Aerobic abdominal flexion exercise apparatus

Abstract

A device and method for employing it for conducting aerobic abdominal flexion exercise. A resistance is applied to the thigh portion of the legs of the user such that as the user's legs are drawn to the user's torso, the user experiences resistance using such motion that user's legs move away from the user's torso, no resistance is applied to said movement.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of conducting aerobic abdominal flexion exercise by a user comprising applying a resistance to the thigh portion of the legs of the user such that as the user's legs are drawn to the user's torso, the user experiences resistance opposing such motion but as the user's legs move away from the user's torso, substantially no resistance is applied to said movement.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance is applied proximate to and above the knees of the user.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said resistance is applied by draping a strap of material over each leg of the user, said straps being connected to said resistance.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said user is supported by a bicycle-style seat while engaging in said method.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said user is provided with a bar for grasping for support and balance while engaging in said method.  
     
     
         6 . A device for enabling a user to engage in aerobic abdominal flexion exercise comprising applying a resistance means and connection means for connecting said resistance means to the thigh portions of the legs of said user such that said resistance means opposes the user's motion in drawing the user's legs to the user's torso but does not oppose movement of the user's legs as they move away from the user's torso.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein said connection means comprises a strap of material draped over the thighs of the user proximate to the user's knees.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6  wherein a bicycle-style seat is provided for supporting said user.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6  wherein a bar is provided for grasping for support and balance while the user operates said device.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 6  wherein said resistance means comprises a wheel that applies resistance through said connection means when rotated in a first direction.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein movement of said wheel in said first direction is carried out only when a leg of the user is drawn to the user's torso.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10  wherein said wheel is provided with teeth along its circumference and said connection means is further provided with teeth along a portion thereof whereby as said connection means is pulled toward said user, said teeth engage causing said wheel to rotate providing resistance to said user but as said connection means is moved away from said user, said teeth disengage causing said connection means to slip along the circumference of said wheel without encouraging rotation thereof.