Exercise apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

A lightweight, portable exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user's body. Removably connected to the body-encircling strap are a plurality of exercise, or resistance modules of differing resistance. The resistance modules are slidably connected to the body encircling strap so that they can be positioned at various locations along the length of the strap. The resistance specially designed so that various exercises can be performed using only the resistance modules after they have been separated from a body encircling strap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This is a Continuation In Part Application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/594,457 filed Nov. 7, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to generally to exercise devices. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel exercise device that includes an adjustable body-encircling strap to which elastomeric cords are attached. Each elastomeric cord has a gripping handle connected to the free end thereof for gripping by the trainee to enable the trainee to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while sitting, standing, or lying by controllably stretching the cords against the resistance offered thereby.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

A wide variety of different types of exercise devices have been suggested in the past. Many such devices comprise heavy and bulky weight lifting machines which typically include various cable arrangements for lifting weights. Other such prior art devices comprise various types of large machines which include elastic cords and straps that replace the weights found in conventional weight lifting machines. Additionally, several types of inexpensive, easily portable elastic exercising devices are on the market. Exemplary of such devices is a device offered for sale on the internet under the name and style RIPCORDS and an exercise device offered for sale by Lifestyle Sports of Dunkirk, N.Y. under the name and style Flex Band.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user's body. Adjustably and removably afixed to the body-encircling strap is a resistance module that comprises a connector sleeve to which a pair of elastomeric cords are connected. The elastomeric cords of the resistance module can be extended by the user in a manner to enable the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the aforementioned character that includes a plurality of resistance modules of differing resistance that can be selectively interconnected with the body and circling strap of the device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described in the preceding paragraph in which each of the exercising modules is provided with a foot engaging strap for engagement by the foot of the trainee. Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described in which each elastomeric cord of each resistance module has a gripping member connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee to enable the cords to be controllably stretched against the resistance offered thereby by extension of the trainee's arms and legs.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the exercise module is slidably movable relative to the body encircling strap so as to enable the exercise module to be positioned at various locations about the trainee's waste.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the character described which is lightweight, readily portable and is easy and convenient to use so as to permit the user to tone or firm up various body muscles while at the office, at a hotel, at the beach, at the park, while traveling and during leisure time, such as while walking or watching television.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the class described that includes a body-encircling support strap that is easily adjusted so that it can be snugly fit about various portions the user's body in a manner to prevent slippage during the performance of a particular exercise.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the elastomeric cords of each of the resistance modules can be of various lengths, diameters and tensile strengths so as to provide various degrees of resistance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the previous paragraph in which the elastomeric cords of each of the resistance modules are color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the type described that is useful for post operation rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device that is useful to prevent swelling of the feet, legs, ankles, wrist and back due to prolonged sitting during travel.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive exercising device of simple construction that is suitable for use by people of various ages and physical capabilities.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive exercising device that can be used to reduce swelling in the upper and lower extremities.

The forgoing as well as other objects of the invention are realized and attained by the novel exercise apparatus more fully described in the paragraphs that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a generally illustrative view showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the trainee.

FIG. 2A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 2B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2A, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a generally illustrative view, similar to FIG. 2 showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the trainee with the connector member that connects the elastomeric cords to the body-encircling strap positioned at trainee's back rather than at the trainee's front as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3C is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting a sideward, stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3D is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward and outward, stretching force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3E is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching forces on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3F is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3E, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3G is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3E, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3H is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3G, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a generally perspective view of an alternate form of exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a generally perspective, fragmentary view of the area designated in FIG. 4 as 4A-4A.

FIG. 5 is a generally perspective view of one form of the exercise, or resistance module of the alternate form of exercise device illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5A is a generally perspective view of another form of the exercise module of the alternate form of exercise device illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a generally perspective view of still another form of the exercise module of the alternate form of exercise device illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a generally illustrative view showing the alternate form of exercise apparatus of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 positioned about the waist of the trainee.

FIG. 6A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 6, but showing the trainee gripping the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one of the exercise modules of the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a generally illustrative view showing one foot of the trainee in position within the foot-receiving strap of one of the resistance modules of the apparatus and showing the trainee gripping the gripping members of this latest form of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on the elastomeric cords of the exercise module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, one form of the exercise device of the invention for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back is there shown in generally designated by the numeral 14. In this form of the invention the device comprises an adjustable body-encircling strap 16 for encircling a portion of the trainee's body in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. Strap 16, which can be constructed from various materials, including a canvas-like material, has first and second end portions 16a and 16b respectively and an intermediate portion 16c. To releasably interconnect the first and second end portions of the strap conventional strap connecting means are provided. In the present form of the invention this strap connecting means comprises a first means, or yieldably deformable male connector 18a, connected to first end 16a of the body-encircling strap, and a second complementary means, or female connector 18b connected to second end 16b of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with the first means to form a body-encircling closed loop.

Connected to body-encircling strap 16 by means of cord connecting means are first and second resistance imparting assemblies 22 and 24. First resistance imparting assembly 22 here comprises a first elongated elastomeric cord 26 having first and second end portions 26a and 26b and intermediate portions 26c and 26d. First resistance imparting assembly 22 also comprises a first gripping member 28 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26c first and a second gripping member 30 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26d. Second resistance imparting assembly 24 here comprises a second elongated elastomeric cord 32 having first and second end portions 32a and 32b and intermediate portions 32c and 32d. Second resistance imparting assembly 24 also comprises a third gripping member 34 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32c first and a fourth gripping member 36 that is connected to the second elongated elastomeric cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32d.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the cord connecting means, which functions to interconnect the end portions of the first and second elongated elastomeric cords with the body-encircling strap, comprises a generally tubular-shaped, plastic member 20 that circumscribes the body-encircling strap 16 at a location proximate the intermediate portion of the strap.

With the novel construction described in the preceding paragraph, the trainee can simultaneously grip the first and third gripping members 28 and 34 respectively and the second and fourth gripping members 30 and 36 respectively. In this way the trainee can exercise against the resistance of both elastomeric cords 26 and 32. Alternatively, if the trainee desires to perform the exercises against a lesser resistance, the trainee can simultaneously grip only the first and second gripping members 28 and 30 thereby exercising against the resistance of only the elongated elastomeric cord 26.

In this regard, it is to be understood that the first and second elongated elastomeric cords 26 and 32 can be of the same tensile strength or can be of different tensile strengths. If the cords are of the same tensile strength, it is apparent that when the trainee grips only one set of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a first resistance. However, when the trainee grips both sets of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a second resistance that is approximately twice the first resistance. As previously mentioned, the cords 26 and 32 can be color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance. For example, in FIG. 2A cord 26 is colored red, while cord 32 is colored green.

Elastomeric cords of the type used in connection with the apparatus of the present invention are readily commercially available in varying tensile strengths ranging from about 2000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 square pounds per square inch.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 2A and 2B one of the several exercises that can be performed by the trainee using the apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. It is apparent that when the trainee grips the gripping members and moves the gripping members upwardly and sidewardly relative to the body as illustrated in FIG. 2A, elastomeric cord 26 will uniformly resist such movement. Repetition of the movement between the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A will effectively firm and tone the respective muscle sets used. By selecting appropriate lengths and diameters of elastomeric cord, the apparatus can be tailored for use by a variety of trainees of all ages and physical capabilities.

In the performance of the exercise illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B of the drawings, the body-encircling belt 16 is shown encircled about the trainee's waist with the central portion of the belt located generally over the trainee's stomach. As will be discussed more fully in the paragraphs which follow, with the belt 16 in this position, a number of exercises can be performed by the trainee grasping the gripping members in the manner shown in FIG. 2. It is to be noted that in FIG. 2 the trainee is shown grasping only gripping members 28 and 30. If the trainee desires to exercise against greater resistance, the trainee can grasp both sets of gripping members in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2B, thereby enabling the performance of the exercises against the resistance of both of elastomeric cords 26 and 32. In performing the exercise illustrated in FIG. 2A and 2B the trainee can exercise various body muscles including the deltoid and trapezius muscles.

In FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D of the drawings some of the various exercises that can be performed with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee's back are there illustrated. By way of example, the trainee can lift the arms directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of only one cord (FIG. 3A), directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3B), outwardly against the resistance of only one cord (FIG. 3C), and upwardly and slightly outwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3D). In the performance of these exercises, the trainee can exercise the trapezium, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIGS. 3A and 3B), the deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3C) and the trapezius, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3D).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F, with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee's back, the trainee can perform simulated boxing-type exercises to effectively exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H of the drawings the trainee can perform arm cross-over type movements against the resistance of either one (FIG. 3G) or two (FIG. 3H) cords to exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

Turning now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, an alternate form of exercise apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the 44. This apparatus is similar in some respects to the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. However, as will be discussed in greater detail in the paragraphs that follow, a primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the earlier described embodiment resides in the fact that this alternate form of exercise apparatus uniquely includes a plurality of exercise, or resistance modules of differing resistance that can be selectively interconnected with the body and encircling strap of the device.

As before, exercise device 44 is uniquely designed for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back and here comprises an adjustable body-encircling strap 46 for encircling a portion of the trainee's body. As indicated in FIG. 4, strap 46 has first and second end portions 48 and 50 respectively and an intermediate portion 52. A conventional type of strap connecting means is carried by the body-encircling strap 46 for releasably interconnecting together the first and second end portions 48 and 50. This strap connecting means here comprises a first connector means, or yieldably deformable male connector 54 that is connected to first end 48 of the body-encircling strap, and a second cooperating connector means, or female connector 56 that is removably connected to second end 50 of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with the first means to form a body-encircling closed loop. As indicated in FIG. 4A of the drawings, the second end 50 of the strap is slidably receivable within a slot like opening 56a provided in the female connector. The second end 50 of the strap is also provided with a multiplicity of hook-like interconnecting elements 50a that are adapted to releasably engage a multiplicity of loop like interconnecting elements 50b that are carried by strap 46 and a spaced apart location from second end 52. Such interconnecting elements are readily commercially available under the name and style “VELCRO”. With this construction, and for a reason presently to be described, the male connector 56 can be readily removed from the strap 46.

A unique feature of this latest form of exercising apparatus of the invention comprises a first exercise, or resistance module 60 that is removably connected to the adjustable body encircling strap 46 (see also FIG. 5). As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, this novel resistance module here comprises a connector sleeve 62 that, as indicated by the arrow 63 of FIG. 4, is slidably movable relative to the body-encircling strap 46 along the length thereof. This novel feature of the invention allows any of the resistance modules to be positioned at various locations around the trainee's waist, including the central location illustrated in FIG. 4 and also proximate the sides and back of the trainee. For a purpose presently to be described, a first loop-like foot receiving strap 64 is connected to and extends from connector sleeve 62.

Also forming a part of resistance module 60 is a first elongated elastomeric cord 66 that is connected to the connector sleeve in the manner shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings. Connected to elastomeric cord 66 intermediate to its ends is a first gripping member 68 for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee. A second elongated elastomeric cord 69 is also connected to the connector sleeve and a second gripping member 70 for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee is connected to the second elastomeric cord 69 intermediate the ends thereof. Foot engaging straps 71 and 73, that include adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging straps, are connected to gripping members 68 and 70 respectively.

Turning next to FIG. 5A of the drawings, a second resistance module 74 of the apparatus of the invention is there shown. This second resistance module is similar in construction and operation to first resistance module 44 and is adapted to be removably connected to the adjustable body encircling strap 46 following removal of the first resistance module 60 from the body encircling strap. In this regard, removal of the first resistance module 60 from the body encircling strap is accomplished by first disconnecting the multiplicity of hook like elements 50a from the multiplicity of loop like elements 50b in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4A. This done, the female connector 56 is slipped from the end 50 of the body encircling strap, the first resistance module 60 is slipped from the body encircling strap, the second resistance module is positioned over the body encircling strap 46 at any desired location along the length of the body encircling strap and the female connector 56 is reconnected to the strap.

As indicated in FIG. 5A, second resistance module 74 comprises a connector sleeve 76 that is slidably movable relative to the body-encircling strap and a foot receiving strap 78, that includes adjustment means for adjusting the size of the foot engaging strap, and is connected to and extends from the connector sleeve. Second resistance module 74 also includes third and fourth elongated elastomeric cords 80 and 82 that are suitably connected to connector sleeve 76. Uniquely, the third and fourth elastomeric cords 80 and 82 are of a larger diameter and are of a second tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the first and second elastomeric cords of the first resistance module and, therefore, offer greater resistance to the accomplishment of the various exercises the nature of which will be discussed in the paragraphs that follow.

As before, first and second gripping members 84 and 86 are connected to the elastomeric cords 80 and 82 in the manner indicated in FIG. 5A. Also, as was the case with the first resistance module, foot engaging straps 90 and 92 that include adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging straps are connected to gripping members 84 and 86 respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5B of the drawings, a third resistance module 94 of the apparatus of the invention is there shown. This third resistance module is also similar in construction and operation to first resistance module 44 and is adapted to be removably connected to the adjustable body encircling strap 46 following removal of the first resistance module 60 from the body encircling strap in the manner previously described. After the first resistance module 60 is removed from the body encircling strap, the third resistance module is positioned over the body encircling strap 46 at any desired location along the length of the strap.

As indicated in FIG. 5B, third resistance module 94 comprises a connector sleeve 96 that is slidably movable relative to the body-encircling strap and a foot receiving strap 98, that includes adjustment means for adjusting the size of the foot engaging strap, and is connected to and extends from the connector sleeve. Third resistance module 94 also includes fifth and sixth elongated elastomeric cords 100 and 102 that are suitably connected to connector sleeve 96. Uniquely, the fifth and sixth elastomeric cords 100 and 102 are of a larger diameter and are of a third tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the third and fourth elastomeric cords of the second resistance module and, therefore, offer greater resistance to the accomplishment of the various exercises the nature of which will be discussed in the paragraphs that follow.

As before, first and second gripping members 104 and 106 are connected to the elastomeric cords 100 and 102 in the manner indicated in FIG. 5A. Also, as was the case with the first resistance module, foot engaging straps 108 and 110, that include adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging straps are connected to gripping members 104 and 106 respectively.

The methods of use of the alternate form of exercise apparatus of the invention shown in FIG. 4 will now be considered. With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings wherein the support strap encircles the trainee's waist and wherein the connector sleeve 62 is positioned at the front of the trainee, several types of exercises can be performed. For example, with the trainee standing, the trainee can pull upwardly against the resistance of the elastomeric cords in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6A of the drawings to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm. With the connector sleeve 62 positioned at the back of the trainee, the several types of exercises illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3H of the drawings can be performed to exercise the various muscles previously described in connection with the discussion of FIGS. 3A through 3H.

In FIG. 7 of the drawings, the exercise module has been removed from the body encircling strap 46 so that a variety of leg exercises can be performed using only the exercise module 60. More particularly, these leg exercises are performed with the trainee seated by placing a selected one of the trainee's feet into the foot engaging strap 64 of the apparatus. With the foot thusly in position, the trainee grips the gripping members 68 and 70 with the hands in the manner shown in FIG. 7 and repeatedly straightens and relaxes the leg to selectively exercise the leg muscles.

With the trainee in a reclined position and lying on his or her back, various other types of exercises can be performed using only the exercise module 60 of the apparatus of the invention. In performing these exercises, a selected one of the feet of the trainee is placed into the foot engaging strap 64 of the module. With the foot thusly in position, the trainee grips the gripping members 68 and 70 with the hands in the manner illustrated and repeatedly straightens and relaxes the arms and legs to selectively exercise the muscles thereof.

Similarly, a number of different exercises can be performed by the trainee using only the exercise module by placing his or her feet into the foot engaging straps 71 and 73, gripping the foot engaging strap 64 with the hands and repeatedly straightening and relaxing the arms and legs against the resistance of the elastomeric cords 66 and 68.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise device for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back, said device comprising:

(a) an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's body, said strap having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion;

(b) a first resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling strap, said first resistance module comprising: (i) a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the length thereof; (ii) a foot receiving strap connected to and extending from said connector sleeve; (iii) a first elongated elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve; (iv) a gripping member connected to said first elongated elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength; (v) a second elongated elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve; and (vi) a gripping member connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength.

2. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further including a second resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling strap, said second resistance module comprising:

(a) a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the length thereof;

(b) a foot receiving strap connected to and extending from said connector sleeve;

(c) a first elongated elastomeric cord of a second tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve;

(d) a first gripping member connected to said first elongated elastomeric cord of a second tensile strength;

(e) a second elongated elastomeric cord of a second tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve; and

(f) a second gripping member connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord of a second tensile strength.

3. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a third resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling strap, said third resistance module comprising:

(a) a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the length thereof;

(b) a foot receiving strap connected to and extending from said connector sleeve;

(c) a first elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve;

(d) a first gripping member connected to said first elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength;

(e) a second elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve; and

(f) a second gripping member connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength.

4. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further including a foot engaging strap connected to and extending from said first gripping member and a third foot engaging strap connected to and extending from said second gripping member.

5. The exercise device as defined in claim 4 in which each of said foot engaging straps includes adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging straps.

6. An exercise device for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back, said device comprising:

(a) an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's body, said strap having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion;

(b) a first resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling strap, said first resistance module comprising a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the length thereof, first and second elongated elastomeric cords of a first tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve and a gripping member for gripping by the trainee connected to each of said first and second elongated elastomeric cords; and

(c) a second resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling strap, said second resistance module comprising a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the length thereof, third and fourth elongated elastomeric cords of a second tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve and a gripping member for gripping by the trainee connected to said third and fourth elongated elastomeric cords.

7. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 further including a third resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling strap, said third resistance module comprising a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the length thereof, fifth and sixth elongated elastomeric cords of a third tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve and a gripping member for gripping by the trainee connected to each of said fifth and sixth elongated elastomeric cords.

8. The exercise device as defined in claim 7 in which each of said first, second and third exercise modules further includes a foot receiving strap connected to and extending from said connector sleeve.

9. The exercise device as defined in claim 8 in which each of said first, second and third exercise modules further includes a foot receiving strap connected to and extending from each of said gripping members thereof.

10. The exercise device as defined in claim 9 in which each of said foot engaging straps connected to and extending from said gripping members includes adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging straps.

11. A method for performing different exercises by a trainee having hands and feet using an exercise device comprising an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's body and a first exercise module removably connected to the body-encircling strap, the first exercise module comprising a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to the body-encircling strap along the length thereof, a foot receiving strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve, first and second elongated elastomeric cords having a first tensile strength connected to the connector sleeve and gripping members for gripping by the trainee connected to the first and second elongated elastomeric cords, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) performing a first set of exercises by gripping the first and second gripping members and urging the first and second gripping members to move in a direction away from the body-encircling strap in a manner to stretch the first and second elongated elastomeric cords; and

(b) performing a second set of exercises by removing the first exercise module from the body encircling strap, inserted one foot into foot engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve, gripping the gripping members with the hands and causing the gripping members to move in a direction away from the foot engaging strap in a manner to stretch the first and second elastomeric cords.

12. The method as defined in claim 11 in which the exercise device further includes a second exercise module removably connected to the body-encircling strap, the second exercise module comprising a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to the body-encircling strap along the length thereof, a foot engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve, third and fourth elongated elastomeric cords having a second tensile strength connected to the connector sleeve, the method comprising the further step of performing a third set of exercises by removing the second exercise module from the body encircling strap, inserted one foot into foot engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve, gripping the gripping members with the hands and causing the gripping members to move in a direction away from the foot engaging strap in a manner to stretch the third and fourth elastomeric cords.

13. The method as defined in claim 12 in which the exercise device further includes a third exercise module removably connected to the body-encircling strap, the other exercise module comprising a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to the body-encircling strap along the length thereof, a foot engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve, fifth and sixth elongated elastomeric cords having a third tensile strength connected to the connector sleeve, the method comprising the further step of performing a fourth set of exercises by removing the third exercise module from the body encircling strap, inserted one foot into foot engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve, gripping the gripping members with the hands and causing the gripping members to move in a direction away from the foot engaging strap in a manner to stretch the fifth and sixth elastomeric cords.