Abstract: A body conditioning device utilizing a base member having a first surface and a second opposite surface. The base member includes a padded core between the first and second surfaces. The first surface provides a recess portion which is capable of at least partially positioning weights. The weights are held to the base member by a strap which is extendable along the base member. The strap and base member form a unit by feeding the strap through a plurality of holding slots in the base member. The weights may be positioned at the front and back of a user when the strap is looped about the waist portion of the user, and held in such a configuration by a clasp.

Abstract: A training harness for use by a sport climber in practicing sport climbing is disclosed. The harness comprises a waist encircling member and two leg encircling portions. Straps connect the leg encircling portions to the waist encircling member. At least one compartment or receptacle is formed integrally in the waist member, and a thin sheet of heavy material is removably received in each of the compartments or receptacles in the waist member. At least one compartment or receptacle is formed integrally in each of the leg encircling portions, and a thin sheet of heavy material is removably received in each of the compartments or receptacles in the leg encircling portions.

Abstract: A device for building muscle while walking. A weight bag and shoulder bag form a unit which may be filled with varying amounts of weights and carried over a user's shoulder and upper back allowing the user complete mobility while building muscle.

Abstract: A plurality of devices having a physiologically inert plastics outer surface and each have identical size and shape, but are of graded weights. A device is inserted into the vagina of a subject, and if the pelvic floor muscles are capable of retaining that weight, the device is replaced by a heavier one. The heaviest device that can be retained is a measure of a pelvic floor muscle strength, and the muscles can be exercised by retaining the device for a predetermined time, such as 15 to 20 minutes per day.

Abstract: An exerciser for the abdominal muscles. A shell (22) has a weight (24) attached to it by means of a belt (30). The shell (22) is formed such as to present an edge (26). The shell (22) is attached to the waist by a second belt (34) so that the edge (26) is brought to bear against the abdominal muscles selected by the user. The muscles selected by the edge (26) are exercised by exerting them against the resistive force of the weight. Tactile feedback from the edge (26) is used to assure the exercise of the desired muscle group. The abdominal muscles are exercised by holding the edge (26) in place centrally and vertically on the abdomen A and exerting and relaxing the abdominal muscles against the edge. Alternatively, the edge may be forced against the abdominal muscles; handgrips may be provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A shirt, to be worn on the upper torso of an individual having a waist and waist circumference and a chest and chest circumference, having an upper portion corresponding to the chest area and an upper portion circumference and a lower portion corresponding to the waist area and lower portion circumference wherein the upper portion circumference of the shirt is substantially less than the chest circumference of the wearer and the lower portion circumference is substantially the same as the waist circumference of the wearer. Reinforcement members and panels can be affixed to the shirt to provide additional strength. The shirt can be made of stretchable material and used in weightlifting or for medical rehabilitation.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for an arm of a user which includes a support having a first part for supporting and extending along a portion of the lower arm of the user and a second part having an outwardly curved portion for supporting the wrist of the user in an extended position to increase the work load on the upper arm or biceps during exercise.

Abstract: A multi-functional hand-gripping device is disclosed. The device has a gripping pad which includes a hand pad and a wrist pad. The hand pad is sized and shaped to align with the hand surface of the user and to improve the grip on a weight bar when a bar is grasped. The hand pad is also adapted to be curved away from the hand surface of the user and wrapped around an object to be grasped. A securing strap secures the gripping device to the wrist. The securing strap preferably uses hook and loop securing means. A support strap centrally disposed in the hand pad provides extra support for lifting heavy objects. The gripping pad is preferably constructed of neoprene, and has a non-slip surface on one side and a second non-grip surface on the other.

Abstract: A weight pack for exercising which has a rigid insert constituting the main support member for the backpack. The insert having a body section which corresponds to the back of the wearer and a weight shelf extending from the body section to hold removable weights. The removable weight used either singularly or in multiples to achieve the weight desired by the wearer and stabilized within the bag. The insert and weights being enclosed within a bag or pack to provide an aesthetic appearance and comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: An exercise sleeve that fits on a hand comprising a weighted layer that removably conforms with the hand in a continuous manner across the palm and the back of the hand and which fits about the thumb. The exercise sleeve is also comprised of a skin in which the weighted layer is disposed and which adjustably and removably conforms with the hand. The skin has a hole through which the thumb extends when the skin is on the hand. In a preferred embodiment, the skin has device for adjustably and removably fastening the skin to the hand. The exercise sleeve is fitted on the hand of a user and, with the fastening device, fittingly secured on the hand so that it is comfortable. When the user moves his hand during exercise, the additional weight provided by the weighted layer of the sleeve enables the user to accomplish various desired exercises for the benefit of his physiology.

Abstract: The portable forearm and hand exercise device includes a generally U-shaped member having an arcuate midsection and a pair of rearwardly extending legs spaced far enough apart to accommodate the anticipated widest exerciser's hand, a handle extending transversely between and adjustably mounted on the legs, a forwardly extending elongated rod connected to and offset from the center of the midsection, one or more small weights which are carried by the rod and can be secured to the rod at various locations and a flexible, adjustable strap which supports an exerciser's hand below the wrist for some exercises. When an exercise requires the fingers to rest on the arcuate midsection, the handle can be moved to a position most comfortable for the individual exerciser.

Abstract: An exercising device in the form of a shoe having a series of weighted sections adapted to be added or removed so as to selectively vary the weight of the shoe. The weighted sections have cooperating joinder elements which enable them to be nested longitudinally with respect to each other in a cantilevered fashion and then locked in place. A rounded heel section is provided to facilitate exercises comprising rocking movements of the foot. In an alternative embodiment, a cooperating platform shoe member is provided for attaching to the device so that ambulation is facilitated without requiring removal of the exercising device.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which includes a short pant with both a drawstring and cinches designed to cinch the leg portions tightly. Hook and pile fastening halves are disposed at various areas in the front and back of the pant and two elongated straps having hook and pile fastening halves on their ends are attached at one end to side seams of the pant. Through manipulation of these straps as well as auxiliary straps forming a part of the present invention, the user may provide proper support for their musculature to facilitate rehabilitation.

Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell is disclosed consisted of a revolving shaft clamped with a clamping plate and coupled to a solid rod inserted in a tube, a catch pivotally connected to the tube at one end to hold down the solid rod, a cover sleeve sleeved on the tube, a guard adjustably fastened to the cover sleeve, two weights fastened to the tube at two opposite ends, two sockets respectively mounted on the weights, and two end caps respective fastened to the sockets to hold counter weights.

Abstract: A multifunctional exercise device is provided for use in muscle toning exercises for low impact aerobic workouts to increase the general body tone, strength and endurance. The multifunctional exercise device includes a resilient elastomeric body having a cylindrical hollow core designed to accept multifunctional and nestable hand weights for disposition in position in the cylindrical core of the resilient elastomeric body. The elastomeric body is covered with a cover of cloth or other suitable material having an opening at one end for accessing the removable weights and a multifunctional elastic strap for encircling the circumference of the multifunctional exercise device and for assisting in maintaining the detachable weights in position in the cylindrical core of the multifunctional exercise device.

Abstract: A weighted athletic, training or sport shoe is disclosed. In the present invention, a weight is distributed over the entire bottom of the athletic shoe, but inside the shoe. The weight comprises a large number of small metal spheres of less than 1 mm diameter, arranged in a lattice grid matrix which is molded to the sole and sandwiched between the inner and outer sole of the shoe. From the outside, the shoe appears to be a stylish athletic shoe. The bottom of the shoe is flexible and comfortable because of the method of integrating the weight.

Abstract: A device for exercising pelvic floor muscles by insertion into the vagina of a woman comprises at least one weight, and a casing with two or more parts releasably and sealingly connected, to define an internal cavity for receiving one or more of the weights. The cavity is preferably of plastics material, the parts having a snap fit connection, and a retrieval tag may also be incorporated. A set of weights is preferably provided, so that the mass of the device can be varied by choosing one or more of the weights.

Abstract: A person having functional scoliosis is weighed on a bilateral scale, and the amount of bilateral unbalance calculated. A corrective weight is calculated, and installed in pockets of a harness that supports the weight below the armpit of the person. The harness includes a chest strap, a shoulder strap, and a plurality of weight pockets. A plurality of thin lead weights is provided to be selectively inserted into the pockets. A pocket element may be provided that is attachable to a brassiere strap.

Abstract: An apparatus including a torso plate to include a plurality of rigid arcuate first and second shoulder straps are mounted and extend from a top edge of the plate to define respective first and second shoulder receiving cavities, with each respective plate terminating in a respective first and second handle. The first and second arcuate plates include first and second abutment flanges projecting therefrom, wherein the abutment flanges are of a predetermined length greater than a predetermined diameter defined by a weight lifting bar to permit positioning of the bar within spaced pairs of flanges in support of the bar during a weight lifting "squat" procedure utilizing "free weight". A modification of the invention includes securable pad members mounted within bottom surfaces of each of the first and second arcuate plates and to further include rods and dispensing handles to enhance and insure grip during use of the organization.

Abstract: An exercise suit which has a pair of stretchable pants (20) and a pull-over top (44) with a lower-body reinforcing segment (38) attached, in the middle only, to the pants and an upper-body reinforcing collar (54) attached, in the middle only, to the top. A leg band (58) encircles the legs (24), and side bands (58) are affixed to the reinforcing collar. The leg bands (42) grip the wearer's feet, creating a continuous loop from the waist to the feet. Hook-and-loop tapes (40) allow the reinforcing segment (38) to be adjusted in tension around the wearer's waist and similarly adjustable knee pads (32) cover the knees in the pants legs (24). The resilience of the suit and the looped bands create a resistance to movement which provides exercise to the wearer's muscles during physical activity.

Abstract: An aerobic resistance exercise garment includes leg or sleeve sections. Where sleeve sections are used a web is connected to the main portion of the garment. The garment and/or the sleeve and/or the web is made of a stretchable, elastic, resilient material. During the main exercise program where the arms of the user are being swung, resistance is encountered by the sleeves being connected to the garment when the arm swings away from the body causing the material to stretch. Where the garment includes leg portions a web may interconnect the leg portions to each other so as to offer resistance during the movement of the leg in an exercise program.

Abstract: An excerise handweight for increasing strength and endurance of muscles used in playing guitars and other musical instruments including a two-layer garment having a weighted pouch on the backhand side thereof and a centrally located hole for inserting the thumb. This device is wrapped around the hand and fastened by hook and loop material or straps with buckles to securely but comfortably fit it around the musician's hand. The unique design of this device enables it to be used while the musician is playing the instrument since it does not interfere with the thumb and fingers when worn.

Abstract: An exercise device has a head-receiving portion adapted to be disposed against the head of a user. Integral with the head-receiving portion is a base that is adapted to be positioned against the neck of the user to brace the head and neck of the user and partially support the weight of the head while the user performs abdominal exercises. Grooves are provided along the back of the head-receiving portion to permit the user to manually grip the head-receiving portion. Weights are secured to the head-receiving portion. These weights may be detachably and removably secured.

Abstract: A leg exercise device for permitting isolated exercises of selected muscle groups of the lower extremity comprising a generally tubular ankle collar or boot having an inner surface conformingly fitted to a user's ankle region. The outer forward facing surface of the ankle boot includes an upturned J-shaped hook member adapted to receive a weight clip member. The weight clip member includes means for retainingly engaging a rod or bar portion of a conventional weight, such as a dumbbell, and is lockable to the hook member of the boot. The boot includes front and back half portions which are hinged together along a first common side and which have an adjustable buckle member for closing the two halves together along their second common side. The front half portion of the boot includes a anti-torsion strap member which is looped under the ball of the user's foot to prevent up and down and side-to-side or torsional movement during use.

Abstract: An adjustable weight position harness system having a backpack like harness and a rigid frame with a slidable weight support which is movable up and down the frame a distance of at least 8 inches and may be secured at any point between its upper and lower positions without removing the harness. A freestanding harness rack having adjustable support rods which extend outwardly and slightly upwardly and correspond to eyelets in the harness so that the user may walk the harness onto the support rack for easy and safe engagement or disengagement of the harness and alteration of the weights and weight positoning.

Abstract: A resistance device for use with a foot covering comprises an elongated member having a top edge and a bottom edge. An attaching device is disposed on the elongated member. The bottom edge of the elongated member is of greater length than the top edge. Weight receiving chamber structures are disposed on the elongated member in such a position so that weighting material is symmetrically distributed therein about a latitudinal center line of the elongated member. The attaching device is capable of transforming the elongated member into a closed curve of sufficient size to accept an upper portion of a foot covering with the weighting material received in the chamber structures being disposed on lateral and medial sides of the foot covering. The elongated member assumes a generally frusto-conical shape when mounted on the upper portion of the foot covering.

Abstract: A neck exerciser for a user preferably lying prone and moving his head up or down includes a helmet secured to the head by a chinstrap. A selectable number of removable weights are each affixed to a band portion of the helmet. The position of each weight is selectable to produce the maximum movement of force for a given amount of weight so that the maximum training effect is achieved with a minimized amount of weight.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use in performing squat exercises, in which a belt-type device is worn by a person for providing a resistance connection between the person's legs. The resistance apparatus includes a chain, which is connectable at one end to a connection arrangement associated with the belt-type device. The other end of the chain is connected to a stack of weights or any other satisfactory resistance-providing device, with the chain being trained around a series of pulleys. A tracking arrangement provides front-to-rear movement of the chain at a point below the connection of the chain to the belt-type device for maintaining the resistance directly below the person's center of gravity as the person moves in a front-to-rear direction during performance of a squat exercise.

Abstract: Exercise or physical therapy apparel including a vest, pants, spine strap, belt, wrist bands, ankle bands and weight packets. The vest and the pants are each provided with structure for holding at least one weight packet. The weight packets include plural rows and plural columns of weight members adjacent a layer of padding inside of a cloth pouch.

Abstract: A disc-shaped weight includes a circular opening in the center and a pair of diametrically opposed, elongated oval openings disposed parallel to one another and equidistant from the circular opening. The oval openings are positioned in the disc-shaped weight so that the fingers and thumb of a human hand may be disposed through the openings for sufficient gripping of the weight. The distance between the outer periphery of the elongated side of either opening, proximal to the outer periphery of the disc member, is dimensioned so that the fingers of a human hand can be disposed through the desired opening and the thumb can be wrapped around the outer periphery of the weight, for sufficient gripping of the weight. The periphery of the elongated oval openings and outer periphery of the weight is rounded to aid in gripping of the weight.

Abstract: A user friendly dumbbell that is comfortable, safe and durable, and which also protects against damage to surfaces against which the dumbbell may come into contact is disclosed. The dumbbell is typically provided with an elongated shaft and enlarged members attached to opposite free ends of the elongated shaft. Surrounding protective and durable coverings are provided for the elongated shaft and enlarged members that is both user friendly during use, while also protecting supporting and other surfaces against damage when the dumbbell is not in use. The protective and durable covering along the elongated shaft includes a resilient and compressible element having at least one porous high density foam rubber covering.

Abstract: An exercise device worn as a wrist band having provision for exercise weights in a compartment formed between front and rear panels stitched to each other along opposite side and bottom edges, and having velcro strips along confronting upper edges serving as a closure for the weights' compartment and completing the attachment to each other of the front and rear panels.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and support for posture training. The support comprises a pouch for holding one or more weights. The pouch is positionable on the back of a patient below the inferior angle of the patient's scapulae by means of adjustable clavicle straps secured to the pouch.

Abstract: A device for use by weightlifters for supporting a substantial weight, specifically a barbell, across the shoulders of an individual wherein the majority of the weight is transferred to the individual's hips and legs to avoid any strain on the back. The supporting device comprises a waist or hip belt, tubular support members extending generally vertically from pivotable mounting points at either side of the belt and shaped to curve around the user's back, a transverse channel cradle member with upwardly open U-shaped cross section extending between the upper ends of the support members to form an adjustably shaped frame. The tubular members are adjustable to vary their length and the distance between their lower ends to fit the user.

Abstract: An exercise suit which has a pair of stretchable pants (20) and a pull-over top (44) with a lower body reinforcing segment (38) attached, in the middle only, to the pants and a upper body reinforcing collar (54) attached, in the middle only, to the top. A leg band (42) encircle the legs (24) and the side bands (58) are affixed to the respective reinforcing collar. The leg bands (42) grip the wearer's feet creating a continuous loop from the waist to the feet. Hook and loop tape (40) allow the reinforcing segment (38) to be adjusted in tension around the wearer's waist and similarly adjusted knee pads (32) cover the knees in the pants legs (24). The resilience of the suit combined with the looped bands create a resistance to movement providing exercise to the wearer's muscles during physical activity.

Abstract: An exercise belt apparatus for supporting at least one load about a user includes first, second and third lengths of webbing. The first ends of the second and third lengths are adjustably connected to one another. The first and second ends of the first length are slidingly connected along the respective lengths of the second and third lengths such that the user is secured between the first length and the portion of the second and third length connected between the ends of the first length. Releasable connection means adjustably located at the second ends of second and third lengths are provided for securing the second and third lengths to the at least one load.

Abstract: A device and method of exercise for exercising the hamstring/gluteal muscles comprising the steps of; providing a weighted means, attaching said weighted means approximate the knee with a fastening means, and performing leg lifts. More specifically, weighted means comprise a standard dumbbell. Fastening means is comprised of a strap comprised of hook and loop material. That location described as approximate the knee, is more specifically defined as the hollow of the knee. Leg lifts comprise that exercise commonly referred to as donkey kicks from a position of being on ones hands and knees. This device and method of exercise of the present invention incorporates that position of the users body that fully engages the hamstring/gluteal muscles prior to initiating, and during the prescribed exercises, thereby allowing full benefit to be attained from the weighted tension directed to them.