Multi-function exercise mat with detachable implements and method

Abstract

A non-planar exercise mat is disclosed comprising a plurality of detachable handheld implements, each handheld implement serving utilitarian function independently of the mat. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise permanently affixed or detachable cushions for tail-bone support; lumbar support; neck support, and the like. Various embodiments include handles for assisting a user in performing a variety of exercises upon, or optionally using, the mat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise mat for supporting a user during exercise, the mat comprising:
 a compressible elastomeric foam pad having a non-planar top surface, for enduring compressive forces applied by the user during exercise, the top surface defining a regular repeating pattern of protrusions and indentations;   a plurality of implements for detachably engaging the top surface, each implement having a non-planar bottom surface contoured to be reciprocate the top surface of the pad, such that the bottom surface of each implement abuts a portion of the top surface of the pad, the engagement inhibiting lateral movement of the implement across the top surface of the pad.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein the repeating pattern of protrusions and indentations, as viewed from a cross-section, is one of wavy, grooved, sawtooth, curved, castellated, corrugated, sinusoidal, perforated, and washboard-like. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein each detachable implement from the plurality of implements comprises one of a handle, a hemisphere, a roller, a dome, a cube, a block, a triangular prism, a wedge, a second pad, and a second pad with a rigid base. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-function exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of detachable implements further comprise one of a tail bone support cushion, a lumbar support cushion, a knee support cushion, a hand-wrist support cushion; a cushion for assisting with sit-ups; a hip support cushions; a neck support cushion; a dome-shaped balance cushion; a cylindrical roller; and a pad having bumps for massaging the body of the user when the body is moved laterally across the pad. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-function exercise mat of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the detachable implements further comprises one or more of a molded polymer handle and one or more adjustable straps for securing portions of the user's body during exercise. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-function exercise implement of  claim 1 , wherein the implement comprises one or more of: elastomeric foam; an inflatable polymeric bladder; a gel-filled polymer core; elastomeric foam having a polymer core defining a hollow interior recess; elastomeric foam having a solid polymer core; and a durable elastomeric exterior skin. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise mat of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more implements detachable affixed to the top surface, the one or more implements from the group consisting of: a hemisphere, a hollow dome, a cube, a block, a triangular wedge, and a roller. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise implement for reducing wrist strain and absorbing impact forces during exercise between the user's hand and a ground surface, the implement comprising:
 a grasping handle; and   an elastomeric body formed to conform to a shape from the group consisting of a dome, a hemisphere, a half-cylinder, a triangular prism, and a block;   wherein the exercise performed is one of pushups, yoga, and Pilates.   
     
     
         9 . The exercise implement of  claim 8 , wherein a bottom surface of the implement is contoured to reciprocally fit contouring on a top surface on an exercise mat. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise implement of  claim 8 , wherein the grasping handle of the implement is detachable. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise implement of  claim 8  wherein the body defines a recess for receiving fingers of a users hand. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise implement of  claim 8 , wherein the exercise is formed from one or more of silicone gel, elastomeric foam, and a plurality of polymers of varying force indentation deflection (FID) rating. 
     
     
         13 . A cylindrical exercise implement for rolling across a ground surface, the implement comprising:
 a first handle affixed to an elongated cylindrical shaft;   a second handle affixed to the elongated cylindrical shaft; wherein the elongated cylindrical shaft spans a distance between the first handle and the second handle, the elongated shaft of sufficient durability to support a user's body weight; and   an elastomeric foam cylinder rotatably affixed to the shaft, such that the foam cylinder rotates axially around the shaft, wherein the foam cylinder is able to support a user's weight as it rolls over a surface.   
     
     
         14 . The exercise implement of  claim 13 , wherein an exterior surface of the foam cylinder is contoured to reciprocally fit contouring on a contoured top surface on an exercise mat as the implement rolls across the exercise mat. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise implement of  claim 13 , wherein the foam cylinder, first handle, and second handle are all detachable from the elongated cylindrical shaft. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise implement of  claim 13 , wherein the shaft is telescopic such that the first handle and second handle may be adjustably extended laterally relative to the foam cylinder. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise implement for cushioning a body of a user performing sit-ups, the implement comprising:
 a compressible polymeric pad for supporting a user's tailbone region and lower-back, the pad having a top surface, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall;   and one or more of the following:   one or more straps affixed to the one or more of the left sidewall and the right sidewall, the straps for securing the user's body to the implement;   and a plurality of molded polymeric handles affixed to the implement.   
     
     
         18 . The exercise implement of  claim 17 , wherein a bottom surface of the exercise implement is contoured to reciprocally fit contouring on a top surface on an exercise mat. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise implement of  claim 17 , further comprising raised cushions for supporting rear lumbar and front gluteus regions of a user's body, wherein the cushions provide massaging effect during exercise. 
     
     
         20 . A non-inflated elastic foam exercise dome comprising one of:
 a convex body;   a rigid polymer base affixed to a bottom surface of the convex body, wherein a width of the polymer base exceeds a maximum width of the convex body;   one or more handles affixed to a top surface of the base, the handles disposed laterally to the convex body.   
     
     
         21 . The exercise implement of  claim 20 , wherein a bottom surface of the exercise dome is contoured to reciprocally fit contouring on a top surface on an exercise mat. 
     
     
         22 . An elastomeric massage implement for supporting and massing a user's back while performing sit-ups comprising:
 one or more of: a generally planar polymeric pad of having a top surface and a polymeric wedge having a top surface; and   a series of upwardly protruding foam bumps for massaging and supporting a user's body;   wherein a surface area of the top surface of the exercise implement is less than 7 square feet.   
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein a bottom surface of the massage implement is contoured to reciprocally fit contouring on a top surface on an exercise mat.