Strength and balance exercise apparatus

摘要

A strength and balance exercise apparatus is provided having a pair of exercise arms pivotally supported from the floor. Each arm has handgrips for grasping and manipulation of the arm by the user. A passive force generating means, in this case, double-acting hydraulic cylinders are connected between the floor and the exercise arms to resist movement of the arms. According to the method, the user grasps the handgrips and manipulates the arms to get slow resistance of the passive force generating means while maintaining balance in a standing position.

主权项

1. An exercise apparatus adapted to be operated by a user, comprising,
a base forming a surface upon which the user can stand; a pair of coupling mechanisms, each comprising a vertical element connected to and extending upward from the base; a pair of universal joints, wherein each of the pair of universal joints is entirely elevated above the base by being connected to the vertical element of a respective one of the pair of coupling mechanisms; a pair of independently movable arms, each arm being elongated in a vertical direction relative to the base and comprising a graspable elongated element that is positioned above the base, each arm being connected to a respective one of the pair of universal joints, wherein each of the pair of universal joints is configured to pivot horizontally in all directions with respect to the base; and respective pluralities of resistance devices coupled between each arm and the base, wherein each of the respective pluralities of resistance devices is configured to provide a force resisting pivotal movement of its respective arm in any horizontal direction relative to the base; and wherein each arm is coupled to a respective one of the pair of universal joints at a first respective elevation above the base that allows that arm to pivot at the first respective elevation, wherein the first respective elevation is higher than another elevation at which the respective plurality of resistance devices for that arm are coupled to the base.