The invention provides a calf exerciser which safely duplicates the desirable aspects of stair-edge toe lifts. The present exerciser allows a user to transition from a fully contracted position (a "tip-toe" stance) to a fully extended position (much as if one's heels were dropped below the level of the stair on which one rests his or her forefoot to the extent allowed by the exerciser's flexibility). A pivoting forefoot plate pivots with the user's forefoot as he or she transitions between the extended and contracted limits of the toe lift cycles. This eliminates the presentation at any phase of the exercise cycle of a sharp edge (like a stair-edge) to the foot, as well as insures that the user's forefoot (or corresponding shoe portion) remains squarely and safely in contact with a stable surface, despite inherent rocking motion of the feet during each toe lift cycle. The forefoot plate is biased toward the position for the extended phase of a toe lift exercise, so that the transition through the exercise is smooth and safe, and to provide a bit more resistance when transitioning toward the contracted phase of the exercise.
A portable lower leg exercise device for facilitates proper body alignment and execution of calf strengthening exercises includes a pivoted pair of elongate members having coplanar upper surfaces to provide a step of sufficient height to support the forefoot of a user through a full range of motion exercising the calf muscle. Guide members insert into the elongate members to define foot spaces that are properly spaced and oriented to promote proper foot alignment throughout the exercises.
An adjustable stretching device 6 includes a stretching surface 20 that is raised off of the floor on which the user stands, flexes, and stretches the calf and lowers the leg muscles. The stretching surface 20 can be angled along a primary longitudinal angle 26 to produce a more intense stretch. Specifically, the stretching surface 20 can be angled up to 90 degrees. Additionally, the user can put a leg up on the center pad 50 and stretch the hamstring muscles. The adjustable stretching device 6 also includes a padded framework that allows a user to put a leg up on any of the bars at different heights and further stretch the leg muscles. The padding also provides protection for the bar. The stretching surface 20 of the adjustable stretching device 6 is preferably a dual stretching surface 20 that is angled either away from or towards the longitudinal centerline of the dual stretching surface 20 along the primary longitudinal angle 26. This angle can range between 0 and 45 degrees. The angle or wedge can be either integral to the platform or removable and clipped into place at different angles or slowly molded into desired angles. The adjustable stretching device 6 has a handrail assembly 40, which is foldable in nature for storage. The handrail assembly 40 also provides leverage for a more intense stretch. The adjustable stretching device 6 also includes magnets to provide better circulation for the feet or another desired area.
