Exercise weight equipment and methods of use

Abstract

This invention has to do with exercise weight equipment and is concerned with exercise weight equipment that may be fastened to a person's body during physical exercises. The exercise equipment comprises a preferably U-shaped bracket having opposing sides and a crossbar or rod that extends between and engages the opposing sides of the U-shaped bracket. The crossbar is spaced away from the U-shaped portion of the bracket so that the instep of a person's foot may be engaged between the bar and the opposing U-Shaped portion of the bracket. Strap means connect from one or both of the opposing sides of the U-shaped bracket and extend so as to be able to go around the ankle of a person using the equipment. Means for fastening the strap mean extensions are provided and may take the form of a buckle and belt means. The outer ends of the crossbar or rod have means thereon for engaging and holding captive weights that may be interchanged at will by the person exercising. Various methods of exercise using the above equipment are also disclosed.

1 . An exercise weight assembly which comprises:
 a. An elongate rod with opposing ends;   b. A bracket having opposite facing sides and a crosspiece joining said opposite facing sides;   c. Means for engaging said rod with said bracket so that said rod extends between the opposing sides with each of its opposing ends extend outwardly from each of said opposite facing sides so as to provide weight engagement means for weights to be attached to said rod;   d. Fastening strap means attached between each side face of said bracket and having attachment ends that co-operatively and releasably engage with one another;   e. said rod and said bracket spaced so as to fit around the instep of a person's foot and said strap positioned so as to hold said weight on the foot when said attachment ends are connected.   
   
   
       2 . The exercise weight assembly according to  claim 1 , which further comprises an elongate resilient material surrounding said rod as it extends between said opposing face sides. 
   
   
       3 . The exercise weight assembly according to  claim 1  which further comprises a resilient abutment pad attached to one of the surfaces of said crosspiece. 
   
   
       4 . The exercise weight assembly according to  claim 1  which further comprises a swivel connectors on each side face of said u-shaped bracket connecting to said strap means. 
   
   
       5 . The weight assembly according to  claim 1  which further comprises threads on each of said rod ends for releasable co-operative connection with threaded connectors for holding said weights captive while a person performs exercises with said weight assemblies. 
   
   
       6 . An exercise weight assembly which comprises:
 a. An elongate rod with opposing ends;   b. A unshaped bracket having opposite facing sides and a crosspiece joining said sides;   c. said elongate rod extending between and joining said opposite facing sides, with said opposing ends of said rod extending outwardly from each of said opposite facing sides so as to provide weight engagement means on each opposing end of said rod;   d. strap means co-operatively connected to one of said bracket or said rod and having attachment ends that co-operatively and releasably engage with one another.   e. said rod and said bracket spaced so as to fit around the instep of a person's foot and said strap positioned so as to hold said weight on the foot when said attachment ends are connected.   
   
   
       7 . The method of exercising that comprises the steps of:
 a. positioning oneself in a vertically moveable chair that has a seat and back abutment surfaces;   b. trapping individual weight assemblies on each foot;   c. moving the chair vertically so that one's feet do not touch the ground;   d. with the back abutting the back abutment surface bend the knees slightly and lift the thighs toward the chest;   e. repeat said motion more that once;   f. lower said seat until your feet touch the floor;   g. remove said weights from said feet.   
   
   
       8 . The method of exercising that comprises the steps of:
 a. sitting on a bench with your feet on the floor;   b. strapping individual weights on each foot;   c. grasping the bench or bench supports for stability;   d. leaning back until your spine is at about 45 degrees to the bench;   e. pulling your knees toward your chest while bringing your spine to an upright position on the bench;   f. holding the previous position and then returning the upper body and your knees to their original position;   g. repeating said motion;   h. and removing the individual weights from the feet when finished.   
   
   
       9 . The method of exercising that comprises the steps of:
 a. attaching individual weight assemblies to each individual foot;   b. while standing straight grab an overhead chinning bar;   c. bend your knees until your body is supported only by the bar and your feet are touching each other at the ankles;   d. pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar then slowly lower your body to its original starting position;   e. repeat this motion as desired;   f. place your feet on the floor and release your grip from the bar;   g. remove the individual weights from each individual foot.   
   
   
       10 . The method of exercising that comprises the steps of:
 a. strapping individual weights on each individual foot;   b. lying on a bench with your hips flat and grabbing the bench behind your head for support;   c. bending your hips and knees at approximately 90 degrees;   d. pulling your hips and knees upward and inward;   e. pausing and then returning your hips and knees to their original position;   f. repeating this motion as desired;   g. removing the weights from each individual foot when finished with said exercise.