US20100125031A1

US20100125031A1 - Training device for training a body part of a user

Info

Publication number: US20100125031A1
Application number: US12/641,126
Authority: US
Inventors: Augustinus Leonardus Nicolaas van der Meer
Original assignee: Power Plate North America Inc
Current assignee: Power Plate North America Inc
Priority date: 2008-12-17
Filing date: 2009-12-17
Publication date: 2010-05-20
Also published as: WO2010071403A1; AU2008365345A1; CN102245149A; BRPI0823339A2; EP2358324A1; RU2011129603A; MX2011006467A

Abstract

A training device for training a body part of a user is configured to advantageously limit the resonance movement of the flexible coupling member generated by the vibration of the vibrating device. The training device comprises a vibrating device for generating a vibration and a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. The pretensioning device comprises a handling member configured to be held by the user, a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member, and a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that the flexible coupling member is tensioned to allow the vibration generated by the vibrating device to be transferred to the handling member. The tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member but to provide substantially no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of International (PCT) Application No. PCT/NL2008/000280, filed on Dec. 17, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a training device for training a body part of a user, and more particularly to a vibrating device for generating a vibration and an associated pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part.
In training devices known in the prior art, vibrating training devices may include tensioning devices. Such tension devices generally comprise a reeling means, a flexible coupling member operably connected to the reeling means and a handling member connected to the flexible coupling member. In use, a user grasps and pulls the handling member, thereby pulling the flexible coupling member from the reeling means and creating a tension.
Prior art tensioning devices typically comprise a spring biased to drive the reeling means. The spring is biased such that a retractive reeling force is exerted on the flexible coupling member towards the reeling means. Due to this, the reeling means, in use, constantly exerts a retractive reeling force on the flexible coupling member. Thus, a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member is provided, and the flexible coupling member thereby is tensioned such that the vibration generated by the vibrating device is transferred to the handling member attached to the flexible coupling.
In other words, when a user pulls the handling member to unreel the flexible coupling member, the spring provides, via the reeling means, a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member. Due to this resistance, the flexible coupling member is tensioned so that the vibration generated by the vibrating device is transferred via the flexible coupling member to the handling member. Thus, the spring driven reeling means constantly provides a retractive reeling force for reeling the coupling member.
This means that when the handling member is kept in such a position that the flexible coupling member is unreeled over a specific length, the flexible coupling member remains tensioned for transferring the vibrations from the vibrating device to the handling device. The spring further ensures that the reeling means will reel the unreeled flexible coupling member.
As discussed above, the spring driven reeling means constantly exerts a retractive reeling force on the flexible coupling member. The flexible coupling member is tensioned as long as the user exerts an opposite user force on the flexible coupling member. The reeling force is the resistance which the user experiences when he or she unreels the flexible coupling member.
For certain exercises, a high resistance against the unreeling of flexible coupling member is desirable. In the known prior training device this leads to a large reeling force, which has several undesirable disadvantages.
For example, a large reeling force may create a situation that causes the user, for one reason or another, to unintentionally release the handling member of an unreeled flexible coupling member. Due to the large reeling force, the flexible coupling member will be rapidly reeled by the reeling means. This may cause an uncontrolled sweeping movement of the flexible coupling member and the attached handling member. Such an uncontrolled movement of the flexible coupling member and the handling member is undesirable.
Additionally, some specific exercises require a large resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member and a smaller force pulling on the handling member of an unreeled flexible coupling member. A specific type of such exercises is when the user exerts a large effort to move the trained body part into a specific position (wherein the flexible coupling member is unreeled) and a smaller effort to hold the body part in that position (wherein the flexible coupling member remains unreeled over a specific length).
An example of such an exercise is the one wherein the user holds the handling member in a hand and moves his or her hand upwards to a position above the head of the user, after which the hand is kept in that position. The magnitude of the reeling force is equal to the magnitude of the above mentioned force pulling on the handling member of an unreeled flexible coupling member. Since the reeling force in prior art training devices is equal to the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member, these specific exercises can not be performed with prior art training devices.
A further disadvantage of prior art training device is that the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member is the same for different speeds by which the flexible coupling member is unreeled. In other words, in prior art training devices, the resistance is independent of the speed by which the flexible coupling member is unreeled.
Thus, what is needed is an improved training device for training a body part of a user that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art training devices as discussed above. Desirably, such an improved training device comprises a vibrating device for generating a vibration and a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. More desirably, the pretensioning device is connected to the vibrating device and comprises a handling member configured to be held by the user, and a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member, which flexible coupling member couples the handling member to the reeling means.
More desirably still, the pretensioning device further comprises a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that, in use, the flexible coupling member is tensioned for transferring the vibration generated by the vibrating device to the handling member. Most desirably, the tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member but to provide substantially no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The training device for training a body part of a user of the present invention is configured to advantageously provide a variable resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member but to provide substantially no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member.
In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the training device comprises a vibrating device for generating a vibration and a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the pretensioning device is connected to the vibrating device and comprises a handling member configured to be held by the user, and a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member, the flexible coupling member coupling the handling member to the reeling means.
In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the pretensioning device further comprises a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that, in use, the flexible coupling member is tensioned to allow the vibration generated by the vibrating device to be advantageously transferred to the handling member. The tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member but to provide substantially no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member.
In a disclosed embodiment of the training device according the principles of the present invention, the reeling means comprises a reel which is rotatable around a reel axis, the reeling means configured to rotate the reel in a reel direction for reeling the flexible coupling member and to rotate the reel in an unreel direction for unreeling the flexible coupling member. The fluid resistance means is connected to the reel axis via freewheel means configured to freely rotate around the reel axis in the reel direction and to engage the reel axis in the unreel direction.
Further, in a disclosed embodiment of the training device according to the principles of the present invention, the fluid resistance means comprises a fluid casing forming a fluid chamber filled with a damper fluid and a resistance member disposed inside the fluid chamber. In the disclosed embodiment, the fluid casing is connected to the reel axis via the freewheel means and the resistance member is configured such that said resistance member is not rotatable around the longitudinal axis.
In a disclosed embodiment of the training device according to the principles of the present invention, the fluid resistance means is configured to adjust the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member by moving the resistance member inside the fluid chamber and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis. To that end, in a disclosed embodiment of the present invention the pretensioning device comprises adjusting means for moving and holding the resistance member in a number of specific locations along the longitudinal axis.
In the disclosed embodiment of the training device according the principles of the present invention, the fluid resistance means is configured such that the magnitude of the resistance of the fluid resistance means against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member is dependent of the speed by which the flexible coupling member is unreeled.
Finally, in a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the reel is configured to hold the flexible coupling member in a spiral-like configuration, which spiral-like configuration is located in a fictive plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the tensioning means comprises a spring connected to the reel axis in the disclosed embodiment.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a disclosed embodiment of the training device according the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view, along line II-II, of the pretensioning device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view, along line III-III, of the pretensioning device shown in FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the pretensioning device shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described and disclosed a present embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description of the Invention,” relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
FIG. 1 shows a training device 1 for training a body part of a user according to the principles of the present invention. The training device generally comprises a vibrating device 2 and a pretensioning device 3 for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. The pretensioning device 3 is connected to the vibrating device 2. The pretensioning device 3 may be connected to the vibrating device 2 using any appropriate means as is known in the art, including by clamping, bolting, screwing and other means, and pretensioning device 3 may be removably connected to vibrating device 2 or non-removably connected to vibrating device 2.
The pretensioning device 3 in the disclosed embodiment comprises a handling member 4 configured to be held by the user 32 and a reeling means (6 of FIG. 2) for reeling a flexible coupling member 5. The flexible coupling member 5 couples the handling member 4 to the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2).
The pretensioning device 3 further comprises in the disclosed embodiment a tensioning means (7 of FIG. 2) for driving the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2) such that, in use, the flexible coupling member 5 is tensioned for transferring a vibration generated by the vibrating device 2 to the handling member 4 and, ultimately, to the user 32. The tensioning means 7 comprises in the disclosed embodiment a fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) configured to provide a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vibrating device 2 comprises a vibrating plate 30 configured to vibrate as indicated by the arrow 31, as is known in the art. In this manner, the direction of the vibration of the vibrating plate 30 is substantially vertical. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the vibration plate 30 may vibrate in any direction suitable for obtaining the wished training effect without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the user 32 of the training device stands on the vibrating plate 30. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, the vibrating device 2 may have instead of the vibrating plate 30 any other type of vibrating member. The pretensioning device 3 is connected to the vibrating device 2 such that vibrations generated by the vibrating device 2 are transferred to the pretensioning device 3.
In use, the tensioning means (7 of FIG. 2) constantly drives the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2) for reeling the flexible coupling member 5. Due to this, the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2), in use, constantly exerts a retractive reeling force F_ron the flexible coupling member 5. This creates three advantageous effects: first, a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5 is provided; second, the flexible coupling member 5 is tensioned such that the vibration generated by the vibrating device 2 is transferred to the handling member 4; and, third, an unreeled flexible coupling member 5 is reeled by the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2).
The fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) also provides a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5. Such resistance is the fluid resistance force F_frwhich the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) exerts on the flexible coupling member 5 during the unreeling thereof. The fluid resistance force F_fris in addition to the reeling force F_rof the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2) driven by the tensioning means (7 of FIG. 2).
This is shown in FIG. 1, as the user 32 exerts a user force F_uon the flexible coupling member 5 via the handling member 4. The user force F_uis in the opposite direction of the reeling force F_rwhich is constantly exerted on the flexible coupling member 5 by the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2). When the user force F_uis smaller than or equal to the reeling force F_r, the pretensioning device 3 exerts a force equal to the reeling force F_ron the flexible coupling member 5.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, when the user force F_uequals the reeling force F_rthe flexible coupling member 5 will be in a static position which means that the flexible coupling member 5 will not be unreeled or reeled. When the user force F_uis smaller than the reeling force F_r, the flexible coupling member 5 will be reeled. And, when the user force F_uis larger than the reeling force F_r, the flexible coupling member 5 will be unreeled. In such situation the pretensioning device 3 exerts a force equal to the sum of the reeling force and the fluid resistance force (F_r+F_fr) on the flexible coupling member 5.
With the use of the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) a high resistance (F_r+F_fr) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5 is achieved, in combination with a smaller reeling force (F_r) of reeling means (6 of FIG. 2) for reeling the flexible coupling member 5. Such high resistance advantageously reduces the chance that the flexible coupling member 5 and the handling member 4 connected thereto are so strongly reeled by the reeling means (6 of FIG. 2) such that they make an uncontrolled sweeping movement.
Furthermore, due to this combination of resistance, the training device 1 of the present invention is advantageously suitable for exercises which require a large resistance (F_r+F_fr) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5 and a smaller force (F_r) pulling on the handling member 4 of an unreeled flexible coupling member 5.
In the disclosed embodiment, the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) is configured such that the magnitude of the resistance of the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5 is dependent on the speed by which the flexible coupling member 5 is unreeled.
That is, unreeling the flexible coupling member 5 with a higher speed leads to a higher resistance of the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2). Unreeling the flexible coupling member 5 with a lower speed leads to a lower resistance of the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2). It thus follows that the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) is configured such that an increase of the speed by which the flexible coupling member 5 is unreeled leads to an increase of the resistance of the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2), and a decrease of the speed by which the flexible coupling member 5 is unreeled leads to a decrease of the resistance of the fluid resistance means (8 of FIG. 2) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member 5.
Due to this, the training device 2 of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention is advantageously suitable for exercises wherein the user 32 experiences a larger resistance when he or she rapidly unreels the flexible coupling member 5 and a smaller resistance when he or she slowly unreels the flexible coupling member 5. In this manner, rapid (more “aggressive-like”) movements by which the flexible coupling member 5 is unreeled requires a larger effort than slower (less “aggressive-like”) movements. This advantageously provides an additional dimension to the performed exercises.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the reeling means 6 comprises a reel 10 which is rotatable around a reel axis 11. The reeling means 6 is configured to rotate the reel 10 in a reel direction 12 for reeling the flexible coupling member 5 and to rotate the reel 10 in an unreel direction 13 for unreeling the flexible coupling member 5.
As also shown in FIGS. 2-4, the fluid resistance means 8 is connected to the reel axis 11 via freewheel means 14 configured to freely rotate around the reel axis 11 in the reel direction 12 and to engage the reel axis 11 in the unreel direction 13. This also ensures that, in use, the flexible coupling member 5 is not unreeled by the vibrations generated by the vibrating device 2. Thus, the fluid resistance means 8 is configured to substantially provide no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member 5.
As further shown in FIGS. 2-4, the reel axis 11 comprises a longitudinal axis 27, and the tensioning means 7 comprises a spiral spring 28 connected to the reel axis 11. As also shown in FIG. 2, the fluid resistance means 8 in the disclosed embodiment comprises a fluid casing 16 forming a fluid chamber 15 filled with a damper fluid 17. A resistance member 18 is disposed inside the fluid chamber 15. The fluid casing 16 is connected to the reel axis 11 via the freewheel means 14.
The resistance member 18 is configured such that it is not rotatable around the longitudinal axis 27. To that end, in the disclosed embodiment, the pretensioning device 3 device further comprises a pretensioning casing 29 and the resistance member 18 is connected to the pretensioning casing 29 such that the resistance member 18 is not rotatable around said longitudinal axis 27.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the resistance member 18 may be connected to the vibrating device 2 such that the resistance member 18 is not rotatable around the longitudinal axis 27. By configuring the fluid resistance means 8 such that the fluid casing 16 is rotatable and the resistance member 18 is not rotatable, a higher inertia resistance is created.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the resistance member 18 in the disclosed embodiment comprises first protrusions 41 extending towards an inside wall 43 of the fluid casing 16. The inside wall 43 comprises second protrusions 42 extending towards the first protrusions 41. The fluid casing 16 is rotatable around the longitudinal axis 27 such that the second protrusions 42 do not collide with the first protrusions 41. This means that the second protrusions 42 are movable between the first protrusions 41. The degree of overlap of the first protrusions 41 and the second protrusions 42 determines the degree of resistance provided by the fluid resistance means 8.
The fluid resistance means 8 is configured to adjust the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member by moving the resistance member 18 inside the fluid chamber 15 and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis 27. The direction of movement of the resistance member 18 is indicated by arrow 44.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the pretensioning device 3 in the disclosed embodiment further comprises adjusting means 19 for moving and holding the resistance member 18 in a number of specific locations along the longitudinal axis 27. Each of the specific positions creates a different degree of overlap between the first protrusions 41 and the second protrusions 42.
To that end, the resistance member 18 comprises a lever 45 pivotable about a pivot point 46 and connected to the resistance member 18. The pivot movement of the lever 45 is indicated by arrow 47. In this disclosed embodiment, the adjusting means 19 is configured to move and hold the resistance member 18 in three specific locations along said longitudinal axis 27, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the adjusting means 19 may be configured to move and hold the resistance member 18 in between two and five specific locations along the longitudinal axis 27.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in the disclosed embodiment, the reel 10 is configured to hold the flexible coupling member 5 in a spiral-like configuration, which spiral-like configuration is located in a fictive plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 of the reel axis 11. The reel 10 comprises a reel opening 23 at the circumference of the reel 10, and the width W of the reel opening 23 is such that the windings of the flexible coupling member 5 are placed on top of each other.
The pretensioning device 3 further comprises in the disclosed embodiment connection means for connecting said pretensioning device 3 to the vibrating device 2 such that vibrations generated by the vibrating device 2 are transferred to the pretensioning device 3. The connection means may include combinations of clips and clamps 34 to removably attach the pretensioning device 3 to the vibrating device 2, or may include any other appropriate connection means as is known in the art, including bolting, screwing and other means. To that end, pretensioning device 3 may be removably connected to vibrating device 2 or non-removably connected to vibrating device 2.
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 invention.
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 by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A training device for training a body part of a user, comprising;

a vibrating device for generating a vibration; and

a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part of the user, wherein the pretensioning device is connected to the vibrating device,

wherein the pretensioning device comprises a flexible coupling member, a handling member configured to be held by the user, a reeling means for reeling the flexible coupling member, the flexible coupling member coupling the handling member to the reeling means, and a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that in use the flexible coupling member is tensioned for transferring the vibration generated by the vibrating device to the handling member, and

wherein the tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against an unreeling of the flexible coupling member.

2. The training device according to claim 1 wherein the fluid resistance means is further configured to provide substantially no resistance against a reeling of the coupling member.

3. The training device according to claim 1 wherein the reeling means comprises a reel which is rotatable around a reel axis, the reel axis comprising a longitudinal axis, and wherein the reeling means is configured to rotate the reel in a reel direction for reeling the coupling member and to rotate the reel in an unreel direction for unreeling the coupling member, and wherein the fluid resistance means is connected to the reel axis via freewheel means configured to freely rotate around the reel axis in the reel direction and to engage the reel axis in the unreel direction.

4. The training device according to claim 3 wherein the fluid resistance means comprises a fluid casing forming a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber filled with a damper fluid, and a resistance member disposed inside the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid casing is connected to the reel axis via the freewheel means and the resistance member is not rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

5. The training device according to claim 4 wherein the fluid resistance means is configured to adjust the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member by moving the resistance member inside the fluid chamber substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

6. The training device according to claim 5 wherein the pretensioning device comprises an adjusting means for moving and holding the resistance member in at least one specific location along the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

7. The training device according claim 1 wherein the variable resistance against the unreeling of the coupling member is dependent on a speed by which the flexible coupling member is unreeled.

8. The training device according claim 3 wherein the reel is configured to hold the flexible coupling member in a spiral-like configuration, the spiral-like configuration disposed in a fictive plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

9. The training device according to claim 1 wherein the reeling means comprises a reel which is rotatable around a reel axis and the tensioning means further comprises a spring connected to the reel axis.

10. A training device for training a body part of a user, comprising;

a vibrating device for generating a vibration; and

wherein the tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against an unreeling of the flexible coupling member and to provide substantially no resistance against a reeling of the coupling member.

11. The training device according to claim 10 wherein the reeling means comprises a reel which is rotatable around a reel axis, the reel axis comprising a longitudinal axis, and wherein the reeling means is configured to rotate the reel in a reel direction for reeling the coupling member and to rotate the reel in an unreel direction for unreeling the coupling member, and wherein the fluid resistance means is connected to the reel axis via freewheel means configured to freely rotate around the reel axis in the reel direction and to engage the reel axis in the unreel direction.

12. The training device according to claim 11 wherein the fluid resistance means comprises a fluid casing forming a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber filled with a damper fluid, and a resistance member disposed inside the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid casing is connected to the reel axis via the freewheel means and the resistance member is not rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

13. The training device according to claim 12 wherein the fluid resistance means is configured to adjust the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member by moving the resistance member inside the fluid chamber substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

14. The training device according to claim 13 wherein the pretensioning device comprises an adjusting means for moving and holding the resistance member in at least one specific location along the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

15. The training device according claim 10 wherein the variable resistance against the unreeling of the coupling member is dependent on a speed by which the flexible coupling member is unreeled.

16. The training device according claim 11 wherein the reel is configured to hold the flexible coupling member in a spiral-like configuration, the spiral-like configuration disposed in a fictive plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reel axis.

17. The training device according to claim 10 wherein the reeling means comprises a reel which is rotatable around a reel axis and the tensioning means further comprises a spring connected to the reel axis.

18. A pretensioning device for use with a training device, comprising:

a flexible coupling member;

a handling member;

a reeling means for reeling the flexible coupling member, the flexible coupling member coupling the handling member and the reeling means; and

a tensioning means for driving the reeling means,

19. The pretensioning device according claim 18 wherein the training device comprises a vibrating device, and wherein the pretensioning device further comprises a connection means for connecting the pretensioning device to the vibrating device such that a vibration generated by the vibrating device is transferred to the pretensioning device.

20. A method for training a body part of a user, comprising the steps of:

providing a training device, the training device comprising: a vibrating device for generating a vibration; a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part of the user, wherein the pretensioning device is connected to the vibrating device, and wherein the pretensioning device comprises a flexible coupling member, a handling member configured to be held by the user, a reeling means for reeling the flexible coupling member, the flexible coupling member coupling the handling member to the reeling means, and a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that in use the flexible coupling member is tensioned for transferring the vibration generated by the vibrating device to the handling member, and wherein the tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against an unreeling of the flexible coupling member and to provide substantially no resistance against a reeling of the coupling member;

unreeling the flexible coupling member with variable resistance to create a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part of the user;

causing the vibrating device to generate the vibration; and

reeling the flexible coupling member with substantially no resistance.