Pendulum rhythm gym

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is provided having a torso support suspended at either end by a frame, which allows the torso support to swing from side-to-side in a pendular motion. Arms extend from each end of the torso support and connect to swivels positioned on the frame, whereby the rotational movement of the torso support relative to at least one of the arms is restrained, so that the torso support will not flip over. The torso support swings relative to an axis created by the swivels, and the distance from the low point of the torso support to the axis may be selected to create a swing period of from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds.

What I claim is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus, comprising:
 (a) a longitudinally extending torso support having a first end and a second end;   (b) a first arm having a proximal end connected to the first end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, and a second arm having a proximal end connected to the second end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, wherein the torso support is not rotatable relative to an axis defined by at least one of the first arm and second arm;   (c) a frame having a first end connected to the distal end of the first arm by a first swivel and a second end connected to the distal end of the second arm by a second swivel, whereby the torso support is suspended above the ground and is free to swing from side-to-side, and a low point of the torso support is at a distance of 12 inches or greater below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the torso support is a flexible sheet. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the torso support further comprises a first bar extending along the first end of the torso support and connected thereto, wherein the first bar is connected to the proximal end of the first arm. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first bar is not rotatable relative to the axis defined by the first arm. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a second bar extending along the second end of the torso support and connected thereto, wherein the second bar is connected to the proximal end of the second arm. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the second bar is not rotatable relative to the axis defined by the second arm. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the torso support is a textile fabric. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the low point of the torso support is a distance of from 30 to 50 inches below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second swivels rotate in parallel, horizontal planes. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a first strut connected to the first swivel and a second strut connected to the second swivel and the first and second strut are connected by a beam extended above the torso support. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise method for a person, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an exercise apparatus having (i) a longitudinally extending torso support having a first end and a second end; (ii) a first arm having a proximal end connected to the first end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, and a second arm having a proximal end connected to the second end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, wherein the torso support is not rotatable relative to an axis defined by at least one of the first arm and second arm; (iii) a frame having a first end connected to the distal end of the first arm by a first swivel and a second end connected to the distal end of the second arm by a second swivel, whereby the torso support is suspended above the ground and is free to swing from side-to-side;   (b) the person positioning themselves on the torso support, whereby the person is supported above the ground, with a low point of the torso support at a distance of from 20 to 60 inches below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position; and   (c) the person rhythmically contracting and releasing their muscles to swing the torso support from side to side.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the torso support is a flexible sheet. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the torso support further comprises a first bar extending along the first end of the torso support and connected thereto, wherein the first bar is connected to the proximal end of the first arm, and wherein the first bar is not rotatable relative to the axis defined by the first arm. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the exercise apparatus has a period of from 1 to 3 seconds, when the person swings the torso support back and forth with an amplitude ranging from 30° to 75° relative to horizontal. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the low point of the torso support is a distance of from 30 to 50 inches below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the exercise apparatus has a period of from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds, when the person swings the torso support back and forth with an amplitude ranging from 30° to 75° relative to horizontal. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the torso support is a textile fabric. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the frame comprises a first strut connected to the first swivel and a second strut connected to the second swivel and the first and second strut are connected by a beam extended above the torso support. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the person holds a weighted object of 5 lbs. or more, and the weight is shifted from side-to-side while the torso support is swinging. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the person holds the weighted object with both hands, while the torso support is swinging.