Low impact exercising method and apparatus

Abstract

An exercise device for use in performing a variety of physical exercises includes a low impact cushioned, resilient surface in association with a fixed structure, positioned adjacent thereto. A resistive element having a first end and a second end is coupled to the fixed structure by its first end. A harness is coupled to the second end of the resistive element. The harness provides a structure for restraining the user in a preselected position atop the resilient surface and for applying selective resistive forces to the user during an exercising session performed on the resilient surface.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An exercising device comprising: 
 a low impact cushioned, resilient surface;    a fixed structure adjacent the low impact cushioned, resilient surface;    a resistive element having a first end coupled to the fixed structure; and    a harness coupled to a second end of the resistive element.    
     
     
         2 . The exercising device of  claim 1  wherein said resilient surface comprises: 
 a frame;  
 a panel surface disposed within said frame; and  
 a connection structure interposed between said elastic surface and said frame which interconnects said frame to said elastic surface.  
 
     
     
         3 . The exercising device of  claim 2  wherein said connection structure comprises at least one elastic member.  
     
     
         4 . The exercising device of  claim 3  wherein said elastic member is connected to said frame on a first end thereof and is further connected to said panel surface on a second end thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The exercising device of  claim 2  wherein said panel surface is fabricated from a material having elastic characteristics.  
     
     
         6 . The exercising device of  claim 2  wherein said frame is interconnected to said fixed structure.  
     
     
         7 . The exercising device of  claim 1  wherein said resistive element is an elastic member.  
     
     
         8 . The exercising device of  claim 1  wherein said resilient surface is interconnected to said fixed structure.  
     
     
         9 . The exercising device of  claim 1  wherein said resistive element is coupled to said fixed structure at a location which is elevationally above said resilient surface.  
     
     
         10 . The exercising device of  claim 1  wherein said fixed structure is fitted with a plurality of connection elements adapted to secure said resistive element to said fixed structure.  
     
     
         11 . The exercising device of  claim 10  wherein said plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a height of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said height of said fixed structure.  
     
     
         12 . The exercising device of  claim 10  wherein said plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a width of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said width of said fixed structure.  
     
     
         13 . The exercising device of  claim 10  wherein a first plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a width of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said width of said fixed structure and a second plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a height of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said height of said fixed structure.  
     
     
         14 . The exercising device of  claim 10  wherein said resistive element includes a plurality of resistive members.  
     
     
         15 . The exercising device of  claim 14  wherein each said resistive member is connected to said fixed structure at a respective connection location.  
     
     
         16 . The exercising device of  claim 14  wherein at least two said resistive members share a common connection location.  
     
     
         17 . The exercising device of  claim 14  wherein at least one said resistive member is connected to said fixed structure at a location which is elevationally lower than a second resistive member connected to said fixed structure.  
     
     
         19 . The exercising device of  claim 14  wherein at least two said resistive members are connected to said fixed structure at substantially the same elevation.