Portable exercise, balance and flexibility device and method

An exercise device comprising:

• A platform having an upper surface adapted to support a user;
• An elongated exercise supporting arm extending from a base end to a grip assembly at the opposing end;
• and
• A multi-axis pivot assembly connecting the base end of the exercise supporting arm to the platform and supporting the exercise supporting arm in an initial position extending outwardly from the upper surface of the platform while allowing multi-axis movement of the exercise supporting arm relative to the initial position;
• and
• Wherein the pivot assembly provides a resistive force to any movement of the exercise supporting arm relative to the initial position and that returns the exercise arm to the initial position such that the user can exercise using the exercise supporting arm for support.

A portable exercise device comprising:

• A substantially rigid platform having an upper surface adapted to support a user and a lower surface adapted for placement on a supporting surface;
• A plurality of spaced apart elongated exercise supporting arms, each extending from a base end to a rotatable grip assembly at the opposing end;
• and
• A plurality of multi-axis pivot assemblies, each pivot assembly coupling the base end of an exercise supporting arm to the platform and supporting the exercise arm in an initial position extending outwardly from the upper surface of the platform while allowing multi-axis movement of the exercise arm relative to the initial position;
• and
• Wherein each pivot assembly allows generally free planar movement of the grip assemblies relative to the surface of the platform and sufficient support to return the exercise supporting arm to the initial position when not in use such that the user can exercise through body weight resistance while using the exercise supporting arms for balance and support.

A method of exercising using an exercise device comprising the steps of:

• (1) Providing a portable exercise device comprising:
• A substantially rigid platform having an upper surface adapted to support a user and a lower surface adapted for use on a supporting surface;
• A plurality of spaced apart elongated exercise supporting arms, each extending from a base end to a rotatable grip assembly at the opposing end;
• and
• A plurality of multi-axis pivot assemblies, each pivot assembly coupling the base end of an exercise supporting arm to the platform and supporting the exercise arm in an initial position extending outwardly from the upper surface of the platform while allowing multi-axis movement of the exercise arm relative to the initial position;
• and
• Wherein each pivot assembly allows generally free planar movement of the grip assemblies relative to the surface of the platform and sufficient support to return the exercise supporting arm to the initial position when not in use;
• (2) Placing the lower surface on a supporting surface;
• (3) Placing at least a portion of a user body weight on at least one of the exercise arms such that a downward pressure is applied to the exercise arms;
• and
• (4) Using at least one of the exercise arms for support while moving the body through exercises and using at least the weight of the body for resistance.