Exercise device and methods

Abstract

A portable exercise device is disclosed for improving a user's posture. Even though the exercise device is portable, it provides an active workout of those muscles involved in maintaining correct posture. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the exercise device in accordance with the present invention includes a spacer. One end of the spacer is placed against the user's body and the other end forms a fixed pivot point for the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise device includes a pair of spaced apart handle bars coupled to a flexible member and a spacer for spacing the device away from the user's body. The spacer may either be a separate device or integrally formed with the other members. With the handle bars spaced away from the user's body, the spacer allows the user to repetitively bend and straighten the flexible member to strengthen those muscles associated with proper posture. Alternate embodiments of the exercise bar include an adjustable tension mechanism and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the handlebars. Also disclosed is various exercise methods for use with a flexible or deformable bar in which the user's body forms a fixed pivot point.

1 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a pair of spaced apart rigid members;    a flexible coupling member for coupling said rigid members together; and    a spacer for spacing said coupling member from a user's body to enable the user's body to form a pivot point for the device in operation.    
   
   
       2 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible coupling member and said spacer are integrally formed.  
   
   
       3 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spacer is formed as a separate components from said pair of spaced apart rigid members and said flexible coupling member.  
   
   
       4 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spacer is formed from a deformable material.  
   
   
       5 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spacer is formed from a non-deformable material.  
   
   
       6 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible coupling member is a spring.  
   
   
       7 . An exercise method for use with a flexible bar, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) placing the flexible bar against a user's body; and    b) securing the flexible bar by way of the user's hands;    c) flexing the flexible bar; and    d) releasing the flexible bar.    
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , further including the step of repeating steps a) through d).  
   
   
       9 . A method for teaching one or more third parties an exercise method with a flexible bar, the exercise method comprising the steps of: 
 a) demonstrating that the flexible bar is be placed against a user's body; and    b) demonstrating the exercise.    
   
   
       10 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a pair of spaced apart rigid members:    a flexible coupling member for coupling said rigid members together and providing tension; and    an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tension of said device.    
   
   
       11 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a pair of spaced apart rigid members:    a flexible coupling member for coupling said rigid members together; and    an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length between said spaced apart rigid members.