Bathtub exercise platform and exercise method

A foldable apparatus for providing support, resistance and buoyancy to a user during an exercise routine performed in a bathtub, comprising:

• a flat upper flotation section configured and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of the user's back, said upper flotation section designed to be inclined against one end wall of said bathtub;
• a flat lower flotation section configured and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of the user's seat, said lower flotation section designed to have a portion thereof on the floor of said bathtub, said lower flotation section having at least one foot strap for giving said user at least one location to place and hold at least one feet in anchor on said lower float section;
• a hinge member having an upper portion hingedly connected to said upper flotation section and a lower portion hingedly connected to said lower flotation section, said hinge member designed to be positioned on the floor of said bathtub;
• and
• said upper and lower flotation sections having attached thereto, a plurality of interchangeable fasteners for attachment of a plurality of toning bands, wherein each of said toning bands is comprised of at least one elastic loop and at least one hand grip, said at least one loop being adjustable by said at least one hand grip.

A method of aquatic exercise performed by a user in a bathtub, comprising the steps of:

• a) placing in said bathtub filled with a fluid, a device having an upper flotation section, a lower flotation section with at least one foot strap attached thereto, and a hinge member hingedly connecting said upper flotation section to said lower flotation section, with said upper and lower flotation sections having at least one elastic toning band attached thereto;
• b) positioning the user's seat, comprised of an anatomical area extending from the buttocks to the lower thigh region of said user, on said lower flotation section such that sufficient buoyancy to support substanially all of said user's seat is provided at about the level of said fluid in said bathtub;
• c) positioning the user's back, comprised of an anatomical area extending from the head to the waist of the user, on said upper flotation section such that sufficient buoyancy to support substanially all of said user's back is provided at about said level of said fluid in said bathtub;
• and
• d) mounting said device after said positionings defined in steps (b) and (c), whereby said user is supported at a partially submerged surface position in said filled bathtub, facing upward with the user's lower back resting on said hinge member, such that said user is permitted to move from both an inclined and an upright user position when performing an aquatic exercise.