FUNCTIONAL BODY WEIGHT CIRCUIT TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING EXERCISE DEVICES HAVING A SLIDABLE INCLINE

Abstract

A system and method of performing functional body weight circuit training has two or more exercise stations or body weight exercise devices arranged at spaced locations in a circuit. Each exercise device is configured for performing one or more body weight resisted exercises different from the exercises performed on other exercise devices in the circuit, and has an incline, a sliding platform slidably engaged on the incline, and at least one additional user engagement device associated with the incline. A user engages the sliding platforms and the user engagement devices of exercise devices at successive exercise stations in the circuit in turn to perform different exercises at each station until a circuit training sequence is completed, with exercise resistance for each exercise provided by the user's body weight engaging the sliding platform.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to exercise devices and methods of using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a functional body weight circuit training system and method using a series of exercise devices designed for performing different exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Circuit training has become a popular form of exercise for improving health and fitness. Some exercise facilities or gyms have exercise devices arranged in a circuit for performing a predetermined sequence of exercises for exercising different muscles and muscle groups. The exercise devices are designed to work different parts of the body individually for a short period of time, with the user moving in the circuit from exercise to exercise. Circuit training is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance.

Exercise devices are known in which a user, positioned on a support platform, propels that support platform up an inclined ramp. One way by which the platform may be propelled is by pulling a cable connected to the support platform through a variety of pulleys positioned on the exercise device. By changing positions on the platform and by changing the method by which the platform is propelled, a user can exercise multiple muscle groups sequentially on a single exercise device. This type of exercise device is sometimes used to perform a circuit or sequence of exercises on the same exercise device. However, set up and switching between different exercise accessories and body positions on the exercise device can take some time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a functional body weight exercise method and system for performing body weight circuit training on a series of different exercise devices each having a user engageable glideboard or support platform slidably mounted on an incline and each configured for performing a different exercise from the other exercise devices in the circuit.

An aspect of the invention involves a functional body weight circuit training exercise system and method including two or more different exercise device stations of different exercise devices where exercise resistance at each station is dependent upon body weight on a slidable incline. The exercise device stations each comprise an incline having a first end and a second end and a user support platform for engagement by the user movably attached to the adjustable incline and configured for movement along the incline. At least one of the two or more exercise stations may be a core exercise device configured for performance of core exercises, a leg exercise device configured for performance of leg exercises, a press up exercise device configured for performance of press exercises, or a pull up exercise device for performance of pull up exercises. The two or more exercise device stations may be any combination of two or more different exercise devices selected from a core exercise device, a leg exercise device, a press exercise device, and a pull up exercise device. The training exercise system may include one or more additional exercise device stations selected from the group consisting of a cycling exercise device configured for performance of recumbent cycling exercises, a dip exercise device configured for performance of dip exercises, and a squat exercise device configured for performance of squat exercises.

The incline exercise devices are each designed for performance of a specific exercise or one or more similar exercises and are relatively simple, typically requiring little or no pre-exercise set up or adjustment and thus little or minimal time between exercises at successive circuit training exercise device stations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a body weight training circuit of multiple exercise devices each designed for performance of a different exercise and having a user support slidable on an incline;

FIG. 2 is a second embodiment illustrating a different body weight training circuit of multiple different slidable incline exercise devices;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the core trainer exercise device of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the core trainer exercise device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the core trainer exercise device of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the leg trainer exercise device of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the leg trainer exercise device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the leg trainer exercise device of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of an adjustable press up trainer exercise device;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the press up trainer exercise device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view illustrating the press up trainer exercise device of FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the pull up trainer exercise device of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the pull up trainer exercise device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the pull up trainer exercise device of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear elevation view of the pull up trainer exercise device of FIGS. 12 to 14;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the cycling trainer exercise device of FIG. 2, shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the cycling trainer exercise device of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the cycling trainer exercise device of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the cycling trainer exercise device of FIGS. 16 to 18;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the dip trainer exercise device of FIG. 2, shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the dip trainer exercise device of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the dip trainer exercise device of FIGS. 20 and 21;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the dip trainer exercise device of FIGS. 20 to 22;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the squat exercise device of FIG. 2, shown on a larger scale;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the squat exercise device of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the squat exercise device of FIGS. 24 and 25;

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the squat exercise device of FIGS. 24 to 26;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the incline adjustment device or adjustable strut assembly of the exercise devices of FIGS. 9-11, 12-15, 20-23 and 24-27;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the strut assembly of FIG. 28; and

FIG. 29A is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by dotted lines in FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a functional body weight exercise method and system for performing body weight circuit training on a series of different exercise devices each having a user engageable glideboard or support platform slidably mounted on an incline and each configured for performing a different exercise from the other exercise devices in the circuit.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two examples of complete functional training circuits using inclined exercise devices which use the exerciser's body weight as the resistance mechanism. Although two possible exercise circuits are illustrated, it will be understood that different exercise training circuits may be used which include different numbers and combinations of the exercise devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as modified inclined exercise devices. The structure of the exercise device at each station includes an inclined slide rail or rails, a glideboard or user support platform slidably mounted on the rail or rails for engagement by part of a user's body, as well as a separate device for engagement by another part of the body to perform exercises involving raising or lowering the platform along the rails or holding the platform in a raised position while performing the exercise.

One embodiment of a functional training circuit 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. This circuit includes four basic inclined exercise devices, specifically a core training exercise device 12, a leg training exercise device 14, a press up training exercise device 15, and a pull up training exercise device 16. In alternative embodiments, a circuit may include two to eight incline plane exercise devices. The four exercise devices in FIG. 1 are the four basic and most important exercises, covering a user's core, leg, chest, arms, shoulders, and back muscles. Each of these devices is designed to be easy to use even by beginners, with little or no set up or adjustment needed before exercising, and no selection of accessories to be selectively attached at various locations on the devices. Some of the exercise devices are at a fixed angle, while others allow some adjustment of the incline angle, as discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of a functional body weight training circuit 100, which has seven exercise stations each of which has an inclined exercise device with a sliding glideboard designed for performance of a different exercise or type of exercise from the other stations. Circuit 100 includes the four basic exercise stations 12, 14, 15 and 16 of FIG. 1, as well as three additional exercise stations, specifically a cycling exercise station 102 which follows leg training exercise station 14, a dip training exercise station 104 following press up training exercise station 15, and a squat training exercise station 105 after pull up training exercise station 16. The exercise sequence in this circuit is therefore core training exercises at station 12 (body muscles apart from arms and legs); leg training exercises at station 14 (leg muscles); cycling exercises at station 102 (cardiovascular exercise as well as leg muscles, core muscles and others); press up exercises at station 15 (shoulder, arms, back and chest muscles); dip exercises at station 104 (triceps and shoulder muscles); pull up exercises at station 16 (latissimus dorsi and biceps muscles); and squat exercises at station 105 (quadriceps, gluteal group, hamstrings, gastrocnemius muscles).

The core training or inclined exercise device 12 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 5 and is designed for performing core exercises which generally exercise muscles of the body excluding arm and leg muscles. Device 12 basically comprises a pair of rails 18 having upper ends 20 secured to the upper ends of a pair of support posts 22 and lower ends secured to a cross bar or base support 24, so that the rails are inclined at a selected angle. In one embodiment, the angle of rails 18 may be around 10 to 50 degrees. In the device 12 of this embodiment, the rails are at a fixed incline angle of approximately 17 degrees. A glideboard or user support platform 25 is slidably mounted via rollers (not illustrated) on the rails for sliding movement up and down the rails. A fixed upper support pad 26 in a horizontal orientation is provided at the upper end of support posts 22, and a handle 28 extends upward from support 26. Wheels 30 provided at opposite ends of base or cross bar 24 allow for easy transport of the device to a selected circuit position. This device is similar to the inclined exercise device described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,457 of Campanaro et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, apart from the elimination of the adjustment tower of the device described in that patent which allows adjustment of the incline angle.

In order to perform a core muscle training exercises using inclined exercise device 12, the exerciser or user can perform a plank exercise with movement of the upper extremity (hands or forearms) or lower extremity (feet or knees). Starting in a standard plank position with feet on the floor and forearms on the sliding pad or platform 25, the user slides the pad away from their torso and upwards on the incline, with increasing difficulty and recruitment of core musculature. An alternative primary movement has the user with their forearms or hands on the upper support pad 26 and their feet or knees on the sliding pad, pulling the pad up to the top of the machine. The handle 28 may also be gripped by the hands while the forearms rest on upper support pad 26 when pulling the sliding pad up the incline. The various possible positions of the knees or feet adjust exercise intensity and level of recruitment of the core musculature.

The leg training exercise device 14 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 6 to 8 and is similar in some respects to the core exercise training device. Leg training exercise device basically comprises a pair of inclined rails 30 having upper and lower ends, inclined rear support posts 32, a glideboard or user support platform 35 slidably engaged on inclined rails 30, and a raised, horizontal platform 36 secured to the upper ends of the rear support posts 32. The upper ends of rails 30 are secured to rear support posts 32 beneath raised platform 36, as best seen in FIG. 7. A floor engaging base or cross bar 34 extends across the lower ends of rails 30. The fixed angle of inclination of rails 30 is less than that of core exercise device 12 and may be in the range from around 3 to 20 degrees. Both the glideboard 35 and the raised platform 36 have anti-slip patterns of raised bumps 38 on their upper surface to provide better grip for a user's feet when performing various exercises. In one embodiment, the incline angle of rails 30 is around 12 degrees, but other embodiments may have incline angles in the range from 3 to 20 degrees.

The leg training exercise device 14 can be used for lunges, step ups and jumps. Lunges are performed by a user standing in front of the base 34 facing the incline, and placing one foot on the floor and the other on the glideboard 35. The user then pushes the glideboard up the rails by lunging forward while lowering the hips toward the floor. Lunges may also be performed by a user standing in opposite lateral facing positions with one foot on the ground and the other engaging the glideboard, then pushing the glideboard up the incline while performing a single leg squat with the other leg. Another option is a lunge performed while facing away from the incline, again with one foot on the floor and the ball of the other foot engaging the bottom edge of the glideboard. The user then pushes the glideboard up the rails while performing a single leg squat with the stationary leg. The raised platform 36 is used for performing step ups and jumps.

FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate one embodiment of the press up training exercise device 15 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Device 15 has an adjustable rail inclination of 7 to 32 degrees. The press up training exercise device 15 has a pair of rails 42 having upper ends 44 and lower ends 45 and supported at a suitable inclination angle, with an elongated glideboard or user support platform 46 slidably mounted on the rails. A handlebar 47 extends across the lower ends of the rails. The glideboard 46 is shown at the lowest position on the rails in both FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 10 and FIG. 11.

The lower ends of the rails on exercise device 15 are supported at a raised position on lower support posts 51 and 52, and the upper ends of the rails are supported by an adjustable linkage or support assembly 55. The inclination angle is adjusted so that the rails extend at the desired inclination angle dependent on the average ability of the users. The lower ends of rails 42 of the adjustable incline exercise device 15 are supported at a raised elevation (see FIG. 11) by posts 51 which extend upward from base support 52 which is similar to the base supports of the core and leg training exercise devices and has wheels 54 for ease of moving and positioning the device. Adjustable support assembly 55 supports the rails 42 at a selected inclination angle. Assembly 55 comprises a floor engaging base strut 56, a pair of struts 58 extending at an angle from base strut 56 and pivotally secured to the respective rails 42 at their upper ends via pivots 60, and a telescopically adjustable strut assembly 62 extending between cross bar 63 which extends between lower portions of struts 58 and a cross bar 64 at its upper end which is pivotally connected to the rails 42 via pivots 65. The telescopic strut assembly 62 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 28 to 29A. A spring loaded locking pin or pawl (see FIG. 29A) actuated by handle or lever 66 extends through aligned openings in telescoping portions 62A and 62B of arm 62 to control the inclination angle. A user can simply actuate handle 66 to release the locking pin from the telescoping portions of the arm, and then adjust the length of arm 62 up or down using the same handle before releasing it to lock the arm at the adjusted length when the desired inclination angle is reached. In one embodiment, this mechanism may provide adjustment of the rail inclination angle in a range from around 9 to 50 degrees for increasing exercise difficulty.

The press up exercise training device 15 is used as a closed chain shoulder press, where the handle bar 47 remains stationary while the user presses their body up the rails using the sliding glideboard 46. In order to perform the shoulder press exercise, the user lies face down on the board with the board at the lowermost position on the rails and their chest near the lower end of the board and their legs extending upward, and then grips the handles of handle bar 47. The user then slowly presses the glideboard up the rails until their arms are nearly straight. The board may be slowly lowered down the rails by the user before repeating the press up movement. A second exercise may be performed by gripping the handles and performing decline push up exercises while holding the glideboard in a stationary, raised position on the rails.

The pull up training exercise device 16 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 12 to 15. As with all the other training devices, exercise device 16 has a pair of rails 70 which are supported at an incline between the lower and upper ends of the rails, with a glideboard or user support platform 72 slidably supported on the rails. Floor engaging base or cross bar 74 with wheels 75 extends across the lower ends of the rails. The rails are supported at an adjustable inclined angle via an adjustable support assembly 55 which is similar or identical to the support assembly 55 of the press up exercise training device 15, and like reference numbers are used for like parts as appropriate. The rails are secured together via cross bar 77 at their upper ends, and a pull up handle bar 78 is secured across the rails 70 adjacent cross bar 77, as best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15. Handle bar 78 has different grip portions 79A and 79B which allow the user to grip the handle bar with their hands in different gripping orientations.

As in the press up training device 15, the adjustable support assembly 55 of pull up exercise device 16 comprises a floor engaging base strut 56, a pair of struts 58 extending at an angle from base strut 56 and pivotally secured to the respective rails 42 at their upper ends via pivots 60, and a telescopically adjustable strut assembly 62 located between cross bars 63 which extends between lower portions of struts 58 and a cross bar 64 at its upper end which is pivotally connected to the rails 42 via pivots 65. Strut assembly 62 is illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 29A and described in more detail below. A spring loaded locking pin 80 secures the telescopically engaged portions of arm 62 at a selected extension, and may be pulled up by a user in order to adjust the length of arm 62 and thus the inclination angle of rails 70 to vary the exercise difficulty or resistance. Pin 80 may be replaced or actuated by an actuator handle 66 as in the previous embodiment. The range of adjustment of the inclination angle is around 18 to 36 degrees.

The pull up training exercise device 16 is used by lying on the stomach on the sliding glideboard 72 and grabbing the handles at the opposite ends of handlebar 78. Pulling the glideboard up from the lowermost position of FIG. 12 towards the upper end 77 of the rails in this position creates a pull up movement exercising the latissimus dorsi and biceps muscles.

In the circuit 10 of FIG. 1, exercisers can move in sequence around the incline exercise devices 12, 14, 15 and 16, performing exercises on each device for a selected time period in order to exercise core muscles, leg muscles, arm muscles, shoulder/back and chest muscles, and latissimus dorsi and biceps muscles, respectively. Each exercise uses body weight as the resistance mechanism while the sliding surface of the glideboard provides a dynamic environment for exercise in a controlled or limited range. The ease and simplicity of use of each of the exercise devices makes the circuit effective for beginners. At the same time, simple progressions are available to add difficulty for more experienced users, such as varied incline angle for adjustable incline exercise devices, different body positions, and the like.

The cycling exercise device 102 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 16 to 19. This is similar in some respects to the inclined cycling exercise device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,219 of Brown, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, but is of much simpler design. As in the other exercise devices, cycling exercise device has a glideboard or user support platform 110 slidably mounted on inclined rails 112, but in this case the platform 110 has an angled seat portion 114 at its lower end, to allow the user to adopt a reclined seated position while cycling their legs. Handles 113 project outward from glideboard 110 on opposite sides of seat portion 114. The rails 112 are supported in a raised position at their forward ends by front support posts 115 and at a higher elevation at their rear ends by longer, rear support posts 116. The incline angle in this embodiment is fixed, but may be varied in alternative embodiments, with an adjustment mechanism as described above in connection with the press up or pull up station, or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,219 referenced above. The inclination angle may be in the range from 25 to 45 degrees to the horizontal direction. In illustrated embodiment, the fixed incline angle of rails to the horizontal direction was around 27 degrees.

A base strut 118 extends forward from a cross bar 120 extending between front rail support posts 115, and has a floor engaging cross bar or base 122 at its forward end, with wheels 124 at opposite ends of the cross bar. Bicycle crank 125 is rotatably supported in crank support housing 126, which is mounted on a forward end portion of base strut 118. Crank 125 includes left and right crank arms 128, 129 with pedals 130, 132 at their ends for engagement by the user's feet. Any suitable resistance, such as a flywheel as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,219 mounted in housing 126 may be connected to crank 125 by a belt or drive train.

The cycle trainer or cycling exercise device 102 is similar to a recumbent stationary bike, except that the user is supported on sliding platform 110,114 on a gradual incline (i.e. inclined slide rails 112). In order to perform the exercise, the user employs core and additional muscles to hold the sliding platform in a raised position on rails 112. There are three possible “riding” positions. The first, less difficult position is lying in recumbent position seated on seat portion 114 with the back engaging the platform 110, and gripping handles 113 while engaging and rotating pedals 130, 132 with the feet. The second position is like the first position, but pushing the glideboard up and away from the lower bumpers while cycling. The third, most difficult position starts from the second, raised glideboard position, with the user lifting their hips off the sliding platform or board, and bridging or raising their body between the shoulder blades and the feet engaging the pedals. The latter option dramatically increases muscle recruitment of the hamstrings. In either case, the user attempts to keep the torso or part of the body engaging the sliding platform stationary, i.e. attempting to hold the platform stationary, while cycling with the legs. This provides both tonic and phasic exercise to selected muscle groups, such as the leg muscles.

The dip training exercise device or station 104 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 20 to 23, and comprises an elongated sliding platform or glideboard 135 slidably mounted on inclined rails 136 which are secured to floor engaging base or cross bar 138 at their lower ends, and supported at a selected inclination by means of adjustable support assembly 140. Wheels 139 are provided on the front floor engaging cross bar 138, as with the other exercise stations. Adjustable support assembly 140 has a pair of support struts 142 extending upwards and forwards at an angle from floor engaging rear cross bar or strut 144 and pivotally connected to the rails 136 at their upper ends via pivots 145, along with a two level adjustment mechanism or linkage 146 which is adjustable via handles 149 to adjust the rail angle between two levels.

Handles 150 extend upwards from rails 136 on opposite sides of platform 135 for gripping by a user when performing dip exercises. Platform 135 has a foot support pad 152 at its lower end which has a similar anti-slip surface pattern 154 to the slide platform 35 and upper support or step up platform 36 of the leg exercise device 14.

In order to perform exercises on the dip training exercise device 104, the user or exerciser lays back on the sliding glideboard 135 and grabs handles 150 on the opposite sides of glideboard 135. They then raise and lower the board in this position, exercising the triceps and shoulder muscles.

The squat exercise device or station 105 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 24 to 27, and comprises a sliding platform or glideboard 155 slidably mounted on inclined rails 156 which are secured to a floor engaging cross bar 158 at their lower ends and are supported in an inclined orientation at a selected inclination angle by an adjustable support assembly 160. Adjustable support assembly 55 is similar or identical to the adjustable support assembly 55 of the press up exercise device 15, and like reference numbers are used for like parts as appropriate. In one embodiment, the incline angle of squat station rails 156 is in the range from 18 to 36 degrees.

A squat stand 162 is secured to the rails 156 adjacent their lower ends via pins or bolts 163. Squat stand has a support frame 164 which curves upwards away from rails 156, and a support pad or plate 165 is secured to frame 164 for engagement by the user's feet when performing squat exercises.

The squat trainer or exercise device 105 allows the user to perform a standard squat movement at an incline with their back on the moving glideboard 155. The squat exercise starts with the glideboard in a raised position and the user's feet engaging squat support pad or foot plate 165. The user then lowers the glideboard until their knees and hips are bent at around ninety degrees. A more difficult exercise would be a bridge squat where the user starts with their lower body raised from the glideboard in a “bridge” position. A second exercise which can be performed on exercise device 105 is a plyometric squat exercise, performed by jumping off the squat stand at the base of the unit while pushing the glideboard upwards, so that the user's feet leave the board. Additional variations involve using only one foot as well as positioning the feet in various locations and orientations on the platform. In one embodiment, a braking device (not visible in the drawings) between the glideboard and rails which slows the jump on the way up, reducing the travel distance. This reduces floor space requirements and also reduces landing impact on the body.

FIGS. 28 to 29A illustrate the telescopic strut assembly 62 used in the exercise devices of FIGS. 9 to 15, and 24 to 27 in order to adjust the incline to a selected inclination angle. In FIGS. 28 to 29A, the internal adjustment structure of the strut assembly is shown in dotted outline. As indicated, the strut assembly comprises a first strut 62A extending from cross member 63 and engaged telescopically in the end of a second, larger strut 62B extending from strut 62A to cross bar 64 which is pivotally connected to the side rails of the incline, as described above in connection with the adjustable incline exercise devices (see FIGS. 14 and 15, for example). The adjustment mechanism is a rack and pawl adjuster, with a series of teeth or holes 172 in the lower wall of inner telescoping strut 62A, and a pawl 170 inside the upper strut 62A which is actuated by handle or lever 66 (see FIGS. 29 and 29A). Pawl 170 engages one of the teeth 172 in the locked condition to hold the incline at the selected angle. A lift assist strut or rod 175 extends inside the telescoping struts between opposite ends of the struts, as illustrated in dotted outline in FIGS. 28 and 29. In order to adjust the angle, a user simply lifts the rails in order to slide the pawl out of engagement with the tooth or hole 172. In order to increase the angle, the rails are lifted to a desired angle while the pawl slides over the top of teeth 172, and then released so that the pawl engages the aligned tooth or hole. In order to lower the rails and reduce the incline angle, the user lifts the rail slightly first to disengage the pawl, then presses lever 66 to hold the pawl away from the rack while lowering the rail to the desired angle. The lift assist strut or rod assists the user in raising the rails when the pawl is released.

It should be understood that there are other possible combinations of the inclined exercise devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 which could be used in different training circuit arrangements and combinations of two to seven of the exercise devices. In each exercise, exercise resistance is dependent on body weight on a slidable incline. In the adjustable incline exercise devices, exercise resistance can be varied by adjusting the inclination angle of the incline.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the exercise devices described above, features of the exercise devices, the methods of using the exercise devices, the methods of instruction using the exercise devices, and other methods described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. In the claims that follow, elements are generally described in a singular sense; however, the claimed element includes the element in the singular or more than one of the claimed element. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of performing functional body weight circuit training, comprising:

arranging two or more exercise stations at spaced locations in a circuit for circuit training, the exercise stations each comprising a body weight exercise device configured for performance of at least one exercise different from exercises performed on at least one other exercise device in the circuit, wherein the exercise resistance for each exercise is dependent on a user's body weight;

each body weight exercise device having an incline with a lower end and an upper end, a sliding platform slidably engaged on the incline, and at least one additional user engagement device associated with the incline, wherein the exercise resistance for at least one exercise at each exercise station is dependent on the user's body weight engaging the sliding platform on the incline; and

a user engaging the sliding platforms and the user engagement devices of exercise devices at successive exercise stations in the circuit in turn to perform different exercises at each station until a circuit training sequence is completed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise stations include a core exercise station comprising a core exercise device having a fixed upper support located at the upper end of the incline, the upper support comprising said user engagement device, the user engaging the sliding platform with their feet or knees while engaging the upper support with their forearm or pads and pulling the sliding platform upwards along the incline towards the upper support to exercise core muscles at the core exercise station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise stations include a leg exercise station comprising a leg exercise device having a fixed upper platform at the upper end of the incline comprising said user engagement device, the user engaging the sliding platform with one foot and the floor with the other foot to perform lunge exercises for exercising leg muscles, and performing step up exercises using the fixed upper platform.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations include a press up exercise station for performing a press exercise, the press up exercise station comprising a press up exercise device having a handle bar at the lower end of the incline comprising said user engagement device, the user engaging the sliding platform with part of their body while gripping the handle bar with at least one hand and pushing the sliding platform up the incline to perform press up exercises at the press up station.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations include a pull up exercise station for performing a pull up exercise, the pull up exercise station comprising a pull up exercise device having a fixed pull up bar comprising said user engagement device at or adjacent the upper end of the incline, the user lying on the sliding platform with their stomach while gripping the fixed pull up bar with one or both hands and pulling the sliding platform towards the pull up bar to perform exercises at the pull up exercise station.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations include two or more of core, leg, press up, and pull up exercise stations

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the two or more exercise stations include at least following:

core, leg, press up, and pull up exercise stations

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations include a cycling exercise station comprising a cycling exercise device having a crank support spaced forward from the lower end of the incline, a pair of crank arms rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the crank support, and a pair of pedals mounted on the respective crank arms configured for engagement by the feet of a user and comprising said user engagement device, the user engaging the sliding platform with their body while engaging the pedals with their feet, and cycling the pedals with their feet while holding the sliding platform at a raised position on the incline to perform cycling exercise at the cycling exercise station.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations include a dip exercise station comprising a dip exercise device having a pair of handles on opposite sides of the incline at a location spaced between the upper and lower ends, the pair of handles comprising said user engagement device, the user lying on the sliding platform and gripping the handles with their hands while raising and lowering the sliding platform to perform dip exercises at the dip exercise station.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations include a squat exercise station comprising a squat exercise device having a squat platform extending outward at an angle to the lower end of the incline, the squat platform comprising said user engagement device, the user engaging the sliding platform with their back while engaging the squat platform with one or both feet with one or both knees bent, and pushing the sliding platform up the incline while extending their legs to perform squat exercises at the squat exercise station.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the two or more exercise stations comprise three to eight exercise stations.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the exercise stations comprise at least a core exercise station, a leg exercise station, a press up exercise station, and a pull up exercise station.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the exercise stations further comprise a cycling exercise station.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the exercise stations further comprise a dip exercise station.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the exercise stations further comprise a squat exercise station.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the exercise stations further comprise a cycling exercise station, a dip exercise station, and a squat exercise station.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein a user performs exercises sequentially around the circuit in the following order: core exercises at the core exercise station, leg exercises at the leg exercise station, press up exercises at the press up exercise station, and pull up exercises at the pull up exercise station.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein a user performs exercises sequentially around the circuit in the following order: core exercises at the core exercise station, leg exercises at the leg exercise station, cycling exercises at the cycling exercise station, press up exercises at the press up exercise station, dip exercises at the dip exercise station, pull up exercises at the pull up exercise station, and squat exercises at the squat exercise station.

19. A functional body weight circuit training system, comprising:

at least two different body weight exercise devices configured for performance of respective different exercises in a functional training circuit;

each body weight exercise device having an incline with a lower end and an upper end, a sliding platform slidably engaged on the incline and configured for engagement by part of a user's body during an exercise, and at least one additional user engagement device associated with the incline, wherein the exercise resistance for at least one exercise at each exercise station is dependent on the user's body weight engaging the sliding platform on the incline.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the body weight exercise devices include a core exercise device having a fixed upper support located at the upper end of the incline, the upper support comprising said user engagement device, the fixed upper support configured for a user's forearms or hands while engaging the sliding platform with their feet or knees and pulling the sliding platform upwards along the incline towards the upper support to exercise core muscles.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the incline of the core exercise device is at a fixed inclination angle in the range of 15 to 20 degrees.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a leg exercise device having a fixed upper platform at the upper end of the incline comprising said user engagement device, the fixed upper platform configured for engagement by the user's feet to perform step up exercises and the sliding platform configured for engagement by one foot of the user to perform lunge exercise with the other foot on the ground.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the fixed upper platform and sliding platform both have slip resistant foot engagement surfaces.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the incline of the leg exercise device is at a fixed inclination angle to the horizontal direction which is less than the inclination angle of the incline of the core exercise device.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a press up exercise device configured for performing a press exercise, the press up exercise device having a handle bar at the lower end of the incline comprising said user engagement device, the handle bar being configured for gripping by the user with at least one hand while engaging the sliding platform with their body, and pushing the sliding platform up the incline to perform press up exercises at the press up station.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the press up exercise device further comprises a floor engaging forward end support at the lower end of the incline which supports the lower end of the incline and the handle bar at a raised position above the floor.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the inclination angle of the incline of the press up exercise device is greater than the inclination angle of the incline of the core exercise device.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the inclination angle of the incline of the press up exercise device is adjustable in a range from approximately 9 degrees to approximately 32 degrees.

29. The system of claim 20, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a pull up exercise device configured for performing a pull up exercise, the pull up exercise device having a fixed pull up bar comprising said user engagement device at or adjacent the upper end of the incline, the fixed pull up bar being configured for gripping with one or both hands and pulling the sliding platform up the incline while the user's body is supported on the sliding platform.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the inclination angle of the incline of the pull up exercise device is adjustable in the range from approximately 18 degrees to approximately 36 degrees.

31. The system of claim 19, wherein the exercise devices include two or more of a core exercise device, a leg exercise device, a press up exercise device, and a pull up exercise device.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a cycling exercise device having a cycling mount with two oppositely directed, rotatably mounted pedals spaced forward from the lower end of the incline and comprising said user engagement device configured for engagement by the user's feet and performance of stationary cycling exercise when the user's body is engaged on the sliding platform of the cycling exercise device.

33. The system of claim 31, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a dip exercise device having a pair of handles on opposite sides of the incline at a location spaced between the upper and lower ends of the incline, the pair of handles comprising said user engagement device and being configured for gripping by a user's hands to raise and lower the sliding platform while the user lies on the sliding platform.

34. The system of claim 31, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a squat exercise device having a squat platform at the lower end of the incline, the squat platform extending outward at an angle to the lower end of the incline and comprising said user engagement device for engagement by one or both of user's feet and pushing the sliding platform up the incline to perform squat exercises with the user's back engaged on the sliding platform.

35. The system of claim 19, wherein the two or more exercise devices comprise three to eight exercise devices.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the exercise devices comprise at least four exercise devices, comprising a core exercise device, a leg exercise device, a press up exercise device, and a pull up exercise device.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a cycling exercise device.

38. The system of claim 36, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a dip exercise device.

39. The system of claim 36, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a squat exercise device.

40. The system of claim 36, wherein the exercise devices further comprise a cycling exercise device, a dip exercise device, and a squat exercise device.