APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CORE-STABILIZED EXERCISE BENCH

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a core-stabilized exercise bench, including a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder. The hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor. The core-stabilized exercise bench may further include a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder, a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder, a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap, a removable component in the first end cap to provide access to the storage cavity for holding additional exercise equipment, and a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,811 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for a Core-Stabilized Exercise Bench” and filed on Jan. 27, 2010 for Li Si Yang and Michael Grech, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise fixtures and more particularly relates to exercise benches.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of exercise equipment exists to aid in developing and maintaining good physical fitness. Such equipment may comprise fixtures upon or against which a user may stand, lean, sit, kneel, lie, or assume any other exercise position. Examples may include a mat, chair, bench, bar, board, and so forth. Exercise fixtures may also comprise moving parts. Examples may include a treadmill, stationary bicycle, stair-stepper, weight machine, rowing machine, and the like.

Additional exercise equipment may comprise smaller objects which the user may hold, wear, push, pull, throw, or otherwise physically manipulate. Examples may include barbells, free weights, ankle or wrist weights, elastic bands, balls or other projectiles, jump ropes, batons, poles, and so forth.

The foregoing types of exercise equipment have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Fixtures may provide greater comfort, safety, and support while exercising, but may also be bulky and difficult to move or store. Smaller objects may be more portable and compact, allowing a freer range of motion in their use, but may also cause clutter or more easily become lost.

Furthermore, the freer range of motion of smaller objects may be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Disadvantages may include safety hazards such dropping, tripping over, being struck by, or otherwise injured by such objects. Advantages may include the exercise value from handling and supporting the objects in ways that are incidental to their primary use. For example, both free weights and weight machines provide similar resistance as created by the force of gravity, but free weights further exercise the muscles of the user in positioning, balancing, and continuously supporting and stabilizing the free weights so as not to drop them.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that combines the advantages and minimizes the disadvantages of exercise fixtures and smaller exercise equipment. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would be lightweight enough to be easily portable, compact enough to be easily stored, have sufficient size and strength to provide support to a user in a number of exercise positions, reduce clutter of any additional exercise equipment, and offer the distinct advantage of further exercising the core and other muscles of the user in positioning and stabilizing the equipment incidental to its primary uses.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and long-felt unmet needs in the art that have proven intractable with currently available exercise equipment. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for a core-stabilized exercise bench that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of assuming an exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench and using core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll. These modules in the described embodiments may include a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in the exercise position above a floor.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, may be configured with a cover disposed on an outer surface of the pad. In a further embodiment, the cover may be water-resistant. In various other embodiments, the apparatus may be between three and five feet in length, and may be between four and eighteen inches in diameter.

A system of the present invention is also presented for a core-stabilized exercise bench. The system may be embodied by the foregoing core-stabilized exercise bench apparatus, further comprising a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder, a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder, and a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap. In particular, the system, in one embodiment, may include a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap.

The system may further include a removable component to provide access to the storage cavity. The storage cavity may thereby hold additional exercise equipment, for ease of transport, reducing clutter, and avoiding loss.

A method of the present invention is also presented. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a core-stabilized exercise bench comprising a hollow, rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor. The method further includes instructing the user in a mode of use of the core-stabilized exercise bench. The mode of use may comprise the steps of assuming the exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench, and using core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll. The exercise position may comprise sitting, lying, or the like.

The method may also include the step of exercising using muscles other than the core muscles. In an embodiment, the step of exercising may include lifting weights or other similar activities.

In one embodiment, the method may include rolling the core-stabilized exercise bench. In a further embodiment, the step of rolling may also include stretching, massaging, or otherwise manipulating the muscles.

In another embodiment, the method may include providing a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder, a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder, a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap, and a removable component in the first end cap to provide access to the storage cavity.

In a further embodiment, the mode of use may comprise the steps of removing the removable component, and accessing additional exercise equipment from the storage cavity. The mode of use may further comprise the steps of storing the additional exercise equipment in the storage cavity, and replacing the removable component.

In an additional embodiment, the method may include providing a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap. The mode of use may further comprise attaching the carrying strap, carrying the core-stabilized exercise bench, and detaching the carrying strap.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench;

FIG. 2 depicts a cutaway view of the core stabilized bench of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts another cutaway view of the core-stabilized exercise bench of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a view of one embodiment of an end cap with a removable component;

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a method for manufacture of a core-stabilized exercise bench; and

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a method for use of a core-stabilized exercise bench.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of structures, interfaces between elements, connections, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

Embodiments of a core-stabilized exercise bench may be used for exercise and therapeutic stretching. The core-stabilized exercise bench has a shape that allows it to roll on a surface. In other words, the core-stabilized exercise bench is not static like a traditional exercise bench, but is free to roll as it is used unless a user actively controls the tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll. Consequently, the core-stabilized exercise bench allows a user to perform exercises on the bench while requiring the user to stabilize the bench using core muscles. By requiring the activation of additional muscle groups, the core-stabilized exercise bench provides exercise benefits over a traditional exercise bench.

The core-stabilized exercise bench, in some embodiments, may be used as a platform for lifting weights. A user may lie on the core-stabilized exercise bench and perform weight lifting exercises using the user's body weight or additional weights, such as dumbbells or other free weights. While performing these exercises, the dynamic nature of the core-stabilized exercise bench requires the user to activate additional core muscles to stabilize the core-stabilized exercise bench.

Additionally, embodiments of a core-stabilized exercise bench provide a platform to assist in therapeutic scratching. A user may rest on the core-stabilized exercise bench and roll the core-stabilized exercise bench to provide stretching and/or massage to muscles.

Furthermore, embodiments of a core-stabilized exercise bench are easily transported in their entirety. The core-stabilized exercise bench may be extremely lightweight and may be carried using a simple shoulder strap. This provides an advantage over a traditional exercise bench which is typically bulky and very heavy.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench 100. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 includes a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder 102, a carrying a strap 104, an end cap 106, and an end cap handle 108. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 provides a non-static support for exercise.

The hollow, rigid cylinder 102, in one embodiment, provides structural support to the core-stabilized exercise bench 100. The hollow, rigid cylinder 102 may include any material capable of providing the required strength and rigidity to the core-stabilized exercise bench 100. For example, the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 may be an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe.

The hollow, rigid cylinder 102, in some embodiments, is between three and five feet in length and between four and eighteen in outside diameter. The hollow, rigid cylinder 102 has an inside diameter of between two and one half and seventeen and one half inches in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 is approximately 47 inches long. In some embodiments, the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 is approximately five inches in diameter.

In one embodiment, the carrying strap 104 provides a means for carrying the core-stabilized exercise bench 100. The carrying strap 104 may be connected to the core-stabilized exercise bench 100 at an end cap 106. The carrying strap 104 may be any material capable of supporting the core-stabilized exercise bench 100. For example, the carrying strap 104 may be one and one half inch wide nylon webbing.

In some embodiments, the carrying strap 104 is adjustable. For example, the carrying strap 104 may be adjustable in length from approximately three feet to approximately six feet. In one embodiment, the carrying strap 104 includes a removable connector (not shown) that removably connects the carrying strap 104 to the core-stabilized exercise bench 100. For example, the carrying strap 104 may include a hook with a compliant gate that removably connects to the core-stabilized exercise bench 100.

The end cap 106, in one embodiment, connects to an end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In certain embodiments, the end cap 106 substantially or completely closes an open end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 may include an end cap 106 at each of two ends of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102.

In some embodiments, the end cap 106 is removably connected to an end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In an alternative embodiment, the end cap 106 includes a removable component, described in further detail in relation to FIG. 2.

The end cap handle 108, in one embodiment, provides a means for holding, connecting to, or gripping the end cap 106. In some embodiments, the end cap handle 108 is used to grip the end cap 106 for removal and/or attachment of the end cap 106 or a removable component of the end cap 106 to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In certain embodiments, the end cap handle 108 provides an attachment point for the carrying strap 104.

The end cap handle 108 may be any type of handle capable of use in holding, connecting to, or gripping the end cap 106. For example, the end cap handle 108 may be a block or flange that protrudes from the end cap 106. In another example, the end cap handle 108 may be a loop that protrudes from the end cap 106. In yet another example, the end cap handle 108 may include a depression or a hole in the end cap 106.

FIG. 2 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the core stabilized bench 100 of FIG. 1. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 includes a hollow, rigid cylinder 102, a first end cap 202, a removable component 204, and a second end cap 206. The hollow, rigid cylinder 102 is similar to the same numbered component described in relation to FIG. 1. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 provides a storage cavity 208.

The first end cap 202, in one embodiment, is attached to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. The first end cap 202 connects to a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 and partially or completely closes the first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In some embodiments, the first end cap 202 provides structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102.

The first end cap 202 may be any type of material capable of connecting to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In some embodiments, the first end cap 202 is made from a material capable of providing structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. For example, the first end cap 202 may be made from ABS.

In one embodiment, the first end cap 202 includes a removable component 204. The removable component 204 is removably connectible to the first end cap 202. Removal of the removable component 204 provides access to the storage cavity 208 in the interior of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102.

The removable component 204 may be removably connectible to the first end cap 202 using any removable connection structure. For example, the removable component 204 may be press fit into the first end cap 202. In another example, the removable component 204 may be connectible to the first end cap 202 by a screw thread. In yet another example, the removable component 204 may be connectible to the first end cap 202 by a twist-lock structure.

The second end cap 206, in one embodiment, is attached to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. The second end cap 206 connects to a second end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 and partially or completely closes the second end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In some embodiments, the second end cap 206 provides structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102.

The second end cap 206 may be any type of material capable of connecting to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In some embodiments, the second end cap 206 is made from a material capable of providing structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. For example, the second end cap 206 may be made from ABS. In some embodiments, the second end cap 206 includes a removable component (not shown) similar to the removable component 204 of the first end cap 202.

The hollow, rigid cylinder 102, the first end cap 202, the removable component 204, and the second end cap 206 partially or completely surround the storage cavity 208. The storage cavity 208, in one embodiment, extends substantially the entire length of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. The storage cavity 208 may extend from the first end cap 202 to the second end cap 206. The storage cavity 208 may be used to store additional exercise equipment.

In an alternative embodiment, the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 includes ends (not shown) formed integrally with the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. For example, the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 may be formed in an injection-molding process with one or two integral ends.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the end caps 202, 206 have a profile that is substantially flat. In an alternative embodiment, the end caps 202, 206 and/or integral ends of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 may be formed as half-spheres, ellipsoids, or any other shape.

FIG. 3 depicts another cutaway view of one embodiment of the core-stabilized exercise bench 100 of FIG. 1. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 includes a hollow, rigid cylinder 102, a pad 304, a cover 306, and a strap connector 308. The hollow, rigid cylinder 102 is similar to the same numbered component described in relation to FIG. 1. The core-stabilized exercise bench 100 provides a non-static support for exercise.

The pad 304, in one embodiment, cushions the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. The pad 304 is formed around the hollow, rigid cylinder 102, in some embodiments. The pad 304 may be any material capable of providing cushioning. For example, the pad 304 may be one half inch thick closed-cell polyethylene foam.

In some embodiments, the cover 306 covers all or part of the core-stabilized exercise bench 100. The cover 306 protects other components of the core-stabilized exercise bench 100 from damage. The cover 306 may include any material capable of providing protection. For example, the cover 306 may include an artificial leather formed using a plastic. The cover 306, in one embodiment, is water resistant.

The strap connector 308, in one embodiment, is located on an end cap 106 and provides a connection point for the carrying strap 104. The strap connector 308 may be any structure capable of providing a connection for the carrying strap 104. For example, the strap connector 308 may be a loop or a D-ring.

FIG. 4 depicts a view of one embodiment of an end cap 402. The end cap 402 includes a removable component 404 and a handle/connector 406. The end cap 402 closes the storage cavity 208, provides access to the storage cavity 208, and provides structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102.

The removable component 404, in one embodiment, is removably connectible to the end cap 402. The removable component 404 may be connectible to the end cap 402 by a screw thread. The removable component 404, when removed, provides access to the storage cavity 208. When connected to the end cap 402, the removable component 404 contains items stored within the storage cavity 208.

In some embodiments, the handle/connector 406 is attached to the removable component 404. The handle/connector 406 provides a means for grasping the removable component 404 and removing or attaching the removable component 404. The handle/connector 406 provides a connection structure for the carrying strap 104.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a method 500 for manufacture of a core-stabilized exercise bench 100. The method 500 begins 502 with the provision 504 of a hollow, rigid cylinder 102. The provided hollow, rigid cylinder 102 provides structural support for the core-stabilized exercise bench 100.

A pad 304 is applied 506 to an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In one embodiment, a rectangular sheet of padding material is wrapped around the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 to apply 506 the pad 304 to the outer surface. In an alternative embodiment, a cylindrical pad 304 is pulled over the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 to apply 506 the pad 304 to the outer surface.

A cover 306 is applied 508 to an outer surface of the pad 304. In one embodiment, the cover 306 is a water-resistant cover. In some embodiments, the cover 306 is pulled over the pad 304 to apply 508 the cover 306. In an alternative embodiment, the cover 306 is wrapped around the pad 304.

A first end cap 202 is connected 510 to a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In some embodiments, the first end cap 202 is connected 510 to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 by an interference fit. In another embodiment, the first end cap 202 is connected to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 by glue. In yet another embodiment, the first end cap 202 is connected 510 to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 by welding.

A second end cap 206 is connected 512 to a second end of the hollow, rigid cylinder 102. In some embodiments, the second end cap 206 is connected 512 to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 by an interference fit. In another embodiment, the second end cap 206 is connected 512 to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 by glue. In yet another embodiment, the second end cap 206 is connected 512 to the hollow, rigid cylinder 102 by welding. In an alternative embodiment, one or both end caps 202, 206 are formed integrally with the hollow, rigid cylinder 102, for example, in an injection molding process. After the second end cap 206 is connected 512, then the method 500 ends 514.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a method 600 for use of a core-stabilized exercise bench 100. The method 600 begins 602 with the provision 604 of a core-stabilized exercise bench 100, and instructing a user in its mode of use, as shall be described presently. The instruction may be provided in writing, verbally, pictorially, by live demonstration, and so forth.

The user assumes 604 an exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench 100, and uses 608 core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench 100 to roll. In one embodiment, the exercise position may be a sitting position. In another embodiment, the user may be lying down.

The user then exercises 610 using muscles other than the core muscles. In one embodiment, exercising may comprise lifting weights. The user may also roll 612 the core-stabilized exercise device 100, stretching and/or massaging 614. The user may access and store 616 additional exercise equipment, removing and replacing the removable component 204 in order to open and close the storage cavity 208 as needed. When no longer in active use, the core-stabilized exercise bench 100 may be carried by attaching and detaching 618 the carrying strap 104 as needed, and the method 600 ends 620.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench, the apparatus comprising:

a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder;

a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder, and

wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover disposed on an outer surface of the pad.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cover is water-resistant.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is between three and five feet in length.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is between four and eighteen inches in diameter.

6. A system for a core-stabilized exercise bench, the system comprising:

a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder;

a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder;

a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder;

a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder;

a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap; and

wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the first end cap includes a removable component to provide access to the storage cavity.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the storage cavity holds additional exercise equipment.

10. A method comprising the steps of:

providing a core-stabilized exercise bench comprising a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor; and

instructing the user in a mode of use of the core-stabilized exercise bench, the mode of use comprising the steps of: assuming the exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench, and using core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the exercise position is one of sitting and lying.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the mode of use further comprises the step of exercising using muscles other than the core muscles.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of exercising comprises lifting weights.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the mode of use further comprises the step of rolling the core-stabilized exercise bench.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of rolling further comprises at least one of stretching and massaging muscles.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the core-stabilized exercise bench further comprises:

a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, substantially rigid cylinder,

a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder,

a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap, and

a removable component in the first end cap to provide access to the storage cavity.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mode of use further comprises the steps of:

removing the removable component, and

accessing additional exercise equipment from the storage cavity.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mode of use further comprises the steps of:

storing the additional exercise equipment in the storage cavity, and

replacing the removable component.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the core-stabilized exercise bench further comprises a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap.

20. The method of claim 20, wherein the mode of use further comprises the steps of:

attaching the carrying strap,

carrying the core-stabilized exercise bench, and

detaching the carrying strap.