Device for performing a standing plank exercise

Abstract

A device for performing a standing plank exercise includes an elongated main body having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. The main body has at least two telescoping members that may be adjusted to vary the length of the main body and the corresponding degree of stress provided by the exercise or to adjust for the user's height. The device includes a support pad positioned at a fulcrum or pivot point on the elongated main body between the first axial end and the second axial end. A handle portion is mounted to or extends from the main body and is graspable by a user. An ankle strap is coupled to the elongated main body in proximity to the second axial end thereof and may encircle the ankles of a user. The device is oriented substantially vertically during an exercise regimen.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise, which comprises:
 an elongated main body, the elongated main body having a first axial end and a second axial end situated opposite the first axial end;   a support pad, the support pad being situated on the elongated main body between the first axial end and second axial end thereof; and   an ankle strap, the ankle strap being operatively coupled to the elongated main body in proximity to the second axial end thereof, the ankle strap being selectively engageable with a portion of the body of a user;   wherein the support pad is placed against the body of a user and the ankle strap engages the user's leg when the device is being used by the user.   
     
     
         2 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 1 , which further comprises:
 a handle portion, the handle portion being affixed to the elongated main body in proximity to the first axial end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom, the handle portion being graspable by the hands of the user.   
     
     
         3 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 2 , wherein the handle portion is formed as a cross-member that is perpendicularly situated on the elongated main body. 
     
     
         4 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 2 , wherein the elongated main body includes opposite lateral side surfaces, and wherein the handle portion is formed as a pair of diametrically opposing posts that extend outwardly from the opposite lateral side surfaces of the elongated main body. 
     
     
         5 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 1 , wherein the elongated main body comprises at least a first telescoping member and a second telescoping member, the second telescoping member being at least partially receivable within the first telescoping member and being selectively extendable therefrom and retractable therein to adjust the overall length of the elongated main body. 
     
     
         6 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 5 , which further comprises:
 a reducer, the reducer being interconnected between the first telescoping member and the second telescoping member to center and align one of the first and the second telescoping members at least partially within the other of the first and second telescoping members.   
     
     
         7 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first telescoping member and the second telescoping member has at least one hole formed therein, and at least the other one of the first telescoping member and the second telescoping member has a plurality of spaced apart holes formed therein and at least partially along the axial length thereof, and wherein the overall length of the elongated main body may be fixed by aligning selected holes in the first telescoping member and the second telescoping member and inserting a pin therethrough. 
     
     
         8 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 5 , which further comprises:
 means for adjustably locking the first and second telescoping members in a relative position to one another.   
     
     
         9 . A device for performing a standing plank exercise as defined by  claim 1 , wherein the ankle strap is formed as an elastic band.