Core muscle training apparatus and method

Abstract

A core muscle training apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a harness that is worn by the user, to which a pair of resistance leads are connected at opposing sides of the user's waist approximately above the hips. A resistance force is applied through the resistance leads against an effort force exerted by the user in order to stimulate recruitment and activation of the targeted muscles. By adjusting the direction and the amount of resistance force applied to the resistance leads, the demand on the muscles being targeted can be controlled. The core muscle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure further offers versatility in the environment in which it can be used. The apparatus can be used, for example, when the user is in a static position or can be used during dynamic functional movements.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A core muscle training apparatus, comprising:
 a harness to be worn by a user, the harness adapted to be fittingly secured around the user's midsection; and   a pair of resistance leads comprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable to the harness at opposing sides of the user's midsection, the resistance leads adapted at a second end for effecting a resistance force against an effort force exerted by the user;   wherein when the resistance force is applied through the resistance leads recruitment and activation of core muscles is stimulated.   
     
     
         2 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the harness is a belt. 
     
     
         3 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the harness is a vest. 
     
     
         4 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  3 , further comprising at least one pair of connectors disposed on the exterior surface of the harness for attaching the pair of resistance leads to the harness. 
     
     
         5 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the harness comprises multiple pairs of connectors disposed on the exterior surface of the harness, whereby multiple points of attachment are available for attachment of the resistance leads. 
     
     
         6 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  5 , further comprising webbing on the interior or exterior surface of the harness for providing structural support to the harness. 
     
     
         7 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 4  or  claim 5 , further comprising webbing on the exterior surface of the harness, wherein the connectors are fastened to the webbing on the exterior surface of the harness. 
     
     
         8 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  7 , wherein the harness comprises elastomeric fibres. 
     
     
         9 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the elastomeric fibres are selected from the group consisting of neoprene, spandex, Lycra™, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  9 , wherein the second end of the pair of resistance leads is adapted to be grasped by a training partner to apply the resistance force to the user wearing the harness. 
     
     
         11 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the second end of each resistance lead comprises a handle. 
     
     
         12 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  9 , wherein the second end of the pair of resistance leads is adapted for fixing to a stationary fixture, wherein the resistance force is effected by the user's effort force exerted against the stationary fixture. 
     
     
         13 . A core muscle training apparatus, comprising:
 a harness to be worn by a user, the harness adapted to be fittingly secured around the user's midsection;   webbing on the exterior and/or interior surface of the harness for providing structural support to the harness;   at least one pair of connectors fastened to webbing on the exterior surface of the harness; and   a pair of resistance leads comprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable to the at least one pair of connectors on the exterior surface of the harness such that the pair of resistance leads is secured to the harness at opposing sides of the user's midsection, the resistance leads adapted at a second end for effecting a resistance force against an effort force exerted by the user;   wherein when the resistance force is applied through the resistance leads recruitment and activation of core muscles is stimulated.   
     
     
         14 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the harness is a belt. 
     
     
         15 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the harness is a vest. 
     
     
         16 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 13  to  15 , wherein the harness comprises elastomeric fibres. 
     
     
         17 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the elastomeric fibres are selected from the group consisting of neoprene, spandex, Lycra™, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 13  to  17 , wherein the second end of the pair of resistance leads is adapted to be grasped by a training partner to apply the resistance force to the user wearing the harness. 
     
     
         19 . The core muscle training apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein the second end of each resistance lead comprises a handle. 
     
     
         20 . The core muscle training apparatus according to any one of  claims 13  to  17 , wherein the second end of the pair of resistance leads is adapted for fixing to a stationary fixture, wherein the resistance force is effected by the user's effort force exerted against the stationary fixture. 
     
     
         21 . A core muscle training system comprising:
 the apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  20 ; and   interchangeable pairs of resistance leads having differing resistance tensions;   wherein each pair of resistance leads can be interchanged to vary the resistance force being applied to the user.   
     
     
         22 . The core muscle training system according to  claim 21 , further comprising an exercise program. 
     
     
         23 . A method for core muscle training comprising:
 providing the apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  20 , wherein the harness is worn by the user and the second end of the pair of resistance leads is held by the training partner; and   applying a resistance force to the pair of resistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of core muscles;   wherein the direction that the resistance force is applied is adjusted by the positioning of the resistance leads relative to the user.   
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the resistance force is applied in the horizontal, vertical, lateral, or rotational plane to stimulate the core muscles in a targeted manner. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 23  or  claim 24 , wherein the resistance force is applied during static positioning of the user. 
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 23  or  claim 24 , wherein the resistance force is applied during dynamic functional movement of the user. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the dynamic functional movement is a sport specific activity. 
     
     
         28 . A method for core muscle training comprising:
 providing the apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  20 , wherein the harness is worn by the user and the second end of the pair of resistance leads is fixed to a stationary fixture; and   applying an effort force to the pair of resistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of core muscles;   wherein the direction that the effort force is applied is adjusted by the positioning of the user relative to the fixed resistance leads.