US20110294633A1

US20110294633A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20110294633A1
Application number: US13/115,555
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven Esrick; Michael Criden
Original assignee: WORKOUT FOR LIFE Inc
Current assignee: WORKOUT FOR LIFE Inc
Priority date: 2010-05-25
Filing date: 2011-05-25
Publication date: 2011-12-01

Abstract

An apparatus for exercising in a seated position may be sized to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may include tracks and pedals slidably coupled to the tracks to provide controlled movement. The tracks may be positioned and shaped so as to enable a user to comfortably move the pedals without straining or awkward movement. A degree of tension may also be imparted on the pedals as they move with respect to the track. This tension may be adjustable so that the user may increase or decrease an intensity of his workout. Resistance bands may also be attached to the pedals to allow the user to execute upper body exercises.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/348,029, filed May 25, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's world, a significant number of people are suffering from chronic ailments like obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and other diseases that deteriorate their physical fitness. Such ailments may be counteracted or prevented by adhering to a regular low-impact workout regimen. Low-impact aerobic exercise typically consists of rhythmic movements involving large muscle groups. Often, high-impact exercises may result in injuries, such as overuse injuries.
The Center for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine issued a public health recommendation that every U.S. adult should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. The purpose of the recommendation was to provide a “clear, concise, public health message” that will “encourage increased participation in physical activity” by a large sedentary U.S. population. Unfortunately, many individuals do not have the time to dedicate to such a recommended exercise regimen. Instead, many individuals spend their time sitting behind a desk or other workstation. While some apparatuses have been proposed for exercising in the seated position, these apparatuses are often bulky and cumbersome, and can interfere with the user's other activities (e.g., work). Additionally, these apparatuses are often insufficient for achieving the recommended intensity level for a workout, or may force the user to strain or move in an awkward manner. Accordingly, an unobtrusive exercise apparatus which provides a comfortable, yet moderate-intensity workout is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for exercising in a seated position, wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may comprise a base including a proximal portion and a distal portion and at least one track positioned on and extending between the proximal and distal portions of the base, the track including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the track is elevated with respect to the proximal portion of the track. A pedal may be movably coupled to the track, the pedal being moveable along the track between the proximal and distal portions. The track may further comprise a right track and a left track, wherein a right pedal is movably coupled to the right track and a left pedal is movably coupled to the left track. The right track and the left track may diverge a predetermined distance at the distal end relative to the proximal end. Further, the apparatus may also comprise a loop secured to the pedal, and an elongatable strap removably coupled to the loop. Even further, the apparatus may comprise a resistance control for varying a degree of tension imparted on the pedal as it moves with respect to the track. According to one example, the resistance control may include a shaft, a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft, and a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end. According to another example, the resistance may be adjusted using a remote control.
Another aspect of the invention provides an exercise apparatus sized to fit underneath a workspace, comprising pedal means for engaging a user's feet when the user is in a seated position, means for guiding movement of the pedal means along a predetermined path, first resistance means for providing resistance to the pedal means as they are moved along the predetermined path, and attachment means for attaching additional exercise equipment. According to one example, the exercise apparatus may further comprise second resistance means removably coupled to the attachment means and grippable by the user for exercising at least a portion of the user's upper body.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides an exercise apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising a base having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least part of the base extends in a lateral direction, a support rail having a first end connected to the distal portion of the base and a second end extending upward from the distal portion, and a track extending from the proximal portion of the base to the second end of the support rail, the track comprising a tube and an adjacent guide rail. A roller mechanism may be movably coupled to the track, the roller mechanism comprising a plurality of grooved-rim wheels within a housing, wherein at least two of the grooved-rim wheels are positioned on substantially opposing sides of the tube, and one or more wheels attached to an outer portion of the housing and positioned in contact with the guide rail. One or more pedals may be coupled to the roller mechanism. Further, a resistance adjustment mechanism may be provided, comprising a shaft, a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft, and a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end. The apparatus may be adapted to fit underneath a workspace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an exercise apparatus according to an aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2D are side views illustrating uses of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a foot pedal of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a functionality of the foot pedal of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates another use of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates another use of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an attachment to the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a roller mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 10A-D illustrate a resistance mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an exercise apparatus according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an exercise apparatus according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view of an exercise apparatus according to another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus for exercising in a seated position may be sized to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may include tracks and pedals slidably coupled to the tracks to provide controlled movement. The tracks may be positioned and shaped so as to enable a user to comfortably move the pedals without straining or awkward movement. A degree of tension may also be imparted on the pedals as they move with respect to the track. This tension may be adjustable so that the user may increase or decrease an intensity of his workout. Resistance bands may also be attached to the pedals to allow the user to execute upper body exercises.
FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an exercise apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may include tubes 120 and tracks 122, supported on a base 110 by support rails 112. Pedals 140 may be attached to a roller cage 150, which is moveable with respect to the tubes 120 and tracks 122. For example, the pedals 140 may be attached next to or on top of the roller cage 150. In that regard, a user may push the pedals up and down the tubes 120 and/or tracks 122 as part of an exercise. The apparatus 100 may also include a resistance mechanism, such as resistance knob 130, which is repositionable along shaft 134, and operates to vary the difficulty of the exercise.
The tubes 120 and tracks 122 may be shaped and positioned to provide ease of motion to the user in a seated position. For example, as shown the tubes 120 may be curved and positioned such that proximal ends of the tubes 120 are adjacent the base 110, while distal ends of the tubes 120 are raised a predetermined distance from the base 110. The distal ends of the tubes 120 may be raised to a height such as to fit under a workspace, but to also be comfortably reached by the user (e.g., 20″). Moreover, a distance between the tubes on the right and left sides of the apparatus 100 may vary. According to one example, the tubes 120 may be positioned more closely together at the proximal ends, and further away at the distal ends. The tracks 122 may be similarly positioned.
The base 110 may extend in both proximal-distal and lateral directions. For example, the base may be H-shaped or I-shaped, and may be formed as one piece or may be several pieces connected together. The base may be any size that may comfortable and conveniently fit underneath a workspace. For example, the base may be approximately 24″ wide by 24″ deep.
The tubes 120 and tracks 122 may be mounted to the remainder of the apparatus using, for example, a bracket 114 connecting the tubes 120 and tracks 122 to the support rails 112, and an L-bracket 116 connected between the tubes 120 and tracks 122 and the base 110. The support rails 112 may be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees or less with respect to the base 110. For example, an angle of slightly less than 90 degrees may provide increased stability to the apparatus 100. The tubes 120 and tracks 122 may be made of any lightweight, durable material, such as graphite, aluminum, titanium, Kevlar®, etc. The base 110, support rails 112, and shaft 134 may each be made of the same or different materials as the tubes 120 and tracks 122.
The roller cage 150 may glide along the tubes 120 and tracks 122, as explained in further detail below with respect to FIG. 8. Pedals 140 may be attached to the roller cage 150, for example, via an extension 142. Alternatively, the pedals 140 may be attached directly on top of the roller cage 150. According to one aspect, the extension 142 may enable the pedals 140 to be rotatable about an axis, thereby enabling a user to point or flex his feet to varying degrees while using the apparatus.
According to one embodiment, the user may select a degree of resistance to be incurred as the pedals 140 are operated. For example, the user may desire to increase or decrease an intensity of the workout based on any of a number of factors. In this regard, the user may adjust the resistance by, for example, pulling knob 130 and sliding carriage 136 to a different position along the shaft 134, and locking the carriage into place using the knob 130 and position holes 132. The resistance mechanism will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 9-10.
According to one aspect, for example as shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 100 may include a protective covering 602 for the tubes 120 and tracks 122. The covering may be a plastic housing or the like, which covers the support rails 112, tubes 120, tracks 122, and roller cage 150, while permitting access to the pedals 140 and resistance adjustment mechanism. The covering may be removable if access to the base 110, support rails 112, tubes 120, tracks 122, or roller cage 150 is desired. The covering may not only increase the aesthetic quality of the apparatus 100, but may also protect both the apparatus 100 and the user from damage or injury.
Additionally, apparatus 100 may also include a floor mat covering the base 110. For example, referring to FIG. 6, mat 605 lies underneath at least a portion of the apparatus. The mat may include a recess for engaging a chair, such as an office chair having wheels on its legs. The recess may be slip-resistant to facilitate holding the chair in place. A top surface of the mat may be comfortable for a user's feet while the user is at rest. A bottom surface of the mat may be slip-resistant to secure the apparatus in place on the floor.
FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various uses of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1. In each case, the apparatus 100 is positioned under a workspace 106. A user seated in a chair 108 may use the apparatus while performing other tasks, such as talking on the phone, typing on a computer, reading, writing, etc. The user may keep his feet on pedals 140, and secure his feet in place using straps 142. As shown in FIG. 2A, the user may keep both feet near the floor at a proximal end of the apparatus 100. For example, this may be considered a resting position. As shown in FIG. 2B, the user may glide his left foot up towards a distal end of the tube/track, thereby exercising his left leg. As shown in FIG. 2C, the user may conversely glide his right foot up towards a distal end of the tube/track, while returning his left foot to the proximal end. Accordingly, for example, as the user moves from the position shown in FIG. 2B to the position of FIG. 2C, the user may exercise various muscles in both legs (e.g., his left hamstring and his right quadricep). According to one aspect, the user may continually move his feet back and forth from the position of FIG. 2B to the position of FIG. 2C to execute a cardiovascular workout. As shown in FIG. 2D, the user may hold both feet up towards a distal end of the apparatus 100. In this regard, the user may strengthen muscles in both legs in addition to, for example, abdominal and back muscles.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a foot pedal 140 of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1. While the foot pedal 140 may be made of any material, it may preferably include a relatively soft, high-friction surface 148 (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) to facilitate retaining the user's foot in place on the pedal 140. According to one aspect, the surface 148 may be patterned with raised portions to provide additional grip. To further facilitate retaining the user's foot in place, the pedal 140 may include a strap 142 fed through loop 146. The strap 142 may be made of rubber, fabric, or the like, and may wrap around a portion of the user's foot. According to one aspect, the strap 142 may be adjustable (e.g., using hook and loop fasteners) to accommodate feet of various sizes and widths.
According to one aspect, the pedal 140 may also include a recess 170 with a link 172 protruding therefrom. The link 172 may be used to attach an additional exercise apparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, an elongatable strap 182, such as a bungee cord, may attach to the link 172 via a fastener, such as a lobster-claw fastener 184. It should be understood, however, that the lobster-claw fastener 184 and the link 172 is merely one example of a mechanism for attaching the elongatable strap 182 to the pedal 140, and that any of a variety of attachment mechanisms may be used.
Once attached, the elongatable strap 182 may be used to execute additional exercises, such as upper body exercises. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the user may grip elongatable strap 182 while keeping his foot in pedal 140 at the proximal end of the apparatus. The user may pull the elongatable strap 182 up and release it as an exercise (e.g., bicep curls).
Another possible exercise using the elongatable strap 182 is illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the user may place his feet in pedals 140 and raise the pedals 140 to the distal end of the apparatus 100. The user may then grip elongatable strap 182 and pull the cord 182 away from the pedals 140 and release (e.g., tricep extensions).
FIGS. 5 and 6 present merely two examples of exercises that may be performed using the elongatable strap attachment. It should be understood that any of a number of exercised may be performed by the user in the seated position with the elongatable strap. For example, the pedals may be held by the user's feet in a variety of positions, and the user may pull the elongatable strap in various directions when the pedals are in any of these positions to execute a different exercise. Moreover, a number of different grips (e.g., overhand, underhand, etc.) may be used by the user, and each of these grips may result in an exercise of a different muscle group.
FIG. 7 provides a more detailed view of the elongatable strap attachment described with respect to FIGS. 4-6. An elongatable strap 182 may be attached to a fastener 184, such as a lobster-claw fastener, at one end. At the other end, the elongatable strap 182 may be designed for attachment to a handle 188. For example, the elongatable strap 182 may include an enlarged portion 186 having an increased diameter. This enlarged portion 186 may be deformable so as to fit within a corresponding hole in the handle 188. In this regard, the elongatable strap 182 may be inserted into the handle 188 and held in place during exercises. However, when desired, the elongatable strap 182 may be removed from the handle 188 and, for example, inserted into a handle of a different shape or design. The handle 188 may also have a feature that will enable the elongatable strap 182 to be adjusted between shorter and longer lengths to create more or less resistance and intensity.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a roller mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and a cross-sectional view of the tube and track of FIG. 1. Roller cage 150 positions around and rides along tube 120. For example, the roller cage 150 may include a housing 156 which covers a set of wheels, including wheels 152, 154, and a third wheel (not shown) behind wheel 152. The wheels 152, 154 may be secured to the housing 156 using, for example, screws, bolts, bearings, or the like. Using three wheels may provide for increased stability and quieter movement along the tube 120. However, it should be understood that more or fewer wheels may be used.
On the outside of the housing 156, additional wheels 124, 126 may be attached to glide along the track 122. The track 122 may be U-shaped, with an opening pointed towards the roller cage 150. A first outside wheel 124 may be positioned to glide along a top outer surface of the track 122. A second outside wheel 126 may be positioned to glide along an inner channel created by the U-shape of the track 122. In this regard, the roller cage 150 may be prevented from spinning around the tube 120. Variations of this design may include using a different shaped track 122, such as an L-shape, or using more or fewer outside wheels (e.g., using only the second wheel 126 inside the channel).
Although the apparatus described above includes a combination of tubes and tracks and a 5-wheeled roller mechanism, it should be understood that any mechanism may be used to achieve a controlled gliding motion of the pedals.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1. This view provides a clearer illustration of how the resistance mechanism of the apparatus operates according to one aspect of the invention. Resistance knob 130 may be attached to carriage 136, which is movably secured to shaft 134. On a back side of the carriage 136, substantially opposing the knob 130, may be a clamp 138 for securing a resistance cable 190. The resistance cable 190 may be any type of stretchable wire, such as elastic, bungee, or the like. At a base of the shaft 134, a grooved-rim wheel 192 may be attached, and the resistance cable 190 may be angled around the wheel 192 (e.g., similar to a pulley). A similar wheel 194 may be positioned near a proximal end of the apparatus. Accordingly, the resistance cable 190 may be further angled around the wheel 194. The resistance cable 190 may then be attached to the roller cage or foot pedal to provide resistance as the user moves the pedals back and forth along the tubes/tracks.
To increase the resistance, the user may adjust the carriage 136 to a higher position along the shaft 134. For example, the knob 130 may be spring-loaded, and an opposing end of the know 130 may fit within a corresponding hole in the shaft 134. To adjust the carriage 136, the user may retract the knob 130, thereby disengaging the pin from the hole, and slide the carriage 136 upwards. Once near another corresponding hole in the shaft 134, the user may release the knob 130 and allow the pin to fall into place in the hole. Such adjustment may stretch the cable 190, thereby increasing the tension in the cable 190, and making it more difficult to glide the pedals back and forth.
FIGS. 10A-D illustrate the resistance mechanism in further detail. FIG. 10A shows how the resistance cable may be secured in clamp 148 at a back of carriage 136. Two resistance cables (e.g., one for each pedal) may be secured to the carriage 136 using one clamp 148. According to one aspect, the clamp 148 may simply be an extension of the carriage 136 with a passage large enough to fit the resistance cable therethrough. The resistance cable may have a cap securely attached to its end to prevent it from slipping through the clamp 148. Alternatively, the clamp 148 may include adjustable arms (e.g., similar to a vice) and may be selectively tightened around the resistance cable to secure it in place.
As shown in FIG. 10B, grooved-rim wheel 1092 may be attached to shaft 134 via brackets 193. Wheels 192 may attached on either side of the shaft 134 to accommodate both resistance cables. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10C, wheels 194 may be attached near a base of the apparatus towards its proximal end. As shown in FIG. 10D, roller carriage 150 may include a flange 158 having a hole therein for securing the resistance wire. For example, the resistance wire may be secured within the hole using a cap or clamp, or may be tied to the flange 158.
The apparatus described above provides one example of an exercise apparatus sized to fit comfortably under a desk, table, cubicle, reading area, or other workstation. However, it should be understood that modifications may be made to the apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example only, the following additional embodiments are provided.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exercise apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may be, for example, approximately 24″ wide×24″ deep×6″ high. The apparatus 200 may include a mat 210 having a base 250 mounted thereon. The mat 210 may be made from a slip-resistant material, such as rubber or any other durable material, to prevent undesired movement of the apparatus 200. An edge 215 of the mat 210 may be shaped to abut a chair. For example, the edge 215 may be slanted, as shown in FIG. 12, curved outwardly, etc. For convenience to a user of the apparatus 200, it may also include cutouts 270 allowing various objects (e.g., computer cables) to be fed therethrough.
The base 250 may be mounted to the mat 210 via stability planks 260. According to one aspect of the invention, these planks 260 may be positioned within the mat 210, so they are not visible to the user. The base 250 may include a number of further components for exercising various muscles and body parts, such as the foot, leg, arms, shoulders, etc. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, the base 250 include two foot pedals 254 connected to a track 258 in the base 250 via extensions 252. The track 258 may run the length (e.g., approximately 8″-16″) of the base 250 near an upper portion of the base 250. The extensions 252 may connect to the track 258 via rollers (e.g., balls within the track), or any other mechanism for gliding along a predefined path.
The base 250 may increase in height as it extends from a portion proximal to the user to a portion distal of the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, an upper surface of the base 250 may rise at approximately a 30 degree angle from proximal portion to distal portion. Such configuration may allow for a full range of motion, as discussed below. While the base 250 is shown as evenly increasing in height, it should be understood that the base 250 may rise along a curve or along only a portion thereof to enable comfortable movement for the user.
The foot pedals 254 may be sized and shaped to comfortably receive a shoe or bare foot of a variety of sizes. The pedals 254 may further include a treaded footpad to provide traction for the user's foot, and a raised peripheral portion to keep the user's foot in place. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the pedals 254 may optionally include a covering around a toe portion to cage the user's foot. Additionally or alternatively, the pedals 254 may include a removable strap to be placed around the user's foot and adjusted to fit the user's foot securely. According to another aspect, the pedals may include an adjustment mechanism, where a toe portion is adjustable relative to a heel portion, to snugly fit the user's foot.
The extensions 252 may connect to the pedals 254 via a single pivot point. Such configuration enables the pedals 254 to be adjustable on the angle they sit from approximately 0 degrees (e.g., a pointed toe position) to 90 degrees (a flexed foot position). Accordingly, the user may execute different muscle movements and stretching. This may also provide ease to the user when stepping into and out of the pedal 254. According to one aspect, a particular position may be selected by the user and maintained by locking the pivot point. For example, the extension 252 may include a pin-lock or other mechanism to prevent the pedal 254 from rotating along an axis of the extension 252. According to another aspect, the extensions 252 may be adjustable to vary the position of the pedals 254 closer to or further away from the base 250, thereby accommodating users with wider or narrower hips. According to yet another aspect, the extensions 252 may extend in the longitudinal direction, in addition to extending laterally, to provide a greater range of motion to the user.
Using the above-described base 250, including the pedals 254 and track 258, a user may extend and retract his legs along the track 258 from a proximal portion of the apparatus towards a distal portion. Because of the inclined base 250, the user may extend fully and comfortably without straining or hyperextending or placing undue stress on the user's knees. According to one aspect, resistance to this gliding motion may be provided. For example, the base 250 may include electronic or mechanical resistance variation, so that the effort required to push the pedals 254 along the track 258 is increased or decreased as desired by the user. This may be performed, for example, using a resistance dial which increases the friction between the rollers of the extension 252 and the track 258. Alternatively or additionally, a remote control 290 may be electronically coupled (wired or wirelessly) to a resistance control within the base 250 that varies the friction along the track. For example, the user may keep the remote 290 on top of his desk or workstation. When desiring a more intense workout, the user may press an “increase resistance” button 294 on the remote 290, which in turn transmits a signal to the resistance control in the base 250 to increase the friction along the track 258.
In addition to a resistance control, the base 250 may further include a variety of other electronic equipment, for example, to monitor the user's heartrate, calories burned, oxygen level, and other physical characteristics. A computational unit to determine such physical characteristics may be included in the base 250, or electronically coupled to circuitry in the base 250. According to one embodiment, electronic circuitry in the apparatus 200 may communicate such physical characteristics to the user via a screen 292 in the remote 290.
As mentioned above, the stability planks 260 may be hidden within the mat 210 to mount the base 250. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the planks 260 may be positioned on an upper surface of the mat 210. Further, these planks 260 may include a second set of tracks to enable the base 250 to glide laterally across the mat 210. For example, the user may position his feet in the pedals 254 alongside one another, and push the base 250 from side to side across the mat 210. When this feature is not in use, the base 250 may be locked into place along the lateral tracks.
The pedals 254 may further include a connector latch 256 towards a proximal end of the pedal 254. This latch 256 may be used to secure a resistance cable or other apparatus to the pedal 254. In this regard, the resistance cable may be held by the user while the user glides the pedals 254 along the track 258, thereby providing resistance training for the user's arms and shoulders. In addition, a variety of other arm, chest, shoulder, back, and abdominal exercises may be performed using the resistance cable or other apparatus (e.g., bicep curls, tricep extensions, etc.).
Alternatively or additionally to attaching resistance cables to the pedals 254, the mat 210 may include a retractable extension device 280 enabling exercise for the arms, shoulders, etc. For example, the extension device 280 may be a grip attached at either end to a retractable cord, which may be pulled away from the mat and retracted back. Similar to the track 258, the resistance of the extension device 280 may be varied for increased or decreased intensity.
The apparatus 200 may also be structured for comfort of the user during resting periods. For example, the mat 210 may be covered with a soft material, such as carpet, or with a material for massaging of the foot, such as a plurality of soft rubber fingers.
FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, where base 350 is positioned toward an edge of mat 310 furthest from the user. Extensions 352 connect pedals 354 to tracks in the base 350, thereby enabling movement of the pedals 354 while still being attached to the base. Such movement may be a gliding movement, as described above, or any other type of movement, such as a cycling or stepping movement. The positioning of the base 350 enables the user to rest his feet comfortably on the mat 310 during resting periods. As shown, the extensions 352 may be elongated to enable the user to reach the pedals 354 during periods of exercise without reaching or straining. Similar to the embodiment discussed above in connection with FIGS. 11-12, a remote 390 may provide wired or wireless communication with the base 350, thereby enabling variations in resistance, providing information on calories burned, etc.
FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein a base 450 may include an angled portion 451 which extends relatively laterally with respect to the base 450. The base 450 and angled portion 451 may include tracks 458 and 459, respectively, extending in at least two directions. Thus, for example, a user may engage his feet in shoe 454 and slide his feet back and forth along tracks 458, or at a lateral angle along tracks 459. While the base 450 is shown as having angled portion 451 extend in only one additional direction, it should be understood that multiple additional base portions may extend in any of a variety of directions. Additionally or alternatively, the angled portion 451 may be adjustable with respect to the base 450 to vary the angle between the portion 451 and the base 450. Further, a distal end of the base 450 and/or angled portion may be inclined with respect to a proximal end to provide for comfortable extension of the user's legs. According to one aspect, this incline may also be adjustable by the user.
The shoes 454 may include a cage 455 near a toe portion to keep the user's foot securely in the shoe 454. Further, the shoes 454 may include connector latches 456 for connecting an elongatable strap or the like to exercise the user's upper body. When not in use, such elongatable straps and other equipment may be stored in receptacles 485. Additionally, mat 410 may include cutouts 470 through which computer wires or object objects may be run.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments, that various aspects from each of the embodiments may be combined, and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising:

a base including a proximal portion and a distal portion;

at least one track positioned on and extending between the proximal and distal portions of the base, the track including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the track is elevated with respect to the proximal portion of the track; and

a pedal movably coupled to the track, the pedal being moveable along the track between the proximal and distal portions;

wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit under a workspace.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track is curved.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track further comprises a right track and a left track, and wherein a right pedal is movably coupled to the right track and a left pedal is movably coupled to the left track.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the right track and the left track diverge a predetermined distance at the distal end relative to the proximal end.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a set of tubes.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the track further comprises a set of guide rails, such that each guide rail is positioned adjacent a corresponding tube.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a roller mechanism coupled to each tube, the roller mechanism comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of inner wheels secured in the housing, a first inner wheel positioned on a first side of the tube and a second inner wheel positioned on a substantially opposing side of the tube; and

at least one outer wheel secured to an outside of the housing, the at least one outer wheel engaging the guide rail;

wherein the pedal is coupled to the roller mechanism.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an extension, wherein the pedal is positioned a predetermined distance from the roller mechanism via the extension.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a loop secured to the pedal; and

an elongatable strap removably coupled to the loop.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the elongatable strap includes an interchangeable grip.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a resistance control for varying a degree of tension imparted on the pedal as it moves with respect to the track.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resistance control comprises:

a shaft;

a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft; and

a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resistance may be adjusted using a remote control.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mat positioned under at least a portion of the track, the mat including a slip-resistant recess for engaging a lower portion of a chair.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes two pedals and two tracks.

16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus includes two pedals, two tracks, and two roller mechanisms.

17. An exercise apparatus sized to fit underneath a workspace, comprising:

pedal means for engaging a user's feet when the user is in a seated position;

means for guiding movement of the pedal means along a predetermined path;

first resistance means for providing resistance to the pedal means as they are moved along the predetermined path; and

attachment means for attaching additional exercise equipment.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first resistance means are adjustable.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

second resistance means removably coupled to the attachment means and grippable by the user for exercising at least a portion of the user's upper body.

20. An exercise apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising:

a base having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least part of the base extends in a lateral direction;

a support rail having a first end connected to the distal portion of the base and a second end extending upward from the distal portion;

a track extending from the proximal portion of the base to the second end of the support rail, the track comprising a tube and an adjacent guide rail;

a roller mechanism movably coupled to the track, the roller mechanism comprising:

a plurality of grooved-rim wheels within a housing, wherein at least two of the grooved-rim wheels are positioned on substantially opposing sides of the tube; and

one or more wheels attached to an outer portion of the housing and positioned in contact with the guide rail;

one or more pedals coupled to the roller mechanism; and

a resistance adjustment mechanism, comprising:

a shaft;

a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft; and

a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end;

wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit underneath a workspace.