Ergonomic Design and development of Guided Pulling Apparatus for outdoor gyms

Abstract

Records of weightlifting date back to Ancient Greece, with stone weights named after Milo of Croton, a six-time Olympic champion athlete. This article proposes the development of an innovative guided pulling apparatus, focusing on the effectiveness and safety of upper-body training. The central goal is to replace the use of external masses with the user's body mass, triggering muscle hypertrophy. The device, suitable for outdoor gyms due to the chosen materials and ease of handling, offers personalized options. Users can choose to lift their entire body weight or reduce the load using movable pulleys on a second apparatus, both under guidance. These processes follow Isaac Newton's fundamental laws, along with the principles of Archimedean pulleys and rollers. The article addresses not only the mechanics of the apparatus but also crucial ergonomic concepts. Emphasis is placed on the importance of rules and procedures to promote health and avoid improper postures during exercise. The development includes an analysis of materials, weights, and prices, ensuring a solid foundation for the project. The comprehensive structure of the article covers everything from building a robust metal frame to implementing a traction system with pulleys and steel cables, evenly distributing resistance. Notably, it includes a damping mechanism, prioritizing the safety of practitioners. By offering guided movements, the apparatus not only reduces the rate of injuries and future complications but also ensures desired results efficiently. This project represents a significant advancement in strength training, combining the tradition of ancient weights with modern principles of physics and ergonomics.