Stable Exercise Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and methods of use thereof. The invention includes an exercise apparatus having an exercise platform for receiving a user and at least one resistive element receiving system. The exercise apparatus is useful for aiding a user to perform exercises with proper form and added resistance while minimizing the load bearing on the user's back and joints. Also, the exercise apparatus is also useful for aiding a user to perform raised heal squat exercises with proper form and added resistance while minimizing any load bearing.

1 . An exercise apparatus for aiding a user in proper squat exercise form comprising:
 a. a platform for receiving a user having a platform surface, a ground surface, a platform height, a platform width, a first positioning length, a second positioning length, and a stabilizing length, wherein the stabilizing length is shorter than the first positioning length;   b. a beveled edge, wherein the beveled edge is on the stabilizing length and the second positioning length; and,   c. a resistive element receiving system, wherein the resistive element receiving system comprises at least one receiving notch.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platform height is selected from the range consisting essentially of about 0.5 to about 2.0 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platform width is selected from the range consisting essentially of about 3 to about 12 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platform includes indicia indicating foot placement. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the platform is enclosed in a non-slip covering for gripping contact. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a resistive element. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the resistive element receiving system further comprises at least one receiving groove. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise apparatus for aiding a user in proper squat exercise form comprising:
 a. a platform for receiving a user having a platform surface, a ground surface, a platform height, a platform width, a first positioning length, a second positioning length, a stabilizing length and a third positioning length, wherein the third positioning length is shorter than the first positioning length, wherein the stabilizing length is shorter than the first positioning length, wherein the stabilizing length is perpendicular to the first positioning length, and wherein the second positioning length is shorter than the first positioning length;   b. a beveled edge, wherein the beveled edge is on the stabilizing length, the second positioning length, and the third positioning length; and,   c. a resistive element receiving system, wherein the resistive element receiving system comprises at least one receiving notch.   
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the platform height is selected from the range consisting essentially of about 0.5 to about 2.0 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the platform width is selected from the range consisting essentially of about 3 to about 12 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the platform includes indicia indicating foot placement. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the platform is enclosed in a non-slip covering for gripping contact. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a resistive element. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the resistive element receiving system further comprises at least one receiving groove. 
     
     
         15 . An exercise apparatus for aiding a user in proper squat exercise form comprising:
 a. a platform for receiving a user having a platform surface, a ground surface, a platform height, a platform width, a first positioning length, and a positioning arc, wherein the positioning arc initiates at a first end of the first positioning length and extends as an arc to a second end of the first positioning length opposing the first end;   b. a beveled edge, wherein the beveled edge is on the positioning arc; and,   c. a resistive element receiving system, wherein the resistive element receiving system comprises at least one receiving notch.   
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the platform height is selected from the range consisting essentially of about 0.5 to about 2.0 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the platform width is selected from the range consisting essentially of about 3 to about 12 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the platform includes indicia indicating foot placement. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the platform is enclosed in a non-slip covering for gripping contact. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a resistive element. 
     
     
         21 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the resistive element receiving system further comprises at least one receiving groove. 
     
     
         22 . A method of using an exercise apparatus for aiding a user in executing an exercise with proper form, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises:
 a. a platform for receiving a user having a platform surface, a ground surface, a platform height, a platform width, a first positioning length, a second positioning length, and a stabilizing length, wherein the stabilizing length is shorter than the first positioning length;   b. a beveled edge, wherein the beveled edge is on the stabilizing length and the second positioning length; and,   c. a resistive element receiving system, wherein the resistive element receiving system comprises at least one receiving notch.   
     
     
         23 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the resistive element receiving system further comprises at least one receiving groove.