Exercise methods and apparatus simulating stand-up paddle boarding

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method of exercising simulating paddleboarding, comprising the steps of:
 (a) standing on a platform; and   (b) while standing on the platform, handling a paddle component of an exercise machine as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding by manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion including a backstroke, and encountering a resistance during the backstroke of the rowing motion that is similar to a resistance encountered when a paddle is used in paddleboarding to propel a paddleboard;   (c) wherein the backstroke of the rowing motion results in the drawing out of a tensioning line of the exercise machine which, in turn, causes an impeller of the exercise machine to be driven such that a fluid is circulated through a closed system of the exercise machine; and   (d) wherein tension is maintained in the tensioning line during the rowing motion by spring-biasing a spooling assembly of the exercise machine to wind-up the tensioning line, the backstroke acting in opposition to the spring-biasing of the spooling assembly, and the tensioning line being wound-up as the paddle component is moved toward the housing during the rowing motion.   
     
     
         14 . The method of exercising simulating paddleboarding of  claim 13 , wherein the platform pivots side to side, and further comprising balancing on the platform while manipulating the paddle component through the rowing motion. 
     
     
         15 . A method of providing an exercise experience that simulates paddleboarding, comprising the steps of:
 (a) spring-biasing a spooling assembly of an exercise machine to wind-up a tensioning line, the spring-biasing of the spooling assembly acting in opposition to a force drawing out the tensioning line resulting from a backstroke of a rowing motion of a paddle component that is configured to be handled by a person in a standing position as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, the paddle component comprising an elongate shaft;   (b) causing an impeller of the exercise machine to be driven such that a fluid is circulated through a closed system of the exercise machine when the tensioning line is drawn out during the backstroke of the rowing motion.   
     
     
         16 . The method of providing an exercise experience that simulates paddleboarding of  claim 15 , wherein the step of spring-biasing a spooling assembly of an exercise machine to wind-up a tensioning line is performed using a constant-force spring. 
     
     
         17 . The method of providing an exercise experience that simulates paddleboarding of  claim 15 , further comprising providing resistance to the drawing out of the tensioning line by causing a magnetic disc to spin within a magnetic field as the tensioning line is unwound. 
     
     
         18 . The method of providing an exercise experience that simulates paddleboarding of  claim 17 , further comprising adjusting the resistance that is provided to the drawing out of the tensioning line by changing the magnetic field through which the magnetic disk spins as the tensioning line is unwound. 
     
     
         19 . The method of providing an exercise experience that simulates paddleboarding of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of the simulating rocking of a paddleboard during paddleboarding by providing an unstable platform on which a person stands while handling the paddle component as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, the unstable platform configured to rock from side to side as a person balances the person's weight between the person's feet. 
     
     
         20 . The method of providing an exercise experience that simulates paddleboarding of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of the simulating rocking of a paddleboard during paddleboarding by providing an unstable platform on which a person stands while handling the paddle component as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, the unstable platform configured to rock from side to side as a person balances the person's weight between the person's feet. 
     
     
         21 - 25 . (canceled)