Expander (sport)
An expander is a fitness device that usually consists of two handles that are connected to one another via a tension spring , a band or a tension cord. In many designs, the number of tension springs, straps or cords can be varied, and in some also their length. The expander itself is a very simple but flexible fitness device that has been popular in its basic form for decades and is still one of the most popular home fitness devices in its various designs.
Simple expander
The first expander was developed in 1903 as one of the first home fitness equipment in Solingen by the H&W Kampschulte company. This device, known as the "room gymnastics device", was successfully applied for a patent in 1903. Harry Gelbfarb , a born Viennese who emigrated to the USA after the end of the Second World War, came into contact with bodybuilding there . In addition to his enthusiasm for sports, yellow color was also a true pioneer and tinkerer. And so in 1958, after his return to Germany , he applied for a patent for a rubber expander he had developed.
Pedal expander
An important step in the development of the expander was in 1970, when Eugenio Beltrami , born in Marling near Merano , a passionate inventor and trained microelectronics technician , applied for a patent for his pedal expander. A comprehensive and gentle training of the most diverse muscle groups was made possible by his new type of fitness device.
The innovative fitness device was produced under the brand name EUBEL in Urdorf near Zurich from 1971 and was successfully sold in Europe and the USA in the following years. A milestone was the year 1972, when Eugenio Beltrami achieved second place and the award of the silver medal at the 21st Salon international des inventions - Bruxelles with his invention . The pedal expander in its various versions is still one of the world's most popular home fitness equipment.
application
A simple expander is used to stretch one or more tension springs, a rubber band or a tension cord with the help of your own muscle power. The exercises can be performed both in front of and behind your own body. The exercises in front of your own body mainly stress the arm and shoulder muscles , while those behind your own body stress the upper back muscles .
With the pedal expanders based on the Beltrami model, the leg, abdominal and all back muscles can also be trained. The exercises can be carried out in the most varied of variants with these models. An expander can also train the smallest, stabilizing muscles, as these are needed to prevent the expander from breaking out forwards or backwards when performing the exercise. The different models of the expander are particularly suitable for home training.
Impander
A device that works in the opposite direction and is used not for pulling but for pushing is commercially available under the name Impander.
Individual evidence
Fitness equipment -Technology, training, variants- by H. Grundbuch ISBN 978-3-8288-2172-9 (page 108) Use your strength, by Roland Rupp, ISBN 978-3-7431-5337-0 (page 98)