EXERCISE BAND, KIT, AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

An exercise band including a waist band and a resistance band. The waist band is configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user and the resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position. The waist band is configured to be releasably connected to the resistance band. Further, an exercise kit including a waist band and a number of resistance bands is disclosed. Each resistance bands in the exercise kit requires a different force for stretching the resistance band between the unstretched and stretched positions. Furthermore, a method for a user to exercise is disclosed. The method includes providing an exercise band, wrapping the waist band around the waist of the user, crossing the resistance band, stepping onto a portion of the resistance band, and performing squatting exercises such that the resistance band opposes the user's movement during the squatting exercise.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to an exercise device, and more particularly to an exercise band for performing a squatting exercise. The invention also relates to an exercise kit including the exercise band and a method of exercising using the exercise band.

BACKGROUND

A growing trend in the fitness community is a transition from exercising in commercial gyms to exercising at home. Many prefer the convenience and privacy of exercising at home as opposed to in public. However, transitioning to at home fitness can pose challenges. One such challenge is the availability of exercise equipment. Typically, one would not have all of the same exercise equipment at home as would be found in a commercial gym, and for good reason. Commercial gym equipment can be bulky, difficult to assemble or move, and prohibitively expensive for someone who wishes to exercise at home.

For example, if one desired to exercise the largest muscle group in the human body, the quadriceps, in a commercial gym, then one may seek out a squat rack to perform squat exercises possibly with a barbell for additional weight. A squat rack can be found in almost any commercial gym. At home, however, one is unlikely to have a squat rack for personal use due to space, cost, and other restrictions. Without access to a squat rack, those exercising at home turn to alternative exercise devices.

Existing alternative exercise devices, intended to be used when performing a squat exercise, exhibit various shortcomings. Some existing devices require a user to wrap the device around their neck or shoulders. Such an arrangement, however, could possibly pose a safety risk to the user. Further, other existing devices are limiting or restrictive and require a user to hold the device or a portion thereof in their hands while performing exercises. In occupying the hands of a user, such devices eliminate the possibility of the user to perform other, different exercises simultaneous to the squat exercise. For example, one could not (at least not without great difficulty) hold dumbbells in their hands to perform bicep curls while also performing a squat exercise if the exercise device requires a user to hold the device or a portion thereof in their hands. Moreover, some known alternative exercise devices are restrictive, uncomfortable, and difficult to get into or out of.

Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise device and method of use thereof for squat exercises that can be used in environments outside of a commercial gym. There is a need for the device to be safe, hands-free, easy to use, and comfortable. Further, there is a need for an exercise kit that allows for the exercise device to be customized or tailored to a particular user's exercise needs.

SUMMARY

To address these and other deficiencies, an exercise band is disclosed. The exercise band includes a waist band and a resistance band. The waist band is configured to be partially wrapped about a waist of a user during use and includes an elongate strap having a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends includes a first connector. The resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position through the application of a force. The resistance band includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends of the elongate body includes a second connector. The waist band and the resistance band may be connected via their respective connectors. Specifically, the first connector at the first end of the elongate strap is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector at the first end of the resistance band. Similarly, the first connector at the second end of the elongate strap is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector at the second end of the resistance band.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the elongate strap of the waist band is stretchable so as to conform to the waist of the user and provide for a more comfortable exercise experience for the user. Additionally, the strap may include an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface confronting the user and the exterior surface being opposite the interior surface during use. The interior surface may further include an anti-slip feature to prevent the waist band from slipping from the waist of a user when in use. Further, the first and second ends of the strap are configured to be disconnected from each other during use of the exercise band such that the waist band does not form a closed loop about the user.

In one embodiment, the exercise band includes a reinforcing tab at the first and second ends of the strap to provide additional strength. In this regard, each of the reinforcing tabs includes the first connector. The first connectors are configured to connect to the resistance band, and specifically to the second connectors of the resistance band. In an exemplary embodiment, the first connector may take the form of a loop or a slot and the second connector may take the form of a carabiner or an enlarged head piece. Moreover, the resistance band may include a substantially circular or flat cross-sectional profile.

In another embodiment an exercise kit is disclosed. The exercise kit includes a waist band and several resistance bands. The waist band is configured to be at least partly wrapped about a waist of a user during use and includes an elongate strap having a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends of the elongate strap includes a first connector. Each of the several resistance bands included in the exercise kit is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position through the application of a force, wherein each of the several resistance bands in the exercise kit requires a different force for stretching the resistance band between the unstretched position and the stretched position. Each resistance band includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends of the elongate body includes a second connector. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the several resistance bands has a different color such that the different colors communicate to a user that the resistance bands offer different levels of resistance.

In still a further embodiment, a method for a user to exercise using the exercise band or exercise kit is disclosed. The method for a user to exercise includes providing an exercise band, as described above. The method further includes partially wrapping the waist band around a waist of the user such that, when attached, the resistance band is in front of the user. The method also includes crossing the resistance band such that the resistance band intersects itself in front of the user. According to the method a user also steps onto a portion of the resistance band to restrain the resistance band beneath the user's feet. Once the waist band and resistance band are in place, a user may perform squatting exercises. The resistance band will oppose the user's movement for a portion of the squatting exercise, such as the portion from the squatted position to the standing position.

In one embodiment, the step of performing squatting exercises may be hands free. Because the user can perform the squatting exercises hands free, the user is then free to perform arm exercises simultaneous with performing squatting exercises. Further, the step of stepping onto a portion of the resistance band can be done while the user is in at least a partially squatted position.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes detaching the resistance band from the waist band, attaching another resistance band to the waist band, and performing the crossing step, the stepping step, and the performing step using another resistance band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a Detailed Description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1A-1A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1A, but showing an alternative cross-sectional profile;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1, showing how the waist band and resistance band are joined together;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1, showing the waist band and resistance band joined together;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of an exercise kit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the exercise band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the exercise band in use; and

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the exercise band of FIG. 13, showing the exercise band in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this Detailed Description is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1-14 show an exercise band 10, or portions thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The exercise band 10 offers an at home (or otherwise outside of a commercial gym setting) fitness solution for users seeking to enhance their squat exercises without having to rely on bulky and expensive commercial gym equipment (e.g., a squat rack). Further, the exercise band 10 avoids problems of other exercise devices known in the art. For example, in contrast to some prior art devices known in the art, the exercise band 10 is safer to use, hands-free, convenient to put on and take off, and comfortable. Other advantages and technical effects of the embodiments of this invention will become evident to one skilled in the art from the following description.

With specific reference to FIG. 1, the exercise band 10 includes a waist band 12 joined to a resistance band 14. The waist band 12 includes an elongate strap 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 separated by the length of the elongate strap 16. In one embodiment, the waist band 12 is roughly 3.25 inches wide and roughly 32 inches long. However, the dimensions of the waist band 12 may vary depending on, for example, the size of the user. Each of the first and second ends 18, 20 of the elongate strap 16 includes a first connector 22 (discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 2-11). Further, the elongate strap 16 includes an interior surface 24 and an opposing exterior surface 26. The elongate strap 16 is configured to be partly wrapped around a rear waist of a user above the user's glutes (See FIGS. 13 and 14). When the waist band 12 is worn by a user, the interior surface 24 of the waist band 12 faces the user while the exterior surface 26 faces outwardly and away from the user. Unlike some other known exercise devices, the exercise band 10 does not require a user to wrap anything around his or her neck or shoulders.

In an embodiment, the elongate strap 16 may be made from a stretchable, elastic material that is capable of conforming to a user's waist when the waist band 12 is worn. For example, the elongate strap 16 may have a durable elastic fabric construction. It is to be understood that suitable alternative stretchable materials may be used for the elongate strap 16, including stretchable plastics, for example. Regardless of the specific material used, the elongate strap 16 will offer a user increased comfort over some other exercise devices (e.g., leather or nylon weightlifting belts) known in the art at least because the elongate strap 16 is stretchable and elastic in composition and conforms to a user's waist by virtue of its construction. For example, the waist band 12 is configured to reduce pinching and bunching up. The snug fit that the waist band 12 offers through clinging to a user's waist and by distributing the forces on the waist band (e.g., due to the pull of a resistance band 14) around the user's waist advantageously provides a more comfortable experience for the user. Such added comfort is desirable at least because resistance band 14 exercises tend to include a high number of repetitions and thus a user could be wearing the waist band 12 for an extended period of time while exercising.

In a further embodiment, the elongate strap 16 may be configured with an anti-slip feature 27 (shown in phantom) to prevent the waist band 12 from slipping from the waist of a user, for example, while performing a squatting exercise. Specifically, the interior surface 24 of the elongate strap 16 may include a high friction material like, for example, rubber in or on the interior surface 24 of the elongate strap 16 such that the included material decreases the likelihood that the waist band 12 will slip from the waist of a user. It is to be understood that suitable alternative materials may be used in place of rubber on the interior surface 24 of the elongate strap 16 to prevent the elongate strap 16 from slipping.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the elongate strap 16 terminates at each opposing end in a reinforcing tab 28. The reinforcing tabs 28 are separated from each other on the waist band 12 by a length of the elongate strap 16 and reinforce the connection of the elongate strap 16 to the first connectors 22. When the waist band 12 is worn by a user, the elongate strap 16 wraps around the rear waist of the user and the reinforcing tabs 28 are located proximate to the front waist of the user. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tabs 28 are formed from a material different than the material of the elongate strap 16. For example, the reinforcing tabs 28 may be formed from a vinyl material. It is to be understood that suitable alternative materials may be used in place of a vinyl material. For example, leather or synthetic leather could be used as well. Regardless of the specific material chosen, the reinforcing tabs 28 are configured to withstand more force from the resistance band 14 than the resistance band 14 could apply to the reinforcing tabs 28. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tabs 28 may be configured to withstand up to 200 pounds of weight. In other words, the construction of the reinforcing tabs 28 is such that they are particularly durable and can withstand repeated use, as typically experienced during high repetition exercises. To that end, in one embodiment each reinforcing tab 28 includes a reinforced stitching pattern that further secures the reinforcing tab 28 to the elongate strap 16. The stitching secures an end of the elongate strap 16 between two portions of the reinforcing tab 28 by techniques known in the art, such as by a box X stitch or similar patterns.

The resistance band 14 to which the waist band 12 connects includes an elongate body 30 and has a first end 32 and a second end 34 separated by the length of the elongate body 30. Each of the first and second ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 include a second connector 36, discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 2-11. In one embodiment, the resistance band 14 is roughly 39 inches long (unstretched). It should be recognized, however, that the length of the resistance band 14 may vary depending on, for example, the size of the user. Further, the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14 is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position. To transition the resistance band 14 from an unstretched position to a stretched position, a user applies an axial force to the resistance band 1, i.e., separating the first end 32 from the second end 34 along the length of the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14. Different resistance bands 14 may offer different levels of resistance for a user. In other words, one resistance band 14 may require a particular amount of force to stretch the resistance band 14 a certain length while another resistance band 14 may require more or less force. Further, the particular resistance offered by a resistance band 14 may be influenced by the material that the resistance band 14 is made from. In an embodiment, the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14 can be made from latex or another, suitable material.

Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the figures show cross-sectional profiles of embodiments of the resistance band 14. In FIG. 1A, the cross-sectional profile of the resistance band 14 may substantially circular. Such a profile may lend itself to more easily being connected to the waist band 12. In one embodiment, the resistance band 14 could be tubular to form a profile as seen in FIG. 1A. It is to be understood that the resistance band 14 could have a substantially circular profile without the resistance band 14 being in the form of a tube. For example, the core of the resistance band 14 could be solid, in contrast to what is shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, the cross-sectional profile of the resistance band 14 may be substantially flat or ribbon-like. In this alternative embodiment, such a profile may be more comfortable for a user to constrain beneath his or her feet when using the exercise band 10. It is to be understood that the dimensions of the substantially flat or ribbon-like resistance band 14 of FIG. 1B can vary. For example, the resistance band 14 could be wider than what is shown in FIG. 1B or the resistance band 14 could be taller than what is shown in FIG. 1B. Further, it is to be further understood that the cross-sectional profile of the resistance band 14 is not to be limited to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B but may have other cross-sectional profiles.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-11, these figures illustrate various embodiments of the region where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14. Generally, the interface between the waist band 12 and the resistance band 14 includes a first connector 22 from the waist band 12 and a second connector 36 from the resistance band 14. In an exemplary embodiment, each reinforcing tab 28 at each of the ends 18, 20 of the waist band 12 includes a first connector 22 and each of the ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 includes a second connector 36. The first connector 22 of the waist band 12 receives the second connector 36 of the resistance band 14 such that the waist band 12 and the resistance band 14 become selectively coupled together by their connectors 22, 36. Specifically, the first connector 22 at the first end 18 of the elongate strap 16 is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector 36 at the first end 32 of the resistance band 14 and the first connector 22 at the second end 20 of the elongate strap 16 is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector 36 at the second end 34 of the resistance band 14. While specific embodiments are shown in FIGS. 2-11 and elaborated upon below, it is to be understood that the interface between the waist band 12 and the resistance band 14 can take on a number of forms including, but not limited to, the included embodiments. Accordingly, the provided embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting.

With specific reference to FIGS. 2-5, these figures illustrate a first embodiment where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14. In this embodiment, the first connector 22 may be configured as a loop. The loop may be made from nylon or another suitable, durable material. Alternatively, the first connector 22 may be configured as a loop that further features a D-ring as illustrated in FIG. 2. The D-ring may be made of hard plastic or other suitable materials, including various metals, for example. The first connector 22 is secured to the reinforcing tab 28 in a manner similar to how the elongate strap 16 is secured to the reinforcing tab 28. Specifically, the first connector 22 may be secured to the reinforcing tab 28 by a reinforced stitching pattern. The stitching secures an end of the first connector 22, e.g., loop, between two portions of the reinforcing tab 28 by techniques known in the art. It is to be understood that the first connector 22 could be secured to the reinforcing tab 28 by other means. Further, in this embodiment the second connector 36 is a carabiner. The carabiner is secured to the resistance band 14 by techniques known in the art.

In this embodiment, to releasably connect the waist band 12 and resistance band 14 together, a portion of the second connector 36, e.g., carabiner, may be inserted through the first connector 22, e.g, loop, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Once connected, the carabiner is free to move within the boundaries defined by the loop. Such freedom of movement provides for a more user-friendly experience when putting on or taking off the exercise band 10 and further allows a user of the exercise band 10 to exercise freely, unencumbered by more restrictive connection means. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the relatively slim side profile of the exercise band 10. Specifically, the connection between the first connector 22, e.g., loop, and the second connector 36, e.g., carabiner, at the region where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14 limits the extent to which the exercise band 10 gets in the way during exercises, such as a squat.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, these figures illustrate a second embodiment of the region where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14. In this embodiment, the first connector 22 is a keyhole-shaped slot in the reinforcing tab 28. The keyhole shaped slot includes a larger, upper portion and a smaller, lower portion. It is to be understood that slots of other shapes and sizes could be substituted in place of the keyhole-shaped slot. Further, in this embodiment the second connector 36 is an enlarged head piece. The enlarged head piece may be made from plastic or another suitable material. The enlarged head piece is integrated with the resistance band 14 by techniques known in the art.

In this embodiment, to removably couple the waist band 12 and resistance band 14 together, a portion of the second connector 36, e.g., enlarged head piece, is inserted through the larger, upper portion of the first connector 22, e.g., keyhole-shaped slot, as shown in FIG. 6. The first or second end 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 is then slid towards the smaller, lower portion of the keyhole-shaped slot as shown in FIG. 7. When situated in the smaller, lower portion of the keyhole-shaped slot, the resistance band 14 is releasably connected to the waist band 12. As shown in FIG. 8, the second connector 36, e.g., enlarged head piece, is larger than the smaller, lower portion of the first connector 22, e.g., keyhole-shaped slot, and thus the enlarged head piece cannot easily slip through the smaller, lower portion of the keyhole-shaped slot. Further, the tension of the exercise band 10 helps to ensure that the enlarged head piece remains coupled to the keyhole-shaped slot when the exercise band 10 is in use. The tension of the resistance band 14, pulling the ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 away from the waist band 12, maintains the second connector 36 within the first connector 22.

Turning to FIGS. 9-11, these figures illustrate a third embodiment of the region where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14. In this embodiment, the first connector 22 is a buttonhole-like slot in the reinforcing tab 28. It is to be understood that slots of other shapes and sizes could be substituted in place of the buttonhole-like slot. As with the previously described embodiment, in this embodiment the second connector 36 is an enlarged head piece. The enlarged head piece is integrated with the resistance band 14 by techniques known in the art.

In this embodiment, to releasably connect the waist band 12 and resistance band 14 together, a portion of the second connector 36, e.g., enlarged head piece, may be inserted through the first connector 22, e.g., buttonhole-like slot, as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the enlarged head piece is larger than the buttonhole-like slot and thus the enlarged head piece cannot easily fit back through the buttonhole-like slot. Further, FIG. 11 illustrates that the boundaries or edges of the buttonhole-like slot in the reinforcing tab 28 are configured to resist the enlarged head piece exiting the buttonhole-like slot. Specifically, the buttonhole-like slot forms barbs around the enlarged head piece to make accidental extraction of the enlarged head piece, for example, while the exercise band 10 is in use, difficult.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the figures illustrate an exercise kit 38. The kit 38 consists of at least one waist band 12 and several interchangeable resistance bands 14. The resistance bands 14 in the kit 38 offer different levels of resistance for a user. Specifically, the variety of resistance bands 14 require a different amount of force for stretching the resistance bands 14 from an unstretched position to a stretched position. For example, one of the resistance bands 14 may offer weight resistance of 10 to 15 pounds (depending on how stretched the resistance band 14 is), another resistance band 14 may offer weight resistance of 25 to 30 pounds, and a further resistance band 14 may offer weight resistance of 45 to 50 pounds. In one embodiment, the resistance offered to a user by a particular resistance band 14 can be communicated to the user through the use of color so that a user can quickly and easily identify the resistance offered by a resistance band 14. Specifically, resistance bands 14 of different resistances can be differentiated by color. For example, a resistance band 14 offering a weight resistance of 10 to 15 pounds may be one color (e.g., yellow), a resistance band 14 offering a weight resistance of 25 to 30 pounds may be a different color (e.g., red), and a resistance band 14 offering a weight resistance of 45 to 50 pounds may be a further distinct color (e.g., blue).

The variety of resistance bands 14 with differing levels of resistance included in the kit 38 allow a user to customize the exercise band 10 to their preferences and exercise needs. For example, as a user becomes progressively stronger through performing a specific exercise, the user can increase the resistance of the exercise band 10 by changing the resistance band 14 from a resistance band 14 that requires less force to stretch to a resistance band 14 that requires more force to stretch. Alternatively or additionally, a user may choose to use different resistance bands 14 for different modes of exercising. For example, a user may choose to use a resistance band 14 that offers a lower resistance when performing high repetition exercises. Conversely, a user may choose to use a resistance band 14 that offers a higher resistance when performing low repetition exercises.

Still referring to FIG. 12, one advantage of the exercise kit 38 over, for example, a squat rack found in a typical, commercial gym is the size of the exercise kit 38 in comparison to the size of the squat rack. A user that is interested in exercising at home (or otherwise outside of a commercial gym setting) can easily store the exercise kit 38 as that would only require the user to have the space for a waist band 12 and several resistance bands 14. The same cannot be said for a squat rack. All but the most dedicated users are not likely willing to or are not able to dedicate the space necessary to have a squat rack at home (or otherwise outside of a commercial gym setting).

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the figures illustrate a method for a user to exercise using the exercise band 10. The method includes providing an exercise band 10 that includes a waist band 12 and a resistance band 14, as previously described. In use, the waist band 12 is wrapped around the waist of a user. Specifically, the waist band 12 is partially wrapped around a rear waist of the user such that at least a portion of the elongate strap 16 of the waist band 12 is located above a user's glutes. When properly positioned, the first end 18 and second end 20 of the waist band 12 should be in front of the user so that a resistance band 14 attached to the waist band 12 will also be in front of the user.

It will be appreciated that the first and second ends 18, 20 of the elongate strap 16 of the waist band 12 are to be disconnected from each other during use of the exercise band 10 (e.g., unlike a lifting belt). In other words, when the waist band 12 is wrapped around the waist of a user, the ends 18, 20 of the waist band 12 are not directly connected to each other. Such a configuration permits the waist band 12 to better conform to the waist of user throughout an exercise as the user's body moves. For example, the disconnected waist band 12 can adapt to the changing contours of one's waist from a standing position to a squat position, as during a squat exercise. Similarly, the ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 are disconnected from each other during use. Further, the ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 are not connected to a common end (e.g., a first end 18 or second end 20) of the waist band 12 and the ends 18, 20 of the waist band 12 are not connected to a common end (e.g., a first end 32 or second end 34) of the resistance band 14.

The method also includes crossing the resistance band 14 in front of the user. Specifically, portions of the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14 should be crossed such that the resistance band 14 intersects itself and the intersection of the resistance band 14 with itself should take place in front of the user. Crossing the resistance band 14 in this manner helps to maintain the exercise band 10 in place around a user's waist while a user is exercising. Further, crossing the resistance band 14 in front of the user functions to help keep the ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 out of the way of the user during exercise. At least in this way, the exercise band 10 is configured to interfere less with a user and a user's motion during exercise, as compared to some known prior exercise devices.

Specifically referring to FIG. 13, the figure shows a user standing on a portion of the resistance band 14. The method includes a user stepping onto a portion of the resistance band 14 in order to restrain the resistance band 14 beneath the user's feet. The user can step onto the resistance band 14 either in an upright position, thereby stretching the resistance band 14, or in a partially squatted position. Other positions are also acceptable. Stepping on the resistance band 14 prevents the resistance band 14 from moving while a user is exercising. The weight from the user's body secures a portion of the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14 to the floor. Depending on a user's preference, a resistance band 14 that is generally circular in cross-sectional profile (as shown in FIG. 1A) or a resistance band 14 that is generally flat in cross-sectional profile (as shown in FIG. 1B) may be used. A user may find it more comfortable to stand on a resistance band 14 with a generally flat cross-sectional profile as opposed to a resistance band 14 with a generally circular cross-sectional profile. Further, a user may prefer to stand on the resistance band 14 while wearing shoes or an alternative form of footwear as opposed to being barefoot or in socks.

A user should step on the resistance band 14 such that the resistance band 14 roughly forms a triangle shape, with the top vertex of the triangle formed by the resistance band 14 crossing itself near where the resistance band 14 is connected to the waist band 12 and the bottom two vertices of the triangle shape being formed by the user's feet on the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14. A user's feet should be roughly shoulder width apart on the resistance band 14. However, it will be understood that a user may prefer a narrower or a wider stance.

Specifically referring to FIG. 14, the figures shows a user in the midst of a squat exercise. The method includes performing a squat exercise with the resistance band 14 constrained beneath a user's feet. With the resistance band 14 attached to the waist band 12 and restrained beneath a user's feet, the resistance band 14 will oppose the user's motion for a portion of the squatting exercise as the resistance band 14 stretches from an unstretched or nearly unstretched position (e.g., when a user is at the bottom of the squat exercise) to a stretched position (e.g., when a user is at the top of the squat exercise). Stretching the resistance band 14 from an unstretched to a stretched position requires a user to apply additional force beyond what would be needed during a squat exercise without the exercise band 10. Thus, in opposing a user's movement the exercise band 10 requires a user to expend additional energy when performing a squat exercise thereby improving the user's exercise experience.

As demonstrated in FIG. 14, a user may perform squat exercises with the exercise band 10 and without having to use his or her hands to perform the squat exercise. For example, it is not necessary that the user hold the exercise band 10 in place on the user's waist while performing a squat exercise as may be necessary with other known exercise devices. As such, one benefit of the exercise band 10 is that a user is free to utilize their arms for other exercises while simultaneously using the exercise band 10 and performing a squat exercise. For example, as user may hold dumbbells in their hands and perform bicep curls while simultaneously performing a squat exercise with the exercise band 10. It is to be understood that other arm exercises with or without free weights could also be performed simultaneous with performing squatting exercises. Alternatively, a user may choose to hold free weights in their hands for the purpose of increasing the amount of weight that is being squatted, but not perform specific arm exercises simultaneous with their squat exercise.

Referring generally to FIGS. 13 and 14, the method also includes detaching the resistance band 14 from the waist band 12, attaching another resistance band 14 (for example, another resistance band 14 included in the exercise kit 38) to the waist band 12, and then performing the above noted steps (crossing, stepping, and performing) while using the another resistance band 14. In other words, the method for a user to exercise can be performed by a user using different resistance bands 14 that offer different levels of resistance or resistance weights. For example, a user may determine that the particular resistance band 14 that he or she is using with the exercise band 10 is not offering enough resistance to the user's movement. In that case, the user may decide to swap out their current resistance band 14 for a different resistance band 14 (or use a combination of one or more resistance bands 14) that offers more resistance to his or her movement. In this way, the exercise band 10 allows for a user to tailor his or her exercise band 10 to his or her particular exercise needs or desires. Such flexibility and personal customization is not offered by some other exercise devices known in the art.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An exercise band, comprising:

a waist band including an elongate strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the waist band is configured to be partially wrapped about a waist of a user during use, and wherein each of the first and second ends of the elongate strap includes a first connector; and

a resistance band including an elongate body having a first end and a second end, wherein the resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position through the application of a force, and wherein each of the first and second ends of the elongate body includes a second connector,

wherein the first connector at the first end of the strap is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector at the first end of the resistance band, and wherein the first connector at the second end of the strap is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector at the second end of the resistance band.

2. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein the elongate strap is stretchable so as to conform to the waist of the user.

3. The exercise band of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing tab at the first and second ends of the strap, wherein the reinforcing tab includes the first connector.

4. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein the strap includes an interior surface and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and wherein the interior surface includes an anti-slip feature to prevent slipping of the waist band when on the user.

5. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a loop or a slot.

6. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein the second connector includes a carabiner or an enlarged head piece.

7. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein the resistance band includes a substantially circular or flat cross-sectional profile.

8. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the strap are configured to be disconnected from each other during use of the exercise band.

9. An exercise kit, comprising:

a waist band including an elongate strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the waist band is configured to be at least partly wrapped about a waist of a user during use, and wherein each of the first and second ends of the elongate strap includes a first connector;

a plurality of resistance bands, wherein each resistance band includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end, wherein the resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position through the application of a force, and wherein each of the first and second ends of the elongate body includes a second connector;

wherein the first connector at the first end of the strap is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector at the first end of the resistance band, and wherein the first connector at the second end of the strap is configured to be releasably connected to the second connector at the second end of the resistance band, and

wherein each of the plurality of resistance bands in the exercise kit requires a different force for stretching the resistance band between the unstretched position and the stretched position.

10. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein the elongate strap is stretchable so as to conform to the waist of the user.

11. The exercise kit of claim 9, further comprising a reinforcing tab at the first and second ends of the strap, wherein the reinforcing tab includes the first connector.

12. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein the strap includes an interior surface and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and wherein the interior surface includes an anti-slip feature to prevent slipping of the waist band when on the user.

13. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein the first connector includes a loop or a slot.

14. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein the second connector includes a carabiner or an enlarged head piece.

15. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein the resistance band includes a substantially circular or flat cross-sectional profile.

16. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein the first and second ends of the strap are configured to be disconnected from each other during use of the exercise band.

17. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of resistance bands has a different color.

18. A method for a user to exercise, comprising:

providing an exercise band, the exercise band comprising: a waist band including an elongate strap having a first end and a second end; and a resistance band including an elongate body having a first end connected to the first end of the strap and a second end connected to the second end of the strap, wherein the resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position through the application of a force;

partially wrapping the waist band around a waist of the user such that the resistance band is in front of the user;

crossing the resistance band such that the resistance band intersects itself in front of the user;

stepping onto a portion of the resistance band to restrain the resistance band beneath the user's feet; and

performing squatting exercises with the resistance band restrained beneath the user's feet such that the resistance band opposes the user's movement for a portion of the squatting exercise.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of performing squatting exercises may be hands free.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising performing arm exercises simultaneous with performing squatting exercises.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein stepping onto a portion of the resistance band is done while the user is in at least a partially squatted position.

22. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

detaching the resistance band from the waist band;

attaching another resistance band to the waist band; and

performing the crossing step, stepping step, and performing step using the another resistance band.