Muscle strengthening device

Abstract

The invention provides an exercise apparatus that is three-dimensionally adjustable to mimic sport-specific motions to enable a user to enhance neuromuscular coordination and develop sport-specific muscles. The apparatus provides unilateral or bilateral exercise. The apparatus has at least one cam assembly that rotates about the x-axis. Each cam assembly has a rotatable cam that rotates about the z-axis and is tensioned in one direction. A handle that rotates about the y-axis is mounted to the face of rotatable cam. Optionally, the apparatus has an adjustable height. The invention is also a method of using the apparatus to develop sport-specific muscles.

1 . An exercise apparatus that strengthens or rehabilitates a user's muscles, said apparatus comprising at least one cam assembly that rotates about an x-axis, said at least one cam assembly comprising: 
 a rotatable cam having a face and rotating about a z-axis in first and second directions; and    a handle that is mounted on a face of said rotatable cam, said handle rotating about a y-axis.    
   
   
       2 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1 , said exercise apparatus further comprising a support having first and second ends.  
   
   
       3 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said support is extensible.  
   
   
       4 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said at least one cam assembly is mounted on said first end of said extensible support.  
   
   
       5 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1 , said exercise apparatus further comprising a base.  
   
   
       6 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 5  wherein said base has a plurality of adjustable levelers on a bottom surface.  
   
   
       7 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 5  wherein a top surface of said base is a non-slip material.  
   
   
       8 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1 , said apparatus comprising two cam assemblies.  
   
   
       9 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 8  wherein said cam assemblies are adjustable about said x-axis as a single unit.  
   
   
       10 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1 , each said at least one cam assembly further comprising a cam support on which said rotatable cam is mounted.  
   
   
       11 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1 , each said at least one cam assembly further comprising at least one resistance means attached to said rotatable cam.  
   
   
       12 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein said at least one resistance means is tensioned in one of said directions.  
   
   
       13 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 11 , said at least one cam assembly further comprising a locking means that attaches said resistance means to said rotatable cam.  
   
   
       14 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 11  wherein said resistance means is one of the following: 
 a. a resistive band;    b. a spring;    c. a hydraulic mechanism;    d. an electromagnetic mechanism;    e. at least one weight; or    f. a combination thereof.    
   
   
       15 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein an angle of rotation of said rotatable cam about said z-axis is less than about 360°.  
   
   
       16 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1  further comprising a stop mechanism that limits said rotation of said rotatable cam about said z-axis.  
   
   
       17 . An exercise apparatus as in  claim 1 , each said at least one cam assembly further comprising a handle mount attached to a face of said rotatable cam.  
   
   
       18 . A method of using a three-dimensionally adjustable exercise apparatus to strengthen or rehabilitate a user's muscles, said exercise apparatus comprising at least one cam assembly, said at least one cam assembly comprising a rotatable cam and a handle mounted on a face of said rotatable cam, said method of use comprising the steps of: 
 a. facing said exercise apparatus and assuming a desired stance;    b. adjusting said at least one cam assembly by rotating said cam assembly about an x-axis;    c. adjusting said handle by rotating said handle about a y-axis;    d. gripping said handle; and    e. rotating said rotatable cam about a z-axis for a number of repetitions.    
   
   
       19 . A method of using said exercise apparatus as in  claim 18 , said method further comprising the step of adjusting a height of an extensible support on which said cam assembly is mounted.  
   
   
       20 . A method of using said exercise apparatus as in  claim 18 , said method further comprising the step of selecting and attaching a resistance means to said rotatable cam.