Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TlTLE: ADJUSTABLE REFORMER
[0001] The section headings used herein are for organizational
purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter
described in any way.
FIELD
[0002] The teaching disclosed herein relates to exercise equipment,
and in particular to reformers.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 5,066,005 (Luecke) describes an enhanced
core movement training bench including an adjustable arm cord mounting
assembly, an adjustable footbar assembly, and a jump board attachment.
The arm cord mounting system includes a pair of elongated flexible arm cords
each entrained over a lower fixed height guide and an upper variable height
guide mounted for adjustable movement along a vertical slot in each upright
corner post at one end of the bench frame, thereby permitting infinite
adjustment of the vertical positions above the frame of the upper guides and
the portions of the arms cords extending from the corner posts to the user.
Adjustable anchoring devices attach the cords to the mobile carriage for
infinitely adjusting the effective lengths of the cords. These adjustment
capabilities of the adjustable arm cord mounting assembly enable a user to
quickly and easily select a suitable position on the platform of the mobile
carriage and to tailor the bench to accommodate a range of motions
corresponding to the user's particular body size. In such manner, a fixed
setup location, as provided in the traditional prior art bench, is not
permitted to
dictate or influence the pattern of user movement.
SUMMARY
[0004] In various embodiments, a reformer is provided including: a
frame including a horizontal frame having first and second ends, and a
vertical frame secured to the horizontal frame proximate to the first end and
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extending upward from the horizontal frame; a carriage slidably mounted to
the horizontal frame so as to reciprocate between the first and second ends; a
resistance element attached to the carriage for biasing the carriage to an
equilibrium position between the first and second ends; at least one lower
guide mounted at a position proximate to the first end of the horizontal
frame;
at least one upper guide adjustably mounted to the vertical frame; and a cord
connecting the carriage, the lower guide, and the upper guide.
[0005] In various embodiments, a reformer is provided including: a
horizontal frame having first and second ends; a carriage slidably mounted to
the horizontal frame so as to reciprocate between the first and second ends; a
resistance element attached to the carriage for biasing the carriage toward an
equilibrium position between the first and second ends; at least one guide
mounted at a position proximate to the first end of the horizontal frame; a
cord
connecting the carriage and the guide; and a cord retraction system mounted
to the carriage, the cord retraction system receiving an end of the cord.
[0006] A method of exercise is also provided including: providing a
reformer including a horizontally slidable carriage, a vertically adjustable
guide, and a cord connecting the carriage and the guide; adjusting the guide
to one of a plurality of heights; getting on the carriage; and pulling a
distal end
of a cord along a range of motion, the cord connecting the carriage and the
upper guide such that pulling the cord causes horizontal movement of the
carriage.
[0007] These and other features of the applicant's teachings are set
forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings,
described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not
intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way. In the
drawings:
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[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reformer including a
horizontal frame and a vertical frame;
[0010] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the reformer of Figure 1;
[0011] Figure 3 is a top plan view of a resistance element connected
between the horizontal frame and a carriage;
[0012] Figure 4 is a close-up perspective view of the vertical frame;
[0013] Figure 5 is a close-up side elevation view of the vertical frame;
[0014] Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the of the reformer of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a cord retraction
system; and
[0016] Figure 8 is close-up plan view of a cleat assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein.
However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components
have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments
described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as
limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather
as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments
described herein. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be
limited to the specific details of any one-example embodiment or to specific
details that may be common to multiple, or all, example embodiments. The
applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) reserve all rights that they may
have
in any embodiments disclosed herein, for example the right to embodiments
claimed in a continuing application, and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or
dedicate to the public any such embodiments by disclosure of this document.
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[0018] Referring to Figure 1, illustrated therein is a reformer 10. The
reformer 10 includes a frame 12, a carriage 14 slidably mounted to the frame
12, and at least one resistance element 16 connected between the frame 12
and the carriage 14 for biasing the carriage 14 to an equilibrium position
along
the frame 12. At least one lower guide 18 and at least one upper guide 20
are provided. At least one cord 22 connects the carriage 14, the lower guide
18, and the upper guide 20. A reformer loop 24 can be provided at the end of
the cord 22. As illustrated, the reformer 10 can include two lower guides 18,
two upper guides 20, and two cords 22, each cord 22 being attached to the
carriage 14. In general, pulling the cord 22 causes movement of the carriage
14 along the frame 12 against resistance provided by the resistance element
16.
[0019] Referring to Figure 2, the frame 12 can include a horizontal
frame 26 having a first end 26a and a second end 26b, and a vertical frame
28 extending upward from the horizontal frame 26. The vertical frame 28 can
be positioned or secured to the horizontal frame 26 at or near the first end
26a.
[0020] The horizontal frame 26 can serve generally as a base for other
components of the reformer 10. As illustrated, the horizontal frame 26 may
include legs 30 that support a pair of rails 32 extending along the horizontal
frame 26. The rails 32 can provide a mounting point for the carriage 14. For
example, the carriage 14 may include a platform 34 supported by rollers (not
shown) that roll within channels along the rails 32. The carriage 14 may also
include an adjustable headrest 36 and/or removable shoulder supports 38
located on top of the platform 34 for supporting a recumbent user. The
reformer 10 may also include a standing platform 40 secured to the horizontal
frame 26 proximate to the second end 26b. The reformer 10 may also include
an adjustable foot bar 42 secured to the horizontal frame 26 proximate to the
second end 26b.
[0021] The cord 22 has a proximate end connected to the carriage 14.
From the carriage 14, the cord 22 extends to the lower guide 18 located
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proximate to the first end 26a. The cord 22 passes around the lower guide 18
and extends upward along the vertical frame 28 to an upper guide 20 (one
upper guide 20 is shown for each of the two cords in Figure 2). The cord 22
passes around the upper guide 20 such that the distal end of the cord 22
hangs from the upper guide 20. Reformer loops 24 are illustrated at the distal
ends of the cords 22, and various straps, handles or other exercising
implements can attached to the distal end of the cord 22. Passing around
both the lower and upper guides 18, 20, the cord 22 is maintained generally
out of the way. In some embodiments, the guides 18, 20 can be pulleys.
[0022] Referring to Figure 3, at least one resistance element 16
connects the carriage 14 to the frame 12. As illustrated, the resistance
element 16 may be in the form of a plurality of springs. When attached to
both the carriage 14 and the horizontal frame 26, the resistance element 16
biases the carriage 14 toward an equilibrium position located between the
first
end 26a and second end 26b of the horizontal frame 26. If a user moves the
carriage 14 away from the equilibrium position, the resistance from the
resistance element 16 urges the carriage 14 back toward the equilibrium
position. This provides a source of resistance that allows a user to perform
exercises on the reformer 10.
[0023] The at least one resistance element 16 can be adjustable. As
illustrated, each of the at least one resistance elements 16 may have one end
16a engageable with slots provided in a flange plate 44 (the flange plate 44
extending between rails 32 of the horizontal frame 26) such that each
resistance element 16 is releasably attached to the horizontal frame 26.
Another end of each of the resistance elements 16 (not shown) is attached to
the underside of the carriage 14. Furthermore, as illustrated, the flange
plate
44 can be removably secured between the rails 32, and can be adjusted
between different positions 46 along the length of the horizontal frame 26 so
as to change the resistance applied by the resistance element 16.
[0024] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the lower guide 18 can be
mounted to the frame 12 at a position proximate to the first end 26a of the
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horizontal frame 26. In particular, the lower guide 18 can be mounted to the
top of a telescoping post 48, which can be mounted to the legs 30 of the
horizontal frame 26. The top of the telescoping post 48 may include a swivel
50 that allows the lower guide 18 a range of movement. The telescoping post
48 allows adjustment of the height of the lower guide 18. The height of the
lower guide 18 can be adjusted, for example, using a setscrew 52, which
screws into the side of the telescoping post 48 to secure the telescoping post
48 in place. In other examples, the lower guide 18 may be mounted to the
frame in other configurations, such as the configurations as described below
for the upper guide 20. Furthermore, the lower guide 18 may be mounted to
the vertical frame 28 or other parts of the frame 12.
[0025] The upper guide 20 can be adjustably mounted to the vertical
frame 28. This allows the upper guide 20 to be secured to the vertical frame
28 at a plurality of different heights. In the illustrated example, the
reformer
10 includes a track 54 affixed to the vertical frame 28 and a slider 56 that
is
adapted to move or slide up and down the track 54, for example along
grooves in the track 54. The upper guide 20 is attached or mounted to the
slider 56, such that moving the slider 56 allows adjustment of the height of
the
upper guide 20. To secure the slider 56 along the track 54, the slider 56 can
include a pin 58 engagable with vertically spaced apart apertures 60 along the
track 54. The pin 58 can be spring-loaded. As illustrated, the upper guide 20
may be adjustable in discrete steps defined by the spacing between each of
the apertures 60. For example, the spacing between apertures 60 may be
about 2, 1, or 0.5 inches, or any other suitable spacing between the minimum
and maximum height of the upper guide 20.
[0026] When adjusting the height of the upper guide 20, a user retracts
the pin 58 out of a respective aperture 60 on the track 54, moves the slider
56
to a new height, and reinserts the pin 58 into a new aperture 60 to secure the
slider 56 at the new height. As illustrated, the track 54 may include
numbering corresponding to the apertures 60 for ease of reference in setting
the vertical position of the slider 56.
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[0027] In other examples, the upper guides 20 may be mounted to the
vertical frame 28 using different methods instead of tracks. For example, the
upper guides 20 may be mounted to hooks that are spaced apart along the
height of the vertical frame 28. In this example, the upper guides 20 may
attach to the hooks using clips, such as carabineers. Alternatively, the upper
guides 20 may be mounted to apertures along the height of the vertical frame
28 using keyed bolts or spring loaded bayonet connectors.
[0028] Adjusting the height of the upper guides 20 allows the user to
pull the cord 22 from different heights and angles. For example, the upper
guides 20 may be adjustable such that a user can pull the cord 22 downward
toward the carriage 14 at a downward angle greater than 25 degrees relative
to horizontal. In some examples, the height of the vertical frame 28 may allow
adjustment of the upper guides 20 to a height between 0.1 meters and 1.5
meters above the carriage 14. When the upper guide 20 is adjustable to a
height of 1.5 meters above the carriage 14, a user can generally perform
exercises on the reformer 10 in rooms with standard height ceilings, which are
typically 2.5 meters high (assuming the carriage 14 is approximately 0.5
meters high). Adjusting the height of the upper guides 20 also
accommodates users of different heights and abilities. In other examples, the
upper guides 20 may be adjustable to heights above 1.5 meters. Providing
upper guides 20 with an adjustable height can allow a user to perform
standing exercises, overhead exercises, and some arm exercises that are
generally impracticable using conventional reformers.
[0029] In some examples, adjusting the height of the upper guides 20
may require shortening and lengthening of the cord 22 with respect to the
carriage 14 and the distal end 18b of the cord 22. Some methods of adjusting
the length of the cord 22 are described below.
[0030] The lower guides 18 may be mounted to the frame 12 laterally
inside the upper guides 20. Laterally offsetting the lower guides 18 relative
to
the upper guides 20 guides means that the cords 22 can slant outward from
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the lower guide 18 to the upper guide 20. The slanting of the cord 22 may
reduce a likelihood of the cord 22 binding on the guides 18, 20.
[0031] The upper guide 20 may be mounted to the vertical frame 28 on
a swivel 62 that is adapted to swivel or pivot. The swivel 62 allows the upper
guide 20 a range of movement, and may reduce a likelihood of the cord 22
binding on the guide 20. The swivel 62 can allow the upper guide 20 to pivot
from side-to-side as the cord 22 passes through the upper guide 20, which
can be beneficial when a user pulls the cord 22 laterally outward. For
example, as the cord 22 passes around the upper guide 20, the upper guide
20 can pivot from a first position where the cord 22 is approximately
vertically
oriented to a second position where the cord 22 is approximately horizontally
oriented. Pivoting of the swivel 62 may reduce a likelihood of the cord 22
binding on the guide 20 because the orientation of the cord 22 is continuously
in line with the pulling motion by the user. As mentioned above, the lower
guide 18 may also be mounted to the frame 12 on a swivel 50. In some
examples, the swivels 50, 62 may include a spring biasing the respective
lower or upper guides 18, 20 to a particular orientation. For example, the
swivel 62 may bias the upper guide 20 to a position where the cord 22 is
vertically oriented.
[0032] The reformer 10 may also include one or more couplings 64
adjustably mounted to the vertical frame 28. The coupling 64 can be mounted
to the vertical frame 28 in a manner similar to the slider 56. The coupling 64
allows a user to attach additional resistance members (not shown), such as
leg spring straps or arm spring straps. These resistance members can
provide another source of resistance, allowing a user to increase the
resistance applied to particular muscle groups while using the reformer, or to
provide resistance to multiple muscle groups. For example, a user may use
both the resistance members and the cords 22 to increase development of
core muscles, such as the abdominals. Alternatively, a user can perform
exercises with opposing leg and arm movements using both the resistance
members and the cords 22. A specific example of this exercise is where a
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user sits on the reformer 10 in a recumbent position with their head
positioned
toward the first end 26a of the horizontal frame 26. Prior to sitting down,
the
user attaches leg spring straps to the couplings 64 and adjusts the height of
the couplings 64 such that the leg spring straps provide resistance from
above for the user's legs. Typically, the height of the upper guides 20
provides resistance from above the user at approximately 45 degrees, but the
particular angle will vary depending on the size of the user. While sitting,
the
user places the leg spring straps around their thighs such that the leg spring
straps pull against the back of the user's thighs. In particular, the leg
spring
straps should provide tension when the carriage 14 is in the equilibrium
position. With the leg spring straps providing tension, the user then grasps
the distal ends of the cords 22 with their hands and pulls the cords 22 up and
over their head toward their stomach in a semi-circular motion. As the user
releases and returns their arms back above their head, tension from the leg
spring straps activates the user's leg muscles. Accordingly, if a user moves
the carriage 14 while exercising, the resistance from the leg spring straps
may
increase the intensity of the exercise by further activating the user's leg
muscles. When performing this exercise increasing the height of the coupling
64 tends to increase the intensity of the exercise. Over time, progressively
increasing the height of the upper guides allows for progressive
rehabilitation
of muscles. The resistance members may be used in similar ways for other
exercises or targeting other muscles.
[0033] The various configurations of the guides 18, 20 on the vertical
frame 28 described above, including the use of pulleys, swivels 50, 62, and
laterally slanting cords 22, may allow smooth, unrestricted use of the
reformer
10. The smooth motions can be useful for various exercises, as described
below.
[0034] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the reformer 10 may also
include a cord retraction system for pulling in slack from the cords 22. The
cord retraction system may include a reel 66 mounted to the carriage 14 on
an axle 68 (for example, the reel 66 can be held on the axle 68 using a cotter
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pin). In some embodiments, there can be two reels 66, one for each cord 22.
The proximate end of each cord 22 generally attaches to the reel 66 such that
the cord 22 can ravel around the reel 66 when the cord retraction system pulls
in slack from the cord 22. A reeling mechanism (not shown) can also be
provided automatic reeling of the cord 22 on to the reel 66. For example the
reeling mechanism may be a motor, spring, or similar mechanism. In a
particular example the reeling mechanism can include a coil spring similar to
those used in car seat belt systems. One end of the coil spring can be
attached to the reel 66 and the other end is attached to the axle 68. When
there is slack, the coil spring rotates the reel 66 such that the cord 22
ravels
around the reel 66 to retrieve slack from the cord 22. Pulling in slack
maintains the cord 22 in tension and reduces clutter underneath the reformer
10.
[0035] As illustrated, the cord retraction system generally mounts to the
underside of the carriage 14. In some examples the cord retraction system
may be mounted to other parts of the reformer 10, such as the horizontal
frame 26.
[0036] The cord retraction system may also include a raveling guide 70
attached to the carriage 14. The cord 22 passes through the raveling guide
70 before connecting to the reel 66. The raveling guide 70 orients the cord 22
prior to being wound, and may help reduce tangling of the cord 22. As
illustrated, the raveling guide 70 may be a ring mounted to the carriage 14 a
few inches from the reel 66.
[0037] While there is illustrated a reel 66 for each individual cord 22,
the cord retraction system may be modified such that a single winch or drum
winds up both cords 22. In other examples, the cord retraction system may
have other configurations. For example, there may be a manual hand-crank
that a user rotates in order to wind up the cords 22.
[0038] In some examples, when there is a cord retraction system, the
reformer 10 may include a cleat assembly 72 that releasably secures the cord
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22 to the carriage 14 (see Figure 7). The cleat assembly 72 is adapted to
allow the cord 22 to move in a direction towards the cord retraction system,
but secures the cord 22 to prevent the cord 22 from being released from the
cord retraction system. The cleat assembly 72 can be mounted to the
underside of the carriage 14 adjacent to the reel 66. The cleat assembly 72
generally faces upward such that the user can secure and release the cord 22
from the cleat assembly 72 while standing above the reformer 10. With this
configuration easy access to the cleat assembly 72 is provided while also
keeping the cord 22 out of the way.
[0039] Referring to Figure 8, the cleat assembly 72 can include two
adjacent cams 74 that are spaced apart such that the cord 22 fits within a gap
between the cams 74. The cams 74 can be symmetrically oriented about the
gap. Each of the cams 74 can have an oblong profile facing away from the
cord retraction system. The cams 74 can also include ribs 76 along their
circumference to grip the cord 22 within the gap. Each cam 74 may include a
spring (not shown) for biasing the oblong surfaces toward each other to close
the gap such that the ribs 76 pinch the cord 22. A rope guide 78 may be
provided for maintaining the cord 22 within the gap between the cams 74. A
user can secure the cord 22 to the cleat assembly 72 by pulling the cord 22
outward from cord retraction system and then pulling the cord 22 down into
the gap between the cams 74. A user can release the cord 22 from the cleat
assembly 72 by pulling the cord 22 down and laterally to clear the rope guide
78 (see Figure 7) and then up and out from the cams 74.
[0040] In other examples, the cleat assembly 72 may have different
configurations. For example, the cleat assembly 72 may include a tube and
an adjustable clamp within the tube that can be depressed to secure or
release the cord 22.
[0041] When the cleat assembly 72 secures the cord 22 to the carriage
14, the cord retraction system pulls in slack from the cord 22, reducing
clutter
underneath the carriage 14. To adjust the length of the cord 22, the user can
release the cord 22 from the cleat assembly 72 and then pull on the cord 22
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to release the cord 22 from the cord retraction system to obtain the desired
length. To shorten the cord length, the user can hold the cord loosely and
allow the cord retraction system to retrieve the cord 22 until a desired
length
is obtained. When either shortening or lengthening the cord 22, once the
desired length is obtained the user can pull the cord 22 through the cams 74
in a direction away from the cord retraction system to secure the cord 22
between the cams 74 of the cleat assembly 72.
[0042] Adjustability of the length of the cord 22 may be helpful when
performing certain exercises. By providing a system for quick adjustment of
cord length, a user can set and configure the reformer 10 to provide tension
throughout a complete range of motion. In some cases, a cord with a fixed
length would result in a dead zone of tension at the beginning or end of an
exercise motion. Using the reformer 10 having a cord retraction system as
described above, a user can adjust the length of the cord to provide tension
through the beginning and end of a motion depending on the specific
exercise. Furthermore, adjustment can be done relatively quickly when the
system includes a reel 66 adapted to automatically reel in the cord 22.
[0043] In use, the reformer 10 exhibits improved functionality that can
allow a user to perform hundreds of exercises. Even more exercises are
possible if, for example, a user installs a mat converter (not shown) to
extend
the length of the carriage 14. The mat converter essentially transforms the
reformer into a mat or a trapeze table. In these configurations, a user can
perform an even greater number of exercises.
[0044] The combination of the vertical frame 28 and adjustable upper
guides 20 accommodates 3-dimensional ranges of motion while maintaining
workout flow and maintaining constant resistance, without jarring. Altering
the
height of the upper guides 20 and angle of resistance can assist in developing
balance, proprioceptively stimulating the neuromuscular system, and giving
support to standing, kneeling and lunging exercises. In comparison to
conventional reformers, the reformer 10 can allow for a greater number of
exercises. For example, conventional reformers generally have an upper
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guide with a maximum height that is insufficient to permit some of the
exercises described herein. Some specific examples of the exercises
possible with the reformer 10 and variations thereof are described below.
[0045] A user can perform a method of exercising including adjusting
the upper guide 20 to one of a plurality of heights, getting on the carriage,
and
pulling the distal end of a cord 22 along a range of motion, the cord
connecting the carriage 14 and the upper guide 20 such that pulling the cord
22 causes horizontal movement of the carriage 14. Getting on the carriage
14 can include, for example, standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching, lying on
the carriage 14, etc.
[0046] The reformer 10 and method of exercise described herein can
help a user isolate specific muscles during an exercise. The isolation
provided can be particularly beneficial in physiotherapy. The user can pull
the
cord 22 (e.g., using reformer loops 24) along a range of motion away and
towards the upper guide 20. When the path of the cord 22 and the range of
motion are parallel, the resistance from the reformer 10 directly opposes the
force exerted by the user. This can help isolate specific muscles while
performing some exercises. Parallelism also tends to increase the resistance
throughout the range of motion because the displacement of the cord 22 and
resistance element 16 tend to be the same as the range of motion.
Conversely, when the path of the cord 22 and the user's range of motion
deviate, the displacement of the cord 22 and resistance element 16 tend to be
less than the range of motion. Less displacement of the resistance element
16 means there is less resistance. Furthermore, deviation between the path
of the cord 22 and the range of motion means the resistance may not directly
oppose the muscular force exerted by the user. This may activate other
muscles and joints, which may not be desirable for users in physiotherapy.
[0047] Providing the maximum adjustable height of the upper guides 20
at or above 1.5 meters allows a user to perform new exercises that were not
possible on previous reformers. For example, a user can get on the carriage
14 and pull the distal ends of the cords 22 toward the carriage 14 at a
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downward angle greater than 25 degrees. One example is an exercise for
practicing a golf swing. In this example, a user stands on the carriage 14 and
holds one cord 22 in both hands as if they were holding a golf club. For this
exercise, the height of the upper guide 20 may provide resistance from above
the user's hand through the golf swing. To perform the exercise, the user
pulls the cord 22 through a motion representing a golf swing. Throughout the
motion, the reformer 10 provides resistance, which can develop specific
muscles for the user's golf swing. Another example is an exercise for
practicing a baseball pitch. In this example the upper guides 20 may be set to
provide resistance that is generally parallel to a motion representing a
baseball pitch. To perform the exercise, a user holds the distal end of the
cord 22 with one hand. The user then pulls the cord 22 over their head in a
motion representing a baseball pitch. Throughout the motion, the reformer 10
provides resistance that can develop muscles for throwing a baseball pitch.
Previous reformers generally did not accommodate these types of exercises
because the cord 22 could not be pulled from a sufficient height for such
exercises. For example, if the height of the upper guide 20 were lower than
0.5 meters (approximately waist level) a user performing an overhand
baseball pitch would stress different muscles and joints than in a regular
pitch
because the resistance would come from below the user.
[0048] In general, when tension comes from below the user, the
tension may activate muscles above the specific joints that are being
strengthened. This is because the resistance effectively increases downward
pressure on the joints. The user then must recruit accessory muscles above
the joint to help stabilize the body part that is being exercised. For
example, if
the user is performing an exercise for the shoulder joint, and the cords are
below the shoulder joint, the user may activate their deltoids and latissimus
dorsi to aid in the movement and stabilize the shoulder joint, which may
increase stress on the rotator cuff muscles. Activating these accessory
muscles may reduce the effectiveness of some exercises and compromises
the stability of the specific joint or body part. If the upper guides are
placed at
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a position above or directly in line with the user's shoulder joint, depending
on
the specific user and their stability, the targeted muscles can be isolated
and
the joint can be worked effectively without placing undue stress on other
muscles. This allows for a more effective exercise position and more stable
joint complex.
[0049] Using the reformer 10 and methods of exercise described
herein, a user can exercise with tension coming from above, inline or from
below the specific joints and muscles being exercised. Depending on the
user, they may need to stabilize their joints with tension coming from various
angles. Having tension come from above the specific joint or muscle group
can reduce the pressure on joints and body parts. Accordingly, a user can
find a more effective position that will allow more natural movements of their
joints and can properly stabilize their joints, by isolating specific muscles
more
effectively. For example, if the upper guides 20 are at a position above a
user's shoulder during various arm exercises, there may be less tension on
the user's rotator cuff and the user can stabilize the shoulder joint using
their
deep local stabilizers as opposed to trying to stabilize with the mobilizing
or
accessory muscles, such as the deltoids or latissimus dorsi muscles.
[0050] Similarly, providing tension from above can be beneficial for
other exercises. For example, if a client has shortened hamstring or hip
flexors they may be limited in the upper body exercises they can perform.
They may be limited because the shortened hamstrings or hip flexors will not
allow them to sit on the carriage 14 and perform typical upper body exercises
without compromising the pelvic or spinal position. These upper body
exercises may include those that challenge their deltoids, pectoralis major,
rhomboids, trapezius, biceps and triceps. With the reformer 10, users can
adjust the height of the upper guides 20 to allow the user to perform these
exercises while sitting on a box (not shown) that is positioned on the
carriage
14. Sitting on the box may allow for a more stable pelvic and spinal position
while performing upper body exercises. Furthermore, the user can set the
height of the upper guides 20 to provide resistance from above or in-line with
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the user's range of motion. As described above, this can inhibit stress on
joints, muscles and other body parts. A user can use the box to raise the
height of the carriage while also allowing adjustment of the upper guides 20
to
a height appropriate to strengthen and condition specific muscles, without
activating other muscles, in trying to achieve the appropriate exercise
positions.
[0051] In one specific example, a user may perform abdominal
exercises while sitting on the box in an upright position. The user holds the
cords 22 in their hands and flexes forward. As the user leans, the reformer 10
provides resistance to the user's abdominals. In contrast to traditional sit-
ups,
exercising abdominals from an upright-seated position may reduce stress on
the neck and shoulder musculature, as the user is not lifting their head off
the
floor against gravity. An upright-seated position will also put the user into
a
position which will allow them to stabilize the spine with the proper muscles,
such as the transversus abdominus and multifidus, which will reduce stress
and strain on the lower back, as the user is exercising in a more functional
position. Reducing stress on the neck and shoulder muscles and joints, and
providing stability to the spine and pelvis, is beneficial for users in
physiotherapy or for elderly users.
[0052] Altering the angle of cord resistance can also target specific
muscles in different manners than conventional reformers. For example, a
user can perform exercises with 3-dimensional movements, such as leg
circles, with varying resistance throughout the range of motion. To perform
this exercise, the user lies on the carriage 14 with their back down and their
head facing the first end 26a of the horizontal frame 26. In this position,
the
user attaches the cords 22 to their legs using reformer loops 24 adapted to
fit
their ankles.
[0053] If the user is a larger individual, they may not be able to perform
a particular exercise with the resistance coming from below because the
cords 22 may be impeded by their body. Likewise, if the user has restricted
mobility in their hip joints, they may not be able to perform the exercise
with
CA 02627775 2008-03-25
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the resistance coming from below because they may not be able to achieve
the starting position due to the resistance of the cords 22. The height of the
upper guides 20 can be set to provide resistance from above the user, for
example, at a downward angle of approximately 35 degrees. The user can
then rotate their legs in circles with the tension coming from above the
user's
body. If the user is a larger individual, the cords will not hit their body as
the
resistance is coming from above the user, and the cords are not close to the
body. With the resistance coming from above, individuals with hip restrictions
can find a starting position that does not require as much hip flexion, and
can
therefore also benefit from the 3-dimensional movement to help develop and
stabilize muscles around the knee and hip joint.
[0054] While the applicant's teachings are described in conjunction with
various embodiments, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be
limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings
encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art.
