YOKE TRAINING SYSTEM

Abstract

A yoke training system and method comprising a yoke bar suspended from an overhead mount via a suspension line connected to a swivel on the yoke bar. The yoke bar is able to freely rotate in 360 degrees and freely move front to back, back to front, and side to side. The free moving yoke bar assists the user in positioning himself in compromising positions where he is challenged to stabilize himself by entering into isometric contraction of the core and perform movements such as strength building exercise using the yoke bar in one of the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, two or more of the planes simultaneously or sequentially, or any combination of the different or same planes simultaneously or sequentially. The user may reposition the bar and take on a new position when entering into isometric contraction again. Thus the user movement may be performed in different body positions of isometric contraction. Attachment devices may be connected to enhance effectiveness.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent application having Ser. No. 61/218,747 which was filed on Jun. 19, 2009 and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to an exercise yoke used for a variety of exercises.

BACKGROUND ART

Exercise devices and systems for strengthening muscles and for simulating athletic activities are known in the art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,918 to Hill describes an exercise bar shaped like a motorcross handlebar that is used to work the muscles that are normally used in motorcross riding. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2006/0040802 to Vittone et al. describes an exercise bar having a U-shaped mid-section with a gap sized to accept a user's head. U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,314 provides an exercise yoke used for maintaining positions of the arms and torso. The yoke is configured to receive weight at its ends for increasing the rotational moment of inertia of the bar to give the effect of greater weight. U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,419 to Rota describes an exercise system having a primary horizontal overhead bar that adapts to a door frame or wall and two securing straps for suspending a secondary bar and/or elastic resistance ropes. Additionally, various devices and systems of the prior art have the user utilize isometric exercises which may safely increase muscle mass and slow down muscle deterioration.

Though these and other devices provide a way for a user to train and work muscles, users, including athletes and non athletes, are still susceptible to injury. Prior art exercise devices typically limit exercises to only one plane and fail to provide a mechanism by which a user can work muscles in various planes (both simultaneously and sequentially) with the user's body being positioned in varying positions. In other words, the prior art training devices fail to provide the user an opportunity to train in positions that mimic multiple and varying positions that are encountered in sports or daily life. Thus, when a user finds himself in a physical position to which he is not accustomed, a compromising or unstable position, it is difficult for him to maintain his balance and/or to perform movements in various planes relative to the body including the frontal (side to side) plane, sagitall (front to back) plane and transverse (rotating or twisting) plane. Thus the user is more likely to be placed in positions in which he or she has not developed strength or balance because he has not worked muscles in various planes and varying body positions. This leads to injuries in sports and in even when performing daily activities such as lifting a baby from a crib or moving furniture. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise system and method of training that a user uses to work muscles in various planes (both simultaneously and sequentially) with the user's body being positioned in varying compromising positions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise system and method of training that would allow a user to train core muscles alone or simultaneously with other muscles in the body.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise system and method that allow for simulation of muscle utilization in various positions including compromising positions encountered in sports and daily activities.

It is an object to provide and exercise system and method that would prevent or lessen the likelihood of injury in sports or daily activity and improve performance.

Additionally, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved exercise system and method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects have been met by a yoke training system and method of the present invention comprising a yoke bar suspended from an overhead mount via a chain connected to a swivel connected to the yoke bar such that the yoke bar is able to freely rotate in 360 degrees in a direction parallel to a floor plane. Further the suspended yoke is free to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the floor plane and freely move forward to backward, backward to forward, and side to side. A combination of these movements may occur. The suspended and free moving yoke bar assists the user in positioning himself in unusual, unstable, and/or unpredictable (compromising or compromised) positions where he is challenged to stabilize and then perform movements such as strength building exercises. In use, the user engages the yoke bar, by for example gripping arms on either end of the yoke bar and typically positions the bar in a compromising position where the user is challenged to stabilize himself by entering into isometric contraction of the core muscles (and/or other muscle groups), thus integrating several large and small muscle groups. Once in the state of isometric contraction, or the starting point, the user is able to move or perform strength building or other exercises in one of the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, in two or more of the planes simultaneously, or in any combination of the same or different planes, simultaneously or sequentially, using the free moving yoke bar while recruiting more muscle through full range of motion. Further, the user may reposition the bar and take on a new position when entering into isometric contraction again. Thus the user movement or exercise may be performed in different body positions of isometric contraction. The suspended yoke assists the user in positioning himself in unstable, unusual, and/or unpredictable positions through its free movement while allowing the user to conduct strength training in the compromised position.

By training this way the user learns to become more comfortable with and recognize compromising positions and integrates several large and small muscle groups including the core muscles and other muscle groups to have optimal movement and strength in unique positions associated with sports (for example snowboarding or football) or in daily activities. This may occur through proprioception. Further, because natural human movement including athletic movement occurs simultaneously across the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, simultaneously training in these three planes and in compromised positions improves results in increased flexibility, agility and overall strength thus improving user performance and decreasing the likelihood of injury in sport or daily activity. The system and method of the present invention strengthen the full body proportionately.

In addition to the advantages discussed previously, a user stabilizing his body in the compromised position and entering isometric contraction alone helps provide the user with better spatial awareness. Further, it provides the user with better postural alignment because of maximal recruitment of the stabilizer, rotator and other core muscle groups. This can lead to greater flexibility, greater range of motion and increased stamina which, in turn, leads to better performance with a reduction in risk of common injuries related to training and/or sports.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the yoke bar exercise system uses different attachment devices to impart motion to the yoke bar. The attachment devices enhance the effectiveness and difficulty of the system. In one example, the attachment devices comprise a pair of handles connected to distal ends of the yoke arms via a pair of chains and links connected to the yoke. In another example the attachment devices comprise a pair of slings connected to distal ends of the yoke arms via a pair of chains. In another example, the attachment device comprises a single sling connected to distal ends of the yoke arms via chains configured in a “v” shape. The attachment devices are designed to allow more motion and muscle integration through isometrics and instability (compromising positions). Additionally, the attachment devices are designed so that the individuals use the correct muscle groups for each designated exercise without compromising form.

The system and method of the present invention may be used in personal training studios, gyms, schools, professional sports, chiropractic, physical therapy, safety training and home use for overall fitness. The present invention is an excellent complementary tool for any athletic program workout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a front view of the yoke training system of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a magnified view of a portion of the yoke training system of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 2a is a front view of another embodiment of the yoke training system of FIG. 1 featuring handles.

FIG. 2b is a magnified perspective view of the link between the vertical handle to the chain of FIG. 2b.

FIG. 3 is front view of another embodiment of the yoke training system of FIG. 1 featuring slings.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention of the yoke training system of FIG. 1 featuring one sling.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a part of FIG. 2b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, there is seen the yoke training system of the present invention featuring a yoke bar 4. The yoke bar may be comprised of aluminum or stainless steel or other desired material including manderal bent aluminum or stainless steel. In one embodiment, the yoke bar has a 1¼ inch diameter and a ¼ inch width. The yoke bar includes a left arm 6, a right arm 8 and an arched central yoke portion 10 having a peak 3. The left and right arms are typically of equal length. Central yoke portion 10 is attached to or integral with a ring 25 (strong enough to support user weight and, for example, made with stainless steel). Ring 25 extends upwardly from the yoke portion and typically from its peak 3. The ring is typically attached to or integral with a top surface of yoke portion 10 and is typically centered on the yoke portion 10. The ring is strong enough to support user weight and, for example, is made with stainless steel. Yoke bar 4 is suspended from an overhead mount via a suspension line such as a crane strap, cable, or chain such as chain 14. The chain may 14 be connected to link 12 via a snap hook 18 such as a carabiner snap hook or other suspension line connecting device connected to a link 12. In one example, chain 14 is a 5/16 inch proof coil chain of two feet in length. The length of chain 14 may vary due to the height of the facility overhead surface, the user's choice of exercise options and/or for other factors. The suspension line may be mounted to an overhead surface such as a beam ceiling or wall mount. In one example, the overhead mount includes a snap hook or other suspension line connecting mechanism secured or connected to the overhead surface. The attachment to the overhead mount is sufficient to support the weight of the user. In a resting or non moving state, the yoke bar may be suspended such that the left and right arms are level with each other.

Yoke bar 4 is freely rotatable with a swivel in 360 degrees about a y axis in a plane parallel to a floor plane. In one example, the swivel, for example a swivel commonly known as an eye and jaw swivel, is used to impart free rotation to the yoke bar. In FIG. 1b, link 12 is seen inserted through an opening in ring 25 and secured shut with pin 93. A bolt 87 extends from housing 89 through housing 91 and is secured with nut 85. Link 12, along with the connected yoke bar 4, swivel and are freely rotatable in 360 degrees in a direction about the bolt 87 and the y axis and in a plane parallel to the plane of the floor. The yoke bar, when connected to chain 14, or other suspension line mounted to an overhead mount, may move freely in forward to backward, backward to forward, and side to side directions as well as rotate freely in 360 degrees (in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the floor). Other types of swivels and mechanisms used to free impart rotation to the yoke bar 4 may be used. In one example, yoke bar 4 may be used as a standard pullup bar or may be adjusted lower so that the user can grasp the left and right arms with his hands and remain standing on the floor to perform exercises such as side to side pull-ups where a pullup is performed holding onto the yoke bar as the user jumps from side to side. The user may place a step or prop of a desired height on the floor beneath the yoke bar serving as a guide for how high the user is to jump.

With reference to FIG. 2a another embodiment of the present invention is seen featuring chains 36a, 36b, or other suspension lines such as cables, or crane straps, for connecting one or two attachment devices to the yoke bar 4. In this embodiment, the attachment devices are handle devices 24a, 24b. Each handle device includes a handle portion 26a, 26b which may include a neoprene grip, a central curved bar portion 28a, 28b, and a vertical bar portion 30a, 30b. In one example, the handles comprise ⅞ inch diameter manderal bent stainless steeling tubing. The central curved bar portion is disposed in between the handle portion and the vertical bar portion and extends outwardly relative to the vertical bar portion. Connected to one end of each of the vertical bar portions is, for example, a link 32a, 32b. The link may be integral with the handle device or attached by other mechanisms. Links 32a, 32b are connected to one end of chains 36a, 36b, respectively, via for example snap hooks 34a, 34b, respectively such as a caribiner snap hook or other suspension line connecting devices. In one example, the links 32a, 32b are large enough for snap hooks 34a and 34b and a connected link or links of the chain 36b to be inserted through for quick height adjustments. Other mechanisms of attaching the handle devices to the chains may be used. Yoke bar 4 is connected to links 38a, 38b at distal ends of the left and right arms. Links 38a, 38b are connected to chains 36a, 36b, respectively, via snap hooks 40a, 40b, or other desired connecting devices. In one example, chains 34a, 34b are ¼ inch proof coil chains each four feet in length. In another example the chains vary in height from 3 feet to 6 feet. The length of chains 34a and 34b may vary dependent upon the facility overhead surface height, on the user's choice of exercise options, and/or for other factors. All links discussed herein may be for example, stainless steel links. Links may be of various sizes and materials and may include links commonly known as quick links allowing for link connections to be made.

With reference to FIG. 2b and FIG. 5, one example of a connection mechanism of link 38b to arm 8 is seen. The same connection mechanism may be used for link 38a. An internal nut 51 is welded within the arm at a weld 63 at a location at a distal end of arm 8. A cylinder 61 is received by the nut and extends outside the arm 8. Link 38b receives the cylinder 61 which extends out past link 38b. Thus link 38b is able to swivel and is freely rotatable about cylinder 61 in 360 degrees in a direction about the cylinder and about the x axis and in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the floor. A washer 57 is inserted on the cylinder 61. A bolt 59 secures the washer and link 38b on the cylinder 61. The cylinder and nut include internal threads into which bolt 59 is threaded. In another example, the cylinder is welded into the arm.

Connected to link 38b via a connection mechanism (including for example, a nut 65 and bolt 67) is link 55. Link 55 is rotatable freely about bolt 67 and about the y axis in a direction parallel to the plane of the floor. The swivel including links 55 and 38b is commonly known as an eye and eye swivel. Other types of swivels and mechanisms used to impart rotation to the link 38b may be used.

With reference to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the present invention is seen having a pair of slings 42a, 42b as attachment devices. The slings comprise a durable material such as a durable fabric sufficient to support the weight of a user. In one example the slings are BALEO abdominal straps. The slings may be padded or weighted. Each sling includes links 44a, 44b to be connected to snap hooks 34a, 34b, or other connecting mechanisms, which are used to connect to the chains 36a, 36b, respectively. Snaps 46a, 46b (or other securing mechanisms) form a loop in the sling through which links 44a and 44b pass so that they are connected to the sling. Other connection mechanisms may also be used.

With reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention is seen in which one sling 48 is used as the attachment device. Chains 36a, 36b are brought together in a “v” formation and are connected to snap ring 60. Snap ring 60 is connected to ring 50 which is looped through a loop formed by bolts through sling 48. Ring 50 may comprise, for example, a cable or a link including for example a link. Other attachment mechanisms may be used.

The yoke bar is freely rotatable in 360 degrees at the swivel in a plane parallel to the floor plane, and is freely rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the floor and movable in forward to backward, backward to forward, and side to side directions as it is suspended from the ceiling mount via chain 14. The suspended and free moving yoke bar 4 assists the user in positioning himself in unusual, unstable, and/or unlikely (compromising) positions where he is able to stabilize and perform movements or strength building exercises in one or more of a sagittal, frontal or transverse plane and in any combination of the planes, different or the same, simultaneously or sequentially. In one exemplary training method, a user may use the yoke bar 4 as the immovable object for isometric exercises and body movements occur relative to the yoke bar. In other exemplary exercises a user may use the user's own body, for example arms in a hand stand position as the immovable object in isometric exercises while the yoke bar is moved by other parts of the body including, for example, feet in the slings 42a, 42b.

In use, the user engages the yoke bar 4, by for example gripping arms 6 and 8 and typically positions the bar in a compromising position where the user is challenged to stabilize himself by entering into isometric contraction of the core muscles (or other muscle groups). A user stabilizing his body in the compromised position and entering isometric contraction helps to provide the user with better spatial awareness. Further, it provides the user with better postural alignment which can lead to greater flexibility, greater range of motion and increased stamina. This in turn leads to better performance with the likelihood of a reduction in risk of common injuries related to training and/or sports.

Once in the state of isometric contraction, or the starting point, the user is able to move or perform strength building or other exercises in one of the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes, in two or more of the planes simultaneously, and/or in any combination of the planes, the same or different, simultaneously or sequentially, by using the free moving yoke bar 4. The transverse plane may be either parallel to the floor, in which case the ends of the yoke bar would typically not tip up or down and the rotation would be provided at the swivel 25, or perpendicular to the floor in which case the yoke arms would tip and the rotation does not require rotation at the swivel. The perpendicular rotation of the yoke may be compared to the plane in which a steering wheel is turned. Further, the user may reposition the bar and take on a new position when entering into isometric contraction again. Thus the user movement or exercise may be performed in different body positions of isometric contraction.

The suspended yoke assists the user in positioning himself in unstable, unusual, and/or unpredictable or (compromised) positions through its free movement challenging the user to stabilize his body while allowing the user to conduct strength training in the compromised position. By training this way the user learns to become more comfortable with and recognize compromising positions and to have optimal strength in unique positions thus preventing or lessening the likelihood of injury.

The following are examples of use of the yoke training system of the present invention. In a first example, a user uses the yoke training system of the present invention to perform a bicep curl. A user uses a reverse grip on handles 26a and 26b (FIG. 2a) and extends the yoke bar 4 and his body backward such that, for example, his back is almost parallel to the floor surface. The closer to parallel his back is to the floor the more difficult the exercise. The user posts through his heels to help keep his hips up. Here, the user enters isometric contraction. Keeping elbows in, a user raises his body by curling his biceps and bringing the handles to his head. He lowers himself to a start position and repeats. The present invention allows the use to turn a basic curl into a full body activation engaging the core, back, shoulders and hips to stabilize by entering isometric contraction through the bicep movement. In other words, isometric contraction is occurring while a bicep curl occurs in the sagittal plane.

In a second example, the user uses the yoke training system of the present invention to perform a tricep curl. The user starts in an elevated plank position (isometric contraction) by moving the yoke 4 forwardly and, while keeping elbows in, lowers his body below the handles 26a and 26b (FIG. 2a). The user pushes down on the handles to raise himself back up and repeats the motion. In this exercise, the user's body should be moved (not his hands), the hips and back should be kept in a neutral position and the belly button in at all times. The present invention allows the user to turn a basic tricep curl into a full body activation engaging the core, upper arms, lower arms, chest, back and hips to stabilize by entering isometric contraction through the tricep movement. In other words, isometric contraction is occurring while a tricep curl occurs in the sagittal plane.

In a third example, the user uses the yoke training system of the present invention to perform a single leg squat. The user clips chains 36a and 36b together via ring 50 and clip 60 of sling 48 (FIG. 4). The bottom of the strap should be just below knee level. The user places one foot in the sling 48 and hops forward to extend the back leg while keeping his balance. Isometric contraction is entered into here. The user squats on the posted leg by leaning back to make sure the knee does post over the toe. The user straightens to the start position and repeats. Legs are then switched. The present invention allows the user to turn a basic single squat into a full body activation engaging the core, the upper legs, inner thighs, hips and lower legs to stabilize by entering isometric contraction through the squat movement. In other words, isometric contraction is occurring while a squat occurs in the sagittal plane.

In a final example, the user uses the yoke training system of the present invention to perform a matrix exercise. The user places his legs in slings 42a and 42b (FIG. 3) and starts in the plank position and proceeds to the sit-out position. Isometric contraction is entered into in these positions. From the sit-out position the user lifts one hand off the ground and rotates it around until facing upward and then brings it back down. This rotating movement occurs in the transverse plane perpendicular to the floor while isometric contraction occurs. Next one knee is brought to the chest (this occurs in the sagittal plane) and over the tops (this occurs in the transverse plane perpendicular to the floor) with the hips kept up. Next the other arm is lifted up and rotated around back to facing down. This rotation should occur for a few sets and then the rotation should occur in the other direction. As this exercise occurs the yoke bar 4 rotates at the swivel 25 and parallel to the floor. The free rotation of the yoke at the swivel allows a user to rotate in the transverse plane. In this example, the user enters into isometric contraction while performing movements of the arm in the transverse plane, the knee in the sagitall plane, and the knee in the transverse plane. Some or all of these movements may occur simultaneously. The present invention allows the user to fully activate the body by engaging the inner thighs, hips, upper and lower legs, chest, back and shoulders to stabilize as the user rotates.

All of the examples of exercises that may be performed with the yoke training system are too numerous to discuss. The invention is not to be limited to the examples given.

Exercises can be increased in difficulty by elongating the chains 36a and 36b and exercises can be decreased in difficulty by shortening the chains 36a and 36b connected to attachment devices such as either the handle device or the sling device embodiments. In some exercises, if the user's body is more vertical the user can more easily balance and maintain proper core support. As the chain is elongated, the user requires additional core strength.

Claims

1. A yoke training system comprising:

a yoke bar having an arched yoke portion, a left arm extending out from one side of the yoke portion, a right arm extending out from another side of the yoke portion, and a ring extending upwardly from a peak of the arched yoke portion and having an opening therethrough;

a first link disposed within the ring opening;

a second link connected to the first link and connectable to an overhead suspension line, wherein the first link is rotatably connected to the second link such that it and the yoke bar are together rotatable in 360 degrees about a y axis in a plane parallel to a floor plane.

2. The yoke training system of claim 1 wherein the first link and the second link comprise an eye jaw swivel.

3. The yoke training system of claim 1 wherein each of the left and right arms include an internal nut welded within the arm at a distal location of the arm, a cylinder disposed within the nut and extending outside of the arm, a cylinder link receiving the cylinder which is rotatable about the cylinder and an x axis and in a direction perpendicular to the floor plane, a washer distal to the swivel link and receiving the cylinder, and a bolt securing the link receiving the cylinder and the washer on the cylinder.

4. The yoke training system of claim 3 further comprising a link connected to the cylinder link, the link connected to the cylinder link rotatable about the y axis and in a direction parallel to a floor plane.

5. The yoke training system of claim 4 wherein the cylinder link and the link connected to the cylinder link form an eye and eye swivel.

6. A yoke training system comprising:

a yoke bar having a left arm, a right arm, an arched yoke portion disposed between the arms, and a ring extending upwardly from a peak of the arched yoke portion and having an opening;

a first swivel having a first and second link, wherein the first link of the first swivel is connected to the ring through the ring opening such that the yoke bar and the first link of the first swivel are rotatable in 360 degrees about a y axis in a plane parallel to the floor;

a second swivel having a first and second link, wherein the first link of the second swivel is rotatably connected about a distal portion of the left arm in 360 degrees and about an X axis in a plane perpendicular to the floor; and

a third swivel having a first and second link, wherein the first link of the third swivel is rotatably connected about a distal portion of the right arm in 360 degrees and about an X axis in a plane perpendicular to the floor.

7. The yoke training device of claim 6 further comprising a first suspension line connectable to the second link of the first swivel, a second suspension line connectable to the second link of the second swivel, and a third suspension line connectable to the second link of the third swivel.

8. The yoke training device of claim 7 further comprising at least one attachment device for connection to at least one of the second and third suspension lines.

9. The yoke training system of claim 8 including a pair of attachment devices, a first of the pair connected to the second suspension line and a second of the pair connected to the third suspension line.

10. The yoke training system of claim 9 wherein the pair of attachment devices is a pair of attachment handles.

11. The yoke training system of claim 10 wherein each of the pair of attachment handles comprises a handle portion, a central curved bar portion, and a vertical portion wherein the central curved bar portion extends outwardly from the vertical portion.

12. The yoke training system of claim 8 wherein the pair of attachment devices comprises a pair of slings.

13. The yoke training system of claim 8 wherein the attachment device is a single sling and wherein the second and third suspension lines are both connected to the single sling forming a “V” configuration.

14. The yoke training system of claim 7 wherein the suspension lines are of variable length.

15. The yoke training system of claim 7 wherein the suspension lines are chains.

16. A method for using a yoke training system having a suspended yoke bar with an arched yoke portion, a left arm extending out from one side of the yoke portion, a right arm extending out from another side of the yoke portion, a ring extending upwardly from a peak of the arched yoke portion and having an opening therethrough, a first link disposed within the ring opening, and a second link connected to the first link and to a suspension line, wherein the first link is rotatably connected to the second link such that it and the yoke bar are together rotatable in 360 degrees about a y axis in a plane parallel to the floor plane, the method comprising:

freely moving the suspended yoke bar into a compromising position;

entering into isometric contraction in the compromising position; and

conducting at least one movement in one or more of a transverse, sagittal, or frontal plane while in the compromising position.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising, providing a second suspension line rotatably connected to a distal end of the left arm and a third suspension line rotatably connected to a distal end of the right arm, and at least one attachment device for attachment to at least one of the second and third suspension lines, and engaging the at least one attachment device before entering into isometric contraction.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein moving the yoke into the comprising position includes moving the yoke from front to back, back to front, or side to side, by rotating the yoke parallel to the floor or transversely to the floor, or by a combination of two or more of these movements simultaneously or sequentially.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising repositioning the yoke in a new starting positing by moving the yoke from front to back, back to front, or side to side, by rotating the yoke parallel to the floor or transversely, or by a combination of two or more of these movements simultaneously or sequentially and performing another movement in the new starting position.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein more than one movement occurs in a combination of two or more, of the sagitall, frontal and transverse planes simultaneously or sequentially.

21. The method of claim 16 wherein more than one movement is imparted simultaneously in the same plane or different planes.

22. The method of claim 16 wherein the movement is a strength building exercise.

23. The method of claim 16 wherein the isometric contraction occurs against the yoke bar.

24. The method of claim 16 wherein the isometric contraction occurs against a body part while the yoke bar moves during the at least one movement.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the yoke bar freely rotates 360 degrees during the at least one movement.