WO2015173554A1

WO2015173554A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015173554A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/051386
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joe Gormley
Original assignee: Joe Gormley
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2015-05-11
Publication date: 2015-11-19
Also published as: GB201408710D0; GB201415561D0

Abstract

A resistance training apparatus (1) comprises a user engagement portion (4), a deformable body (20) and a surface contact section (3). The deformable body (20) comprises a rigid tubular sleeve (2) and a compression spring (9) contained within the sleeve (2). The user engagement portion (4) comprises a pad (22) attached to a first end of the deformable body (20) and adapted for removable contact with a user's upper body (11). The surface contact section (3) comprises at least two spaced apart support surfaces (7, 30) arranged at a second end of the deformable body (20), and adapted for removable contact with a support structure (100). The apparatus may include a universal joint (16) arranged between the deformable body (20) and the surface contact section (3). In use the user holds the resistance training apparatus (1) such that the rigid tubular sleeve (2) is horizontal, places the surface contact section (3) securely against a support structure (100) with the benefit of the two support surfaces, places the user engagement portion (4) against the user's upper body (11), compresses the resistance training apparatus between the upper body and the support structure to develop a resistant force against the upper body, and performs a walking or running motion against the resistant force to periodically further compress and decompress the resistance training apparatus (1).

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for improving muscular strength, general fitness levels and fitness activity technique, and particularly to portable apparatus which can be readily transported and carried by a user for use in any private or public space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide portable resilient handheld exercise devices which can be used to push or pull against the resilient resistant force of a spring and/or dampers. Such devices are used to develop the strength of arm and leg muscles. However there remains a requirement for a portable apparatus which can be carried by hand and used to develop general body fitness, strength and sports technique. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a resistance training apparatus, comprising a user engagement portion, a deformable body and a surface contact section,

wherein the deformable body comprises a rigid tubular sleeve and a compression spring means contained within the sleeve,

wherein the user engagement portion comprises a pad attached to a first end of the deformable body and adapted for removable contact with a user's upper body, and

wherein the surface contact section comprises at least two support surfaces arranged at a second end of the deformable body opposite the first end of the deformable body, and spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sleeve, the support surfaces being adapted for removable contact with a support structure.

The support surface is preferably a soft surface which does not damage the surface of the support structure, e.g. internal wall, against which it is placed. The pad can be positioned against the user, for example against the user's chest, and the user can periodically compress and decompress the deformable body while exercising, for example running, walking or jumping. Preferably the pad extends laterally on both sides of the deformable body to increase stability of the apparatus during use. Preferably the pad is rectangular in shape, having two long sides and two short sides.

Preferably the surface contact section includes resilient material so that when placed against a hard surface of a support structure (e.g. a wall) it can accommodate a small amount of horizontal or vertical rotation of the deformable body during use, as the user moves horizontally or vertically. The resilient material may be a foam material. The surface contact section is preferably substantially square in shape, when viewed from the end, and may include a substantially square cushion member.

The deformable body preferably comprises an elongated member at least partially enclosed by the sleeve and extending from a first end of the sleeve,

wherein the elongated body has first and second opposed ends,

wherein one of the user engagement portion and surface contact section is attached to the first end of the elongated member,

wherein the other of the user engagement portion and surface contact section is attached to a second end of the sleeve opposite the first end of the sleeve, and

wherein the second end of the elongated body has an end plate attached thereto, the end plate being housed within the sleeve and adapted to contact the compression spring means. This allows the resistance training apparatus to have a simple structure, with the compression spring means restrained within the sleeve. In use the end cap can engage the compression spring means to periodically partially compress and partially decompress the spring means, thereby providing resistance and allowing the expenditure of energy by the user while exercising.

Preferably there is a clearance between the inner surface of the tubular sleeve and the compression spring means. This minimises friction and noise. If required, the compression spring means can be coated with a soft resilient material to reduce noise, or a plastic mesh or liner can be inserted between the tubular sleeve and the compression spring means.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a universal joint arranged between the user engagement portion and the surface contact section, more preferably arranged between the deformable body and the surface contact section. The universal joint may be a cardon joint or similar which allows relative rotation across the joint around two orthogonal axes.

This allows the user to operate the apparatus even if the user's upper body against which the user engagement portion bears is not parallel to the support structure against which the support surfaces bear. This also allows the user to operate the apparatus while moving up and down or from side to side without the pad sliding against the user's upper body, giving increased comfort in use. In one embodiment the surface contact section comprises two sets of support surfaces arranged on parallel support axes spaced apart from each other, the axes being arranged orthogonally to the sleeve at a second end of the deformable body opposite the first end of the orthogonal body. Providing two sets of support surfaces allows the surface contact section to be securely placed against a variety of wall shapes, and allows the deformable body to accommodate high compression forces without movement of the surface contact section. The spacing of the sets of support surfaces provides a degree of lateral stability and, for example, ensures that the deformable body remains relatively perpendicular to the wall when the surface contact section is placed against a planar wall.

Preferably the deformable body comprises an elongated member at least partially enclosed by the sleeve and extending from a first end of the sleeve,

wherein the elongated body has first and second opposed ends,

wherein the compression spring means is attached to the second end of the elongated member.

The compression spring means may be adjustable to provide different spring properties. The compression spring means may comprise a number of springs such that combinations of springs with different spring properties can be selected to provide variable resistance to a user using the apparatus. The springs may be removable and/or interchangeable.

In one embodiment the surface contact section comprises two parallel support bars spaced apart from each other and arranged orthogonally to the sleeve. The support bars may provide lateral stability.

The surface contact section may comprise a plate arranged at the second end of the deformable body and two spaced apart strut members extending from the plate parallel to the sleeve, wherein one of the parallel support bars is arranged on each strut. This allows the support bars to be place on either side of an obstruction on a wall, for example. In another embodiment the surface contact section comprises two rows of bearing pads, each row of bearing pads forming one of the two sets of support surfaces. For example, two or more bearing pads arranged in a linear row can form a linear set of support surfaces. In another alternative embodiment the surface contact section may comprise two bearing pads arranged in a single row.

Each row of bearing pads may comprises two bearing pads, so that the surface contact section comprises four bearing pads arranged in a rectangular array. This allows apparatus to be rotated through 90°, for example to provide a different orientation of the user engagement portion, and still provide two vertical parallel sets of support surfaces.

Each bearing pad may be provided on a substantially spherical foot member, or a foot member having a curved contact surface. This allows the surface contact section to be positioned stably on a non-planar surface.

The surface contact section may comprise a plate arranged at the second end of the deformable body, and the foot members may be arranged on the plate. This allows the foot members to be assembled to the plate, for example by fasteners or through bolts. The plate may be rotated to allow the bearing members to be aligned in either a vertical plane or a horizontal plane, to accommodate different exercise regimes.

The pad may include a closed cell foam. This allows for washing of the pad, while providing comfort for the user.

Some or all of the surface contact section may be covered in a resiliently deformable material. This allows the apparatus to be used against walls without damaging the surface of the walls.

The pad may be economically shaped so as to facilitate the user's effective and comfortable engagement with the user engagement portion. The user engagement portion may comprise a plurality of pads.

The apparatus may typically have an overall length from the user engagement portion to the surface contact section in an uncompressed state of at least 700 mm, preferably at least 1,000 mm. This allows the apparatus to accommodate sufficient travel during use by the user.

The rigid tubular sleeve, the compression spring means and the elongated member may be arranged such that the elongated member has a travel of at least 500 mm, preferably at least 700 mm, from an uncompressed state, in which no force is applied to the user engagement portion to a fully compressed state, in which the compression spring means is fully compressed. This allows sufficient variation in spring force depending on the amount of travel, to provide a variety of resistance forces depending on the user's activity.

The deformable body may include an end cap removably attached to the tubular sleeve and having an aperture therein through which the elongated member may slide, wherein the end cap is adapted to retain the end plate and the compression spring means within the sleeve. The end cap can be removed to allow the user to access the compression spring means in the sleeve.

The elongated member may include markings thereon, which indicate the amount of compression of the compression spring means. The markings may be colour coded. For example, the markings adjacent to the end cap at a particular state of compression may indicate the compression force in the compression spring means, or the work expended by compressing the apparatus from equilibrium to the particular state of compression. Different colour markings may indicate the compression force according to different compression springs used to make up the compression spring means.

The compression spring means may comprise two compression springs which are removable from the tubular sleeve upon removal of the end cap. The end cap and tubular sleeve may include mutually engaging screw threads, for example an internal screw thread on the end cap and an external screw thread on the tubular sleeve.

The resistance training apparatus may further comprise a set of replaceable compression springs of differing spring stiffness, and the compression spring means may comprise one or two or more compression springs selected from the compression springs of differing spring stiffness. This allows the user to select a different spring resistance to suit individual training requirements.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a resistance training apparatus according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of:

holding the resistance training apparatus such that the rigid tubular sleeve is substantially horizontal;

placing the surface contact section against a support structure;

placing the user engagement portion against the user's upper body;

compressing the resistance training apparatus between the upper body and the support structure to develop a resistant force against the upper body; and

performing a walking, running, skipping or other motion against the resistant force to periodically further compress and decompress the resistance training apparatus. In use the user will partially compress the resistance training apparatus to an equilibrium position, and then during the walking or running motion will periodically further compress the apparatus to a further compressed position and then decompress the apparatus back to the equilibrium position. With each cycle the user will expend energy, thereby contributing to the fitness training.

The method may comprise the further step of: selecting one or more compression springs from a group of three or more compression springs of differing spring stiffness, and

inserting the selected compression springs in the cylindrical sleeve to form the compression spring means.

For example the group may comprise two high stiffness springs, two medium stiffness springs and two low stiffness springs, all of the same size. The user may select two compression springs from this group and place them in the cylinder. Selecting two low stiffness springs will produce the lowest resistance, and selecting two high stiffness springs will produce the highest resistance.

The support structure may be a planar wall, and the surface contact section may be placed against the planar wall such that the two sets of support surfaces are each in contact with the wall. This provides a stable arrangement and ensures that the apparatus does not tip sideways if a user applies a lateral force, either horizontal or vertical, to the apparatus in addition to the axial force generated by the walking or running motion.

The support structure may be two planar walls which intersect at a wall corner, and the surface contact section may be placed against the two planar walls such that each of the two sets of support surfaces is in contact with one of the two planar walls. This also provides a stable arrangement and ensures that the apparatus does not tip sideways if a user applies a lateral force, in situations where larger flat wall surfaces are not available.

The support structure may be a cylindrical structure, and the surface contact section may be placed against a planar wall such that the two sets of support surfaces are each in contact with the cylindrical structure and extend substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical structure. This also provides a stable arrangement and ensures that the apparatus does not tip sideways if a user applies a lateral force, in situations where conventional wall surfaces are not available. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus in use; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the universal joint omitted;

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show plan views of an embodiment of the apparatus in use; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the apparatus in sectional view;

Figure 5 shows a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 6 shows a side view of part of the apparatus of Figure 5 with a universal joint; and

Figures 7 and 8 show partial perspective views of further embodiments of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures there is shown a resistance training apparatus 1, comprising a user engagement portion 4, a deformable body 20 and at least one surface contact section 3.

The apparatus 1 in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4 is formed from a deformable body 20 comprising a rigid tubular sleeve 2 around a compression spring 9. The apparatus 1 has a single user engagement portion 4 comprising a pad 22, the pad 22 extending from the spring 9 at one end on an elongated member 5. At the opposing end of the body, two orthogonal parallel support bars 7 are spaced apart to form a surface contact section 3, the bars 7 being supported on a pair of strut members 6 which extend from a plate 8 fixed to the sleeve 2. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the plate 8 is fixed to the sleeve 2 through an intermediate universal joint or cardon joint 16, which is fixed to one end of the sleeve 2 by a fixing plate 18. This joint 16 may be omitted, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4. The joint allows the deformable body 20 to flex or rotate relative to the surface contact section 3 about two orthogonal axes, so that the pad 22 can move up or down or from side to side without movement of the surface contact section 3.

The support bars 7 permit accommodation of a variety of surfaces, such as a planar wall 100 as shown in Fig. 1, an external wall corner 102, as shown in Fig. 3a, an internal wall corner 104, as shown in Fig. 3b, and a curved wall or column 106, as shown in Fig. 3c. The plate 8 ensures rigidity in use.

The user 10 pushes against the pad with his/her pelvis 12, or upper torso 11 or any other part of their body as appropriate to exercise regimes.

The apparatus 1 is formed of metallic or alloy parts, powder coated or painted, with closed cell foam on the user engagement portion 4. For example the user engagement portion 4 may comprise a tubular member having a pad 22 wrapped around it, or it may comprise a metal plate having a pad 22 fixed to one side of it. The surface contact section 3 may be provided or coated in a resiliently deformable material such as tough rubber compound, so as to absorb irregularities and/or provide some friction against the surface. For example the bars 7 may be at least partially wrapped in a natural or synthetic rubber or foam sleeve. In preferred embodiments the sleeve has a diameter of 5cm, and the travel of the user engagement portion is approximately 70 cm. Using the apparatus a user can run against resistance, moving instantaneously from a gentle jog to full sprint, which cannot be achieved on a known electrically powered treadmill. The more the deformable body is compressed or deformed the greater the effort required.

The apparatus is convenient to transport and store, and may be used in a plurality of situations or locations, and may be utilised about the user's body so as to prompt different work outs. Ideally the user engagement portion 4 is arranged appropriately for comfortable and repeated user engagement in use. For example the portion may be padded and/or economically shaped so as to facilitate the user's effective and comfortable engagement. The user engagement portion 4 in preferred embodiments comprises at least one pad 22, configured in use primarily orthogonally to the body. Other embodiments may have plural pads, and/or further ergonomic shaping.

The deformable body 20 is elongate so as to space the user engagement portion 4 from the surface contact section 3 and allow approximation in use. The body 20 is elongated therefore in a body axis, so as to allow a user 10 to be spaced sufficiently from the surface 100 in use.

The length of the body 20 may be variable or adjustable so as to alter maximal deformation and/or minimal deformation limits. For example the sleeve 2 may be provided with adjustable locking pins (not shown) which penetrate the sleeve 2 through preformed apertures (not shown) and interact with an end plate 24 provided at the end of the elongated member 5, permitting the end plate 24 only to move between predefined set positions at which it engages with a locking pin. The body 20 is configured at rest to maintain a length, wherein pushing or pulling on the user engagement portion 4 is acting against a resistance provided by the spring 9. In some embodiments the surface contact section 3 may include a hook, loop, handle or catch area, so as to facilitate pulling as well as pushing against the spring force of the deformable body 20.

In preferred embodiments the body 20 is resiliently deformable in order to effect repetitive deformations without losing form.

The body may include a tension, compression or resistance mechanism, which mechanism allows the body to vary in deformation characteristics. For example in some embodiments the mechanism permits a user to adjust the tension or compression force in the spring 9 so as to amend the pressure required for deformation. Such tightening may be accomplished with screw thread means, and/or a grub screw. Such methods of adjusting the tension and/or compression characteristics of a spring are known, and are not described further. In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 4, the deformable body includes an end cap 26 removably attached to the tubular sleeve 2 and having an aperture therein through which the elongated member 5 may slide. The end cap 26 has an internal screw thread and the tubular sleeve 2 has an external screw thread adapted to engage with the internal thread of the end cap 26, so that the end cap 26 may be removed and replaced. The end cap 26 serves to retain the end plate 24 of the elongated member 5, but can be removed, for example by unscrewing, to permit the removal and replacement of the spring 9. This provides easy adjustment. Other methods of retaining the end cap may be used, such as retaining bolts, screws or catches.

In one embodiment the spring 9 is selected from a set of springs of different stiffness provided with the apparatus. For low level training a user may select a spring with a low stiffness, but as the user's strength increases the user may decide to remove the low stiffness spring and replace it with a higher stiffness spring.

In one embodiment the compression spring means 9 comprises two compression springs placed end to end in the tubular sleeve 2. This gives the user greater choice and range of spring stiffness. For example the user may select one low stiffness spring and one medium stiffness spring. The apparatus may be provided with user instructions which include recommendations for different spring combinations, depending on the weight, age and height of the user, the degree of experience and fitness, and the nature of the exercise. Typically each spring may be 200 mm long, giving a total length of compression spring of 400 mm. Markings 28 on the elongated member 5 show how much the compression spring means 9 is compressed. Different colour markings can be used so that the marking of a particular colour adjacent to the end cap indicates the compression force associated with a particular spring combination.

The resilient deformability may be comprised in a spring 9, such as a compression or resistance spring, or a number of transversely arranged torsion springs. Other embodiments may include elastic bands or bungees. The term spring as used in this specification is understood to refer to any spring-like element.

In this way the body deforms under pressure, but provides resistance to pressure. The surface contact section 3 is arranged to contact a planar surface such as a wall 100.

In preferred embodiments the surface contact section 3 comprises a plurality of separate and/or independent sections having separate support surfaces arranged or spaced apart so as to surround or straddle a surface, or so as to successfully contact a surface which is not planar, and additionally or alternatively spread weight and pressure driven by the portion, so as to minimise slippage in use. For example the surface contact section 3 may be comprised of two members 7, spaced apart for example in order to effectively contact a corner of two walls. In the embodiment illustrated in exploded view in Fig. 5, the surface contact section 3 comprises two rows of bearing pads 30, each row of bearing pads 30 forming one of two sets of support surfaces. Each row of bearing pads comprises two bearing pads 30, so that the surface contact section 3 comprises four bearing pads arranged in a rectangular array. However each row can comprise more than two bearing pads 30.

In the example each bearing pad 30 is provided on a substantially spherical foot member 32, or a foot member having a curved contact surface. This allows the surface contact section 3 to be positioned stably on a non-planar surface. The foot members 32 are fixed to the plate 8, for example by fasteners or through bolts (not shown). The foot members 32 may be any suitable shape. If required, the bearing pads 30 may be provided directly on the plate 8.

In some embodiments the surface contact section 3 may consist of at least two padded members arranged substantially orthogonally to the body axis, each padded member providing a set of support surfaces.

The body 20 is formed of coaxial tubes 2, 5 of powder-coated metal such as steel or alloy, which tubes are arranged slideably with a central resiliently deformable member, guarded from snag or damage. The powder coating provides an easy to clean surface.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the user engagement portion 4 comprises a plate 40, which is shown as flat with straight edges, but may have a curved surface, and may have curved or rounded edges. The plate 40 has a pad 42 fixed to it. In Fig. 5 the solid lines show the pad 42 in a horizontal position for general use, for example for abdominal or costal exercise. By rotating the apparatus 1 through 90° about its longitudinal axis the pad 42 can adopt the vertical position 42a shown by the broken lines, for example for sternum exercise. The presence of four bearing pads arranged on a rectangular grid means that the operation of the surface contact section 3 is unchanged after rotation of the apparatus 1.

Alternatively the user engagement portion 4 may comprises a forked T or Y shape 22 extending from the body, with two spaced apart pads, which pads are gripped by the user's hands in use, or driven by the shoulders or torso. Said pads may not be arranged parallel, wherein angled pads may be used more naturally. In some embodiments the pads may be arrangeable in mutual orientation in use or before use, for example having articulated mounting on the body, such as a ball-joint. Such articulation is ideally securable.

In the illustration of Figure 5 the universal joint 16 has been omitted, but it is shown in the apparatus of Figure 6, which is identical in all other respects to the apparatus of Figure 5. The universal or cardon joint 16 is fixed to the sleeve 2 by a fixing plate 18, so that it is located between the deformable body 20 and the surface contact section 3. If desired the universal joint 16 can be provided at another location between the user engagement portion 4 and the surface contact section 3

Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the surface contact section 3, including a plate 50 fixed to the end of the tubular sleeve 2. Two resilient spherical bearing members 52 are attached to the plate 50, for example by bolts. The arrangement of two bearing members 50 provides lateral stability while permitting the apparatus to pivot more easily ion a vertical plane.

Fig. 8 shows another alternative embodiment of the surface contact section 3, including a square plate 60 fixed to the end of the tubular sleeve 2. The plate is covered by a cushion member 62, of foam material, optionally covered by a cover material. The cushion member can encase the plate member if required. The invention allows the user to change the speed or position of exercise without the need for adjustment of the apparatus. For example a user can switch from walking to running, or from jogging to jumping, without stopping to adjust the apparatus. This is not possible with a conventional treadmill. The apparatus of the invention is a simple yet versatile and effective exercise apparatus, allowing walking, jogging, running and skipping.

The apparatus of the invention is compact and enables the user to engage in strenuous running activity in an enclosed space, for example in a room at home, without needing to go outside. In use the apparatus requires little space. After use the apparatus can be stored in a small space, such as a cupboard, unlike a treadmill. Two users of different fitness can each use an apparatus of the present invention with a different spring setting, so that the users can exercise together but at their own rtate. The exercise may be used in group training sessions, with each user using an apparatus with an appropriate spring setting.

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, 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 all 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.

Claims

1. A resistance training apparatus, comprising a user engagement portion, a deformable body and a surface contact section,

2. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformable body comprises an elongated member at least partially enclosed by the sleeve and extending from a first end of the sleeve,

wherein the elongated body has first and second opposed ends,

wherein the second end of the elongated body has an end plate attached thereto, the end plate being housed within the sleeve and adapted to contact the compression spring means.

3. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a universal joint arranged between the user engagement portion and the surface contact section.

4. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the universal joint is arranged between the deformable body and the surface contact section.

5. A resistance training apparatus according any preceding claim, wherein the surface contact section comprises two sets of support surfaces arranged on parallel support axes spaced apart from each other in a first direction orthogonal to the sleeve, the axes extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

6. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the surface contact section comprises two parallel support bars spaced apart from each other and arranged orthogonally to the sleeve.

7. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the surface contact section comprises two rows of bearing pads, each row of bearing pads forming one of the two sets support surfaces.

8. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each row of bearing pads comprises two bearing pads.

9. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each bearing pad is provided on a substantially spherical foot member.

10. A resistance training apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the surface contact section comprises a plate arranged at the second end of the deformable body, wherein the foot members are arranged on the plate.

11. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the surface contact section comprises a plate arranged at the second end of the deformable body and two spaced apart strut members extending from the plate parallel to the sleeve, wherein one of the parallel support bars is arranged on each strut member.

12. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad includes a closed cell foam.

13. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the surface contact section is covered in a resiliently deformable material.

14. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pad is economically shaped so as to facilitate the user's effective and comfortable engagement with the user engagement portion.

15. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the user engagement portion comprises a plurality of pads.

16. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has an overall length from the user engagement portion to the surface contact section in an uncompressed state of at least 700 mm, preferably at least 1,000 mm.

17. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rigid tubular sleeve, the compression spring means and the elongated member are arranged such that the elongated member has a travel of at least 500 mm, preferably at least 700 mm, from an uncompressed state, in which no force is applied to the user engagement portion to a fully compressed state, in which the compression spring means is fully compressed.

18. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the deformable body includes an end cap removably attached to the tubular sleeve and having an aperture therein through which the elongated member may slide, wherein the end cap is adapted to retain the end plate and the compression spring means within the sleeve.

19. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the compression spring means comprises two compression springs which are removable from the tubular sleeve upon removal of the end cap.

20. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the end cap and tubular sleeve include mutually engaging screw threads.

21. A resistance training apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the end cap includes an internal screw thread and the tubular sleeve includes an external screw thread adapted to engage with the internal thread of the end cap.

22. A resistance training apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising three or more compression springs of differing spring stiffness, and wherein the compression spring means comprises one or more, preferably two, compression springs selected from the compression springs of differing spring stiffness.

23. A method of operating a resistance training apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 22, comprising the steps of:

placing the surface contact section against a support structure;

placing the user engagement portion against the user's upper body;

performing a walking or running motion against the resistant force to periodically further compress and decompress the resistance training apparatus.

24. A method of operating a resistance training apparatus according to claim 23, comprising the further step of:

selecting one or more compression springs from a group of three or more compression springs of differing spring stiffness, and inserting the selected compression springs in the cylindrical sleeve to form the compression spring means.

25. A method of operating a resistance training apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the support structure is a planar wall, and wherein the surface contact section is placed against the planar wall such that the support surfaces are in contact with the wall or the two sets of support surfaces are each in contact with the wall.

26. A method of operating a resistance training apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the resistance training apparatus is a resistance training apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 11, wherein the support structure is two planar walls which intersect at a wall corner, and wherein the surface contact section is placed against the two planar walls such that each of the two sets of support surfaces is in contact with one of the two planar walls.

27. A method of operating a resistance training apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the resistance training apparatus is a resistance training apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 11, wherein the support structure is a cylindrical structure, and wherein the surface contact section is placed against the cylindrical structure such that the two sets of support surfaces are each in contact with the cylindrical structure and extend substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical structure.