Multipurpose exercise training device

Abstract

An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a user with multiple modes of training by transforming the device into different configurations. Users can exercise their cardiovascular endurance by using the device in its jump rope configuration. Users can also engage in muscular resistance training using the same device configured to one of multiple possible resistance training configurations. Resistance training configurations provide a method of suspending a user's bodyweight from an anchor point such that a user can train their muscular strength capacity by exerting themselves against the force of gravity. Resistance can be selected from nearly zero resistance to the user's full body weight, with the ability to easily adjust between exercises and between users, and the ability to easily transform the device between configurations to provide for versatility and ease-of-use. The device includes an inelastic length member with two handles and/or grips at both ends. In one embodiment, the device also includes handles that can be detached from complimentary clips located at the terminal end points of the inelastic length member such that the clips can secure to each other or to designated points on the inelastic member for the purpose of easily transforming the configuration of the device. This multipurpose, portable exercise device is compact and can be used to perform jump rope exercises or bodyweight suspension exercises. To perform jump rope exercises, users can manipulate the handles to exert a centrifugal force on the device to swing the inelastic member about their body. Users can perform bodyweight suspension exercises after securely mounting the device to an anchor point by and subsequently pulling or pushing one or both of the grips away from the anchor point.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a jump rope operationally configured to transform into a bodyweight suspension training device.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the jump rope is further defined by:
 a cord and at least one clip that is fixed to a terminal end of the cord; and,   a substantially hollow handle that is selectively detachable from said clip.   
     
     
         3 . A substantially hollow handle with a spiral-recess joint with opposing descending embankments, located on the front and rear inner walls serve to auto-align a clip into a retaining recess wherein the clip is held by friction fit with the handle. 
     
     
         4 . A substantially hollow handle with at least one indentation along the circumference of at least one rim that orients a load bearing cord wherein force imparted on the handle by the cord is predominantly focused on the thicker sections of a handle. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one loophole or attachment point is disposed along the cord, whereby a clip may be attached and detached. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one protective sleeve is disposed along the cord. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cord is defined by a braided material. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the clips can connect to one another, whereby a closed-loop resistance configuration is created and may be used as a resistance training device. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein at least one clip is removably attached to a point along the cord or loophole to create a D-shaped handle, wherein an open-loop resistance configuration is created. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein at least one training accessory is attachable to at least one clip of the device. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein T-hooks replace clips for the purposes of creating different configurations. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the substantially hollow handle is rotatably and selectively detachable from said clip assembly via a lip-groove joint. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clip assembly is a separate and rigid removable element with a clip and a means of attaching to a handle of a separate jump rope. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clip assembly is a rigid hook extension affixed to a handle. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clip assembly is permanently attached to a handle. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clip assembly is defined by at least one rigid shaft, wherein one shaft may rotate around an axis to form a fixed angle. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the jump rope is defined by at least one telescoping handle, wherein the handles may attach to one another to create a continuous bar. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cord attaches directly to a midpoint on the handle, wherein the handle can simply be rotated 90 degrees to change exercise configurations. 
     
     
         19 . A method of exercising comprising:
 obtaining a jump rope comprising a cord, at least one clip attachment point disposed along the cord, at least one clip on either end of the cord, wherein at least one handle is disposed along the cord and is selectively detachable from at least one clip;   manipulating the jump rope into a bodyweight suspension training device by placing a portion of the jump rope on an anchor point;   suspending a portion of a user's bodyweight from the handles; and,   performing a resistance training exercise.   
     
     
         20 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a cord with a first end and a second end;   a first and second clip fixed at opposite ends of the cord;   a first handle disposed along the first end of the cord, wherein the handle is substantially hollow;   a second handle disposed along the second end of the cord, wherein the handle is substantially hollow;   wherein at least one of said handles is selectively detachable from a clip; and,   at least one clip attachment point disposed along the cord, whereby a clip may be attached to create a handle loop.