Lower body exercise device and method

Abstract

A lower-body exercising device and method including a three-dimensional platform with a resilient means for providing a resistance-based workout while sitting at work, home or traveling is disclosed. Preferably, the invention is manufactured from a single piece of material, is designed to be wedge-like in shape, is compact in size so as to fit under a desk or table or airplane seat, and is constructed with springs or filled bladders that provides resistance to a pushing force by the user during manipulation. The invention can be manipulated by pressing the soles of the feet alternately into the device, or together in a “pumping” motion. Optionally, the device is covered in a plush, washable upholstery material, has textured surfaces, and/or includes heating elements.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of exercising the limbs of a seated user, comprising the steps of: 
 a. providing a three-dimensional platform, said platform having a top surface connected to a bottom surface by a spring for providing resistance to a pushing force applied by a user,    wherein said spring provides a relative energy return of between 0.53 and 0.59,    b. positioning a limb of a seated user upon the top surface, and    c. treading the limb upon the top surface such that cycles of compression and restitution are achieved.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is sized to fit in the space provided underneath an airline seat.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is reversibly compressible to approximately 30-60% of an uncompressed height of the platform.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the platform is sloped.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface connected by two sets of opposing, parallel sidewalls.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the top surface of the platform is sloped.  
     
     
         7 . A method of exercising the limbs of a seated user, comprising the steps of: 
 a. providing a three-dimensional housing, said housing having a top surface and containing a filled bladder for providing resistance to a pushing force applied by a user,    wherein said filled bladder provides a relative energy return of between 0.21 to 0.80,    b. positioning a limb of a seated user upon the top surface, and    c. treading the limb upon the top surface such that cycles of compression and restitution are achieved.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the housing is sized to fit in the space provided underneath an airline seat.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the housing is reversibly compressible to approximately 30-60% of an uncompressed height of the housing.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the top surface of the housing is sloped.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the housing further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface connected by two sets of opposing, parallel sidewalls.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the top surface of the housing is sloped.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains a gas.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains a liquid.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains a gel.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains a fiber.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains rubberized material.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains silicone material.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder contains a polymer.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said filled bladder provides a relative energy return of between 0.53 and 0.59.