Method and device to enable and assist the elderly and females to exercise their back muscles and biceps

Abstract

This rowing exercise machine is comprised of an inclined seat with a weight resistance mechanism attached to handles for providing adjustable resistance to hand and arm movement. At least one hand rail is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising. A method for using the rowing exercise machine is to lie on the inclined seat, hold onto the weight resistance handles and pull down the said handles towards the direction of the user's body. The handles are then controllably returned to their starting position and the exercise is repeated as desired.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a seat at an incline,   a back-rest at an incline,   at least one handle to hold and pull towards the exerciser,   a means to apply resistance to the said handles, at least one handle for the user to hold for the purpose of stabilization,   whereby people generally and especially the elderly, infirm and females can exercise their back muscles and biceps in a rowing movement and with a chosen degree of resistance.   
     
     
         2 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said seat is placed at an angle of 130° from the said backrest. 
     
     
         3 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said seat is placed at an angle of 130°±3° from the said backrest 
     
     
         4 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said backrest is placed at an angle of 35° from the base of the said frame. 
     
     
         5 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said backrest is placed at an angle of 35°±3° from the base of the said frame 
     
     
         6 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said resistance is created by using a stack of weights attached by means of a cable and pulleys to the weight bearing arm and the said handles. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 6  where the extent of the resistance is chosen by means of inserting a pin in a horizontal hole passing through the width of a chosen weight and into a bored pin-rod that is attached to the said cable whereby that weight and all the weights above it are lifted by the said cable when the said handles are pulled. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising an adjustable neck-rest on the said back-rest. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a counter-weight to neutralize the weight of the weight bearing arms. 
     
     
         10 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein there is a choice of at least two levels of grip to hold the weight resistance handles. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising at least three wheels for transporting the machine where at least one wheel mechanism lifts the said exercise machine off the ground causing the weight of the said exercising machine to rest on the said wheel and of which at least one wheel is lockable thereby enabling the said exercise machine to rest firmly on the ground or optionally, be moved on the said wheels. 
     
     
         12 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the access to the said exercise machine is open and uncluttered thereby easing the entry to and exit from the said exercising machine by the elderly or infirm and easing the work of a helper of the said elderly or infirm user. 
     
     
         13 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said stabilization is during entry to and exit from the said exercising machine as well as during the action of exercising. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise machine comprising
 a seat at an incline,   a back-rest at an incline,   at least one handle to hold and pull towards the exerciser,   a means to apply resistance to the said handles, at least one handle for the user to hold for the purpose of stabilization,   instructions for use of the said exercising machine, at least one picture of an everyday task that is enhanced by the use of the said exercising machine, whereby people generally and especially the elderly, infirm and females can exercise their back muscles and biceps in a rowing movement and with a chosen degree of resistance.   
     
     
         15 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said seat is placed at an angle of 130° from the said backrest. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said backrest is placed at an angle of 35° from the base of the said frame. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said resistance is created by using a stack of weights attached by means of a cable and pulleys to the said pulling handles. 
     
     
         18 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the access to the said exercise machine is open and uncluttered thereby easing the entry to and exit from the said exercising machine by the elderly or infirm and easing the work of a helper of the said elderly or infirm user. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said stabilization is during entry to and exit from the said exercising machine as well as during the action of exercising. 
     
     
         20 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said instructions are in large clear print well contrasted with the background of the said print being visible and readable by the user of the said exercise machine from the position of the user when ready to exercise. 
     
     
         21 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the said picture of an everyday task is on the body of the said exercise machine in a position easily visible and designed to be easily understandable which task is being represented. 
     
     
         22 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the said everyday task is entering and leaving a car. 
     
     
         23 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said cable is substituted by a belt or chain.