Low cost, multi-function exercise platform

Abstract

An exercise platform having a base member being a firm, resilient structure having in some aspects an edge member or a surrounding frame. The shape of the base member varies on design considerations, one shape being a generally planar, pear shape, another rectangular with side extensions. The base member is or has positioned thereon a cushioned top member, such as a foam or soft yoga mat type cushion. In an embodiment, the base member has around its periphery a pattern of anchor points or apertures to which resistance bands are attached, coupled or threaded. The use of resistance bands accessible around the periphery enable the user to utilize positions that enhance comfort, prevent injury, and maximize the benefit to each muscle group.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An exercise platform comprising
 a generally planar base frame having a perimeter in a generally inverted pear shape;   a cushioned member integrated with the base frame; and   at least one resistance band loosely coupled to the base frame.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise platform of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a sticky mat, foam mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion covered with vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl covered Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise platform of  claim 1 , wherein the base frame is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, metal, wood, synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS). 
     
     
         4 . The exercise platform of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance bands are elastic stretchable but resilient cords selected from the group consisting of bungee, latex and stretch tubing. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise platform of  claim 1  wherein the at least one resistance band is a plurality of resistance bands, each band having a proximate end and a distal end, a handle being coupled to the distal end of the resistance band. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise platform of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one anchor attached to the perimeter of the base frame, wherein the proximate end of the resistance band is adapted to couple to the anchor. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise platform of  claim 6 , wherein the anchor is a ball and socket anchor and the proximate end of the resistance band is dimensioned to receive an implanted ball. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise platform of  claim 7 , wherein the anchor is U shaped for being received along the side of the base frame, the anchor having a circular opening dimensioned to receive the resistance band and implanted ball, a narrow channel along which the resistance band with implanted ball can traverse and a smaller circular opening at the end of the channel in which the resistance band implanted ball is received and held in place. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise platform of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one looped resistance band threaded around an interior periphery of the base frame wherein portions of the looped resistance band are exposed via apertures around the periphery of the base frame; and   at least one handle secured to the exposed portion of the resistance band proximate a respective aperture.   
     
     
         10 . The exercise platform of  claim 9 , wherein the handle is of split construction design configured to open to receive the resistance band axially placed through the longitudinal center of the handle and then closed and secured. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise platform, comprising:
 a base member having a top surface and a bottom surface and a side wall, the perimeter of the base member having a generally inverted pear shape when viewed from above;   a cushioned top member positioned on and coupled to the top surface of the base member, the cushioned top member being generally planar and having an inverted pear shape when viewed from above, the cushioned top member integrated with the base member;   at least one aperture formed within the base member for receiving at least one resistance band; and   at least one resistance band having at least one handle coupled to a portion thereof distal from the at least one aperture formed for receiving the at least one resistance band.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise platform of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one resistance band is coupled to the base member using a coupler, each coupler is selected from the group consisting of a clip, carabiner, spring loaded hook, shackle, metal loop with a spring-loaded gate, bolt and knot. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise platform of  claim 11  wherein the base member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS). 
     
     
         14 . The exercise platform of  claim 11 , wherein the top member is comprised of one selected from the group consisting of a sticky mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion covered with vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl covered Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise platform of  claim 11  wherein the at least one aperture comprises a pair of opposed side apertures configured to receive a cylindrical metal bar axially within each pair of such side apertures; each cylindrical metal bar positioned longitudinally within its respective base member aperture wherein each aperture and cylindrical metal bar are operable to serve as an anchor point for a coupler coupled to the at least one resistance band. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise platform of  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of base member apertures proximate the left side of the base member and an equal number of base member apertures proximate the right side of the base member. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise platform of  claim 11 , wherein the resistance bands are elastic stretchable but resilient cords made of a material selected from the group consisting of bungee, latex and stretch tubing. 
     
     
         18 . An exercise platform, comprising:
 a base member having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of sides, the base member sides forming perimeter in a generally rectangular shape with side extensions, a cushioned top member in a generally rectangular shape positioned on and coupled to the top surface of the base member;   a plurality of base member apertures formed within the base member top surface proximate the perimeter thereof, the sidewalls of the base member apertures further having formed therein a pair of opposed side apertures; and   a plurality of resistance bands having a proximate end and a distal end, couplers coupled to a proximate end of each resistance band and a handle coupled to the distal end of each resistance band, wherein each coupler is coupled to one of the plurality of the apertures.   
     
     
         19 . The exercise platform of  claim 18 , wherein the base member is comprised of one selected from the group consisting of wood, synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS); the top member is comprised of one selected from the group consisting of a sticky mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion covered with vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl covered Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material and the resistance bands are elastic stretchable but resilient cords selected from the group consisting of bungee, latex and stretch tubing. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise platform of  claim 18 , wherein the resistance bands have couplers on a proximate end and hand or foot handles on a distal end.