EXERCISE ASSIST DEVICE

Abstract

An exercise assist device includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface, and a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface. The base acts as a fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base. A method of using the exercise assist device includes standing on the upper surface of the platform, bending and straightening the individual's knees while maintaining the platform in the first position.

Description

BACKGROUND

The following description relates to an exercise assist device, and in particular, a device to assist individuals achieve proper form during specific exercises.

Individuals frequently exercise to improve or maintain fitness and realize other health benefits associated with exercise. Sports medicine and exercise science organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), provide guidance on proper form for certain exercises in an effort to maximize physical results and avoid injury. Proper form in an exercise may incorporate various factors such as body alignment, positioning of feet, movement (or non-movement), pace and pressure or weight distribution, for example.

One commonly performed exercise is referred to as the squat exercise. The squat exercise involves, among other things, positioning of an individual's feet flat on a floor, placing weight on heels, and bending at the knees in way that the knees do not go forward beyond the toes. Research supports that over 200 muscles are used to perform the squat exercise. However, when body alignment is not properly maintained, some muscles are not activated in the most effective or efficient manner. Further, when body alignment or pressure distribution is not properly maintained, the exercising individual may be subjected to increased and undue stress at the joints of the hip, knee and ankle. Such undue stress may be translated to the ligaments and tendons of the joints. Ligaments hold ends of adjacent bones together to form the joints, and tendons connect muscle to the bone to support the joint. Increased stress on the joints, for example at the ligaments and tendons, may lead to discomfort, chronic pain and/or injury.

Instruction may be provided to the individual regarding recommended form for the squat exercise. However, written instruction may be difficult to understand. Audio or video instruction may also explain or show proper form. However, responsibility remains with the individual for monitoring and executing the proper form. As such, the individual may remain susceptible to error with respect to executing the squat exercise with proper form. Hired trainers may be able to instruct and monitor an individual's form during the squat exercise. However, the instruction may not be clearly understood by the individual for a variety of reasons, and the trainer may not be able to consistently correct improper form. In addition, hired trainers may be expensive and inconvenient to schedule. In other cases, the individual may have limited leg and/or hip flexibility, and may not be aware of improper form or alignment when executing the squat exercise.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an exercise assist device that can provide real-time physical feedback to the exercising individual as to whether proper form is being used and maintained throughout a squat exercise.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, an exercise assist device includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface, and a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to and/or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface. The base acts as a fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base.

According to another embodiment, a method of using an exercise assist device is provided. The exercise assist device includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface. A base is connected to the lower surface and is configured to contact an underlying surface. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to and/or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface. The method includes standing on the upper surface of the platform with the individual's ankle bones at a predetermined proper position relative to the base so that the platform is in the first position, bending the individual's knees to a squatting position while maintaining the platform in the first position and straightening the individual's knees to return to a standing position while maintaining the platform in the first position.

According to another embodiment, an exercise assist device includes a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface, the upper surface including a positioning area configured for positioning of the individual thereon, the positioning area including one or more markings indicating a proper position of the individual on the platform, and a base connected to the lower surface. The base is configured to engage an underlying surface, wherein the one or more markings are disposed on the platform above the base. The platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to and/or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the base and platform are rotated together such that the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface. The base acts as a fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an exercise assist device according to an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side-rear perspective view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the exercise assist device in a first position according to an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 6 in a second position according to an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 6 in a first position having an individual thereon properly executing a movement of an exercise, according to an embodiment described herein;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 6 in a first position having an individual thereon properly executing another movement of an exercise, according to an embodiment described herein; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the exercise assist device of FIG. 6 in a second position having an individual thereon improperly executing an exercise, according to an embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present device is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the figures and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the device and is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-10, an exercise assist device 10, according to the embodiments described herein, includes a base, or “tipping beam” 12 and a platform 14. The base 12 is configured for engaging an underlying surface ‘S’ (see FIGS. 6-10), such as a floor, and the platform 14 is supported on the base 12. The platform 14 is configured to support an individual 100 (see FIGS. 8-10), and in particular, is configured to accommodate the individual's feet 102 (see FIGS. 8-10) thereon such that the individual 100 may stand on and be supported by the platform 14. In one embodiment, the base 12 and platform 14 may be connected together by way of being formed as a single, continuous, unitary component, for example, in a molding process. That is, the base 12 and platform 14 may be formed as a single continuous body. Alternatively, the base 12 and platform 14 may be separately formed and connected to one another using one or more fasteners, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, bolt, screw, snap fit, friction fit, positive interlock, or other known, suitable fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment, the base 12 may have two or more spaced apart feet 16 configured for engaging the floor or other similar support surface ‘S’. In one embodiment, the base 12 may be formed as a one piece, continuous construction. The feet 16 may be positioned at generally opposite ends of the base 12, and may be formed as sections of the base 12 having an increased thickness. An intermediate section 17 of the base 12 may extend between the feet 16 and have a reduced thickness so as to be spaced from the surface ‘S’ during use. Alternatively, the base 12 may be formed as two or more discrete, spaced apart feet 16. In one embodiment, a space between the feet 16 may be adjusted to adapt the device 10 to different individuals' skill levels. For example, with a space between the feet 16 reduced or minimized, the device 10 may be more suitable for individuals with a high physical or exercise skill level. Conversely, with the feet 16 spaced apart to a maximum extent, the device 10 may be more suitable for novice users.

As best shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the base 12 may optionally include a pad 18 at a side configured to engage the surface S. For example, each foot 16 may have the pad 18 disposed generally on a lower side thereof. In one embodiment, the pad 18 may be a resilient material providing a cushioning effect for exercise assist device 10 against the surface ‘S’, and may be formed from, for example a foam material. In addition, the pad 18 may have a relatively high coefficient of friction so as to frictionally engage the surface ‘S’ in manner which reduces or minimizes unintentional sliding on the surface ‘S’. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, synthetic rubbers or polymers or other materials having similar, suitable properties. In another embodiment, the pad 18 may be formed of a harder material, such as a hard rubber or other similar material.

The present disclosure is not limited to the example above, however. For example, in another embodiment, the base 12 may be formed having a single foot 16 configured to engage the surface ‘S’ along its length. The single foot 16 may include the pad 18, or a plurality of spaced apart pads 18. In one embodiment, the base 12 may have a substantially constant thickness along its length.

In one embodiment, the foot or feet 16 have a substantially flat surface configured to engage the surface ‘S’. Accordingly, the feet 16 may be substantially flush to the surface ‘S’ when the exercise assist device 10 is in the first position, as is described further below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the foot or feet 16 may be formed having a slight convexity so that the foot or feet 16 may roll against the surface ‘S’.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, for example, in one embodiment, the platform 14 may be generally planar and have an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22. The base 12 extends from the lower surface 22. The upper surface 20 presents an area for positioning of and supporting the individual. It is understood, however, that the platform 14 is not limited to the configuration above. For example, the platform 14 may be formed with various contours so as to be non-planar. The various contours may, for example, define areas where the individual 100 may position their feet, provide a desired weight distribution or profile and/or replace angled edges regions.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the platform 14, an in turn, the exercise assist device 10, is movable between a first position (FIG. 6) where the platform 14 extends generally parallel to, and/or is spaced from, the surface ‘S’, and second position (FIG. 7) where the base 12 rolls or tips to tilt the platform 14 forward toward the surface ‘S’ such that a portion of the platform 14 engages the surface ‘S’. That is, the base 12 may act as a fulcrum to permit forward tipping of the platform 14.

As will be described below, and shown, for example, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first position generally corresponds to a position of the platform 14 when the individual 100 is standing thereon in a proper location and performing an exercise, such as a squat exercise, using proper technique (i.e., proper form and alignment). That is, the first position may generally confirm to the individual 100 that they are properly positioned on the platform 14 and executing the exercise using proper technique. The second position generally corresponds to a position of the platform 14 when the individual is either standing at an improper location or is performing an exercise, such as the squat exercise, using improper technique. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the second position may correspond to a position of the platform 14 when the individual's knees 104 extend forward beyond the individual's toes 106 during the squat exercise, thereby moving a center of gravity of the individual 100 forward on the platform 14. Thus, with the platform 14 in the second position, the individual 100 may be alerted that they are either improperly positioned on the platform or executing the exercise using improper form or technique.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the platform 14 may include a positioning area 24 on the upper surface 20 configured for positioning of the individual's feet 102 thereon. The positioning area 24 is generally in a rearward region of the upper surface 20 and includes a portion of the platform 14 under which the base 12 is positioned. The platform 14 also includes a forward region 26 disposed forward of the positioning area 24. In one embodiment, the platform 14 may include one or more lobes 28 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) positioned generally at the forward region 26. Referring to FIG. 1, the lower surface 22 of the platform 14, at the forward region 26, may include one or more forward pads 30, formed similarly to the pads 18 described above. The forward pads 30 may engage the surface ‘S’ when the platform 14 is moved to the second position.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, for example, the base 12 is positioned generally rearward, or under the positioning area 24, of the platform 14. Accordingly, the platform 14 extends forward relative to the base 12 so that the platform 14 is substantially cantilevered from the base 12.

In use, the individual's feet 102 may be positioned flat on the upper surface 20 of the platform 14 at the positioning area 24. To achieve proper positioning on the platform 14, the individual's ankles 108 should be positioned substantially over the base 12. Proper positioning of the individual may be confirmed when the platform 14 extends generally parallel to the surface ‘S’ or floor and/or is spaced therefrom, i.e., when the platform 14 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 6, for example. Conversely, if the individual 100 is positioned too far forward on the platform 14, the device 10 tips about the base 12 so that the forward region 26, and in particular, a forward edge, moves downward toward the surface ‘S’, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. This tipping motion alerts the individual 100 of improper positioning on the platform 14.

Said differently, and with further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the individual 100 is properly positioned on the platform, and is using proper technique executing an exercise, a suitable center of gravity ‘A’ (FIG. 6) extends through the base 12. Conversely, when the individual 100 is positioned too far forward on the platform 14, for example, when using improper exercise technique, an unsuitable center of gravity ‘B’ (FIG. 7) of the device 10 and the individual 100 is moved forward of the base 12, causing the device 10 to tip forward.

During a squat exercise, for proper form and alignment, the individual 100 should maintain the knees 104 behind the toes 106, bend at the knees 104 and hips until the thighs are substantially parallel to the ground, and keep the torso substantially vertical. Through these movements, the individual 100 may reach a squatting position, where the thighs are substantially parallel to the ground, as shown in FIG. 8, for example. Maintaining the knees 104 behind the toes may reduce stresses on the individual's knee joints and keep the individual's center of gravity substantially positioned over the ankle bones 108. Subsequently, the individual 100 straightens at the knees 104 and hips, while maintaining the knees 104 behind the toes 106, to return to a standing position, as shown in FIG. 9, for example. While positioned on the exercise assist device 10, executing the squat exercise using proper form and alignment, the center of gravity of the individual 100 should remain over the individual's ankles 108, thus, over the base 12. Accordingly, when the individual 100 is properly positioned relative to the base 12 and executes the knee 104 bending and straightening movements using proper form and alignment, the platform 14 is configured to remain generally parallel to and/or spaced from the surface ‘S’, as shown in FIG. 6. Such a position of the platform 14 confirms to the individual that the squat is being executed using proper form and alignment.

While the embodiments described herein refer to a center of gravity moving based on a position of the individual's knees relative to the individual's toes, it is understood that other movements and positions of the individual 100 may move the center of gravity and cause the exercise assist device 10 to move to the second position. For example, movement of the individual's torso or arms forward may move the center of gravity forward as well.

However, while positioned on the exercise assist device 10, if the individual 100 performs the bending and/or straightening movements using improper form or alignment, the knees 104 may extend forward of the toes 106. This moves a center of gravity forward of the individual's ankles 108, and consequently, forward of the base 12, and causes the exercise assist device 10 to tip forward, such that a forward edge of the platform 14 moves downward toward and may engage the surface ‘S’, as shown in FIG. 7. This tipping motion of the exercise assist device 10 alerts the individual 100 that improper form or alignment is being used and that the form or alignment should be corrected.

A sensitivity to tipping of the exercise assist device 10 may be adjusted. Accordingly, different tolerances for improper form, alignment or positioning during the exercise may be set depending on, for example, the intended end user. For instance, for professional athletes or fitness experts, the exercise assist device 10 may be tuned to be especially sensitive to improper form or alignment, and tip to the second position in response to only slight variances from proper form. In other settings, however, the exercise assist device 10 may be tuned to be less sensitive, so that the device 10 may tip to the second position, for example, in response to prolonged or large variances from proper form or alignment. The sensitivity or tuning may be adjusted, for example, by changing a width of the base 12 in the forward—rear direction of the device 10, or changing a profile of the base 12 configured to engage the surface ‘S’. For example, providing a convex, curved profile at the lower side of the base 12 may increase the sensitivity of the device 10.

As noted above, the platform 14 may include one or more lobes 28 at the forward region 26. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the platform 14 may be formed in a variety of shapes so long as the platform 14 remains cantilevered from the base 12, and the exercise assist device 10 is caused to tip forward about the base 12 when an individual's center of gravity moves forward of the individual's ankles 108 in the manner described above. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, circular, oval and the like. In addition, the platform 14 may be formed having different weight profiles for example, by adding or removing material from various sections, so long as the functionality described above is maintained. In some embodiments, different platform 14 shapes or weight profiles may be provided that are specific to a particular individual, or based, for example, on an individual's height, weight, range of height or weight, or both.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-6, in one embodiment, the upper surface 20 of the platform 14 may include markings to indicate proper positioning for the individual's feet 102. For example, in one embodiment, the upper surface 20 may include an outline 32 of a foot indicating where an individual's feet 102 should be positioned on the platform 14. Alternatively, or in addition, the upper surface 20 may include a center of gravity marking 34 indicating a position over which the individual's ankle bone 108 of each foot should be placed to correctly locate the individual's feet 102 relative to the base 12. The center of gravity marking 34 may be recessed into, flush with, and/or extend above the upper surface 20 of the platform 14. In on embodiment, the center of gravity marking 34 is aligned with the suitable center of gravity ‘A’, as shown in FIG. 6, for example. In one embodiment, the center of gravity marking 34 may be a series of markings indicating a range from minimum to maximum, based, for example, on a distance from the center of gravity. The maximum may be at the center of gravity.

In one embodiment, the center of gravity of the device 10 may be at a location extending through the base 12, such that in an unloaded condition (i.e., without out an individual 100 positioned thereon), the platform 14 extends generally parallel to and/or is spaced from the surface ‘S’ or floor. In another embodiment, the center of gravity of the device 10 may be at a location spaced from the base 12, i.e., at a location on the platform 14. Thus, in the unloaded condition, the device 10 may be in the tipped or tilted position, i.e. the second position. It is understood that the center of gravity of the device 10 may be moved as desired, for example, during manufacture, by forming the platform 14 in different sizes, shapes, densities and/or having different weight distributions. Similarly, changing the size, shape, density and/or weight distribution of the base 12 may change the center of gravity of the device 10 as well. It is understood, however, that the center of gravity should be positioned such that in a loaded condition, i.e., with an individual properly positioned on the device 10, the platform 14 extends generally parallel to and/or is spaced from the surface ‘S’ on which it is positioned. Further, the center of gravity should be positioned such that with the individual properly positioned on the device 10, the platform 14 remains generally parallel to, and/or spaced from, the surface ‘S’, until the individual's knees 104 move forward to an extent that results in improper form or alignment for the squat exercise, at which point the device 10 is configured to tip forward.

In the embodiments above the exercise assist device 10 is a free-standing device and may be placed on a surface ‘S’, such as a floor, for use by the individual. Preferably, the surface ‘S’ is flat or substantially flat and relatively firm.

The exercise assist device 10 according to the embodiments above may be manufactured in variety of ways using a variety of materials. For example, the exercise assist device 10 may be made using dies, injection molding or other suitable processes. In one embodiment, the exercise assist device 10 may be made from composite materials, polymers and the like. The exercise assist device 10 may also include surface details that are applied, for example, by screen printing or other suitable printing processes.

Additionally, in the embodiments above, and as shown in FIGS. 8-10, for example, the individual 100 may use the exercise assist device 10 while performing the squat exercise, or other exercises that incorporate squat exercise movements or movements similar thereto. For example, the exercise assist device 10 may be used generally where an exercise includes a bending of the knees 104 to a squatting position (see FIG. 8) and straightening of the knees to a standing position (see FIG. 9) while maintaining a center of gravity substantially over the individual's ankle bones 108. When using the exercise assist device 10 for the squat exercise, or other similar exercise, the individual 100 is provided feedback regarding their use of proper form and/or alignment by way of movement of the exercise assist device 10. For example, if the exercise assist device 10 tips forward, as shown in FIG. 10, the individual 100 is alerted that the exercise is being performed using improper form and/or alignment. The individual 100 may then correct their form and/or alignment. Conversely, if the exercise assist device 10 is in the position where the platform 14 is generally parallel to and/or spaced from the surface ‘S’ during the exercise, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, the individual 100 has confirmation that proper form and/alignment are being used. Thus, an individual 100 may perform squat exercises, or similar, with proper form and alignment, without having an instructor or trainer present.

The exercise assist device 10 is not limited for use with squat exercises. For example, the exercise assist device 10 may assist individuals performing other exercises in which proper form or alignment includes loading of weight over the heels during the exercise. In one such exercise, the individual 100 stands upright, holds a barbell or other weight and performs an arm curl or shoulder press exercise. When executing such exercises on the exercise assist device 10, the exercise assist device 10 is configured to remain in the first position when the individual 100 maintains proper heel pressure on the device 10. If a center of gravity of the individual 100 moves too far forward during the exercise, and proper heel pressure is not maintained, the exercise assist device 10 may move to the second position, thereby providing physical feedback of improper form. Other exercises for which the exercise assist device 10 may provide similar physical feedback include, but are not limited to, reverse leg lunges, Russian dead lifts, and other exercises where proper form includes maintaining proper heel pressure.

With further reference to FIG. 8, with the individual 100 executing an exercise using proper form and alignment, the exercise assist device 10 remains in the first position, with the platform 14 generally parallel to and/or spaced from the surface ‘S’. The suitable center of gravity ‘A’ extends through the base 12 and may generally extend vertically through the ankles 108 of the individual 100, when viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 8. The suitable center of gravity ‘A’ is a center of gravity of a load on the exercise assist device 10. The load may include, for example, the individual 100 and associated exercise equipment, such as weights, clothing, shoes, and the like, that may be used by the individual 100 during the exercise. The weight and/or distribution of weight of the exercise assist device 10 may be factored into the positioning of the suitable center of gravity ‘A’ as well. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, with the exercise being executed using proper form and alignment, a position of the individual's knees ‘K1’ is at or behind a position of the individual's toes ‘T1’.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the individual 100 executes the exercise using proper form and alignment, to move to or from a generally standing or upright position, the exercise assist device 10 remains in the first position. As shown in FIG. 9, when properly positioned in the generally standing or upright position, the position of the individual's knees ‘K1’ is behind the position of the individual's toes ‘T1’ and the suitable center of gravity ‘A’ may extend substantially through the individual's ankles 108 in the vertical direction.

With further reference to FIG. 10, with the individual 100 executing the exercise using improper form or alignment, the exercise assist device 10 is moved to the second position, where the platform moves toward and/or contacts the surface ‘S’. The unsuitable center of gravity ‘B’ is disposed forward of the individual's ankles 108, and may be disposed forward of the base 12, as well. It is understood, however, that the unsuitable center of gravity ‘B’ is not necessarily disposed forward of the base 12. For example, the unsuitable center of gravity ‘B’ may be moved forward relative to the suitable center of gravity ‘A’ to a position where the exercise assist device 10 moves to the second position. Such a position of the unsuitable center of gravity ‘B’ may still extend through a section of the base 12. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, with the exercise being executed using improper form or alignment, a position of the individual's knees ‘K2’ is forward of a position of the individual's toes ‘T2’.

Accordingly, with confirmation of proper form or alignment, the individual 100 may perform the squat exercise, or other similar exercise, in a manner that efficiently uses desired muscles and muscle groups to increase the health and fitness benefits of the exercise. In addition, by using proper form and/or alignment during the exercise, the individual 100 may reduce stress on joints, for example, the knees and hips, and reduce the likelihood of injury, chronic pain or other discomfort. Further, use of the exercise assist device 10 may improve flexibility of hips.

The exercise assist device 10 described herein may be used in a variety of settings and different applications. For example, the exercise assist device 10 may be used in hospital or physical therapy organizations, for body strengthening, improved balance needs and/or injury recovery. Professional and non-professional athletic organizations, military organizations and schools may use the exercise assist device 10 for fitness training and/or injury recovery. The exercise assist device 10 may also be used in individuals' homes for lower body strengthening and injury prevention. Gyms and fitness clubs may utilize the exercise assist device 10 for individual or group fitness training. Further, the exercise assist device 10 may be used in offices to increase leg, hip and core activation after sitting for long periods of time. It is understood, however, that these examples are not exhaustive, and the exercise assist device 10 described herein may be used in many settings for realizing a variety of fitness and health benefits.

It is understood the various features from any of the embodiments above are usable together with the other embodiments described herein.

All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.

From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An exercise assist device comprising:

a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface; and

a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface,

wherein the platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface; and

wherein the base acts as a fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base.

2. The exercise assist device of claim 1, further comprising a center of gravity marking on the upper surface of the platform for indicating a location for proper positioning of the individual's ankle bones.

3. The exercise assist device of claim 1, further comprising a pad disposed on a bottom of the base.

4. The exercise assist device of claim 1, further comprising one or more pads on the lower surface of the platform adjacent to a front edge of the platform.

5. A method of using an exercise assist device, the exercise assist device comprising a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface and a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface, wherein the platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface, the method comprising:

standing on the upper surface of the platform with the individual's ankle bones at a predetermined proper position relative to the base so that the platform is in the first position;

bending the individual's knees to a squatting position while maintaining the platform in the first position; and

straightening the individual's knees to return to a standing position while maintaining the platform in the first position.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising bending the individual's knees to move the knees forward to an extent which causes the base to roll and the platform to move from the first position to the second position.

7. An exercise assist device comprising:

a platform having an upper surface configured to support an individual standing thereon and a lower surface, the upper surface including a positioning area configured for positioning of the individual thereon, the positioning area including one or more markings indicating a proper position of the individual on the platform; and

a base connected to the lower surface, the base configured to engage an underlying surface, wherein the one or more markings are disposed on the platform above the base,

wherein the platform is cantilevered relative to the base and is movable between a first position where the platform extends generally parallel to or spaced from the underlying surface and a second position where the base and platform are rotated together such that the platform is tilted downward to engage the underlying surface; and

wherein the base acts as fulcrum to permit downward tilting of the platform from the first position to the second position when a center of gravity is moved forward to a predetermined extent relative to the base.

8. The exercise assist device of claim 7, wherein the one or more marking is a center of gravity marking for indicating a location above which the individual's ankle bones are properly positioned.

9. The exercise assist device of claim 7, wherein the one or marking include two outlines of a foot.