Lumbar wedge

Abstract

An exercise apparatus for use with a variety of individual exercises. The apparatus comprises a block member having a substantially wedge shape. The block member being constructed of a predetermined material. There is a substantially flat first surface disposed on one side of the block member for engagement with a supporting surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the block member from such first surface and engageable with such individual performing such exercises. The second surface is disposed at a substantially acute angle from such first surface.

1 . An exercise apparatus for use with a variety of individual exercises, said apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a block member having a substantially wedge shape, said block like member being constructed of a predetermined material;    (b) a substantially flat first surface disposed on one side of said block member for engagement with a supporting surface; and    (c) a second surface disposed on an opposite side of said block member from said first surface and engageable with such individual performing such exercises, said second surface disposed at a substantially acute angle from said first surface.    
   
   
       2 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said second surface of said apparatus further includes a depressed trough disposed substantially in a center portion of said second surface, said depressed trough for providing a space for a spinal chord portion of such individual performing such exercises.  
   
   
       3 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 2 , wherein said depressed trough has an arcuate shape.  
   
   
       4 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 2 , wherein said depressed trough further has a recessed portion on an upper end of said depressed trough.  
   
   
       5 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further includes a means disposed on said first surface for gripping a floor covering and preventing said block member from moving when used in an individual exercise.  
   
   
       6 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 5 , wherein said means includes at least one projection for gripping a floor covering and preventing said block member from moving when used in an individual exercise.  
   
   
       7 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 6 , wherein said means disposed on said first surface for gripping a floor covering includes a plurality of projections.  
   
   
       8 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said predetermined material is selected from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 8 , wherein said predetermined material is resilient.  
   
   
       10 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 8 , wherein said plastic is a foam.  
   
   
       11 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 10 , wherein said foam is firm.  
   
   
       12 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 8 , wherein said predetermined material is synthetic rubber.  
   
   
       13 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said second surface has a plurality of ridges formed thereon.  
   
   
       14 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 13 , wherein said plurality of ridges disposed on said second surface are engageable with such individual performing exercises.  
   
   
       15 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein an edge portion of said second surface has an arcuate shape, said edge portion being on a thickest portion of said block member.  
   
   
       16 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein an edge portion of said second surface has an arcuate shape, said edge portion being on a thinnest portion of said block member.  
   
   
       17 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said thinnest portion of said block member has a thickness of between about 0.85 and about 1.1 inches.  
   
   
       18 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 3 , wherein said arcuate shape of said depressed trough has a radius of between about 3.15 and about 3.75 inches.  
   
   
       19 . The exercise apparatus, according to  claim 18 , wherein said arcuate shape of said depressed trough has a radius of between about 3.30 and about 3.60 inches.