Exercise apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to exercise apparatus for exercising different parts of the body in such a way that a user does not exceed their physical capability. The apparatus, when assembled, allows a user to apply a force against a part of the apparatus that remains static in use, and comprises a series of elongate sections ( 102 ) which are releasably connected such that they can be positioned in various orientations relative to each other depending on the exercise the user wishes to perform.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising a series of elongate sections, said sections being releasably connectable to one another by way of connecting joints which allow for the sections to be connected to one another and to be positioned in various orientations relative to one another as required by an individual using the apparatus, so allowing said individual to perform exercises as required, the apparatus when assembled allows said individual to apply a force against a part of the apparatus that remains static during the application of the force.  
   
   
       2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising releasable means comprising screw mechanisms or quick release catches associated with said joints.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said elongate sections are joined end to end via a removable insert.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said elongate sections are releasably fastened to one another.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising an upright section, supported by a base section wherein the upright is releasably secured to at least one arm section extending substantially at right angles to the axis of the upright, said arm, when secured in position, providing a surface against which an individual using the apparatus can push.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said upright is supported by a joint, allowing for rotation of the upright about its vertical axis.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one section of the apparatus can be orientated relative to a first section such that a new exercise can be carried out as defined by new relative positioning of the elongate sections by a collar fastening means.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein said collar fastening means is arranged and configured to slide over an elongate section, said collar including locking means to removably retain the collar portion at a desired position on said elongate section.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein said locking means comprises at least one grub screw.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein said locking means comprises at least one connecting pin, said pin locatable within apertures on said elongate section.  
   
   
       11 . Apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said connecting pins are movable against a resilient biasing means.  
   
   
       12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein an elongate section of the apparatus comprises at least two telescoping parts.  
   
   
       13 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said connecting joints comprise at least one disc, arranged and configured to be removably attached adjacent the longitudinal length of the elongate section, said disc containing a plurality of apertures such that a second elongate section may be removably connected to the disc.  
   
   
       14 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  in which the apparatus is supported on a supporting stand.  
   
   
       15 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising means to secure said apparatus to a supporting structure.  
   
   
       16 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a disc rotationally mounted on said elongate section enabling a rotational exercise to be performed.  
   
   
       17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein electricity is passed through the disc, and opposing permanent magnets are mounted adjacent opposing faces of the disc causing resistance to rotation.  
   
   
       18 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a strain gauge incorporated within said apparatus to monitor the effort that a person is exerting against a proportion of the apparatus.  
   
   
       19 . (canceled)