Exercise apparatus

Abstract

A base is configured to stabilize rolling movement of the exercise ball under the influence of a user seated on the ball. The base defines a range in which rolling movement of the ball is unimpeded by the base, and has an obstacle portion configured to impede rolling movement of the ball beyond that range. This enables the base to stabilize the ball and the seated user upon rolling movement of the ball into contact with the obstacle portion of the base.

1 . An exercise apparatus adapted to be used in conjunction with an exercise ball, the exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a base configured to stabilize rolling movement of an exercise ball under an influence of a user seated on the exercise ball;    said base defining a range in which said rolling movement is unimpeded by said base, and wherein said base includes an obstacle portion configured to impede said rolling movement beyond said range;    whereby said base can stabilize the exercise ball and the seated user upon rolling movement of the exercise ball into contact with said obstacle portion of said base.    
     
     
         2 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said obstacle portion of said base extends about the periphery of said range of rolling movement.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base has a ball support surface configured to support the exercise ball for said rolling movement in said range.  
     
     
         4 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein said ball support surface is non-spherical.  
     
     
         5 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein said ball support surface is planar.  
     
     
         6 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein said ball support surface has a smooth texture.  
     
     
         7 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein said ball support surface is configured to support the exercise ball for rolling movement in all directions across said ball support surface.  
     
     
         8 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein said ball support surface has a noncircular peripheral shape.  
     
     
         9 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base is configured to lay flat on a floor surface without rocking.  
     
     
         10 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base has anchor structures configured for attachment of exercise bands to said base.  
     
     
         11 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base has foot placement surfaces, each of which is configured to support both feet of a user standing on said base.  
     
     
         12 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 11  wherein said foot placement surfaces include a pair of foot placement surfaces that are spaced apart from each other across said range of rolling movement.  
     
     
         13 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base comprises a platform.  
     
     
         14 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 13  wherein said platform has a rectangular peripheral shape.  
     
     
         15 . An exercise apparatus adapted to be used in conjunction for use with an exercise ball, the exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a platform having a ball support surface configured to support an exercise ball for rolling movement under an influence of a user seated on the exercise ball;    said platform further having an obstacle portion configured to impede rolling movement of the exercise ball beyond the periphery of said ball support surface;    whereby said platform can stabilize the exercise ball and the seated user upon rolling movement of the exercise ball into contact with said obstacle portion of said platform.    
     
     
         16 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said obstacle portion of said platform projects upward above said ball support surface.  
     
     
         17 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said obstacle portion of said platform extends about the periphery of said ball support surface.  
     
     
         18 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said ball support surface is non-spherical.  
     
     
         19 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said ball support surface is planar.  
     
     
         20 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said ball support surface is configured to support the exercise ball for rolling movement in all directions across said ball support surface.  
     
     
         21 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said ball support surface has a noncircular peripheral shape.  
     
     
         22 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said platform is configured to lay flat on a floor surface without rocking.  
     
     
         23 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said platform has a rectangular peripheral shape.  
     
     
         24 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said platform has anchor structures configured for attachment of exercise bands to said platform.  
     
     
         25 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 15  wherein said platform has foot placement surfaces, each of which is configured to support both feet of a user standing on said platform.  
     
     
         26 . An exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 24  wherein said foot placement surfaces include a pair of foot placement surfaces that are spaced apart from each other across said ball support surface.