Physical Activity System for Providing Hip Extension and Flexion, Hip Internal Rotation, Toe Extension and Flexion, Knee Extension and Flexion, Ankle Extension and Flexion and Hip External Rotation

This application is a Non-Provisional Application which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/641,568 titled “PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING HIP EXTENSION AND FLEXION, HIP INTERNAL ROTATION, TOE EXTENSION AND FLEXION, KNEE EXTENSION AND FLEXION, ANKLE EXTENSION AND FLEXION AND HIP EXTERNAL ROTATION” and filed May 2, 2024, and the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly to an apparatus designed to support a user in an optimized position for performing hip extension movements with improved biomechanical positioning, enhanced safety, and targeted muscle engagement, particularly of the gluteal region.

Devices adapted for gluteus maximus training are known in the art. Existing systems, including hip thrust benches, glute bridges on elevated platforms, and resistance band hip extension machines, have improved the ability to load hip musculature. However, these systems suffer from a number of limitations that reduce their safety, efficacy, or biomechanical optimization.

Notably, U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,736 discloses a hip extension apparatus with upper and foot supports that facilitates hip thrust-type motion. However, it lacks sufficient adjustability to accommodate users of different anthropometries and does not provide modular or interchangeable components at the foot or upper body regions to optimize user positioning. Furthermore, it does not include a configurable leg restraint or cross-member to enhance bracing and prevent unwanted anterior knee movement during exercise. The system also lacks provisions for dynamic control over the range of hip flexion and extension, thereby potentially reducing glute activation and increasing compensatory movement through the spine or knees.

Similarly, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0058870 (Contreras) discloses an exercise apparatus specifically adapted for gluteus engagement using an upper body support and foot support. While it introduces the idea of an “exercise space” between these supports, the apparatus lacks adjustable positional controls for key components, such as the height or tilt of the upper support or cross-bracing structures to control femoral motion. Additionally, while the invention promotes gluteus muscle targeting through sagittal plane movement, the underlying apparatus offers limited capacity to modulate knee angle, trunk inclination, or flexion depth, and does not prevent forward translation of the knees, which can reduce joint integrity under load. The system omits a movable or cushioned cross-member for anterior shin support, leading to potential instability or excessive recruitment of unintended muscle groups.

Current glute-loading equipment generally lacks the ergonomic refinements necessary to safely stabilize the entire kinetic chain while enabling users to progress in strength and control. Conventional setups often do not provide simultaneous: (i) full-length upper body support; (ii) adjustable and interchangeable foot surfaces; and (iii) leg brace or shin contact member with customizable positioning.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an apparatus that can stabilize and support the entire upper body while allowing for fine-tuned control of foot, leg, and torso positioning during sagittal-plane exercise. Such a system would ideally accommodate a full range of motion at the hip joint, reduce anterior shear at the knee, and ensure safer and more effective engagement of gluteal musculature.

An exercise apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform hip extension and flexion movements while being securely supported in a reclined or inclined position. The apparatus comprises a frame structure with an upper body support pivotally attached to a rear portion of the frame, a foot support positioned toward the front of the frame, and a cross member located between the upper and foot supports to interact with the user's anterior leg region. Each of the components may be adjustable in height and/or longitudinal position along the frame, enabling biomechanical optimization for users of different body types and training levels.

The upper body support provides a contoured, cushioned platform extending along a substantial portion of the user's spine and torso. The foot support features one or more interchangeable receiving surfaces (e.g., planar, wedge-shaped, partial cylindrical) to facilitate variable ankle dorsiflexion and posterior chain engagement. A cross-member may serve to limit forward motion of the knees and provides anterior shin contact to stabilize femoral positioning during high-intensity exertion. Together, these components create a dynamically adjustable platform for safe, progressive training of the gluteal musculature in a variety of hip-flexion postures.

A method of use is also disclosed, including positioning the user's upper body and feet relative to the apparatus, engaging the cross-member with the user's shins, and executing a controlled hip extension through a range of motion that modifies the femur-spine angle. Resistance may be provided via body weight, added external weights, resistance bands, or mechanical resistance systems.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a toe-anchored foot surface configured to permit synchronized heel elevation and hip extension, providing enhanced posterior chain engagement and controlled kinetic chain movement.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior art by providing a physical activity system having multiple feet placement options for a user that allows different combinations of hip flexion, hip extension, ankle extension, hip external rotation and internal rotation exercises. The multiple feet placement options increase the range of motion and provide a holistic workout for back and hip muscles of the user. Each section of feet placement allows to train five motions for the user including hip external rotation and internal rotation, knee lateral rotation, hip extension, and flexion, also hallux flexion and extension and also allows to focus on a specific motion depending on the individual orthopedic and anatomical limitations. The disclosed physical activity system provides quadruple extension in one exercise, such as hip extension, knee extension and ankle extension, thereby improving workout efficiency for the user. The physical activity system allows for a linear motion of force generated by pressing motion on the feet placements and not by a thrust motion of the user. The pressing motion is generated by a leg press, a step up, a squat, a calf raise, donkey kicks, and hip external rotation at hips. In one embodiment, the system improves upon the problems with the prior art by providing the hip external rotation by allowing the user to push on wedges of the platform using toes that in turn provides the hip external rotation for the user that the traditional machines do not provide. In an embodiment, the system improves upon the prior art by providing resistance during exercise on the concentric and the eccentric using bodyweight and without using outside resistance. The resistance can be increased by having multiple resistance bands to facilitate wide range of motion for the user.

Referring now to, the device is an exercise apparatuscomprising: a frame structure; an upper body supportpivotally attached to a rear end portionof the frame structure; a foot supportattached to the frame structurefrontward relative to the upper body support; a cross membermovably attached to the frame structureand positioned between the upper body supportand at least a portion of the foot support; and a lowest portionof the cross memberpositioned above a lowest portionof the foot support.

The frame structureprovides the foundational support for the exercise apparatus. It is generally constructed from a durable material such as steel tubing or reinforced metal to ensure rigidity and load-bearing capacity. The frame may be a rectangular or elongated base that maintains the spatial relationship between the upper body supportand the foot support. It may include one or more horizontal rails and vertical support posts, and can optionally be equipped with non-slip feet or wheels to enhance portability or secure floor contact. In some embodiments, the frame structuremay be length-adjustable to accommodate users of varying heights, or may include anchoring points for accessories like resistance bands.

The upper body supportis pivotally attached to a rear end portionof the frame structure. This support is designed to receive and stabilize the user's upper torso, typically the upper back and shoulders, during the exercise routine. The pivotal attachment allows the upper body supportto move angularly in response to the user's body mechanics or resistance inputs. It may be padded or contoured for ergonomic support and comfort and may include a strut or mounting post that allows height adjustment. The ability to pivot allows the upper body supportto change inclination, either passively during movement or actively through user adjustment, to vary the range or intensity of the exercise.

The foot supportis positioned toward the front of the frame structureand provides a stable platform for the user's feet during exercise. It is fixed to the frame in a location that allows the user to align their lower body relative to the upper body support. The foot supportmay include one or more planar, wedge-shaped, or cylindrical foot placement surfaces designed to promote different joint angles and movement patterns. It may be height-adjustable or tiltable and is generally positioned to enable exercises in the sagittal plane involving hip extension and flexion. The foot supportmust be firmly affixed to the frame structureto resist shifting or tilting during use.

In some embodiments, the foot support may be further configured to pivot and translate along the frame. This allows the foot pad to not only move forward and backward along a horizontal axis, but also to tilt upward or downward to match the user's ankle mobility or preferred foot angle. The pivoting motion enables the foot support to adapt dynamically during exercise, promoting a more natural movement arc during hip extension. The translational capability ensures optimal placement for different user leg lengths, while the pivoting feature enhances comfort and performance across varying ankle dorsiflexion angles.

The pivoting motion of the upper body support and the foot support is exemplified in. When the user thrusts their hips in a direction G or H, the upper body support moves in an arcuate direction A, while the foot support pivots in an opposite direction B. This coupled movement allows the apparatus to maintain a dynamic but supportive relationship between the torso and lower body, enabling the user to perform hip extension exercises through a full and natural range of motion. The opposing pivot directions of the two supports ensure that the kinetic chain remains engaged and stable, reducing the risk of compensatory motion and promoting efficient gluteal activation.

The movement of the user's body during use of the apparatus is exemplified in. As the user performs a hip thrust or similar exercise, the hips move upward in direction D, while the upper torso and head follow a path in direction E. This coordinated body motion reflects the functional mechanics supported by the apparatus, where the hips extend upward relative to the frame, and the upper back remains supported against the upper body support as it pivots. The directional guidance shown indemonstrates how the apparatus facilitates sagittal plane movement in a manner that promotes gluteal engagement, spinal alignment, and full hip extension while maintaining user stability throughout the range of motion.

The cross memberis movably attached to the frame structureand is positioned between the upper body supportand at least a portion of the foot support. The cross membermay serve as an anterior shin or knee restraint, designed to limit forward movement of the lower legs or provide a bracing point during hip thrust or extension motions. It may be padded for comfort and shaped to accommodate the natural contours of the user's lower leg. Its movable attachment allows it to be repositioned along the length of the frame to accommodate different leg lengths or exercise variations. The cross membermay also serve as a structural point for attaching resistance bands or other accessories. In some embodiments, resistance may be applied using elastic bands, weight-loaded pulleys, cable machines, or integrated resistance modules attached to anchor points on the frame, cross member, or foot support. This enables variable resistance training across both concentric and eccentric phases of movement.

A lowest portionof the cross memberis positioned above a lowest portionof the foot support. This relative vertical positioning ensures that when the user's legs are extended, the cross memberdoes not obstruct or interfere with foot positioning on the foot support. Instead, it maintains clearance to enable full range of hip motion while still serving its bracing function. This design feature promotes biomechanical efficiency and reduces the likelihood of improper joint alignment or movement restriction during exercise.

An exercise apparatus may further comprise a V-shaped surfacedisposed on the upper body support, the V-shaped surfaceconfigured for receiving a back portion of an upper body of a user to be positioned on the upper body support.

The V-shaped surfacemay be integrated into or mounted upon the top portion of the upper body supportand is contoured to cradle the thoracic spine and shoulder blades of the user during exercise. The V-shape configuration promotes centered alignment of the spine and helps prevent lateral shifting or rolling of the user's torso during dynamic movements. The inward-sloping sides of the V-shaped surfacenaturally guide the user's back into the correct position and help maintain stability during hip elevation or thrusting exercises. This ergonomic contour enhances user comfort and supports biomechanically efficient positioning, particularly when substantial force is applied through the hips and core.

The V-shaped surfacemay include cushioning material such as high-density foam covered with a durable, sweat-resistant outer layer to provide both comfort and hygiene. In some embodiments, the V-shaped contour may be formed by two angled planar surfaces joined along a central longitudinal axis, or it may be integrally molded into a single continuous shell. The dimensions and angleof the V-shape may be designed to accommodate a range of upper body sizes while maintaining optimal contact with the user's scapular and paraspinal regions. The angleof the V-shaped surfaceis between 0 to 180 degrees. More ideally, the angle is between 150 to 175 degrees. The configuration not only reduces pressure points but also increases surface area contact, which helps evenly distribute forces exerted through the back when the user engages in hip extension and related movements. The elongated channel formed by the V-shaped surface allows for the spine to compress and decompress without resistance caused by flat or rounded cushions.

In certain embodiments, the V-shaped surfacemay be oriented longitudinally along the upper body support, extending from the base of the user's neck to the mid-lumbar region when in use. The V-shaped surfacemay also assist in encouraging proper postural alignment, discouraging hyperextension of the lumbar spine by positioning the user's back in a slightly retracted and stable position relative to the axis of rotation during thrusting motion. This positioning aids in isolating the gluteal and posterior chain muscles by reducing compensatory movement through the spine. Together with the pivotally attached, upper body support, the V-shaped surfacecontributes to a controlled, comfortable, and effective exercise motion.

An exercise apparatus may further comprise the upper body supportdefining a lengthconfigured to receive substantially all of a lengthof a back portion of an upper body of a user positioned on the upper body support.

The upper body supportdefining a lengthconfigured to receive substantially all of a back portion of the upper body ensures that the user's spine, from the lower thoracic region to the upper shoulders, is fully supported during use of the apparatus. This full-length support helps distribute pressure evenly along the user's back, reducing localized strain and enhancing comfort during high-load movements such as hip thrusts or glute bridges. The lengthalso promotes improved stability, as the user's upper body is less likely to shift, tilt, or arch unintentionally during exercise.

The lengthof the upper body supportmay vary slightly between models to accommodate different user heights but is typically dimensioned to provide uninterrupted support for users in a range of anthropometric percentiles. In some embodiments, the lengthmay extend from just below the cervical spine down to the mid-to-lower thoracic spine or even the lumbar region, ensuring full upper back contact with the support surface. By receiving the entire upper back in this manner, the apparatus encourages proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, helping maintain a neutral posture while the user performs upward and rearward hip extension.

This lengthalso allows the upper body supportto interact effectively with other features, such as the V-shaped surface, to guide and hold the torso in a biomechanically advantageous position. In embodiments where the upper body supportis pivotally mounted, the continuous contact along its full length helps transmit angular movement more evenly, thereby enhancing mechanical feedback and movement quality. The lengthcontributes to user safety by minimizing shearing or excessive compression at any single spinal segment and by reducing the risk of improper technique due to inadequate support.

An exercise apparatus may further comprise an elongated insertin attachment with the upper body support, the elongated insertinsertable into a receiving portionof the exercise apparatusso that a height of the upper body supportmay be changed relative to a bottom end portionof the exercise apparatus.

The elongated insertin attachment with the upper body supportenables vertical adjustability of the upper body supportrelative to the remainder of the exercise apparatus. The elongated insertmay be a linear or telescoping shaft, rod, or tube made from a rigid material such as steel or aluminum, configured to slide within or engage securely with the receiving portionof the exercise apparatus. This adjustability allows the user to raise or lower the upper body supportto suit their unique torso length, shoulder height, or preferred spinal angle, optimizing biomechanical alignment for hip extension exercises.

This vertical adjustability is illustrated in, which depict the upper body support at different height settings relative to the frame. The elongated insert allows the user to raise or lower the upper body support along a vertical direction D. This functionality enables the apparatus to be tailored to users of different torso lengths and ensures that the starting position of the hip relative to the upper body support is appropriate for generating a full range of hip extension. Adjustment along direction D also facilitates optimal spinal alignment and helps the user maintain proper biomechanical positioning throughout the exercise movement.

The receiving portionmay be a channel, sleeve, or hollow support column integrated into the frame structure of the exercise apparatus. It is designed to accommodate the elongated insertwith sufficient precision to allow for smooth repositioning while maintaining lateral stability during use. In many embodiments, the receiving portionmay include a series of adjustment holes, slots, or notches that correspond to pins, spring-loaded buttons, or locking mechanisms on the elongated insert. This enables the user to lock the upper body supportat a desired height setting, thereby customizing the apparatus to match their body proportions or training needs.

The ability to adjust the height of the upper body supportrelative to the bottom end portionof the exercise apparatusis particularly important for ensuring proper alignment of the user's hips below the support surface at the start of the exercise. This allows for greater hip flexion at the bottom of the movement and a full range of hip extension at the top, increasing glute activation and exercise effectiveness. The adjustment feature also enhances the versatility of the device, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of body types and use scenarios, including unilateral movements, different loading positions, or integration with resistance mechanisms. The elongated insert, when securely engaged with the receiving portion, ensures that the upper body supportremains stable and structurally supported even under dynamic or high-resistance loading conditions.

An exercise apparatus may further comprise the foot supporthaving a foot receiving surface, wherein the foot receiving surfacedefines at least one of: a partial cylindrical shaped body; a plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodies; a wedge shaped body; a substantially planar shaped body; or a triangular shaped body, all positioned on the foot receiving surfaceof the foot support. Each of these foot surface configurations is exemplified in, which illustrates the modular and interchangeable nature of the various geometries. In certain embodiments, the foot supports may define a collective or unitary mat, while in other embodiments, the foot supports may be connectable and/or entirely separate.

The foot supportmay further comprise a foot receiving surface, which serves as the primary interface between the user's feet and the exercise apparatusduring operation. The foot receiving surfaceis configured to provide stable and anatomically informed foot placement, allowing the user to perform a variety of lower body movements with correct joint alignment and enhanced proprioceptive feedback. The surface is designed to accommodate different geometries, each facilitating specific mechanical advantages or muscle activation patterns depending on the selected configuration.

In one embodiment, the foot receiving surfacedefines a partial cylindrical shaped body, which provides a curved surface encouraging dynamic ankle dorsiflexion or plantarflexion during movement. This shape mimics the curvature of the foot's natural arc and can be used to engage the calves, tibialis anterior, and smaller stabilizing muscles during thrusts or bridges. Alternatively, the foot receiving surfacemay include a plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodiesaligned in parallel or staggered configurations to allow segmented or rolling foot interaction. This setup may be used for foot mobility exercises, or to isolate specific regions of the foot such as the forefoot or heel, while still providing enough traction and stability for loaded movements.

Another variation includes a wedge shaped body, which offers an inclined surface enabling the user to alter ankle and knee angles during pressing or thrusting motions. This angled orientation may be particularly beneficial for targeting posterior chain activation by shifting the line of force and altering hip flexion mechanics. In a variation, the wedge-shaped body may define a rounded wedge, which blends a sloped incline with a convex contour. This shape provides a gradual transition from heel to toe, supporting a more natural rolling movement of the foot during thrusting or pressing. The rounded wedge surface is especially beneficial for users with limited ankle mobility or reduced dorsiflexion, as it distributes pressure evenly and promotes smoother kinetic chain progression. The curved angle also allows users to engage the posterior chain without abrupt angular shifts that could disrupt form or cause discomfort. In contrast, a substantially planar shaped bodypresents a flat, neutral surface for traditional foot positioning, offering general-purpose compatibility with a wide range of exercises and body types. The planar surface may be textured or cushioned for additional grip and comfort. The flat geometry may also serve as a neutral default position for rehabilitation settings or general bilateral loading where symmetrical posture and joint neutrality are preferred.

The foot receiving surfacemay define a triangular shaped body, which introduces a raised peak or angular edge that can be used for specialized foot placement or targeted loading. This shape may support unique exercises such as split-stance thrusts or offset loading drills. All of these geometries; a partial cylindrical shaped body, plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodies, wedge shaped body, substantially planar shaped body, and triangular shaped body, are positioned directly on the foot receiving surfaceof the foot support. The ability to incorporate and interchange these shapes makes the apparatus adaptable for diverse training modalities, rehabilitation protocols, and individual biomechanics.

illustrates a foot receiving surfacecomprising a plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodies. These bodies are positioned laterally across the foot platform, allowing the user's feetandto rest between adjacent convex surfaces. This configuration enables dynamic foot motion along both medial and lateral vectors. Specifically, outward foot motion is illustrated in direction H and K, representing lateral rotation or abduction, while inward motion is represented in directions I and J, indicating medial rotation or adduction. This geometry facilitates controlled internal and external rotation of the hips and allows for continuous proprioceptive feedback as the feet engage and roll against the cylindrical contours during the thrusting or pressing phase of the exercise.

depicts a wedge-shaped foot receiving surface, with the user's feetpositioned such that the toes are directed upward in direction M while the heels arch downward in direction L. This inclined geometry promotes a plantarflexed foot position and allows the user to drive through the forefoot, which can enhance posterior chain activation, particularly targeting the gluteus maximus and hamstrings. The angled configuration is also suitable for loading the foot in a manner that limits dorsiflexion, offering a beneficial option for users with limited ankle mobility or for emphasizing midfoot-to-forefoot pressure patterns.

shows another embodiment of a wedge-shaped body, wherein the user's feetare positioned such that the toes point downward in direction O and the heels arch upward in direction N. This orientation reflects a dorsiflexed foot position, facilitating greater ankle flexion during the loading phase of the exercise. The slope of the wedge enables eccentric control during descent and encourages activation of the tibialis anterior and quadriceps muscles. This configuration may be advantageous for users aiming to train through deeper ranges of hip flexion and extension or to accommodate anatomical preferences that favor heel-driven motion.

illustrates a flat platformwith the user's feetplaced parallel to the ground surface. The flat configuration provides a neutral, level surface ideal for standard bilateral loading, especially when symmetry and baseline alignment are preferred. It supports a natural foot position and is often used for general-purpose glute training, assessment of movement patterns, or as a starting configuration for new users. The planar surface also serves as a reference geometry for comparative analysis against inclined or contoured surfaces.

illustrates a more advanced foot receiving configuration, where a plurality of partial cylindrical shaped bodiesare arranged in a spaced array to allow the user's toesto wedge between the convex elements. During movement, the toes remain anchored between the cylindrical bodies while the heels and calves elevate in direction R. This upward motion is similar to a calf raise or posterior chain engagement and encourages plantarflexion as part of the hip thrust motion. This configuration enhances foot anchoring, especially during the concentric phase of the thrust, and can be used to teach or reinforce posterior weight shift. The locking of the toes during thrusting is further exemplified in, which show the dynamic relationship between the user's feet and the pivoting foot support. This design promotes stability, controlled force transfer, and full-chain posterior activation throughout the entire movement cycle. Unlike traditional flat or sloped foot platforms, this configuration introduces a novel mechanism for biomechanically sequenced, multi-joint activation from a fixed forefoot anchor-a functional feature absent in prior gluteal training systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,736 or US Pub. No. 2012/0058870.

This upward heel and calf motion, combined with the fixed toe position wedged between the cylindrical shapes, enables a controlled and mechanically advantageous movement path not supported by prior art devices. As the user applies force through the hips, the toes remain locked in place, creating a pivot-like fulcrum at the forefoot. This positioning promotes a unique sequence of muscle recruitment beginning with the glutes and progressing down through the hamstrings and calves. The resulting dorsiflexion at the ankle coupled with plantarflexion engagement during the upward motion (direction R) provides an integrated posterior chain activation not possible with flat or incline surfaces. The orientation also reinforces proper knee tracking and discourages forward knee travel, enhancing both joint protection and mechanical efficiency. This specific coupling of fixed toe position with heel lift is exemplified clearly in, which show the simultaneous arcuate motion of the upper body support and foot support while the user remains anchored at the toes. No known system offers this level of synchronized, closed-chain kinetic feedback with modular foot surfaces, making it a novel and significant improvement in biomechanically targeted glute training.