Offset weight exercise device and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Offset weight devices and methods of use. Some devices including a handle having a beveled end, an arm attached to the handle and at least one weight attached to the arm. Other devices include a central handle, a frame circumscribing at least part of the outer edge of the central handle, a rope or cable affixed to the frame, and at least one weight affixed to the rope or cable. The methods include holding an exercise device having a handle and at least one offset weight in a hand, and performing a fundamental upper extremity exercise. Other methods include determining an exercise protocol by evaluating a physical skill to determine fundamental motions associated with the skill and specifying an exercise using an offset weight device. Also included is a system for exercising with an offset weight device having a measuring device to measuring the results of using the offset device.

1 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a handle having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is beveled;    an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the first end of the handle; and    at least one weight attached to the second end of the arm.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a grip surrounding the handle.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the grip is shaped to simulate different types of sporting equipment.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the grip further comprises a strap.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the grip is removable.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the arm is removably attached to the handle.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the arm is removably attached with screw threads.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a lengthening mechanism for the arm.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the lengthening mechanism comprises a telescoping mechanism or the addition of arm extensions.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one weight is removably attached to the arm.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one weight is removably attached with screw threads.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one weight includes a second attachment mechanism for additional weights.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein a second weight is attached to the at least one weight using the second attachment mechanism.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise device provides a patient resistance through the full functional range of motion.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise device is portable.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise device is adapted to be used in non-clinical environments.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an angle selecting mechanism between the handle and the arm.  
   
   
       18 . A method of exercising comprising: 
 holding an exercise device in a hand, the exercise device comprising a handle and at least one offset weight; and 
 performing a fundamental upper extremity exercise.  
   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein fundamental upper extremity exercise is one or more of eccentric and concentric flexion, extension, supination, pronation, ulnar deviation or radial deviation.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein performing the exercise provides resistance through the full functional range of motion  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the exercise rehabilitates an injured muscle or strengthens a healthy muscle.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adding additional weight to the at least one offset weight.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adding a grip to handle.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the grip is selected based on the strength and/or ability of a user.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising consulting a chart of exercises for particular muscles.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising swinging the device like a hammer and striking an object.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adjusting the length of the offset.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the exercise device comprises improving an athletic skill.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the athletic skill is decomposed into basic elements and the exercise comprises improving at least one basic element.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the exercise comprises, an exercise to train to able to quickly set up for an implementation of a skill, an exercise to increase momentum to meet a ball, an exercise to create a powerful follow-through, an exercise to stop momentum of a powerful stroke to quickly reorient for implementation of another skill, and an exercise to reinforce relationships between different muscle groups.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising measuring a user's strength and ability to perform the excise.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the exercise improves nerve function and/or hand/eye coordination.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising using a mechanism producing a pre-programmed route.  
   
   
       34 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a central handle;    a frame circumscribing at least part of the outer edge of the central handle;    a rope or cable having a first end affixed to the frame;    at least one weight affixed to a second end of the rope or cable;    wherein the at least one weight is offset from the handle.    
   
   
       35 . The exercise device of  claim 34 , wherein the frame circumscribes the entire edge of the central handle.  
   
   
       36 . The exercise device of  claim 34 , wherein the shape of the frame is circular, oval or cam shaped.  
   
   
       37 . The exercise device of  claim 36 , wherein the cam shape provides constant torque when rotated.  
   
   
       38 . The exercise device of  claim 34 , further comprising a handle rotation mechanism, wherein the handle rotation mechanism is adapted to change the angular position of the central handle within the frame.  
   
   
       39 . A method of determining an exercise protocol comprising: 
 evaluating a physical skill to determine fundamental motions associated with the skill; and    specifying an exercise using an offset weight device,    wherein the exercise comprises a specific combination of yaw, pitch, and roll of the offset weight device.    
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the fundamental motions comprise eccentric and concentric flexion, extension, supination, pronation, ulnar deviation or radial deviation.  
   
   
       41 . A protocol developed by the method of  claim 39 .  
   
   
       42 . A system for exercising comprising: 
 an offset weight device; and    a measuring device to measuring the results of using the offset device.    
   
   
       43 . The system of  claim 42 , wherein the measuring device comprises sensors to measure strength and/or degree of rotation.  
   
   
       44 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a means for holding;    a means for providing an offset weight; and    an offset weight.