Ball exerciser and method of using the same

Abstract

The exercise apparatus of the invention is comprised essentially of a substantially spherically shaped ball having a diameter of at approximately eighteen to twenty four inches. A support structure supports the ball so that it is rotatable in substantially any direction. The ball is preferably positioned at least waist high to a person wishing to exercise using said ball. To exercise, the person places his or her hands on opposite sides of the ball and moves them back and forth as the ball rotates about a vertical axis. Alternatively, the person can move his or her hands up and down or in substantially any direction while rotating the ball. Using a variable resistance means, the amount of force needed to rotate the ball can be adjusted so as to increase or decrease the workout. The ball can be used alone or can be positioned in front of a stationary workout apparatus such as a treadmill to be used simultaneously therewith.

1 . An exercise method comprising: 
 providing a substantially spherically shaped ball;    mounting said ball for rotation about at least one axis;    positioning said ball at a position which is at least about knee high to a person wishing to exercise using said ball;    placing the palm and fingers of a least one hand on the surface of said ball and,    manually rotating said ball about said at least one axis.    
   
   
       2 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said ball is mounted for rotation about two orthogonal axes.  
   
   
       3 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 1  further including the step of placing the palm and fingers of both hands on the surface of said ball and manually rotating said ball.  
   
   
       4 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the step of manually rotating said ball includes repeatedly rotating said ball in alternating directions.  
   
   
       5 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said ball is at least approximately eighteen inches in diameter.  
   
   
       6 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said ball is located adjacent a stationary leg exercising apparatus and wherein said ball is manually rotated while exercising ones legs.  
   
   
       7 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said mounting means includes for resisting the free rotation of said ball.  
   
   
       8 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said ball is in the form of a spherical shell at least partially filled with a granular material.  
   
   
       9 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said granular material is a magnetically susceptible material.  
   
   
       10 . The exercise method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said mounting means includes means for resisting the free rotation of said ball, said means for resisting including magnet means carried by said mounting means.  
   
   
       11 . An exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a substantially spherically shaped ball having a diameter of at least twelve inches;    means for mounting said ball so that it is rotatable about at least one axis;    means for positioning said ball at a position which is at least about knee high to a person wishing to exercise using said ball.    
   
   
       12 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said means for mounting mounts said ball for rotation about two orthogonal axes.  
   
   
       13 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  further including means for preventing the free rotation of said ball.  
   
   
       14 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said preventing means is adjustable so that the amount of resistance against rotation of said ball can be adjusted.  
   
   
       15 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said ball is in the form of a spherical shell at least partially filled with a granular material.  
   
   
       16 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said granular material is a magnetically susceptible material.  
   
   
       17 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 16  wherein said mounting means includes means for resisting the free rotation of said ball, said means for resisting including magnet means carried by said mounting means.