Patent Publication Number: US-2021178219-A1

Title: Hand-held device for exercising and stablizing muscles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to and is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/927,704, Attorney Docket Number BMOT-0001-01U00US, entitled “BRACE WITH STRAP FOR EXERCISING STABILITY MUSCLES,” with filing date Mar. 21, 2018, which claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/475,125, Attorney Docket Number BMOT-P001, entitled “BRACE WITH STRAP FOR EXERCISING STABILITY MUSCLES,” with filing date Mar. 22, 2017, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of physical training. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to equipment for performing physical training exercises to strengthen and develop stability muscles and ligaments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Most physical training regiments involve a series of strength training exercises performed with free-weights (e.g., dumbbells, barbells, etc.) or strength training machines (e.g., weight lifting machines or resistance machines) to develop muscles and increase the strength of the person. Strength training has been shown to increase vascular health, promote bone density, prevent muscle loss, reduce resting blood pressure, improve blood flow, help control blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, and improve balance and coordination. 
     Strength training with free-weights enables a full range of motion and places greater demand on stabilizing muscles compared to machine strength training. However, free-weights require using proper skill and technique to avoid injury and prevent unbalanced development of muscle groups. Furthermore, strength training with heavier free-weights may require the use of a spotter to avoid severe injury. 
     Strength training machines solve many of the problems that may occur when training with free-weights. Examples of strength training machines include pull-down machines (e.g., cables and pulleys), leg press machines, leg extension machines, and pec deck machines. Because the range of motion is inherently limited by the configuration of the strength training machine, the risk of injury is greatly reduced. Strength training machines also do not generally require the assistance of a spotter. However, the lack of freedom of movement when using strength training machines means that stabilizer muscles and tendons are not substantially strengthened or developed during machine strength training. 
     What is needed is a device that promotes the development of stabilizer muscles which includes ligaments and tendons without increasing the risk of injury or unbalanced development of muscle groups. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exercise device is disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to exercise equipment having a hand held device (a “hand grip” or handle) for exercising and stabilizing muscles. The hand grip can be made from a firm yet deformable material such as rubber, latex, silicon, or any suitable material such as those materials commonly used for sports and exercise equipment. The material can deform slightly due force applied to the hand grip during exercise to improve the comfort of the user. The device can be opened lengthwise to wrap the hand grip around a bar, strap, handle (e.g., bike handle), or other equipment used for exercise. By gripping the device during exercise, the forces applied to the user&#39;s upper body are distributed evenly through the user&#39;s upper body and core muscles without overstimulating these muscle groups. Using hand grips during exercise can improve the user&#39;s posture, prevent injury, and activate and strengthen core and upper body stability muscles. By improving posture, exercise forces are distributed downward to the muscles being exercised and not wasted on pushing the body back and forth (e.g., side to side). 
     According to one embodiment, an exercise equipment including a hand grip made of a deformable material is disclosed. The hand grip includes a plurality of ridges disposed on a top side of the hand grip for accommodating fingers of a user of the exercise equipment, wherein the ridges align and separate the fingers to activate stability muscles of the user during exercise, and a palm grip disposed on a bottom side of the hand grip for accommodating a palm of the user. The hand grip is operable to be opened longitudinally allowing the hand grip to be wrapped around an object. 
     According to another embodiment, an exercise equipment including a weighted hand grip made of a deformable material is disclosed. The weighted hand grip is made of a deformable material and includes a plurality of finger loops disposed on a top side of the hand grip for accommodating fingers of a user of the exercise equipment, wherein the finger loops align and separate the fingers to activate stability muscles of the user during exercise, a palm grip disposed on a bottom side of the hand grip for accommodating a palm of the user, and a thumb grip disposed on the bottom side of the hand grip for accommodating a thumb of the user. 
     Embodiments describing exercise equipment including a hand grip made of a deformable material can be used in conjunction with other embodiments described herein, such as those describing an exercise device generally having a strap, a brace, and a ring, and is specially designed to assist in the development of stabilizer muscles, ligaments and tendons. The brace includes four finger straps and a thumb strap for looping around and gripping a user&#39;s fingers and thumbs, respectively. When the exercise device is used while exercising, force applied to the brace is evenly distributed to stretch and strengthen the user&#39;s hands via the hand grip and the ridges or finger loops thereof. This promotes better form and technique during lifting, which translates into stronger more flexible muscle movement and fewer injuries. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a perspective view of an exemplary exercise device for exercising stability muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagram of a top view of an exemplary exercise device for exercising stability muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary exercise device for exercising stability muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a diagram of a top view of an exemplary base strap according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary base strap according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a diagram of a top view of an exemplary finger strap of a brace according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary finger strap of a brace according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a diagram of a top view of an exemplary thumb strap of a brace according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary thumb strap of a brace according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a diagram of a top view of an exemplary ring strap used to secure the base strap according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary ring strap used to secure the base strap according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of exemplary strength training exercises, including shoulder presses and bicep curls, performed using an exemplary brace and strap for strengthening stabilizer muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of exemplary strength training exercises, including pectoral flies and pull-ups, performed using an exemplary brace and strap for strengthening stabilizer muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of exemplary strength training exercises, including front squats, performed using an exemplary brace and strap for strengthening stabilizer muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of exemplary strength training exercises, including seated shoulder presses and one-handed chest presses, performed using an exemplary brace and strap for strengthening stabilizer muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of an exemplary personal exercise device with rivets depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram of an exemplary personal exercise device with rivets and a glovelet depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart depicting an exemplary sequence of computer implemented steps for detecting an optimal weight distribution during exercise depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system upon which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram of an exemplary hand held device with finger ridges for exercising and stabilizing muscles depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16A  is a diagram of an exemplary hand grip being gripped by a user for performing exercises to strengthen the user&#39;s core muscles, stability muscles, posture, etc., according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16B  is a diagram of an exemplary hand held device attached to an exercise bike according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram of an exemplary hand held device with enclosed finger loops for exercising and stabilizing muscles depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18A  is a diagram of an exemplary hand held device with enclosed finger loops being gripped by a user for exercising and stabilizing muscles depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18B  is a diagram of an exemplary hand held device with enclosed finger loops and a strap for attaching the device to a weight or other object for exercising and stabilizing muscles depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram of an exemplary hand held device with enclosed finger and thumb loops for exercising and stabilizing muscles depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary hand held device in a resting (closed) position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary hand held device in an open position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with the alternative embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternative, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects and features of the subject matter. 
     Brace with Strap Device for Exercising Stability Muscles 
     Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to an exemplary exercise device generally having a strap, a brace, and a ring. The following discussion describes one such exemplary exercise device. 
     With regard to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary personal exercise device  100  is depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary exercise device  100  includes a base strap or belt  105 , and is designed for use by one person. One end of the base strap  105  is attached to a ring strap  115 , and another end of the base strap  105  is attached to a brace  120 . The ring strap  115  wraps around a portion of a ring  110  (e.g., a D-ring) to secure the ring  110  to an end of the base strap  105 . 
     An end of the brace  120  may be inserted through the ring  110  when a free-weight (e.g., dumbbell, barbell, or kettlebell) is placed on the middle of the base strap  105 , thereby securing the free-weight to the exercise device  100 . The user then places a finger through each loop and is able to lift (palm open and facing upward) the free-weight by applying force to the exercise device  100  while wearing or holding brace  120 . For Pilates equipment, a spring or cable can be clipped or otherwise secured to the ring. For stretching, no equipment is necessary; a user can simply place a finger through each loop, grab the base strap with the free hand and pull. 
     Brace  120  includes four finger straps or bands  125  and a thumb strap or band  130  for looping around and gripping a user&#39;s fingers and thumbs, respectively. According to some embodiments, the finger straps are 2-inch loops constructed from 4 4-inch by ½-inch polypropylene rectangles, and a distal end of each loop is heavy-sewn into the middle of each polypropylene rectangle to enhance structural integrity during exercise. 
     When the exemplary exercise device  100  is used while exercising, force applied to the brace is evenly distributed to stretch and strengthen the user&#39;s hands. A key benefit of the exercise device is activating stabilizing muscles of the hands, arms and core stability muscles. This promotes better form and technique during lifting, which translates into the ability to lift smarter, not harder, with greater core stability to avoid injuries. This is especially important for users transitioning from resistance-based strength training equipment to free weights, as their stabilizer muscles have not been used frequently and may be underdeveloped. 
     The exemplary exercise device  100  can be used in conjunction with a free weight or kettlebell, or other resistance device, such as a fixed-position bar, a resistance band, an adjustable weight, a door or doorframe, a fixed object, a barbell, a dumbbell, or any other object that can be used to provide resistant force. An end of the brace  120  may be inserted through the ring  110  to secure the resistance device to the base strap  105 , thereby securing the resistance device to the exercise device  100  for use during exercise. 
     According to other embodiments, the brace includes individual bands configured to loop around and grip digits of the user&#39;s hand. The brace is operable to transmit force from an attached resistance device uniformly through the hand and its arm to exercise stability muscles of the body responsive to hand movement. According to other embodiments, the strap is longer in length, and the brace includes individual bands configured to loop around and grip digits of the user&#39;s foot. The brace is operable to transmit force from an attached resistance device uniformly through the foot and its leg to exercise stability muscles of the body responsive to foot movement. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a top view and a side view of an exemplary exercise device  100  for exercising stability muscles are depicted, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 2A , according to some embodiments, ring strap  115  is approximately 1.25 inches long, the base strap  105  is approximately 3 inches wide, and the finger straps  125  are spaced approximately 0.13 inches apart, for instance. As depicted in  FIG. 2B , according to some embodiments, the base strap  105  is approximately  6  inches long, and ends of the base strap  105  include 0.5 inches of material folded over to improve the structure integrity of the base strap  105  and/or support heavy stitching thereof. The exercise device including the straps can be made of any flexible material of suitable strength, such as plastic, natural fabric (e.g., cloth), synthetic fabric (e.g., nylon), vinyl, rubber, or leather, for example. According to some embodiments, ends of the straps are melted or burned to seal the ends and prevent fraying/wearing. The ends of the straps may be melted using a heat source, such as a flame, hot plate, or laser, for example. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a top view and a side view of an exemplary base strap  105  are depicted, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the base strap includes heavyweight polypropylene main strap capable of withstanding  1 , 000  pounds of pull. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a side view and a top view of an exemplary finger strap  125  are depicted, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 4A , according to some embodiments, finger strap  125  includes a flat portion approximately 1.5 inches in length, a loop portion having a radius of approximately 0.35 inches, and a connecting portion roughly 0.5 inches in length, where the connecting portion is coupled to the flat portion using heavy stitches, for example. As depicted in  FIG. 4B , according to some embodiments, the total length of finger strap  125  is approximately 5 inches, and the width of finger strap  125  is approximately 0.5 inches. These dimensions are exemplary only. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a side view and a top view of an exemplary thumb strap  130  are depicted, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 5A , according to some embodiments, thumb strap  130  includes a flat portion that is approximately  2  inches long, an interior loop that is approximately 2.75 inches long, and an exterior loop that is approximately 2.5 inches long. According to some embodiments, connecting portions on either side of the interior loop are approximately 0.5 inches long, where the connecting portions are coupled to other portions of base strap  105  using heavy stitches, for example. These dimensions are exemplary only. In one embodiment the interior loop can be a first sub band and the exterior loop can be a second sub band. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a side view and a top view of an exemplary ring strap  115  for securing a base strap to a ring are depicted, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 6A , according to some embodiments, ring strap  115  is approximately 1.5 inches in length, includes a loop having a radius of approximately 0.12 inches, and a flat portion that is approximately 0.5 inches and length, where the flat portion is connected to another portion of ring strap  115  using heavy stitches, for example. These dimensions are exemplary only. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 7 through 10 , exemplary strength training exercises using exercise devices having braces and straps for strengthening stabilizer muscles are depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. The exercise devices are worn or held by the user by looping a brace of the device around the user&#39;s hands. More specifically, each of the user&#39;s fingers are inserted into a respective finger strap of the brace, and each of the user&#39;s thumbs are inserted into a thumb strap of the brace. For weight training, a strap, connected to the brace, is wrapped around a free-weight (e.g., a dumbbell) or other resistance device and inserted through a ring to secure the strap to the free-weight. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , a shoulder press exercise using an exemplary exercise device according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starting position  705 A, where the user&#39;s hands are roughly even with the user&#39;s head, palm open and upward as shown,  705 C. To reach ending position  705 B, the user lifts their hands above their head by applying an upward force to the harness. In this example, a barbell is used as the weight. In turn, the force experienced by the user&#39;s hand  705 C is evenly distributed among the user&#39;s fingers and thumb. In this way, the downward force experienced by the user&#39;s hands strengthens and stretches the hands, and further, strengthens associated stabilizer muscles. 
     An arm or bicep curl exercise using an exemplary exercise device according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starting position  710 A, where the user&#39;s palms are facing upwards, and the user&#39;s arms are roughly bent at 90 degrees. To reach ending position  710 B, the user curls their arms upward while keeping their elbows roughly stationary. Again, a barbell is shown as the weight. The harness allows the force generated by the user to be distributed evenly throughout the user&#39;s hand  710 C, thereby strengthening and stretching the hands, and further, strengthening associated stabilizer muscles. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 8 , a chest or pectoral fly exercise using an exemplary exercise device according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starting position  805 A, where the user&#39;s arms are stretched outward laterally. To reach ending position  805 B, the user lifts the resistance device (e.g., dumbbells) by brings his hands close together while maintaining arm straightness. The harness allows the force generated by the user to be distributed evenly throughout the user&#39;s hand  805 C, thereby strengthening and stretching the hands, and further, strengthening associated stabilizer muscles. 
     A pull-up exercise using an exemplary exercise device according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starting position  810 A, where the user&#39;s arms are maximally stretched while the user hangs from an exemplary exercise device wrapped around and secured to a fixed horizontal bar. To reach ending position  810 B, the user grasps the harness and pulls themselves upwards towards the horizontal fixed-position bar. The harness allows the force generated by the user to be distributed evenly throughout the user&#39;s hand  810 C, thereby strengthening and stretching the hands, and further, strengthening associated stabilizer muscles. 
     With regard to  FIG. 9 , a squat exercise (e.g., a front squat) using exemplary exercise devices and resistance devices according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starting position  905 A/ 905 C, where the user is standing straight with both hands raised near shoulder level. A pair of dumbbells are used as resistance devices. To reach ending position  905 B/ 905 D, the user squats down while maintaining a flat back (e.g., without bending forward). The harness of the exercise device allows force generated by the user to be distributed evenly throughout the user&#39;s hand  905 E, thereby strengthening and stretching the hands, and further, strengthening associated stabilizer muscles. In this way, a greater amount of weight can be used during squat exercises without substantially increasing the risk of injury. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 9 , squat exercises may be performed using dumbbells secured to an exemplary exercise device for each hand of the user, where the exemplary exercise devices evenly distribute the force generated by the user throughout the user&#39;s hand  905 E. Alternatively, squat exercises may be performed using a single barbell or kettlebell, for example, where two exemplary exercise devices (one for each hand) are attached to the same resistance device. In this situation, both hands perform the exercise at the same time instead of alternating sides. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 10 , a seated shoulder press exercise using an exemplary exercise device according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starting position  1005 A, where the user&#39;s hands are roughly even with the user&#39;s head. A pair of dumbbells are used as resistance devices. To reach ending position  1005 B, the user lifts their hands above their head by applying an upward force to the harness of the exercise device. In turn, the force experienced by the user&#39;s hand  1005 C is evenly distributed among the user&#39;s fingers and thumb. In this way, the downward force experienced by the user&#39;s hands strengthens and stretches the hands, and further, strengthens associated stabilizer muscles. 
     A one-handed chest press exercise using an exemplary exercise device according to embodiments of the present invention begins at starts at a resting position with both arms lowered. A pair of dumbbells are used as resistance devices. The user then raises one arm to a near lock-out position  1010 A. That arm is lowered and the other arm is raised in alternating fashion, as depicted in position  1010 B. The harness of the exercise device allows the force generated by the user to be distributed evenly throughout the user&#39;s hand  1010 C, thereby strengthening and stretching the hands, and further, strengthening associated stabilizer muscles. 
     With regard to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary personal exercise device  1100  with rivets is depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. Similar to person exercise device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , the personal exercise device  1100  includes a brace  1120 , and force applied to the brace  1120  is evenly distributed to stretch and strengthen the user&#39;s hands. The personal exercise device  1100  includes rivets  1135  disposed near the ends of the finger straps  1125  of brace  1120  for securing the finger straps  1125  to the strap  1105  of the exercise device  1100 . 
     Still with regard to  FIG. 11 , according to some embodiments, the rivets  1135  are sensors operable to detect the motion and/or force applied to the exercise device  1100  by the user&#39;s hand. According to some embodiments, the exercise device  1100  further includes an accelerometer operable to measure or detect motion of the user during exercise. A software application may be provided for receiving data from the sensors and/or accelerometer of the exercise device. For example, the software application can receive force and motion data from the sensors, and determine if the force is applied by the user is substantially even across the plurality of sensors. In this way, the software application can ensure that the exercise device  1100  is being used in an optimal manner, where the force applied by the user is evenly distributed across the user&#39;s fingers. 
     With regard to  FIG. 12 , an exemplary personal exercise device with rivets and a glovelet is depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. Similar to person exercise device  1100  depicted in  FIG. 11 , the personal exercise device  1200  includes a brace  1220 , and force applied to the brace  1220  is evenly distributed to stretch and strengthen the user&#39;s hands. The personal exercise device  1200  includes rivets  1235  disposed near the ends of the finger straps  1225  of brace  1220  for securing the finger straps  1225  to the strap  1205  of the exercise device  1200 . A second set of rivets  1240  is used to secure the opposite ends of the finger straps to glovelet  1245 . 
     Glovelet  1245  includes divided cavities or loops for inserting fingers, and the user performs exercises while their fingers are inserted into the glovelet  1245 . In this way, the glovelet  1245  can enhance the user&#39;s comfort while exercising and help ensure that the force applied by the user is evenly distributed across the user&#39;s fingers. The glovelet  1245  may be made from nylon, for example, or any material that is relatively strong and flexible, such as plastic, rubber, cloth, leather, etc. According to some embodiments, the rivets  1240  are sensors operable to detect the motion and/or force applied to the exercise device  1100  by the user&#39;s hand. 
     With regard to  FIG. 13 , a flow chart depicting an exemplary sequence of computer implemented steps  1300  for detecting an optimal weight distribution during exercise is depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. The steps are performed using a personal exercise having sensors, and a software application executed on a computer system (e.g., exemplary computer system  1412 ) receives data from the sensors and provides feedback to the user. The sensors of the personal exercise device may communicate with the software application using radio frequency (RF) technology, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology. 
     At step  1301 , the sensors of the exercise device detect the presence of a user&#39;s hand. The detecting may be accomplished using capacitive sensing between the user&#39;s hand and the sensors. At step  1302 , according to some embodiments, an exercise is entered or selected to configure the software application. At step  1303 , the user performs a first exercise repetition. At step  1304 , the sensors provide force and/or motion feedback to the software applications. According to some embodiments, the sensors include an accelerometer for measuring acceleration of the exercise device. At step  1305 , the software application determines if the first repetition was optimally performed. 
     According to some embodiments, determining if the first repetition was optimally performed includes determining a difference between the force measured by each sensor. If the difference in forces is below a predetermined threshold, the repetition is considered optimal. At step  1306 , the software application provides feedback to the user. The process  1300  returns to step  1303  and repeats for a second repetition. According to some embodiments, the feedback indicates if the repetition was optimally performed. According to some embodiments, the feedback indicates the difference in force measured by the sensors, and instructs the user to exert more or less force using specific fingers. According to some embodiments, the software application keeps a count of the number of repetitions that are performed optimally. 
     Embodiments of the present invention as described in  FIG. 13  may be implemented using exemplary system  1400  depicted in  FIG. 14 . In a basic configuration, computing system  1400  typically includes at least one processing unit  1401  and memory, and an address/data bus  1409  (or other interface) for communicating information. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing system environment, memory may be volatile (such as RAM  1402 ), non-volatile (such as ROM  1403 , flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. 
     Computer system  1400  may also comprise an optional graphics subsystem  1405  for presenting information to the computer user, e.g., by displaying information on a display device  1410 . In one embodiment, the processing and image enhancement of the image data received may be performed, in whole or in part, by graphics subsystem  1405  in conjunction with the processor  1401  and memory  1402 , with any resulting output displayed on display device  1410 . Computer system  1400  may be a personal computer, such as a desktop or laptop computer, or a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, for example. 
     Additionally, computing system  1400  may also have additional features/functionality. For example, computing system  1400  may also include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in  FIG. 14  by data storage device  1404 . Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. RAM  1402 , ROM  1403 , and data storage device  1404  are all examples of computer storage media. 
     Computer system  1400  also comprises an optional alphanumeric input device  1406 , an optional cursor control or directing device, and one or more signal communication interfaces (input/output devices, e.g., a network interface card)  1408 . Optional alphanumeric input device  1406  can communicate information and command selections to central processor  1401 . Optional cursor control or directing device is coupled to bus  1409  for communicating user input information and command selections to central processor  1401 . Signal communication interface (input/output device)  1408 , also coupled to bus  1409 , can be a serial port. Communication interface  1408  may also include wireless communication mechanisms. Using communication interface  1408 , computer system  1400  can be communicatively coupled to other computer systems over a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet (e.g., a local area network), or can receive data (e.g., a digital television signal). Sensor subsystem  1407  of the personal exercise device may communicate with using radio frequency (RF) technology, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology in communication interface  1408 . Sensors  1407  of the system  1400  can detect the presence of a user&#39;s hand, for example, while gripping the exercise device. The detecting may be accomplished using capacitive sensing between the user&#39;s hand and the sensors. A specific exercise can be entered or selected to configure a software application executed by processor  1401  in communication with the sensor. The sensors provide force and/or motion feedback to the software applications and can be used to detect and track exercise repetitions. According to some embodiments, the sensors include an accelerometer for measuring acceleration of the exercise device. 
     Hand-Held Device Accommodating Fingers for Exercising and Stabilizing Muscles 
     With regard to  FIG. 15 , an exemplary hand held device (a “hand grip” or handle) for exercising and stabilizing muscles is depicted according to embodiments of the present invention. The hand grip can be made from a firm yet deformable material such as rubber, latex, silicon, or any suitable material such as those materials commonly used for sports and exercise equipment. The material can deform slightly due force applied to the hand grip during exercise to improve the comfort of the user. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 15 , the top side of hand grip  1500  includes ridges  1505  that accommodate and separate the fingers of the user&#39;s hand while gripping hand grip  1500 . The bottom side of hand grip  1500  includes palm rests  1510  and  1515  for accommodating the user&#39;s palm while gripping hand grip  1500 . Hand grip  1500  can be used as an exercise device for performing stretches or body-weight exercises (e.g., pushups, pullups, etc.) to exercise muscles (e.g., core muscles or upper body), to improve the user&#39;s posture, and to strengthen stability muscles and tendons that support large muscle groups. By separating and aligning the user&#39;s fingers using finger ridges/grooves  1505 , the user&#39;s body is brought into alignment during exercise and the user&#39;s core muscles groups (e.g., abdominals, abdominal walls) can be targeted to strengthen the muscles. Moreover, hand grip  1500  can prevent over-stimulating of the user&#39;s neck and joints by reducing the pressure experience by those parts of the body during exercise. In one aspect, gripping hand grip  1500  during exercise keeps the body aligned so that forces go through the body and not wasted moving the body side to side. Side to side movement that can cause injury or result in poor results during training and are advantageously reduced or prevented when the body is brought into proper alignment and kept from moving side to side or exerting force laterally. 
     According to some embodiments, handheld exercise device  1500  can be opened lengthwise (e.g., pulled apart or otherwise separated) to removably wrap the hand grip around a bar, strap, handle, or other equipment used for exercise (e.g., an exercise machine with adjustable weights, pulleys, resistance implements, etc.). Similarly, the device can be easily removed. In  FIG. 15 , one side of the hand grip  1500  can optionally include cut line  1520  so that the hand grip  1500  can be opened and wrapped around another object. In the example of  FIG. 16B , one side of the hand grip is opened to wrap the hand grip around a bicycle handle. In the example of  FIG. 18B , one side of the hand grip is opened to wrap the hand grip around an exercise strap. After exercising, the grip can readily be removed by inverting the installation procedure. 
       FIG. 16A  depicts an exemplary hand grip  1600  being gripped by a user for performing exercises to strengthen the user&#39;s core muscles, stability muscles, posture, etc., according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 16A , each of the user&#39;s fingers rest between ridges  1605  to align the user&#39;s fingers and evenly distribute the force of exercise throughout the user&#39;s body. According to some embodiments, hand grip  1600  is weighted to a specific weight for performing exercises, such as biceps curls, overhead presses, etc., for stimulating the user&#39;s latissimus dorsi, shoulders, arms, etc. 
     In the example of  FIG. 16B , hand grips  1650  and  1660  are each removably wrapped around the handle bars of an exercise bike  1670  according to embodiments of the present invention. The user grips hand grip  1650  with one hand and grips hand grip  1660  with another hand. By gripping hand grips  1650  and  1660  during exercise using exercise bike  1670 , the user&#39;s posture is improved and forces applied to the user&#39;s upper body are distributed evenly through the user&#39;s upper body and core muscles without overstimulating these muscle groups, and unwanted side to side movements or lateral force is reduced. Hand grips  1650  and  1660  include finger grooves that separate the fingers of the user&#39;s hand while gripping the hand grips and help the user grip the hand grips. The bottom side of hand grips  1650  and  1660  include palm rests for accommodating the user&#39;s palm while gripping hand grip. Using hand grips  1650  and  1660  during exercise can improve the user&#39;s posture, prevent injury, and activate and strengthen core and upper body stability muscles. 
       FIG. 17  depicts an exemplary hand held device  1700  (a “hand grip” or handle) for exercising and stabilizing muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. Hand grip  1700  can be made from a firm yet deformable material such as rubber, latex, silicon, or any suitable material such as those materials commonly used for sports and exercise equipment. As depicted in  FIG. 17 , the top side of hand grip  1700  includes ridges and finger loops  1705  (instead of just ridges and nubs) that separate and enclose the fingers of the user&#39;s hand while gripping hand grip  1700 . The bottom side of hand grip  1700  includes palm rests  1710  and  1715  for accommodating the user&#39;s palm while gripping hand grip  1700 . The enclosed finger loops  1705  help the user grip the hand grip  1700  during exercise. 
     Hand grip  1700  can be used as an exercise device for performing stretches or body-weight exercises (e.g., pushups, pullups, etc.) to strengthen muscles (e.g., core muscles or upper body), to improve the user&#39;s posture, and to activate stability muscles and tendons that support large muscle groups. By separating the user&#39;s fingers using ridges  1705 , the user&#39;s body is brought into alignment during exercise and the user&#39;s core muscles groups (e.g., abdominals, abdominal walls) can be targeted to strengthen the muscles. Moreover, hand grip  1700  can prevent over-stimulating of the user&#39;s neck and joints by reducing the pressure experience by those parts of the body during exercise. In  FIG. 17 , one side of the hand grip  1700  can optionally include cut line  1720  so that the hand grip  1700  can be opened and wrapped around another object. 
       FIG. 18A  depicts an exemplary hand grip  1800  being gripped by a user for performing exercise to strengthen the user&#39;s core muscles, stability muscles, posture, etc., according to embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 18A , each of the user&#39;s fingers rests between finger loops  1805  to align the user&#39;s fingers and evenly distribute the force of exercise to the user&#39;s body. According to some embodiments, hand grip  1800  is weighted to a specific weight for performing weight-lifting exercises, such as biceps curls, overhead presses, etc., for stimulating the user&#39;s latissimus dorsi, shoulders, arms, etc. 
     In the example of  FIG. 18B , hand grips  1850  and  1860  are wrapped around exercise straps  1870  and  1880 , respectively. The user grips hand grip  1850  with one hand and grips hand grip  1860  with another hand. The exercise straps  1870  and  1880  connected to the hand grips  1850  and  1860  can include a buckle to secure an object to the hand grip, and can be used for performing weighted exercise by attaching the ends of the straps to an exercise machine or free weights, for example. By gripping hand grips  1850  and  1860  during exercise using, the user&#39;s posture is improved and forces applied to the user&#39;s upper body are distributed evenly through the user&#39;s upper body and core muscles. Using hand grips  1850  and  1860  during exercise can improve the user&#39;s posture, prevent injury, and activate and strengthen core and upper body stability muscles. 
       FIG. 19  depicts an exemplary hand held device (a “hand grip” or handle) for exercising and stabilizing muscles according to embodiments of the present invention. The hand grip can be made from a firm yet deformable material such as rubber, latex, silicon, or any suitable material such as those materials commonly used for sports and exercise equipment. As depicted in  FIG. 19 , the top side of hand grip  1900  includes finger loops  1905  that separate and enclose the fingers of the user&#39;s hand while gripping hand grip  1900 . The bottom side of hand grip  1900  includes palm rests  1910  and  1915  for accommodating the user&#39;s palm while gripping hand grip  1900 , and thumb loops  1920  and  1925  for enclosing and supporting the user&#39;s thumb and a portion of the user&#39;s palm. The enclosed finger loops  1905  and thumb loops  1920 / 1925  help the user grip the hand grip  1900  during exercise. 
     Hand grip  1900  can be used as an exercise device for performing stretches or body-weight exercises (e.g., pushups, pullups, etc.) to exercise muscles (e.g., core muscles or upper body), to improve the user&#39;s posture, and to strengthen stability muscles and tendons that support large muscle groups. By separating the user&#39;s fingers using ridges  1905 , the user&#39;s body is brought into alignment during exercise and the user&#39;s core muscles groups (e.g., abdominals, abdominal walls) can be targeted to strengthen the muscles. Moreover, hand grip  1900  can prevent over-stimulating of the user&#39;s neck and joints by reducing the pressure experience by those parts of the body during exercise. In  FIG. 19 , one side of the hand grip  1900  can optionally include cut line  1930  so that the hand grip  1900  can be opened and wrapped around another object. 
     Exercise device  1900  depicts in  FIG. 19  can be used by both left and right handed users. According to other embodiments, the finger loops  1905  and thumb loops  1920 / 1925  are configured for a left hand or right hand grip, specifically. For example, some embodiments of hand grip  1900  depicts in  FIG. 19  includes only a single thumb loop  1915 . According to some embodiments, hand grip  1900  is manufactured to be a specific weight for performing weight-lifting exercises, such as biceps curls, overhead presses, etc., for stimulating the user&#39;s latissimus dorsi, shoulders, arms, etc. 
       FIG. 20  is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary hand held device  2000  in a resting (closed) position according to embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 21  is a diagram of a side view of exemplary hand held device  2000  in an open position according to embodiments of the present invention. The interior portion of device  2000  is hollow to accommodate exercise equipment such as a free weight, exercise strap, or handle bar. Device  2000  can be opened allowing the device to be wrapped around an object. After exercising, the object can be removed from device  2000  in the same way. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.