METHODS AND DEVICES FOR EXERCISING

Abstract

An exercise chair comprises a base and a seat. The seat has a back leg and a front leg. The back leg is pivotally attached to the base and pivots between a first position in which the back leg is at an acute angle between the back leg and the base and a second position in which the angle between the back leg and the base is substantially ninety degrees. When the chair is in the second position, there is a gap between the front leg and the base.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/009,789, filed on Jan. 2, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The present invention was not developed with the use of any Federal Funds, but was developed independently by the inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods and devices for exercising, and more particularly to full body exercises that comprise body alignment techniques, breathing techniques, and working against a clock to expedite muscle breakdown in minutes without movement. The invention also relates to devices used in the performance of said exercises. In addition, the exercises of the present invention are designed so the user may hold weight(s) or exercise position(s) for fixed or variable intervals, typically for a period of seconds and/or minutes in proper alignment while displaying a consistent breathing pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs are satisfied at least in part by the method and devices for exercising as described hereinafter.

An exercise chair comprises a base and a seat. The seat has a back leg and a front leg. The back leg is pivotally attached to the base and pivots between a first position in which the back leg is at an acute angle between the back leg and the base and a second position in which the angle between the back leg and the base is substantially ninety degrees. When the chair is in the second position, there is a gap between the front leg and the base.

The seat may include at least one cushion, preferably two, for the comfort of the user.

A stopper may be attached to the base which limits the degree of rotation of the chair past ninety degrees. A soft stopper may be attached to a bottom of the front leg for cushioning the front leg when it contacts the base. A back support may be provided for supporting the back of the user and maintaining a spinal alignment of the user.

In one form of the invention the chair is pivotal to a third angle between the back leg and base which is obtuse. A stopper may be attached to the base which limits the degree of rotation of the chair past ninety degrees.

An exercise platform comprises a substantially planar base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The base has at least one edge for receiving the bottom of a user's heel. At least one upstanding wall extends outwardly from the base for contacting the back of the user's heel. At least one slot is included for receiving a vertical support member for aligning the back of the user.

The at least one slot may be dimensioned such that a front face of the at least one upstanding wall is flush with a face of the vertical member. The at least one edge comprises a pair of edges each disposed on opposite sides of the base. One of the edges may have a first height which is greater than the height of the second edge. One edge may have a height of about 3.25 inches and the second edge has a height of about 2.5 inches.

In one form of the invention, the at least one wall comprises a plurality of walls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots. In another form of the invention, the at least one wall comprises a plurality of walls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots. In yet another form the top surface of the base is curved and defines the edge and the at least one slot is formed at an opposite edge of the base.

A method for exercising comprises aligning the body, performing timed breathing, maintaining the aligned body position for a preselected interval, and resting for a preselected interval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the embodiments, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. As should be understood, however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a user performing a preferred embodiment of the method for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a user another preferred embodiment of the method for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the method of exercising as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a platform for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the platform of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the platform of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the platform of FIG. 4 being used by a user;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the platform of FIG. 4 being used by a user;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a platform for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the platform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the platform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of a platform for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a chair for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 15 being used by a user in which the chair is at a ninety degree angle relative to the ground;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 15 being used by a user in which the chair is at a less than ninety degree angle relative to the ground; and

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 15 being used by a user in which the chair is at a greater than ninety degree angle relative to the ground;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Methods of Exercise

In FIGS. 1-18 there are shown various forms of the exercise invention which are presently preferred.

In FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred form of the method for exercising which comprises body alignment techniques, breathing techniques, and working against a clock to expedite muscle breakdown without movement. As described in greater detail below.

Alignment

As best seen in FIG. 1, in one preferred embodiment of the exercise method of the present invention, a user 100 is depicted using the preferred exercise method. The user's feet 20 are placed firmly on the ground 22. The user's weight is distributed on the heels 24. The user's toes 26 are raised with a slight bend in the knee 28 so that the user's knees 28 are slightly unlocked.

The height of the platform 16 varies in accordance with the user's foot length so that a consistent angle ranging optimally between about 15 degrees and 23 degrees is achieved. This height raises the user's heel enough that a depth of a 90 degree angle at the knees (the most difficult depth) can be achieved without the user falling over, but not so high that the user is unable to distribute his weight through the heels. Angles greater than 23 degrees make maintaining this position difficult, making the exercise itself easier and not as safe. If the user cannot pull his toes off the ground (only phalanges, metatarsals stay on the ground for balance), the user cannot push through the heels. Consequently, the user's weight goes to the toes and then to the knees, and less on the muscles.

In addition, the above angles are calculated from this position. Angles less than approximately 15 degrees don't permit the user to increase his depth to the maximum difficulty level of 90 degrees at the knees, making the exercise less difficult. Thus, the range of platform heights that are suitable depend on the user's foot size.

In this position, the hip flexor muscle 30 is neutral, bringing the abdominal muscles 32 and gluteal muscles 34 to a center point alignment. The body is elongated and straight so the user's heels 24 handle and support the user's weight. The user's spine 36 is aligned substantially vertically straight. A vertical line 42 is shown for reference to show the vertical alignment. Typically a stick or other straight device is used to ensure that the user is in proper alignment.

In addition, the user's shoulder blades 38 are in a down and back position so they are aligned over the user's hips, knees, and ankles. The user's head 40 is facing up and in a neutral position, such as a model would pose with a book on her head, to reveal perfect posture.

Breathing

In the preferred embodiment, the user's breathing is deep and is best described as diaphragmatic breathing.

In performing the exercise, the user inhales deeply, followed by a pause, then the user takes a long, hearty exhale. Most preferably, the process is performed in either about 10 or about 15 seconds per interval. In another preferred embodiment, the interval can be selected in the range of about 10 to about 15 seconds, depending on the abilities of the user. This breathing process maximizes the oxygen going into the muscles, allowing for a stronger muscular contraction as well as raising the heart rate for a built in cardiovascular workout.

Timed Exercise and Rest Interval

Once in the aligned exercise position, the exerciser, while breathing properly, holds the position for about one minute as determined based on the exerciser's ability/aptitude. After, this position maintaining interval the exerciser shall endure a period of rest for about 15 to 30 seconds thereafter. The exercise process is preferably repeated 10 times depending upon the exerciser's ability/aptitude.

Additional Exercises in Accordance with Present Invention

The above-described method of exercising may be performed with many variations falling within the scope of the present invention. The following are some examples of some of the preferred variations. It should be understood that other variations are possible that fall within the scope of the present invention.

A. Full Body Flexor

As best seen in FIGS. 2-3, the user 100 is depicted performing a full body flexor exercise in accordance with the present invention. In the full body flexor exercise, the user's heel's 24 are placed on a two to four inch high platform 16. The height of the platform 16 determines the angle of the user's foot as described below. The user's weight is distributed on the heels 24. The user's toes 26 are raised with a slight bend in the knee 28 so that the knees are slightly unlocked.

In this exercise, the user's hip flexor muscle 30 is in a neutral position, bringing the abdominal muscles 32 and the gluteal muscles 34 to a center point alignment. The user's abdominal muscles 32 are pulled inward. The body is elongated and straight so that the user's heel 24 handles and supports most of the user's weight. The user's spine 36 is aligned substantially vertically straight.

The user's shoulder blades 38 are down and back so they are aligned over the user's hips, knees, and ankles. The user's head 40 is in an up and neutral position to reveal substantially perfect posture.

In one form of the invention, the vertical alignment is achieved with the assistance of a straight board 44, such as a 2×4 piece of dimensional lumber. Alternately, any dimensional lumber board, wall, vertical planar surface, or the like may be used to keep the users spine/back straight. It should be understood that many different sizes of board or dimensional lumber are suitable for use with the present invention.

As best seen in FIG. 2, a board 46 may be held by the user 100 in the user's hands 48. The user 100 holds the board 46 in front of his or her chest 50 with the elbows 52 bent at substantially a 90 degree angle. The board 46 also maintains the width of the arm positioning to a predetermined width (i.e., the length of the board). The user may flex the bicep/tricep by pressing board tightly to increase the exercise load.

A ball 54 may be used in conjunction with the board 46 to ensure proper horizontal positioning of the board 46 and thereby proper alignment of the user's arms. A chamfered groove 56 may be formed in the top planar surface of the board 46 forming a track in which the ball 54 is free to roll in. The groove 56 limits the movement of the ball when the board 46 is not balanced properly by the user and limits the ability of the ball to fall off the board. In use the user 100 maintains proper arm alignment by keeping the ball balanced on the board with the help of the groove.

In performing one preferred version of the exercise, the user lowers down at the knee without breaking the position/alignment shown in FIGS. 2-3 to a level determined by skill-level/body shape of the user. Once in this lowered position, the user holds steady breathing on intervals of about 10 to 15 seconds utilizing deep inhales and long, hearty exhales for one minute or another selected or determined time based on aptitude or ability. The user endures a period of rest for about 15 to 30 seconds thereafter. This process is repeated about 10 times.

It should be understood that there are numerous adaptations of conventional exercises that may be adapted to use the method for exercising of the present invention. A representative sampling of these exercises will be described in connection with the invention. It should be understood that other existing exercises also fall within the scope of the present invention as being suitable for modification using the using method for exercising of the present invention.

For example, one such suitable exercise that may be performed in conjunction with the exercise of the present invention is the traditional bicep curl as modified by the method for exercising of the present invention. In the modified bicep curl exercise, the user engages in the alignment and breathing activities as described above and in accordance with the present invention. The user may hold either dumb bells or a curl bar for about one minute at about a 90 degree angle. Then user then takes a break for about 15 to 30 seconds. The exercise may be repeated up to about 10 times, as described above.

B. Bench Exercises

Various exercises conventional performed with the aid of an exercise bench may also be used in conjunction with the present invention. For example, the user may lie down on the bench with his shoulders down and his back touching the bench. The user's arms do not break the plane of the back/bench (alternately, bench exercises may be performed on the floor to ensure that the user's elbows do not break the plane of the floor in contrast to traditional bench exercises.) The user's pelvis is tilted such that all of his back touches the bench. In one form of the bench exercise the user's knees may be raised up such that the user's heels touch the bench. In this position the user's toes are pulled up and back towards the user's shins.

In another form, the user's legs are raised at a 90 degree angle to the body so that the upper legs are vertical and the knees are bent at a 90 degree angle so that the lower legs are horizontal.

Balls may be placed between the user's knees and feet to maintain the proper width alignment of the legs. In another form a weight may be applied to the users lower legs to increase the work applied to the muscles. In another form, the legs may be bent such that the knee is at a substantially 136 degree angle.

While performing the bench exercise, the user may perform various conventional bench exercises such as a bench press, flye, rock hold, or tricep extension while maintaining the alignment of the present invention.

It should be understood that other conventional bench exercises may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention.

C. Standing Exercises

Various exercises employing a standing position, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. For example a side lateral dumbbell curl, front dumbbell raise, or bicep curl exercise may be performed.

D. Push-Up Position Exercises

Various exercises employing a push-up position, with or without the use of a bench, may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. For example, the user may perform a conventional push-up, with the feet, knees, and/or hands on the floor or raised on an exercise bench.

E. Bent Over Position Exercises

Various exercises employing a bent over position can be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention, such as a conventional bent-over row, various bent-over lateral exercises, or a bent-over stretch exercise. In performing the bent over exercises, the legs are extended as much as possible without locking the knees and the heels are in vertical alignment up to the tailbone. A ball may be placed on the user's back to ensure properly horizontal alignment of the user's back.

F. Seated Row and Rope Chair Exercises

Various exercises employing a seated row position and/or a rope chair may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. For example, a conventional seated row exercise or a rope chair exercise may be performed. As described in greater detail below, the inventive chair of the present invention may be employed while performing the seated exercises.

G. Lunge Position Exercises

Various exercises employing a lunge position may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. For example, conventional lunge exercises may be performed in which the user's body maintains the alignment of the present invention. For example, the user's torso is kept perpendicular to the floor, the user's back leg thigh is parallel to the torso while the front leg shin is also parallel to the torso. In addition, the user's arms are free to perform any of the various arm exercises and leg positioning as described above.

H. Seated Exercises

Various exercises employing a seated position may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. Or example, front raises, shoulder presses, and bicep curls may be performed while performing the exercise of the present invention. As described in greater detail below, the inventive chair of the present invention may be employed while performing the seated exercises so that the preferred alignment positions of the present invention, as described in greater detail above, may be achieved. In addition to the using the chair of the present invention, any of the seated exercises can be preformed while the user stands with his back against a vertical support, such as a wall, and with his legs in about a ninety degree with the heels down, toes pulled back towards shins, with the user's legs performing the work of the chair to hold themselves in this position.

I. Reclining Exercises

Various exercises employing a reclined position may be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. In a normal seated position (user on seat, feet on ground) or a modified seated position with the feet on an even plane with the seat (i.e., feet on bench while sitting on bench, sitting on floor with feet also on floor), the user reclines the back by about 45 degrees (making a 135 degree angle total at the hips) while keeping the back straight in the alignment of the present invention. Exercises that can also be done seated such as the front raises, lateral raises, biceps, tricep dip, and the like, may be performed from this position for increased abdominal challenge.

Exercise Devices in Accordance with Present Invention

The following are some of the devices of the present exercise invention that facilitate performing the inventive method. It should be understood that other devices are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present invention.

The Exercise Platforms

One preferred platform for performing the full body exercise of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 to 9. The platform 110 comprises a base 112. The base 112 has a top surface face 114 and a bottom surface face 116.

The base 112 permits the platform 110 to rest on any planar surface such as a floor. It should be understood that the base 112 is typically planar to be complementary with the planar surface upon which it is positioned during use; however, the base 112 may take on other shapes to adapt to other non-planar surfaces, such as uneven ground or other uneven terrain. A non-slide or non-slip surface 118 may be applied to the underside 116 of the base 112 to prevent the platform from moving upon the forces applied by the user 100 while performing the exercises of the present invention.

The platform 110 includes a first edge 120 along one of the lateral sides of the platform 110 and a second edge 122 along the other lateral side. As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the edges 120 and 122 are constructed to be thicker than the base and of a thickness to properly raise the user's heel 24 as described above in connection with the methods of FIGS. 2 and 3. Preferably, the thickness of edge 120 is about 3.25 inches and the thickness of edge 122 is about 2.5 inches. The thickness of the edges 120 and 122 determine the angle of the user's foot.

The height of the platform varies in accordance with the user's foot length so that a consistent angle ranging optimally between about 15 degrees and 23 degrees is achieved. This height raises the user's heel enough that a depth of a 90 degree angle at the knees (the most difficult depth) can be achieved without the user falling over, but not so high that the user is unable to distribute his weight through the heels. Angles greater than 23 degrees make maintaining this position difficult, making the exercise itself easier and not as safe. If the user cannot pull his toes off the ground (only phalanges, metatarsals stay on the ground for balance), the user cannot push through the heels. Consequently, the user's weight goes to the toes and then to the knees, and less on the muscles.

In addition, the above angles are calculated from this position. Angles less than approximately 15 degrees don't permit the user to increase his depth to the maximum difficulty level of 90 degrees at the knees, making the exercise less difficult. Thus, the range of platform heights that are suitable depend on the user's foot size.

A protruding wall 124 is formed adjacent to edge 120 and a protruding wall 126 is formed adjacent edge 122. The walls 124 and 126 are provided to ensure that the user's heel is properly positioned on the edges 120 and 122 respectively when the user is performing the exercise of the present invention. The walls 124 and 126 ensure that the contact between the sole of the user's feet/shoes and the corner of the edge 120 and 122 is accurate to ensure the correct alignment of the user's legs and feet. The back of the user's heel is intended to be vertically aligned with the users back as described above.

Slots 128 and 130 may be formed in the base 112 of the platform 110 to accept a vertical alignment member 44 as described above and is best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The slots 128 and 130 are positioned on the base such that a front surface 134 of the vertical support member 44 is flush with the front surfaces 136 and 138 of the walls 124 and 126 respectively as best seen in FIGS. 6-8. Preferably the depth of the base 112 is sufficient to provide the slots 128 and 130 with sufficient depth to keep the vertical support member plumb or vertical. Alternately, other positioning markings and or alignments may be employed to ensure the proper vertical alignment and positioning of the vertical member 44.

In FIGS. 10-13 an alternate embodiment of the platform 110 is shown. In FIGS. 10-13, like reference numerals indicate like elements with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-9.

The platform 210 comprises a base 212. The base 212 bottom surface face 216. A non-slide or non-slip surface 218 may be applied to the underside 216 of the base 212 to prevent the platform from moving upon the forces applied by the user 200 while performing the exercises of the present invention.

The platform 210 includes a first edge 220 along one of the lateral sides of the platform 210 and a second edge 222 along the other lateral side. Preferably, the thickness of edge 220 is about 3.25 inches and the thickness of edge 222 is about 2.5 inches.

A protruding wall 224 is Formed adjacent to edge 220 and a protruding wall 226 is formed adjacent edge 222. The walls 224 and 226 are provided to ensure that the user's heel is properly positioned on the edges 220 and 222 respectively, as described above, when the user is performing the exercise of the present invention.

A Slot 228 and 130 may be formed in the base 212 of the platform 210 to accept a vertical alignment member 44. The slot 228 is positioned on the base such that a front surface 234 of the vertical support member 44 is flush with the front surfaces 236 and 238 of the walls 224 and 226 respectively.

The platform 210 is substantially similar to platform 110 with the exception that the width of the base 112 is reduced such that the upstanding walls 224 and 226 are back to back. This increases the portability of the platform and reduces its weight. In addition, only one slot 228 is required for accepting the vertical member. The slot is positioned and sized such that one face of vertical member is aligned with the front face 224 and the other face of the vertical member is aligned with the front face 226.

In FIG. 14, there is shown another alternate platform 314 that is similar to platforms 110 and 310 but simplified.

The platform 310 comprises a base 312. The base 312 has a rounded, curved, or oval shaped top surface face 314 and a flat bottom surface face 316. The height of the top surface 314 is designed to be similar in functioning and height to the edges 120 and 122 of the first board embodiment so as to properly positions the user's heel 24 as described above in connection with the methods of FIGS. 2 and 3

A slot 328 is cut out from one side of the base 312 to accept a vertical alignment member 344 as described above. The preferred form of the vertical member 344 of this embodiment is a conventional doorjamb, but it should be understood that any vertical member, such as those described in connection with the previous embodiments may be used. The slot 228 is positioned on the base such that a front surface of the vertical support member 344, in this case the doorjamb, is flush with the front surface of the slot 328.

The Exercise Chair

As best seen in FIGS. 15-18, one most preferred chair device 500 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. In one form of the invention, the chair 500 is a freestanding workout device that can be used alone for a total body workout or can additionally incorporate one or more of many upper body workouts, such as those described above, for greater challenge. Extra resistance can be used in the upper body in the form of dumbbells and barbells or on the lap for increased lower body challenge. The difficulty can be tailored to the individual, allowing the chair 500 to be suitable for anyone.

The chair 500 includes a hinge 502 that connects the back leg 504 of the chair to the base 506. The hinge 502 permits the chair 500 to pivot forward and backwards into various inclined positions (FIG. 17 shows a less than ninety degree angle while FIG. 18 shows a greater than ninety degree angle), including a substantially vertical position (FIG. 16), while the base frame 506 remains stable on the floor.

The front leg 508 is constructed to be about 2 inches shorter than the back leg so that the chair may be pivoted, as described above. There is a rubber cap 510 on the end of front leg 508 which prevents scratches when this leg 508 is resting on the base frame 506 when not in use.

As shown in FIG. 16, the person doing the exercise begins the exercise by placing his or her feet on the floor, hip width apart, with knees creating right angles. The user's heels are kept down with the toes pulled back toward the shins, evenly distributing weight onto the lower body muscles and away from joints.

A rubber stopper 514 is placed behind the back leg 504 of the chair with enough room to prevent the chair from reclining further than about 85 degrees, as shown in FIG. 18. Other devices suitable for preventing over-pivoting are contemplated by the present invention.

As best seen in FIG. 16, the user pushes back into the chair 500 to raise the front leg 508 off of the base 506. When the chair 500 is lifted, the most difficult position is with the seat 516 positioned at a substantially right angle to the floor. When the chair 500 leans either forwards (FIG. 17) or backwards (FIG. 18) away from this substantially 50 degree position (preferably between about 85 degrees and about 95 degrees), the workload on the person is less. And, the exercise benefits of the present invention are commensurately reduced

The chair exercise of the present invention can be made easier by placing an object, such as a 2″ thick spacer, such as a dimensional piece of lumber or block of wood, underneath the front leg 508 so that the user does not have to lift the chair at all, exerting less energy. This allows a user who is not strong enough to lift the chair for all or part of the workout to perform some or all of the workout in this easy position. With time and practice, the person becomes able to lift the chair for longer periods of time until the entire workout is performed with the chair lifted.

The most preferred exercise utilizing the chair 500 is done according to the alignment of the method for exercising of the present invention described above. The legs are placed in right angles as shown in FIG. 16, as described above, with his heels down and toes pulled back towards shins. The pelvis is tilted forward so that all vertebrae are touching the back of the seat. The shoulders are kept down and back with the chest elevated. If the arms are performing any additional exercise, elbows do not drift back beyond the plane of the back. If viewed from the side that means that the space where the body and the chair meet can always be seen.

The other principles of the exercise method of the present invention, described in detail above, may also be used while performing the exercise in the chair 500. It should be noted that in the preferred usage of the chair, the user does not lift the chair to perform repetitions; once the chair is lifted at the start of a set, this alignment is maintained until the user collapses safely in the chair.

The breathing regimen of the present invention, described above, and following the timed interval procedure (as described above) is observed as with all exercises in the preferred exercise method. In either position, other optional exercises using the upper body (with or without additional resistance) can be performed for a high intensity total body workout. Examples include a bicep, side lateral, and shoulder press done as described above. If a user so chooses, however, they can lift the chair 500 as explained above while doing their own workout with their upper body.

The particular embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and are not meant in any way to limit the scope of the claimed invention. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate the invention, that others may by current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under the various conditions of service.

Claims

1. An exercise chair comprising:

a base;

a seat for a user having a back leg and a front leg, the back leg being pivotally attached to the base between a first position in which the back leg is at an acute angle between the back leg and the base and a second position in which the angle between the back leg and the base is substantially ninety degrees; and

wherein when the chair is in the second position, there is a gap between the front leg and the base.

2. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 1 wherein the chair is pivotal to a third angle between the back leg and base which is obtuse.

3. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 2 further comprising a stopper attached to the base which limits the degree of rotation of the chair past ninety degrees.

4. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a soft stopper attached to a bottom of the front leg for cushioning the front leg when it contacts the base.

5. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 1 wherein the seat comprises a back support for supporting the back of the user and maintaining a spinal alignment of the user.

6. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 5 wherein the chair is pivotal to a third angle between the back leg and base which is obtuse.

7. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 6 further comprising a stopper attached to the base which limits the degree of rotation of the chair past ninety degrees.

8. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a soft stopper attached to a bottom of the front leg for cushioning the front leg when it contacts the base.

9. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 1 further wherein the seat comprises at least one cushion for the comfort of the user.

10. An exercise platform comprising:

a substantially planar base having a top surface and a bottom surface;

the base having at least one edge for receiving the bottom of a user's heel;

at least one upstanding wall extending outwardly from the base for contacting the back of the user's heel; and

at least one slot for receiving a vertical support member for aligning the back of the user.

11. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 10 wherein the at least one slot is dimensioned such that a front face of the at least one upstanding wall is flush with a face of the vertical member.

12. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 10 in which the at least one edge comprises a pair of edges each disposed on opposite sides of the base.

13. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 12 in which one of the edges is a first height which is greater than the height of the second edge.

14. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 13 in which the one edge has a height of about 3.25 inches and the second edge has a height of about 2.5 inches.

15. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 12 wherein the at least one wall comprises a plurality of walls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots.

16. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 14 wherein the at least one wall comprises a plurality of walls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots.

17. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 10 wherein the top surface of the base is curved and defines the edge and the at least one slot is formed at an opposite edge of the base.

18. A method for exercising comprising:

aligning the body;

performing timed breathing;

maintaining the aligned body position for a preselected interval; and

resting for a preselected interval.