Biodynamic apparatus for performing correct SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises and methods

Abstract

A biodynamic apparatus to perform correct, safe and effective SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises and simultaneously perform spinal arching, spinal decompression, and flexibility exercises, comprising of two part frame hinged at one end and a set of parallel bars that elevate and anchor the legs of the user concentrating the exercise in the abdominal area of the body. The main feature of the apparatus is provided by a device the inventor calls “flexor”. The flexor is not an ordinary lumbar support. Its function is to meet the natural fulcrum of the human torso, which is below the sacrum, to safely and efficiently articulate. Most exerciser bend the spine during the exercise, rather than the pelvis putting a tremendous negative stress on the vertebra and on the intervertebral discs. With the help of the “Flexor” the torso can move from horizontal to at least 90 degrees angle as one straight piece, free from the gravitational stress produced on the spine, especially on the cervical vertebra, by the weight of the head during the initiation of the exercises. It is a fact that ordinary SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises the work is performed for the most part by the neck, back and lumbar muscles during the first part of the movement placing a dangerous negative stress on the spine, and especially on the spinal cord. With the use of this apparatus, the reverse can be observed. The user by lying on the “flexor” places in traction the entire set of abdominal, pectoral and neck muscles creating a direct line of force between the abdomen and the head. The spine is arched and decompressed, the abdominal muscles are in traction and the lumbar muscles are neutralized since there are bent beyond their working point. This position of the body allows to safely concentrate 100% the force on the abdominal muscles to initiate the primary work constituted by the lifting of head of the user, instead of the neck, and on the lumbar muscles of the user, as well as to protect the spine and the weak abdominal muscles from negative stress and subsequent short and long term injuries. Decompression, arching, and flexibility of the spine, being achieved during this new method of performing SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises, simultaneously, make this apparatus bio-dynamically correct, as far as distribution, compensation and equalization of stresses; meet the scientific principles of muscle dynamics of traction and contraction; protect the spine from negative stress, especially the weak cervical and lumbar areas; maintain and enhance the spine's integrity and flexibility; and obtain maximum abdominal muscle developments, which are the major benefits of this invention. The flexor is mounted on two external parallel railing as to adjust to the length of all users. It also has an internal adjustable mechanism that allows its two padded flanges to adjust in width to accommodate all waist sizes of users for additional support and prevention of lateral stress to the lower spine.

1 . A biodynamic apparatus comprising essentially three major embodiments designed for the employment of two scientific methods for performing correct SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises: a upper and a lower metal frame fastened by the employment of at least one bearing, and an assembly the inventor calls “flexor” whereby contextually “biodynamic”, “correct” and “flexor” alternatively mean: 
 a) that the term” biodynamic” describes an apparatus that meets physically and synchronically the articulations, joints and movements of the human body.    b) that the term “correct” applies to the apparatus insofar as it meets the scientific actual standards of knowledge available about the human body;    c) that by the term “flexor” this device takes on the application of specific principles of muscular and spinal dynamics such as traction and contraction, resiliency and elasticity of fiber muscles, thus forcing the strict application of these biological principles of movements and health to actualizes the proposed corrective methods and benefits of the invention.    
   
   
       2 . A biodynamic apparatus for performing correct SIT-UP and LEGS UP exercises comprising: 
 a) two part frame embodiments attached one onto the other, on one side by a set of ball bearings, and on the other, by two telescopic convex members, male and female, also being part of the supporting structure, sliding one inside the other, the same two parts hinging on one side as to open to a desirable angle and capable of being fixed at the desired position with respect to each other by means of a spring pin or other means,    b) a padded flat bed fastened on the upper frame embodiment to accommodate the human body in a prone or supine position and to adjust to various angles with respect to the horizontal plane, in order to perform said exercises with various gravity resistance;    c) a set of multiple horizontal cylindrical padded members, spaced at reasonable distance from each other in order to accommodate and anchor firmly the feet of the user during the performance of the exercises, yet providing practical and easy way for the user's feet to gain access and exit from same.    d) an anatomical semi rigid embodiment mechanism of arcuate shape, the inventor calls “flexor” used to provide physical resistance and flex the spine of the user that lies on it, in order to discharge negative stress and prompt the torso for SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises as well as performing other exercises toward achieving spinal flexibility, arching and decompressing under certain methods dictated by this invention for maximum muscle development, strong and healthy spine—said anatomical embodiment comprising two lateral padded flanges and an internal mechanism for adjusting and securing the distance between same by means of a turning screw knob located on one side of the “flexor”.    c) two parallel railing members, which can be made out of chromed steel, aluminum or stainless steel tubing, set on either side of the padded flat bed, bearing the “flexor” and allowing same to move lengthwise in order to adjust to various body length.    
   
   
       2 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  further characterized by two hinging frame embodiments designed to open and adjust to a desired angle with respect to each other in order to meet the desired gravity resistance of the user.  
   
   
       3 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  further characterized by two convex members as part of the frame, sliding telescopically one inside the other and providing an adjusting guide and spring pin locking device to set the two parts in the desired angle as to achieve variable gravity resistance for the exercise.  
   
   
       4 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  further comprising two parallel railing members set along either side of horizontal padded flat bed (or along other vertical devices that accommodates the body for same ends), to accommodate an embodiment the inventor calls “flexor” used to provide variable, lengthwise means for spinal exercises, such as spinal decompression, spinal arching and spinal flexibility.  
   
   
       5 . A self-contained device assembly of semiround form and semi rigid material the inventor calls “flexor” comprising two expandable lateral padded flange supports and an internal mechanism with an external knob to control simultaneous movements of said flanges in order to perform biodynamically correct SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises as well as spinal arching, flexibility and decompressing exercises of the spine.  
   
   
       6 . A self-contained adjustable device assembly called “flexor”, according to  claim 5 , comprising two lateral padded flanges for spinal protection against negative stress that adjust by increasing and decreasing their distance from each other gradually and simultaneously.  
   
   
       7 . A steel frame which is a part the “flexor”'s internal mechanism, according to  claim 5  comprising a central drive shaft that activates two spiral screws with opposite threads, each attached to one of the padded flange comprising the “flexor”'s main body, allowing said flanges to move outwards and inwards simultaneously at will simply by turning the knob attached to the central drive shaft.  
   
   
       8 . A self contained device assembly of the so-called “flexor”, according to  claim 5 , complete with parallel railing adjustments, according to  claim 4 , to be mounted on horizontal flat beds, for ordinary multiple use exercise benches or on backs of ordinary fitness equipment seat for spinal support and lumbar muscles neutralization, and for conducting the same spinal exercises.  
   
   
       9 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  and  claim 5  that by the use of a “flexor” for accommodating the body of the user, can be used as a means to provide a fulcrum for the spine below the sacrum and a proper hinging point for the femour-pelvis, which along with the simultaneous contraction of the entire frontal muscle structure of the torso allows proper articulation of the spine free of negative stress.  
   
   
       10 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  and  claim 5  that by the use of a “flexor” as means for accommodating the body in a supine manner that allows the neutralization of the lumbar muscles and thus the transfer of the entire burden of the exercise action onto the abdominal muscles toward their strength and development.  
   
   
       11 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  and  claim 5  as a means to perform exercises of progressive arching of the spine, that progressively opens the interspace between vertebra and allows the spinal disks to decompress for fast energy recovery and better spinal health.  
   
   
       12 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2  and  claim 5  as a means for stretching the spine thus maintaining and enhancing elasticity of cartilage and ligaments for increased flexibility and for good postural condition of the spine.  
   
   
       13 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 1 ,  claim 2  and  claim 5  which by the use of a “flexor” for accommodating the body of the user, allows a biodynamically correct and effective performance of LEGS-UP exercises, and can be used as a means to neutralize the lumbar muscles and concentrate the work on the abdominal muscles.  
   
   
       14 . A biodynamic apparatus according to  claim 2 ,  claim 5 ,  claim 9 ,  claim 10 ,  claim 11 , and  claim 12 , that by the use of a “flexor” for accommodating the body of the user, can be used as a means for performing multiple spinal exercises and provide protective functions during LEGS-UP exercises, such as the stabilization of the spine against side solicitations and abnormal vertebral compression.  
   
   
       15 . A self contained adjustable “flexor” complete with adjustable railing, according to  claim 4  and  claim 5 , to be mounted on ordinary benches and backs of ordinary fitness equipment in order to perform spinal exercises during a multiplicity of other physical exercises according to  claim 9 ,  claim 10 ,  claim 11 , and  claim 12.