Abdominal exercise device

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a device for use in exercising and strengthening the body of a user, particularly the user's abdominal and core region. The device comprises a support member that is operably joined to a connector. The support member includes a main body that is planar in design, and a lip that includes one or more elements for providing a releasable pairing to the connector. The support member is positioned between two surfaces (such as a mattress and a box spring) to anchor the device in place. The connector secures a user's legs in position so that sit-ups or other exercises can be performed, e.g., while the user is sitting or lying in bed. The device therefore enables a wide variety of users to perform sit-ups and various other exercises with less effort and less stress on the body compared to prior art devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise device comprising:
 a support member, the support member defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an approximately vertically-extending lip and the second end comprises an angled flange, wherein the lip comprises at least one attachment element; and   a connector that releasably attaches to the support member, wherein the connector is defined by:
 at least one strap that joins with the attachment element of the support member lip; and 
 a central opening created by a plurality of sidewalls, sized and shaped to allow a user's legs to fit therethrough. 
   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising an angled catch positioned on the main body, lip, or both. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 2 , wherein the angled catch has an angle of about 5-60 degrees, relative to the main body. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the flange has an angle of about 95-175 degrees, relative to the main body. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from one or more apertures, magnets, zippers, clasps, snaps, fasteners, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the support member optionally includes one or more handles. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one sidewall of the device comprises padding. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a tensioner and a plurality of tabs to allow the central opening to be increased or decreased in size. 
     
     
         9 . A kit comprising:
 one or more different support members, wherein each support member comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an approximately vertically extending lip and the second end comprises an angled flange, wherein the lip comprises at least one attachment element;   one or more different connectors that releasably attach to a support member, wherein each connector comprises at least one strap that joins with the attachment element of the support member lip; and a central opening created by a plurality of sidewalls, sized and shaped to allow a user's legs to fit therethrough; and   optionally one or more accessories.   
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 9 , wherein at least one support member comprises an angled catch positioned on the main body, lip, or both. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from one or more apertures, zippers, clasps, snaps, fasteners, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the wherein the connector comprises a tensioner and a plurality of tabs to allow the opening to be increased or decreased in size. 
     
     
         13 . A method of performing an exercise, wherein the method comprises:
 positioning the support member of an exercise device in between an upper element and a lower element, wherein the exercise device comprises:
 a support member, the support member defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an approximately vertically extending lip and the second end comprises an angled flange, wherein the lip comprises at least one attachment element; and 
 a connector that releasably attaches to the support member, wherein the connector is defined by: 
 at least one strap that joins with the attachment element of the support member lip; and 
 a central opening created by a plurality of sidewalls, sized and shaped to allow a user's legs to fit therethrough; 
   attaching the connector strap to the attachment element of the support lip member;   inserting a user's legs into the central opening of the exercise device;   optionally tightening or loosening the device as needed to provide a secure attachment; and   performing an exercise, whereby the user's feet are restrained.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the upper element is a mattress and the lower element is a box spring, or the upper element is a couch cushion and the lower element is a couch base. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the exercise is a sit-up. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the support member comprises an angled catch positioned on the main body, lip, or both. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from one or more apertures, zippers, clasps, snaps, fasteners, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the support member optionally includes one or more handles. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein at least one wall of the device comprises padding. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the connector comprises a tensioner and a plurality of tabs to allow the opening to be increased or decreased in size.