WO2022104423A1

WO2022104423A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022104423A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/051373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew MIKHAIL
Original assignee: Mpower Health Management Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-18
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Also published as: AU2021384061A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for exercising the body of a human user. In particular, the apparatus provides for exercising the muscles and joints of the torso and limbs. In one form, the invention is a exercise apparatus comprising: an engaging portion for engagement by the hands or the feet. The engaging portion maintains the hands or the feet in mutual spaced relation. The apparatus further comprises a support and a connecting member, the later having a first end in operable connection with the support and a second end in operable connection with the engaging portion. The apparatus functions such that a user engaging the engaging portion is capable of moving the engaging portion along a path, the path being (i) a curved path or (ii) a path comprising two intersecting linear path portions.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS

5 FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001]. The present invention relates generally to apparatus for exercising the body of a human user. In particular, the apparatus provides for exercising the muscles and joints of the torso and limbs. 0 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002]. Many types of exercise apparatus are known in the art. Apparatus which are familiar to any individual frequenting a gymnasium include the rowing machine, exercise bicycle, treadmill, Smith machine, lat pull-down machine, leg press machine, peck-deck machine, elliptical trainer to name a few. These apparatus are used in place of, or as an adjunct to, exercises using free weights such as bar bells and dumbbells or body weight exercises.

[003]. Muscles of the torso including those of the abdomen, the pelvis, and the back (often0 referred to as “core” muscles) are difficult to train effectively. Most training regimens for the core muscles use body weight exercises such as crunches, the bridge, the supine toe tap, and the plank. It is critical for the individual to perform such exercises in a precise manner such that the correct muscles are worked, but also to prevent injury. In particular excess strain can be placed on the lower back, leading to ongoing pain and dysfunction. 5

[004]. Bodyweight training may not sufficiently work the core muscles, and accordingly weights, bands or other means may be used to increase resistance on the muscles. For example, the bridge exercise may be performed with a dumbbell placed across the hips so as to increase resistance to the upward movement of the pelvic area. While the addition of0 some resistance means is effective, the corollary is an increase in the potential for injury due to poor form during the exercise. [005]. Even where sufficient resistance is provided and correct form followed, prior art means for training the core muscles can fail to properly engage some core muscles, or fail to work core-associated muscles such as those associated with the chest or arms.

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[006]. The prior art provides apparatus dedicated to the training of core muscles, such apparatus including the crunch machine. Such machines force the user to sit in a single fixed position with the back against a hinged backrest and by , and as such offer no option to vary the 0

[007]. It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art means for exercising the core muscles and optionally associated muscles of the arms and chest. In some embodiments, the present apparatus may overcome any one or more of the aforementioned problems with the prior art. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art means for exercising the core muscles and optionally associated muscles of the arms and chest.

[008]. The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present0 invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009]. In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus comprising: an engaging portion configured to be engaged by the hands or the feet and to maintain the hands or feet in mutual spaced relation, a support, and a connecting member having a first end in operable connection with the0 support and a second end in operable connection with the engaging portion, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user engaging the engaging portion is capable of moving the engaging portion along a path, the path being (i) a curved path or (ii) a path comprising two intersecting linear path portions.

[010]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the curved path is a circular path, or an

5 elliptical path, or an ovoid path, or a portion thereof.

[Oi l]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the path comprising two intersecting linear path portions is a polygonal path, or a portion thereof. 0 [012]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the path is along a plane.

[013]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the path is a circuitous path.

[014]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the exercise apparatus is configured such that the engaging portion is movable bi-directionally along the path.

[015]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the engaging portion has a vertical plane.

[016]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the vertical plane of the engaging portion is0 parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path

[017]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the exercise apparatus is configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of5 the engaging portion.

[018]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the exercise apparatus comprises a seat, wherein the seat is configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the0 plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion. [019]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the engaging portion is configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

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[020]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the engaging portion comprises a left hand engaging region and a right hand engaging region, or a left foot engaging region and a right foot engaging region. 0 [021 ]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the left hand engaging region and right hand engaging region or the left foot and right foot engaging region are configured to maintain the left and right hand or left and right foot of a user by a distance of at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 cm.

[022]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the engaging portion is substantially circular or substantially elliptical or substantially ovoid.

[023]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the exercise apparatus is configured to provide resistance against movement of the engaging portion by a user. 0

[024]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the exercise apparatus is configured to provide user-adjustable resistance against movement of the engaging portion by a user.

[025]. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the resistance is provided by any one or more5 of: a flywheel, a weights, a spring, an elastically deformable band, a friction force, a magnetic force, a hydraulic device, and a pneumatic device.

[026]. In a second aspect, the method for exercising the core muscles and optionally associated muscles of a subject, the method comprising: engaging a engaging portion such0 that the hands or feet are maintained in mutual spaced relation, and moving the engaging portion along a path, the path being (i) a curved path or (ii) a path comprising two intersecting linear path portions.

[027]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the curved path is a circular path, or an

5 elliptical path, or an ovoid path, or a portion thereof.

[028]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the path comprising two intersecting linear path portions is a polygonal path, or a portion thereof. 0 [029]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the path is along a plane,

[030]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the path is a circuitous path.

[031]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises moving the engaging portion bi-directionally along the path,

[032]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the engaging portion has a vertical plane.

[033]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the vertical plane of the engaging portion0 is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path

[034]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion. 5

[035]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the user is sitting on a seat, standing, inclined or supine.

[036]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the engaging portion is configured to0 encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

[037]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the user engages the engaging portion by a left hand or left foot engaging region and a right hand or right foot engaging region of the engaging portion.

[038]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the left and right hand or left foot and right foot of a user are separated by a distance of at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 cm.

[039]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the engaging portion provides resistance against movement of the engaging portion by a user, and the user overcomes the resistance so as to move the engaging portion.

[040]. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the engaging portion is provided by the exercise apparatus of any embodiment of the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[041]. FIG. 1A illustrates highly diagrammatically and in front view, a preferred nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention, being an exercise apparatus for use in the seated position.

[042]. FIG. IB illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 A in lateral view.

[043]. FIG. 2A to 2D illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 A, showing sequential position of the engaging portion in the course of a full revolution of the crank. [044]. FIG. 3 illustrates highly diagrammatic ally and in lateral view, a preferred nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention, being an exercise apparatus for use in the supine.

5 [045]. Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[046]. The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not0 presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

[047]. After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example0 only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims. 5 [048]. Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise " and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[049]. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”0 means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

5 [050]. As used herein, positional terms such as “lateral”, “across”, “above”, “below”, “higher”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, and the like are to be considered with reference to an apparatus as used in a normal upright position so as to be used by an upright user, or in some case a user in the supine position as contextually presented in the specification. 0 [051]. The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventors’ discovery that movement of the hands along a path in front of the chest or the feet in front of the lower torso, the path being generally coplanar with the frontal plane of the user’s body and in more than one direction. In one embodiment, the path is generally orbital. Thus, the hands move in a broad circuit about a mid-point of the chest, and in turn work the muscles of the arms and shoulders. The movement of the hands, arms and shoulders also cause movement of the upper chest. The upper chest in turn engages the core muscles as it moves. Alternatively, the feet move in a broad circuit about a mid-point of the lower torso, and in turn work the muscles of the legs and pelvis. 0 [052]. Where the movement of the hands is sufficiently horizontal (either left or right), the upper body rotates from the waist causing further engagement of the core muscles. Where the feet are moved sufficiently horizontally, the lower body rotates from the waist causing further engagement of the core muscles 5 [053]. Where the movement of the hands is sufficiently vertical (either up or down), the core muscles are engaged to raise the hands or pull the hands downwardly. Where the movement of the feet is sufficiently vertical, the core muscles are engaged to raise the feet or pull the feet downwardly 0 [054]. While horizontal movement and vertical movement each alone provide for engagement of core muscles, the combination of both vertical and horizontal movement affords further advantage as large groups of core muscles are engaged. As the hands or feet are moved orbitally about the front of the chest or lower torso respectively, groups of core muscles are in turn sequentially engaged.

5 [055]. Preferably some resistance is provided against movement of the hands and arms or the feet and legs, thereby increasing engagement of the core muscles. Where the invention is embodied as an apparatus the resistance may be provided by any means known to the skilled artisan including the use of a flywheel, weights, springs, elastically deformable bands, friction forces, magnetic forces, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices and the like. 0 The skilled person is capable of conceiving of other resistance means, and indeed new resistance means may be devised in the future, all suitable means being in the ambit of the present invention.

[056]. Preferably the resistance acts against movement along all paths along which the user moves the engaging portion.

[057]. Turning to FIG. 1 there is shown a basic version of an exercise apparatus (10) of the present invention being configured to be used in a seated position. The apparatus (10) comprises a vertical support (15) mounted on a stable base (20). An engaging portion (25)0 is provided allowing for a user to grip using the left and right hands at the 9 O’clock and 3 O’clock positions respectively. The areas of the engaging portion (25) at the 9 O’clock and 3 O’clock positions are moulded to conform to the inner surfaces of the hand (i.e. palm and fingers) and/or covered in a deformable engaging material such as a high density foam) allowing the hands to firmly grip. Thus, in this embodiment the engaging portion is a5 gripping means which

[058]. The hands are maintained in a spaced arrangement by the fixed width of the engaging portion (25). The distance between the hands ensures that the wrists, forearms, elbows are also maintained in spaced relation. Typically, the engaging portion (25) is0 configured to allow for the hands to be kept at approximately shoulder width. As a result of the spaced relation of the aforementioned body parts, the core muscles and associated muscles are proposed to be more fully engaged when the crank (30) is turned by the user.

[059]. The apparatus (10) further comprises a crank (30) which at a first end inserts into

5 the vertical support (15) by way of a first crank receiving portion (35) and at a second end inserts into second crank receiving portion (40) in a cross-member (45) of the engaging portion (25).

[060]. The base (20) supports a seat (50) which is adjustable in height so as to best0 accommodate users of varying heights. The user is seated facing toward the support (15) with the legs being bent at the knee (preferably around 90 degrees) such that the feet rest on the upper face of the support (20). In some embodiments the seat is itself movable in any direction so as to allow the user to engage more or alternative core and associated muscles. Optionally some resistance is provided to the seat movement by way or springs or any other suitable means.

[061]. The height of the seat (50) is adjusted such that lower edge of the sternum is at about the same height as the first crank receiving portion (35), being the centre of the orbit of the crank end which inserts in the second receiving portion (40), as the crank (30) is0 turned clockwise or anti-clockwise. Preferably, the first crank receiving portion in aligned to the sagittal plane of the user’s chest.

[062]. The first crank receiving portion (35), functions to retain the crank (30) in a manner that does not prevent turning of the crank, yet inhibits or prevents the crank (30) from being5 removed from the support (15) during normal use. While exercising the core muscles and associated muscles, the crank is turned by a user engaging the engaging portion (25), and moving the engaging portion (25) in an orbital manner as shown in FIGS 2A to 2D. The first crank receiving portion (35) may provide substantially no or little resistance or substantial resistance to the crank turning, depending on whether or not the apparatus (10)0 is configured to provide resistance training. [063]. In this embodiment the apparatus is configured such that the second end of the crank is retained by, and turns within, the second crank receiving portion (40). This arrangement prevents the need for the user to rearrange the hands about the engaging portion (25) as it moves orbitally as shown in FIG. 2A to 2D. Embodiments where the

5 engaging portion (25) is fixed to the second crank end will nevertheless be operable.

[064]. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the height of the crank is adjustable and fixable in a desired position to suit a certain user or a certain exercise. Furthermore, the length of the mid-portion of the crank may be adjustable and fixable so as to increase or0 decrease the diameter of the orbit to suit a certain user or a certain exercise.

[065]. The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows a seat configured to direct a user to face the vertical support. In some embodiments, the set may be angled away from the support such that the user twists the upper body somewhat so as to able of engaging the engaging portion. It is proposed that exercising with the apparatus in this way better engages the lateral core muscles as associated muscles. The effect can very pronounced where the upper body is rotated 90 degrees to the legs. The apparatus may be configured such that the angle of the seat with respect to the support is adjustable and fixable so as to accommodate a range of angles. 0

[066]. Moreover, the seat may be angled so as to cause the user to lean forward toward the support, or away from the support. It is proposed that exercising at such an angle may more fully engage the upper or lower core muscles. 5 [067]. The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an apparatus that has a crank allowing for only a strictly circular path for the engaging portion. The present invention is predicated at least in part on the finding that a curved path (and not necessarily a circular path) is used. For example, the path may be elliptical or ovoid. 0 [068]. Other embodiments of the invention require only that the path include includes two directions. For example, the path may be a square (in which case the two directions intersect at 90 degrees) or any other polygon including a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, parallelogram, or rhombus. Some embodiments may utilise a path that includes both linear and curved components. Other embodiments utilise a path which is not based on any regular geometric shape, and instead be described by geometrically

5 unrelated (although connecting) linear path portion(s) and/or curved path portion(s).

[069]. Clearly the crank arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 1 cannot accomplish a polygonal path, or indeed any other path that is not strictly circular. In that regard, the engaging portion may be constrained along a non-circular path by, for example, a channel0 following a desired path, the channel configured to guide a connecting portion along the desired path. The connecting portion is connected to engaging portion, and accordingly the engaging portion moves along the path described by the channel. As will be appreciated, for such embodiments the support may be significantly wider as compared to that shown in the drawings so as to accommodate a lateral distance along which the channel may be required to extend.

[070]. It is not necessary for the path to be circuitous, as for the embodiment of FIG. 1. For example, the path may be described by only an arc or a portion of a curve, or a part of a polygon. Such an embodiment may provide a path that is U-shaped, L-shaped, M-shaped,0 or an undulating line or indeed any other desired path.

[071]. Typically the path along which the engaging portion is along a plane, however in some circumstances the path may not be so restricted. Preferably, the path is along a plane with the plane being parallel or generally parallel to the frontal (coronal) plane of the user’s5 upper body. There is no absolute requirement for the planes to be strictly parallel, and in some embodiments the planes may form an angle of less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 degrees.

[072]. The engaging portion may be a simple bar gripped at the ends similar to the handle0 bars of a bicycle. Preferably, however the engaging means is configured so as to be gripped in a manner similar to a vehicle steering wheel whereby the palms of the hands are generally opposed. It is found that where the hands are opposed, movement of the engaging means along a curve or in two intersecting directions is facilitated given the improve grip in all directions. Furthermore maintaining the hands in an opposed arrangement facilitates engagement of core muscles and associated muscles.

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[073]. The engaging portion may be configured to maintain the hands at a mutual distance of at least about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 cm. The engaging portion may be configured to maintain the hands at a mutual0 distance of between about 20 and 40 cm.

[074]. The apparatus of the present invention may be configured to the used seated (as in the embodiment of FIG. 1), or standing (with the user standing on a support platform). In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to be used with the user in an inclined position (similar to an incline weight bench) or even with the user in a fully supine position.

[075]. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 useful in the supine position is shown at FIG. 3. The user utilises the apparatus in the same manner as for the seated0 embodiment to the extent that the engaging means is moved by the user along a path in a plane generally parallel to the frontal plane of the user. The apparatus (100) comprises a horizontal bench (105) for the user to lie upon. In this embodiment, the support for the engaging portion (25) comprises a vertical portion (110) and a horizontal portion (115). Such embodiments may allow for the training of core muscles or associated muscles that5 are not adequately trained where the user is standing or sitting.

[076]. The apparatus described in detail above may be modified such that the engaging portion is engageable by the feet. For example, the engaging portion may comprise surface(s) for the soles (or part of the soles) of the feet to make contact. The surfaces may0 be molded so as to conform to the foot sole. Unlike the hands, the feet are not adept at gripping and accordingly means to passively retain the feet may be provided. For example, the engaging means may be configured to be shoe-like (or part-shoe -like) so as to enclose (or partially enclose the foot). Alternatively, the engaging portion may comprise retaining straps or elasticated means hold the feet. In any event, the engaging portion is configured so as to allow the feet to move it in any manner described herein for the hands.

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[077]. It is further contemplated that the engaging portion (whether for the hands or feet) may allow for adduction or abduction, optionally against a resistance. Thus, the engaging means may be configured to allow the hands or feet to move toward or away from the centreline of the body. In addition or alternatively, the engaging means may be configured0 to allow the hands to move together or apart, or to allow the hands to move together or apart, optionally against a resistance. Thus, it is not necessary that the engaging portion maintains the hands or feet at a constant spaced relationship (i.e. a constant distance apart). The distance may be variable, even to point where there is no distance between the hands or feet. In any event, the engaging portion will allow for the hands to be in mutual spaced relation, but optionally allow for a less spaced relationship. As will be appreciated from the above, the engaging portion may comprise two discrete elements (one for each hand or foot) which may be movable relative to each other.

[078]. Another embodiment of the invention provides that the engaging portion is movable0 inwards (i.e. toward the support) or outwards (i.e. away from the support) so as to engage alternative or further core muscles or associated muscles. The inward and outward movement may be subject to a resistance means (as detailed elsewhere herein) to provide for improved muscle engagement over and above any other movement allowed for by the apparatus or method. The resistance means may be operable in both directions or in one5 direction only. As an example of the latter, the resistance means may provide resistance only where the engaging portion is compressed inwardly, or when the engaging portion is pulled outwardly by the user.

[079]. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is0 susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[080]. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[081 ]. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: an engaging portion configured to be engaged by the hands or the feet and to maintain the hands or the feet in mutual spaced relation, a support, and a connecting member having a first end in operable connection with the support and a second end in operable connection with the engaging portion, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user engaging the engaging portion is capable of moving the engaging portion along a path, the path being (i) a curved path or (ii) a path comprising two intersecting linear path portions.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the curved path is a circular path, or an elliptical path, or an ovoid path, or a portion thereof.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the path comprising two intersecting linear path portions is a polygonal path, or a portion thereof.

4. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the path is along a plane.

5. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the path is a circuitous path.

6. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 configured such that the engaging portion is movable bi-directionally along the path,

7. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the engaging portion has a vertical plane.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the vertical plane of the engaging portion is parallel or generally parallel to a plane of the path.

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9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 comprising a seat, wherein the seat is configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

11. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engaging portion is configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

12. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the engaging portion comprises a left hand engaging region and a right hand engaging region or a left foot engaging region and a right foot engaging region.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the left hand engaging region and right hand engaging region or left foot engaging region and right foot engaging region are configured to maintain the left and right hand or left and right foot of a user by a distance of at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 cm.

14. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the engaging portion is substantially circular or substantially elliptical or substantially ovoid.

15. The exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14 configured to provide resistance against movement of the engaging portion by a user.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 configured to provide user-adjustable resistance against movement of the engaging portion by a user.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the resistance is provided by any one or more of: a flywheel, a weights, a spring, an elastically deformable band, a friction force, a magnetic force, a hydraulic device, and a pneumatic device.

18. A method for exercising the core muscles and optionally associated muscles of a subject, the method comprising: engaging an engaging portion such that the hands or the feet are maintained in mutual spaced relation, and moving the engaging portion along a path, the path being (i) a curved path or (ii) a path comprising two intersecting linear path portions.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the curved path is a circular path, or an elliptical path, or an ovoid path, or a portion thereof.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the path comprising two intersecting linear path portions is a polygonal path, or a portion thereof.

21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the path is along a plane,

22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the path is a circuitous path.

23. The method of any one of claims 18 to 22 comprising moving the engaging portion bidirectionally along the path,

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the engaging portion has a vertical plane.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the vertical plane of the engaging portion is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path

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26. The method of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

27. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the user is sitting on a seat, standing, inclined or supine.

28. The method of any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the engaging portion is configured to encourage or ensure that in use the user positions the upper body such that frontal plane of the upper body is parallel or generally parallel to the plane of the path and/or the plane of the engaging portion.

29. The method of any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein the user engages the engaging portion by a left hand engaging region and a right hand engaging region or by a left foot engaging region and a right foot engaging region of the engaging portion.

30. The method of any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the left and right hand or the left foot and right foot of a user are separated by a distance of at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 cm.

31. The method of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the engaging portion provides resistance against movement of the engaging portion by a user, and the user overcomes the resistance so as to move the engaging portion.

32. The method of any one of claim 18 to 31, wherein the engaging portion is provided by the exercise apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)