Abstract:
An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a user selected resistance from nearly zero resistance to the user&#39;s full body weight, the ability to easily adjust between exercises and between users, and the ability to balance the device between reconfigurations to provide for ease-of-use. The device includes an inelastic adjustable length member with two arms and a grip at both ends, and a centrally located anchor that provides for a distribution of the length between the arms. In one embodiment, the exercise device is compact and can be removably attached to a door frame. When grabbing each of the grips and uniformly pulling away from the anchor, the arms of the device center on the anchor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/410,691, filed Apr. 9, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to exercise devices, and in particular, to an exercise device having an inelastic strap that is easily configurable for use in performing a wide variety of exercises.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Resistance exercise devices allow a user to exercise by providing a resistance to the movement of a user&#39;s arms, legs, or torso. Resistance is normally provided by working one muscle against another, or against gravity, and may include elastic bands to provide an increased resistance force. The usefulness of these devices depends, in part, on the ease with which a user can perform different types of exercises, the range or number of exercises that can be performed with the device, and the ease with which different users can adjust the device according to their height, weight, strength, and/or physical limitations.  
         [0004]     Resistance exercise devices having elastic bands typically restrict the motion of a user&#39;s arms and/or legs, or the motion between the user and a support structure. Elastic exercise devices can be small, even portable, but have limited usefulness that result from their resistance characteristics, which depend on the length and elasticity of the elastic band. As a result of these characteristics, the elastic bands are useful for a specific length range, thus restricting the diversity of exercises for which it can be used. In addition, it may not be possible for different users to use the same device for the same exercise due to differences in height, weight, or strength between different users. Thus, for an elastic device to be generally useful, such as to provide a complete workout or to allow for different users, a plurality of elastic bands are required that must be easily interchangeable. No known prior art device provides the ease of use necessary to be generally useful across a wide range of exercises.  
         [0005]     Another limitation of elastic resistance exercise devices is that the resistance is inconsistent and increases with increasing displacement, and also tends to snap back when the user decreases his or her effort. While this resistance response provides for a compact design, it is problematic as it does not recreate the resistance encountered by muscles during more natural types of exercising, such as running, swimming, etc. Yet another limitation of elastic devices is the inability to support a wide range of weight of the user—typically the devices are adapted to support only the resistance provided by the user&#39;s muscles. This creates extreme limitations in the exercises that can be performed by any individual elastic device. For this reason, elastic devices must be used over a limited range of stances, further limiting the user&#39;s workout.  
         [0006]     Another type of resistance exercise device provides an inelastic strap that is attachable to a fixed location such as, for example, a door. These devices may overcome some of the limitations of the elastic devices previously discussed by providing inelastic straps that can be anchored between a door and a doorjamb. One of these devices has a fixed length strap attached to a door through a pulley system that allows the user to exercise by moving the arms in opposite directions. Another of these devices has a pair of fixed length straps anchored to a door. Both of these devices are of limited usefulness because of their fixed length and the range of exercises for which they can be used.  
         [0007]     There is a need to provide a resistance exercise device that is easily adjustable so that it can provide a complete workout for any user, including adjustments that allow a wide range of stances and exercises, and that provides resistance to the user&#39;s motion in a form that is useful for exercising. In addition, there is a need to provide such a device that is adaptable to be easily portable to enable the device to be mounted to different locations for exercising.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention solves the above-identified problems of known resistance exercise devices by providing an inelastic device that is easily adjustable over a large range of lengths, and that can provide resistance ranging from nearly zero to the full body weight of the user. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an exercise device having an elongated member with a grip at both ends and an anchor between the grips for attaching to a structure, where the length of the elongated member is adjustable and where the anchor provides for the elongated member to center on the anchor when the grips are pulled. The device therefore allows a user to easily vary the length of the device and to balance according to the forces applied to the grips. In particular, by positioning the grips equidistant to the anchor while pulling on the grips, the device effectively centers the elongated member on the anchor. Thus, for a user that positions her feet equidistant from the anchor and pulls back to support her weight on the device, the lengths of the two arms of the elongated member are distributed equally, thus creating a balanced device.  
         [0009]     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an adjustable, inelastic exercise device comprising an elongated member having a pair of ends separated by a length and a mechanism for adjusting the length. The pair of ends includes a first end having a first grip and a second end having a second grip. The device also includes an anchor having a first portion for mounting the device to a structure and a second portion to support the elongated member at a position along the length when both of the grips are pulled in a direction away from the anchor. The support and elongated member interact to provide frictional restraint with respect to the anchor as a function of the force applied to each of the pulled grips. Thus in one embodiment, the frictional restraint restrains the elongated member with the grips equidistant from the anchor when the sum of the forces is increased while the user positions each of the grips a distance of one half of the length from said anchor.  
         [0010]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an adjustable, inelastic exercise device comprising an elongated member including at least one strap, a pair of ends separated by a length, and a pair of cam buckles including a first cam buckle adjacent to one of said pair of ends and a second cam buckle adjacent to the other of said pair of ends. The length of the elongated member is adjustable according to the length of strap through the cam buckles. The device also includes an anchor having a first portion for mounting the device to a structure and a second portion to support the elongated member at a position along the length when both of the grips are pulled in a direction away from the anchor. The support and elongated member interact to provide frictional restraint with respect to the anchor as a function of the force applied to each of the pulled grips. Thus in one embodiment, the frictional restraint restrains the elongated member with the grips equidistant from the anchor when the sum of the forces is increased while the user positions each of the grips a distance of one half of the length from said anchor.  
         [0011]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide an adjustable, inelastic exercise device comprising an elongated member having a pair of ends separated by a length and a mechanism for adjusting the length. The pair of ends includes a first end having a first grip and a second end having a second grip. The device also includes an anchor having a first portion for mounting the device to a structure and a second portion to support the elongated member at a position along the length when both of the grips are pulled in a direction away from the anchor. The support and elongated member interact to provide frictional restraint with respect to the anchor as a function of the force applied to each of the pulled grips. Thus in one embodiment, the frictional restraint restrains the elongated member with the grips equidistant from the anchor when the sum of the forces is increased while the user positions each of the grips a distance of one half of the length from said anchor.  
         [0012]     One aspect of the present invention is to provide a substantially inelastic exercise device that can be anchored to a structure and that has an adjustable length that is self-centering about an anchor point upon pulling by the user.  
         [0013]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that can be anchored to a structure and exert a substantially inelastic resistance to the motion of a user through a pair of arms, each with a grip, having an adjustable length that centers about the anchor when pulled by the user.  
         [0014]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an adjustable and essentially self-centering exercise device that can support up to the full weight of the user.  
         [0015]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a portable exercise device that can be easily attachable to a structure and that can provide a complete workout of user determined intensity, resistance, and effort.  
         [0016]     These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the exercise device of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic front view of one embodiment of an exercise device of the present invention as anchored between a door and door jamb;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a partial schematic sectional view  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  showing the exercise device anchored between a door and door jamb;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is illustrative of a user performing a high row exercise with the exercise embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of the anchor portion of the exercise device of  FIG. 4 , where  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view, and  FIG. 5B  is sectional view  5 B- 5 B;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a schematic top view of the elongated member of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  having two lengthening mechanisms and two hand grips;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing details of the grip and the lengthening mechanism of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  showing the hand grip;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view showing details of the slack sleeves of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9B  is a sectional view  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A  showing details of the cam buckle and attachment of the slack sleeves to the cam buckle;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a schematic top view of an alternative elongated member embodiment having one lengthening mechanism and two finger grips;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is schematic sectional view  11 - 11  of the finger grip embodiment of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0029]      FIGS. 12A-12D  are schematic drawings illustrating the lengthening and centering of the exercise device of the present invention, where  FIG. 12A  is the initial configuration,  FIG. 12B  illustrates lengthening the elongated member, further illustrated in FIGS.  12 B′ and  12 B″,  FIG. 12C  shows the application of force to the shorter leg of the elongated member, and  FIG. 12D  shows the application of force to the grips during an exercise;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 13A-13C  are schematic drawings illustrating the lengthening and adjusting of the exercise device of the present invention having differing arm lengths, where  FIG. 13A  is the initial configuration,  FIG. 13B  shows the application of force to one of the pair of legs, and  FIG. 13C  shows the application of force to the grips during an exercise;  
         [0031]      FIG. 14A  is an alternate embodiment anchor that can be used for attaching the exercise device to a pole or railing, and  FIG. 14B  is a exercise device of the present invention anchored to a pole using the alternative anchoring embodiment of  FIG. 14A ;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 15A-15I  illustrate poses of a user using the inventive exercise device to performing exercises, where  FIG. 15A  is a reverse combination crunch,  FIG. 15B  is a single leg L-squat,  FIG. 15C  is a gymnast dip,  FIG. 15D  is a kneeling combination crunch,  FIG. 15E  is a lying leg curl,  FIG. 15F  is a hip lift,  FIG. 15G  is a front shoulder raise,  FIG. 15H  is a crunch, and  FIG. 15I  is a tricep extension; and  
         [0033]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate the device of the present invention for doing one handed exercises, where  FIG. 16A  shows interlocking the handles for one handed exercises, and  FIG. 16B  illustrates the use of the exercise device in performing a one arm high row exercise. 
     
    
       [0034]     Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]     In general, the present invention provides an inelastic exercise device that is supported by, or that can be easily attached to, a supporting structure, and that allows a user to perform a large number of exercises by easily adjusting the length of the device and thereafter balancing the device as the user transfers his weight to the device. Several of the features of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , which show the set-up and use of the device of the present invention, and which is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is a schematic front view of one embodiment of exercise device  100  that is anchored at a point A between a door D and door jamb J.  FIG. 2  is a partial sectional view  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  taken through door D and showing exercise device  100  in profile, and  FIG. 3  is illustrative of a user U exercising with the exercise device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0036]     In general, exercise device  100  includes an anchor  110  and an elongated member  120  having a pair of arms  122 , indicated as a first arm  122   a  and a second arm  122   b , on either side of the anchor, as shown schematically in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A pair of grips  123  is provided, with one positioned at the end of each arm  122 , specifically first arm  122   a  has a first grip  123   a , and second arm  122   b  has a second grip  123   b . Elongated member  120  is substantially inelastic with a length S between the pair of grips  123 , and a lengthening mechanism  135  that provides for increasing or decreasing the length S, as indicated by double arrows ΔS.  
         [0037]     Anchor  110  is used to provide a fixed anchor point for exercise device  100  and to support a user&#39;s weight as it is applied to arms  122  as indicated by an arrow F in  FIG. 2  and as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , anchor  110  is adapted for positioning exercise device  100  in a door and providing support to elongated member  120  by having an enlarged portion  111 , a strap portion  113 , and an approximately triangular shaped loop  115  for slidably supporting the elongated member. With enlarged portion  111  on the opposite side of door D from elongated member  120 , anchor  110  supports the weight of a user as grips  123  are pulled. In addition, anchor  110  provides for positioning the relative length of arms  122  as shown in  FIG. 1  by double arrow C. Thus, the total length of elongated member  120  and distribution of that length between each of arms  122  can be easily adjusted through the lengthening mechanism  135  and by pulling the ends of the elongated member.  FIG. 2  shows arms  122  each having a length L.  
         [0038]     When supported by a structure, such as door D (shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ) or a railing, pole or other support member (not shown) the inventive exercise device provides a pair of grips for a user to exercise against her weight according the user&#39;s position relative to the device, and provides for easily adjusting the length of the device. As described below, the inventive device can be used to exercise in any one of a large number of orientations according the selected adjustable length and according to where and how the user stands relative to the exercise device. In general, a user sets the exercise device to a desired length, positions herself on the ground near the exercise device, supports a portion of her body weight from the exercise device by her hands or feet, and exercises by moving her body with her weight supported by the ground and the exercise device. Examples of support on the ground and exercise device include, but are not limited to, standing on one or both legs, lying on the stomach or the back, kneeling, or by having the hands on the ground, and having the exercise device support ones weight by the hands or feet, as appropriate.  
         [0039]     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a user U is shown in one of the many exercise positions, in particular a high row exercise, gripping the pair of grips  123  with the user&#39;s hands and having the user&#39;s feet placed a horizontal distance X from anchor point A. When anchored to a door, it is preferred that anchor point A is on the inwards side of the door (that is, that the door open away from user U) so that jamb J can support the user&#39;s weight. The user U is shown leaning away from anchor point A and supporting a fraction of his or her weight through device  100 . It is apparent that user U can vary the amount of supported weight, and thus the resistance of exercise device  100 , by adjustment of his or her stance relative to anchor point A (distance X) and the length of arms  122  (length L). The user U of  FIG. 3  performs a high row exercise by moving his body in a direction E towards and away from anchor point A. Note that other exercises are also possible with the user in this position by the user moving in other directions with the user&#39;s weight supported by the ground and exercise device  100 .  
         [0040]     Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are meant to illustrate the invention, and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0041]      FIGS. 4-9  are various views of another embodiment of an exercise device  400  of the present invention. Referring first to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of exercise device  400  is shown as including an anchor  410  and an elongated member  420 . Anchor  410  includes an inelastic, flexible strap  413  having an enlarged first end  411  that is wider than the strap, and a second end that forms a loop  415 . Elongated member  420  passes through loop  415 , defining a pair of arms  422 , indicated as arm  422   a  and  422   b . Each arm  422  has a respective end  421 , shown as end  421   a  and  421   b , each forming a loop  425 , shown as loop  425   a  and  425   b , to support one of a pair of grips  423 , shown as grip  423   a  and  423   b . Elongated member  420  also includes a pair of lengthening devices or buckles  435 , shown as buckle  435   a  and  435   b , at either end of a central strap  429  that provides for the adjustment of the length of the elongated member. Specifically, strap  429  has a pair of ends  431 , indicated as  431   a  and  431   b , that pass through buckle  435   a  and  435   b , respectively. As described subsequently, elongated member  420  is substantially inelastic, with the length of the elongated member being adjustable through the action of one or both of the pair of buckles  435 .  
         [0042]      FIGS. 4, 5A  and  5 B present several views of anchor  410 , where  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the anchor and  FIG. 5B  is a sectional view  5 B- 5 B of the anchor. As noted previously, anchor  410  includes an inelastic, flexible strap  413 . It is preferred that the majority of lengths of anchor  410  and elongated member  420  are formed of materials that include, but are not limited, to straps of a webbing of a natural or synthetic material having a strength sufficient to support the weight of a device user. Preferred webbings include, but are not limited to, webbings made of nylon, polypropylene or other polymeric fibers. It is understood that a single length of flexible material according to the present invention can alternatively comprise two or more pieces that are stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to one another. It is preferred that the length of anchor  410  is from 6 to 18 inches, or more preferably, approximately 12 inches.  
         [0043]     Strap  413  has an enlarged first end  411  that is wider than the strap, and a second end  417  that is attached to the strap so as to form a loop  415 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , strap  413  has an end  502  forming the core of first end  411 . Since one of the intended uses of anchor  410  is to anchor exercise device  400  between a door and jamb, it is preferable that the end  411  include materials that are soft enough to prevent damage to a wood door or door fame, yet be sturdy enough to support the weight of a user. One embodiment that is soft yet sturdy is shown in  FIG. 5B . Specifically, strap end  502  is partially surrounded by a recessed enclosure  505  and a pillow  507  that covers the strap end and the enclosure. Strap end  502  can further be held within end  411  by gluing and stitching the strap end to enclosure  505  and pillow  507 , and by closing the pillow with one or more stitches  509 . Strap  413  passes into first end  411  through a slot  504  in enclosure  505  and through slot  501  in pillow  507 . In a preferred embodiment, first end  411  is approximately 3.5″ by 2.5″ and is oriented approximately perpendicular to strap  413 . It is also preferred that enclosure  505  is formed of a high-density, closed cell foam, and that pillow  507  is formed from a felt, and includes stitches  503 . Alternatively, a second strap or piece of another material could be sewn, glued or otherwise attached to the end of strap  413  to form end  502 . In another alternative embodiment, enclosure  505  can include another rigid member, such as a metal or hard plastic plate, to increase the rigidity of strap end  411 .  
         [0044]     Elongated member  420  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 6-9 , where  FIG. 6  is a schematic top view of the elongated member,  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one of the pair of grips  421  and the corresponding one of the pair of buckles  435 ,  FIG. 8  is a sectional view  8 - 8  of one of the pair of grips  421 , and  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view showing details of one of the pair of buckles and the adjoining strap  429 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the elongated member  420  has length S, and includes two inelastic strap portions  427 , indicated as  427   a  and  427   b , strap  429  and the pair of buckles  435  for adjusting the length S. The portion of elongated member  420  from each end to the nearest buckle has a fixed length—that is, each of the two portions from one of the pair of ends  421  to the corresponding one of the pair of buckles  435  has a fixed length. It is preferred that the length S is adjustable over a length that allows for a wide range of exercises. Preferably, length S can be varied in length from approximately 6 feet to 12 feet. Also preferably, elongated member  420  has a width of approximately 1.5″. It is also preferred that the surface finish of strap  429  and loop  415  allows the user to easily slide the elongated member  420  along anchor  410 , while providing enough friction so that there can be some mis-match in forces on the two ends  421  without the elongated member sliding through the anchor while a user is exercising.  
         [0045]     The details of one of the pair of ends  421 , including strap  429  to grip  423 , and including buckle  435  are shown in  FIGS. 7, 9A  and  9 B. Buckle  435  is a cam buckle, the design and use of which are well known in the art. Buckle  435  is attached to strap  427 , and thus the length of each of end  421  is not adjustable. Buckle  435  is also slidably accepts and grips strap  429 , allowing for adjustment of the length S.  
         [0046]     Buckle  435  has a frame  709 , a first strap bar  705 , a second strap bar  707 , and a user movable cam  711 . First strap bar  705  supports a loop of strap  427  that is preferably secured by stitches  703 . Alternatively, strap  427  can be secured to bar  705  through a second member, such as another looped strap or a plastic or metal piece that loops about bar  705  and provides a location to attach strap  427 . Strap  427  has an opposite end that is bound with stitches  701  to form a loop  425  to secure grip  423 , as described subsequently. Second strap bar  707  and cam  711  supports strap  429 . It is understood that the use of stitches as described herein to fasten strap portions can also be accomplished through the use of other methods of fastening, such as glue or by melting strap portions together.  
         [0047]     Cam  711  is spring loaded such that it normally restrains a strap  429 , and that under the action of a user, such as by pushing or pulling the cam, the cam is moved to allow the strap to move. The distance between cam  711  and bar  707  is adjusted by the user and a spring within buckle  435  by pushing on cam  711 , allowing strap  429  to slide between cam  711  and bar  707 . Thus, the length S can be adjusted by the user actuating cam  711  of buckle  435 .  
         [0048]     Grip  423  is shown in greater detail in the sectional view of  FIG. 8 . Grip  423  has a generally tubular shape, with an outer cover  801  and an inner cylindrical tubular portion  803 . Cover  801  has a length and outer diameter to allow a hand to easily grab grip  423 , and is formed from a material that permits a user to hold it while exercising. A preferred material for cover  801  is a high density foam. Portion  803  provides the strength of grip  423  and can be formed from a length and diameter of plastic or other rigid material to match the size of cover  801  and to provide space for loop  425  to pass through the center of portion  803 . Portion  803  is preferably formed from a rigid and light material, such as PVC tubing.  
         [0049]     One of the pair of free ends  431  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 9A . Each end  431  is preferably folded back, and is held in place, for example by a stitch  901 , to form an easily manipulated end. Elongated member  420  also includes several sleeves, shown as sleeves  903 ,  905   a  and  905   b  that twice surrounds strap  429  to prevent ends  431  from moving about. Specifically, sleeves  903  and  905  are placed between buckles  435 , ends  431  and strap  429 . Thus sleeves  903  and  905  restrain the portion of strap  429  from a buckle  435  to the corresponding end  431  from moving about as exercise device  420  is moved. As shown in  FIG. 9A , sleeve  903  is affixed near end  431 , while sleeves  905  can be slid along the length of strap  429 .  FIG. 9B  is a sectional view  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A  showing details of the cam buckle and attachment of sleeve  905   b . In particular,  FIG. 9B  shows a bar  907  that spans buckle  435  and a strap  909  that is attached both the bar and to sleeve  905   b . Strap  909  keeps sleeve  905   b  from sliding too far down strap  429  during adjustment of the length of the exercise device. It is preferred that sleeves  905   b  are elastic so that they can easily move and hold together the portions of strap  429 .  
         [0050]     While exercise device  400  has been described with respect to a particular embodiment, there are many alternative embodiments that are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, there are many embodiments that provide for an adjustable length, substantially inelastic, strap-like member that has an easily adjustable length and balance of the two sides of the strap-like member about the anchor. One alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , where  FIG. 10  is a schematic top view of an alternative elongated member  1020  having one cam buckle  435  as a lengthening device, and two finger grips  4001 , and  FIG. 11  is a sectional view of alternative finger grips. The use of one buckle  435  provides a lighter exercise device  400 , but results in a smaller useful range of lengths for elongated member  1020 . Finger grips  4001  include four holes  4101  for the user&#39;s fingers, and allows for exercise of one or more finger muscles. Modified finger grips can alternatively be provided as an “add-on” modification to elongated member  420 , allowing the user to switch between finger and hand grips. A variety of other add-on grip accessories, not shown, can be used with exercise device  400 , including but not limited to a rope grip for forearm development, a heel cup accessory for securing the feet to the handles for leg development exercises.  
         [0051]     The balancing and lengthening aspects of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12D , where  FIG. 12A  is an initial configuration,  FIG. 12B  illustrates lengthening the elongated member  420 , further illustrated in FIGS.  12 B′ and  12  B″,  FIG. 12C  shows the application of force to the shorter leg of the elongated member, and  FIG. 12D  shows the application of force to the grips during an exercise. For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 12A  is assumed to be an initial configuration of an anchored device, and it is assumed that the user wishes to increase the length S while keeping the pair of arms  422  the same length (approximately one half of S). First, the user actuates one or both buckles  435 .  FIG. 12B  schematically shows the result of actuating buckle  435   a  and elongating leg  422   a  as indicated by the arrows on that figure.  FIG. 12B ′ shows the user U pushing cam  711  and grabbing end  431 , and  FIG. 12B ″ shows the user pulling end  431  away from the cam, as indicated by the arrow, to shorten the device.  
         [0052]     The user then preferentially pulls on the shorter leg  422   b  as indicated by force vector F 1  of  FIG. 12C . With both of the pair of legs  422  having approximately the same, longer length, the user can then exercise, as indicated in  FIG. 12D  by applying equal forces F 2  to each handle grip. In practice, it is not necessary for the two forces of  FIG. 12D  to be equal, as the application of force to legs  422  away from anchor  410  increases the friction between elongated member  420  and the anchor, allowing the lengths to not change, even under some mis-match of applied forces. Alternatively, exercise device can be adjusted to provide shorter legs  422  by pulling on end  431  to shorten the length S.  
         [0053]     In addition to being equally balanced between the two arms, it is possible to use the inventive device to provide differing arm lengths for exercising.  FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrate the lengthening and adjusting of exercise device  400  having differing lengths of arms  422 , where  FIG. 13A  is an initial configuration,  FIG. 13B  shows the application of force to one of the pair of arms  422 , and  FIG. 13C  shows the application of force to the grips during an exercise. For illustrate purposes,  FIG. 13A  is assumed to be an initial configuration of an anchored device, and it assumed that the user wishes to adjust the length of arms  422  to different lengths. First, the user preferentially pulls on the shorter leg  422   b  as indicated by force vector F 1  of  FIG. 13B . The user can then exercise, as indicated by the equal forces F 2  of  FIG. 13C . In practice, it is not necessary for the two forces of  FIG. 13C  to be equal, since as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , as the application of force to legs  422  away from anchor  410  increases the friction between elongated member  420  and the anchor also increases. This limits the possibility that the arm lengths will change, even under some mis-match of applied forces. The adjustment of arms  422  to different lengths can be combined with the lengthening or shortening of the length S by actuating one or both of buckles  435 .  
         [0054]     Various mechanisms for providing a fixed anchor point are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide an exercise device that can be anchored in a door, about a pole, railing or stanchion, from a hook installed in a wall, or can be permanently affixed to a wall or exercise structure, for example.  FIG. 14A  is an alternate embodiment anchor  1410  that can be used for attaching the exercise device to a pole or railing, and  FIG. 14B  is an exercise device of the present invention anchored to a pole using the alternative anchoring embodiment of  FIG. 14A .  
         [0055]      FIG. 14A  shows alternative embodiment anchor  1410  which includes an adjustable loop  1419  and an anchor loop  1415 . As described subsequently, anchor  1410  is an alternative anchor, and can, for example, presents anchor loop  1415  for accepting strap  429  of elongate member  420  to form an exercise  1400 . Adjustable loop  1419  is formed from a flexible strap  1411  and a cam buckle  1412  as follows. Cam buckle  1412  can be, for example, cam buckle  435  shown in detail in  FIG. 9B . Flexible strap  1411  has a free, first end  1414  that is threaded through the cam portion of cam buckle  1412 , for example by threading the strap between the second strap bar  707  and movable cam  711  of cam buckle  435 . Flexible strap also has a second end  1418  that is attached to cam buckle  1412 , for example, by looping the second end about first strap bar  705  of cam buckle  435  and providing a stitching  1416  through a double thickness of strap  1411 . Strap  1411  thus threaded through buckle  1412  has forms an adjustable loop  1419  that can be increased or decreased in size by actuating cam buckle  1412  to release strap  1411 , moving the strap through the cam buckle, and releasing the cam. End  1414  is held against strap  1411  by a slack sleeve  1413 . An anchor loop  1415  is attached to strap  1411  by a stitching  1417 .  
         [0056]     It is preferred that the majority of lengths of anchor  1410  are formed of materials that include, but are not limited, to straps of a webbing of a natural or synthetic material having a strength sufficient to support the weight of a device user. Preferred webbings include, but are not limited to, webbings made of nylon, polypropylene or other polymeric fibers. It is understood that a single length of flexible material according to the present invention can alternatively comprise two or more pieces that are stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to one another.  
         [0057]      FIG. 14B  shows exercise device  1400  formed from anchor  1410  and elongated member  420 . Adjustable loop  1413  of anchor  1410  is tightened about a pole P, for example, by placing the adjustable loop over the top of the pole and tightened using cam buckle  1412 . Alternatively, strap  1411  can unthreaded from cam buckle  1412 , wrapped about pole P, and then threaded through the cam buckle and tightened. In either case, end  1414  is the pulled through cam buckle  1412  and adjustable loop  1419  is tightened about pole P with sufficient force to allow exercise device  1400  to support a user&#39;s weight.  
         [0058]     In addition to being attached to a pole, anchor  1410  can be tensioned to support exercise device  1400  about a railing, post, or other member. Alternately, the anchor can be attached to a carbineer that is fixed to a wall or other structure.  
         [0059]     The inventive exercise device allows for a wide range of exercises. Examples of the many exercises that are possible are presented in TABLE 1 for the inventive device placed over the top of a door.  FIGS. 3 and 15  illustrate three of the many exercise positions. In each of these positions the user has selected a length for exercise device  100  or  400 , adjusted as explained with reference to  FIG. 12  or  13 , has positioned himself on the ground a desired horizontal distance X from anchor point A with a portion of his weight being supported by the exercise device. With his weight so supported, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 15 , he moves his body in directions appropriate to the type of exercise to be performed, for example by moving his body toward or away from the wall or ground, by bending his arms or legs while supporting his weight by the exercise device, or performing other movements that exercise his muscles.  
         [0060]     Specifically illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 15  are single poses of a user U performing a variety of exercises including a high row exercise ( FIG. 3 ), a reverse combination crunch ( FIG. 15A ), a single leg L-squat ( FIG. 15B ), a gymnast dip ( FIG. 15C ), a kneeling combination crunch ( FIG. 15D ), a lying leg curl ( FIG. 15E ), a hip lift ( FIG. 15F ), a front shoulder raise ( FIG. 15G  ), a crunch ( FIG. 15H ), and a triceps extension ( FIG. 15I ). It is apparent from  FIGS. 3 and 15  that many different types of exercises are possible with the inventive exercise device according to the length of the device, the positioning of the body, and how the handles are gripped.  
         [0061]     In addition, the inventive device can be used to perform one handed exercises as illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . Specifically,  FIG. 16A  shows an exercise device  400 ′ having interlocking the ends  421   a  and  421   b  for one handed exercises, and  FIG. 16B  illustrates the use of the exercise device  400 ′ in performing a one arm high row exercise.  
                             TABLE 1                           Several Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Over the Door Anchor Exercises.            Basic Exercises   Intermediate   Advanced               Pull functions   Pull functions   Pull/lateral functions       Low row   One-arm low row   Lateral raise       High row   One-arm high row   Front shoulder raise       Pull-up   One-arm pull-up   Reverse-grip curl       High curl   One-arm high curl   Combination row/kickback       Low curl   One-arm low curl   Internal rotator cuff       Back fly   Lower chest/lat crunch   External rotator cuff       Wrist curl   Reverse-grip wrist curl   2-Way forearm flexors       Core Strength   Core Strength   Core Strength       Crunch   Kneeling combination crunch   Standing combination crunch       Reverse single leg raise   Reverse leg raise   Reverse leg raise w/hip lift       Oblique crunch   V-sit-up   Reverse oblique raise       Reverse crunch   Hip lift   V-balance       Bicycle   Reverse bicycle   Reverse combination crunch       Back Bridge       Legs   Legs   Legs       Squat   Lying hamstring pedal   Lying hamstring curl       Hip hinge   Tip-toe squat   Single-leg hip hinge       Squat lunge   Step-back lunge   Single leg L-squat       Sumo squat   Single leg squat   Diagonal Step-back lunge       Side-to-side lunge   Single calf raise   Crossover off-balance squat       Calf raise   Jumping Ski PT       Push functions   Push functions   Push functions       Standard press   One-arm incline press   Tricep kickback       Chest fly   Low chest press (outside grip)   One-arm concentration fly               Reverse crunch/push-up       Shoulder press   Reverse Push-up   combo       Overhead tricep extension   One-arm tricep extension   One-arm shoulder press       Lat-Pullovers       Gymnast dip                  
 
         [0062]     It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to those embodiments and modifications described in the specification. Modifications and variations can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention. Moreover, any one or more features of any embodiment of the invention may be combined with any one or more other features of any other embodiment of the invention, without departing from the scope of the invention.