Exercise Apparatus and Method

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is designed specifically to provide a cross training apparatus for mixed martial arts training. The exercise apparatus combines separate training methodologies and apparatuses that are desirable for mixed martial arts training, then arranges each of those apparatuses into a desired spatial orientation at separate stations. Stations include a close combat station, two stations that are directed upper body strength training, and a core training station. Users of the apparatus go through an exercise routine at each station, then move immediately to the next station and go through a routine for that station. The exercise routines may be timed.

1 . Exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a frame structure for supporting and arranging plural exercise stations in proximity to one another so that a group of trainees may simultaneously perform exercise routines at said plural exercise stations;   wherein at least one of said plural exercise stations comprises a first exercise station in which a trainee performs a first exercise routine for exercising the trainee's arms, said first exercise station defined by first and second hand holds supported by said frame structure and movable from a first position in which the trainee's feet are always above the ground during the first exercise routine and a second position in which the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during at least a portion of the first exercise routine performed at said first exercise station.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said first and second hand holds are vertically adjustable relative to said frame structure. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said first and second hand holds are independently horizontally adjustable relative to one another. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the first exercise routine performed at said first exercise station is a dip. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the first exercise routine performed at said first exercise station is a pull up. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a second exercise station in which a trainee performs a second exercise routine for the exercising the trainee's arms, said second exercise station defined by first and second hand holds supported by said frame structure and movable from a first position in which the trainee's feet are always above the ground during said second exercise routine and a second position in which the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during at least a portion of the second exercise routine performed at said second exercise station. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the first exercise routine is a dip and the second exercise routine is a pull up. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second hand holds are movable to a second position in which the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during the entire first exercise routine performed at said first exercise station. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the first and second hand holds of the second exercise station are movable to a second position in which the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during the entire second exercise routine performed at said second exercise station. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  including a timer having a display visible to all trainees in the group for timing the duration of exercise routines. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  including a second exercise station in which a trainee performs a second exercise routine, said second exercise station defined by a heavy bag having an attachment member attached to an upper edge of said heavy bag, the attachment member defined by a circular base member and at least one arm attached to the circular member and extending away therefrom, said arm configured for removable attachment to an overhead attachment point on said frame member. 
     
     
         12 . Exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a frame for supporting plural exercise stations in proximity to one another so that plural trainees may simultaneously perform exercise routines at said plural exercise stations;   at least one of said plural exercise stations comprising a first exercise station in which a trainee performs a first exercise routine for exercising the trainee's arms, said first exercise station defined by first and second hand holds that are movable from a first position in which the trainee's feet are always above the ground during the first exercise routine and a second position in which the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during at least a portion of the first exercise routine, and   at least one of said plural exercise stations comprising a second exercise station in which a trainee performs a second exercise routine and wherein said second exercise station is defined by a heavy bag having an attachment member for removably attaching the heavy bag to the frame.   
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12  in which the attachment member is defined by a circular base member connected to the heavy bag and at least one rigid attachment arm attached to the circular member and extending away therefrom. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12  further including at least a third exercise station in which a trainee performs a third exercise routine for exercising the trainee's arms, said third exercise station defined by first and second hand holds that are movable from a first position in which the trainee's feet are always above the ground during the third exercise routine and a second position in which the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during at least a portion of the third exercise routine. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 14  in which the first and third exercise stations are defined by a dip station and a pull up station, respectively. 
     
     
         16 . A method of providing exercise, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing apparatus having plural exercise stations with at least one of said exercise stations comprising a first exercise station in which a trainee performs a first exercise for the exercising the trainee's arms, said first exercise station defined by first and second hand holds;   b) adjusting the vertical position of the first and second hand holds to a first position wherein the trainee's feet are suspended over the ground during the entire first exercise;   c) adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second hand holds relative to one another;   d) commencing the first exercise; and   e) adjusting the vertical position of the first and second hand holds to at least a second position wherein the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during at least a portion of said first exercise.   
     
     
         17 . The method of providing exercise according to  claim 16  including the step adjusting the vertical position of the first and second hand holds to at least a second position wherein the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during the entire first exercise. 
     
     
         18 . The method of providing exercise according to  claim 16  including
 a) providing a second exercise station in which a trainee performs a second exercise for the exercising the trainee's arms, said second exercise station defined by first and second hand holds;   b) adjusting the vertical position of the first and second hand holds of the second exercise station to a first position wherein the trainee's feet are suspended over the ground during the entire second exercise;   c) adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second hand holds of the second exercise station to a second position;   e) commencing the second exercise; and   e) adjusting the vertical position of the first and second hand holds of the second exercise station to at least a second position wherein the trainee's feet are in contact with the ground during at least a portion of said second exercise routine.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 16  including the steps of progressively lowering the vertical position of the first and second hand holds during the first exercise. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19  wherein the first exercise is defined by dips and wherein the step of progressively lowering the vertical position of the first and second hand holds during the first exercise includes lowering the first and second hand holds of the first exercise station to a position at which the trainee's feet are in continuous contact with the ground during at least a portion of the exercise.