Patent attributes
A portable exercise device is disclosed for improving a user's posture. Even though the exercise device is portable, it provides an active workout of those muscles involved in maintaining correct posture. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the exercise device in accordance with the present invention includes a spacer. One end of the spacer is placed against the user's body and the other end forms a fixed pivot point for the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise device includes a pair of spaced apart handle bars coupled to a flexible member and a spacer for spacing the device away from the user's body. The spacer may either be a separate device or integrally formed with the other members. With the handle bars spaced away from the user's body, the spacer allows the user to repetitively bend and straighten the flexible member to strengthen those muscles associated with proper posture. Alternate embodiments of the exercise bar include an adjustable tension mechanism and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the handlebars. Also disclosed is various exercise methods for use with a flexible or deformable bar in which the user's body forms a fixed pivot point.
