Exercise Apparatus for Starting Motion

Abstract

Disclosed is a unique concept of a physical training apparatus which applies resistance to a trainee during athletic movements from a set position in the natural environment of the sporting activity to aid in enhancing speed and acceleration. The said physical training apparatus is designed to be used in conjunction with a starting apparatus to allow the trainee to execute resistive movements with identical technique to a sporting activity. The versatility of design of the disclosed invention allows the trainee to better translate the benefits of a resistive exercise into a sporting activity by incorporating the use of common athletic elements. Further benefits stem for the reduction of time and movement between a resistive exercise and an unrestrained athletic routine due to the ability of the disclosed invention to be utilized within the environment of the sporting activity.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention and method relate, but are not limited to, the athletic exercising and conditioning field which focuses on strength and speed for high intensity movements from a still or set position used in the natural training or competitive environment of the sport or activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Competitive activities based on the speed at which someone can perform an explosive and sudden movement have been present since the beginning of sports and the desire to increase such speed has been around just as long. The two largest contributors to increasing speed and acceleration for an explosive and sudden movement from a still or set position relate to muscle strength and technique. Muscle strength is developed by applying additional resistance to a particular movement so that the specific muscle group is stressed beyond what is achievable by comparable movements without resistance. The additional strain applied to a muscle group trains that specific muscle group to attempt to move with resistance, so that when resistance is removed, a greater speed and acceleration may be achieved. Often when a muscle group is being stress during a resistive exercise, the technical portion of speed enhancement cannot be addressed due to the isolation of exercising a singular muscle group. Furthermore, when a sudden burst of energy requires sport specific equipment and ample space to properly perform the movement, a traditional resistance-based exercise cannot adequately capture all of the integrated movements due to the location of the apparatus, the means by which it is fastened to the trainee, or the design of use. Limitation of movement or distance, or not allowing the trainee to use common elements of his or her sport, creates a greater disconnect between an athletic technical-based movement and a resistive-based athletic movement.

Previous inventions address the importance of applying resistance to high speed athletic movements while simulating a specific athletic routine. It is understood that the trainee will experience a greater benefit by resisting the specific movements of his or her sport compared to traditional weight room exercises that carry no technical similarities to the desired sport. Previous patents have strived to bridge the gap between specific athletic movements and a resistance based exercise so that the trainee's body is performing the same movements during competition as he or she would during a resistive training session. Although many localized movements have been replicated for a resistive exercise, a trainee is unable to perform a specific athletic routine without the use of common elements that are used in his or her specific sport.

Previous physical training apparatus do not address the importance of using familiar starting structures and other athletic apparatus and elements that are used during traditional competitions for resistive exercises. The limitation of all trainees to a single apparatus prevents trainees from using sport specific apparatus and structures that are paramount to the execution of an explosive and sudden movement in regards to a specific athletic event.

Previous inventions also fail to address the importance of time between a resistive exercise and the execution of a specific athletic movement. The increase of time between a resistive exercise and the execution of a specific athletic movement causes a greater likelihood that the trainee will not react with the same intensity as he or she did in the resistive exercise, reverting back to old habits or muscle memory that has been developed using the specific athletic apparatus and structures without resistance. Similar to time, the less the trainee moves between an exercise and the execution of a routine, the more likely he or she will be able translate the movement of a resistive exercise into an athletic routine.

If a trainee is able to resistively stress a specific movement, he or she will be able to combine sport specific technique and muscle development to teach his or her body to work as a whole to improve speed and acceleration for a specific movement. When all muscle groups are working together, the trainee will begin to understand how to sequentially move certain body parts while executing the proper timing to best perform a movement.

It is an object of the disclosed invention to provide a resistance-based device that will apply resistance over a predetermined period and then release the trainee to continue in the desired direction of travel.

It is another object of the invention to provide a resistance device that applies resistance to the initial movements of an explosive routine without allowing the trainee to depart from the starting fixture. Following a resistive exercise, the trainee will detach himself or herself to allow minimal time and movement between a resistive exercise and a sport specific unrestrained routine.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a resistance device that only allows the trainee to depart, unrestrained, from the starting structure when a predetermined force is applied by the trainee.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which provides a stable and rigid structure for a resistance device to be mounted in a wide range of athletic environments.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a stable and rigid base that can accommodate the interchangeability of the resistance mechanism to allow for various resistance types and intensities.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a stable and rigid base that contains various connection points at incrementing heights as to provide the correct angle or vector of resistance to best suit an athletic movement for a particular body type, stance, sport, or routine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This embodiment relates to the discovery of a unique rigid structure which supports, but is not limited to, three unique types of resistance devices/systems that assists in the improvement of explosive and sudden movements from a still or set position for a wide variety of athletic movements. The disclosed invention understands the need to pair an athletic movement to a resistance based exercise and allow the trainee to do so by operating the disclosed invention in the natural environment of his or her sport while using common athletic elements which are used during competitions and practice. By applying resistance to a specific movement in the natural environment of a sport, the trainee is able to better translate the benefits of a resistive exercise into an athletic movement because of the identical environment, features used, and technique, as well as reduced time and movement between a resistive exercise and the execution of an athletic movement.

There are three distinct types of resistance disclosed in this embodiment, all of which apply resistance to a trainee performing an explosive or sudden movement from a still or set position. Each of the three distinct resistance devices are to be mounted to a rigid structure in the natural environment of a sport and used in conjunction with sport-specific starting apparatus.

The first device is a resistive device which applies a predetermined amount of resistance over a predetermined distance prior to releasing the trainee into an unrestrained state. The advantage of releasing the trainee is to further build the connection between the resistive exercise and specific athletic movement by the allowing the trainee to complete a full athletic routine in the environment of the sport.

The second device, herein referenced as ‘short movement resistance system,’ applies a predetermined amount of resistance over a predetermined distance prior to restricting the trainee from departing from the starting apparatus. The advantage of the short movement resistance system is that a high level of resistance can be applied to the initial ‘twitch’ of an explosive movement which relates to how quickly the trainee can engage his or her body to provide thrust. An additional advantage of the short movement resistance system is that the trainee can execute more initial twitch movements compared to the time it takes to do a fully executed starting motion, which involves returning to the starting location and resetting in the starting stance. The trainee will also have the advantage of performing a resistive exercise with minimal time and movement prior to a fully executed athletic routine. After the completion of the resistive exercise, the trainee simply disconnects himself or herself and is able to perform a fully and unrestrained athletic movement.

The third device is a resistive device which restricts departure from a starting apparatus until a predetermine force is generated by the trainee, in which case, the trainee can depart unrestrained. The advantage of this device is that the trainee will be required to apply large forces during the initial movements of a routine opposed to gradually increasing his or her speed. Additionally, allowing the trainee to continue his or her routine, unrestrained, further promotes the unity of a resistive exercise and a specific athletic movement from a still or set position.

A further advantage of each resistance device/system is that the trainee will naturally alter his or her body position to attempt to overcome the excess resistance. As the trainee uses any of the aforementioned resistance devices, he or she will find the most powerful body position and movement to which can overcome the resistance, which translates identically into the fastest and most powerful body position and movement when the harness is no longer attached. Additionally, a force gauge can be integrated into any of the aforementioned resistance devices/systems to discretely measure the forces generated by the trainee to more accurately determine the optimal stance and/or motion for a specific starting routine.

Each of the three distinct types of resistance incorporates a harness which is adapted to be worn by a trainee to which a compatible strap is bound and extends from the trainee towards any of the aforementioned resistive devices/systems.

Each resistance device will be securely connected to a rigid fixture. Said rigid fixture contains various connection points for a resistive device as to allow the vector angle of resistance to be customizable to the trainee's body type, stance, sport, and desired direction of travel. The resistive device can be easily moved from one connection point to the next as well as interchanging from one type of resistive device to the next. The rigid structure is designed to utilize features of the surrounding athletic environment to provide a secure base for any resistive device in a wide range of athletic venues. The rigid structure may be specifically designed for a certain athletic environment or a versatile design may be used as long as the rigid structure acts as a secure connecting element for a resistive device.

With the short movement resistance system or another other highly stressed system, the rigid structure will need to be designed to adequately absorb and transfer the increased forces incorporated with abruptly stopping or slowing the trainee during an explosive movement.

Greater explanation can be found in the detailed description of the invention, in view of the fact that an optional system configuration has been selected to provide reference to key features found on the disclosed invention. Orientation and location of such features are described to build a greater understanding on how the system operates rather than limit the system design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referenced features of the disclosed invention are described in FIGS. 1-24.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a resistive device which applies resistance over a predetermined period prior to releasing athlete; figure include how the corresponding strap interacts with the device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the FIG. 1 illustrating the U-shaped member as well as the groove at which the corresponding strap resides.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the resistive wheel in FIG. 2 further detailing the slots in the wheel.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the resistance device in FIG. 1 further depicting the U-shaped member and pin.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance device in FIG. 1 illustrating the relative orientation of each feature.

FIG. 6 is a front view is the corresponding strap to the resistive device in FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the strap in FIG. 6 further detailing the protruding elements of the strap.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a resistive device that only allows departure of a trainee once a predetermined force is generated.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the resistance device in FIG. 8 further detailing the latching magnetic components.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the resistance device in FIG. 8 further detailing the latching magnetic components when detached.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a resistive device which applies resistance over a predetermined period prior to restricting the training; illustration is in the relaxed state.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the resistive device of FIG. 11 in the tension state.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a versatile rigid structure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a versatile rigid structure with an addition rear angle support.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a versatile rigid structure.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a versatile rigid structure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a versatile rigid structure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a specialized additionally reinforced rigid structure.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a specialized rigid structure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a specialized rigid structure including a swimming starting apparatus

FIG. 21 is a side view of a specialized rigid structure with a slight rearward position.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the specialized rigid structure of FIG. 20 depicted with a swimmer position on the starting apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a harness, to be worn by a trainee, is placed around the torso and shoulders of the trainee.

FIG. 24 is a harness, to be worn by a trainee, is placed around the torso of the trainee.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referencing the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, the proceeding embodiments of the resistive training apparatus of the disclosed invention are described.

The invention herein describes three unique resistance systems, apparatus and methods that are designed to apply resistance to a trainee, herein referenced as ‘athlete,’ during explosive and sudden athletic movements from a still or set position in a specific athletic environment used in conjunction with common athletic elements that are used in practice and/or competition for a particular athletic event. The disclosed embodiment comprises of three unique types of resistance devices found in FIGS. 1 through 12. Each resistive component is a unique device and/or system that provide a distinct type of resistance experienced by the athlete.

Resistance device and components 123 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. Resistance device 123 comprises of at least one resistive wheel 132 that has a predetermined level of force required to rotate it. The greater the amount of force required to rotate the resistive wheel 132 translates to a greater resistance experience by an athlete trying to move away from the resistance device 123. Strap 150 is attached to the trainee via loop 167 on harness 165 or harness 166 and is pulled across the resistive wheel 132 as the athlete moves away from the resistive device 123. Similar to a bike chain spinning the gearing of a bike, it is best practice, but not required, to have the strap 150 include protruding ridges 133 while the resistive wheel contains slots 170 which receive the protruding features 133 of the strap 150 or vice versa. The resistive wheel 132 rotates allowing the athlete to move forward under a resistive state. After the strap 150 is no longer in contact with the resistive wheel 132, which is dependent on the strap length, the athlete will no longer be resisted or restrained and is free to continue with the routine required by the sporting activity. The resistive wheel 132 is attached to a U-shaped member 130 which also contains a pin 129 and a strap guiding aid 131. The pin 129 is inserted into a selected hole 121 on the rigid structure 126, 128, 169 and then the U-shape member 130 rotates onto the rigid structure 126, 128, 169 to provide a secure attachment for the resistive device 123 to the rigid structure 126, 128, 169. Said attachment method is not unique to the disclosed invention and any attachment method may be used to securely attach any resistive device 123, 124, 125 to a rigid structure 126, 128, 169.

A short movement resistance system 124, found in FIGS. 11, 12, incorporates springs or stretch cords 143 as well as a restraining mechanism 144. The resistance assembly 124 does not release the athlete into an unrestricted state. In order to prevent the athlete from leaving the sport specific starting structure a restraining device 144 must be used. In FIGS. 11, 12 the restraining device 144, comprised of nylon or like material which is strong and non-elastic, is attached to the rigid structure 1 and connecting member 142. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12 a strap 139 is attached to a harness 165, 166 via loop 167 and wound through a series of resistive and/or non-resistive wheels 132, 141 before the strap 139 is permanently attached to the rigid structure 126 via a hook or loop 140. When the athlete is not providing a forward force, the resistive system 124 is in the relaxed state 145 and the restraining device 144 does not have a load applied to it. As the athlete advances forward the strap pulls the second wheel 141 and connecting member 142 upward which stretches the springs or stretch cords 143. Said springs are made of metal or a like material and said stretch cords made of a rubber or like material. Stretching and/or expanding occur until the springs or stretch cords 143 become the same length as the restraining device 144; this is considered the tension state 146 for the resistance system 124. Once the restraining device 144 is engaged, the second wheel 141 and connecting member 142 can no longer move upwards and the strap 139 cannot extend, abruptly stopping the athlete from advancing forward. The sum of resistance from the elastic members 143 is able to provide various levels of resistance to accommodate different applications or ability of athlete. Altering the resistance from the elastic member 143 entails connecting or disconnecting any number of springs or stretch cords 143 to the connecting member 142 or replacing any number of springs or stretch cords 143 with a less resistive spring or stretch cord 143.

A further type of resistance device 125 will not allow the athlete to advance until the pulling force generated by the athlete becomes greater than the predetermined force required to separate the components of the resistance device 125. Said components of resistance device 125 are illustrated in this embodiment as magnetic components 137, 138. The magnetic components 137, 138 are covered by soft foam 136 or like material to reduce injury when the magnets 137, 138 depart during an athletic movement. The strap ends opposite of the magnetic components 137, 138 attach securely to the athlete's harness 165, 166 via loop 167 and a rigid structure 126, 128, 169. After the magnets depart from each other, the athlete will then continue with the rest of the athletic routine without any resistance. Magnets can be replaced by a more suitable mechanical device that releases once a certain force is obtained. Practically, the two approaches, magnetic and mechanical, will perform in the same manner.

In the instances where a strap 139, 150, 151 is permanently attached to a harness 165, 166 via loop 167 or rigid element 126, 128, 169 a ring 134, made of a rigid metal or plastic, is permanently attached to a strap 139, 150, 151 by reinforcement stitching 135 which secures the ring 134 from detaching under any level of tension which can be generated by an athlete using the disclosed invention. Strap 150 is, but not required to be, a fixed length, yet straps 139 and 151 include any variety of adjustment devices that alter the effective length of the strap 139, 151 to best fit the application and body-type of the athlete. Harness 165, 166 which are worn by the trainee are illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, respectively.

The application of the rigid structure 126, 128, 169 is an integral part to the versatility of the disclosed invention. The simple objectives of the rigid structure 126, 128, 169 consist of a study base for various resistance devices/systems, some of which including devices/systems 123, 124, 125; contain multiple connection points 121 to allow a resistive device (i.e. 123, 124, and 125) to be attached at incrementing heights; and safely disperse incurred forces into surrounding environment without damage. Three types of rigid structures will be shown, a versatile rigid structure 128 which can be used in a wide variety of athletic venues and two types of specific rigid structures 126, 169 which uniquely adapt to the specialized features 119, 147 of a competitive swimming facility. It is also to be noted that for such resistance devices or systems similar to resistance system 124, where the rigid structure is required to transfer large amounts of force to the surrounding environment, extra reinforcement or a more suitable rigid structure design, such as 169, is required to appropriately meet the objective of providing a sturdy and stable base for any resistance system. FIG. 18 illustrates a rigid structure 169 which is able to transfer larger loads, due to rear vertical beams 103, 107 and horizontal beam 104. Specialized rigid structure 126 is designed to accommodate relatively lower levels of stress.

A versatile rigid structure 128 is found in FIGS. 12 though 17. The holes 121 on main vertical post 102 are connection means for which a resistive device 123, 124, 125 or any other resistive device can be attached. The forward edge 153 of the rigid structure contains, but is not required to have, a rubber or like material padding as to provide a nonabrasive surface as the forward edge 153 contacts the aft portion of a starting apparatus or another rigid feature that is found in the athletic environment. Pins 152 are located in the vicinity of the forward edge to provide a locking point for at least one strap or rubber band 158. Said strap or band 158 is used, but not required, to aid in the connection between the rigid structure 128 and the element to which it is in contact with. The number of pins 152 relate to the number of connection points to which is appropriate for a wide range of athletic environments. The aft end of the rigid structure 159 contains pegs 155 that are, but not required to be, present to aid in the confinement of a heavy or weighted aid, such as, but not limited to, a bag of sand or container filled with a liquid, to prevent the rigid structure 128 from tilting forward when in use. A strap, wire or bar 156 can be present to aid in the transfer of load from the main vertical post 102 to the weighted aft end of the rigid structure 159. Support beam 154 is used to aid in the rigidity of the main vertical post 102. In instances when the disclosed invention is used outdoors, the bottom surface of the rigid structure will, but does not require to, contain protruding elements or spikes 157 to additionally aid in the traction of the rigid structure 128 to the mating surface.

Not all athletic venues are best suited for a versatile rigid structure 128 due to the design and orientation of the starting structure and the surrounding environment. Swimming starting blocks 127 and pools are an example of where a specialized rigid structure 126 or 169 would be more conducive to unique elements 119, 147 which are found in a competitive pool area. Specialized rigid structures 126, 169 which are specific to a competitive swimming environment are illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 21. Specialized rigid structures 126, 169 utilize unique features of the environment, such as the starting block post 119 and pool wall 147, to provide a secure and stable base for a resistive device 123, 124, 125. Swimming is not the only sport which may require a specialized rigid structure; each specialize structure may vary depending on the sport but each of the three main elements (secure structure, connection means, and incrementing highs of connection means) should be present.

Angled beam 105, in FIGS. 18, 19, 21, is connected to the specialize rigid structure 126 or 169 and the starting block post 119, which is the only contact with the starting structure 127. Similar to the versatile rigid structure 128, minimal contact with a starting structure 127 allows the specialized rigid structure 126, 169 to be used on a wider range of starting structures 127. The connection of the angled beam 105 to the starting block post 119 contains a clamping attachment 117. An alternative connection means, such as the leading edge of rigid structure 128, may also be used. A reinforcement plate 118 is, but not required to be, connected to the angled beam 105 and clamping attachment 117 to enhance the rigidity of the rigid structure 126 or 169. The other contact point for the angled beam 105 is on the rigid structure 126 or 169; the connection point between the angled beam 105 and rigid structure 126 is a pivoting joint 106. The ability to pivot between the angle beam 105 and the rigid structure 126 enables the vertical tower components 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 to be at various orientations 160. Flexibility in the final orientation is advantageous because vertical members 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 are dependent on the position of the bottom connection joints 110, where vertical members 107, 108 connect to members 109, as well as pivot joint 106 , where angled beam 105 connects to the rigid structure 126 or 169. FIG. 21 illustrates vertical members 102, 108 having an acceptable slight rearward lean 160, relative to vertical, which is due to joint 110 being positioned closer to the pool wall 147. The position of joint 110 and alternatively vertical members 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 is based on the alignment of holes 112 and 113. Hole position should be aligned such that vertical members 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 are vertical or slightly leaning backwards 160. The arm beams 111, which transfer load from the rigid structure 126 or 169 to the pool wall 147, slides into members 109 and are locked into place via pins 114 through holes 112, 113. The arm beams 111 contain a member 115 which is positioned 90 degrees to arm beam 111. Member 115 transfers most of the force created by the swimmer into the pool wall 147 via member 116, which has a greater surface area, containing a rubber or like material, to disperse the forces into a larger area to not damage the pool wall while the disclosed invention is in use.

All surfaces of the disclosed invention that contact another object or surface which is not disclosed within the present invention contain, but do not require, a rubber or softened layer at the interface to prevent any damage to the integrity of the surroundings. All components that have not been previously defined by a material type or characteristic should be composed of a metal, preferably aluminum, or rigid polymer.

The main vertical post 102 for rigid structure 126, 128, 169 contains a series of holes 121 at various heights throughout the main vertical post 102. Said holes 121 are used to secure a wide range of resistant devices, some of which include resistive devices 123, 124, 125. The various heights of holes give greater flexibility to the disclosed invention so that various angles of resistance can be applied to address a wide range of sports, athletes, and stances. FIG. 22 illustrates how the angle of resistance 161, 162, 163, 164 can vary depending on which attachment point 121 the resistive device 123, 124, 125 is connected to. The angle or vector of resistance aids in the versatility to accommodate various movements, athletes, and stances.

To properly use the disclosed invention, an athlete must secure rigid structure 126, 128, or 169 to natural rigid elements that are found near the intended area of use. Once secure, attachment of a resistive device 123, 124, 125 is required to a desired connection point 121 on main post 102. The athlete must then secure a harness 165, 166 to his or her body and attach the corresponding strap 139, 150, 151 of resistive device 123, 124, 125 to said harness 165, 166 via loop 167. The strap should then be properly inserted into the resistive device 123, 124, 125 as the athlete positions himself or herself into the desired athletic position on a specific athletic starting apparatus. The strap 139, 150, 151 should be taut between the harness 165 or 166 and the resistance device 123, 124, or 125, so that resistance is incurred during the first initial movements of the athlete. Once prepared correctly, the athlete should use all common elements of his or her sport to perform a specific athletic movement that identically replicates an explosive and sudden movement of the sport, preferably, from a still of set position.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications are possible in the details, attachment methods, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated. It is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A physical training apparatus to be used in the natural environment of a sporting activity and used in conjunction with common starting apparatus of such sporting activity, said physical training apparatus comprising: a harness adapted to be worn by the trainee for providing an attachment means to the body of the trainee; a strap which is secured at one end to said harness and attached at the other end to a resistive device; said resistive device is connected to a rigid structure; said rigid structure is bound to elements of the said natural environment of a sporting activity to provide a stable and secure structure for which devices to be connected.

2. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rigid structure contains incrementing connection points to facilitate variation in the angle or vector of resistance to the trainee.

3. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a predetermined range of movement prior to releasing the trainee into an unrestricted state.

4. The physical training apparatus of claim 3 wherein said strap incorporates protruding features and said resistive device contains mating slots to better facilitate a connection between said strap and said resistive device.

5. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a predetermined range of movement prior to restraining the trainee from departing off said starting apparatus.

6. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resistive device restrains trainee until a predetermined force is produced by the trainee in which said resistive device releases trainee into an unrestrained state.

7. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rigid structure contains protruding features on the bottom face of said rigid structure to enhance the traction with the mating surface.

8. A physical training apparatus to be used in the natural environment of a sporting activity and used in conjunction with common starting apparatus of such sporting activity, said physical training apparatus comprising: a harness adapted to be worn by the trainee for providing an attachment means to the body of the trainee; a strap which is secured at one end to said harness and attached at the other end to a resistive device; said resistive device is connected to a rigid structure; said rigid structure contacts a rigid element at the forward edge.

9. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said rigid structure is weighted on the aft end for enhanced stability.

10. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said rigid structure contains incrementing connection points to facilitate variation in the angle or vector of resistance to the trainee.

11. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a predetermined range of movement prior to releasing the trainee into an unrestricted state.

12. The physical training apparatus of claim 11 wherein said strap incorporates protruding features and said resistive device contains mating slots to better facilitate a connection between the elements.

13. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a predetermined range of movement prior to restraining the trainee from departing off said starting apparatus.

14. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said resistive device restrains trainee until a predetermined force is produced by trainee in which instance said resistive device releases trainee into an unrestrained state.

15. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said rigid structure contains protruding features on the bottom face of said rigid structure to enhance the traction with the mating surface.