Patent Publication Number: US-7707652-B2

Title: Exercise system and components

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,987, filed Sep. 29, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates to an exercise system and, in particular, to an exercise system having wearable components and resistance components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many people participate in various exercises, such as aerobic activities, weight training and functional dynamics, to obtain higher levels of fitness, increased athleticism and rehabilitative modalities. As is common in the fitness industry, basic exercises can be accomplished using machines, e.g., chest press, leg curl, and arm curl machines having attached weight plates and free weights, e.g., dumbbells and barbells with removable weights. 
     Many athletes, such as professional athletes, participate in more technical and customizable exercises to target sports specific training techniques than basic exercises. For example, sports conditioning or agility and speed training, which include a series of multidirectional movements, are designed to improve an athlete&#39;s performance and/or recovery. The effectiveness of such sports conditioning and training exercises can be enhanced by providing resistance to movement. Known devices for providing resistance to motion during multidirectional movement include weighted vests, belts and arm/leg bands. 
     These devices are partially effective, but have several disadvantages which will become more apparent with reference to the following disclosure. For example, weighted wearable devices are often bulky and cumbersome, which can inhibit a desired motion. Further, weighted devices provide resistance in a limited number of directions and planes of movement. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed toward all new and non-obvious features and method acts disclosed herein both alone and in novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosure is not limited to constructions which exhibit all of the advantages or components disclosed herein. The embodiments set forth herein provide examples of desirable constructions and are not to be construed as limiting the breadth of the disclosure. 
     Described herein is an exercise system having wearable components and resistance components that overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     For example, in one exemplary embodiment, an exercise vest can comprise a front portion, a back portion, right and left side portions and right and left shoulder portions. The front portion can include a right side open end portion detachably coupleable to a left side open end portion. The exercise vest can also include at least one anchor mechanism comprising (i) an anchor retaining member that extends from a first location on the vest to a second location on the vest and (ii) a repositionable anchor that is movably coupled to the anchor retaining member and configured to detachably receive one or more resistance devices. The repositionable anchor can be selectively movable between the first location and the second location anywhere along a path defined by the anchor retaining member. 
     In some implementations, the vest can include a plurality of stationary anchors each coupled to one of the front, back, right side, left side, right shoulder or left shoulder portions. The anchors can be configured to detachably receive one or more resistance devices. 
     In some implementations, the first location can be adjacent one of the front, back, right side, left side, right shoulder and left shoulder portions and the second location can be adjacent another one of the front, back, right side, left side, right shoulder and left shoulder portions. 
     In some implementations, the front, back, right side, left side, right shoulder and left shoulder portions can form a one-piece construction. 
     In some implementations, the exercise vest can include a shell section that extends about the front, back, right side, left side, right shoulder and left shoulder portions. The exercise vest can also include a frame section coupled to an external surface of the shell section. The frame section can include at least a first length of webbing that extends circumferentially around and attaches to the front portion, back portion, right side portion and left side portion, and at least a second length of webbing that extends longitudinally around and attaches to the front portion, at least one of the right and left side shoulder portions, and the back portion. In specific implementations, the anchor retaining member and/or at least some of the stationary anchors can be coupled to at least one of the at least first and second length of webbing. 
     In specific implementations, a substantial portion of the shell section that extends about the front portion can be made of Neoprene, a substantial portion of the shell section that extends about the back portion can be made of a meshed fabric, and the first and second length of webbing can be made of Nylon. 
     In some implementations, the plurality of stationary anchors can comprise at least one stationary anchor adjacent each of the front, back, right side, left side, right shoulder and left shoulder portions. In a specific exemplary implementation, the plurality of stationary anchors comprises eighteen stationary anchors. The stationary anchors can include (1) first and second stationary anchors adjacent the left side portion; (2) third and fourth stationary anchors adjacent the right side portion; (3) fifth and sixth stationary anchors adjacent a lower portion of the front portion; (4) seventh and eighth stationary anchors adjacent an upper portion of the front portion; (5) ninth and tenth stationary anchors adjacent an intermediate portion of the front portion between the fifth and sixth stationary anchors and the seventh and eighth stationary anchors; (6) an eleventh stationary anchor adjacent the left shoulder portion; (7) a twelfth stationary anchor adjacent the right shoulder portion; (8) a thirteenth stationary anchor adjacent an upper middle portion of the back portion; (9) a fourteenth stationary anchor adjacent a lower middle portion of the back portion; (10) a fifteenth stationary anchor adjacent an intermediate middle portion of the back portion between the thirteenth and fourteenth stationary anchors; (11) sixteenth and seventeenth stationary anchors adjacent the back portion between the eleventh and twelfth stationary anchors and the thirteenth stationary anchor; and (12) an eighteenth stationary anchor movable between a position adjacent the left side portion and a position adjacent the right side portion. 
     In some implementations, the repositionable anchor can be slidably coupled to the anchor retaining member, and wherein the repositionable anchor is selectively slidable between the first location and the second location. In some implementations, the first location can be adjacent the left side portion and the second location can be adjacent the right side portion. 
     In some implementations, the exercise vest can include at least one weight pocket coupled to an interior surface of at least one of the front, back, right side and left side portions. 
     In one exemplary implementation, an exercise device wearable on an arm or leg of a user can comprise a first length of material that has a first end and a second end. The exercise device can also have a second length of material that has at least a first portion secured to the first length of material and a second portion secured to the first length of material at a location away from the first portion such that a third portion of the second length of material between the first and second portions is unattached to the first length of material. The exercise device can have at least one ring that is configured to receive at least one resistance device. The ring can be retained by and slidable along the third portion of the second length of material between the first and second portions anywhere along a path defined by the third portion. In some implementations, the exercise device can include a coupling mechanism that is configured to secure the first and second ends of the first length of material in at least close proximity to the second end of the first length of material such that the first length of material is capable of forming an at least partially annular shape having a circumferential dimension. 
     In some implementations, the third portion of the second length of material can have a length of at least one-third the circumferential dimension. 
     In some implementations, the exercise device can include at least one stationary ring coupled to the first length of material. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, a resistance device for exercising can include a coupler and an anchor attachment section that comprises at least one resilient member coupled to the coupler at a first end. The anchor attachment section can have an attachment device at a second end opposite the first end where the attachment device is capable of removably securing a portion of an exercise device. The resistance device can also include an object attachment portion that comprises a length of non-elastic material having a first end coupled to the coupler and a object attachment device at a second end opposite the first end. The object attachment device can be capable of being removably secured to a fixed object. When the attachment device is secured to a portion of an exercise device and the object attachment device is secured to an object, the at least one resilient member can be capable of resisting movement of an exercise device away from a fixed object. 
     In some implementations, the object can be a person and the object attachment device can be a handle capable of being gripped by the person. 
     In some implementations, the anchor attachment section can comprise a plurality of resilient members. In specific implementations, at least two of the plurality of resilient members have a different length. In specific implementations, the anchor attachment section can comprise five resilient members. A first resilient member can have a first length, second and third resilient members each can have a second length different than the first length, and fourth and fifth resilient members each can have a third length different than the first and second lengths. 
     In some implementations, the coupler is an annular ring. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an exercise system can include a vest, at least one adjustable band and a resistance device. The vest can be wearable by a user and comprise a front portion, a back portion, right and left side portions and right a left shoulder portions forming a one-piece construction. The front portion can comprise a right side open end portion detachably coupleable to a left side open end portion. Further, the vest can have a plurality of anchors. In some implementations, at least one of the plurality of anchors can be a repositionable anchor movable about an exterior of the vest between two predetermined locations on the vest. 
     The at least one adjustable band can be wearable by a user on at least one of the user&#39;s arms and legs and include at least one anchor. In certain implementations, the at least one anchor is a repositionable anchor movable about an exterior of the band between two predetermined locations on the band. 
     The resistance device can comprise an anchor attachment section that has at least one elastic member coupled to an attachment device, which can be detachably connectable to at least one of the anchors of at least one of the vest and the at least one adjustable band. The resistance device can also comprise an object attachment section that includes a length of non-elastic material coupled to the anchor attachment section at a first end and an object attachment device at a second end opposite the first end. The object attachment device can be capable of being removably secured to an object. 
     When the anchor attachment section is connected to at least one of the anchors of at least one of the vest and the at least one adjustable band, and the object attachment section is connected to an object, the resistance device can be capable of resisting movement of a user wearing the at least one of the vest and the at least one adjustable band away from the object. 
     In some implementations, the object can be an exercise machine. In some implementations, the anchor attachment section can include a plurality of elastic members. Each elastic member can be coupled to at least one of the plurality of anchors of the vest via an associated attachment device. 
     The foregoing features and advantages of the exercise system will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a person wearing exemplary embodiments of an exercise vest, arm bands and leg bands. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exercise vest of  FIG. 1  showing a front portion of the vest. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the exercise vest of  FIG. 1  showing a rear portion of the vest. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exercise vest. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the interior of the exercise vest of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one of the arm bands of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one of the arm bands of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one of the leg bands of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one of the leg bands of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a resistance device attachable to the exercise vest, arm bands and/or leg bands of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the resistance device of  FIG. 9  attached to the exercise vest of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a person wearing the exercise vest of  FIG. 1 , the vest being coupled to an exercise machine via an exemplary embodiment of a resistance device having an exercise machine attachment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are embodiments of an exercise system and one or more components of an exercise system. The exercise system is customizable to allow a user to participate in any of a number of workouts or exercises. The exercise system can include multiple, individually customizable components, such as an exercise vest, arm bands, leg bands and a resistance device. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one exemplary embodiment, an exercise system  2  can include an exercise vest  10 , arm bands  100  and leg bands  130 . The exercise vest  10  is configured to be worn on a person&#39;s upper body as shown with the arm and leg bands  100 ,  130  being attachable to a portion of a person&#39;s arms and legs, respectively, as will be described in more detail below. 
     The exercise vest  10  is designed to facilitate assistance or resistance in functional exercise and rehabilitation training. Desirably, the exercise vest  10  is sleeveless. However, it is recognized that is some implementations, the exercise vest can have sleeves. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the vest  10  can be made up of a front or anterior portion  20 , a back or posterior portion  22 , shoulder portions  23 , lower portion  25 , left side portion  27  and right side portion  29 . In the illustrated embodiments, the front portion  20 , back portion  22 , shoulders portions  23 , lower portion  25 , left side portion  27  and right side portion  29  form a one-piece unitary construction. As used herein, one-piece construction can be defined to mean one or more sections inseparably connected, i.e., not reversibly separable or unable to separate without destruction to or impairing the use of one or more of the sections. 
     In one exemplary implementation, the exercise vest  10  comprises a frame section  14  and a shell section  16  coupled to the frame section. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the frame section  14  includes several lengths of generally non-stretchable or non-resilient webbing  18  interconnected together to form an at least partially rigid framework to which the shell section  16  can be attached. The webbing  18  can be, but is not limited to, nylon webbing, such as 2-inch wide nylon webbing. 
     Each length of webbing  18  extends about the vest over a particular part of the user&#39;s body donning the vest. For example, webbing  18   a ,  18   b  are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend circumferentially about the vest  10  from first ends proximate a left side open end portion  28  of the vest, around the left side portion  27 , back portion  22  and right side portion  29  to second ends proximate a right side open end portion  30  of the vest  10  (see also  FIG. 4 ). When worn, the webbing  18   a ,  18   b  extends over a lower abdomen area and an upper abdomen area of the body, respectively. Webbing  18   c ,  18   d  extends upwardly from the lower portion  25  of the vest  10  to respective shoulder portions  23  and downwardly from the shoulder portions to converge at a location on the back portion  22  of the vest. In other words, when the vest is worn by a user, webbing  18   c ,  18   d  extends over the lower abdomen area, the upper torso areas, the lower chest areas, the upper chest areas, the shoulder areas, and the back areas of the right hand side and left hand side of the body, respectively. Finally, webbing  18   e  can extend generally transversely to the webbing  18   a ,  18   b  along the back portion  22  of the vest  10  over a back or spine portion of the body from the webbing  18   c ,  18   d  to the webbing  18   a.    
     The shell section  16  can comprise an at least partially flexible material to which the lengths of webbing  18  are attached, and can provide comfort and conformabilty to the user. When worn, the shell section  16  proximate the front portion  20  of the vest  10  approximately covers the anterior portion of the torso of the user&#39;s body and the shell section  16  proximate the back portion  22  of the vest  10  approximately covers the posterior portion of the user&#39;s torso. 
     The shell section  16  includes opposing left and right arm openings  24 ,  26 , respectively, disposed at least partially between the front and back portions  20 ,  22 , shoulder portions  23 , and respective left side and right side portions  27 ,  29  of the vest  10 . The left side open end portion  28  and the right side open end portion  30  form part of the shell section  16  of the vest  10 . The open end portions  28 ,  30  can be coupled together such that a head and neck opening  32  is defined between the front portion  20 , back portion  22  and shoulder portions  23 . 
     In some implementations, the corresponding open end portions  28 ,  30  are removably attached to each other to at least partially secure the vest  10  to the user&#39;s body. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the end portions  28 ,  30  are removably secured to each other by a conventional hook and loop fastening mechanism, such as Velcro®. More specifically, in one implementation, a length of material  31  having a plurality of hooks can be attached to an interior of the shell section  16  proximate the end portion  28  and a corresponding length of material  33  (see  FIG. 2 ) having mating loops can be attached to an exterior of the shell portion proximate the end portion  30 . In this manner, the end portions  28 ,  30  can be removably attached by placing the end portion  28  over the top of and against end portion  30 . 
     Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the terms “removably attachable,” “removably attached,” “removably secured,” and the like, are defined to mean easily removable or easily detachable from an object, and easily attachable to an object, without violence to the object or the attaching device such that the object and device remains functional. 
     Although a hook and loop fastening system is shown, in other implementations, the end portions  28 ,  30  can be removably attached to each other using other, or additional, fastening mechanisms, such as conventional buttons, snap buttons, one or more zippers, string or lace, clips or other conventional fastening mechanisms having two or more matable portions allowing for easy attachment to and detachment from each other. For example, the left and right sides of the front portion  20  of the vest  10  can be coupled together to at least partially secure the vest on a user by mating butterfly clips  60  attached to opposite ends of the webbing. For example, the left side ends of the webbing  18   a ,  18   b  can have first female attachment portions  61  of clip  60  and the right side second ends can have corresponding second male attachment portions  62  that are matingly received and secured in the first female attachments portions, respectively. To accommodate users with different body sizes and shapes, the circumferential length of the webbing  18   a ,  18   b  can be increased or decreased by adjustably threading either the right or left side ends through a respective first male and/or second female attachment portion, respectively. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the front portion  20  of the shell section  16  is made of a resiliently or elastically flexible material, such as, but not limited to, Neoprene®. The front portion  20  can be fixedly attached, such as by sewing, to the back portion  22  of the shell section  16 , which can be made of, for example, a meshed fabric. The meshed fabric can provide enhanced breathability of the vest when compared to non-meshed fabrics. In other embodiments, the front and rear portions can be made from a single piece of material to form a one-piece seamless construction. 
     The exercise vest  10  can include a plurality of anchors, or rings,  30 - 50  for receiving one or more resistance devices. Each of the anchors  30 - 50  is positioned in a strategic location on the vest  10  to accommodate various exercises and movements. In the illustrated embodiments, stationary anchors  30 - 48  are secured to the vest  10  by one or more fabric strips. As shown, some strips facilitate the securing of a single ring, e.g., strip  66  (see  FIG. 2 ), some strips facilitate the securing of two rings, e.g., strip  68  (see  FIG. 3 ), and some facilitate the securing of three rings, e.g., strip  70  (see  FIG. 3 ). Although the illustrated embodiments have strips for securing one, two and three rings, it is recognized that in some implementations, each ring can be secured by a single strip or more than three rings can be secured by a single strip. As defined herein, stationary anchors refer to anchors that are either immovable or movable, such as pivotable or rotatable, in place. In other words, although capable of being moved, stationary anchors are confined to movement at a specific location on the vest and cannot move between two separate locations on the vest, such as from one portion of the vest to another portion. 
     The strips are fixedly attached to the frame section  14  of the vest. Preferably, at least two spaced-apart attached portions, e.g. spaced-apart portions  72 ,  74  of exemplary strip  66 , are sewn to the frame section  14  such that a ring receiving portion, e.g., ring receiving portion  76 , intermediate the spaced-apart attached portions is unattached or unsewn to the frame section (see  FIG. 2 ). Each ring receiving portion extends through a respective ring such that when the spaced-apart attached portions are attached to the frame section  14 , each ring is disposed and pivotably contained within each ring receiving portion at a specific portion of or location on the vest  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). The fabric strips  66 ,  68 ,  70  can be made from a length of durable material, such as Nylon®. 
     When the vest is worn by a user, the anchors  30 - 48  are positioned on the vest at specific portions of the vest corresponding to the portion of the user&#39;s body over which the anchors are positioned. For example, in one specific illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , lower waist anchors  30   a ,  30   b  are attached to the lower abdomen webbing  18   a  at side portions  27 ,  29 , respectively, of the vest  10 , i.e., approximately adjacent or over the lower portion of a left and right side of a user&#39;s waist. Upper waist anchors  32   a ,  32   b  are attached to the lower abdomen webbing  18   a  at side portions  27 ,  29 , respectively, of the vest above the lower waist anchors  30   a ,  30   b . Frontal mid-torso anchors  34   a ,  34   b  are attached to the upper abdomen webbing  18   b  intermediate the side portions  27 ,  29  and the open end portions  28 ,  30 , respectively, of the vest  10 . Lower chest anchors  36   a ,  36   b  are attached to the webbing  18   c ,  18   d , respectively, at a position on the vest  10  intermediate the shoulder portions  23  and the upper abdomen webbing  18   b . Upper chest anchors  38   a ,  38   b  are attached to the webbing  18   c ,  18   d , respectively, at a position on the vest  10  intermediate the lower chest anchors  36   a ,  36   b , respectively, and the shoulder portions  23 . Shoulder anchors  40   a ,  40   b  are attached to the webbing  18   c ,  18   d , respectively at respective shoulder portions  23  of the vest  10 . 
     The back portion of the vest  10  as shown in  FIG. 3  includes upper back anchors  42   a ,  42   b  attached to the webbing  18   c ,  18   d , respectively, at a position on the vest  10  intermediate the shoulder portions  23  and an upper spine anchor  44 . The upper spine anchor  44  is attached to the webbing  18   e  at an upper back portion of the vest intermediate the upper back anchors  42   a ,  42   b  and the upper abdomen webbing  18   b . A middle spine anchor  46  is attached to the webbing  18   e  at a middle portion of the back intermediate the upper spine anchor  44  and the lower abdomen webbing  18   a . A lower spine anchor  48  is attached to the webbing  18   e  at a lower portion of the back intermediate the middle spine anchor  46  and a lower back slidable anchor  50 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the lower back slidable anchor  50  is slidably coupled to the vest by an elongate strip  52  made from a length of durable material. As shown, the strip  52  is attached to the lower abdomen webbing  18   a  at the lower right side portion  29  of the vest  10  at a first end, extends generally across the back portion  22  of the vest, and is attached to lower abdomen webbing at the lower left side portion  27  of the vest at a second end. The portion of the strip  52  intermediate the first and second ends is unattached to the vest to provide an anchor track, or guide,  55  along which anchor  50  is allowed to slide, or otherwise move. The strip  52  is threaded through the anchor  50  prior to being attached to the vest such that when the strip is attached to the vest, the anchor  50  is captured between the first and second ends of the strip. The anchor  50  is thereby allowed to slidably move across the lower back portion of the vest between the first and second ends of the strip of material, and the lower left and right side portions  27 ,  29 , respectively, of the vest  10 . 
     Although only a lower back slidable anchor  50  that is slidable between the lower left and right side portions  27 ,  29 , respectively, of the vest  10  is shown in  FIG. 3 , it is recognized that in other embodiments, the exercise vest can include one or more slidable anchors slidable between other portions of the vest. For example,  FIG. 3A  shows that an elongate strip  52 ′ similar to strip  52  can be attached to the upper abdomen webbing  18   b  at the right side of the back portion  22  of the vest  10  at a first end and the upper abdomen webbing at the left side of the back portion of the vest. An anchor or ring, such as anchor  50 , can be coupled to the strip and slidable between the left and right sides of the back portion of the vest. Similarly, in some implementations, one or more elongate strips and anchors can be positioned on the webbing of the vest such that an anchor can be slidable between other portions of the vests, such as, for example, between the upper back portion and the lower back portion of the vest, between the left shoulder portion and right shoulder portion of the vest, between the left shoulder portion and lower right side portion of the vest, and between the right shoulder portion and lower left side portion of the vest. 
     Further, although one slidable anchor coupled to a single elongate strip is shown in  FIG. 3 , it is recognized that in some implementations, more than one slidable anchor  50 A,  50 B can be coup led to a single elongate strip ( FIG. 3A ). In certain implementations where a single elongate strip facilitates multiple anchors, the anchors can be movable between a first attached end and a second attached end of the strip. In other specific implementations, the elongate strip can be attached to the vest at a first end, second end and one or more locations intermediate the first and second end to create two or more slidable anchor tracks or guides, with each track or guide facilitating slidable movement of one or more anchors. 
     Although the anchors  30 - 50  are shown as rings attached to the frame section  14  by a strip of fabric, such as nylon, it is recognized that other attachment mechanisms can be used, such as plastic or metal footings removably or irremovably secured to the frame section  14  and to which the rings can be movably secured. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in some implementations, one or more pockets  60  can be formed in, removably attached or fixedly attached to a surface of the vest. The pockets can be patterned after conventional pockets and include at least one open side or top end for receiving free weights. The open side or top end can be adjustably closable to contain the weights within the pocket. 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the pocket  60  is made from a length of material, such as a fabric, extending circumferentially about the vest and having a bottom edge or end, and at least a portion of the side ends, sewn to the interior surface of the vest  10 . The top end is removably attachable to the interior surface of the vest by a first strip of Velcro® attached to the vest and a second mating strip attached to the top end of the pocket. 
     For a user wearing the vest during a workout, weights can be placed within the pockets to provide additional resistance to movement and thus, further development or strengthening of particular areas of the body. The pockets can also receive any of various buoyant objects to provide at least partial flotation of a user wearing the vest while participating in any of various water activities, such as swimming. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , arm bands  100  and leg bands  130  are shown and now described in more detail.  FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of an arm band  100  in a closed configuration, i.e., the configuration of the arm band when worn on a user&#39;s arm during use, and  FIG. 6  shows an exemplary embodiment of the arm band in an open configuration such as when not in use. Generally, the arm band can comprise a length of material having a first end coupleable to a second end via a fastening mechanism to form a band or loop about a user&#39;s arm. The arm band further includes at least one anchor for receiving one or more resistance devices. More specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, arm band  100  can include a length of webbing  102  having a first end  103  and a second end  105 . 
     The arm band  100  can include at least one anchor  104  attached to the webbing  102  by a strip of material, e.g., strip  106 , in a manner similar to that described above in relation to anchors  30 - 48  of vest  10 . In some implementations, the anchor, or anchors, and associated strip of material attached to the webbing  102  are movable, but remain at a specific location on the webbing  102 , such as anchors  30 - 48  of vest  10 . Alternatively, as shown in the illustrative embodiments, the strip, e.g., strip  106 , can include an anchor guide, or track,  117  extending a length of the band  100  and along which an anchor, e.g., anchor  104 , can slide, or otherwise move, such as circumferentially about the band, from one location on the band to another location. 
     In specific implementations, for example, a first portion  120  of the strip  106  can be attached, such as by sewing, to the webbing  102  proximate the first end  103  and a second portion  122  of the strip  106  can be attached to the webbing proximate the second end  105 . The portion of the strip  106  intermediate the attached first and second portions  120 ,  122 , respectively, can define an anchor guide  107  for anchor  104 . The strip  106  has a length such that a first open end portion  109  extends away from the first portion  120  proximate the first end  103  and a second open end portion  110  extends away from the second portion proximate the second end  105 . The first and second open end portions  108 ,  110 , respectively, can be looped around a user&#39;s arm and coupled together to secure the band  100  to the user&#39;s arm. In the illustrative embodiments, the first and second open end portions  108 ,  110 , respectively, can be coupled together using mateable strips of Velcro®  112  on an outer facing surface of the strip  106  and a coupling device, such as a slider, or tri-glide,  109 , coupled to the first open end portion  108 . The second open end portion  110  can be threaded through the slider  109  and pulled back upon itself such that the mateable strips of Velcro® removably attach to themselves. To accommodate users with different arm sizes and shapes, the circumferential length of the arm band  100  can be adjusted by pulling more or less of the second open end portion  110  of the strip  106  through the slider  109 . 
     Although not specifically shown, it is recognized that the first and second open end portions  108 ,  110 , respectively, can be adjustably coupled together using other coupling or attachment devices commonly known in the art. For example, the first open end portion  108  can include a female portion of a buckle and the second open end portion  110  can include a male portion removably securable to the female portion to secure the band  100  about a user&#39;s arm. 
     For comfort and conformability, the webbing  102  can be attached to a padded liner  114  made from a resiliently flexible material, such as, but not limited to, Neoprene®. Further, the outer surface and edges of the liner  114  can be covered, for example, by a layer of meshed material. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an exemplary embodiment of a leg band  130  is shown. The leg band  130  includes many of the same features as the arm band  100 . Accordingly, those features shared between the arm band  100  and leg band  130  are labeled with the same reference numerals. 
     Leg band  130  can have an overall length greater than arm band  130  to accommodate the typically larger dimensions of a user&#39;s legs compared to the user&#39;s arms. Further, in some embodiments, as shown, a third portion  124  of the strip  106 , intermediate the attached first and second portions  120 ,  122 , respectively, can be attached to the webbing  102  intermediate the first and second ends  103 ,  105 , respectively, of the webbing. The portion of the strip  106  intermediate the first attached portion  120  and the third attached portion  124  can define a first anchor guide  134   a  for anchor  136   a , and the portion of the strip intermediate the second attached portion  122  and the third attached portion  124  can define a second anchor guide  134   b  for anchor  136   b . The anchors  136   a ,  136   b  can be slidably movable along the first and second anchor guides  134   a ,  134   b , respectively, independent of each other. 
     The leg band  130 , and arm band  100 , can have one or more anchors, such as anchor  144 , pivotably attached to the webbing  102  via a strip  146  made from a durable material. The anchor  144  can be pivotably movable relative to the webbing, but is generally prevented from substantial circumferentially directed movement about the band  130 . 
     The anchors, or rings, of the vest, such as rings  30 - 50 , and arm and legs bands, such as rings  104 ,  136   a ,  136   b ,  144 , are configured to receive exercise attachments, such as resistance devices. A resistance device, as used herein, can be defined as any device capable of resisting movement away from an object to which the resistance device is coupled and/or assisting movement in a desired direction or placement in a desired position. Resistance devices can be, for example, cables, cords, tubing, rope, poles, rods, sticks or webbing anchored to one or more objects, such as a people, weights, walls, floors and exercise equipment, etc. 
     As mentioned above, each anchor is positioned on the vest  10  to promote a particular type of exercise or to promote strengthening or rehabilitation of a particular portion or portions of the body, such as one of various muscles or groups of muscles. One or more resistance devices can be attached to one or more of any number of rings on the vest depending on the particular type of exercise desired or the particular portion of the body for which strengthening is desired. Further, the arm bands  100  can be positioned on any of various locations along a user&#39;s arms and the leg bands  130  can be positioned on any of various locations along a user&#39;s legs to promote strengthening of a particular portion of the arms or legs, respectively, or a particular movement. 
     For example, a resistance device, e.g., a flexible, resilient and or elastic cord, such as a bungee-cord, can be attached to an anchor of the vest or bands to resist movement of a user wearing the vest or bands in a direction generally parallel to the cord. In one specific implementation, a bungee-cord can be attached to the upper spine anchor  44  of the vest  10  at a first end, extend generally parallel to horizontal from the anchor and be attached to a wall, or other stationary object, at a second end. The user can then move in a direction away from the wall until the bungee cord resists movement in that direction and urges the user towards the wall. Moving against or overcoming the resistance of the bungee-cord helps to develop or strengthen specific areas of the body, such as, for example, the leg muscles and abdominal muscles. 
     In another specific implementation, a resistance device, such as a bungee-cord, can be attached to a stationary or secure object at one end and the upper waist anchor  34   a  at another end. A user wearing the vest could then stand away from the object such that the bungee-cord is taut. The user could then rotate his or her torso relative to his or her legs with the bungee-cord resisting such movement. In this manner, the user can develop or strengthen his or her abdominal muscles, back muscles, or other muscle groups. 
     In yet another specific implementation, a resistance device, such as a bungee-cord, can be attached to a slidable anchor, such as slidable anchor  50  at a first end and an object at a second end. With the bungee cord taut, the user could engage in a particular strength and conditioning motion, such as laterally side-stepping to right and left. As the user laterally side-steps to the left, the anchor  50  slides toward the right side of the vest with the bungee cord capable of applying a resistance to such motion. As the user laterally side-steps to the right, the slidable anchor  50  slides toward the left side of the vest with the bungee cord likewise capable of applying a resistance to such motion. As can be recognized, as the user alternates between leftward and rightward motion, the slidable anchor  50  correspondingly slides to the right and left, respectively. 
     Similarly, a resistance device, such as a bungee cord, can be attached to one of the anchors, such as slidable anchor  104  or anchor  144 , of the arm or leg bands  100 ,  130 . As the user moved his or her arms and/or legs, the attached bungee cord can resist such movement. In implementations of the arm or leg bands  100 ,  130  having a slidable anchor, the anchor can slide circumferentially about the bands as the user moves his or her arms and/or legs. 
     As can be recognized, the slidable anchors of the vest, arm bands and leg bands can provide, for example, greater flexibility in the types of exercise movements available to a user and a more constant degree of resistance throughout a given exercise movement. 
     According to one specific embodiment, the resistance device can be an exercise device  300  as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . Exercise device  300  can include an anchor attachment section  302  coupled to an object attachment section  304  via a coupler, such as ring  312 . 
     The anchor attachment section  302  can include one or more resistance cords, such as cords  306   a ,  306   b ,  308   a ,  308   b ,  310   a  and  310   b . Preferably, each cord comprises a flexible, resilient and/or elastic length of material, such as exemplary bungee cord  314 , capable of being removably coupled to an anchor at a first end, e.g., first end  340  of cord  310   a , and a coupler, such as ring  312 , at a second end, e.g., second end  342  of cord  310   a.    
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the first end  340  of each cord  314  is irremovably secured to an attachment device, such as carabiner  316 , for facilitating removable attachment to an anchor and the second end  342  is irremovably secured to the ring  312 . 
     However, in some embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 10 , the second end  342  is irremovably secured to an attachment device, such as carabiner  342 . This configuration facilitates removable attachment of the first end  340  to an anchor of an exercise system, such as system  2 , and the second end  342  to a coupler or ring  312 . For example, depending on the desired exercise routine, a user could removably attach cords to the ring  312  or remove attached cords from the ring  312  to customize the user&#39;s workout. 
     Although the illustrative embodiments show the anchor attachment section  302  as having one or more resistance cords, it is recognized that the anchor attachment section can be comprised of one or more other objects capable of providing resistance, such as, but not limited to, cables, tubing, rope, poles, rods, sticks and webbing. For example, in some embodiments, the anchor attachment section can have safety sleeve devices, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,263. A first end of the safety sleeve devices can be fixedly secured to the ring  312  and a second end of the safety sleeve devices can have a carabiner for removably attaching to an anchor. 
     In embodiments having an anchor attachment section with multiple resistance cords, or other resistance objects, such as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the cords/objects can have the same or different lengths and be configured in a particular order depending on the desired application or exercise. For example, as shown in an unstretched state in  FIG. 9 , cords  306   a ,  306   b  have a first length, cord  308  has a second length and cords  310   a ,  310   b  have a third length. In one specific exemplary implementation, the first, second and third lengths can be approximately 12, 18 and 24 inches, respectively. Of course, the anchor attachment section can have cords with any of various lengths. It is also recognized that the thickness or material of the resistance cords can be the same or different to produce the same or different resistances depending on the application or desired exercise/workout. 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the cords can be ordered such that cords  306   a ,  306   b  are between cords  310   a ,  310   b  and cord  308  is between cords  306   a ,  306   b . However, it is recognized that the cords can be arranged in any of various orders. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , object attachment section  304  can have an object attachment device, such as handles  322 , at a first end  346  and be coupled to a coupler, e.g., ring  312 , at a second end  348 . The object attachment section  304  further includes a length of material  320  extending between the first and second ends  346 ,  348 , respectively. The length of material  320  can be, for example, an elastic material, such as a bungee cord, but preferably is a non-elastic material, such as nylon webbing as described above. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the second end  348  of the object attachment section  304  is permanently, or irremovably, attached to the coupler or ring  312 . In other embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 10 , the second end  348  of the object attachment section  304  can have an object attachment device, such as carabiner  323 , clip, buckle, or Velcro® arrangement, for facilitating removable attachment of the second end  348  to the coupler, e.g., ring  312 . 
     It is recognized that is some implementations, the coupler can be any object capable of receiving one or more anchor attachment devices of the anchor attachment section and one or more object attachment devices of the object attachment section. For example, the coupler can be a buckle, clip or other fastener arrangement known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the object attachment device at the first end  346  of the object attachment section  304  can be permanently attached to the length of material  320 . For example, the handles  322  shown in  FIG. 9  and carabiner  332  shown in  FIG. 11  are permanently attached to the first end  346  of the object attachment section  304 ,  330 , respectively, such as by sewing. 
     Although not specifically shown, in some embodiments, the object attachment device at the first end  346  of the object attachment section  304  can be removably coupled to the length of material. This can be accomplished, for example, by attaching a first coupling device, such as a first carabiner, clip portion or buckle portion, to the length of material  320  proximate the first end  346  and attaching a second coupling device, such as a second carabiner, clip portion or buckle portion, to the object attachment device. The second coupling device can then be removably mateable with the first coupling device to removably couple the object attachment device to the length of material. 
     In use, the anchor attachment section of the exercise device can be coupled to at least one of the anchors of the vest  10 , arm bands  100  or leg bands  130  worn by a user, and the object attachment section can be coupled to an object capable of providing at least some resistance to movement. The user can then participate in any of various exercises such that at least some resistance to movement is provided by the exercise device and/or the object. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , in one specific embodiment, anchor attachment section  302  of the exercise device  300  is removably attached to vest  10  in a particular configuration. In other words, cords  306   a ,  306   b  are removably attached to anchors  42   a ,  42   b , respectively, cord  308  is attached to anchor  48  and cords  310   a ,  310   b  are attached to anchors  30   a ,  30   b , respectively. The handle  322  of the object attachment end  304  of the exercise device  300  can be grasped by a person other than the user. As the user moves while exercising, the person holding the handle  322  can provide resistance to such movement. 
     The configuration of cords and the anchors to which they are attached shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  are merely exemplary and it is recognized that any of various configurations can be implemented. For example, the four of the five cords of resistance device  300 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , can be removably attached to anchors other than  30   a ,  30   b ,  42   a ,  42   b ,  48 , such as anchors  34   a ,  34   b ,  36   a ,  36   b , located on the front, and one of the cords can remain unattached to an anchor during use. Alternatively, all but one of the cords of the resistance device  300  can be unattached to an anchor of the vest  10 , arm band  100  or leg band  130 . Yet in other embodiments, two or more cords can be attached to a single anchor to provide additional resistance, such as for workouts involving a warm-up phase, where minimal resistance is needed, and a high impact phase, where additional resistance may be desired. 
     Further, in embodiments having removable cords, such as shown in  FIG. 10 , one or more of the five cords of resistance device  300  can be removed and the remaining cords can be attached to one or more of the various anchors of an exercise system component, such as vest  10 , arm band  100  and leg band  130 , described herein. Alternatively, one or more cords can be added to the resistance device  300  and removably attached to one or more anchors. 
     In another specific embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the anchor attachment section  302  of the exercise device  300  is removably attached to vest  10  in the same configuration as described above in relation to  FIG. 10 . The attachment device of the object attachment section  304  of  FIG. 11 , however, is not a handle to be grasped by another person, but is a carabiner  332  for removably attaching to a cord of an exercise machine, such as exercise machine  400 , which in turn is attached to one or more weights  404  associated with the exercise machine. In this embodiment, as the user moves while exercising, the weights  404  of the exercise machine  400  provide at least some resistance to movement. 
     Specific cord/anchor configurations can promote a particular stance, action or exercise by the user. For example, with the cord/anchor configuration shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the user can be naturally supported by an object in a sprinter&#39;s stance, similar to the stance of the user shown in  FIG. 11 . A sprinter looking to enhance his/her starting skills can be more naturally supported in the sprinter&#39;s stance can promote easier and more effective development of his/her starting block technique. 
     The highly modular and interchangeable nature of the various components of the exercise system described herein can facilitate a highly customizable workout or workout system. For example, a first object attachment device, such as handles  322  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ), can be coupled to the length of material  320  such that a person can grip the handles and provide resistance to movement as the user performs a certain exercise. Upon conclusion of the exercise, the first object attachment device can be removed, and a second object attachment device, such as a carabiner, can be coupled to the length of material  320 . The carabiner can then be attached to an exercise machine, such as exercise machine  400  shown in  FIG. 11 , and the user can perform a certain exercise with the weights providing at least some of the resistance to movement. The carabiner, can then be attached to a wall, such as by a wall mounted bracket or eyelet, such that the wall provides at least some of the resistance to movement during a workout. 
     The direction of resistance can be easily modified during a work-out. For example, in the above implementation having an object attachment section with a carabiner coupled to a wall at its first end, the carabiner can be detached from a first location on the wall and reattached to the wall at a second location. The user would then be resisted from movement in a slightly different direction to develop or strengthen different areas of the body or the same areas in a slightly different way. 
     As can be recognized, the vest  10 , arm bands  100  and leg bands  130  can be adapted to be used with any of various resistance or assistance devices, at any of various angles or planes to develop or strengthen any of various muscle groups or other portions of the body. In other words, the vest  10 , arms bands  100  and leg bands  130  are infinitely customizable to accommodate an infinite number of exercises or work-outs depending on the particular target area of the body a user would like to strengthen. Additionally, since the vest  10  arms bands  100  and leg bands  130  are made from relatively light-weight materials, and are not bulky in size, it can be worn during regular activities to strengthen particular body motions particular to the activity. For example, a golfer can wear the vest and or arm/leg bands while swinging a golf club or simulating a golf swing to develop a particular muscle group involved with swinging a golf club, such as the shoulder muscles, back muscles and/or leg muscles. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the above disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be limiting in scope. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.