Physical activity system for providing hip extension and flexion, hip internal rotation, toe extension and flexion, knee extension and flexion, ankle extension and flexion and hip external rotation

Abstract

A configurable exercise apparatus is disclosed for facilitating safe and effective hip extension exercises. The apparatus comprises a frame, an upper body support pivotally attached to a rear portion of the frame, a foot support forward of the upper body support, and a cross-member disposed between them. The cross-member limits knee movement and allows shin engagement, while the upper and foot supports are adjustable to optimize user alignment. Interchangeable foot surfaces and an elongated upper body support provide stability and ergonomic positioning during exercise. The system enables controlled hip articulation through a customizable range of motion.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame structure;   an upper body support pivotally attached to a rear end portion of the frame structure;   a foot support attached to the frame structure frontward relative to the upper body support;   a cross member movably attached to the frame structure and positioned between the upper body support and at least a portion of the foot support; and   a lowest portion of the cross member is positioned above a lowest portion of the foot support.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a V-shaped surface disposed on the upper body support configured for receiving a back portion of an upper body of a user to be positioned thereon. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper body support defines a length configured to receive substantially all of a length of a back portion of an upper body of a user. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an elongated insert is in attachment with the upper body support and insertable into a receiving portion of the exercise apparatus so that a height of the upper body support may be changed relative to a bottom end portion of the exercise apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the foot support comprises a foot receiving surface, wherein the foot receiving surface defines at least one of:
 a partial cylindrical shaped body;   a plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodies;   a wedge shaped body;   a substantially planar shaped body; and   a triangular shaped body.   
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an elongated insert is in attachment with the cross member and insertable into a receiving portion of the exercise apparatus so that a height of the cross member may be changed relative to a bottom end portion of the exercise apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cross member comprises cushioning material. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a first end portion and second end portion of the cross member is configured to be moved between at least a first position and a second position along a length of the exercise apparatus. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , a first end portion and second end portion of the foot support may be moved between at least a first position and a second position along a length of the exercise apparatus. 
     
     
         10 . A method of performing a muscular exercise comprising:
 positioning substantially all of a back portion of an upper body of a user on an upper body support;   wherein the upper body support is pivotally attached to a rear end portion of a frame structure;   positioning at least one foot of the user on a foot support attached to a lower end of the frame structure and frontward relative to the upper body support;   positioning a front part of a leg of the user to abut a cross member attached to the frame structure and positioned between the upper body support and at least a portion of the foot support;   applying a first muscular force provided by the user such that the upper body support pivots between a first position to a second position; and   a front end portion of upper back support being positioned lower in the first position than in the second position.   
     
     
         11 . The method of performing the muscular exercise of  claim 10 , wherein the upper body support defines a length configured to receive substantially all of a length of the back portion of the upper body of the user. 
     
     
         12 . The method of performing the muscular exercise of  claim 11 , wherein the front part of the leg is substantially prevented from moving forward by the cross member. 
     
     
         13 . The method of performing the muscular exercise of  claim 12 , wherein when the upper body support is in the first position, then an angle between a femur and spine of a user is less than when in the upper body support is in the second position. 
     
     
         14 . The method of performing the muscular exercise of  claim 13 , wherein the method further comprises:
 removing a first foot receiving surface from the foot support;   attaching a second foot receiving surface from the foot support;   positioning the at least one foot of the user on the foot support;   applying a second muscular force such that the upper body support pivots between the first position to the second position;   wherein the first foot receiving surface and the second foot receiving surface defines at least one of:   a partial cylindrical shaped body;   a plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodies;   a wedge shaped body;   a substantially planar shaped body; and   a triangular shaped body.