Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CORE MUSCLE TRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of exercise and training
systems and, in
particular, to an apparatus and method for core muscle training essential for
full body
training and improvement in overall body movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The "core muscles" are a group of muscles that run the length of the
trunk and
torso to stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle. The muscles are
found in the
oblique and abdominal regions, lower back, and the gluteus muscle region.
Together these
muscles provide a solid foundation for supporting proper body alignment or
posture,
enable powerful movements of the extremities, help in the control of
movements, the
transfer of energy, the shift in body weight and the ability to move in any
direction. Thus,
the benefits of strengthening the core are important for full body training
and improvement
in body movement for developing both functional fitness essential to daily
living and
regular activities, as well as for developing high level athletic performance.
[0003] Strength, power, speed, quickness, agility, and coordination are
critical for
performance in almost all sports and activities, and all depend from the core
muscles of the
body. It is the core muscles of the body that connect all movements of the
upper and lower
body. Powerful and efficient movements of the extremities require a transfer
of force
through the body to achieve maximum acceleration of an appendage. This
transfer of force
is often a function of how well the upper and lower body are connected. By
strengthening
the core muscles, therefore, a solid unit is created that is capable of
developing and
transferring forces from the legs through the trunk to the arms. The sum of
these integrated
forces results in optimal acceleration. This is known as the kinetic-link or
kinetic-chain
principle. A few major sports in which this transfer of forces is particularly
critical include
baseball, golf, basketball, hockey, football, and tennis.
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[0004] For these reasons, exercise and training for the whole body has focused
on
developing and maintaining strong core muscles. Such core strengthening
exercises have
been developed and are based on achieving recruitment and activation of core
muscle
function. Typically, such exercises are static and involve techniques that
include
perturbation training and neuromuscular facilitation to activate and integrate
core muscle
control, movement, and stability. For example, the use of resistance bands,
medicine balls
and balance boards have been used to target and isolate specific core muscle
groups.
[0005] Exercise apparatus have also been described for targeting the core
muscles. For
example, United States Patent Publication No. 2013/0095987 describes an
exercise
apparatus that combines strength training and a core workout into one exercise
module.
The apparatus is described as containing a compressible member consisting of a
durable
exterior shell with an interior containing a liquid gel or gas. The volume
and/or pressure
inside the compressible member containing the liquid or gel may be changed to
allow for
varying levels of stability while performing exercises. When the apparatus is
in use during
exercise, or when the compressible member is worn by the exercising person,
the
compressible member causes physical instability during performance of a
resistance-based
exercise that requires the exercising person to use the core muscles to
maintain balance and
proper form. The apparatus, however, focuses on the muscles in the abdomen,
back, and
buttocks and does not stimulate rotational demand, thereby neglecting
recruitment of the
transversus abdominus and oblique muscles of the core. Accordingly, the
apparatus does
not offer multidirectional stimulation in particular in the rotational plane.
[0006] United States Patent No. 7,833,140 describes a core resistance
apparatus that
comprises resistance cords that are secured to the user's wrists and thighs,
for example, to
provide a linear resistance force between two connections on the user. When
the user
moves or rotates, the movement generated by an extremity will produce an
immediate
force on the opposite extremity that increases recruitment and contraction of
all the
intrinsic core muscles, making the lower and upper extremities connected under
resistance
forces. Controlled resistance in stabilizing the movement from the opposite
limb reinforces
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the muscle recruitment in the core muscles and also assists in maintaining a
balance and a
steady center of gravity. While the described resistance apparatus does offer
stimulation of
the rotational plane, the apparatus is cumbersome to use and cannot easily be
adapted for
use in dynamic functional movements or sport specific exercises.
[0007] This background information is provided for the purpose of making known
information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the
present invention.
No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the
preceding
information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments pertaining to a core muscle
training
apparatus and method. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, there
is described
a core muscle training apparatus, comprising: a harness to be worn by a user,
the harness
adapted to be fittingly secured around the user's midsection; and a pair of
resistance leads
comprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable to the harness
at opposing sides
of the user's midsection, the resistance leads adapted at a second end for
effecting a
resistance force against an effort force exerted by the user; wherein when the
resistance
force is applied through the resistance leads recruitment and activation of
core muscles is
stimulated.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect, there is described a core muscle
training
apparatus, comprising: a harness to be worn by a user, the harness adapted to
be fittingly
secured around the user's midsection; webbing on the exterior surface of the
harness for
securing the harness around the midsection of the user; at least one pair of
connectors
fastened to the webbing on the exterior surface of the harness; and a pair of
resistance leads
comprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable to the at least
one pair of
connectors on the exterior surface of the harness such that the pair of
resistance leads is
secured to the harness at opposing sides of the user's midsection, the
resistance leads
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adapted at a second end for effecting a resistance force against an effort
force exerted by
the user; wherein when the resistance force is applied through the resistance
leads
recruitment and activation of core muscles is stimulated.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect, there is described a core muscle
training
system comprising: the apparatus according to embodiments described in the
present
disclosure; and interchangeable pairs of resistance leads having differing
resistancy
tensions; wherein each pair of resistance leads can be interchanged to vary
the resistance
force being applied to the user.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect, there is described a method for core
muscle
training comprising: providing the apparatus according to embodiments
described in the
present disclosure, wherein the harness is worn by the user and the second end
of the pair
of resistance leads is held by a training partner; and applying a resistance
force to the pair
of resistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of core muscles;
wherein the
direction that the resistance force is applied is adjusted by the positioning
of the resistance
leads relative to the user.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect, there is described a method for core
muscle
training comprising: providing the apparatus according to embodiments
described in the
present disclosure, wherein the harness is worn by the user and the second end
of the pair
of resistance leads is fixed to a stationary fixture; and applying an effort
force to the pair of
resistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of core muscles;
wherein the
direction that the effort force is applied is adjusted by the positioning of
the user relative to
the fixed resistance leads.
[0013] In accordance with a further aspect, methods according to embodiments
described
in the present disclosure can be used during static positioning of the user as
well as during
dynamic functional movement of the user. In accordance with another aspect,
the methods
according to embodiments described in the present disclosure can be used
during sport
specific dynamic functional movement of the user.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in
the
following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended
drawings.
[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrating the outer
surface of the
harness having Velcro securing means, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrating the outer
surface of the
harness having a buckle clip securing means, according to embodiments of the
present
disclosure;
[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrating the outer
surface of the
harness displaying multiple connectors, according to embodiments of the
present
disclosure;
[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to
embodiments of the
present disclosure in which the harness is configured as a vest;
[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus secured to the
midsection of a user
in a static position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus secured to the
midsection of a user
during dynamic functional movement, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of Figure 5
adapted for
use with a training partner, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0022] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of Figure 5
adapted for
stationary use;
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[0023] Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of the apparatus, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figures 10A and 10B are perspective views of the apparatus shown in
Figures 9A
and 9B in an opened position (10A) and a closed position (10B), according to
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figures 11A and 11B are perspective views of the corresponding ends of
the
apparatus shown in Figures 9A and 9B, configured for securing the harness
around the
user's body, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E are perspective views of the
apparatus,
according to further embodiments of the present disclosure wherein Figure 12A
is a
perspective view of the exterior surface of the apparatus, Figure 12B is a
perspective view
of the interior surface of the apparatus, Figure 12C is an isolated view of
the closure
mechanism according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and
Figures 12D
and 12E are side and perspective views of the 'bullet holes' type closure
mechanism
shown in Figure 12C, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0027] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a grid for an exercise
program for the
apparatus, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0028] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which this
invention belongs.
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[0029] As used herein, the term "about" refers to an approximately +/-10%
variation
from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always
included in any
given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.
[0030] The core muscle training apparatus according to the present disclosure
is based on
the concept of stimulating core muscles in a targeted manner. According to
embodiments
of the present disclosure, the apparatus allows resistance to be controllably
applied to the
user's movements. By controlling the resistance tension, embodiments of the
present
disclosure allow a targeted workload to be added to the core muscles or
alternatively
facilitate optimal movement of the user. For example, by reducing the
resistance tension
being applied at specific moments of a movement pattern, preferential
recruitment and
timing of core muscles is enhanced by facilitating optimal movement of the
user.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus
comprises a
harness that is worn by the user, to which a pair of resistance leads are
connected at
opposing sides of the user's waist approximately above the hips. A resistance
force is
applied through the resistance leads against an effort force exerted by the
user in order to
stimulate recruitment and activation of the targeted muscles.
[0032] The design of the apparatus allows stimulation of the core muscles in
all planes,
including horizontal, vertical, lateral, and rotational planes. The direction
that the
resistance force is applied will determine which muscles are being stimulated.
According
to certain embodiments, the direction of the resistance force can be
controlled by the
positioning of the resistance leads relative to the user. For example, when
resistance is
applied in a rotational plane, the apparatus stimulates a rotational demand
that
preferentially recruits the transversus abdominus muscles of the core. In this
way, the
apparatus of the present disclosure permits stimulation of the core muscles in
a targeted
and timed manner. Similarly, by adjusting the amount of resistance force
applied to the
resistance leads will adjust the demand on the muscles being targeted and the
intensity of
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the exercise. The apparatus, therefore, allows the intensity of the
stimulation to be
adjusted to the needs of the user.
[0033] The combination of the harness and the placement of the resistance
leads at each
side of the user's body, allows the application of a resistance force to be
distributed across
the midsection of the user; in this way, minimizing the tendency of the user's
body to
hinge when a resistance force is applied. Instead, the distribution of the
resistance force
across the midsection of the user ensures that the upper and lower portions of
the user's
body remain connected and correct body posture is maintained throughout an
exercise. By
maintaining this connection, a multidirectional demand on the core muscles is
created to
specifically stimulate recruitment and activation of core muscle function.
[0034] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the
resistance
leads about the user's midsection can be adjusted as desired. For example, it
may be
desired to position the leads at the front and back of the user's body instead
of at opposing
sides of the user's body. In this way, the direction that the resistance force
is applied can
be varied. In such embodiments, the harness may be adapted with multiple
connectors to
allow attachment of the resistance leads at various locations about the user's
body.
According to other embodiments, the harness can simply be slidingly rotated
around the
user's midsection to adjust the location of the resistance leads relative to
the user's body.
[0035] The core muscle training apparatus according to the present disclosure
further
offers versatility in the environment in which it can be used. The apparatus
can be used,
for example, when the user is in a static position. Due to its unencumbered
design,
however, the apparatus can also be used during dynamic functional movements.
In
addition, according to certain embodiments, the apparatus can be used during
dynamic
sport specific activities, for example and without limitation, activities
related to basketball,
hockey, soccer, golf, and tennis. As well, according to other embodiments, the
apparatus
can be used during dance and martial arts training for example. Thus, the
apparatus
according to the present disclosure can be applied to a wide-ranging variety
of training
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programs that can include rehabilitative therapy, general fitness programs,
intensive
athletic training, and even dynamic performing arts training.
Apparatus
[0036] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals
identify identical
or substantially similar parts throughout the several views, Figs. 1 to 4, and
9 to 12,
illustrate perspective views of the apparatus 1, 100, 200 according to
embodiments of the
present disclosure. The apparatus 1, 100, 200 comprises a harness 5, 110, 205
to be worn
by a user. The harness 5, 110, 205 is adapted to be fittingly secured around
the user's
midsection and can take a variety of forms to adapt to the user's comfort. For
example,
according to certain embodiments the harness can take the form of a belt 5,
205 to be
securely fastened around the user's midsection (Figs. 1 to 3, and 9 to 12). In
other
embodiments, the harness can take the form of a vest 110 (Fig. 4).
[0037] The harness 5, 110, 205 is made of a resilient, body-forming material
to ensure
that the harness 5, 110, 205 conforms to the shape of the user's body while
having
sufficient resiliency to withstand the resistance forces applied when in use.
The harness 5,
110, 205 is further configured to maintain position on the user's body when in
use such
that the harness 5, 110, 205 does not shift around the user's body when
resistance force is
applied. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the harness 5, 110, 205 is made
from
materials that have a friction coefficient that is sufficient to minimize
slippage around the
user's body. Such materials are known in the art, and generally include
fabrics that
comprise elastomeric fibres such as neoprene, spandex, LycraTM, and
combinations
thereof According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, non-
slippage
material can be applied to such elastomeric fabrics to further minimize
slippage or
movement of the apparatus around the user's midsection. According to such
embodiments,
silicone can be applied to the inner surface of the harness to minimize
slippage.
[0038] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the harness can
comprise
multiple panels that are attached together to form the complete body
conforming harness
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(Figs. 10A and 10B). According to other embodiments, the harness 205 can
comprise a
unitary piece that is shaped to conform to a user's body (Figs. 12A and 12B).
Utilizing a
unitary harness 205 can, according to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure,
minimize weakening of the harness material.
[0039] Securing means on the harness 5, 110, 205 ensures that the harness 5,
110, 205
can be fittingly secured into position around the user's midsection. The
securing means
can be adjustable to allow the harness 5, 110, 205 to be sized to fit the
particular user. In
certain embodiments, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and 9 to 12, the securing means
comprise
webbing 15, 220 that can be fastened by various fasteners 20, 275 known in the
art,
including for example Velcro 20, 222 (as shown in Figs. 1 and 12), and buckle
clips 22 (as
shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4). According to further embodiments (as shown in
Figs. 11A and
11B), the harness 5 comprises Velcro extensions 55 at its ends that allow the
harness to be
wrapped around the user's torso and secured into place.
According to certain
embodiments, the harness 5 can include various combinations of such securing
means. For
example, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the apparatus 1 can include a
combination of
Velcro extensions 55 in addition to webbing that is fastened overtop. In
further
embodiments, the securing means can also include an additional fastening belt
60 for
added security. According to other embodiments, as shown in Figs. 12A, 12C,
and 12D,
the securing means can be simplified to a hook-type fastener 275 attached at
one end of the
webbing 220 for insertion into a corresponding 'bullet hole' 250 that is
stitched at
predetermined distances apart in the cooperating end of the webbing 220 to
fasten the
harness 205 at the desired sizing in a hook-like manner. According to certain
embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a combination of a hook-type fastener
and a
Velcro fastening means (Fig. 12B).
[0040] According to certain embodiments, the webbing 15 comprises one or more
straps
fixed to the exterior of the harness 5 to provide structural support to the
harness 5.
According to such embodiments, the webbing straps 15 comprise material that is
less
elastic than the harness 5, for example woven cotton or nylon, to provide the
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support. The webbing 15 can be fixedly applied to the harness 5 in any number
of
configurations that provide structural support to the harness 5. For example,
as shown in
the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the webbing 15 can be fixedly
applied
horizontally across the length of the harness 5. In other embodiments, for
example as
shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B, the webbing 15 can
be fixedly
applied vertically at various points along the surface of the harness 5 to
provide structural
support. In further embodiments, the webbing 15 can be fixedly applied in a
combination
of vertical and horizontal positions. According to certain embodiments of the
present
disclosure, as illustrated in Figs. 12A and 12B, the amount of webbing 230 can
be
minimized and attached to the harness 205 on the inside surface in order to
minimize
weakening of the harness material. In such embodiments, the amount of
stitching 260, for
example, used to attach the webbing 230 to the harness 205 can further be
minimized to
strategically positioned locations on the harness 205 to further minimize
weakening of the
harness material.
[0041] At least one pair of connectors 25, 225 are disposed on the exterior
surface of the
harness 5, 110, 205 to allow attachment of a pair of resistance leads 30. As
shown in the
embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, 10A and 10B, and 12A, the connectors
25, 225
are fastened to the webbing straps 15, 220 which provide the structural
support required in
order to ensure that the connectors 25, 225 remain secured to the harness 5,
110, 205
under the resistance forces applied during use. The pair of connectors 25, 225
are located
on the exterior surface of the harness 5, 110, 205 to allow a pair of
resistance leads 30 to be
attached to the harness 5, 110, 205 at opposing sides of the user's midsection
at about the
user's waist. According to certain embodiments (Figs. 1 and 9 to 12), the
harness 5, 110,
205 can include one pair of connectors 25, 225. As shown in Fig. 3, other
embodiments
can include multiple pairs of connectors 25 disposed on the exterior surface
of the harness
5, whereby multiple points of attachment are available for attachment of the
resistance
leads 30. In this way, different users can be accommodated by a single
apparatus 1.
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[0042] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the pair of resistance leads 30 are adapted
at a first end
for attachment to the respective connectors 25. Each resistance lead 30 can
simply be
looped through or tied to the respective connector 25 or, in other
embodiments, the ends of
the resistance leads 30 can be adapted with releasable couplers such as spring
gate clips,
lobster clips, caribiners, or any quick-release type coupler, for example, to
allow releasable
attachment to the respective connectors 25. The opposite end of the resistance
leads 30
remains free and can be adapted for effecting a resistance force against an
effort force
exerted by the user 45. According to certain embodiments, for example, the
free ends of
the resistance leads 30 can be adapted to facilitate grasping by a training
partner 50 to
apply the resistance force to the user 45 wearing the harness 5. For example,
the free ends
can form a loop (as shown in Fig. 7) or can be fitted with handles to
facilitate handling by
the training partner 50. In other embodiments, the free ends of the resistance
leads 30 can
be adapted for fixing to a stationary fixture, such as a wall or a door,
wherein the resistance
force is effected by the user's effort force exerted against the stationary
fixture (Fig. 8). In
such embodiments, the apparatus 1 can be adapted to be used by a sole user
without the
assistance of a training partner 50.
[0043] The resistance leads 30 provide resistance force against the user's
effort and
comprise resistance material, for example resistance tubing, typically made
from latex
rubber. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the
resistance leads can
be made from silicone. The resistance leads 30 can be provided in various
modes of
resistance (e.g., tensile strength) depending on the desired intensity of
resistance.
According to some embodiments, the resistance leads 30 provide sufficient
resiliency,
which when actuated, can effect vibratory perturbations to the user and in
this way offer
further stimulatory benefit to the user at the neuromuscular level, for
example.
[0044] The resistance leads 30 can further be provided in various lengths
depending on
the particular fitness program desired. According to embodiments of the
present
disclosure, particularly embodiments for use with a training partner, the
resistance leads 30
are long enough to provide sufficient distance between the training partner
and the user to
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provide the user with a wide range of unhindered movement. In this way, the
apparatus 1
can be used during dynamic functional movement as well as during sport
specific
activities. In other embodiments, a shorter length of resistance leads 30 can
be used to
facilitate use during static positions or during solo use without a training
partner, for
example. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the resistance
leads 30 are
between about 0.5 to about 3 meters in length. In other embodiments, the
resistance leads
30 are between about 1 to about 3 meters in length. In further embodiments,
the resistance
leads 30 are between about 2 to about 3 meters in length.
System
[0045] According to certain embodiments, the apparatus 1 can be provided as a
system
that can be tailored to the needs of the user. In particular, the system can
comprise the
apparatus 1 as interchangeable accessories that can be assembled 'as desired.
In such
embodiments, the system can include various combinations of the harness 5, and
interchangeable pairs of resistance leads 30 having differing resistance
tensions, and/or
lengths, wherein each pair of resistance leads 30 can be interchanged to vary
the resistance
force being applied to the user as well as to adapt to the particular activity
or training
program engaged. In other embodiments, the system can also include
interchangeable
attachments for adapting the free ends of the resistance leads 30 with
handles, for use with
a training partner, or with attachments for fixing to a stationary fixture for
independent use
by the user.
Method of Operation - Targeted Muscle Stimulation
[0046] Whether used with a training partner or independently by the user,
operation of
the apparatus 1 of the present disclosure follows the same principles.
Accordingly,
reference will be made to Fig. 7 without being limited to this particular
embodiment. As
illustrated, the harness 5 is secured around the midsection of the user 45 and
the free ends
of the resistance leads 30 are held by the training partner 50. Resistance
force is applied or
released by the training partner 50 by positioning the resistance leads 30
relative to the user
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45 and applying or reducing a desired level of resistance to the user's 45
movement.
Specifically, the positioning of the resistance leads 30 relative to the user
45 determines the
direction that the resistance force is applied to the user 45. For example, by
raising the
position of the free ends of the resistance leads 30 a more vertical
resistance force will be
applied to the user 45. By lowering the position of the free ends of the
resistance leads 30
a more horizontal resistance force will result. A lateral force can
simultaneously be
applied by pulling on one of the free ends at a time to generate a rotational
demand that
stimulates preferential recruitment of the transversus abdominus muscles of
the core. In
this way, the apparatus 1 of the present disclosure permits controlled
stimulation of the
core muscles in a targeted manner that is responsive to the user's movements.
Similarly,
by adjusting the amount of resistance force applied to the resistance leads 30
will adjust the
demand on the muscles being targeted and the intensity of the exercise.
Releasing or
reducing the resistance force at specific moments of a movement pattern
further facilitates
optimal movement of the user. In this way, the apparatus 1, allows the
intensity, timing,
and direction of the stimulation to be adjusted to the needs of the user 45.
[0047] According to certain embodiments, the position of the resistance leads
30 can be
changed to further vary the type and direction of resistance force applied to
the user. For
example, both resistance leads 30 can be attached to a connector 25 on one
side of the
user's body to target the resistance force to specific areas of the user's
body. In other
embodiments, the position of the user relative to the trainer and/or
stationary fixture, as
well as the type of exercise or movement being engaged by the user can vary
the type and
direction of resistance force being applied. In this way, it is contemplated
that the
apparatus 1 of the present disclosure can be used with various exercise
programs that can
be specially developed depending on the user's needs and preferences.
[0048] The apparatus 1 of the present disclosure also offers flexibility in
the environment
in which it can be used. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus 1 can
be used
when the user 45 is in a static position (Fig. 5). For example, the user 45
can be
positioned in an athletic neutral position and a resistance force applied by
the training
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partner 50. To maintain balance against the resistance force, muscle
recruitment in the
user's core muscles are stimulated in a targeted manner. In other embodiments,
the
apparatus 1 can be adapted for use during dynamic functional movements (Figs.
6 and 7).
Specifically, the design of the apparatus 1 offers the user 45 a wide range of
movement
that allows the user 45 to freely move while resistance force is applied. As
illustrated in
Fig. 7, the resistance leads 30 provide sufficient distance between the
training partner 50
and the user 45 to allow unhindered dynamic functional movements. In addition,
according to certain embodiments, the apparatus 1 can be used during dynamic
sport
specific activities, for example and without limitation, activities related to
basketball,
hockey, soccer, golf, and tennis. As well, embodiments of the present
disclosure, can be
used during dynamic performance arts training including, for example, various
forms of
dance (break dancing, ball room dancing, creative/modern dancing), martial
arts, etc.
Uses
[0049] The versatility afforded by the apparatus 1 of the present disclosure
allows it to be
used in a wide-ranging variety of training programs that can include
rehabilitative therapy,
general fitness programs, movement therapy, intensive athletic training, and
dynamic
performance arts training. In particular, the ability to adapt the apparatus 1
for use during
both stationary as well as a variety of dynamic activities allows training
curriculum to be
developed that incorporates the apparatus 1. For example, application of the
apparatus 1 in
specialized programs, such as progressive training programs and sport specific
training
programs, is contemplated. As well, incorporation of the apparatus 1 in home-
gym or gym
fitness programs is further contemplated. Moreover, the versatility of the
apparatus 1 to be
used during sport specific activities offers core training that is
customizable to a particular
sport.
[0050] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed herein can be
implemented
with respect to any method or composition of the invention, and vice versa.
Furthermore,
compositions and kits of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the
invention.
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[0051] To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, the
following
examples are set forth. It will be understood that these examples are intended
to describe
illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the
scope of the
invention in any way.
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1: USER-SPECIFIC STATIONARY CORE TRAINING PROGRAM
[0052] The apparatus of the present disclosure is adaptable for use in a
variety of
personal training programs that are designed to address the lifestyle and
physical training
requirements of the user. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the apparatus can be
adapted for
stationary use wherein the user wears the harness and fixes the free ends to a
stationary
fixture, such as a wall or door. In such applications, the force applied to
the user's core is
determined by the position of the user relative to the fixed ends, the effort
force exerted by
the user, and the type of exercise engaged in by the user.
[0053] The user is directed through a personalized exercise routine that
includes an
exercise grid (as shown in Fig. 13) corresponding to the exercise floor plan.
The user is
directed through each of the quadrants of the grid where the user will perform
exercises
specifically designed to target the desired areas of the core muscles.
[0054] The particular exercises, repititions, user positioning relative to the
fixed ends
(indicated by "X" in Fig. 13) and the quadrant of the grid, as well as the
positioning of the
resistance leads on the harness, are all variables controlled by the user, in
accordance with
the designed exercise program, to achieve the desired core training.
[0055] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and
database
entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated
by reference in
their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent
application,
publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to
be
incorporated by reference.
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[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain
specific
embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled
in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such
modifications as
would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within
the scope of
the following claims.
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