Exercise System

Abstract

Embodiments described herein comprise exercise equipment. The exercise equipment may include an elastic member, a strap, a handle, and a connector portion. The strap may be configured to secure to the user's body. The connector member may be coupled to the strap. The elastic member may be configured to couple to the connector member and the handle. The user may exercise one or more muscle groups by creating resistance in the elastic member between the strap and the handle. The user may couple the strap to a portion of their leg and hold the handle in their hand. The user may then exercise their arm(s) while walking, jogging, or performing another exercise movement, and/or in an exercise class or aerobics class.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/158,747, filed by Applicant on Mar. 10, 2009 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/253,507, filed by Applicant on Oct. 20, 2009. Both of these related applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to the field of exercise equipment, and more particularly, to elastic members, and more particularly, to one or more elastic members for exercising one or more muscle groups.

Dumbbells, or barbells, have been used to exercise muscle groups in the upper body for years. Dumbbells, or barbells, have a handle and two weights at each end of the handle. The user grabs the dumbbells and repeatedly works a muscle using the dumbbell. For example, the user may grab a dumbbell in each hand and then move his hand from a position close to their waste to a position above their elbow, this motion is typically called a curl. The user may do several curls using the dumbbell in order to exercise their biceps. Some user's use dumbbells while walking or running in order to exercise both their upper and lower body. However, when the user is finished using the dumbbells they must continue to carry around the heavy dumbbells.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include an apparatus for exercising one or more muscle groups. The apparatus may have a strap configured to couple around a body part. The apparatus may further comprise an elastic member and a connector member configured to couple the elastic member to the strap. The apparatus may further comprise a handle coupleable to the elastic member, wherein the handle is configured to be gripped by a user's hand. As the user moves their arm resistance in the elastic member between the body part and the hand exercise at least on muscle group. As the user moves their arm, resistance in the elastic member between the body part and the hand exercise at least one muscle group.

Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for exercising one or more muscle groups. The method may include coupling a strap to a user's leg and coupling a first portion of an elastic member to a connector member on the strap. The method may further include coupling a second portion of the elastic member to a handle. The method may further include gripping a portion of the handle with the user's hand and creating resistance in the elastic member by moving a portion of the user's arm thereby exercising one or more muscles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depicts a diagram illustrating an exercise system having a body connector and a handle.

FIG. 1C depicts a diagram illustrating a body connector.

FIG. 1D depicts a diagram illustrating of a portion of a connector.

FIG. 1E depicts a diagram illustrating a body connector, a connector and a portion of a resistance member.

FIG. 1F depicts a diagram illustrating a body connector, a connector and a portion of a resistance member.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram illustrating an exercise system having the body connector connected to a body part and the handle gripped by a hand.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram illustrating an exercise system the body connector connected to a body part and having two handles each gripped by a hand.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram illustrating a handle connector device for an exercises system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a diagram illustrating a connector device for an exercises system.

FIG. 6 depicts a diagram illustrating a connector device for an exercises system.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict diagrams illustrating a connector device for an exercises system.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for exercising one or more muscles. The apparatus may include one or more body connectors, one or more resistance members and one or more handles. The body connectors may allow a person to connect the apparatus to their body. The apparatus may further include one or more connector members for connecting the one or more resistance members to the one or more body connectors and the one or more handles. In operation, a user may secure the resistance member to the handle and the body connector. The user may then secure the body connector to one of the user's body parts. For example, the user may secure the body connector to their lower leg. The user may then secure a second body connector to their other leg. The user may then adjust the length, or number, of the resistance members between the handles and the body connector to create the desired resistance while exercising. The user may then grab each of the handles in both of their hands. The user may then move their arms, or a portion of their arms, against the resistance from the resistance member. For example, the user may lift their arms over their head and do a series of shoulder presses. The user may repeat this motion until their workout is complete. The user may exercise several muscle groups using the exercise system. The user may perform the upper body exercise while walking or jogging. The exercise system may increase cardio and muscle strength and will lower resting heart rate with regular and proper training In another example, the body connector portion may be coupled to an inanimate object, such as a wall, or door, and the user may exercise against the resistance created by the resistance member.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exercise system 100. The exercise system 100 may comprise a body connector 102, or a strap 102, one or more strap connectors 104, one or more resistance members 106, one or more handle connectors 108, and a handle 110. The exercise system 100 may allow a user to exercise, or work out one or more muscle groups. Further, the exercise system 100 may allow the user to exercise the one or more muscle groups in combination with an additional exercise, such as a cardio exercise. Thus, the user may work out the one or more muscle groups while walking, running, jogging, sprinting, hiking, skiing, aerobics and the like.

The body connector 102 may be any suitable device for connecting the exercise system 100 to the user's body. The body connector 102 may allow the user to couple the exercise system 100 to a body part of the user and use the body part as a resistance point. For example, the user may secure the body connector 102 to the user's lower leg. The lower leg then becomes the resistance point, or fixed point, on one portion of the exercise system from which the user may apply resistance to the resistance members 106 between the lower leg and the handle 110. As the user exercises, the handle 110 may be held in the user's hand while the user applies a force to the resistance member 106 which may be secured to the lower leg. Although described as the body connector 102 coupling to the lower leg it should be appreciated that the body connector 102 may couple to any portion of the body so long as the user is capable of applying resistance to the resistance member 106 between the body connector 102 and the handle 110. For example, the body connector 102 may couple to the lower leg, the ankle, the upper leg, the thigh, the shin, the waste, torso, the neck, the arm, the shoulders, the head and the like.

Although the body connector 102 is described as connecting the exercise system 100 to a portion of the user's body 112, it should be appreciated that the body connector 102 may also be configured to couple the exercise system to a separate object, or inanimate object, as will be discussed in more detail below. Further, the body connector 102 may be secured to a second user's body. Further still, the body connector 102, may be removed and replaced by a fixed connector, which may couple the exercise system to the inanimate object as will be discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the body connector 102 is a strap 102. The strap may be a belt type member that secures around a portion of the user's body 112. As shown in FIG. 1B, the strap 102 is a member that may secure to a portion of the user 112. The strap 102 may include a fastener 114 for securing the strap 102 to itself around the portion 112 of the user. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the fastener 114 is a hook and loop system. Thus, one side of the strap may include a portion of the hook and loop system of the fastener 114, while another side, or portion, or the strap may include another portion of the hook and loop system. The strap may then be wrapped around the body portion of the user 112 and the opposing sides of the hook and loop system of the fastener 114 may be secured to one another, thereby fixing the strap to the portion of the user's body 112.

The length of the body connector 102 (the strap) may be adjusted to couple to varying portions of the user 112. For example, the user may secure the strap to their ankle for one exercise, and then move the strap to their ankle, thigh, or waste, for a subsequent exercise. Thus, the length of the strap may be allowed to vary depending on the location the body connector 102 is secured to the body 112. In one example, the length may be varied, by including the fastener 114 on a large portion of the strap. For example, if the fastener 114 is a hook and loop system, a portion of the hook and loop system may cover a long area of a portion of the strap, while another portion of the hook and loop system may cover a long area of the other side of the strap. Thus, the user may wrap the strap in a small loop around their ankle and secure the fastening member 114, and still be able to extend the length for a larger portion of the body, such as the thigh or waste. If there is an additional portion, or slack, of the strap that extends beyond the body connection, for example, when coupling the strap to an ankle, the user may secure the additional portion back to the strap in an overlapping manner, or by tucking, tying, and/or securing, the excess portion of the strap to the connected strap. Further, there may be multiple sized body connectors 102, or straps, configured to secure to varying parts of the user's body. For example, there may be a lower leg, and/or arm, body connector sized for the lower leg, or arm, of a user, an upper leg body connector, and a waste, or torso, body connector. The multiple sized body connectors 102 may allow the user 112 to secure the body connector 102 to their body, without having a large amount of excess and unused strap to secure out of the way.

Although the fastener 114 is described as the hook and loop system, it should be appreciated that the fastener 114 may be any suitable fastening system for securing the strap to the body may be used. For example, the fastener 114 may comprise a buckle, one or more buttons, a D-ring, multiple D-rings, rectangle rings, slide loops, hooks, connectors, loops, luggage buckles, and the like.

The one or more strap connectors 104 may be any suitable device for coupling a portion of the resistance member(s) 106 to the strap 102 (body connector 102). As shown in FIG. 1D, the one or more strap connector 104 may include a D-ring 116. The D-ring 116 may include a straight portion 118 and a curved portion 120. The straight portion 118 may be configured to secure to the body connector 102, while the curved portion 120 may be configured to secure to a portion of the resistance member 106. As shown the straight portion 118 is sewn into the strap. Sewing the D-ring 116 into the strap may prevent the D-ring from 116 from uncoupling from the strap, while still allowing the D-ring 116 to rotate about the straight portion 118. The D-ring may be configured with an opening 122. The opening 122 may allow the user to hook a connector of the resistance member 106 to the strap connector 104. Further, the opening 122 may be configured to allow the strap to fit through the opening 122. Thus, if there is excess strap that needs to be accommodated for, the excess strap may easily be placed through the opening and secured multiple times around the user's 112 body portion. Although the one or more strap connectors 104 are shown as a D-ring, it should be appreciated that the one or more strap connectors may be any suitable connector for coupling the resistance member 106 to the body connector 102 including, but not limited to one or more O-rings, a buckle, a button, a hook and loop system, one or more grommets, one or more buckles, one or more interlocking buckles, one or more side release buckles, one or more top release buckles, one or more bottom release buckles, one or more trigger snaps, one or more hinged rings, one or more carabineers, one or more S-hooks, one or more cord assemblies, one or more latches, and the like.

The resistance member 106, or elastic member 106, may be any member capable of producing a resistance when force is applied to the member. For example, the resistance member may be an elastic member, or substantially elastic member, capable of causing resistance when stretched. Any number of materials may be used for the resistance, or elastic member, including, but not limited to, surgical tubing, elastic bands, bunji cord and the like. The resistance member 106 may be lengthened or shortened between the body connector 102 and the handle 110 in order to adjust to the location of the body connector 102, or increase/decrease resistance in the resistance member 106, or to position the handle 110 at the proper distance from the body connector 102 to perform a specific exercise. Further, any number of resistance members 106 may be added to increase/decrease resistance.

The resistance member 106 may include a resistance member portion of the connector 104 configured to couple the resistance member 106 to the body connector 102. For example, if the connector 104 includes the D-ring 116 coupled to the body connector 102, the resistance member 106 may include a D-ring coupler 124. As shown, the D-ring coupler 124 comprises a carabineer 126 connectable to the resistance member 106. The carabineer 126 may be a standard hook with a latch that allows the carabineer to easily secure to the D-ring 116 but must be manually released by the user in order to be released. Although described as having a carabineer 126, it should be appreciated that any acceptable apparatus for securing the resistance member 106 to the D-ring 116, and/or connector 104 may be used including, but not limited to, a hook, a tie, a strap, tying the resistance member directly to the D-ring, and any combination of connectors and/or couplers described herein.

The carabineer 126 may secure directly to the resistance member 106, or to an intermediate connector 128. As shown in FIG. 1E, the intermediate connector 128 comprises a strap 129 that couples to the resistance member 106. The strap 129 may simple couple to an aperture 130 in the carabineer secures at the connector 104, although it should be appreciated that the intermediate member 128 may secure to the carabineer 126 in any conventional manner. The intermediate member 128 may secure to the resistance member 106 by placing an upset 132 on or proximate the resistance member 106. The upset 132 may be a size that does not allow the upset 132 to travel through an opening 134 in the strap 129, or intermediate member 128. In the example wherein the resistance member 106 is an elastic member, such as surgical tubing, the upset 132 may be formed by inserting an object having a larger outer periphery than the surgical tubing inside the tubing. The open end of the tubing may then be sealed off, by conventional methods. The opening 134 thus may allow the resistance member 106 to freely travel through the opening; however, the upset 132 becomes a stop point, or end point of travel for the resistance member 106 through the opening. The upset may be formed in any manner including, but not limited to tying one or more knots in the resistance member, securing a second object such as a bolt, or screw to the resistance member, and by any methods described herein, and the like. Further, the upset may use a similar system to the quick release connector described below.

The one or more connectors 104 described herein may further be adapted to accommodate multiple resistance members 106. For example, in the case with a D-ring 116 connector, multiple resistance members having the carabineer 126 may simply be coupled directly to the same D-ring 116. Further, there may be multiple D-rings for securing multiple resistance members 106. It should also be appreciated that there may be multiple of any of the connectors described herein in order to accommodate multiple resistance members.

There may be a marking system on the resistance member(s) to inform the user of the amount of resistance that may be applicable with the resistance member. Thus, the resistance member 106 may include a series of markings that indicate the length and/or position of the resistance member. The markings may be numeric, alphanumeric, by color coding, or other suitable method to quickly adjust both handles to a substantially equal length. If the user is using one of the exercise systems on their right leg and one their left leg it may be desirable to have the same amount of resistance, and/or length on each of the resistance members. Therefore, the user may adjust the length of the resistance members 106 on each side to the same length using the marking system. With the length the same, the same amount of resistance may be applied on each side of the body. The length of the resistance member 106 may be adjusted by any method described herein. Further, there may be varying resistance, or strength, resistance members. That is one resistance member may not have an equal force to another resistance member of the same length. In this case it may be necessary to mark, or color coat the resistance members 106 in order to allow the user to easily select two resistance members of the having the same resistance.

The one or more handle connectors 108 may be any suitable device for coupling a portion of the resistance member(s) 106 to the handle 110 including, but not limited to, one or more D-rings, one or more O-rings a buckle, a button, a hook and loop system, any of the connectors described herein, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1B, the handle connector 108 may be located in the interior of the handle 110. In this example, the handle connector 108 may grip the resistance member 106, or elastic member, when no, or a small amount of pressure, is applied to the handle 110. Applying pressure to the handle 110, for example by squeezing the handle 110, or pushing a button 150, may grip the resistance member 106 within the handle 110. The resistance member 106 may be released by releasing the handle 110, and/or button 150 and thereby releasing the pressure on the resistance member 106. Thus, the user may adjust the length of the resistance member 106 between the strap 102 and the handle 110 by feeding the resistance member through the handle 110, then gripping the resistance member 106 within the handle when the desired length is reached.

Further, the handle and/or handle connector may include a spool (not shown) configured to wrap a portion of the resistance member 106 around the handle 110 and/or the user. The spool may allow the user to secure the resistance member 106 to the handle, then adjust the length of the handle by wrapping a portion of the resistance member 106 around the spool until the desired length is reached. Further, the spool may be the handle connector 108. In this case, the resistance member 106 may simply be tied to, or wrapped around the spool until it becomes engaged with the spool. Further, still the user may simply grab the resistance members and wrap them around their hands and/or arms thereby forgoing the need for a handle connector 108.

When the one or more connectors 104 and/or handle connectors 108 are two or more D-rings 116, or O-rings, as shown in FIG. 1F, there may be a member 155 around both rings to assist the rings clamping onto the resistance member 106, and/or the intermediate member 128. For example, the member 155 may be an elastic band, or strap wrapped around both rings which allows the rings to separate when force is applied and naturally pulls them to engage the resistance member 106.

FIG. 2 shows the exercise system 100 in use. The body connector 102 is shown as a strap secured to the user's lower leg 200 just below the knee 202. It should be appreciated that the body connector 102 may be secured to any portion of the user's body, as described above. The handle 110 is being held in the user's hand 204. Movement of the user's arm, or a portion of the user's arm will cause increased resistance in the resistance member 106. This resistance will exercise a muscle or muscle group of the user. For example, the user's biceps may be exercised during the workout. The user may repeat this action during their workout. The exercise system 100 may be used by the user during walking, running, jogging, and/or in a class in order to increase exercise on a particular muscle group while also working on the user's cardio fitness.

FIG. 3 shows the exercise system 100 wherein the body connector 102 is secured to the user's waste 300. In this embodiment, the body connector 102, may be the same body connector 102, or strap, used for the leg, or a separate body connector that is attached to the resistance member 106. The user may exercise using the exercise system 100 attached to the waste in a similar manner to any of the methods described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a quick release connector 400 according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, the handle 110 may be a tube 401 having an opening 402 through the tube 408. The interior of the handle 110 may further include an upset 404 for catching the quick release connector 400. The upset 404 may be any suitable feature that allows the resistance member 106 to travel through the opening 402 but prevents the quick release connector 400 from traveling through the handle 110. The quick release connector 400 may be a circular (cylindrical) tube with a longitudinal slit 406 running the length of the quick release connector 400. The longitudinal slit 406 may be configured to allow the resistance member 106 (for example when stretched) to move into and out of the interior of the quick release connector 400. Thus, the resistance member 106 may be placed into the quick release connector 400 with applied force; however, inadvertent removal of the resistance member 106 from the quick release connector 400 is difficult.

The quick release connector 400 may have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 402. The outer diameter may allow the quick release connector 400 with the resistance member 106 to easily enter the opening 402 of the handle 110 while preventing a great deal of radial movement once inside the opening.

A stop member 408 (or upset similar to upset 132 shown in FIG. 1E) at the end of the resistance member 106 may be sized to prevent the stop member 408, and thereby the resistance member 106, from moving through the interior of the quick release connector 400. The stop member 408 may be any suitable device for preventing this portion of the resistance member 106 from travelling through the quick release connector 400 including, but not limited to, one or more knots, a knot in the elastic member, a ball, a pin, (a plug), the upset 132, any upsets described herein, and the like.

In operation, a user may get (choose) the resistance member 106 with the resistance they desire. The user may then feed the resistance member 106 through the opening 402 in the handle 110. The user may then move a portion of the resistance member 106 through the slit 406 and into the quick release connector 400, as shown in FIG. 4. The user may then pull the end of the resistance member 106 that is sticking out of the other end of the handle 110, for example coupled to the body connector 102 (shown in FIG. 1). When the resistance member 106 is pulled, the stop member 408 may engage the quick release connector 400 thereby preventing resistance member 106 from passing out of the quick release connector 400. Continued pulling on the resistance member 106 will bring the quick release connector 400 and the stop member 408 into the opening 402 of the handle 110. The quick release connector 400 will eventually engage the upset 404 thereby preventing the quick release connector 400 and the end of the resistance member 106 from traveling through the handle 110, as shown in FIG. 5. The user may then exercise as described herein. There may be an additional lock 500 (shown schematically) configured to ensure that the quick release connector 400 does not inadvertently fall out of the handle 110. The lock 500 may take any suit that will stop the quick release connector 400 from falling out, including a cap at the end of the opening 402, and the like.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the quick release connector 600. In this embodiment, the quick release connector 600 is a set of one or more slips configured to secure around the resistance member 106. The upset 604 in this embodiment may be a bowl (or cone) configured to move the slips radially inward as the slips move longitudinally down the bowl (or cone). Thus, the user may place the slips around the resistance member 106 and move the slips and the resistance member into the opening 402. When the outer surface of the slips engage the bowl (or cone), the bowl (or cone) will cause the slips to move radially inward and clamp the resistance member 106. The resistance member 106 may be equipped with the stop member 408 in this embodiment, or may not because the slips can grip the resistance member 106. The inner surface of the slips may further include gripping members, or teeth for engaging the resistance member 106. Further still, there may be one or more elastic rings 606 configured to hold the slips in place around the resistance member 106 before the slips enter the opening 402. The elastic rings 606 may be any suitable ring for holding the slips in place, including, but not limited to, a rubber band. Because the slips may be placed at any location on the resistance member 106 the length of the resistance member 106 between the handle 110 and the body connector 102 may easily be adjusted using the quick release connector 600.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a schematic of a connector 700 for use as an alternative, or in addition to, to the one or more connectors 102 and/or the handle connectors 108. The connector 700 may have a frame 702 comprising an open end 704 and an engagement end 706. The open end 704 of the frame 702 may be configured to allow an end of the resistance member 106 to travel through the frame 702 as shown in FIG. 7B. As shown the resistance member 106 may include the quick release connector 400/600. Further, it should be appreciated that the resistance member 106 may include any of the upsets (for example upset 132) described herein. The open end 704 may be sized to allow the resistance member 106 and the quick release connector 400/600 and/or upset to travel through the opening. The resistance member 106 with the quick release connector 400/600 may then be moved into the engagement end 706 of the frame 702. The engagement end 706 of the frame 702 may be sized to allow the resistance member 106 to pass through while disallowing the quick release connector 400/600 to travel past. Thus, the engagement end 706 may act as a stop in a similar manner to the upset 404. The frame may be coupled to any of the connectors described herein in order to secure to the exercise system. Further, the length of the engagement portion 706 may be adapted to accommodate several resistance members 106 in the frame 702 thereby increasing the resistance. An optional frame lock 708 may be secured to the engagement end 706 of the frame 702. The frame lock 708 may prevent the resistance member 106 from inadvertently becoming detached from the frame 702.

FIG. 7C depicts an embodiment of the connector wherein a connector strap 710 may be used to secure to the frame 702. The connector strap 710 may be a closed loop strap. A first end 712 of the connector strap 710 may be fed through the opening of the frame 702. Once a portion of the connector strap 710 is through the frame, a loop may be pulled out of the connector strap 710 and placed over the end of the engagement end 706 of the frame. A second end 714 of the connector strap 710 may then be pulled thereby pulling the first end 712 of the connector strap 710 toward the opening end 704 of the frame 702. The larger shape of the opening end 704 may stop the connector strap from traveling past the opening end 704. The second end 714 of the connector strap 710 may be secured to any of the connectors described herein.

In yet another embodiment, there may be a fixed connector 750 (shown schematically) for securing the exercise system to an inanimate object. The fixed connector 750 may be a large member, such as a ball or foam ring configured to be placed on one side of a door. The user may then pull the fixed connector 750 until it engages the door thereby providing a resistance against the pulling. Any of the connectors and/or devices may be secured to the fixed connector 750 in order to work a group of muscles against the force provided by the fixed object.

In an embodiment, the body connector 102 may include a padding located on an interior side, or body facing side, of the body connector 102, or strap. The padding may be provided to prevent discomfort to the user at the location the strap is secured to their body.

In an embodiment, the strap and/or handle may include a pocket and/or securing device for securing one or more items to the strap. The items may include any suitable item that may be taken with the user during exercise including, but not limited to, a cell phone, one or more keys, money, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a food item, an energy gel, a water bottle, and the like. There may be more than one pocket or securing device.

In an embodiment, there may be multiple resistance members, wherein each resistance member has a varying resistive force. Thus, a first resistance member may apply a low resistive force to pulling and a second resistance member may apply a higher resistive force to pulling. The resistance members may be marked to provide the user a visual indication of the resistivity of the resistance member. For example, the resistance member may be color coded, have a numbering system, a lettering system and the like.

In an embodiment, the resistive force of the resistance member may be increased and/or decreased by increasing, or decreasing, the number of resistance members coupled to the body connector 102 and the handle 110.

In an embodiment, the exercise system 100 may include a storage bag. The storage bag may be any bag that the exercise system may fit into in order to carry the exercise system with the user. The storage bag may be a fanny pack configured to wear around the waste. The fanny pack may include a holder for keys, cell phones, personal digital assistants, (I.D.) and the like. Further the fanny pack may be integral with, or connect to a belt, or body connector 102 as shown in FIG. 3. The belt may further include connectors 104 for coupling the resistance members 106 to the belt. The fanny pack may allow the user to store extra resistance members 106 in the pack when not in use. Further, the user may simply where extra resistance members 106 around their body, for example their waste, when not in use.

In an embodiment, the resistance member(s) 106 and the connectors 104 and 108 may be designed so the user can slide the resistance member(s) 106 through one or more locking rings, locking buckles or clamping devices. The user may double the elastic member 106 up on itself in order to increase the resistance.

The body connector 102 may be replaced by a second handle 110, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the resistance member 104 may be placed behind the back, or under the feet and the user may work other muscle groups. This may allow the user to do bench (chest) press with the exercise system.

In an embodiment, the body connector 102, or a portion of the resistance member 106 may be secured to a stationary member (not shown) in order to work out a muscle group. For example, the body connector 102, or the fixed connector 750 may secure the exercise system to an inanimate object, for example a door.

In an embodiment, a clip (not shown) may be used to attach the loose end of the resistance member 106 that extends through the tube clamping device, or quick release device 400/600 on handles 110. The clip may keep the loose end of the resistance member 106 from interfering with the exercise movement. The clip may be secured to any portion of the exercise system, so long as the clip prevents the resistance member 106 from interfering with the exercise. The clip may be any suitable device for securing the loose end of the resistance member 106 including, the spool, a carabineer, a hood, a loop and hook device and any connector described herein.

The handle(s) 110 may be secured to the body connector 102, or any other item when not in use to prevent the handle from interfering with the user.

In an embodiment, the handle 110 may include a strap, and/or glove member which engages the user's hand without the need to tightly grip the handle 110. Further, the handle 110 may secure to the user's wrist in a similar manner as the body connector 102 secures to the user. To this end, the handle 110 may be replaced by a second body connector.

Claims

1. An apparatus for exercising one or more muscle groups, comprising:

a body connector configured to couple around a body part;

a resistance member;

a connector member configured to couple the resistance member to the body connector; and

a handle connectable to the resistance member, wherein the handle is configured to be gripped by a user's hand and as the user moves their arm resistance in the resistance member between the body part and the hand exercise at least one of the user's muscle groups.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resistance member further comprises an elastic member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elastic member further comprises a surgical tubing.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is configured to adjust the length of the resistance member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the resistance member further comprises one or more length markings configured to determine the length of the resistance member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body connector is configured to couple to the lower leg.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a release connector for coupling the resistance member within the handle.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the release connector further comprises:

a cylindrical shaft having a slit along one longitudinal side wherein the resistance member is configured to enter the cylindrical shaft through the slit when the release connector is outside of the handle.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an upset within the handle configured to engage the release connector and lock the release connector into the handle.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a frame having an open end and an engagement end, wherein the open end is configured to receive a portion of the resistance member and the engagement end is configured to engage the portion of the resistance member.

11. A method for exercising one or more muscle groups, comprising:

coupling a body connector to a portion of a user's body;

coupling a first portion of a resistance member to a connector member on the resistance member;

coupling a second portion of the resistance member to a handle;

gripping a portion of the handle with the user's hand; and

creating resistance in the resistance member by moving a portion of the user's arm thereby exercising one or more muscles.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising uncoupling the resistance member from the portion of the user's body.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising wrapping the resistance member around the handle and carrying the entire exercise system.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising coupling the resistance member to a second connector located on a belt.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising coupling the body connector to the user's waste.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising walking while exercising the one or more muscles.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising running while exercising the one or more muscles.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising doing aerobics while exercising the one or more muscles.