Biceps exercise device and methods of use

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for exercising muscles are disclosed, including a system that enables a person to perform an exercise that directly targets the biceps and minimizes activation of the forearm muscles. Embodiments of the invention also afford a user with the ability to utilize a single dumbbell in conjunction with a platform of the invention to target both biceps simultaneously. An exercise band may also be attached to a platform of the invention while performing an exercise which may then be performed with or without an inserted dumbbell. Additionally, embodiments of the invention enable a user to utilize an attachment mechanism in conjunction with a platform of the invention to utilize kettlebells, cable machines, resistance/exercise bands or other structures to provide a means of resistance while performing an exercise using the invention.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for use in exercise comprising a movable hand-held platform having a thickness, an upper surface, a lower surface, a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side wherein said front and back sides are longer than said left and right sides, a slot provided at a central location on said front side, said slot having an opening at said front side and a closed interior end. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one recess on said upper surface adjacent to the closed end of the slot. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one upwardly extending ridge on the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the closed end of the slot. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one upwardly extending protrusion on the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the front opening of the slot. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a closable latch extending across the front opening of the slot. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said latch comprises a pivot attached to an inside edge of said slot, and a movable member having an end attached to said pivot. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said lower surface includes areas on opposite sides of said slot that are large enough to cover an open palm of a human hand. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein an indentation is provided on the lower surface of said platform on opposite sides of said slot for receiving human fingers. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a removable dumbbell having a crossbar that is inserted into said slot. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said dumbbell comprises a weight at one end wherein said weight comprises an inside surface which corresponds to and engages with the recess on the upper surface of the platform. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a removable adapter having an upper component that is wider than said slot, a post that is inserted into said slot, and a lower component having a loop thereon. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a removable adapter having an upper component that is wider than said slot, a post that is inserted into said slot, and a lower component having a loop thereon wherein said upper component comprises an inside surface which corresponds to and engages with the recess on the upper surface of the platform. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said upper component is a flat member. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said upper component is a spherical member. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a pair of openings in said platform on opposite sides of said slot for receiving human fingers. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a pair of handles provided on the left and right sides of the platform. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus for use in exercise comprising a movable hand-held platform having a thickness, an upper surface, a lower surface, a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side wherein said front and back sides are longer than said left and right sides; a slot provided at a central location on said front side, said slot having an opening at said front side and a closed interior end; at least one recess on said upper surface adjacent to the closed end of said slot; at least one upwardly extending ridge on the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the slot; and at least one upwardly extending protrusion on the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the front opening of said slot. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  further comprising a closable latch extending across the front opening of the slot. 
     
     
         19 . A method for exercising human arm muscles comprising the steps of:
 a. moving a hand-held platform into a horizontal orientation, said platform having a thickness, an upper surface, a lower surface, a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side wherein said front and back sides are longer than said left and right sides, and a slot is provided at a central location on said front side, said slot having an opening at said front side and a closed interior end;   b. moving a dumbbell comprising a pair of weights separated by a handle into a vertical orientation;   c. inserting the handle of the dumbbell into the slot such that the handle touches the closed interior end of the slot, and one of the weights rests on the upper surface of the platform;   d. placing a user's open hands on the lower surface of the platform with palms facing up; and   e. the user repetitively raising and lowering the platform and dumbbell while keeping the platform in a generally horizontal orientation to exercise the user's arms.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said platform further comprises at least one recess on said upper surface adjacent to the closed end of said slot, and comprising the additional step of engaging an inside end of one of the weights with the recess. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said platform further comprises at least one upwardly extending protrusion on the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the front opening of said slot, and comprising the additional step of engaging an edge of one of the weights with the at least one upwardly extending protrusion. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said platform further comprises a closable latch extending across the front opening of said slot, and comprising the additional step of closing said latch after said handle has been inserted into said slot.