The present invention relates to a device for use in performing body weight exercises to facilitate the development and maintenance of strength and fitness. In particular, there is provided an exercise device which allows for the performance of pull-up type exercises to strengthen the upper body, including the back, shoulders, arms and core muscles.

Some devices for the exercising of the back and upper body are required to be fixed to a surface or attached to a doorframe, such as door mounted pull-up or chin-up bars. An example of such a device is that previously proposed by Ross (US Pat. No. 20150024907). This device hooks over the doorframe, with a top bar engaged with the architrave and two padded supports engaged with the sides of the doorframe. Some doorframes may be too wide or do not have a suitable architrave to enable this type of device to attach securely. Secondly, such devices can damage the doorframe by leaving dents or marks on woodwork, for example. Furthermore, the fixed nature of the device means that the user cannot alter the angle, direction or orientation of the grips or handles, therefore limiting the types of exercises available.

A device that deals with the issue of having fixed orientation handles or grips is that proposed by Hauser, Friedman and Mills (US Pat. No. 20090111661). The handles of this device can pivot 360°, allowing the user to perform different types of exercises. However, this device is still required to be fixed to a doorframe, and is therefore subject to the same limitations as other door mounted pull-up devices.

Further devices for the exercising of the back and upper body include Kehoe and McCarthy (AU Pat. No. 2017204605). This device is attached to a pre-existing door mounted pull-up bar, allowing the user to lay on the ground and perform a pull-up type exercise. As it is attached to a pre-existing apparatus, this device is subject to the same limitations and shortfalls as other door mounted pull-up bars. Additionally, this device significantly blocks entry and exit through the doorway in which it is engaged.

Other devices for the exercising of the back and upper body are standalone and do not require the device to be fixed to a doorframe or wall. Such devices include Hao Jun, Jian Wu, Wei Sun (CN Pat. No. 201921376) and Katz (US Pat. No. 9675829). In both cases, the device consists of stand or frame with a horizontal bar or apparatus, which the user grips and uses to perform a pull-up or chin-up. Such devices are relatively large, immobile, and take up considerable space in the home or gymnasium.

Another device that allows for similar pull-up type exercises is that proposed by Silverman, Grenz and Shane (US Pat. No. 8197392). This device comprises straps that are attached to a frame, which allow the user to lay on the ground and perform a pull-up type exercise. This device is limited in home environments, however, as a suitable structure must be found on to which the straps are securely attached.

A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.

According to the invention there is provided an exercise device for use by a user in pulling their upper body up by their arms from a surface wherein the device comprises two supports wherein each support consists essentially of a handle for gripping by the user, a shaft for supporting the handle at a height above a surface, and a foot at a lower end of the shaft for the device to resiliently engage with a surface wherein the height is sufficient to suit the length of a user's arms.

According to the invention there is further provided an exercise device kit comprising an exercise device according to the invention and one or more additional handles wherein the exercise device has a handle which comprises a handle grip having a first configuration suitable for gripping by a user and wherein the one or more additional handles have a handle grip having a second configuration suitable for gripping by a user.

According to the invention there is also provided a method for a user to exercise with an exercise device according to the invention which method comprises the steps of:

a. Placing each support in a vertical or near vertical orientation on either side of the user's upper body whilst the user is lying face up on a surface;

b. Gripping the handles; and

c. Pulling downwards such that the user tilts at least their upper body off the surface. Advantages of the invention include that:

• it will enable a user to effectively exercise the back, shoulder, arm and core muscles, while developing balance and coordination;

• it allows both sides of the body to be worked evenly throughout the movement;

• it is relatively small, portable and can be used on any flat surface so long as there is adequate room for the user to lay on the ground or recline in a suitable position. Due to its size and portability, it is easily transported and may be suitable for travelling;

• it is suitable for use on many surfaces including carpeted floors, rubber matting, hard flooring, or outdoors on grass or other surfaces;

• it is a standalone piece of equipment; • it does not need to be fixed or attached to any structural components of a building, such as a doorframe, or on any furnishings, such as chairs or tables, in order for it to function;

• it minimises load on the body and specifically the back and neck that can be associated with using free weights and loaded weight machines;

• it can be used to heighten the focus on specific muscles or muscle areas; and

• due to its simple design and configuration, it can be manufactured economically and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the device may consist of two supports. In some embodiments, each support of the device has a corresponding or mirrored configuration. In some embodiments, the height may be sufficient to suit the length of a user's arms such that a user's arms are substantially at full length when the user is gripping the handles. In some embodiments, the height is adjustable, for example wherein the shaft is a telescopic shaft or a shaft formed from two or more segments, or wherein the position of the handle is adjustable on the length of the shaft.

In some embodiments of the invention, the shafts may be constructed of a strong, inflexible material, such as wood, plastic, aluminium, fibre glass, and/or carbon fibre. In some embodiments, the handle of the support may be constructed of a suitable material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the handle may have a handle grip which may be covered with a soft foam, rubber, other suitable material or may be left uncovered. In some embodiments, the supports may each have a foot which are constructed from a durable, non-slip material such as plastic, rubber or other suitable material.

In some embodiments, the configuration of the handle grip may be selected from a T-bar configuration, an L-shaped configuration, a 7-shaped configuration, a monkey-grip configuration, a vertical configuration, or a spherical configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more additional handles of the kit according to the invention each have a handle grip having a different configuration.

In some embodiments, in step (a) of the method of the invention the user may be lying on a surface which is substantially horizontal such as a floor or the ground such as grass. In some embodiments, in step (c) of the method of the invention the user holds their body substantially rigid such that substantially all of the body is lifted from the surface.

In some embodiments, step (b) of the method of the invention comprises gripping the handles with palms facing away from the head and elbows away from the body such that the user directs greater load to their rear shoulder and associated back muscles. In some embodiments, step (b) of the method of the invention comprises gripping the handles with palms facing each other and elbows near the body such that the user distributes the load amongst their back, rear shoulders and bicep muscles. In some embodiments, step (b) of the method of the invention comprises gripping the handles with palms facing towards the head and elbows towards the body such that the user directs more of the load to the inner biceps. In some embodiments, the shaft may have a pre-selected length. In some embodiments, the shaft may be telescopic or may be formed from two or more interconnected segments. In some embodiments, the shaft segments may interconnect by a screw connection or by a sleeve fitting. In some embodiments, the shaft segments may be connected by a rubberised cord.

In some embodiments, the handle may be moveable along the length of the shaft and can be fixed on the shaft.

In some embodiments, the handle and shaft may be formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the handle may have a handle grip. In some embodiments, the handle may have a T- bar configuration, an L-shaped configuration, a 7-shaped configuration, a monkey-grip configuration, a vertical configuration, or a spherical configuration. In some embodiments, the handle may be rotatable relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft may be rotatable relative to the foot. In some embodiments, the handle and/or foot may have a sleeve portion for engaging with the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft may have a formation for engaging with the sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion may have an inner sleeve to facilitate rotation of the handle and/or foot relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the exercise device may include a rubberised cord for connecting the supports of the device to provide additional resistance.

In some embodiments, step (a) of the method of the invention may comprise placing the user's feet against a vertical surface to brace them. Research and development has indicated that it may be preferable for the user to place their feet against a flat, vertical surface, such as a wall, whilst performing the aforementioned actions. This further stabilises the user and stops the body sliding forward during the exercises.

In some embodiments, the handle may have a tubular sleeve for engaging the shaft and the handle may have an offset handle grip which is offset from the tubular sleeve so as to reduce rubbing of a user's hand. The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of the device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows the top view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a side view of a user in a first face-up position performing a bodyweight pull- up exercise using the exercise device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a side view of a user in a second face-up position performing the bodyweight pull-up exercise using the exercise device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a view from the perspective of the top of the head toward the feet of a user in a first position performing the bodyweight pull-up exercise using the exercise device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a view from the perspective of the top of the head toward the feet of a user in a second position performing the bodyweight pull-up exercise using the exercise device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a cross section of the handle and upper shaft for use in the exercise device according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention;

Figures 12a to 12f show a front view of a number of alternative handle and handle grip configurations for use in the exercise device according to the invention;

Figures 13a to 13f show a side view of the alternative handle and handle grip configurations of Figure 12 for use in the exercise device according to the invention;

Figures 14a to 14f show a front view of a number of alternative shaft configurations for use in the exercise device according to the invention; Figures 15a to 15f show exploded, separated or collapsed views of the alternative shaft configurations of Figure 14 for use in the exercise device according to the invention;

Figure 16 shows a front view of an alternative foot configuration for use in the exercise device according to the invention;

Figure 17 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment wherein the handle can rotate about the shaft;

Figures 18a and 18b show a detailed view of the handle and shaft of the embodiment shown in Figure 17;

Figure 18c shows an exploded or separated view of the handle and shaft of the embodiment shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 shows a front view of an embodiment of the exercise device where the shaft can rotate about the foot;

Figures 20a and 20b show a detailed view of the shaft and foot of the embodiment shown in Figure 19;

Figure 20c shows an exploded or separated view of the shaft and foot of the embodiment shown in Figure 19;

Figure 21 shows a front view of an embodiment of the exercise device in which the two supports are connected by means of a rubberised cord;

Figure 22 shows an alternative view of the embodiment shown in Figure 21 in which the rubberised cord has been extended between the two supports of the device;

Figure 23 shows a front view of an embodiment of an exercise device in which the handle can be raised or lowered along the shaft;

Figure 24 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 23 in which the handle can be raised or lowered along the shaft;

Figure 25 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figures 23 and 24 in which the handle can be raised or lowered along the shaft;

Figure 26 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figures 23 to 25 in which the handle can be raised or lowered along the shaft;

Figure 27 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Figures 23 to 26 in which the handle can be raised or lowered along the shaft;

Figure 28 shows a front view of an alternative handle and handle grip configuration for use in the exercise device according to the invention; and

Figures 29 shows a side view of the alternative handle and handle grip configuration of Figure 28 for use in the exercise device according to the invention. An exercise device according to a first embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 101 on Figures 1 to 9. The exercise device consists of two supports indicated generally at la, lb on Figures 1,

2, and 5. The two supports la, lb have a corresponding configuration such that one support la, lb is a mirror image of the other support lb, la.

The supports la, lb each comprise a handle 2, a shaft 3, and a foot 4 where the shaft 3 connects the handle 2 to the foot 4. The shaft has a sufficient length such that when a user is lying on a surface with their arms extended vertically upwards, their hands can grip the handles. The foot 4 has a tubular portion 400 which allows the foot 4 to engage the shaft 3. The handle 2 is in the form of a D-shaped grip handle, which may alternatively be termed a D-grip. The handle 2 has a handle grip 200 which is integrally formed with a U-shaped lower handle 201 which spaces the handle grip 200 from the shaft

3. Lower handle 201 has a tubular sleeve 202 at its base which allows the handle 2 to engage the shaft 3. The handle 2 may be removable from the shaft 3, as shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, it may be fixed using a chemical adhesive, pin, screw, push button spring, or other suitable method.

In the first embodiment of the exercise device 101, the handle grip 200 is circular in cross section. Alternatively, the handle grip 200 may be oval, elliptical, square or any other shape suitable for gripping by a user. A rubberised, soft foam or textured grip may be disposed around the handle grip 200.

The handle grip 200 is configured to be suitable for supporting a user performing bodyweight pull-up exercises. The handle grip 200 may be left uncovered as in the first embodiment, or it may be fashioned with finger grooves, raised dimples or bumps, or other arrangements suitable for gripping. Figure 10 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the handle grip 200, which has been recessed and configured to allow a textured tape 203 to be disposed around the handle grip 200 as represented by the dashed lines.

The shaft 3 is made from a strong, inflexible material, such as wood, plastic, aluminium, fibre glass, or carbon fibre. The shaft 3 may either be solid or hollow, providing that there is adequate strength and rigidity to support about half of the weight of a human body. The shaft is approximately 55 cm long, however the length may be varied to suit different user heights and sizes.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of exercise device 101. Shaft 3 has an upper recessed end 300 which is configured to be inserted into the tubular sleeve portion 202 of the handle 2 and a lower recessed end 301 which is configured to be inserted into the tubular sleeve portion 400 of the foot 4. Alternatively, the shaft 3 may have uniform, non-recessed ends 300,301. In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the tubular sleeve portions 202,400 of the handle 2 and foot 4 may be provided at the respective ends of shaft 3 and the corresponding one or both of the handle 2 and foot 4 may have recessed ends 300 which are configured to be inserted in the tubular sleeve portions 202,400.

Shaft 3 has a circular cross section. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 3 may have an oval, elliptical, square or polygonal cross-sectional shape. Shaft 3 is dimensioned so that it has an upper diameter 302 at the top of the shaft which is about 3cm which is wider than the lower diameter 303 at the bottom of the shaft which is about 2cm as can be seen in Figure 5. In other words, the shaft tapers slightly from the top of the shaft to the bottom of the shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the values of the upper and lower diameters may be different, or the shaft may be of uniform diameter, variable diameter, or may taper from the bottom of the shaft to the top of the shaft.

The foot 4 as shown in Figure 5 is made from a durable, non-slip material such as rubber, plastic or other suitable material. The foot 4 is designed to be fitted to one end of the shaft 3 by means of the tubular sleeve 400. The other end of the foot 4 is configured to engage with a surface or other suitable foundation. The foot 4 is removable from the shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the foot 4 may be fixed using a chemical adhesive, pin, screw, or other suitable method.

Figures 6 to 9 illustrate the method of the invention which comprise use of the first embodiment of the exercise device 101 described hereinabove. Figures 6 and 8 show the first step of the method of the invention which is the starting position of an exercise, wherein each support la, lb is placed on either side of the body 501 of a user 500 whilst the user 500 is laying face-up with their head 503 and body 501 horizontally on surface 600, their feet 504 resting on a vertical surface 601. In a second step, the user 500 extends their arms 502 in a vertical orientation and each of their hands 505 then grips a handle 2 of an exercise device 101. In a third step of the method, the user 500 then pulls downward, tilting their body 501 off the ground, rotating their body about their feet 504. The vertical surface 601 may be substantially vertical and may be provided by a wall, window, tree, furniture, another person's feet, or box. In an alternative embodiment, the user may have their legs bent so that the soles of their feet are resting on the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the user may have their feet elevated off the ground, for example resting on a step, a chair, or a box.

Figures 7 and 9 show the user 500 in an end position of the exercise, with their head 503 and body 501 raised off the surface 600 with their arms 502 bent. From this position, the user 500 lowers themselves back toward the starting position shown in Figures 6 and 8. In an alternative embodiment, the end position of the exercise may be where the user has raised the level of their chest to the level of the handles 2. A second embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention is indicated generally at 102 on Figure 11. Exercise device 102 has a shaft 3a, and handle 2b which are made from a single piece of moulded high-density plastic, fibre glass or other suitable material. In this embodiment, the foot 4 remains an independent component and is fitted to the bottom end of the shaft 3 using the same method as outlined for the first embodiment.

In an alternative embodiment, the handle 2b, shaft 3a and foot 4 that together make up each of the supports of the invention can be independent components that are fitted together or connected using suitable tubular sleeves 202,400, as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, some or all of the aforementioned components could be formed as a single piece using a suitable material.

While the handle grip 200, lower handle 201, and handle 2 are shown in a D-grip configuration in the first embodiment, the design and shape of the handle grip 200 and handle 2 may be altered without changing the nature of the invention. Figures 12a to 12f and 13a to 13f illustrate a number of possible alternatives which are a T-bar handle configuration 2c shown in Figures 12a and 13a which has a vertical lower handle 201a and a horizontal handle grip 200b where the handle 2c meets the horizontal handle grip 200b about half way along its length, an L-shaped handle configuration 2d shown in Figures 12b and 13b where vertical lower handle 2001b meets horizontal handle grip 200c at one of its ends, 7-shaped handle configuration 2e shown in Figures 12c and 13c where angled lower handle 201c meets horizontal handle grip 200d at one of its ends, a contoured monkey-grip handle configuration 2f shown in Figures 12d and 13d which has a triangular lower handle 201d which extends into a horizontal handle grip 200e, vertical handle configuration 2g shown in Figures 12e and 13e where vertical tubular lower handle 201e extends into vertical handle grip 200f which has a slip ring 204 at the lower end of lower handle 201e for restricting movement of a user's hand down the shaft 3, or a spherical handle configuration 2h shown in Figures 12f and 13f which has vertical lower handle 201f and a spherical handle grip 200g. Figures 12a to 12f show a front view of each of these alternative configurations, while Figures 13a to 13f show a side view of the same alternative configurations.

Similarly, the size, shape and design of the shaft 3 may be altered without changing the nature of the invention. Figures 14a to 14f and 15a to 15f illustrate a number of alternative embodiments. These include a device 103 which has a shaft 3 that is made up of two segments 3b as shown in Figures 14a and 15a that are joined together by means of a suitable connection, such as a screw type connection 304 or tubular sleeve (not shown). As an alternative to the embodiment shown in Figures 14a and 15a, the exercise device 104 has a shaft 3c which has four segments which are connected by screw type connection 304 as shown in Figures 14b and 15b. The length of shaft 3b, 3c may therefore be adjusted by selecting the number of segments to suit different users with different arm lengths. In a further embodiment of the exercise device 105 shown in Figures 14c and 15c, the shaft 3d is telescopic with a twist lock 305 for locking it in a chosen position. Figure 14c shows the shaft 3d locked in a first extended position whereas Figure 15c shows the shaft 3d locked in a second retracted position. The length of shaft 3d may therefore be adjusted to suit different users with different arm lengths.

In a further embodiment of an exercise device 106 shown in Figures 14d and 15d, the shaft 3e has two segments which are joined by a tubular sleeve connection 306.

In a further embodiment of an exercise device 107 shown in Figures 14e and 15e, the shaft 3f has two segments which are joined by a tubular sleeve connection 306a where the two segments of the shaft 3f are connected by means of a rubberised cord 307, allowing the shaft to be dismantled or collapsed whilst allowing the separate components to remain securely attached.

In a further embodiment of an exercise device 108 shown in Figures 14f and 15f, the shaft 3g is telescopic with push button springs 308 for locking it in a chosen position and for connecting the handle 2m to the shaft 3g. Figures 14a to 14f show a front view of each of these alternative configurations, while Figures 15a to 15f show a view of the alternative configurations in a dismantled and/or collapsed state.

Figure 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a foot which is indicated at 4a which has a tubular sleeve 400 and an extended base 401 which is suitable for use on soft ground. Extended base 401 has a wider circumference than the first embodiment of the foot 4 such that it provides a greater area for engaging with surface 600.

Figures 17 and 18a illustrate a further embodiment of exercise device 109 wherein the handle 2i is connected to the shaft 3h by means of a rotatable connection which allows the handle 2i to rotate 360° about the shaft 3h. This embodiment would allow the user to easily alter the orientation of the handle during the exercise, thereby increasing the range of exercises available. Flandle 2i has a tubular sleeve portion indicated generally at 202a which is suitably designed to allow the smooth rotation of shaft 3h within it. Sleeve portion 202a comprises an inner sleeve 205 integrally formed with the rest of the handle 2i and a separate outer sleeve 206 that is arranged over both the shaft 3h and the inner sleeve 205. The outer sleeve 206 is fixed to the inner sleeve 205 using a suitable adhesive glue. Alternatively, the outer sleeve 206 may be fixed to the inner sleeve 205 using a push fit connection or other suitable method of fixing these components together to prevent separation. The outer sleeve 206 has a lip 208 which prevents separation of shaft end 300a. Shaft 3h, the handle 2i, and the inner sleeve 205 are formed from friction resistant plastic. Shaft end 300a has a curved top 302a and a lip 310 for engaging with the outer sleeve lip 208. The inner sleeve 205 has a convex protrusion 209 which engages with shaft end 302a to minimise the friction between the handle 2i and the shaft 3h to ease rotation.

In an alternative embodiment, lip 310 may be provided as an alternative formation on shaft 3h such as a protrusion or a ring.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 18b, support end 300b is provided as a shaped sleeve over an upper end of shaft 3i which is hollow and is formed from metal (e.g. aluminium) or carbon fibre.

Figures 19 and 20a show a further embodiment of exercise device 110 wherein shaft 3j is connected to foot 4b by means of a rotatable connection. This connection would allow the shaft to rotate 360° about the foot. Like the embodiments illustrated in Figures 17, 18a and 18b, this embodiment would allow the user to easily alter the orientation of the handles during exercise and increase the range of exercises available.

Foot 4b has a tubular sleeve portion 400a which is suitably designed to allow the smooth rotation of shaft 3j within it. Sleeve portion 400a comprises an inner sleeve 402 made of friction resistant plastic and a separate outer sleeve 403. Shaft 3j is formed from friction resistant plastic and has a shaped lower end 301a with a curved end 303a and a lip 311 which fits within the inner sleeve 402. The outer sleeve 403 is made of rubber with a lip 404 and a non-slip, slightly curved lower potion 406 for engaging with surface 600. The outer sleeve 403 is arranged by stretching over the inner sleeve 402 for a tight fit and in turn encasing the shaft lower end 301a. The outer sleeve lip 404 engages with the shaft lower portion lip 311 to prevent separation. Foot inner sleeve 402 has a convex protrusion 405 which engages with curved end 303a of the shaft 3j to minimise the friction between the foot 4b and the shaft 3j to ease rotation.

In an alternative embodiment, lip 311 may be provided as an alternative formation on shaft 3j such as a protrusion or a ring.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 20b, support end 301b is provided as a shaped sleeve over an upper end of shaft 3k which is hollow and is formed from metal (e.g. aluminium) or carbon fibre.

Figures 21 and 22 demonstrate a further embodiment of the exercise device 111 in which the two supports of the device are connected by a rubberised or elasticated cord, strap or rope 700 positioned just below the handle grip 200h. In this example, the handle 2j is configured in a 7-shaped configuration which is formed with the shaft 3m as an integral member with a separate foot 4c. The rubberised cord 700 may be removable from the device by means of sliding over the handle 2j or looped & clipped around the handle 2j/top of shaft. In Figure 21, rubberised cord 700 is shown to be slack whereas in Figure 22, rubberised cord 700 is shown under tension. Exercise device 111 provides additional lateral resistance during use of the device and may therefore increase the range and effectiveness of the exercises available to a user.

A further embodiment of an exercise device is indicated generally at 112 of Figures 23 to 27. Exercise device 112 has a shaft 3n, a handle 2k which is moveable on shaft 3n, and a foot 4d. Flandle 2k forms a sleeve through which the shaft 3n runs. Shaft 3n forms a series of holes 309 which are arranged vertically along the length of shaft 3n. The handle 2k has a handle grip 200i and a push-button spring 207 for engaging with a hole 309 such that the position of handle 2k can be adjusted along the length of shaft 3n as indicated at 800 between positions 801 and then handle 2k can be fixed on the shaft 3n by button 207. While the handle grip 200, lower handle 201, and handle 2 are shown in a D-grip configuration in the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-9, the design and shape of the handle grip 200 and handle 2 may be further altered without changing the nature of the invention. The D-grip configuration of the handle 2 of the first embodiment is substantially flat in a vertical plane, as shown in Figure 2, such that the handle grip 200 is vertically above tubular sleeve 202. Figures 28 and 29 show an alternative D- grip handle 2n which includes a tubular sleeve 202g, a U shaped lower handle 201g, and an offset handle grip 200j. The U shaped lower handle 201g is curved out of its vertical plane (indicated at 900 on Figure 29) such that the handle grip 200j is sufficiently offset from tubular sleeve 202g at the base of the handle 2n to reduce rubbing of a user's hand (e.g. their palm or wrist) on the tubular sleeve 202g in use. Testing has shown that handle configuration 2n is more comfortable for a user. Thus, it can be seen that the exercise device provides a more versatile, portable, and yet simple and economical device that can be used by persons of different physical sizes and conditions.