Exercise assist device

Abstract

An exercise assist device includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface, and a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface. The base acts as a fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base. A method of using the exercise assist device includes standing on the upper surface of the platform, bending and straightening the individual's knees while maintaining the platform in the first position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise assist device comprising:
 a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface; and   a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface,   wherein the platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface; and   wherein the base acts as a fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise assist device of  claim 1 , further comprising a center of gravity marking on the upper surface of the platform for indicating a location for proper positioning of the individual's ankle bones. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise assist device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pad disposed on a bottom of the base. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise assist device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more pads on the lower surface of the platform adjacent to a front edge of the platform. 
     
     
         5 . A method of using an exercise assist device, the exercise assist device comprising a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface and a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface, wherein the platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface, the method comprising:
 standing on the upper surface of the platform with the individual's ankle bones at a predetermined proper position relative to the base so that the platform is in the first position;   bending the individual's knees to a squatting position while maintaining the platform in the first position; and   straightening the individual's knees to return to a standing position while maintaining the platform in the first position.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising bending the individual's knees to move the knees forward to an extent which causes the base to roll and the platform to move from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise assist device comprising:
 a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface, the upper surface including a positioning area configured for positioning of the individual thereon, the positioning area including one or more markings indicating a proper position of the individual on the platform; and   a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface, wherein the one or more markings are disposed on the platform above the base,   wherein the platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the base and platform are rotated together such that the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface; and   wherein the base acts as fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base.   
     
     
         8 . The exercise assist device of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more marking is a center of gravity marking for indicating a location above which the individual's ankle bones are properly positioned. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise assist device of  claim 7 , wherein the one or marking include two outlines of a foot.