Stability Platform

Abstract

An improved exercise device comprises a rigid platform and a plurality of flexible elements attached to the bottom side of the platform in such a way as to render the platform able to move freely in the lateral direction, while not able to tilt. The platform is of sufficient strength to support the weight of a person, as well as the weight of any exercise implements the person may be using. The exercise device thus enables the user to exercise on a slightly unstable surface, which is beneficial to the user's stabilizer muscles and sense of balance. Since the exercise device provides only a mildly unstable surface, it is safe to use as a physical therapy aid for seniors or people recovering from injuries or surgery.

1 . An exercise device, comprising:
 a rigid platform, said rigid platform having a top side and a bottom side;   a plurality of flexible elements attached to the bottom side of the rigid platform, said flexible elements being of such flexibility and strength as to allow the rigid platform to be unstable in the lateral direction when a user of said exercise device stands on said exercise device.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are elastic spheres. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where each flexible element comprises:
 an inflatable elastic sphere;   a flange permanently attached to the inflatable elastic sphere in such a way that the flange comprises a narrow part and a wide part, the narrow part being closer to the sphere than the wide part, the narrow part being smaller in diameter than the diameter of the sphere;   where the board comprises at least one hole, the hole being larger in diameter than the narrow part of the flange and smaller in diameter than the wide part of the flange;   where each flexible element is attached to the board by being inserted through the hole and then inflated.   
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are arranged in a rectangular grid on the bottom side of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are located around the perimeter of the bottom side of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the rigid platform has at least three corners, and where the flexible elements are located close to the corners of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are removably attached to the bottom side of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are non-removably attached to the bottom side of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexibility of the flexible elements can be adjusted by the user. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are inflatable. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 10 , where the flexible elements are one of the following group: spheres, toroids, ovoids, cylinders. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are made of an elastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are made of metal. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise device of  claim 10 , where the air pressure in the inflatable flexible elements can be adjusted by the user. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are made of an elastic skin filled with a foam material. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are made of an elastic skin filled with a gel material. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are elastic half-rings attached at the ends to the bottom side of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are elastic half-tubes attached at the linear edges to the bottom side of the rigid platform. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the flexible elements are elastic linear members approximately equal in length to one of the edges of the board, interwoven with each other. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , where the rigid platform may be folded when not in use.