Abstract:
A belt is provided for use during exercise and/or muscle training. The belt comprises a spine, a strap, a securing ring and a weighted source. The belt may have a permanent weighted source, a removable weighted source or both. The weight(s) are located within the spine and/or within pockets located on the spine. The strap surrounds the spine and allows the user to secure the belt to him or herself. Preferably, the strap is secured by hook and loop fasteners. The weighted belt allows the user to specifically distribute the weight along the belt for the stabilization, growth and/or memory of the user&#39;s muscles. The belt is suitable for use during, for example, exercise, weight training, muscle memory training, physical therapy and other activities.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This application is based off of provision patent application No. 60/640,993.  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to an adjustable weighted belt for use in sports, weight training, exercise, muscle therapy, scuba diving and other physical activities. The belt is especially useful in the advancement of muscle memory. The belt is constructed from a generally resilient material which allows repeated use in physical activities. The belt may be secured around the waist of the user by, for example, an adjustable hook and loop fastener system. Further, the belt has weights which may be added or removed to accommodate different individuals or different uses by a single individual.  
         [0003]     Weighted belts are generally known and used by the public for the exercise and therapeutic training of muscles. For example, it is generally known to exercise with weights attached to one&#39;s body in order to increase muscle mass for the purpose of excelling in sports. It is further known to exercise with weights attached to one&#39;s belt to repair damaged muscles, for example, during physical therapy. Further, the practice of placing weights on a belt is commonly used by deep sea divers and snorklers in order to obtain a desired buoyancy in the water.  
         [0004]     Additionally, weighted belts have been used to increase the resistance of the user while, for example, jogging. The increased weight creates extra resistance on the user&#39;s lower body, thereby stimulating muscle growth. Alternatively, belts having elastic bands attached to a stationary object have been used to increase resistance of the user&#39;s lower body, thereby increasing muscle mass over time.  
         [0005]     Weighted belts are also known to have been used after an accident to increase muscle memory and/or mass during physical therapy. Further, weighted belts are commonly used during physical therapy to increase muscle memory and/or mass for people inflicted with a number of diseases. Such weighted belts are designed to build up the user&#39;s muscles to as close to a normal condition as possible.  
         [0006]     However, existing inventions fail to teach or disclose an adjustable weighted belt which increases muscle mass and/or muscle memory in the manner disclosed in the present invention. More specifically, existing inventions fail to teach or disclose an adjustable weighted belt which has a spine which is preferably thin, flexible and strong and which has a plurality of pockets for accepting removable weights. Further, existing weighted belts do not allow the user to increase muscle memory through different weight distribution specific to the individual.  
         [0007]     Additionally, previous weighted belts are also not particularly useful in the requisite precise training necessary in many sports, such as, for example, baseball, softball, tennis, hockey and golf. More specifically, a common problem for many young, and even veteran, baseball and softball players is retaining the proper muscle memory for consistent muscle movement in, for example, pitching and/or throwing, for example, a baseball or softball. Use of the weighted belts in the prior art do not develop the requisite muscle memory precision required to excel in such sports.  
         [0008]     Still further, the prior art does not teach or disclose a method for using a weighted belt for developing the precise muscle memory required to excel in many sports. In addition, the prior art does not teach or disclose a method for using a weighted belt which increases muscle mass in the manner described in the present invention.  
         [0009]     A need, therefore, exists for an improved adjustable weighted belt and a method for using the same which overcome deficiencies of known weighted belts and methods. Additionally, a need exists for an adjustable weighted belt which may increases muscle mass and/or memory for athletes, people exercising or people undergoing physical therapy.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention generally relates to an adjustable weighted belt for use in sports, weight training, exercise, muscle therapy, scuba diving and other physical activities. The belt is especially useful in the advancement of muscle memory. Additionally, the present invention provides an adjustable weighted belt which may increase a user&#39;s performance in sports, weight training, exercise, muscle therapy and memory, scuba diving and other physical activities through the selective distribution and stabilization of the weights on the belt by the individual. Further, the invention relates to a method for using an adjustable weighted belt for ports, weight training, exercise, muscle therapy and memory, under water diving and other physical activities. The method of the present invention allows the user to precisely select the proper weight distribution of the belt as required by the specific training of the user. As a result, the muscle groups of the user may become stabilized.  
         [0011]     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable weighted belt is provided. The adjustable weighted belt has a spine, a strap and a securing ring. The weighted belt also has a single or plurality of weights which are permanently secured within the belt.  
         [0012]     In an embodiment, the adjustable weighted belt of the present invention has a single or plurality of weights which may be selectively added to or removed from the belt.  
         [0013]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the removable weights are BBs which allow the precise weight adjustments of the belt.  
         [0014]     In an embodiment, the adjustable weighted belt of the present invention has a plurality of pockets for accepting the removable weights.  
         [0015]     In still another embodiment, the pockets of the adjustable weighted belt of the present invention have a plurality of buttons, snaps or zippers for securing the removable weights inside the pockets of the belt.  
         [0016]     In an embodiment, the pockets may securely hold a liquid.  
         [0017]     In another embodiment, the pockets may be constructed from a material that is flexible.  
         [0018]     In still another embodiment, the adjustable weighted belt has removable and non-removable weights.  
         [0019]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the weighted belt has a hook and loop fastener on the strap.  
         [0020]     In an embodiment of the present invention, the weighted belt has an opening in the spine which allows the user to adjust the location and amount of weight to be added to the belt.  
         [0021]     Yet another embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of separate pockets above and below the strap.  
         [0022]     Still another embodiment of the present invention has the strap overlapping with a plurality of pockets.  
         [0023]     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable weighted belt for use in sports, weight training, exercise, muscle therapy and memory, scuba diving and other physical activities and a method of using the same.  
         [0024]     It is further an advantage of the present invention to provide an adjustable weighted belt which increases the flexibility of the user&#39;s torso.  
         [0025]     A further advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved adjustable weighted belt which is suitable for the rigorous use associated with continues daily use of weighted belts in sports.  
         [0026]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which is thin.  
         [0027]     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which does not dig into the body of the user.  
         [0028]     And another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which increases the muscle memory of the user through adjustable weighted distribution and stabilization.  
         [0029]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which allows isolated muscle stimulation during physical activity.  
         [0030]     A further advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which may have permanent weights attached.  
         [0031]     Another advantage of the present invention is to improve the performance of an athlete&#39;s swing in baseball, softball, tennis or golf.  
         [0032]     Still another advantage of the present invention is the ability of the belt to repair damaged muscles of the user.  
         [0033]     And another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which is capable of holding heating or cooling devices to reduce pain and/or help in the healing of a user.  
         [0034]     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a weighted belt which assists in increasing the fat burned by the user and increasing muscle gain during physical activity.  
         [0035]     A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a weighted belt which decreases the stress and shock on the user during physical activity.  
         [0036]     And another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which keeps the body balanced in a power position on the back leg of the user throughout the release of power in a swing or a throw.  
         [0037]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt that will not hinder the movement of the torso.  
         [0038]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which will not dig into the hips of the user.  
         [0039]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt which will enhance an athlete&#39;s muscle memory through back leg weighted distribution and dominance.  
         [0040]     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable weighted belt that will reduce the risk of arm injuries through enhanced stability and balance drills.  
         [0041]     For a more complete understanding of the above listed features and advantages of the belt, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. Further, additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side plan view of the weighted belt of the present invention in a first position.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of the weighted belt of the present invention in a first position.  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of the weighted belt in the first position.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of the weighted belt of the present invention in the second position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]     The present invention generally relates to a weighted belt and a method of using the same. In addition, the present invention provides a weighted belt wherein the belt is used to increase muscle mass and advance muscle memory. In addition, the present invention is useful in sports, weight training, exercise, muscle therapy, scuba diving and other physical activities. The belt is secured around the waist of the user by, for example, an adjustable hook and loop fastener system. Further, the belt has weights which may be added or removed to accommodate different individuals or different uses by a single individual.  
         [0047]     Referring now to the drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  illustrates a belt  1  in a first position. The belt  1  may generally be in the shape of, for example, an oval; however, the belt  1  may be generally rectangular, spherical or any other shape. Further, the belt  1  may have a top side  3 , a bottom side  5 , a first side  7  and a second side  9 . Still further, the belt  1  may have a front  11  and a back  13  (as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0048]     The belt  1  may also have a spine  15  which may be constructed from, for example, Lycra, neoprene, EVA foam, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, nylon or any other suitable material. Further, the spine  15  should be relatively thin, flexible and strong. More specifically, the spine  15  should be strong enough to be able to support a weight  31  or a plurality of weights  31 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a one pound weight  31 , but it should be understood that any weight may be used.  
         [0049]     The spine  15  of the belt  1  may have a first side  10 , a second side  12   a  top side  14 , a bottom side  16 , a front side  18 , a back side  20 , an interior  21  (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) and a height  59  (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). The height  59  of the spine  15  is equal to the distance from the top side  14  to the bottom side  16  of the spine  15 . The spine  15  of the belt  1  may have a plurality of pockets  17 . The pockets  17  may have, for example, a first side  19 , a second side  21 , a bottom  23 , a top  25 , a front side  26  and an opening  32  creating an interior  27 . The first side  19 , second side  21  and bottom  23  may be sealed by, for example, being sewn shut. The interior  27  of the pockets  17  may be accessed through the top  25  of the pockets  17 . A single or a plurality of weights  31  may be inserted into the interior  27  of the pockets  17  to, for example, allow the user to increase muscle resistance, thereby increasing muscle mass and/or memory while training or exercising. Preferably, the weights  31  are easily inserted and removed from the pockets  17 ; however, the weights  31  may be permanently inserted into the pockets  17 . Further, the addition of the weights  31  into the interior  27  of the pockets  17  may allow the user to, for example, develop muscle memory for proper movements while training and/or exercising. Preferably, the weights  31  are thin so as to allow the user greater movement and/or flexibility.  
         [0050]     The user may insert the single weight  31  or the plurality of weights  31  into the interior  27  of the pockets  17  of the belt  1 . More specifically, the user may alter the number, location, size and/or weight of the weights  31  depending of the desired training or exercise the user is performing.  
         [0051]     The interior  27  of the pockets  17  may hold the weights  31  (which may consist of standard metal weights, sand, liquids or any other suitable material) to weigh down the belt  1 . Further, the pockets  17  may be used to store personal items of the user, such as, for example, a wallet, a phone, keys, money or the like.  
         [0052]     The number of and total weight of the weights  31  added to the belt  1  depend on the user and the desired function of the belt  1 . It is recommended that younger users insert no more than approximately five pounds of additional weight into the belt, whereas adults are recommend to add no more than approximately ten pounds of additional weight to the belt  1 . Of course, the specific amount of weights  31  added to the belt  1  depend on such factors as, for example, the size, the age and the maturity of the individual using the belt  1  as well as the desired function of the belt  1  and possible doctor recommendations.  
         [0053]     The pockets  17  may be secured to the spine  15  in a water-tight manner so as to prohibit a liquid from entering or exiting the pockets  17  anywhere except for the opening  32  of the pockets  17 . The pockets  17  may be rigid or the pockets  17  may be constructed from a material which is flexible. More specifically, the pockets  17  may expand to accept the weights  31  and may retract when empty.  
         [0054]     In addition to weights  31 , the pockets  17  may be filled with a cooling device or a heating device. Such cooling and heating devices or patches are commonly used in sports and other physical activities. The cooling or heating devices may be used to repair injured muscles and/or reduce pain and/or stiffness suffered by the user. For example, ice and/or chemical heating and/or cooling devices may be inserted into the pockets  17  of the weighted belt  1 .  
         [0055]     Attached to the spine  15  of the belt  1  may be a strap  37 . The strap  37  is preferable rectangular in shape, but may be, for example, oval or any other shape. The strap  37  may have a first side  39 , a second side  41 , a top side  43  a bottom side  45 , a front side  47  and a back side  49 . More specifically, the strap  37  may be attached to the spine  15  of the belt  1  by, for example, being sewn along a plurality of lines  50  connecting the back side  49  of the strap  37  to the front side  18  of the spine  15 .  FIG. 1  illustrates seven sewn lines  50  and six pockets  17 ; however, it should be understood that any number of sewn lines  50  and/or pockets  17  may be implemented in the belt  1 . Further, the strap  37  may be connected to the spine  15  by means other than being sewn.  
         [0056]     The pockets  17  of the spine  15  may, for example, extend under the strap  37 . More specifically, the back side  49  of the strap  37  may be in contact with the front side  26  of the pockets  17 . The first side  19  and second side  21  of the pockets  17  may be, for example, substantially the same size as the height  59  ( FIG. 2  illustrates somewhat smaller pockets  17 ) of the spine  15 . If the pockets  17  are located under the strap  37 , the strap  37  may be stretched and bulge around the pockets  17  creating a series of bumps on the strap  37  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 2  wherein like numbers refer to like parts, a flap  51  may be located at, for example, the top  25  of the pockets  17 . The flap  51  may have, for example, an opening  53  which may be secured by a button  55  on the front side  26  of the pockets  17 . Preferably, there is one button  55  for each pocket  17 ; however, a plurality of buttons  55  per pocket  17  may be implemented.  
         [0058]     In another embodiment, the pockets  17  may be secured by, for example, a zipper  56  located at the top  25  of the pockets  17 . It should be understood that although the figures illustrate a button  55  and a zipper  56 , any means, for example, a snap button, a hook and loop fastener or any other means may be used for securing the contents of the pockets  17 .  
         [0059]     The user may add weight to the pockets  17  of the belt  1  by, for example, inserting metal weights  31  or the like into the pockets  17 . More specifically, the user may place the weight inside a selected pocket or a plurality of pockets  17  at specific locations on the belt  1  so as to train and/or build muscle mass in specific parts of the body. Further, the user may alter the amount of weights  31  in one or all the pockets  17  depending on the training the user is performing.  
         [0060]     The pockets  17  of the spine  15  may also be, for example, manufactured with weights  31  already secured inside. In this embodiment, the user would not be able to alter the amount or weights  31  within the pockets  17  of the spine  15 . Further, in this embodiment, the pockets  17  would not contain an opening  53  secured by a button  55 , a zipper  56  or the like. More specifically, the interior  27  of the pockets  17  would not be accessible by the user.  
         [0061]     The strap  37  of the belt  1  may have a hook and loop fastener system  60  (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) and a securing ring  61 . The securing ring  61  may have a top side  62  and a bottom side  63 . The securing ring  61  is preferably a “D-ring”, but may be of any other shape suitable for securing a portion of the strap  37 . The securing ring  61  is preferably constructed from a tough, smooth material such as, for example, metal, plastic or any other suitable material. Preferably, the securing ring  61  has no rough edges in which the user may be scratched and/or injured. Further, the securing ring  61  is preferably round on the top side  62  and flat on the bottom side  63 . The construction of the securing ring  61  is generally known in the art and will not be discussed in further detail herein.  
         [0062]     The securing ring  61  may be partially secured by, for example, a portion of the second side  41  of the strap  37 . More specifically, a portion of the securing device  61  may be sewn into a portion of the second side  41  of the strap  37 . The portion of the securing ring  61  sewn into the second side  41  of the strap  37  is not visible in the figures nor in the actual functional belt  1 .  
         [0063]     In another embodiment of the invention, the pockets  17  of the belt  1  may be located, for example, only above and/or below the strap  37 , as opposed to the pockets  17  extending underneath the strap as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the pockets  17  do not overlap with the strap  37 . More specifically, the back side  49  of the strap  37  may be in direct contact with the front side  18  of the spine  15 . As a result, the strap  37  rests substantially flat against the spine  15  of the belt  1 . More specifically, in this embodiment, the back side  49  of the strap  37  may be connected to the front side  18  of the spine  15  by, for example, being sewn together, glued together or any other suitable means for connecting the strap  37  to the spine  15 .  
         [0064]     Because the pockets  17  do not overlap with the strap  37  in this embodiment, there may be approximately twice as many pockets  17  on the belt  1  as in the embodiment in which the first side  19  and second side  21  of the pockets  17  are substantially the same length as the height  59  of the spine  15 .  
         [0065]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the strap  37  of the belt  1  may have a hook and loop fastener system  60  commonly referred to as “Velcro.” The first side  39  of the strap  37  in  FIG. 3  is inverted for illustrative purposes. Again, the belt  1  may have a plurality of hooks located on the front side  47  of the strap  37  and a plurality of loops located on the back side  49  of the strap  37 , or vice versa. Preferably, the hooks and loops extend far enough from the first side  39  of the strap  37  toward the center of the strap and from the second side  41  of the strap  37  toward the center of the strap  37  so as to allow the user to adjust the final circumference of the belt  1  as needed.  
         [0066]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the belt  1  may be secured, during actual use, in a second position. To secure the belt  1  into the second position, a portion of the strap  37  is inserted through the securing ring  61  and is locked into place on top of itself to form a circular-structure. More specifically, the first side  39  of the strap  37  is inserted through the securing ring  61  and placed on top of the strap  37  near the second side  41  of the strap  37 . The back side  49  of the first side  39  of the strap  37  has a securing device, for example, hooks from the hook and loop fastener system  60  which lock with the, for example, loops, on the front side  47  of the strap  37 .  
         [0067]     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the strap  37  of the belt  1  may also be alternatively secured by inserting a single or a plurality of buttons  68  on the strap  37  into a single or a plurality of button holes  69  also on the strap  37 . While the hook and loop fastener system  60  and buttons  68  and button holes  69  are illustrated by the figures, it should be understood that any number of methods could be implemented to secure the strap  37  onto itself, as is common in a normal belt.  
         [0068]     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , while in use, the belt  1  is fastened tightly around the torso or waist of the user. It is important that the belt  1  be tightly secured around the user so that the weights  31  and/or the belt  1  do not shift during the exercising and/or training. Because muscle memory development requires nearly identical repeated motion, the shifting of the weights  31  and/or belt  1  may impede the muscle memory process.  
         [0069]     Weights  75  may also be secured into the interior of the spine  15 . More specifically, the weights  75  of the spine  15  may be permanently secured within the interior  21  of the spine  15 . The weights  75  of the interior  21  of the spine  15  may be used in addition to the weights  31  inserted into the pockets  17  of the spine  15 .  
         [0070]     The back side  20  of the spine  15  may have, for example, a pad  76 . Alternatively, the back side  20  of the spine  15  may have a plurality of pads ( FIG. 4  illustrates a single pad). The pad  76  may allow the user to wear the belt  1  more comfortably. Further, utilization of the pad  76  on the back side  20  of the spine  15  may create a more secure fit around the user&#39;s waist or torso, thereby creating more consistent movement through muscle memory.  
         [0071]     In another embodiment of the invention, the interior  21  of the spine  15  is accessible by the user. The interior  21  of the spine  15  may be accessed by, for example, a zipper  79 , a hook and loop fastener system, buttons or any other securing device. More specifically, the user may insert weights  31  into the interior  21  of the spine  15  in addition to, or as opposed to, the utilization of pockets  17  for storing weights on the belt  1 . For example, the user may insert, for example, BBs  81  into the open interior  21  of the spine  15  or into one of a plurality of selective compartments  77  within the interior  21  of the spine  15 . The BBs may allow the user to precisely alter the total weight of the belt  1  to achieve the desired performance.  
         [0072]     In an embodiment, the belt  1  may lack any accessible pockets  17 . Instead, the belt  1  may simply have a series of compartments  100  which may be filled by a weighted object  101  during construction of the belt  1  by the manufacturer. The compartments  100  may have a height  102  which may be equal to the height  59  of the spine  15  of the belt  1 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the belt  1  with six compartments  100 , however, it should be understood that the belt  1  may have any number of compartments  100 . The weighted object  101  may be, for example, a solid metal weight, sand, BBs or any other suitable material. Preferably, the compartments  100  are separated by a thin strip  103  which may be, for example, a seam line sewn between compartments  100  to allow for greater stability of the weighted objects  101 .  
         [0073]     The strap  37  of the belt  1  may not extend entirely across the spine  15  of the belt  1 . More specifically, a first strap  105  and a second strap  106  may each be attached to the belt  1 . Further, the length of the first strap  105  and second strap  106  may be different. As stated above, either strap  105  or  106  may have a securing mechanism such as, for example, a securing ring  61  or securing clamp  110 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 5  illustrates that the height  59  of the spine  15  may remain substantially consistent. Further, the strap  37  may not extend farther than the first side  12  and/or the second side  12  of the spine  15 . In addition, the strap  37  of the belt  1  may not be attached to the first end  10  of the spine  15  or the second end  12  of the spine  15 . Instead the strap  37  may be attached to a portion of the spine  15  that is closer to the center of the spine  15  than to a portion of the spine  15  that is closer to the first end  10  or second end  12  of the spine  15 .  
         [0075]     The adjustable weighted belt  1  may allow the user to improve sports training techniques through isolated muscle stimulation. For example, in golf, the belt  1  should be fastened snugly above a golfer&#39;s hips with the weight centered over the golfer&#39;s power (back) leg. Throughout a golfer&#39;s swing, the club head must stay on the contact plane. Often, during the swing, the user may inadvertently cause the club head to shift or be pulled from the contact plane. Wearing the belt  1  may help prevent this problem. More specifically, the belt  1  may help improve the swing mechanics and cause the user to swing with consistency.  
         [0076]     The belt  1  may improve the consistency of a golfer&#39;s swing, weight shift through the ball and their hip rotation after contact with the ball. This will reduce the chance of a possible shift of the club that could result in a sliced or hooked ball. A golfer&#39;s hips must start to open at contact with the ball. If this does not happen, the front side of the golfer must pull.  
         [0077]     The belt  1  may also help the user improve his/her golf swing by enhancing the awareness of the weight  31  shift of the belt  1  within the contact plane. Further, wearing the belt  1  helps to increase the user&#39;s awareness of the user&#39;s own natural swing. The belt  1 , when worn properly in golf, may eliminate some of the user&#39;s unnecessary body movement while increasing the consistency of contact with the golf ball. Further, wearing the belt  1  may allow the user to properly strike the golf ball, thus, increasing the distance the golf ball travels.  
         [0078]     In baseball and/or softball, the weighted belt  1  should be fastened snugly directly above a pitcher&#39;s (or other players) hips with the weights  31  centered over the player&#39;s power (back) leg. The belt  1  may be used from both start positions on the mound (the wind-up or the stretch). Traditionally, the most difficult problem a pitcher faces while executing a pitch is trying to stay loaded on the back side (back leg) throughout the pitch. Without proper loading of the back leg, the pitcher often has difficulties in executing the desired pitch. More specifically, without proper loading, the balance of the pitcher often fails. This loss of balance often results in the improper practice of the loading technique of the player.  
         [0079]     More specifically, if the balance of the pitcher is lost, the pitcher&#39;s front side (lead arm) is often forced to play catch up with the back side (pitching arm). As a result, the pitcher often suffers from additional stress on both the pitching elbow and the shoulder. In baseball, this incorrect pitching movement is often referred to as “flying open” or “rushing.” In fact, “flying open” or “rushing” has been estimated to be the cause of approximately ninety percent of all arms that are blown out in baseball pitchers. “Flying open” or “rushing” is usually caused by the back leg of the player improperly being rushed.  
         [0080]     The adjustable weighted belt  1  of the present invention helps eliminate “flying open” or “rushing” in baseball, softball and other sports. More specifically, the belt  1  of the present invention isolates the back leg of the player throughout the pitching motion. Proper throwing of a ball requires that the player&#39;s hands “break” at the highest point in the throwing motion before the lift leg starts to descent. It is at this “break” point where stabilization of the pitcher&#39;s back side is vital. More specifically, the pitcher must isolate their back leg stabilization muscles to be successful.  
         [0081]     Most successful pitchers utilize the “80/20 method” of pitching. In the “80/20 method,” the pitcher begins the pitching movements by placing around eighty percent of his/her body weight on the back power leg and around twenty percent of his/her weight on the front leg. This weight ratio is used through the first step of the pitching motion. Successful pitchers often practice “riding” their back out until the front leg makes contact with the ground. When the front leg makes contact with the ground, the pitcher&#39;s hips take over and open, allowing the pitcher&#39;s torso to come through the pitching motion smoothly. When the pitcher&#39;s front leg makes contact with the ground, most of the pitcher&#39;s weight is shifted from the back leg to the front leg. The pitcher&#39;s hips then close and the power from the back leg and torso is shifted to the front leg.  
         [0082]     Proper use of the “80/20 method” helps guide the pitcher&#39;s throwing arm to the target without unnecessary stress on the pitcher&#39;s elbow, shoulder and/or arm ligaments. The belt  1  of the present invention helps the pitcher achieve this “80/20 method” by, for example, enhancing muscle memory of the pitcher&#39;s back leg. More specifically, the belt  1  allows the isolation of the pitcher&#39;s back leg, thereby increasing muscle memory. As a result, the pitcher may focus on the specific power muscle groups that will enhance the pitcher&#39;s consistency through this enhanced practice performance technique.  
         [0083]     The weighted belt  1  of the present invention is also useful in teaching proper techniques for hitting a baseball and softball. For hitting, the belt  1  should be fastened snugly directly above the hips of the hitter with the weight centered over the hitter&#39;s power leg (back leg). Often, hitters have a difficult time staying back. This is typically referred to as “lunging” or “slapping” at the ball. It is speculated that “lunging” or “slapping” is the result of the high amount of off-speed pitches that hitters face today. Knowing that a hitter often has difficulty in staying back dramatically increases the odds that the pitcher will be successful against the hitter.  
         [0084]     “Lunging” changes a hitter&#39;s visual plane causing the ball to seem lower than it is in reality. As a result, the hitter often swings wildly. Properly wearing the weighted belt  1  of the present invention helps improve the hand-eye coordination through isolated back leg batting practice drills. The weighted belt  1  may also increases hitting and/or pitching success by increasing the flexibility of the user&#39;s torso through repeated muscle training.  
         [0085]     The above detailed description demonstrates an adjustable weighted belt  1  which may assist an individual in, for example, the exercise, training and/or physical therapy of the individual&#39;s body. The belt  1  is especially useful for developing muscle memory. The belt  1  is generally worn around the waist of the user; however, a smaller belt  1  may be utilized around a leg or an arm for specific limb training. Although the detailed description only describes the use of the belt  1  in baseball, softball and golf, a user may use the belt  1  to improve his/her play in many other sports and/or physical activities, such as, tennis.  
         [0086]     Although embodiments of the present invention are shown and described therein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.