Apparatus and Method for Physical Exercise

Abstract

A device and method for exercise are presented. The device includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member, each with adjustable lengths. A first horizontal member is disposed through a first hole in each of the first and second vertical members. The first horizontal member is adjustable in length. A second horizontal member may be disposed through a second hole in each of the first and second vertical members. The first and second vertical members and the first horizontal member may be adjusted to provide an interference fit in door frame. For example, the lengths of the first and second vertical members and the length of the first horizontal member may be adjusted until ends of each member are in contact with corresponding door jambs of a door frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hamstring exercise device for use by an individual, comprising:
 a first vertical member having an adjustable length and configured to be secured to a door frame by adjusting the length to provide an interference fit with the door frame;   a second vertical member having an adjustable length and configured to be secured to the door frame by adjusting the length to provide an interference fit with the door frame; and   a first horizontal member configured to be removably disposed through a first hole in each of the first and second vertical members, and wherein the first holes are at a height of the first and second vertical members whereby a posterior of the ankles of the individual may be held near a floor by the first horizontal member.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first horizontal member has an adjustable length and is configured to be secured to the door frame by adjusting the length to provide an interference fit with the door frame. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein one or more of the first vertical member, the second vertical member, and the first horizontal member are telescoping. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the telescoping member(s) are configured to be locked at respective adjusted lengths. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second horizontal member configured to be removably disposed through a second hole in each of the first and second vertical members, and   wherein the second holes are at a height of the first and second vertical members which is higher than the respective first holes.   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising one or more assistance members connected to the second horizontal member, the first vertical member, and/or the second vertical member. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more assistance members are elastic bands. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the first vertical member, the second vertical member, and the first horizontal member have a non-circular cross-section. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein one or more of the first vertical member, the second vertical member, and the first horizontal member have a cross-section shape that is elliptical or rectilinear. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first coupling sleeve slidingly disposed on the first vertical member;   a second coupling sleeve slidingly disposed on the second vertical member; and   a third horizontal member spanning from the first coupling sleeve to the second coupling sleeve.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein each of the first and second coupling sleeves includes a lock for securing each of the first and second coupling sleeve at a fixed vertical position on the first and second vertical members, respectively. 
     
     
         12 . A method, comprising:
 providing a first vertical member and a second vertical member, each having an adjustable length;   disposing a first horizontal member through a first hole in each of the first and second vertical members to form an assembly, wherein the first horizontal member has an adjustable length;   fitting the assembly into a door jamb such that an end portion of each of the first and second vertical members and ends of the first horizontal member are in contact with the door jamb and adjacent to door stops of the doorjamb; and   while a user is kneeling, placing the ankles of the user under the first horizontal member such that a posterior of the ankles contacts the first horizontal member and the first horizontal member limits vertical movement of the ankles.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein fitting the assembly into a door jamb may further comprise adjusting the lengths of each of the first and second vertical members and the first horizontal member to provide an interference fit with to the door frame. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising disposing a second horizontal member through a second hole in each of the first and second vertical members, wherein the second horizontal member has an adjustable length.