Device and method for muscle training

Abstract

The device for muscle training is a collar or neck and head support worn by a user during athletic training. The neck and head support includes a front portion for receiving and stabilizing the neck of the user, and a rear portion having a head support portion for stabilizing the base of the user's head, along with a shoulder support portion, for engaging the user's shoulders. In use, the neck and head support maintains the user's neck and head in a stable position during athletic training in order to train the user to keep his or her head straight and stable during the athletic activity to be performed. This stable position promotes anatomical symmetry in athletic movement and is further useful in posture development. This device is further useful in training the user's muscles to operate symmetrically about the central axis of the user's body.

1 . A device for muscle training, comprising: 
 an annular body having a front and a rear and defining a central neck opening dimensioned and configured for placing around a neck of a user, the front of the body being split to define left and right lateral neck portions, the rear of the body having a head support portion projecting upwardly therefrom adapted for supporting the base of the user's head, the rear of the body further having a shoulder support portion projecting downwardly therefrom adapted for engaging the shoulders of the user;    an adjustment strap extending across the split between the left and right neck portions, the strap having first and second strips attached to the left and right neck portions; and    means for fastening the first and second strips together in order to adjust the diameter of the neck opening.    
   
   
       2 . The device for muscle training as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said fastening means comprises mating hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       3 . The device for muscle training as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the front of said body and said head support portion define an upper surface of said body, the upper surface having a substantially arcuate contour.  
   
   
       4 . The device for muscle training as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said head support portion and said shoulder support portion define a rear surface of said neck and head support, the rear surface having a substantially arcuate contour.  
   
   
       5 . The device for muscle training as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the front of said body and said shoulder support portion define a lower surface of said body, the lower surface having a substantially arcuate contour.  
   
   
       6 . The device for muscle training according to  claim 1 , wherein the left and right neck portions of said unitary body have a height and rigidity adapted for preventing the user's head from bobbing up and down.  
   
   
       7 . The device for muscle training according to  claim 1 , wherein the left and right neck portions of said unitary body are dimensioned and configured for preventing the user's head from jerking laterally when the user is engaged in repetitive exercise activity.  
   
   
       8 . The device for muscle training according to  claim 1 , wherein said unitary body is made from neoprene.  
   
   
       9 . The device for muscle training according to  claim 1 , wherein said unitary body is made from foam rubber.  
   
   
       10 . A method for muscle training, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a neck and head support for maintaining the head and neck of a user in a stable position with respect to the body of the user, said neck and head support including a head support portion for supporting the base of the head of the user and a shoulder support portion for engaging the shoulders of the user;    stabilizing the head and neck of the user with said neck and head support;    performing athletic training exercises while the user wears said neck and head support; and,    removing said neck and head support when said step of performing athletic training exercises is completed.    
   
   
       11 . The method for muscle training as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of aligning said head support portion with the base of the head of the user following said step of providing said neck and head support.  
   
   
       12 . The method for muscle training as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising the step of aligning said shoulder support portion with the shoulders of the user following said step of providing said neck and head support.  
   
   
       13 . The method for muscle training as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of adjusting said neck and head support to conform to the dimensions of the user's neck following said step of providing said neck and head support.  
   
   
       14 . The method for muscle training according to  claim 10 , wherein said performing step further comprises repetitively the athletic training exercises in order to develop muscle memory for maintaining the user's head at a level attitude and squared with the shoulders without a neck support when engaging in athletic activities.