Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for exercising in a seated position may be sized to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may include tracks and pedals slidably coupled to the tracks to provide controlled movement. The tracks may be positioned and shaped so as to enable a user to comfortably move the pedals without straining or awkward movement. A degree of tension may also be imparted on the pedals as they move with respect to the track. This tension may be adjustable so that the user may increase or decrease an intensity of his workout. Resistance bands may also be attached to the pedals to allow the user to execute upper body exercises.

1 . An apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising:
 a base including a proximal portion and a distal portion;   at least one track positioned on and extending between the proximal and distal portions of the base, the track including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the track is elevated with respect to the proximal portion of the track; and   a pedal movably coupled to the track, the pedal being moveable along the track between the proximal and distal portions;   wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit under a workspace.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the track is curved. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the track further comprises a right track and a left track, and wherein a right pedal is movably coupled to the right track and a left pedal is movably coupled to the left track. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the right track and the left track diverge a predetermined distance at the distal end relative to the proximal end. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the track comprises a set of tubes. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the track further comprises a set of guide rails, such that each guide rail is positioned adjacent a corresponding tube. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a roller mechanism coupled to each tube, the roller mechanism comprising:
 a housing; 
 a plurality of inner wheels secured in the housing, a first inner wheel positioned on a first side of the tube and a second inner wheel positioned on a substantially opposing side of the tube; and 
 at least one outer wheel secured to an outside of the housing, the at least one outer wheel engaging the guide rail; 
   wherein the pedal is coupled to the roller mechanism.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising an extension, wherein the pedal is positioned a predetermined distance from the roller mechanism via the extension. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a loop secured to the pedal; and   an elongatable strap removably coupled to the loop.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the elongatable strap includes an interchangeable grip. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a resistance control for varying a degree of tension imparted on the pedal as it moves with respect to the track. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the resistance control comprises:
 a shaft;   a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft; and   a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the resistance may be adjusted using a remote control. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mat positioned under at least a portion of the track, the mat including a slip-resistant recess for engaging a lower portion of a chair. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes two pedals and two tracks. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the apparatus includes two pedals, two tracks, and two roller mechanisms. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise apparatus sized to fit underneath a workspace, comprising:
 pedal means for engaging a user's feet when the user is in a seated position;   means for guiding movement of the pedal means along a predetermined path;   first resistance means for providing resistance to the pedal means as they are moved along the predetermined path; and   attachment means for attaching additional exercise equipment.   
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the first resistance means are adjustable. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 second resistance means removably coupled to the attachment means and grippable by the user for exercising at least a portion of the user's upper body.   
     
     
         20 . An exercise apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising:
 a base having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least part of the base extends in a lateral direction;   a support rail having a first end connected to the distal portion of the base and a second end extending upward from the distal portion;   a track extending from the proximal portion of the base to the second end of the support rail, the track comprising a tube and an adjacent guide rail;   a roller mechanism movably coupled to the track, the roller mechanism comprising:
 a plurality of grooved-rim wheels within a housing, wherein at least two of the grooved-rim wheels are positioned on substantially opposing sides of the tube; and 
 one or more wheels attached to an outer portion of the housing and positioned in contact with the guide rail; 
   one or more pedals coupled to the roller mechanism; and   a resistance adjustment mechanism, comprising:
 a shaft; 
 a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft; and 
 a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end; 
   wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit underneath a workspace.