Bench press exercise training apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus primarily used as a training device for bench press type exercises. The apparatus comprises a series of arm straps having an elastic component disposed therebetween. The arm straps include a pair of upper arm straps and a pair of forearm straps, which are attached together with an elastic material creating an assisting force between the 2 elbows and arms. The apparatus is designed to be used in front of the upper body chest area to provide stabilization of the arms, as well providing assistance in pulling the elbows together, straightening the arms, and lifting the weighted barbell away from the chest.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 an elastic component;   a pair of braces attached to each end of said elastic component;   each brace being connected to an upper arm strap and a forearm strap.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said upper arm straps include adjustable loops, so that said upper arm straps may be adjusted to snugly fit a weightlifter's upper arm. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said elastic component comprises a loop of elastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said forearm straps include adjustable loops, so that said forearm straps may be adjusted to snugly fit a weightlifter's forearm. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said elastic component comprises a series of elastic cords, each attached to said braces, but wherein said elastic cords are disconnected from one another. 
     
     
         6 . A method for exercising, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus comprising an elastic component having braces on each end thereof, wherein each said brace is connected to an upper arm strap and a forearm strap;   attaching said upper arm straps and forearm straps to a user's arms so that said elastic component is disposed across and adjacent a user's chest; and   said user performing chest exercises so that said elastic component contracts during said exercises and provides additional force and assistance in performing said exercises.   
     
     
         7 . The method for exercising set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said upper arm straps are adjustable, and further including the step of adjusting said upper arm straps so that said upper arm straps snugly fit said user's upper arms. 
     
     
         8 . The method for exercising set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said forearm straps are adjustable, and further including the step of adjusting said forearm straps so that said forearm straps snugly fit said user's forearms. 
     
     
         9 . The method for exercising set forth in  claim 6 , including the step of adjusting a position of said upper arm straps either higher or lower on a user's arm, in order to increase or decrease a level of force and assistance provided to said user by said elastic component during said exercises. 
     
     
         10 . The method for exercising set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said elastic component comprises an elastic loop. 
     
     
         11 . The method for exercising set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said exercises are selected from the group consisting of bench press exercises and push ups.