Strength shorts for fitness and rehabilitation

Abstract

This invention discloses a holistic exercise device that provides exercise for the user's core muscles and legs throughout the range of motion during various physical activities by simultaneously providing counterbalancing tension to the user's core muscles and legs when performing selected physical activities. The exercise device includes a waist ring, a left thigh ring, a right thigh ring, and left and right front and rear straps, all of which are heat-fused or sewn together to provide an elastic material specifically designed for a particular user. When worn by the user, the elastic rear and front straps of the exercise device provide counterbalancing tension to various muscle groups and legs depending on the physical activity being performed, and over time, through repeated use and practice, will provide the user with improved performance or rehabilitation when subsequently performed without the exercise device.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 205,581 entitled “THE POWER SHORTES”, filed by inventor Sol Wroclawsky on December 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Background of the invention Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment utilizing elastic restraint bands and loops, and more specifically to a holistic exercise device that provides counteracting resistance to exercise the user’s core muscles and legs throughout the range of motion while performing various physical activities such as running, walking, cycling, skating, skiing and other similar physical activities. Background Technology

[0005] Running is currently one of the most popular forms of exercise in the United States. Running offers numerous benefits: improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, endurance, and stamina, calorie burning, and weight management. Running can take several forms, including jogging or steady-state running, which utilizes slow, pulsating muscle contractions to enhance endurance and aerobic fitness, and sprinting, which involves anaerobic exercise to improve muscle strength, speed, and endurance. These two forms can be combined to improve a user's performance over time, thus overcoming plateaus or learning curves in training.

[0006] For those who are not interested in exercise, are older, or are recovering from injury or surgery, walking may be a better option than running. Walking will still provide similar benefits to running, but at a different level of effort and intensity. Generally, training one's body to run or walk longer or faster requires time, patience, and perseverance, as these individuals should be training long-term and not physically overexerting their bodies beyond their current capabilities. Many runners / walkers may experience early plateaus in their training programs, or if they try to go too fast, they may suffer from burnout, fatigue, or simply lose interest in any further training.

[0007] Therefore, many kinds of devices and apparatuses have been developed to assist people in any physical activity involving running, walking, cycling, or, for the like, any activity that utilizes large muscle groups such as core muscles and legs in a coordinated, repetitive, cyclical pattern. Many of these devices and apparatuses utilize resistance bands or elastic restraints to apply resistance to the user's core muscles or legs during exercise. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,167,601, entitled "Sprinter Leg Muscle Training Device and Method," granted to Fraappier, discloses a leg muscle training device comprising a slender, elastic, and stretchable tether and a set of leg straps attached to each end of the tether. In Fraappier, static resistance is provided to the runner by a personal trainer firmly grasping one end of the tether or attaching it to an attachment point. Polyurethane surgical tubing can be used for the tether.

[0008] Numerous devices also exist that utilize treadmills with resistance bands or elastic restraints. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,123,649, entitled "Resistance Application for Connection to a Human Body," to Lee et al., discloses a treadmill with a frame attached to the rear end of the treadmill, wherein resistance attachments with ends attached to the human body are fixed to the treadmill frame to apply resistance to the human body. Another example of a device utilizing a treadmill is found in U.S. Patent No. 6,652,427, entitled "Treadmill Resistance Apparatus," to Wroclawsky, which discloses a device for use with a treadmill to exercise the user's legs and lower body through an elastomeric component attached to the user.

[0009] Another common type of exercise device utilizing resistance bands or elastic restraints is that which uses a belt or various slings with clamps attached to the user's body to establish an anchor point. Elastic cords are attached to the clamps and then connected to various straps or slings placed around different parts of the user's body, such as elbows, arms, feet, thighs, etc. An example of such an exercise device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,608,026 to Nicassio, entitled "Device for Strengthening, Training, and Rehabilating Isolated Muscle Groups Using Elastic Resistance Elements." A similar type of exercise device for a specific physical activity is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,314,437 to Trappier, entitled "TrainingHarness for Athletic Hitting and Swinging Skills."

[0010] As these examples indicate, many of these exercise devices require additional components that could make them bulkier and therefore less useful in practice, as well as more expensive to produce. Furthermore, one exercise device might be designed for running, walking, etc., while another might be designed for different physical activities, such as hitting or swinging movements in baseball, softball, or golf, and could require additional components that would make that device even bulkier and more expensive to produce. In other words, the exercise device should be usable by the user in as many different physical activities as possible.

[0011] In light of the foregoing, there is a persistent need for exercise equipment utilizing resistance bands or elastic restraints, which is integral and self-contained because it requires no additional components or parts. Furthermore, each such device should be easily and inexpensively manufactured so that each potential user will have an exercise device precisely matched to his or her current physical characteristics and abilities and meeting the needs of their intended training program. It would also be advantageous if the exercise equipment could be used in the performance or training of many physical activities (not simply limited to running, walking, or cycling). Summary of the Invention

[0012] In order to address, in whole or in part, the aforementioned problems and / or other problems that may have been observed by those skilled in the art, this disclosure provides a holistic exercise device comprising multiple resistance bands and / or elastic restraints to generate simultaneously counteracting tension on large muscle groups such as the user's core muscles and legs as the user performs various physical activities.

[0013] The exercise device according to the invention is integral and self-contained; that is, the exercise device can be used by the user without any additional equipment or accessories, and is specifically customized and manufactured for each user individually. Therefore, there is "no one size fits all," although small, medium, and large sizes of exercise devices may exist to suit a relatively large group of users.

[0014] The exercise device according to the invention comprises: (a) an elastic waist loop or belt; (b) an elastic left thigh loop; (c) an elastic right thigh loop; (d) an elastic left rear belt having a first end and a second end; (e) an elastic right rear belt having a first end and a second end; (f) an elastic left front belt having a first end and a second end; and (g) an elastic right front belt having a first end and a second end. All the elastic loops and belts in the assembled exercise device may be sewn together (by bonding nylon thread or bonding polyester thread) or heat-fused together where necessary.

[0015] When assembling the exercise equipment, the first ends of the elastic left rear strap and the first ends of the elastic right rear strap can be anchored together and connected to the middle of the rear portion of the elastic waist ring. Then, the second end of the elastic left rear strap can be connected to approximately the middle of the rear portion of the left thigh ring, and the second end of the elastic right rear strap can be connected to approximately the middle of the rear portion of the right thigh ring. To complete the assembly, the first end of the elastic left front strap can be connected to the front portion of the elastic waist ring, slightly offset to the left of the center, and the first end of the elastic right front strap can be connected to the front portion of the right thigh ring, slightly offset to the right of the center. Similarly, the second end of the elastic left front strap can be connected to approximately the middle of the rear portion of the left thigh ring, and the second end of the elastic right front strap can be connected to approximately the middle of the front portion of the right thigh ring.

[0016] As for materials used in elastic waistbands, elastic left and right thighbands, and left, right, front, and back straps, many types of materials are available from online wholesalers (such as DirecTex in Comors, California). Materials can be in the form of webbing, cord, or elastic cord. Elastic webbing can be made of nylon, polypropylene, or polyester and can be 3 / 8" to 4" wide. Elastic webbing can be braided, knitted, or woven, and one wholesaler recommends woven elastic for waistbands because it maintains its width when stretched. As for elastic bands, nylon and polypropylene webbing each have different weights and widths, so by varying the thickness, weight, length, or width of the webbing, exercise equipment with desired resistance can be produced. Industrial stitching can also be used to provide the required strength for the stitched connections in the final exercise equipment.

[0017] Once the desired webbing is selected, the exercise equipment can be manufactured as a one-piece exercise device that can be worn on or under sportswear, which is useful when exercising outdoors or in inclement weather. In other embodiments, the exercise equipment can be integrated into sportswear; as an example, the belt can be incorporated into the belt of a pair of running shorts, with the left thigh loop and right thigh loop sewn into the left and right legs of the running shorts, respectively.

[0018] A method for using the exercise equipment during specific physical activities is also disclosed, such as jogging or running, swinging a golf club or throwing a baseball, or even initiating physical therapy by walking. Clearly, users with extensive experience in a specific physical activity may design their own exercise program, possibly with the assistance of a professional coach. However, for the average user, whether for recreational activities or rehabilitation, there are certain principles applicable to the use of the holistic exercise equipment according to the invention. The general objective of the invention is to help train a user to move his or her body faster than he or she normally would, such as walking or running, so that eventually he or she will be able to run or move faster without the holistic exercise equipment. For other physical activities, such as swinging a golf club or tennis racket, the desired improvement could be a faster speed at which the golf ball is struck from the head of the golf club or the tennis ball is struck from the head of the tennis racket.

[0019] Generally, the methods and techniques used with holistic training equipment can combine techniques borrowed from high-intensity resistance or interval training. One approach is to train using holistic training equipment three times a week, with additional days for training without the equipment, or not at all. In other words, training too intensely and too frequently using holistic training equipment can slow results and lead to injury.

[0020] To avoid this situation, the methods and techniques using the omnidirectional exercise device according to the invention may include metrics for measuring physical activity performance. For example, a runner or cyclist wearing the omnidirectional exercise device typically only needs to measure their time on a designated route and compare the time spent using the omnidirectional exercise device with the time spent without it. For more complex physical activities, such as hitting a golf ball, the physical activity is more complex and there are more metrics that can be measured. An example that helps determine these metrics is the SC300i swing trainer ball release monitor, which measures the flight / total distance, impact factor, release angle, swing speed, apex (maximum height), and ball velocity of the driven golf ball. The ball release monitor is placed near the golf ball and sends the measurement data to an application on the user's cellular phone. For other sports involving hitting a ball or hockey, another device that can be used to measure ball velocity is the Pocket Radar™ Ball Coach Speed ​​Training Tool and Radar Gun.

[0021] Other devices, systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this specification, within the scope of the invention, and protected by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention can be better understood by referring to the following accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in different views.

[0023] Figure 1A A front perspective view shows an example of a specific implementation of the whole-body exercise device according to the invention, worn by a user preparing to begin physical training.

[0024] Figure 1B As shown Figure 1A The rear perspective view shown is an example of a specific implementation of the whole-body exercise device according to the present invention, worn by a user.

[0025] Figure 2A A front perspective view of another example of a specific implementation of the whole-body exercise device according to the invention, worn by a user while running or sprinting.

[0026] Figure 2B As shown Figure 2A The left perspective view shows an example of a specific implementation of the whole-body exercise device according to the present invention, worn by a user.

[0027] Figure 3 A front perspective view of another example of a specific implementation of a fully assembled unibody exercise device according to the invention is shown, wherein all components of the unibody exercise device are attached to each other by industrial stitching (not shown).

[0028] Figure 4 A front perspective view of another example of a specific implementation of the all-in-one exercise device according to the invention, worn by a user while riding a stationary exercise bike, is shown, wherein the all-in-one exercise device is worn on the outside of the user's clothing.

[0029] Figure 5A A front perspective view of another example of a specific embodiment of the all-in-one exercise device according to the invention, worn by a user while gripping a golf club and simultaneously aiming at a golf ball, is shown, wherein the all-in-one exercise device is worn inside the user's clothing and is shown in dashed lines.

[0030] Figure 5BThis is a schematic sketch showing a front perspective view of a user after completing their follow-through and before beginning their downswing.

[0031] Figure 5C This is a schematic sketch of a right-side perspective view after the user has completed their downswing and follow-through. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description of preferred and various alternative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are illustrated by way of illustration. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and various structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0033] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the one-piece exercise device, generally designated by reference character 100, is worn by a user, generally indicated by reference character 110, with front and rear views of the user shown respectively. The one-piece exercise device 100 includes the following components: (a) an elastic waistband 116; (b) an elastic left thighband 118; (c) an elastic right thighband 120; (d) an elastic left rear band 128 having a first end and a second end; (e) an elastic right rear band 130 having a first end and a second end; (f) an elastic left front band 138 having a first end and a second end; and (g) an elastic right front band 140 having a first end and a second end.

[0034] Figure 1A and Figure 1B All the elastic loops and straps of the assembled workout device are stitched together at appropriate contact points (not shown) using industrial stitching, which can be nylon or polyester, with bonded polyester being preferable for applications involving high UV, harsh weather, or salt water. An example of a common stitching pattern is the “Box-X stitch,” which should be sufficient for most implementations of a one-piece workout device. As previously mentioned, each one-piece workout device is custom-made for a specific user and should fit snugly but not tightly against the user, with the waist loop positioned substantially around the user’s waist (typically where the belt will be worn). The thigh loops are positioned approximately one and a half to two inches above the user’s knees. If the user wishes to reduce the tension provided by the rear and front straps, the thigh loops can be repositioned higher up along the user’s legs. Typically, when wearing a one-piece workout device, Figure 1A and Figure 1B Users should be aware of when and where tension will be generated by the rear and front straps when using a full-body workout device, but the full-body workout device should be held securely and comfortably in the proper position on the user's body.

[0035] Turn Figure 2A and Figure 2B The images show a front perspective view and a left perspective view of user 210 running while simultaneously wearing the full-body workout device 200. Figure 2B In the middle, when user 210 steps forward with their left leg, tension is established and stored in the elastic left rear band 228, while at the same time, the previously stored counter-tension dissipates from the elastic left front band 230. At the same time, a similar process occurs on the right side of user 210, as user 12's right leg steps forward as user 12's left leg retracts.

[0036] The elastic left-right and front-back bands of the whole-body exercise device 100 provide counteracting resistance to the front and back of the user's left and right legs via elastic left thigh ring 18 and elastic right thigh ring 20, respectively. This results in a faster rate of movement toward the user's legs when exercise (in this case, running) is performed in a controlled, repetitive manner over an extended period of time. That is, the whole-body exercise device 100 is used as a high-intensity resistance interval training device to improve speed, endurance, and strength, followed by running without the assistance of the whole-body exercise device.

[0037] In other words, the holistic exercise device 100 is designed to train users to move faster when performing specific physical activities using counter-resistance assistance. This can be characterized by utilizing rebound energy or a trampoline effect to enable users to perform the exercise faster than otherwise possible. Another method of high-intensity interval training is downhill running, which forces the user's body to move at a rate faster than it would normally be able to. The disadvantage of downhill running is that this type of running is more prone to injury because there is a tendency for users to run too fast. In contrast, using a holistic exercise device allows users to utilize resistance in a more efficient, safer, and more controlled manner. Once the user removes the holistic exercise device, muscle memory enables the user to run faster than before.

[0038] Figure 3A front perspective view of another example of a specific embodiment of a fully assembled one-piece exercise device 300 according to the invention is shown, wherein all components of the one-piece exercise device are attached to each other by industrial stitching (not shown). The one-piece exercise device 300 includes a waist loop 316, which may be made of woven elastic nylon or polypropylene strap, the length of which is equal to the intended waist circumference of the user plus an additional 1-2" such that the ends of the waist strap can be sewn or heat-fused together. Once the waist loop 316 is formed, the first ends of the left rear strap 328 and the right rear strap 330 are attached together and then the two first ends are attached to the inside of the waist loop 316 at the center of the inner rear portion (at attachment point 314). The second ends of the left rear strap 328 and the right rear strap 330 are respectively attached to the outer side of the center of the left thigh loop 318 and the outer side of the center of the right thigh loop 320.

[0039] Figure 4 A right-side perspective view shows another example of a specific embodiment of the one-piece exercise device according to the invention worn by a user while riding a stationary exercise bike, wherein the one-piece exercise device 400 is worn on the outside of the user's clothing. During this physical activity, the one-piece exercise device is used in conjunction with... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exercise is performed on the user's legs in a manner similar to that of a runner or walker. However, the examples illustrate that the omni-purpose exercise equipment according to the invention can be used in conjunction with other exercise equipment, such as bicycles or treadmills, without requiring any additional equipment or accessories beyond the omni-purpose exercise itself.

[0040] Figure 5A A schematic front perspective view of another example of a specific embodiment of the one-piece exercise device according to the invention, worn by a user while gripping a golf club and simultaneously aiming at the golf ball, is shown, wherein the one-piece exercise device is worn inside the user's clothing and is shown in dashed lines. In this view, the user is in a neutral position and there is no tension on the left-right and front-back elastic bands.

[0041] Figure 5B This is a schematic sketch of a front perspective view of a user after completing their backswing and before beginning their downswing. As the user (who is right-handed) begins their backswing, greater tension is built in the core muscles and legs on the user's left side as they move from a neutral position to the completion of the backswing.

[0042] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5BThe diagram shows a schematic sketch of a right-side perspective view of a user after completing their downswing and rotating their hips, thereby increasing tension on their right side and simultaneously decreasing tension on their left side. The swing movement ends with follow-through and maximum tension on the right side of the user's body. Therefore, the tension applied to the left and right sides of the user's core and leg muscles trains these muscles to move faster and with greater force.

[0043] A block diagram illustrates a method for performing specific physical activities using a one-piece exercise device according to the invention, worn by a user. The method begins in step 602, and in step 604, the user puts on their one-piece exercise device and determines whether the device fits snugly and comfortably with the desired tension in the left, right, front, and back straps. In decision step 606, if the user determines that their one-piece exercise device needs adjustment, they proceed to step 608, where any necessary adjustments are made, after which the user returns to decision step 606. These steps are necessary because each one-piece exercise device must be properly fitted to each individual user for most effective use of the exercise device.

[0044] Once the user is satisfied with their overall workout device in step 606, the process proceeds to step 610, where the user trains with their chosen workout routine while wearing the device. While performing their workout routine, the user simultaneously measures their performance on the routine; for example, for basic running or cycling, the applicable metric is typically simply the time taken to complete a specific distance. For measuring a golf swing, the aforementioned swing trainer exists, and for crunches and sit-ups, the metric can simply be the number of repetitions performed within a specific time period.

[0045] The next step is optional step 612, which only recommends or suggests that the user should not repeat exercises using only the whole-body workout device. In step 614, the user trains with his / her chosen workout routine without wearing his / her whole-body workout device, while measuring his / her performance on the workout routine. In decision step 616, the user reviews the metrics from the workout with and without the whole-body workout device and determines whether to continue his / her current workout plan; if so, he / she returns to step 610. Otherwise, the process ends at step 618, whereby the user has several options, such as modifying his / her workout routine or modifying his / her whole-body workout device, for example, by increasing the tension of the posterior and anterior elastic bands.

[0046] In one example of a user utilizing the all-in-one training device, a weekend golfer used it while practicing his golf swing at the driving range. His practice routine consisted of hitting approximately 50 golf balls while wearing the device during a single practice session. Using the swing trainer's ball-out monitor, the user found that his driving distance with his driver improved from approximately 216 yards to approximately 260 yards. As expected, when practice time decreased, the driving distance decreased to approximately 245 yards.

Claims

1. A one-piece, self-contained exercise device, the one-piece, self-contained exercise device being configured to exercise a user's core muscles and legs throughout a range of motion while performing various physical activities, the one-piece, self-contained exercise device comprising: Elastic waistband; Elastic left thigh ring; Elastic right thigh ring; Elastic left rear band; Elastic right rear band; Elastic left anterior band; and Elastic right anterior band; The elastic left posterior band and the elastic left anterior band, as well as the elastic right posterior band and the elastic right anterior band, each together, depending on the physical activity involved, provide counteracting resistance tension to all or part of the core muscles and legs on the left and right sides of the user, respectively. The elastic ring and the belt are attached together; Furthermore, the first end of the elastic left rear band and the first end of the elastic right rear band are attached together; the first ends of the attached elastic left rear band and the elastic right rear band are attached to the inner side of the waist ring at the center of the elastic rear portion; the second end of the elastic left rear band is attached to the outer side of the center of the rear top of the elastic left thigh ring; and the second end of the elastic right rear band is attached to the outer side of the rear portion of the elastic right thigh ring. The first end of the elastic left front band is eccentrically attached to the elastic waist ring in a leftward direction, aligned with the front center of the elastic left thigh ring; the second end of the elastic left front band is attached to the front center of the elastic left thigh ring; the first end of the elastic right front band is eccentrically attached to the elastic waist ring in a rightward direction, aligned with the front center of the elastic right thigh ring; and the second end of the elastic right front band is attached to the outer side of the rear center of the elastic right thigh ring.

2. The integral, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic waist ring is formed of a certain length of elastic woven nylon webbing, the elastic woven nylon webbing being sufficient to fit snugly around the user's waist by attaching the two ends of the elastic woven nylon webbing of the specified length together to form a single elastic waist ring.

3. The integrated, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: All attachments to the elastic rings and belts of the integral, self-contained exercise device are achieved using industrial nylon or polyester stitching.

4. The integrated, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: All attachments of the elastic rings and belts of the integral, self-contained exercise device are achieved by thermally fusing the respective elastic rings and belts together.

5. The integrated, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: The dimensions and characteristics of the elastic rings and straps of the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment are designed to fit comfortably and snugly when worn by the user.

6. The integrated, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: The dimensions and characteristics of the elastic left, right, front, and back bands of the integrated, self-contained exercise device are directly designed to provide tension to the user's core and leg muscles on the left and right sides.

7. The integrated, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: The integrated, self-contained exercise equipment is integrated into sportswear such as running shorts, wherein the elastic waistband is integrated into the waistband of the running shorts, and the elastic left thigh loop and the elastic right thigh loop are integrated into the left and right legs of the running shorts, respectively.

8. A method of using the integrated, self-contained exercise device according to claim 1, the method comprising: While wearing the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment, the appropriateness of the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment is determined by the size and tension of the equipment in the elastic left, right, front, and back bands. The user performs a selected workout routine without wearing the integrated, self-contained workout device and measures a selected metric of this performance; The user performs the selected exercise routine while wearing the integrated, self-contained exercise device and measures a selected metric of this performance; The measure of performance using the omnidirectional, self-contained exercise equipment is compared with the measure of performance not using the omnidirectional, self-contained exercise equipment; In response to comparing the measure of performance using the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment with the measure of performance without using the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment, the effect of utilizing the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment and simultaneously performing exercises with the integrated, self-contained exercise equipment is evaluated; and Repeat the steps of performing the selected exercise routine while wearing the whole-body, self-contained exercise device and comparing the measure of performance using the whole-body, self-contained exercise device with the measure of performance without using the whole-body, self-contained exercise device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of determining whether the integrated, self-contained exercise device is properly fitted to the user comprises adjusting the tension in the elastic left front and left rear bands and the elastic right front and right rear bands of the integrated, self-contained exercise device by: moving the elastic left thigh ring and the elastic right thigh ring further away from the user's left and right knees, respectively, to reduce the tension in the elastic left front and left rear bands and the elastic right front and right rear bands, respectively; and alternatively, moving the elastic left thigh ring and the elastic right thigh ring closer to the left and right knees, respectively, to increase the tension in the elastic left front and left rear bands and the elastic right front and right rear bands, respectively.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the selected exercise routine comprises running along a specified route and distance and the selected metric comprises the time and distance of the run.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the selected training routine comprises hitting a golf ball from a tee, and the selected metrics comprise flight / total distance, impact factor, launch angle, swing speed, apex (maximum height), and ball speed derived from the swing trainer ball coach speed training tool and radar gun.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the selected exercise routine is throwing a baseball or medicine ball and the selected metric includes ball velocity derived from a radar gun.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of comparing selected metrics includes determining whether to terminate the selected exercise routine or modify the dimensions and characteristics of the elastic ring and band of the integral, self-contained exercise device.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of determining whether said unitary, self-contained exercise device is properly fitted to said user with respect to resistance tension in said elastic left and right front and back elastic bands comprises: The thickness, weight, length, and width of the elastic left and right front and rear bands are selected to provide the desired resistance tension to the user's left and right legs, respectively.

Images