Clothing Systems Having Resistance Properties

Abstract

A weighted article of clothing having cooling properties, comprising a clothing substrate with weights attached thereto, the weights being made of a gel and being strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer and to not interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the weighted article of clothing and with the weights being arranged in a plurality of weight clusters and linking strands, with neighboring weight clusters being connected together with the linking strands. An exercise and training device for swimmers in the form of a shirt, top, or singlet that, due to the material of manufacture, increases the resistance to the swimmer's movement through the water.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An article of clothing, comprising:
 a clothing substrate comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first pocket and second are strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer;   at least one weighted element housed in each of the first and second pockets; and   wherein the clothing substrate has less than or equal to about 25% vertical stretch.   
     
     
         2 . The article of clothing of  claim 1 , the clothing substrate having greater than or equal to about 90% horizontal stretch. 
     
     
         3 . The article of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are strategically placed so as not to interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the article of clothing. 
     
     
         4 . The article of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the clothing substrate is breathable. 
     
     
         5 . The article of clothing of  claim 1 , further comprising a support belt. 
     
     
         6 . The article of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one weighted element is gel. 
     
     
         7 . The article of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one weighted element is shaped to contact the clothing substrate with maximum surface area such that the at least one weighted element adheres naturally to the anatomy of a wearer. 
     
     
         8 . An article of clothing, comprising:
 a clothing substrate comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first pocket and second are strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer;   at least one weighted element housed in each of the first and second pockets;   wherein the clothing substrate has less than or equal to about 25% vertical stretch; and   wherein the article of clothing does not comprise linking strands.   
     
     
         9 . The article of clothing of  claim 8 , the clothing substrate having greater than or equal to about 90% horizontal stretch. 
     
     
         10 . The article of clothing of  claim 8 , wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are strategically placed so as not to interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the article of clothing. 
     
     
         11 . The article of clothing of  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the clothing substrate is breathable. 
     
     
         12 . The article of clothing of  claim 8 , further comprising a support belt. 
     
     
         13 . The article of clothing of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one weighted element is gel. 
     
     
         14 . The article of clothing of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one weighted element is shaped to contact the clothing substrate with maximum surface area such that the at least one weighted element adheres naturally to the anatomy of a wearer.