Apparatus and method for promoting fitness

Abstract

A method of improving the physical strength of a person comprising the steps of performing a load-bearing exercise for a period of time while supporting about the body additional weight to increase the load on the person; after completing the exercise for a number of exercise sessions, adding a relatively small amount of weight to the additional weight; and repeating the exercise until a desired level of fitness has been achieved.

Description

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/718,513, filed Sep. 20, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to physical fitness, and more particularly to promotion and improvement of physical fitness using weights borne by a user wearing a weight vest, belt and wrist strap in combination with a particular method for exercising.

2. Background of the Invention

It is well known in the art that physical fitness is a desirable quality for health and well-being. Various systems and methods of promoting and improving physical fitness through the ages have included cardiovascular training through aerobic exercise such as running, biking, swimming, walking and the like. Other methods of improving physical fitness include strength training through weight-lifting systems wherein large amounts of weights are lifted for a limited number of repetitions to produce a desired gain in muscle mass. Conventional weight-lifting methods include for example, universal weight systems, free-weight systems, bow-based systems, and band-based systems. All of these conventional weight-lifting methods rely on the principle of moving a significant load a short distance to stress a targeted muscle group. Generally speaking, the weightlifting process involves a user moving a load from a resting position to stressed position in opposition to the forces of gravity. Following the move, the person exercising generally controls the load as the gravitational forces work to return the load from the stressed position back to the resting position.

One problem with conventional physical fitness systems and methods is the stress caused on the body. It is well known in the art that typical aerobic exercises can cause problems in the joints and ligaments of the exerciser. Similarly, it is well known that conventional weight-lifting systems can cause muscle strain, and fatigue and can result in unintended injuries to the exerciser by accidental loss of control of the weight equipment.

Another problem with conventional physical fitness systems and methods is that the exerciser must generally take time out of his or her daily schedule to allow time for exercising and time for cleaning up or resting after the exercising process is over. Conventional physical fitness regimen generally involves extreme exertion for the exerciser and results in fatigue and/or sweating by the exerciser. It is generally not appropriate for one to return to their normal routine without first cleaning up. Accordingly, conventional fitness programs require time to prepare for the exercise, including time to change into appropriate clothing and time to warm up, time to complete the exercise, followed by time to cool down and finally time to clean up and change back into regular clothing.

Garments, such as vests, jackets and pants, designed to hold weights are known in the arts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,369 to Prince discloses an exercise suit including a jacket and pants having numerous pockets. The pockets in Prince carry bags containing liquid to provide weight loading and massaging muscle simulation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,387 to Zakrzewski discloses a weight vest incorporating means for wearing an adjustable amount of weight via specially shaped pockets conforming to the weight shape by means of an elastic strap. U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,596 to Brown et al. discloses a conformable weighted conditioning garment having a plurality of pouches for holding weights. U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,924 to Ott discloses a weighted training vest having pockets that can hold any combination of weights packets to arrive at a desired load. In each case, each of these known weight-bearing garments are designed to carry varying loads by varying the size or the material held within one or more pockets. However, in each case, the general principle is to have a generally set amount of weight which is then varied in sizable amounts from one work-out to another by adding or removing enough weight to make a measurable difference in load on the user. None of these garments are specifically designed for use in an exercise regimen wherein only very small changes in the load are made from work-out to work-out thereby creating a virtually unnoticeable change in the load to the user. While each of the garments could conceivably be so used, their designs and the weighting apparatus disclosed are not conducive to minute changes which would not produce undue stress on the user. While the garment disclosed in Prince might be suited for making small changes in the load by making small changes in the amount of liquid held in the pockets, there is no convenient means for measuring the amount of weight added or removed because of the difficulty in adding or removing a precise amount of liquid to or from each of the many pockets.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,413 to Greenberg et al. discloses a weight jacket specifically designed to improve strength by adding resistance to weight-bearing activities using lower weight loads. This weight jacket is more closely related to the concept of using weights in a manner so as to increase strength without increasing stress on the wearer. However, the jacket disclosed in Greenberg does not include the plurality of weights having masses varying in very small increments so as to produce increased results over a very long time.

Conventional exercise systems and method routinely teach that one must exert a certain amount of energy to gain strength or fitness. A well-know slogan embodying this concept is “no pain, no gain.” That is, one achieves maximum benefit by stressing the muscles, joints, and psyche of the exerciser. However, as is known in the art, anytime a body is stressed, there is a need for a recovery period wherein the body rebuilds itself. While such conventional exercise systems and methods may work for short term gains, there is usually a point at which further gains are just not possible and the method is not suitable for everyone. A need therefore exists for a system and method of gaining fitness without the need to overstress the body and without a need for a recovery period.

A need therefore exists for a system and method of promoting and improving physical fitness without the need for strenuous exercising.

A need therefore exists for a system and method of promoting and improving physical fitness without the need for interrupting one's daily routine.

A need therefore exists for a system and method of promoting and improving physical fitness by adding very small portions of weights to the user with changes made over a very long period of time so that strength is increased without additional stress on the user.

A need therefore exists for a system and method of promoting and improving physical fitness using a weight vest, belt and wrist strap and a weight system specifically designed to add very small amounts of weights to the user with changes made over a long period of time so that strength is increased without additional stress on the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a method of improving the strength of a person or animal by slowly training the body to accommodate extra weight. Once a very small amount of weight is added to the body the person or animal may engage in routine exercise or activities without any undue fatigue because the additional weight is so small. Then, when the person or animal is ready to progress to the next level, the amount of weight is increased in very small proportion. It has been found that by using very small amounts of weight applied at various points on the body for balance, the body can build strength without suffering any fatigue or other deterioration related to conventional exercise. The method of the present invention results in greatly improved strength over a very long time.

In another aspect of the present invention, a wearable exercise apparatus is provided to allow a user to improve strength accordingly to the method of the present invention. The wearable exercise apparatus for a human being may comprise a waist belt, a torso belt and a pair of wrist straps having pockets adapted to store a plurality of very small weights distributed about points of the body providing balance. The weights are gradually increased over time as described herein and when the pockets become full, there may be additional pockets to store larger weights which may be substituted for the cumulative weight of the smaller objects in the pockets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of showing the steps in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an individual using a weight system according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a front-view of a waist belt according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top cross-sectional view of a weight belt according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a weight belt having weights inserted into an inner inside pocket according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables the development of super strength through a process wherein a load on the human body is very gradually increased in perfect balance over time without undue stress on the exerciser's muscles and joints. By incrementally adding such very small amounts of resistance to the body, in the proper amount and location, physical fitness can be vastly improved over a long period of time. While the improvement is very slowly attained, the advantage is that there is little stress or strain on the body during the training process making it possible for a large segment of the population to benefit.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for increasing physical strength without inflicting undue stress or strain on the body.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fitness vest, belt and wrist strap for incrementally adding weight in a manner such that the weights are essentially balanced on the wearer. A vest, belt and wrist strap according to the present invention is hereinafter referred to as “wearable exercise equipment” or “wearable exercise apparatus” or “equipment.” This added weight should be worn for a period of time and while conducting some form of movement requiring the support of the legs and feet. If the right amount of weight is added, and that extra weight is borne with sufficient maneuvering, the body will respond as a whole each day to accommodate the extra weight. The form of movement, or exercise, can be a simple as walking, mowing the lawn, mopping a floor, and the like.

It is well known in human physiology, that in the earliest stages of growth, the human body grows and develops naturally at a rate of about one pound per month. From conception to birth a typical fetus develops to approximately nine pounds in nine months. Then, after birth, a typical person gains, over the next nine years, approximately one hundred pounds or about twelve pounds per year. This is an increase of about one pound per month. Over the next ten years, people experience growth at a similar rate. For example, a healthy male individual standing six (6) feet tall, may grow to about two hundred pounds by the time he is twenty-one (21) years old. Again, this is a general growth of about one pound per month. Over the course of time, as the body grows, the muscles, bones, and joints also grow and strengthen to support the additional weight over time.

The present invention simulates the natural growth process by artificially increasing the load on the body at a rate of about one pound per month. While individuals may be able to increase at a faster rate and others may only be able to increase at a slower rate. In general, according to the present invention, weights are preferably increased no more than one (1) pound per month. However, it should be understood that there is no strict need according to this invention to increase even at that rate. That is, the rate of increase will depend on the abilities of the individual and the one pound per month gain is best viewed as an upper limit and not the goal of the program described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps in an embodiment of the present. Starting with step 100, the user inserts a current set of loading objects into a plurality of pockets on the wearable exercise equipment. The current set of loading objects may be any set of weights wherein each weight is sufficiently small so as to be between about 0.05 ounces and 0.1 ounces. A factor in selecting the size of the loading objects is the balance achieved when adding weights. If, as taught by the present invention, one is only going to increase the weight by about four ounces for a session, each loading object must be very small as this additional four ounces is to be spread over multiple points in the equipment to achieve balance. That is according to the present invention, the preferable practice is to place one very small loading object into at least fourteen different pockets on the wearable exercise equipment, thereby achieving a desired small overall weight increase with the proper balance across the equipment. In one embodiment, as described herein the current set of loading weights may be, for example, a plurality of pennies. If one penny is placed into every pocket in the wearable exercise equipment, the total weight of the current set of loading object will be between about two and four ounces, depending on the size of the wearable exercise equipment. Other examples of loading objects suitable for use with the present invention include, any object the approximate size and weight of a penny. For example, standard BBs, fishing sinkers, washers, and the like, may be used.

In step 102, a person dons the wearable exercise equipment which is already packed with the current loading set. In step 104, the person performs some exercise activities to include at least some physical movement of the person's body and the wearable exercise equipment. As indicated in step 106, the person continues exercising while wearing the wearable exercise equipment for period of time. The period of time is dependent on the needs and availability of the person exercising. In one embodiment, the period of time is at least one half of one hour. However, the period may be longer or shorter. Once the appropriate period of time has passed, the person may remove the wearable exercise equipment as indicated in step 108.

As indicated in step 110, the person repeats the steps of donning the wearable exercise equipment, exercising for a period of time, and then removing the wearable exercise equipment for a number of repetitions. In a preferred embodiment, the person waits until at least the next day before repeating these steps. That is, steps 102 through 108 occur on one day and then are repeated the following day or at some other later period. The process may thus be repeated for several days at the same weight and after an appropriate number of days or exercise sessions has passed, the person may have achieved his or her fitness goal as indicated in step 1112. If the goal has not yet been achieved, the person is ready to increase the weight. According to the present invention, it is possible that one never achieves a set goal. That is, according to the present invention, the goal may simply be continued progress over a long period of time. That is, the goal may always be to improve strength from a current level to a next level, in which case the goal, while achievable does not have a defined end point.

Ideally, the weight system should be worn at least four times per week for one hour, preferably during some kind of impact workout. This is to be certain the body gets the message regarding the added weight, and it gets a nice workout relative to such weight. As one increases the mass incrementally, that is in very small increments, the body will not be stressed or fatigue as the load get heavier relative to the workout.

One will likely notice when the gear is put on each day that it weighs the amount it does, but as far as one's ability to walk, run, play, or what ever the activity is, it will be negligible because the body will have been making accommodations for it all along. As soon as there has been a proper warm-up, it will be comfortable each time.

An hour may be the ideal or a great goal to aim for, but it might be too long for many who are just beginning to get back in shape. Those individuals should start very slowly and work up to an hour at a comfortable pace. The duration of the workout should be increased in similar fashion to how the weight is increased—just a little at a time. This may mean only a few minutes per day increase. As stated herein, one object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for improving strength without adding noticeable stress on the body. According to the present invention, both the increase in weights and the increase in exercise duration should never cause undue stress on the body as that will result in fatigue and weakening of the body over time.

In step 114, the person first must determine whether or not there is currently additional room in the plurality of pockets to allow insertion of more small weights. If there is room, then in step 116, a next set of loading objects is added to the wearable exercise equipment. Again, in preferred embodiments, the additional weight added to the wearable exercise equipment is not more than four (4) ounces.

If there is insufficient room in the pockets to add additional weight, in step 118, the person removes all of the small weights placed in the pockets in earlier steps. Then in step 120, replacement weights, having greater density than the individual weights removed, are inserted into the plurality of pockets. In this manner, the overall weight has not changed, only the volume of space taken by the weights in the pockets. After replacing the weights, the person moves on to step 116 where the weights are increased as discussed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, steel plates in quarter and half-pound sizes may be used to add weight in the proper location and time to facilitate and preserve the balance as described. The plates are preferably coated to protect from rust. In preferred embodiments, the quarter-pound plate measures approximately 4⅝″×1½″×⅛″ while the half-pound plate measures approximately 4⅝″×3″×⅛″.

Further in step 120, if there is already a quarter-pound plate in the pocket, it may be removed and replaced with a one-half-pound plate. The only exception to this is in the wrist wraps. For ease in fitting comfortably around the curvature of the wrist, only one-quarter-pound plates or pennies are used in the wrist wraps. At this point, the pennies are again added incrementally. As stated earlier, a quarter-pound addition per day is the maximum. Some individuals who have tested this only increase at a rate of one-quarter-pound every three days (or one penny per pocket per day).

Once the overall weights have been increased, the person returns to step 102 where the person dons the wearable exercise equipment and goes on to exercises. The person then repeats the steps as recited until the person achieves the desired level of fitness. As discussed herein, the desired goal may be to continue to increase fitness. In this case, the process may never end as the person may continue to increase indefinitely over the course of his or her lifetime.

To accommodate the method of fitness promotion according to the present invention, there is also provided a specially adapted weight system 10, including torso belt 12, waist belt 14 and wrist straps 16 as shown in FIG. 2. A weight system 10 according to the present invention facilitates the addition of weight, equally distributed among a plurality of weight positions, which closely simulates natural weight development and balance, thus further simulating increasing load as if through natural weight-gain. In one embodiment, the weight system provides fourteen (14) positions in which the weight may be distributed. Weight system 10 according to the present invention allows for a daily increase in weight that can be as small as less than one tenth of an ounce up to a maximum increase of about four (4) ounces. As stated herein, the actual increase from one level to the next is dependent on the exerciser.

Torso belt 12, waist belt 14, and wrist strap 16 have the basically same form. That is, for example, the torso belt 12 shown FIG. 2, may be identical to a waist belt, not shown in FIG. 2. The only difference between the two is that preferably, torso belt 12 includes shoulder harness 18 for supporting the torso belt on the shoulders of the user as shown in FIG. 2. The harness is adjustable to fit the user, and in a preferred embodiment, contains foam pad over the shoulders to provide comfort to the user which is important as the user increases the weight over time. A belt according to the present invention is a generally rectangular shaped belt having a length and width suited for wearing around a person's torso or waist. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the length and width can be different to accommodate different body sizes. In a typical embodiment, the dimensions of a medium belt may be, for example, six (6) inches wide by forty-two (42) inches long. To further adjust for different body sizes, the torso belt may include a first extended section 30 which includes hook fasteners and second extended section 32 which includes loop fasteners. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, any suitable means, such as hook and loop fasteners, buckles, and the like, may be used to hold the belt securely around a person's torso or waist.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, torso belt 12 includes a plurality of inner inside pockets 20 adapted for holding one or more sets of large loading objects or weights (not shown in FIG. 3 or 4). Preferably, inner inside pockets 20 are adjacent to inner wall 24 as shown in FIG. 4 and which is the portion of the belt that would be next to the wearer's body.

Further, torso belt 12 includes a plurality of outer inside pockets 22 adapted for holding a set of small loading objects (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). Preferably, the plurality of outer inside pockets 22 are adjacent to outer wall 26 as shown in FIG. 4, where the outer wall forms the exterior of the belt when it is worn by a user. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, plurality of outer inside pockets 22 uses an inner portion of outer wall 26 to form the pocket. As shown in FIG. 3, outer wall 26 includes a plurality of slots 28, each slot corresponding to one of the plurality of pockets 22.

Wrist strap 16 has the same form as described in relation to the torso and waist belts, but is generally significantly shorter in length. In a typical embodiment, wrist strap 16 may only have four pockets (two inner inside pockets 20 and two outer inside pockets 22, as shown in FIG. 4).

For a typical person using a medium-sized torso belt 12, waist belt 14, and two wrist straps 16, in a preferred embodiment, there would be a total of twenty eight pockets (six in the torso belt, six in the waist belt and two in the wrist straps). Of these total pockets, fourteen are inner inside pockets and fourteen are outer inside pockets. As each of the slots 28 are connected to one of the outer inside pockets, there is access to each such pocket through the slots. The person using such a torso belt may use the slots 28 to apply the desired increase in load in the system such that the load is equally distributed among the fourteen pockets. For example, if it is desired to add one quarter pound to the overall load of the system, the user would insert an individual loading object weighing 1/56 of one pound into each of the fourteen slots. As would be apparent to one of skill in the art, if even less weight is to be added, the mass of the individual loading objects should be less than 1/56 of one pound.

In a preferred embodiment, it has been found that U.S. pennies are suitable for use with the present invention. This is so because forty two pennies weigh approximately one quarter pound and can easily be inserted into the pockets via the slots. Accordingly, if the user desires to add one quarter pound to the load, he would insert three pennies into each of the fourteen slots 28. In this manner, the load is evenly distributed around the torso, the waist and the wrists. If less weight is to be added, the user may, for example, insert only one penny into each slot, thereby increasing the total weight by only 1/12 of a pound.

In a preferred embodiment, weight system 10 is designed to fit snuggly and comfortably around the body, making it possible to move about and function in various activities and workouts. It is fashioned and organized to not bounce and shuffle around while jogging or doing other aerobic movements. As discussed herein, component of weight system 10 includes several pockets for adding weight which are strategically placed to mimic the overall gaining of weight and to also render proper balance and comfort.

As discussed in greater detail herein, according a method of the present invention, the user gradually increases weight of the system by inserting additional small loading objects into the pockets via the slots. As the number of loading objects increases, the volume of the space inside the outer inside pockets will become full (after about a quarter pound has been added). Once the pockets become full, the user can substitute the smaller weights with a larger weight having greater density. This is a purpose of the inner inside pockets 20. For example, the outer inside pockets may become filled once forty-two pennies have been inserted into each pocket. At the next iteration, prior to adding additional loading objects, the user can remove all forty-two pennies from each outer inside pocket and substitute a single quarter pound weight into each of the inner inside pockets. In this manner, the overall weight has not been modified, only the form and location of the weights in the system. In preferred embodiments, the inner and outer pockets are aligned with each other as shown in FIG. 4. This will allow the user to keep the weights in the system generally balanced even after the heavier weights have been substituted in for the smaller ones.

According to the present invention, over the course of a week, the user may have added an amount of weight up to (but not exceeding) one and one quarter pounds, which translates to a maximum of sixty-five pounds the first year. The pace at which one increases should be carefully considered. One-quarter pound per day is a maximum starting pace and will likely be too much for most individuals on a consistent basis.

An important aspect of the present invention is to be in a progressive mode, or “building mode,” no matter how small the increase. For instance, one could build up to thirty or forty pounds within one year or two and decide that it is not necessary to increase much more. Persons practicing the present invention have reported that once they have increased to about thirty pounds, they had received an enormous uplift in strength and stability. After that the individual may choose to increase at an even slower pace. For example, during the second year, the user may only choose to add weight at the rate of two pounds, or even one pound, per year (or four to eight single pennies per week) to stay in a developmental state. Consequently this individual will continue to get stronger and the body will continue to be in a progressive, building state.

Another benefit of the present invention is that individuals no longer need to spend more and more time exercising in order to obtain greater and greater levels of fitness. The increase in the exertion is built right into the process. Each day, as the weight is increased, the exertion on the body and its various parts is also increased. Even though the individual may not recognize the increase because it is so small, it is increasing nonetheless. Over time, the fitness gains can be substantial.

The present invention may also be beneficial for individuals who are overweight and even obese. That is, as the individual gradually looses weight through appropriate diet and exercise programs, the present invention can be used to maintain the strength of the individual. As body weight reduces, the individual artificially replaces the weight by using the equipment and methods disclosed herein. In this manner, the body maintains its ability to support the heavier load that used to be in the form of fat. Of course, the artificial weight can be removed at the end of an exercise session and the individual maintains the benefits of the strength already acquired.

While the foregoing detailed description has fully described the system and method of the present invention as it relates to human beings, the system and method could also be applied to other animals. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the preferred maximum amount of weight added when moving from one level to the next may be significantly more or less than the four ounces recited herein for humans. That is for example, a race horse is likely capable of carrying a much greater load than four ounces without any additional or noticeable stress on its body. Further, for example, a dog may not be capable of carrying a full four ounces without any noticeable stress so the level of increase should be reduced accordingly. Also, the points at which the weight is distributed across the animal's body will vary according to the animal's physical structure. For example, the weight added to a horse's body may be distributed in one manner while that added to a dog may be in another. The proper application of the present invention will consider the principles of balance across multiple points of the animal's frame and the minimalist approach to increasing the load on the animal over a very long time. Anytime weight is added, it should not produce any noticeable affect on the animal. Placement of the weights should consider those points at which the animal would bear additional weight on its frame as though the weight were the result of natural growth. Further, the increase in weight should be relative to the size and ability of the animal. Generally speaking, a larger animal would be able to accommodate a larger change in weight without increased fatigue of the animal resulting from the increased weight.

The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of improving the physical strength of a person comprising the steps of:

(a) performing a load-bearing exercise for a period of time while supporting about the body additional weight to increase the load on the person;

(b) after completing step (a) for a number of exercise sessions, adding no more than 0.25 pounds to the additional weight; and

(c) repeating steps (a) through (c) until a desired level of fitness has been achieved.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the period of time is at least one hour.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of exercise sessions is one session, and wherein at least one day elapses prior to repeating step (a).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional weight is distributed about fourteen points on the person's body.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the fourteen points on the person's body comprise six points generally evenly distributed about a circumference of the person's torso area, six points about a circumference of the person's waist area, two points about a circumference of the person's left wrist area, and two points about a circumference of the person's right wrist area.

6. A method of improving the physical strength of a person comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting a current set of loading objects into a plurality of pockets on a wearable equipment wherein each loading object in the first set individually has a first weight and collectively have a first total weight of less than four (4) ounces;

(b) donning the wearable exercise equipment;

(c) wearing the wearable exercise equipment with the current set of loading objects for a current length of time while performing routine activities involving movement of the person;

(d) removing the wearable exercise equipment;

(e) repeating steps (b) through (d) for a current number of days;

(f) determining whether or not a goal has been achieved;

(g) if the goal has been achieved, end;

(h) if the goal has not been achieved, determining whether or not there is any remaining volume in the plurality of pockets;

(i) if there is no remaining volume skip to step (l);

(j) if there is remaining volume in the plurality of pockets, inserting a next set of loading objects into the plurality of pockets wherein each loading object in the next set individually has a next weight and collectively have a next total weight of less than four (4) ounces;

(k) repeating steps (b) through (k);

(l) determining a current full weight by calculating an amount of weight in each of the plurality of pockets;

(m) removing each loading object from each of the plurality of pockets;

(n) inserting a new set of loading objects into the plurality of pockets wherein each loading object in the new set individually has a new weight equal to the current full weight, and wherein the density of each loading object in the new set is sufficiently greater than the loading objects removed in step (m) such that a volume of space occupied by the new set of loading objects is sufficiently less than a volume of space occupied by the loading objects removed in step (m);

(o) repeating steps (b) though (o).

7. A method of improving the physical strength of a person comprising the steps of:

(a) donning a wearable exercise equipment having a plurality of pockets for holding a plurality of loading objects of known weight;

(b) inserting a first set of loading objects into the plurality of pockets wherein each loading object in the first set individually has a first weight and collectively have a first total weight of less than four (4) ounces;

(c) wearing the wearable exercise equipment with the first set of loading objects for a first length of time while performing routine activities involving movement of the person;

(d) repeating steps (a) through (c) for a first number of days;

(e) inserting a second set of loading objects into the plurality of pockets wherein each loading object in the second set individually has a second weight and collectively have a second total weight of less than four (4) ounces;

(f) repeating steps (c) through (e) until the plurality of pockets are sufficiently full so as to preclude easy insertion of further loading objects therein;

(g) determining a first full weight by calculating an amount of weight in each of the plurality of pockets;

(h) removing each loading object from each of the plurality of pockets;

(i) inserting a third set of loading objects into the plurality of pockets wherein each loading object in the third set individually has a third weight equal to the first full weight, and wherein the density of each loading object in the third set is sufficiently greater than the loading objects removed in step (g) such that a volume of space occupied by the third set of loading objects is sufficiently less than a volume of space occupied by the loading objects removed in step (g);

(j) repeating steps (a) though (i) until the person has achieved a desired level of strength.

8. A method of improving the physical strength of an animal comprising the steps of:

(a) performing a load-bearing exercise for a period of time while supporting about the animal's body additional weight to increase the load on the animal;

(b) after completing step (a) for a number of exercise sessions, increasing the additional weight such that there is no noticeable strain on the animal; and

(c) repeating steps (a) through (c) until a desired level of fitness for the animal has been achieved.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the period of time is at least one hour.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the number of exercise sessions is one session, and wherein at least one day elapses prior to repeating step (a).

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the additional weight is evenly distributed about multiple points on the animal's body.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the animal is a horse.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the animal is a goat.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein in the animal is a dog.

15. A wearable exercise apparatus for improving the physical strength of a person comprising:

(a) a first plurality of weights, wherein a total weight of the first plurality of weights is less than four (4) pounds;

(b) a second plurality of weights, wherein an individual weight of each weight in the second plurality of weights is at least one quarter (¼) pound;

(c) a waist belt comprising a first plurality of pockets adapted to hold a first portion of the first plurality of weights and a second plurality of pockets adapted to hold a first portion of the second plurality of weights;

(d) a torso belt comprising a first plurality of pockets adapted to hold a second portion of the plurality of weights, a second plurality of pockets adapted to hold a second portion of the second plurality of weights, and having harness for supporting the torso belt on the shoulders of a wearer; and

(e) a pair of wrist belts comprising a plurality of pockets adapted to hold a third portion of the plurality of weights and a second plurality of pockets adapted to hold a third portion of the second plurality of weights,

wherein the first plurality of pockets on the waist belt, the torso belt and the wrist strap each include at least one slot for receiving the first plurality of weights.

16. The wearable exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the waist belt, the torso belt and the wrist belt each comprise a first wall and a second wall thereby forming an inner section within each and wherein the first plurality of pockets and the second plurality of pockets are inside the inner section of each.

17. The wearable exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one slot on the first plurality of pockets on the waist belt, the torso belt and the wrist strap passes through the first wall thereby connecting the pockets to an exterior side of the waist belt, the torso belt and the wrist strap.

18. The wearable exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the waist belt, the torso belt and the wrist belt each include a fastening means for securing the wearable exercise apparatus on the wearer.

19. The wearable exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fastening means for securing the wearable exercise apparatus on the wearer comprise a plurality of hook and loop fasteners.

20. The wearable exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein:

(a) the first plurality of pockets are evenly spaced along a length of the waist belt;

(b) the second plurality of pockets are evenly spaced along a length of the torso belt; and

(c) the third plurality of pockets are evenly spaced along a length of the wrist belts.