Abstract:
A dynamically adjustable weight lifting aid that eliminates hand grip strength as the limiting factor in weight lifting, including a strap and a slidable sleeve encircling the strap. The strap has a wrist loop at one end and an attachment loop at the other end. The attachment loop is suitable for removably attaching the strap to a weight bar or other handle on a weight lifting system or machine. The wrist loop is suitable for receiving a person&#39;s wrist. Specifically, the person&#39;s hand is inserted through the wrist loop, and the person&#39;s palm contacts the slidable sleeve. The wrist loop cradles the person&#39;s wrist, and the effective diameter of the wrist loop is dynamically adjustable by the person&#39;s hand by sliding the slidable sleeve in either direction along the length of the strap. The person may then lift a weight of the weight lifting system by pulling on the strap.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/552,915 filed Mar. 12, 2004. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to weight lifting aids, and in particular, to a wrist strap adapted for use with a weight lifting system and designed to reduce reliance upon hand grip strength during weight lifting, as well as a telescoping weight bar suitable for use with the wrist strap. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Weight lifting is both a popular sport and a means of increasing physical fitness through strength training. When lifting weights, the hands and fingers of a person are typically wrapped around a bar, handle, or similar handhold such that the weight is firmly gripped and therefore manipulable by the person. If the person unexpectedly or accidentally loses a tight grip on the handhold, even momentarily, then he or she may drop the weight and/or compensate for the sudden loose grip by immediately making a stiffening, jerking, or twisting body motion. Such a quick body motion undertaken while the muscles are still under stress can lead to soft tissue or muscular injury. Similarly, if the person lacks the ability or strength to firmly grip or consistently maintain a firm grip on a weight, then he or she may be unable to participate in a conventional weight lifting regimen. 
   Accordingly, technology has been developed in an attempt to enhance the gripping ability of a person or to enable a person to lift or pull weights or other heavy objects without reliance upon strong grip strength. For example, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US 2003/0148861 published Aug. 7, 2003, for McBride, describes a grasping and lifting aid comprising a flexible strap that loops around the user&#39;s wrist then wraps around a weight bar. A portion of the strap has anti-slip properties such that the user&#39;s hand is less apt to slip when he or she grasps the wrapped weight bar. Although this device enhances a user&#39;s gripping ability by reducing slippage, it is not designed to significantly obviate the need for a strong and consistent hand grip during weight lifting. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,368 issued to Rasmussen on Sep. 29, 1998, describes a hand-held dog restraint wherein the user inserts his hand and wrist through a wrist loop, then grasps a padded hand grip on a rigid bar, the far end of which has a dog collar attachment clip. The wrist loop, therefore, does not eliminate the need to tightly grip the rigid bar, as it only serves as a back-up to keep the bar in easy reach if the user loses his or her grasp on the rigid bar. The wrist loop is not adjustable in size as it is not meant to wrap tightly around the user&#39;s wrist. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,556 issued to Saavedra on Jan. 2, 2001, describes a wrist strap apparatus for use in weight training comprising a wrist strap having a connected dependent strap portion with a spring clip or carabiner for attachment to weight training equipment. The strap is wrapped around a user&#39;s wrist and secured thereto using a hook and loop fastener. A thumb loop circles around the user&#39;s thumb to help keep the strap in place around the user&#39;s wrist. This device can remove hand grip strength as a limiting factor in weight lifting. However, once it is wrapped around a user&#39;s wrist it cannot be loosened, tightened, or otherwise adjusted to more comfortably fit around the user&#39;s wrist without first unhooking and unwrapping it, then re-wrapping it in the desired position. Such a maneuver could not be accomplished during a lift and could not be accomplished between lifts without stopping the lifting routine. Thus, this device is not designed to permit small, but potentially very comforting, adjustments of the tightness or position of the strap around the user&#39;s wrist during a lift or between lift repetitions. 
   Additionally, placement and securing of the Saavedra strap around the wrist requires the use of both of the user&#39;s hands or the assistance of another person. Thus, two of these devices could not remain attached to the ends of a typical weight bar (i.e., one device attached to each end of the bar) such that a person could walk up to the weight machine and attach the device on one end of the bar to one of his or her wrists then attach the device on the other end of the bar to his or her other wrist (unless the bar was very short). The reason for this is that once the person had secured one wrist to one device, that hand could not reach over to assist in securing the other wrist to the other device. One or both of the devices would first have to be removed from the weight machine, or alternatively the assistance of a second person would be needed. The following publications disclose similar weight lifting wrist strap devices using hook and loop fasteners for securing the device onto a user&#39;s wrist, thus resulting in the same limitations described above for the Saavedra device: U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,494 issued to Watkins et al. on Dec. 7, 1999; U.S. Des. Pat. No. D459,772 issued to Meldeau on Jul. 2, 2002; and U.S. Des. Pat. No. D464,686 issued to Silveira et al. on Oct. 22, 2002. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for lifting weights whereby hand grip strength is eliminated as the limiting factor in the weight lifting process. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple, comfortable, inexpensive, and easy-to-use device that obviates the need for a strong and steady hand grip during weight lifting. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a weight lifting aid that has a dynamically adjustable fit around a user&#39;s wrist during the weight lifting process wherein such adjustability does not require the removal of the aid from the wrist, the interruption of the weight lifting process, the use of two hands, or the assistance of others. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a weight stabilizing device adapted to be used with a conventional weight lifting system. 
   It is a yet a further object of the present invention to provide a weight lifting aid that possesses the structural strength and durability needed to function properly under the mechanical stresses to which weight lifting equipment is exposed. 
   Accordingly, a weight lifting device is provided that includes a strap and a slidable sleeve encircling the strap. The strap has a wrist loop at one end and an attachment loop at the other end. The slidable sleeve can slide over the wrist loop away from the attachment loop, thereby decreasing the effective diameter of the wrist loop. Conversely, the slidable sleeve can slide over the wrist loop toward the attachment loop, thereby increasing the effective diameter of the wrist loop. In use, the attachment loop is removably attached to a weight bar or handle of a weight lifting machine or system. A person inserts his or her hand through the wrist loop such that his or her palm comes into contact with the slidable sleeve. The person pulls on the strap such that a weight on the weight lifting system is lifted, without the need for tightly grasping a bar or handle with his or her hand and fingers. The person may adjust the effective diameter of the wrist loop by sliding the slidable sleeve at any time using his or her hand that is in contact with the slidable sleeve. Furthermore, a telescoping weight bar is provided that is suited for use in conjunction with the weight lifting device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a weight lifting apparatus  100  of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a weight lifting system  200  utilizing a pulley system  202  for lifting/lowering predefined weights, wherein two weight lifting apparatuses  100  are attached; 
       FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a portion of the telescoping cross bar  204  of the weight lifting system  200 ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a planar view of a portion of the telescoping cross bar  204  of the weight lifting system  200 ; 
       FIG. 3B  is an expanded, perspective view of a portion of the telescoping cross bar  204  of the weight lifting system  200 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the weightlifting apparatus  100  attached to the telescoping cross bar  204  by an alternative means; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a user&#39;s hand engaging the weight lifting apparatus  100  by a preferred means and pulling downward  502 ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a weight lifting apparatus  600  of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a slidable handled sleeve  612  of the weight lifting apparatus  600 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective front view of a user&#39;s hand engaging the weight lifting apparatus  600  by a preferred means; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective back view of a user&#39;s hand engaging the weight lifting apparatus  600  by a preferred means; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a user&#39;s hands engaging two weight lifting apparatuses  600  attached to a weight lifting system  200  using a preferred means; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a user&#39;s hands engaging two weight lifting apparatuses  600  attached to a weight lifting system  200  using an alternative means; and 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a user&#39;s hands engaging two weight lifting apparatuses  600  attached to a weight lifting system  200  using another alternative means. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1A , the weight lifting apparatus  100  comprises a strap  102  folded and attached together in a continuous circle or loop. The strap  102  is preferably made of one and one-half inch wide nylon, although any other material having similar flexibility, strength, and durability may be used such as leather, canvas, fabric, etc. The strap  102  preferably has an overall circumference of about twenty-four inches, although differing sizes may be used based upon the gender or preference of the user. A sliding mechanism or slidable sleeve  112  encircles the strap  102 . The slidable sleeve  112  is preferably a short tube having an inside diameter slightly smaller than the width of the strap  102 . More specifically, the slidable sleeve  112  is preferably a one and one-half inch long section of circular plastic tubing having an inside diameter of one inch, as shown in  FIG. 1B . Thus, the slidable sleeve  112  is movably attached to the strap  102  by temporarily flattening or compressing at least a portion of the strap  102  such that the strap  102  can be threaded through the center hole  124  in the slidable sleeve  112 . The slidable sleeve  112  can then be slid further along the strap  102  such that the slidable sleeve  112  is approximately centered on the strap  102 . The strap  102  therefore has a first end  104 , a middle section  116 , and a second end  106 , wherein the slidable sleeve  112  movably slides over the middle section  116 . The materials and dimensions described herein for the strap  102  and the slidable sleeve  112  are for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use different materials and dimensions. 
   After the slidable sleeve  112  is positioned over the middle section  116 , the strap  102  can be unflattened to form two loops separated by the slidable sleeve  112 . A wrist loop  118  is formed at the first end  104 , and an attachment loop  120  is formed at the second end  106 . As the slidable sleeve  112  is positioned or slid along the middle section  116  of the strap  102 , the effective diameters of the wrist loop  118  and the attachment loop  120  increase and decrease accordingly. For example, as the slidable sleeve  112  slides toward the first end  104 , the effective diameter of the wrist loop  118  decreases whereas the effective diameter of the attachment loop  120  increases. On the other hand, as the slidable sleeve  112  slides toward the second end  106 , the effective diameter of the attachment loop  120  decreases whereas the effective diameter of the wrist loop  118  increases. 
   In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , padding  108  is secured to the interior surface of at least part of wrist loop  118 . This padding  108  is preferably glued or stitched in place and is made of a material that is soft, cushiony, pliant, etc., such as foam, cotton, neoprene, and the like. The function of the padding  108  is to make the weight lifting apparatus  100  more comfortable to use by providing a soft cushion between the wrist loop  118  and the user&#39;s wrist when the user inserts his or her hand and wrist through the wrist loop  118  and pulls on the weight lifting apparatus  100 . The padding  108  is preferably generally rectangular in shape and wider than the width of the wrist loop  118  in order to make the weight lifting apparatus  100  even more comfortable to the user. That is, the wider padding  108  protects the user&#39;s skin on his or her hand and wrist from the pressure generated at the wrist loop  118  edges as the user pulls on the weight lifting apparatus  100 , thereby reducing the pinching or cutting of the wrist loop  118  edges into the back and sides of the user&#39;s hand and wrist during use. Preferred dimensions for the padding  108  are about six inches long and about two and one-half inches wide. However, the materials and dimensions described herein for the padding  108  are for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use different materials and dimensions. 
   A protective pad  110  is also preferably secured to the interior surface of at least part of the attachment loop  120  at the second end  106 . The protective pad  110  is preferably glued or stitched in place. The protective pad  110  is preferably generally rectangular in shape, about the same width as the attachment loop  120 , and about four inches long. The protective pad  110  is preferably made of rubber or similar material that reduces slippage of the attachment loop  120  when it is placed on a bar  204  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The protective pad  110  also serves to reduce wear and tear on the attachment loop  120  through use of the weight lifting apparatus  100  over time. Optionally, a spring clip  114 , carabiner, or similar removable attachment device may be attached to the attachment loop  120 . The materials and dimensions described herein for the protective pad  110  and the spring clip  114  are for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use different materials and dimensions. 
   In use, the weight lifting apparatus  100  is removably attached to a telescoping bar  204  of a weight lifting system  200  as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Specifically, the spring clip  114  is removably attached to a rotating ring  206  on an end of the telescoping bar  204 . Further views of the telescoping bar  204  are shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The weight lifting system  200  has a pulley system  202  attached to weights or other means for providing resistance, a telescoping bar  204  attached to the pulley system  202 , and rotating rings  206  to which the weight lifting apparatus  100  may be attached. Fixed rings or loops may be used in lieu of or in addition to the rotating rings  206 . The telescoping bar  204  comprises a hollow center bar  208  having two ends  212  and two extendable bars  210 , each extendable bar  210  being slidable in and out of an end  212  of the hollow center bar  208 . Each extendable bar  210  preferably has at least one, and most preferably two, ridges  214  extending along the outer surface of the extendable bar  210 . Each ridge  214  is received by a corresponding slot  216  extending along the inner surface of the hollow center bar  208 . Thus, each extendable bar  210  slides straight in and out of the hollow center bar  208  without any twisting or rotating motion, as each ridge  214  in each extendable bar  210  is contained within a corresponding slot  216  in the hollow center bar  208 . These features keep the rotating rings  206  aligned. A cap on the end of each extendable bar  210  preferably prevents each extendable bar  210  from being pushed too far into the hollow center bar  208 . 
   The extendable bars  210  may optionally contain conventional spring loaded ball bearing catches  218  spaced at intervals along the length of each extendable bar  210 , and the hollow center bar  208  may contain corresponding depressions  220  for receiving the spring loaded ball bearing catches  218 . Thus, as the extendable bars  210  slide in and out of the hollow center bar  208 , each extendable bar  210  may be temporarily held at predefined locations as the ball bearings in the spring loaded ball bearing catches  218  catch in the corresponding depressions  220 . The spring loaded ball bearing catches  218  are preferably aligned with the rotating rings. The telescoping bar  204  is preferably made of a strong, durable, and rigid material such as metal, plastic, or composite. One preferred embodiment is constructed primarily of aluminum or similar metal such as iron or steel. 
   The spring clip  114  may alternatively be attached to a ring or loop on any part of a weight lifting bar, or to a weight lifting bar or handle itself. Alternatively, the attachment loop  120  may simply be slid or looped over the end of the telescoping bar  204  of the weight lifting system  200  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Or, the attachment loop  120  may be slid or looped over any part of a weight lifting bar or handle. 
   Once the weight lifting apparatus  100  is removably attached to the weight lifting system  200 , the user inserts his or her hand through the wrist loop  118  such that his or her palm comes into contact with the slidable sleeve  112 , and the interior surface of the wrist loop  118  and/or the padding  108  contacts the user&#39;s wrist and/or the back side of the user&#39;s hand as shown in  FIG. 5 . The user may adjust the effective diameter of the wrist loop  118  by sliding the slidable sleeve  112  along the length of the strap  102  using his or her fingers and thumb. For example, the user may slide the slidable sleeve  112  toward the first end  104  of the strap  102  such that the wrist loop  118  fits snugly around the user&#39;s wrist. Alternatively, the user may slide the slidable sleeve  112  toward the second end  106  of the strap  102  such that the wrist loop  118  fits more loosely around the user&#39;s wrist. The exact placement or location of the slidable sleeve  112  along the length of the strap  102  is left up to the preference of the user. 
   Thereafter, the person simply loosely and gently rests his or her palm against the slidable sleeve  112  and/or the middle section  116  of the strap  102  during exercising. The user should not tightly grasp the slidable sleeve  112  and/or the middle section  116  of the strap  102 . Once the weight lifting apparatus  100  is properly engaged, the user pulls downward  502  on the strap  102  while keeping his or her wrist in direct alignment with his or her hand and forearm. The downward  502  motion engages the pulley system  202  of the weight lifting system  200 , and the user thereby pulls the weight, thereby exercising the desired muscles. Two weight lifting apparatuses  100  may also be used simultaneously, one for each hand, as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
   The use of the preferred slidable sleeve  112 , wrist loop  118 , and attachment loop  120  is for convenience only. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use a comparable means for changing the effective diameter of the wrist loop  118  as well as a comparable means for attaching the second end  106  of the strap  102  to a conventional weight lifting system  200  utilizing a pulley system  202 . Furthermore, the dimensions and materials described herein are for convenience purpose only. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use comparable dimensions, materials, and designs. 
   For example,  FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this alternative embodiment, a alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  comprises a strap  602  folded and attached together in a continuous circle or loop. The strap  602  is preferably made of one and on-half inch wide nylon, although any other material having similar flexibility, strength, and durability may be used such as leather, canvas, fabric, etc. The strap  602  preferably has an overall circumference of about twenty-four inches, although differing sizes may be used based upon the gender or preference of the user. A sliding mechanism or slidable handled sleeve  612  encircles the strap  602 . The slidable handled sleeve  612  is preferably a short tube having an inside diameter slightly smaller than the width of the strap  602 . More specifically, the slidable handled sleeve  612  is preferably a one and one-half inch long section of oval plastic tubing having a greatest inside diameter of about one to one and one-half inches, as shown in  FIG. 6B . Moreover, one end of the slidable handled sleeve  612  has a flare, flange, ridge, or handle  622 . Thus, the slidable handled sleeve  612  is movably attached to the strap  602  by temporarily flattening or compressing at least a portion of the strap  602  such that the strap  602  can be threaded through the center hole  624  in the slidable handled sleeve  612 . The slidable handled sleeve  612  can then be slid further along the strap  602  such that the slidable handled sleeve  612  is approximately centered on the strap  602 . The strap  602  therefore has a first end  604 , a middle section  616 , and a second end  606 , wherein the slidable handled sleeve  612  movably slides over the middle section  616 . Moreover, a portion of the middle section is preferably attached together, preferably via stitching  626 . The materials and dimensions described herein for the strap  602  and the slidable handled sleeve  612  are for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use different materials and dimensions. 
   After the slidable handled sleeve  612  is positioned over the middle section  616 , the strap  602  can be unflattened to form two loops separated by the stitching  626  in the middle section  616  and/or the slidable handled sleeve  612 . A wrist loop  618  is formed at the first end  604 , and an attachment loop  620  is formed at the second end  606 . As the slidable handled sleeve  612  is positioned or slid along the middle section  616  of the strap  602 , the effective diameters of the wrist loop  618  and the attachment loop  620  may increase or decrease accordingly. For example, as the slidable handled sleeve  612  slides over the wrist loop  618  toward the first end  604 , the effective diameter of the wrist loop  618  decreases. Conversely, as the slidable handled sleeve  612  slides over the wrist loop  618  away from the first end  604 , the effective diameter of the wrist loop  618  increases. On the other hand, as the slidable handled sleeve  612  slides over the attachment loop  620  toward the second end  606 , the effective diameter of the attachment loop  620  decreases. Conversely, as the slidable handled sleeve  612  slides over the attachment loop  620  away from the second end  606 , the effective diameter of the attachment loop  620  increases. 
   In the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6A , a tapered cuff  628  is secured to the wrist loop  618 . The tapered cuff  628  has a widest mid-portion at the first end  604  and thereafter gradually narrows along both arms of the tapered cuff  628  as they near the stitching  626 . Each arm of the tapered cuff  628  preferably ends at about two inches from the stitching  626 . The tapered cuff  628  is preferably attached to the wrist loop  618  along the non-tapered edge of the tapered cuff  628  using cuff stitching or glue. An internal cavity in the tapered cuff  628  preferably contains padding material made of a material that is soft, cushiony, pliant, etc., such as foam, cotton, neoprene, and the like. The outside surface of the tapered cuff  628  is preferably made of nylon or any other material having similar flexibility, strength, and durability such as leather, canvas, fabric, etc. The function of the tapered cuff  628  is to make the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  more comfortable to use by providing a soft cushion between the wrist loop  618  and the user&#39;s wrist when the user inserts his it her hand and wrist through the wrist loop  618  and pulls on the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600 . The tapered edge of the tapered cuff  628  serves to snugly cradle the user&#39;s wrist and back of the hand in order to make the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  more comfortable to use. The tapered cuff  628  itself serves similar purposes as the padding  108  of the weight lifting apparatus  100 . Preferred dimensions for the tapered cuff  628  are about six inches long and about two and one-half inches wide at the area of maximum width. However, the materials and dimensions described herein for the tapered cuff  628  are for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use different materials and dimensions. 
   A protective pad  610  is also preferably secured to the interior surface of at least part of the attachment loop  620  at the second end  606 . The protective pad  610  is preferably glued or stitched in place. The protective pad  610  is preferably generally rectangular in shape, about the same width as the attachment loop  620 , and about four inches long. The protective pad  610  is preferably made of rubber or similar material that reduces slippage of the attachment loop  620  when it is placed on a bar  204 , similar to the depiction in  FIG. 4 . The protective pad  610  also serves to reduce wear and tear on the attachment loop  620  through use of the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  over time. Optionally, a spring clip  114 , carabiner, or similar removable attachment device may be attached to the attachment loop  620 . The materials and dimensions described herein for the protective pad  610  and the spring clip  114  are for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use different materials and dimensions. 
   In addition, a securing strap  630  preferably is also secured to the attachment loop  620  such that the length of the securing strap  630  perpendicularly traverses the length of the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600 . Specifically, the securing strap  630  is positioned and dimensioned such that it easily wraps around the attachment loop  620 . The securing strap  630  is preferably stitched to the attachment loop  620  at about the midpoint of the length of the securing strap  630 . Corresponding hook and loop fasteners are preferably stitched at each end of the securing strap  630  such that once the securing strap  630  is wrapped around the attachment loop  620 , the corresponding hook and loop fasteners can be mated to keep the securing strap  630  wrapped around the attachment loop  620 . The function of the securing strap  630  is to assist in keeping the attachment loop  620  in place on the bar  204  or any other attachment surface. Thus, once the attachment loop  620  is placed on the bar  204 , the securing strap  630  may then be wrapped around the attachment loop  620  and fastened in place using the corresponding hook and loop fasteners, thereby keeping the attachment loop  620  from slipping or otherwise moving from its intended placement. 
   The use of the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  is analogous to the use of the weight lifting apparatus  100 . In particular, the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  is removably attachable to the telescoping bar  204  of a weight lifting system  200  or to any other device. The alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  is also attachable via the spring clip  114 . Once the alternative weight lifting apparatus  600  is removably attached to the weight lifting system  200  or other device, the user inserts his or her hand through the wrist loop  618  such that his or her palm comes into contact with the slidable handled sleeve  612 , and the interior surface of the wrist loop  618  and/or the tapered cuff  628  contacts the user&#39;s wrist and/or the back side of the user&#39;s hand as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The user may adjust the effective diameter of the wrist loop  618  by sliding the slidable handled sleeve  612  along the length of the strap  602  using his or her fingers and thumb. For example, the user may slide the slidable handled sleeve  612  toward the first end  604  of the strap  602  such that the wrist loop  618  and the tapered cuff  628  fit snugly around the user&#39;s wrist. Alternatively, the user may slide the slidable handled sleeve  612  toward the second end  606  of the strap  602  such that the wrist loop  618  fits more loosely around the user&#39;s wrist. The exact placement or location of the slidable handled sleeve  612  along the length of the strap  602  is left up to the preference of the user. The action by the user of sliding the slidable handled sleeve  612  along the strap  602  is facilitated by the presence on the slidable handled sleeve  612  of the handle  622 . Specifically, the handle  622  provides a greater surface area for more easy and precise manipulation by the user&#39;s fingers and hand of the slidable handled sleeve  612 . After placing his or her hand through the wrist loop  618  and adjusting the slidable handled sleeve  612 , the user simply loosely and gently rests his or her palm against the slidable handled sleeve  612  and/or the middle section  616  of the strap  602  during exercising, similar to the use of the weight lifting apparatus  100 . Two weight lifting apparatuses  600  may be used simultaneously, one for each hand, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . 
   The use of the preferred slidable handled sleeve  612 , wrist loop  618 , and attachment loop  620  is for convenience only. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use a comparable means for changing the effective diameter of the wrist loop  618  as well as a comparable means for attaching the second end  606  of the strap  602  to a conventional weight lifting system  200  utilizing a pulley system  202 . Furthermore, the dimensions and materials described herein are for convenience purpose only. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use comparable dimensions, materials, and designs. 
   CONCLUSION 
   While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.