Exercise device

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method of exercise utilizing fluid containing bladders. The bladders may be in communication with each other so that compression of one bladder causes the fluid to be transferred to a neighboring bladder. The system may be used to exercise complementary muscle groups. Additionally, the system may be adjustable to provide different workout levels or so that the device can be used to exercise a variety of muscle groups.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise device comprising:
 a first member configured to apply a first resistance force to a first tissue during flexion of the first tissue to enhance a flexion force applied by the first tissue; and   a second member configured to apply a second resistance force to a second tissue during flexion of the first tissue,   wherein the first and second resistance forces are configured to systematically exercise the first and second tissues.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second tissues include agonist muscles. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the muscles include a chest and an upper back 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the muscles include an abdominal and a lower back. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the muscles include a quadricep and a hamstring. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the muscles include a bicep and a tricep. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first or second member is responsive to an electric field. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the first or second resistance force increases with an increase in the intensity of the electric field. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a transducer to measure the first or second resistance force. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first or second member includes a gel. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise device comprising:
 a first member configured to apply a first resistance force at or over a first tissue during flexion of the first tissue to enhance a flexion force applied by the first tissue; and   a second member configured to apply a second resistance force at or over a second tissue during flexion of the first tissue,   wherein the first and second resistance forces are configured to systematically exercise the first and second tissues.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second tissues include agonist muscles. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first or second tissue includes a muscle of a chest, upper back, abdominal, lower back, quadricep, hamstring, bicep, or tricep. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first or second member is configured to respond to an electric field. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the first or second resistance force increases with an increase in the intensity of the electric field. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a transducer to measure the first or second resistance force. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first or second member includes a gel. 
     
     
         18 . An exercise device comprising:
 a first member configured to apply a resistance force to a tissue during flexion of the tissue to enhance a flexion force by the tissue; and   a second member configured to respond to an electrical field to increase the resistance force applied to the tissue,   wherein the first and second members are configured to enhance exercise of the tissue.   
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the tissue includes a muscle of a chest, upper back, abdominal, lower back, quadricep, hamstring, bicep, or tricep. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18 , further comprising a transducer to measure the resistance force. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the first or second member includes a gel.