Multifunctional physical development apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates in general to a robust physical development apparatus, incorporating both range of motion and strength training functionality. The disclosure focuses on the design and assembly of the physical development apparatus incorporating dual direction resistance platforms and the functionality of such apparatus. The invention also relates to methods of alleviating the deleterious effects of extreme physical training in an athlete as well as increasing strength and agility utilizing the physical development apparatus described herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A physical development apparatus comprising a rectangular frame defining a physical development workspace, a longer portion of the rectangular frame defined by rails which are perforated in their vertical face at regular intervals, the rails are attached to vertical upright towers, the two sets of horizontal rails attached to vertical upright towers being connected at upright tower ends of the horizontal rails by cross members defining the rectangular frame on which are disposed two workspace platforms, which platforms are moveably disposed on the horizontal rails by means selected from rollers, wheels and slides, the workspace platforms may be reversibly secured to the horizontal rails by use of guides which maintain contact between platform translational means and rails, the workspace platforms may be stopped in their lateral movement by use of locking means provided in the platform construction utilizing the spaced perforations in the horizontal rails, the workspace platforms may be subjected to varying levels of resistance through the attachment of one or more resistance bearing connecting elements which connect the rectangular frame crossmembers with the nearest workspace platform. 
     
     
         2 . The physical development apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platforms may optionally be constructed to comprise removable raised supports on their horizontal surface, which raised supports may be constructed such that they provide for support of a trainee's shoulders when the trainee is laying on the one or more platform. 
     
     
         3 . The physical development apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at one end of the physical development apparatus may be attached one or more vertical platforms disposed between the vertical uprights, wherein the vertical platforms may be moveably fixed to the vertical uprights by means of perforations in the uprights and locking means in the vertical platforms and wherein the vertical platforms may be attached such that they may pivot from such means of attachment to form a horizontal workspace between the vertical uprights and thereby operate as a seat for a trainee. 
     
     
         4 . The physical development apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at one end of the physical development apparatus may be disposed an array of two to four similar vertical uprights separated and structured with crossmembers defining a rectangular vertical workspace, two of which vertical uprights comprising the rectangular vertical workspace supporting one end of the horizontal workspace, the vertical uprights are perforated on every face of the uprights such that various physical development attachments may be removably disposed on the vertical uprights to support, optionally, bar bell equipment, suspensory bars and/or slings, or bars for supporting a trainee in position in the vertical workspace. 
     
     
         5 . A method for releasing spinal loading and alleviating the deleterious effects of spinal compression in an athlete in need thereof, wherein the athlete performs movement exercises in the horizontal workspace of the physical development apparatus of  claim 1 , utilizing the rope and pulley system, thereby releasing spinal loading and alleviating the deleterious effects of spinal compression in such athlete. 
     
     
         6 . A method for adductor strength and agility training in an athlete in need thereof, wherein the athlete performs movement exercises on the dual direction resistance platforms of the physical development apparatus of  claim 1 , utilizing the resistance provided from both sides of the apparatus, thereby increasing adductor strength and physical agility in such athlete.