deformable member provides a constant force against which work by the user is done in order that the user expends energy.

23. An exercise device for exercise using a surface, such as a floor, includes: an elongate handle, so that, in use, a user holds one end, disposed at a distal end thereof is at least one roller, which in use, is in contact with and moves across the surface and a resiliently deformable member provides a variable force against which work by the user is done in order that the user expends energy.

24. An exercise device as claimed in any preceding claim includes a means to control the amount of resistance offered by the roller.