U.S. patent application number 11/098944 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for resistance fitness suit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ripped, Inc.. Invention is credited to Feigin, Efim, Horn, Gerald, Triebwasser, Jeff.
Application Number | 20050255975 11/098944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35310138 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050255975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horn, Gerald ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
Resistance fitness suit
Abstract
A fitness system including a suit, a fixation system, and
attachment locations on the fixation system. The attachment
locations are located at the neck, shoulders, chest, waist, and
knees. The fitness system also includes bands that are attached to
the attachment points on the upper and lower torso. The upper torso
band traverses behind the neck or posterior shoulders to the front
waist to engage the rear deltoid, the upper back and the lower
back. The upper torso band may also traverse under the armpit to
the rear waist to engage the front deltoid, the chest, and the
abdominals. The lower torso band traverses the rear waist over the
front of each thigh to below the knee to engage the gluteus, the
hamstring and the flexion of the upper leg, or under the thigh to
below the knee to engage the quadriceps and the extension of the
upper leg.
Inventors: |
Horn, Gerald; (Deerfield,
IL) ; Triebwasser, Jeff; (Sunrise, FL) ;
Feigin, Efim; (Northbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART NICHOLSON GRAHAM LLP
(FORMERLY KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART LLP)
75 STATE STREET
BOSTON
MA
02109-1808
US
|
Assignee: |
Ripped, Inc.
Miami Lakes
FL
|
Family ID: |
35310138 |
Appl. No.: |
11/098944 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11098944 |
Apr 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
10791931 |
Mar 3, 2004 |
|
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|
60451725 |
Mar 4, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4009 20151001;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4011
20151001; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 21/4007
20151001; A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A fitness system comprising a fixation system, a plurality of
attachment locations on said fixation system, and a resistive band,
wherein said band attaches to two of said plurality of said
attachment locations.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said attachment locations are
aligned along a region.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the region is a region which
tolerates resistive tightening well.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the region is a joint.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein the region is a major muscle
group.
6. The system of claim 2 wherein the region is selected from the
group consisting of the rib cage, the upper torso, the lower back,
the abdomen, the thigh, and the leg of a user.
7. The system of claim 2 wherein the band is stretched by movement
involving said region.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the attachment locations are
located at the shoulders, the chest, the pelvic girdle, the waist,
the elbow, or the knee of a user. (Note this implies all these
locations.)
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the band traverses the upper
cervical region, down across the anterior deltoid and attaches to
attachment locations either along the anterior pelvic girdle or
behind the axilla to the posterior side of the body of a user.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the band increases energy
expenditure by the user to maintain normal posture.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the band traverses the pelvic
girdle, down across the thigh, and attaches to attachment locations
below the knee.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a circumferential band
overlying the sternum and the rib cage of a user.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the circumferential band
increases an amount of gas exchange during exhalation and increases
an amount of energy expended during each breath by the user.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the circumferential band is
positioned from about 2 inches to about 3 inches above the sternum
and from about 2 inches to about 3 inches below the sternum.
15. The system of claim 1 further comprising a pad associated with
the band.
16. The system of claim 1 further comprising a suit to which the
fitness system is incorporated.
17. The system of claim 15 wherein the suit further comprises a
fabric tunnel to prevent said band from moving out of
alignment.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein the fixation system associated
with the knee comprises at least two circumferential portions.
19. A fitness system comprising a suit; a fixation system;
attachment locations on said fixation system, wherein said
attachment locations are located at the neck, shoulders, chest,
waist, and knees; and bands, wherein said bands are attached to the
attachment points on the upper and lower torso; such that the upper
band traverses behind the neck or posterior shoulders to the front
waist to engage the rear deltoid, the upper back and the lower
back, or under the armpit to the rear waist to engage the front
deltoid, the chest, and the abdominals; and the lower band
traverses the rear waist over the front of each thigh to below the
knee to engage the gluteus, the hamstring and the flexion of the
upper leg, or under the thigh to below the knee to engage the
quadriceps and the extension of the upper leg.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the upper band and the lower
band create a minimal resistive force sufficient to increase the
energy expenditure of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/791,931, filed on Mar. 3, 2004,
which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
60/451,725, filed on Mar. 4, 2003, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Poor fitness, weight gain, and obesity are interrelated
health killers. They may soon cancel out almost all major gains in
medical treatment, quality of life, and longer lifespan over the
past fifty years. The invention, in a exemplary embodiment called
The BodySculptor.TM. offers a radical, novel solution to this
worldwide epidemic, fast becoming the major worldwide quality of
life and health care crisis. Type 2 Diabetes is the illness most
directly linked to obesity. A condition that often leads to heart
disease and kidney failure, it is blamed for more than 3 million
deaths a year. It afflicts 154 million people--nearly four times
the number who have HIV or AIDS--and the WHO forecasts more than
twice as many people will develop diabetes in the next 25 years.
People spend more time sitting in the car, at the computer and
especially in front of the television--an average of 1,669 hours a
year in the United States, a habit that is extending
internationally, further eroding fitness levels as a social and
culturally entrenched limitation on a global scale. About 1.7
billion people should lose weight, according to the International
Obesity Task Force. The global trend toward weight gain and its
associated illnesses is not restricted to the well off. High-fat,
high-starch foods tend to be cheaper, so poor people eat more of
them.
[0003] Dieting is the most common means to assert some form of
weight control, but is extremely ineffective in most cases for
multiple reasons. Even in instances when successful, it results in
significant fat and protein (muscle) weight loss. Muscle loss
reduces strength and creates a more `gaunt` appearance. More
desirable would be primarily fat loss while retaining muscle, which
increases an index known as lean body mass. It looks great and
feels great--creating a vigorous, fit, more youthful appearance.
Intake of 600 calories or more per day results in some protein
sparing, but weight loss in excess of a few pounds per month only
significantly spares protein if it includes exercise. It takes
nearly twice as much weight loss via dieting alone to equal the
same amount of fat lost in conjunction with vigorous exercise.
Weight lost via diet alone is associated with a decrease in the
resting metabolic rate (RMR), because the body adapts to reduced
caloric intake to prepare for what it interprets as upcoming famine
or true starvation. Retaining weight loss is therefore more
difficult when a diet ends, whereas weight lost in conjunction with
exercise is not. A recent study determined it took about 80 minutes
of moderate activity per day, or 35 minutes of vigorous activity
for women within three months of achieving their target weight loss
of about 40 lbs, just to maintain it. While exercise forms a
natural part of a healthy lifestyle, a further challenge is
obtaining both overall aerobic and muscular fitness from exercise.
Many forms of exercise offer one or the other, but frequently both
are difficult to achieve. Strength, toning, endurance and overall
fitness benefit from both aerobic and weight training.
[0004] Nevertheless, dieting and or at a minimum nutritional
discipline along with exercise are great concepts for maintaining
fitness and weight control but usually fail over the long term
because finding the time, will power, and stamina to make a single
hour of exercise even every other day a part of one's lifestyle is
challenging; and where diet is involved even more vigorous exercise
is necessary just to maintain weight loss after the diet has ended.
Injury and or reduced resistance while trying to get in shape
eventually derail most even with the best of intentions,
particularly per decade of age.
[0005] Prior art attempts to induce fitness via exercise benefits
with suits, abdominal trainers, home gymnasiums, treadmills,
trackers, other physical training aids, aerobicizing programs, such
as kickboxing, dance, and other related workout programs require
near Herculean discipline with repeat regular focused time and
effort to do so, and suffer from the catch-22 disadvantage of
requiring high levels of exertion over relatively short periods of
time on a regular basis, with attendant risk of injury due to
excessive focal stress points on the body, risk of illness due to
reduced body resistance from fatigue, and requirement of high
levels of energy and free available time several days per week.
While jogging, running, swimming, bicycling, rowing, aerobicizing,
basketball and other athletic pursuits offer considerable fitness
potential with repeat regular use the time commitment, energy
required and fitness level needed to maintain a significant
activity level are prohibitive for most individuals. Even brisk
walking, which comes closest to the distributed slow caloric burn
of the present invention, requires inordinate free time to effect
enough cumulative exercise to be truly beneficial.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In the first aspect, the present invention is a fitness
system comprising a fixation system, a plurality of attachment
locations on the fixation system, and a resistive band, wherein the
band attaches to two of the plurality of the attachment
locations.
[0007] According to one embodiment, the system further includes
attachment locations that are aligned along a region. According to
another embodiment, the region is a region which tolerates
resistive tightening well. The region may be a joint, a major
muscle group, or a region selected from the group consisting of the
rib cage, the upper torso, the lower back, the abdomen, the thigh,
and the leg of a user. According to another embodiment, the
attachment locations are located at the shoulders, the chest, the
pelvic girdle, the waist, the elbow, or the knee of a user.
According to one embodiment, the band is stretched by movement
involving the region. The band may increase the energy expenditure
by the user to maintain a normal posture.
[0008] According to another embodiment, the band traverses the
upper cervical region, down across the anterior deltoid and
attaches to attachment locations either along the anterior pelvic
girdle or behind the axilla to the posterior side of the body of a
user. According to another embodiment, the band traverses the
pelvic girdle, down across the thigh, and attaches to attachment
locations below the knee. The system may further comprise a
circumferential band overlying the sternum and the rib cage of a
user, a pad associated with the band, or a suit to which the
fitness system is incorporated. The circumferential band may be
positioned from about 2 inches to about 3 inches above the sternum
to about 2 inches to about 3 inches below the sternum and may
increase the amount of gas exchange during exhalation and increases
the amount of energy expended during each breath by the user. The
suit may further comprises a fabric tunnel to prevent said band
from moving out of alignment. The fixation system associated with
the knee comprises at least two circumferential portions.
[0009] According to another aspect, the fitness system comprises a
suit; a fixation system; attachment locations on said fixation
system, wherein said attachment locations are located at the neck,
shoulders, chest, waist, and knees; and bands, wherein said bands
are attached to the attachment points on the upper and lower torso;
such that the upper torso band traverses behind the neck or
posterior shoulders to the front waist to engage the rear deltoid,
the upper back and the lower back, or under the armpit to the rear
waist to engage the front deltoid, the chest, and the abdominals;
and the lower torso band traverses the rear waist over the front of
each thigh to below the knee to engage the gluteus, the hamstring
and the flexion of the upper leg, or under the thigh to below the
knee to engage the quadriceps and the extension of the upper
leg.
[0010] According to another embodiment, the upper band and the
lower band create a substantially symmetrical force relative to the
user. According to another embodiment, the upper band and the lower
band create a minimal resistive force sufficient to increase the
energy expenditure of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the fitness system
with respect to a user according to an illustrative embodiment of
the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the pelvic girdle
portion of the fitness system with respect to a user according to
an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a band and an
attachment location of the fitness system according to an
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a band connected to
an attachment location of the fitness system according to an
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an upper band and a
lower band attached to a belt of the fitness system according to an
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a fitness system
including attachment locations, bands, and a suit according to an
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of a below the knee
attachment location according to an illustrative embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6B is a schematic representation of a below the knee
attachment location according to another illustrative embodiment of
the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6C is a schematic representation of a below the knee
attachment location according to another illustrative embodiment of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6D is a schematic representation of a below the knee
attachment location including dual cinch bands according to another
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a fitness system
including pads and fabric tunnels according to an illustrative
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a fitness system
including attachment locations according to an illustrative
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] This invention relates to a lifestyle altering `fitness
suit` that augments multiple body systems including cardiovascular;
pulmonary; musculoskeletal including posture; mental health
including emotion and anxiety control; increased lean body mass and
weight control; improved metabolism; immune system function; and
general fitness and well being by inducing a slow, prolonged,
increased caloric burn by increasing the energy of maintaining
posture, breathing, and of routine body movements in infinite
combination while worn during routine daily activity either as an
undergarment under work clothing or as a workout suit. It allows
for spectacular levels of fitness to be achieved just by commitment
to wearing it regularly even for unfit out of shape individuals
with poor metabolism and high percent body fat. It consists of a
thin, wickable, breathable conforming stretch outer `skin` over
most of the torso; a network of nonstretch fixation points attached
thereto; and muscular, pulmonary and posture improving resistance
bands with various points of attachment to the network of fixation
points; and where such resistive bands are designed and oriented to
minimize torque or pull on the outer skin of the suit for optimal
comfort including the specific attachment of cushioning materials
at key points such as the back of the neck, along the armpit, and
just under band insertion below the knee. The unique form of
exertion induced by routine regular wear distributes the caloric
burn diffusely as to allow prolonged wear with massive calorie
expenditure even without any specific exercise regimen, with
minimal fatigue, quick recovery, and reduced focal stress and
injury risk. The essence of the suit's concept is that increased
caloric expenditure via extra induced effort with routine body
movement and position such as breathing, posture, and generalized
limb and torso movement adding up to a fraction of a calorie per
second will achieve long term fitness benefits that can lead to
breakthrough never before achievable levels of fitness. Further
support for this concept is from recent studies using specialized
sensors in undergarments that have demonstrated that individuals
who "fidget" can generate several hundred calories per day over
those with more sedentary non-fidgeting when at rest body
positions.
[0025] The present invention provides a simple fitness garment or
undergarment that is not cumbersome, is in fact easy to wear,
wicks, breathes, minimizes microbial accumulation, yet increases
caloric expenditure during routine activity, and does so in a
manner with multi body-system benefits from its novel form of
extended time-frame, low resistance user adjustable, distributed
endurance training. This invention in a exemplary embodiment
describes a means of simultaneously improving diaphragmatic
breathing; posture; and exercising muscle groups of the upper and
lower body in a manner where movement of the upper body enhances
the workout of the lower and vice versa with most types of routine
motion, such as a stride in walking.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the fitness system
10 with respect to a user according to an illustrative embodiment
of the invention. The fitness system 10 includes a pelvic fixation
system 30 and a knee fixation system 32, 32' below the joint of
each knee. The fitness system 10 includes an upper resistive band
20 and a lower resistive band 22. The upper resistive band 20 is
attached to the pelvic fixation system 30 at two attachment points
42, 42'. The lower resistive band 22 is attached both to the pelvic
fixation system 30 at a dorsal attachment point (not shown) and to
the knee fixation system 32, 32' at knee attachment points
40,40'.
[0027] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary embodiment
of the invention included key attachment locations 40, 42 for the
fixation system 30, 32. This combination of attachment locations
40, 42 allows a "slingshot" resistance band to stretch at the
body's resting position. The upper resistive band 20, according to
this exemplary embodiment, is shown in a modified dead lift
function connection. The upper resistive band 20 may cross or
connect the ipsilateral to the pelvic girdle fixation system 30.
Alternatively, the upper resistive band 20 may wrap under the
armpit to connect along the rear waist for an alternate abdominal
workout. Additionally, the lower resistive band 22 may be connected
to emphasize the hamstrings and the gluts. Moreover, the fixation
system 30, 32 may be fabricated from a nonstretch or minimal
stretch compressive material.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the pelvic girdle
portion of the fitness system 10 with respect to a user according
to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. According to this
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the fitness system 10
includes a pelvic fixation system 30 in the form of pelvic girdle.
The pelvic fixation system 30 includes two attachment points 42,
42', one attachment point on each of the left and right side of the
fixation system 30.
[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the pelvic fixation
system 30 rests substantially upon the iliac crest, a key
anatomical location. The iliac crest location resists the upward
pull of the sling-shot paired attachment locations 42, 42' of the
upper resistive band 20. While the pelvic fixation system 30
includes the waist, it particularly takes advantage of the iliac
crest, which lies approximately three inches below the navel.
[0030] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a resistive band 24
and an attachment location 44 of the fitness system 10 according to
an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The exemplary
resistive band 24 includes a portion of interlocking material 36.
The exemplary attachment location 44 of the fitness system 10 also
includes a portion of interlocking material 38. It is contemplated
that the two portions of interlocking material 36, 38 may interlock
to connect the resistive band 24 to the attachment location 44.
Additionally, the fitness system 10 may include a fabric tunnel 34,
maintaining the resistive band 24 in proper orientation and
reducing the likelihood of injury from unanticipated release of the
resistive band 24 from the attachment location 44. FIG. 3B is a
schematic representation of a resistive band 24 connected to an
attachment location 44 of the fitness system 10 according to
another illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0031] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
interlocking material 36, 38 of the attachment location 44 may be
fabricated from an interlocking material, for example, Velcro or
Snakess, or another material including a hook and loop or mushroom
and loop configuration. According to this exemplary embodiment of
the invention, the female portion of the interlocking material 36,
38 on one side adjoins the surface area of the male portion of the
interlocking material 36, 38 on the other side. This attachment
configuration provides great support and adjustability of the
resistive band 24. This exemplary embodiment does not require metal
or plastic hooks, improving usability and reducing the risk of user
injury.
[0032] With further reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the interlocking
material 36, 38 of the attachment location 44 may be adjusted by
the user. According to one exemplary embodiment (not shown) the
attachment location 44 may include an opening, for example, a loop
or D-ring. The resistive band 24 and/or the interlocking material
36, 38 may be threaded through the opening and cinched back over
itself. This embodiment may be further secured by an additional
piece of interlocking material (not shown) wrapped around the
interlocked interlocking material 36, 38.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an upper resistive
band 20 and a lower resistive band 22 attached to a belt 31 of the
fitness system 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the
invention. According to one exemplary embodiment, the upper
resistive band 20 attaches to the belt 31 in the front. According
to another exemplary embodiment, the upper resistive band 20
attaches to the belt 31 in the back. Similarly, the lower resistive
band 22 may attach to the belt 31 either in the front or the back,
according to additional exemplary embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a fitness system 10
including attachment locations 44, resistive bands 20, 22, and a
suit 60 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
The fitness system 10 includes a pelvic fixation system 30 and a
knee fixation system 32, 32' below the joint of each knee. The
fitness system 10 includes an upper resistive band 20 and a lower
resistive band 22. The upper resistive band 20 is attached to the
pelvic fixation system 30 at two attachment locations 42, 42'. The
upper resistive band 20 may either cross the upper body or remain
ipsilateral. The lower resistive band 22 is attached both to the
pelvic fixation system 30 at a rear attachment location 46 and to
the knee fixation system 32, 32' at knee attachment locations 40,
40'. The lower resistive band 22 may either cross the lower body or
remain ipsilateral.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 5, according to one
exemplary embodiment, the upper resistive band 20 attaches to the
pelvic fixation system 30 in the front. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the upper resistive band 20 attaches to the
pelvic fixation system 30 in the back. Similarly, the lower
resistive band 22 may attach to the pelvic fixation system 30
either in the front or the back, according to additional exemplary
embodiments. Additionally, the upper resistive band 20 may attach
either at an attachment location on the shoulder 54 or across the
back (not shown).
[0036] FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of a below the knee
attachment location 40 according to an illustrative embodiment of
the invention. The knee attachment location 40 may attach to a
resistive band (not shown) through an interlocking material (not
shown); one portion of the interlocking material connected to the
resistive band and the other portion of the interlocking material
connected to the knee attachment location 40. FIG. 6B is a
schematic representation of a below the knee attachment location 40
including reinforcing webbing 48 according to another illustrative
embodiment of the invention. Additionally, the knee attachment
location 40 may also have a reinforcing interior layer of non-slip,
elastic or rubber-like threading 48 to maintain the knee attachment
location 40 in position. FIG. 6C is a schematic representation of a
below the knee attachment location 44 according to another
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 6D is a schematic representation of a below the knee
attachment location 40 including a first cinch band 52 and a second
cinch band 54 according to another illustrative embodiment of the
invention. This exemplary embodiment of the invention, including a
double-cinch band, secures the knee fixation system 32 and the
fitness system 10 below the knee without torque or sliding. The
below the knee attachment location 40 is located on the knee
fixation system 32. Additionally, according to another exemplary
embodiment, the knee fixation system 32 may include a gusset (not
shown) to maintain the fitness suit (not shown) in position below
the knee. The gusset may be fabricated of a non-stretch or
compressive material. Furthermore, the knee fixation system 32 may
include a pad (not shown) to cushion the knee fixation system 32
and prevent friction against the skin of the user.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a fitness system 10
including pads 37 and fabric tunnels 34 according to an
illustrative embodiment of the invention. The fitness system 10 may
include one or a plurality of fabric tunnels 34 positioned at
various locations, for example, the shoulders, the waist, the
thighs, and the interior of the knee. It is contemplated that the
fabric tunnels 34 may be positioned at any location where the
resistive bands 20, 22 are located. The fabric tunnels 34 maintain
the resistive bands 20, 22 in the proper orientation and prevent
movement of the resistive bands 20, 22 out of alignment. The
fitness system 10 may also include pads 37 between the resistive
bands 20, 22 and the user to prevent roughening or irritation of
the skin caused by friction between the resistive bands 20, 22 and
the skin. It is contemplated that the pads 37 may be positioned at
any location where the resistive bands 20, 22 are located.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a fitness system 10
including attachment locations according to an illustrative
embodiment of the invention. The fitness system 10 includes a
pelvic fixation system 30 and a knee fixation system 32, 32' below
the joint of each knee. The fitness system 10 includes an upper
resistive band 20 and a lower resistive band 22. The upper
resistive band 20 is attached to the pelvic fixation system 30 at
two attachment locations, either the front upper attachment
locations 42, 42', or the rear upper attachment locations 46, 46'.
The lower resistive band 22 is attached both to the pelvic fixation
system 30 at a rear attachment location 46, 46' and to the knee
fixation system 32, 32' at knee attachment locations 40, 40'. The
fitness system 10 may also include pads 37 to prevent friction
between the resistive bands 20, 22 and the skin of the user. The
exemplary embodiment of the fitness system 10 also includes a
circumferential upper body band 80 overlying the sternum and the
rib cage of a user.
[0040] The key limitations to prior art fitness suits include 1)
lack of an effective means for stabilizing garment material so that
there is no significant torque or undue sliding when a resistance
element is in place and a muscle contracts against it to gain
exercise benefit, especially lack of proper fixation use of the
pelvic girdle, particularly highlighting region just below iliac
crest rather than waist; and particularly highlighting region and
means for securing just below knee--as compared to the fixed
skeleton "harness" system of the present invention; 2) no means for
gaining increased caloric burn from the simple repetitive motions
of daily living including breathing and maintaining posture (even
when sitting)--as compared to the breathing and upper torso bands
of the present invention; 3) no satisfactory means for securing
resistance on stretch even without body movement, with comfort, to
provide great cumulative effect with wear without requiring high
caloric burn exercise--as with the "sling shot" resistance band
configurations of the present invention utilizing the back of the
neck and back of the waist as the central symmetry of stretch, and
harness fixation to the pelvic girdle and hips respectively for the
sling shot "ends" paired attachments for the upper and lower body
bands respectively; 4) no strategic placement of cushioning
relative to resistance materials--as with the closed cell foam of
the present invention; 5) not easily worn under work clothes due to
cumbersome resistance tubing--unlike the flat bands of the current
invention; and 6) other differences in attachment of some of the
fixation elements and adjustment of the resistance bands described
for a exemplary embodiment below, as well as breathability and easy
washing of the entire garment.
[0041] The point at which resistance elements attach to a fitness
suit creates point source tension/torque against the skin
underlying the suit as well as a rotation or twisting of the
garment at that point, and therefore discomfort, particularly with
wear for more than a few minutes as would be desirable for such a
suit with prior art as sufficient fixation stabilization for long
term use is lacking. The knee fixation for the lower band utilizes
a novel paired set of cinched bands just below each knee to provide
fixation without torque from the attached lower body bands, not
described in prior art.
[0042] Prior art efforts to induce short term high resistance
workouts similar to that with weight training reduce the long-term
potential of these fitness suit designs compared with the present
invention, where the distribution of muscle groups stimulated is
over most of the body, and slight increased second to second
caloric expenditure becomes cumulatively impressive, comparable to
traditional high exertion forms of exercise, though the wearer can
optionally induce higher resistance as fitness and shorter duration
workout goals dictate. The u-shaped "sling shot" resistance of the
upper and lower torso bands is unique to the present invention and
add many unique novel features of wear, including comfort via the
central torso providing stretch with underlying closed cell foam
for added comfort; adjustment of either band to front or rear
insertion working a variety of muscle groups including for the
upper body band simply maintaining posture even while sitting being
a workout, and either a form of dead lift or abdominal "crunch"
depending on front insertion at the waist (dead lift) or rear
insertion under the armpits (foam protected) and at the central
rear waist (ab crunch). The lower band provides exertion similar to
dragging a weight with the legs, either on forward or rear gait,
depending on front or rear thigh insertion of the lower torso band.
The circumferential chest band provides a novel method for inducing
resistive breathing, whereby increased resistance to inhalation
results. This promotes diaphragmatic over rib cage expansion per
breathing cycle, with greater oxygen exchange, and increases the
caloric burn per breath. Studies have shown resistive breathing
confers health benefits to the heart and lungs. The invention
results in a novel and almost paradoxical effect of leveraged
cumulative caloric increase which over the extended hours of a
workday time frame produces a daily near equivalent of a strong
hour run and massive caloric expenditure much more safely and
easily accomplished with regular repeat wear of the invention. Just
sitting at a computer and keeping the shoulders from hunching
forward via the forward setting of the upper torso band is a unique
workout, the work of breathing, further accentuated by any normal
or exercise activity which exponentially increases the caloric
expenditure over use of the body absent the device. This benefit of
increased caloric expenditure without exercise via the present
invention is in direct counterpoint to prior art and unanticipated
by it.
[0043] Diet and nutritional discipline simply are not sufficient in
a world of technical innovation leading to increasingly nonphysical
time demands. Forced nutritional deprivation and dragging ones body
for several hours of exhaustive muscular or aerobic workout per
week do not work well for most. The body interprets dieting as
starvation, and loses both fat and muscle mass. The loss of muscle
and low caloric intake mean much lower metabolism than with the
present invention in which lean mass increases--muscle is less
likely to be lost and in fact will often be gained due to the
benefit of resistance training as fat is lost from the cumulative
aerobic component and massive calorie expenditure over time. The
solution of the present invention is to get fit naturally, almost
effortlessly by wearing a device--the present invention--during
routine daily activity at home, while at work, or performing
errands. The natural physiologic changes induced by the distributed
low resistance endurance training of the suit results in greater
fitness and eventually a higher percentage of lean body mass,
greater endorphin release, better body and body image biofeedback
and as a result greater muscular strength, endurance, core
strength, aerobic fitness, and better portion control and
nutritional selection. All a function of wearing the suit, not
force feeding fitness through suffering and deprivation as with
traditional fitness devices.
[0044] Exercise increases lean mass--and lean mass requires more
calories ingested to maintain, so one can take in more calories
without weight gain the greater percentage of lean mass they have.
A single hour of exercise per day, combined with moderate dietary
control has been associated with dramatic weight loss (in 12 weeks)
vs. dieting alone, and increases lean mass. Achieving that "single
hour" of exercise per day as part of one's life-style is quite a
challenge however. The invention is a lightweight, breathable
fitness suit technology that per day worn will far exceed that hour
of exercise needed (e.g. under work clothes) for an entire workday.
A wearer goes through their daily routine, sleeps better each night
due to greater oxygen debt and CO2 in their bloodstream.
[0045] The invention for the first time allows an individual to
take advantage of the infinite variety of body motions that are
part of every person's daily routines--like movements of the torso,
gait, even breathing, and converts these physiogic movements into
increased exertion per second to generate a whole new, powerful,
extended form of exercise. The average individual takes over 10,000
breaths per day burning 900 calories simply by breathing; over
2,000 strides per day, moves their torso many thousands of times,
etc. A small fraction of a calorie more energy expended per second
for each of these routine movements--and over the course of each
day that can add up to hundreds of extra calories burned almost
effortlessly, similar to an hours hard run, but with the exertion
distributed throughout our bodies and the effect feeling more like
a slow walk. For example, increasing energy expended by 0.017 cal
per second ({fraction (1/60)} of a calorie) is about 1 calorie per
minute, or about 600 calories total, with this caloric burn
distributed almost evenly throughout the body every time the
invention is worn for a 10-hour day.
[0046] The invention takes advantage of advances in materials
technology and a revolutionary design to create this new fitness
paradigm. It finally offers a solution to the seeming paradox of
how to achieve spectacular levels of fitness without setting aside
large blocks of time and without requiring the energy for Herculean
moments of intense effort. Accepting the challenge of today's
limits on personal time, the invention requires simply making the
lifestyle decision to wear it regularly, preferably a few days per
week and slowly resculpt the body into a leaner high endurance
higher metabolism fitness machine. Over time the increased
distributed lean mass, calories burned, and extra endurance will
create a level of fitness unrivaled except by world-class athletes.
In fact worn a few times per week it gives the caloric burn of
nearly a marathon running program, with much less physical stress
on the body and distributed lean muscle mass conditioning.
[0047] The effective `workout', with slight increase in exertion
every second of each workday worn is not possible previously, and
offers a more comprehensive, physiologic (natural) means of working
the muscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and skeletal systems. It
generates results--greater mental and physical well being--by
powerfully working the body in a manner that allows for reduced
focal stress and injury risk, and quicker recovery, so it can be
continued indefinitely. Lifestyle change is key to greater fitness,
leaner body mass, and greater weight control, and with the
invention becomes possible. The increased fitness will drive better
nutritional choices, weight control and benefits overall
health.
[0048] Better nutrition becomes a natural byproduct of a more fit
body because the greater sense of well being via higher endorphin
levels associated with highest levels of fitness contribute to
better eating choices naturally. But with prior art it was an
almost impossible `Catch-22` to get that `ultra-fit'. This problem
with diets and workout programs is an overwhelming obstacle to
making them lifelong full-time disciplines, the key to any
successful combined nutritional and exercise program.
[0049] Studies indicate 2,000 calories per week of exercise induced
calorie burn off has dramatic health benefits.sup.8. In fact, the
Harvard Alumni Study demonstrated increasing physical activity from
500 calories per week to 2,000 calories per week improved
cardiovascular fitness and decreased the risk of heart attack--with
men who are the least fit 8.5 times more likely to die of a heart
attack than men who are the most fit..sup.8
[0050] If an exercise program were to result in caloric burn of
about 600 calories per day used it would be the equivalent of
jogging 6-8 miles in about an hour depending on ones weight*.
Repeated four times a week a net of about 2,500 calories per week
would result from about 28 miles of jogging. After 12 weeks 25,000
to 40,000 additional calories will have been expended, powerfully
contributing to a tremendous decrease in retained calories. The net
effect would approach the fitness and training regimen of a
competitive marathon runner running 24 to 36 miles per week.
[0051] Achieving this level of fitness jogging--as a lifetime
commitment--would be virtually impossible for most individuals, due
to the intensity of effort and training time needed, as well as the
eventual wear and tear on most of our bodies--particularly feet and
knees. While few would argue that such exercise is beneficial,
there is clearly a reason so many individuals are not really fit,
are overweight, or obese. If one were in shape, exercise could be
easy, fun, and motivating. If one is out of shape, is overweight,
or has little time for it, they likely lack the energy to perform a
vigorous workout several days per week, would be more injury prone
if they did so, or would get sick from lowered resistance if they
try too hard too soon. These setbacks take their toll, and lead to
ultimate failure. Resignation results, and individuals are fated to
then watch their bodies bloat as they age, slowly growing
waistlines not infrequently that become quite massive over the
years.
[0052] There is very little to no chance of jump-starting a
dramatically effective, long-term, lifestyle transforming exercise
program for the majority of overweight or unfit individuals without
the present Invention or some other breakthrough like it. The
reduced energy from being unfit, the lack of stamina, the
likelihood of injury all eventually take their toll before a high
level of fitness can be achieved. To further complicate matters, as
previously stated, since fat mass is higher than desired in such
individuals, it takes even less metabolism to maintain weight,
meaning such individuals are prone to weight gain, not loss.
Getting unfit, overweight, or obese individuals to a high index of
lean mass, which might radically reverse their internal desire to
ingest calories and control their weight gain is virtually
unachievable without major life style quantum leaps in diet and or
exercise programs. Only a tiny percentage of those who are unfit or
overweight, and even a smaller percentage of those who are obese
have even a remote chance to overcome these overwhelming odds. The
deck is `stacked` against them.
[0053] The Invention provides a revolutionary breakthrough that
finally gives virtually every individual a chance to become
`ultra-fit', not just maybe lose some weight, most for the first
time ever. The wearer of course still does the work, and gets some
form of fatigue as their fitness is improving, thus deeper sleep
with easier breathing and greater body O.sub.2 intake overnight
after a day of wear. Achieving the effort is now simpler, more
natural, and integrates into almost any lifestyle. As the wearer
begins to experience positive, leaner protein sparing body changes
the mindset becomes more positive and assertive, and internal food
drives subtly but powerfully adjust for the better. This adjustment
provides a day-to-day improvement in nutrition and calorie intake
over the course of time with regular use that no diet can
match.
[0054] *1 hr @ 11 min./mile=550 calories for a 125 lb person; 660
for a 150 lb person; 962 for a 200 lb person
[0055] When the Invention becomes a part of ones lifestyle it does
not just retool the body, as any true high level athlete can attest
it becomes self-actuating, fulfilling, and drives further effort to
maintain this state of well being. It revitalizes ones inner self.
While this is said of exercise in general, it only becomes true
when an individual overcomes the inertia of a sedentary lifestyle,
the muscular and overall endurance weakness of their body, and
attains sufficient levels of fitness. Because of the unique nature
of the fitness and exercise characteristics of the present
invention this improvement is both marked and more comprehensive
than otherwise possible for most individuals. Without liposuction,
steroids, growth hormone, skin peels, botox, lifts, Viagra,
stimulants, antianxiety, or mood control drugs the wearers loss of
fat with protein retention contributes to looking and feeling years
younger, with more endorphins to reinvigorate naturally and provide
a more placid steady demeanor. A more fit and vigorous persona
tends to result, with greater energy ready to be directed as
needed. Achieving greater cardiovascular, pulmonary and
musculoskeletal fitness; sleeping deeper; eating better; more
energy for the family; and a natural endorphin drug-free boost for
a more fulfilling sex life all derive as cumulative benefits from
the fundamental novelty of the spectacular levels of fitness
achievable for the first time simply by wearing regularly the
invention. The unique second to second fitness benefit of wearing
the invention easily for extended time periods leads to day to week
to month to life benefits due to its design for daily wear and
repeated use. The invention transforms the body over time much like
running water reshapes even the hardest rock. The Invention is the
driving forced, the wearer's body mass a granite slab so to speak
slowly but powerfully being reshaped over time.
[0056] Generating 600+ calories per day of caloric burn four to six
times a week (about 10,000 calories per month)--without jogging, or
massive time devoted specifically to exercise has never been
achievable through any modified exercise plan or prior art
invention.
[0057] The proprietary "key" to the Invention, is derived from its
fundamental fitness "axioms", for which no prior art invention
exists or has been designed to incorporate:
[0058] Axiom 1: A subtle, prolonged increase in energy expended
over extended hours (e.g. about 10) results in a more powerful form
of exercise that can be easily leveraged than massive concentrated
exertion for an hour.
[0059] Axiom 2: Distributing low resistance endurance training
throughout the body (D.E.T.) allows for less wear and tear and
quicker recovery, allowing the body to thrive on massive caloric
expenditure.
[0060] Axioms 1 and 2, described above, led to the powerful novel
concept of the present invention called D.E.T. There is one more
equally powerful axiom, one that follows from D.E.T. Axiom 1 and 2
lead directly to another key fitness principle of the present
invention:
[0061] Axiom 3: The invention (through D.E.T.) increases lean body
mass, and increases metabolism with less fatigue, diffuse
involvement of most major muscle groups, and quicker recovery than
conventional exercise; creates a sense of well being associated
with higher levels of fitness via endorphin release; and triggers
modification of nutritional cravings towards healthier choices with
better portion control naturally--without the starvation,
discipline and deprivation associated with dieting.
[0062] This is the well kept secret of most of those rare fit
individuals who seem so disciplined when they eat. They already
have the endorphin high of being in shape. Its not suffering and
diet that gets them there, but vice versa. This is one of the least
appreciated/most misunderstood aspects of fitness--how nutrition is
driven by level of fitness rather than vice versa. It is the final
of the three axioms that makes the Invention so physiologic--so
natural and so unique. While it is very difficult to force our
bodies to eat in ways we do not crave day after day month after
month and year after year--as in virtually any diet or nutritional
discipline that requires virtually imploding our zest for life to
unnaturally `sacrifice` to do it; it is clearly easy to maintain
healthy nutrition when ones body literally craves it. Plus the
massive calorie expenditure of lifestyle use of the present
invention allows a more balanced enjoyment of a variety of less
ideal for one's health taste bud cravings without the as great a
negative consequence.
[0063] D.E.T. can be somewhat better understood from some real life
exercise situations most are familiar with. Walking briskly for
about three hours burns the same number of calories and confers
virtually all the health benefits of jogging for one hour, and in
fact is less stressful on ones body, but unfortunately is an
impractical time commitment given the necessity of cyclical almost
daily repeat performance. Spread out over an eight to ten hour
workday with the present invention the effect of D.E.T. is even
more powerful and leveraged. The second to second effort required
to generate 600 calories of energy expended over an 8 to 10 hr
workday, 4 days per week is a barely noticeable fraction needed to
achieve the same calorie burn as jogging 20-30 miles per week in
4-6 hours of running per week.
[0064] Doing the math one more time: An increase in your energy
expended of about 0.0166 calories per second ({fraction
(1/16,600)}.sup.th) spread out over an 8 to 10 hr day=1 calorie per
minute=60 calories per hour=600 calories per 10 hr day=24+ miles
jogging per week over 4 1 hr sessions: near marathon level
fitness.
[0065] Axiom 4: Weight lost via diet alone is associated with a
decrease in the resting metabolic rate (RMR), since your body
thinks your starving, making retaining such weight loss more
difficult when a diet ends.
[0066] Axiom 5: Exercise increases lean mass, the ratio of muscle
to fat; lean mass requires more calories ingested just to maintain
than does fat--so it--particularly D.E.T--results in a boost in
metabolism.
[0067] Axiom 6: It is the depth of sleep.times.time not length of
sleep that determines sleep quality; so short rest at very deep
sleep (D.E.T. Sculptor.TM. induced) can be more restful, beneficial
sleep.
[0068] Axiom 7: Diaphragm (vs. chest expansion) breathing via the
Sculptor.TM. promotes relaxation; during sleep it promotes a sense
of well being, as well as better oxygen exchange per breath.
[0069] Axiom 8: Our daily life style does not allow enough physical
activity to induce the elevated CO2 levels/end of the day oxygen
debt that leads to "fall through the mattress" deep seated sleep
D.E.T. via the Sculptor.TM. does.
[0070] Nearly 2/3 of Americans are overweight, and nearly 1/3
obese--many children and adolescents--making excess weight the
likely future #1 health risk in America.sup.9 as well as worldwide.
From fast food convenience to massive workweeks, the U.S., and
increasingly the industrialized world is a global village that has
achieving and maintaining fitness the number one challenge to
quality of life and better health.
[0071] Prior art does not provide for exercise benefit via
breathing and posture, key advantages of the current design which
can provide a workout while simply sitting at a computer, watching
TV, or driving a car. None of the prior art exercise or fitness
suits offer these advantages. Through its novel harness system,
upper and lower "sling shot" style torso bands of a exemplary
embodiment, breathing band, closed cell EVA cushioning system, and
breathable antimicrobial treated outer shell a very comfortable
fitness suit that can be worn under clothing or as outer wear is
for the first time available for use during all routine daily
activity or for leveraged benefit during formal exercise.
[0072] The Invention, through its novel distributed form of
endurance training (called D.E.T., see below) creates its novel
benefit by increasing caloric output by a fraction of a calorie per
second. Just as those who "fidget" have recently been shown to burn
hundreds more calories per day, those who work harder to breathe,
maintain posture, and perform simple movements of their torso and
legs will experience similar though much more extensive and
profound benefit. No prior art suit was designed to work according
to these principles. This could mean countless savings in lives,
quality of life, less time lost to work, and major health cost
savings. The Invention is a unique fitness suit that generates an
overall sense of well being, improved fitness, lean body mass and
weight control, and many other health benefits while worn . . . a
novel fitness paradigm not described or predicted by prior art that
for the first time takes fitness training to the next level simply
with routine wear of the invention.
[0073] The Invention provides for a novel, sophisticated, time and
energy leveraged, safe, powerful, and easily achievable form of
exercise. This unique workout has been descriptively termed
"distributed endurance training (D.E.T):
[0074] With D.E.T. nearly the entire body is naturally working
harder in virtually infinite combinations, but it's just barely
noticeable on a second to second basis. Natural activities like
breathing, walking, retaining posture, and exercising specific
muscle groups during normal movement now occurs at slight added per
second effort as part of your normal daily activity. Yes--the
wearer will fatigue at first by the end of each day--but it's a
`delicious` kind of tired that helps assist sleep--the wearer is
likely to `sink through the pillow` for an improved nights
rest.
[0075] By distributing the energy expended throughout the body at a
slight per second increase one achieves D.E.T., a training regimen
unique to the present invention. It is an explosive intense
training effect driven and maintained by simply wearing the
Invention at repeat, regular intervals; preferably a few days per
week. Worn four times per week D.E.T. achieves about the same
caloric burn as nearly 20-30 miles of jogging per week, but with
the effort spread out over time and utilizing nearly your entire
body. Invigorating, powerful, and more effective weight loss and
body sculpting to melt fat, decrease cellulite and increase lean
body mass--all, with much easier recovery.
[0076] Low impact, low resistance distributed endurance training,
if combined with routine normal motions of every day life to add an
additional 0.017 cal/second of energy expended per alternate
workday, offers the most potent form of exercise ever devised.
Achieving nearly unimaginable levels of fitness safely and
powerfully almost regardless of current fitness and weight, with
dramatic weight loss, increase in lean over fat mass, and
maximizing injury-free cardiovascular, musculoskelatal and
pulmonary health becomes possible, without the injuries and lack of
time making this a near impossibility otherwise. Because of the
leveraged power of spreading out a workout over an infinite variety
of routine movements in a parallel path with a normal workday
several days per week, the previously impossible becomes . . .
reality.
[0077] By spreading a workout over a normal workday simultaneous
with our normal activity--that is, work and workout designed to
occur simultaneously--a tremendous health and fitness breakthrough
is achieved. Time is no longer a factor, injury not a problem, and
the cycle of only the fit able to maintain fitness is broken.
Breaking through to the ultimate fitness levels currently possible
for only the greatest athletes is within reach of almost anyone
committed to long-term use of the Invention, a life-transforming
achievement because every minute of work becomes simultaneously a
minute of working-out several days a week.
[0078] Fixed Skeletal "Harness" System
[0079] Pelvic Girdle (Iliac crest)--Waist: The fitness suit in a
exemplary embodiment is cinched around the chest, pelvic girdle,
including waist and knees where nonstretch materials such as a
breathable nylon are affixed. The pelvic girdle encompasses in
particular cinching just below the iliac crest (hip pointer area),
taking advantage of the reduced skeletal circumference below this
level to resist the upward forces on the upper body band at its
point of attachment on the nonstretch material along the pelvic
girdle. The upper torso band traverses from behind the neck and or
rear deltoids on either side to either the front waist and or under
the armpits to the rear waist, to alternate workout of the opposing
surface muscle groups (back muscles for front insertion and vice
versa). In a exemplary embodiment a flat resistance band is
exemplary, and around the neck cushioning under the band is
provided by added thickness of material such as soft or rigid
closed cell EVA foam or commercial foam products such as Poron.RTM.
to distribute tension evenly and comfortably. The lower band
traverses from the rear waist to across either the front or rear
thigh to work the alternate side muscle groups, then connecting
below the knee.
[0080] Below Knee: The connection below the knee minimizes point
torque or stress by attachment in a exemplary embodiment of dual
encircling bands--1) a circular band below the knee cinched along
the lower hem, preferably with a gusset underneath; and 2) a second
encircling band about 1" above the knee hem but below the knee cap
(0.5 to 3" range exemplary) where Velcro or mushroom hook and loop
material such as #810 (Aplix Fasteners Inc., 4714 Christie Drive,
Beamsville, Ontario) are cinched with a male female connection of
attachment to the suit and band over the encircling region and a
second male female connection attached to this band to allow
resistance band attachments. This dual band cinched closure below
the knee allows the structure of the knee itself on the opposing
side and throughout the circumference of the knee to spread the
force of attachment and to provide most of the structural support
and counter the resistance of the band attachment to either its
anterior or posterior (actually the band runs posterior and
attaches medially) on each side, reducing or eliminating the
sensation of torque, and resisting undesirable rotation of the suit
points of connection.
[0081] Resistance Band and Connections: The connections of the
resistance bands in a exemplary embodiment add critical safety and
adjustability features essential to allow individual comfort and
customization of the workout by varying the resistance. These
connections consist of a paired set of flat bands, conjoined along
one end in the embodiment, with a singular flat band of loop hook
mating that inserts into its opposite as a paired conjoined band.
The inner surface of the paired end and of the centrally inserting
single band are either hook and loop or mushroom and loop
(Velcro.RTM., Snakess.RTM.) or other similar fabric binding method,
such that the paired end contains either the male or female
configuration along both inner surfaces and the single central
inserting band the opposite on both sides. In a exemplary
embodiment the male ends are attached to the bands and female ends
on the suit. By making the female paired ends @ 5" long and the
male 4.5" this allows for the user to adjust placement by up to 2
to 2.5" per side; or nearly 5" of length adjustment per band.
Optionally an encircling hook loop closure around the sandwiched
male and female elements maintains firm connection pressure of the
mated combination further securing the strength of connection when
only 2" of male is inserted in the paired female closure.
Optionally an elastic connection to the female ends allows for
adjustment of the angle of the female connections. See "Means of
Attaching Resistance Bands For Optimal Safety and Adjustability
II". In a second exemplary embodiment a stretch rubber or elastic
band located at the beginning of the male end is then rolled over
the completed male female connection to ensure tight closer.
[0082] A novel feature of a exemplary embodiment of the suit is the
orientation of the upper and lower body bands, one each for the
upper and lower torso. The upper band pulls the shoulders forward
or backwards, either via a band running behind the neck and then
connecting to the front waist (forward shoulder pull) or rear waist
(backward shoulder pull); or via connection to nonstretch material
directly over the shoulders connecting to either front or rear
waist. The lower band runs behind the waist to connect in various
configurations down the leg and under or over the thigh to connect
to the double cinched knee hem and knee band described above. In a
exemplary embodiment one such attachment runs from behind the waist
to below the thigh and around to insert on the anterior surface
just below the knee ipsilaterrally on each side. The result is
increased resistance to knee flexion as well as forward striding of
either leg. Even sitting requires work by the hamstrings in this
configuration to prevent the leg from being extended by the
resistance band. By placing attachments along various points of the
knee band other geometries can be fashioned to work other parts of
the gluteus and upper thigh. One other such combination runs across
the upper thigh anteriorly to connect mediailly to the knee cap,
working powerfully the gluteus and backward striding of the
leg.
[0083] To review: Every individual takes about 7,000 breaths during
a ten-hour period, takes about 1,000 strides or more, and has well
over 5,000 total movements of their arms, back and upper torso. If
most of these normal actions had an increased energy expenditure
that totaled about 1 calorie per minute, or {fraction (1/60)}th of
1 calorie per second--0.017 cal, it would be barely discernible on
a second to second basis . . . but the caloric expenditure would be
about 600 calories over a ten hour time frame per day. that is
virtually the same expenditure running about 7 miles at an 11 min
per mile pace would accomplish.
[0084] A exemplary embodiment called The BodySculptor.TM. fitness
suit is a breakthrough in fitness technology allowing the wearer,
without any intentional effort, to perform extra `work` while doing
routine daily tasks, including sitting at a computer or driving. On
a second to second basis it is nevertheless a pleasant, vitalizing
effort, much like a long, lazy or brisk walk--depending on the
personal suit resistance preference settings selected. With regular
repeat use the body undergoes the equivalent of near marathon
training, but done gradually with considerable comfort. This is a
smarter and more physiologic way to workout because it's not only
leveraged in terms of time, during ones daily routine, but also in
terms of workout effect. Even sedentary individuals will benefit,
and it can be performed virtually for ones lifetime. Children,
adolescents, many who are physically challenged or impaired, and
seniors with more fragile body structures and reduced energy can
benefit from the unique benefits of the invention. Runners,
athletes, military personnel and others in training who wear the
suit will dramatically leverage their workout, but this becomes
more option than necessity for achieving great fitness. Even
special environmental situations, such as that of astronauts, with
their special needs to maintain muscle tone and bone density at
reduced or absent gravity could benefit.
[0085] Linkage of Upper and Lower Torso Bands To Amplify and
Synchronize Resistance: The upward force vector on the lower legs
creates a downward force vector on the suit along waist where this
upward pull is resisted. This is the next effect of the lower torso
band in a exemplary embodiment. An upper torso band has just the
opposite effect, pulling downward on the neck and or upward at the
insertion at the waist. By placing the insertion of the upper band
and waistband of the lower band in proximity to each other a net
cancellation of force vectors on the suit results. Further,
striding increases this downward pull on the lower band, adding
additional resistance to the upper band when the two bands in a
exemplary embodiment are so linked positionally (insertion of the
upper in proximity to waist band of the lower). The same occurs in
reverse when postural change or other upper torso movement
increases resistance in the upper band, it translates to increased
resistance in the lower. Thus many activities amplify the effects
of the linked upper and lower torso bands in a exemplary
embodiment.
[0086] Distributed Endurance Training (D.E.T): The Present
invention 's unique form of fitness training for the first time
makes long duration resistance endurance training, distributed over
most major muscle groups of the body, easily achieved. We call this
unique workout "Distributed Endurance Training" (D.E.T.).
[0087] With D.E.T. nearly the entire body is working harder,
naturally, in infinite coordinated combinations--but it's just
barely noticeable on a second to second basis. One should ideally
generate D.E.T. for prolonged hours of time per day, and the
benefit is amplified, explosively, with regular use. Natural
activities like breathing, walking, moving, retaining posture, and
exercising specific muscle groups during normal movement now occur
at slight added per second effort as part of your normal daily
activity. You still fatigue by the end of each day, but it's a
`delicious` kind of tired that helps you sink through the pillow
for a great nights rest.
[0088] By distributing the energy expended throughout the body at a
slight per second increase over extended times of wear you achieve
D.E.T. It is an explosive intense training effect maintained by
wearing The present invention in parallel with your daily routines
a few days a week. There is no other realistic option given the
time required to get the full D.E.T. effect (ultra fitness):
[0089] 1 Endorphin release; 2 Massive caloric expenditure, 3
Increased lean body mass and metabolism; 4 Natural nutrition
optimization; 5 Hi peak core endurance; 6 other health benefits
(see below).
[0090] By spreading a relatively low resistance (you set it)
prolonged endurance workout over a normal workday simultaneous with
our normal activity--that is, work and workout designed to occur in
parallel--a tremendous health and fitness breakthrough is achieved.
Time is no longer a factor, injury not a problem, and the cycle of
only the fit able to maintain fitness is broken. Every minute of
wear becomes simultaneously a component of an "ultra-fit" power
workout, where the sum effect is the most advanced professional
health & fitness-training program ever. It makes even the most
well intended diet and health club training program seem like
`amateur hour`.
[0091] Like the power of water to sculpt rock, regular wear of
Present invention unleashes this force to steadily and relentlessly
positively transform and evolve your body, no matter what shape you
start from, until you feel like you literally are defying if not
reversing aging.
[0092] Aging and Distributed Endurance Training: Aging sabotages
fitness for most individuals, primarily because of the slow
degradation in ability of the body's soft tissues to withstand the
rigors of exercise and sport without injury. Muscle can be no
stronger than its connected tendon, and joints no more mobile than
their surrounding ligaments. Losing tensile strength of tendons and
ligaments--even gradually with age--requires special adjustments in
exercise and fitness training to allow optimal benefits. With age
exercise is associated with more frequent micro and/or macro tears
in tendons and ligaments that may fail to heal well due to poor
circulation with age in these soft tissues. Joint injury,
particularly back and knee, adds prolonged periods of restricted
activity or total inactivity to achieve even partial healing. With
every passing decade these injuries accumulate, reaching disastrous
levels as we become more sedentary by typically our fifth decade.
Quality of life suffers as we approach this point of no return and
is seriously reduced beyond, making vigorous exercise and sports
participation, and eventually even simple activities like sitting
on the floor and getting up, or walking up and down stairs easily,
limited in scope at best.
[0093] D.E.T. forces the body, through powerful, gentle, injury
free wave after wave of its unique endurance training, to stimulate
and reshape tendons, ligaments and muscle, over and over--so they
ever so gradually get progressively thicker and increased tensile
strength, without the stress contact sports and periods of intense
hourly exertion create. With long term use this amounts to
virtually defying the typical effects of aging as muscle, tendons
and joints gradually are able to withstand tremendously increased
strain without pain or injury, prolonging quality of active life,
as well as playing contact sports like basketball and tennis or the
like more vigorously.
[0094] Sedentary Lifestyles and Distributed Endurance Training:
Some individuals are much more active than others. Those with
sedentary lifestyles involving hours of inactivity, such as working
on computers, watching television, or reading for example, clearly
have greater challenges to maintain fitness. The Present invention
confers a unique benefit--burning considerably increased calories
even with sedentary lifestyles. Sitting in it for example burns
added calories via breathing, from the effort necessary to maintain
a sitting posture and shoulder position, and in certain leg band
configurations in keeping the knee flexed.
Exemplary Embodiment
[0095] The exemplary embodiment is designed with lightweight,
highly breathable, antimicrobial materials so it can be worn in
place of underwear or as outerwear to workout. It is actually
higher quality and more breathable, odor resistant and comfortable
than most undergarments.
[0096] From the moment you put on The present invention you know
you are about to undergo a revolutionary experience. Because of its
tight yet comfortable stretch-like fit it even feels powerful and
enhances your appearance: figure flattering for women via uplifted
breasts, slimming waist, thighs and butt; and a more sculpted look
for men with well defined shoulders, and flat chest; a cross
between a surfer suit and `superman`.
[0097] Special components designed into The Present invention let
you vary your settings so that breathing, posture, torso movement
and simple walking all provide just the right energy expenditure to
deliver its proprietary D.E.T. The key is to learn to set the
resistance low enough to allow for wear over the full period of
time available.
[0098] Breathing (Respiratory Resistance) Band: The average person
has a respiratory rate of about 12 breaths per minute, or well over
7,000 cycles of inhalation and exhalation in a 10-hour day, every
one of which will be at increased caloric burn, greater oxygen
exchange, and more "tension busting" diaphragmatic breathing.
[0099] The Present invention's proprietary breathing belt
(adjustable respiratory resistance) built right into the suit does
this by subtlety increasing the resistance per breathing cycle;
adding resistance to chest expansion encouraging more diaphragmatic
breathing relative to chest expansion breathing; and allowing more
oxygen exchange pre breath via more complete expiration.
[0100] The average person with a 1700 calorie metabolism burns over
800 calories just breathing. The reason is while it seems so
effortless, other than the beat of our hearts it is the most
repeated activity we do per day. The average person breathes sub
optimally via "nervous breathing" by expanding their chest more and
using their diaphragm less, with less complete inhalation and
exhalation. You simply adjust the band and deliver the increased
resistance on inspiration and enhanced more complete expiration
that is right for you. The initial resistance promotes
diaphragmatic breathing, critical to optimal physiologic working of
your body, while improving your oxygen intake by more air exchange
per breath. You can breathe deeper and slower and take in more
oxygen. This adds an added fraction of a calorie more resistance
per second, varying depending on your personal comfort setting and
physique.
[0101] Postural Resistance: Unless lying down we have evolved to
naturally maintain equilibrium with vertical balance of our upper
torso; its what makes us a bipedal species. The Present invention
induces a forward or backward upper torso `lean` you set, that
increases the required effort to maintain this necessary balance.
This is nearly effortless on a second to second basis, but
powerfully leveraged to make a huge difference over time, all while
strengthening the powerful muscles of posture to sculpt rear
shoulders and upper & lower back; or front shoulders, chest and
abs (you choose which each day worn).
[0102] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides
this benefit through setting of its proprietary adjustable
resistance Upper Torso band that provides forward upper torso lean
(Setting 1, front waist); or backward of vertical upper torso lean
(Setting 2, rear waist).
[0103] When wearing the suit you select which lean for that day,
depending on your setting placement of the upper torso band, which
should be alternated every day worn. As a result, your body will be
constantly maintaining a vertical upper torso against this
resistance lean every second the suit is worn. Remember, not only
do you select the lean for that day but also the resistance you are
comfortable maintaining. Even the slightest lean will over hours of
wear confer powerful, leveraged and amplified muscular and postural
health benefits.
[0104] Torso Resistance: The exemplary embodiment of the present
invention takes advantage of the fact we make thousands of upper
torso movements in a ten hour day, and use the lower torso to take
an average of over 2,000 strides during that time via its:
[0105] Upper torso band: The Upper Torso band not only provides the
vertical lean (above) but does so by creating a powerful workout
with two of the most effective exercises known but in a new and
more powerful D.E.T. format. These two exercises are a modified
dead lift function (adjustable setting 1) or a modified abdominal
crunch function (adjustable setting 2).
[0106] By setting the upper torso band on the front vs. rear waist
immediate powerful postural resistance is put into effect,
strengthening the selected muscles of posture and not only
sculpting and burning calories, but providing a much needed health
benefit. These muscles of posture get very little tone and
endurance due to restrictions on our physical activity that just do
not promote postural muscle maintenance and/or development. Dead
lifts and abs crunches are two of the most important exercises for
restoring and maintaining our core, key to an ultra fit body. Yet
conventional workouts offer too much weight and or too little
repetition. They lack the subtle prolonged resistance benefit of
The Present invention' which is exactly what these powerful muscle
groups really need.
[0107] When set to the front waist (modified dead lift function)
the entire upper torso is subtlety and adjustably pulled forward,
requiring the muscles of the upper shoulders and upper and lower
back to continuously resist to maintain balance. Vice versa for
setting 2, when the torso is pulled back of vertical by the
resistance band placement behind the waist, forcing the front
shoulder, pectoral, and abdominal musculature to fire for the
entire time the suit is worn. These workouts are more potent than
anything you can achieve in a gym or with other fitness equipment
because only these offer D.E.T.--sustained effort over hours with
low resistance that sculpts and defines these muscles like no other
exercise ever could. And every single day is another easy
opportunity to get more fit--just wear it.
[0108] Lower torso band: The Lower Torso band has two settings,
providing two powerful alternating workouts for the butt and upper
legs. Setting 1: behind waist to over the thigh to the inner knee)
works the butt, particularly the gluts and upper hamstrings.
Setting 2: under the thigh to the inner or outer knee works the
powerful quadriceps muscles of the upper thigh. However, unlike
squatting, leg extensions, or reverse leg curls, the use of low
resistance over hours of wear resculpts these muscles much more
powerfully, creating greater endurance than any conventional hour
per day of exercise could.
[0109] Customizing resistance of the upper and lower torso bands:
The upper and lower torso bands allow total customization of the
D.E.T. workout. Because of the length of wear it is possible
necessary to allow for a large range of resistance; with higher
resistance options only to be used after determining no undue
soreness from use of lesser resistances with prolonged wear.
[0110] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention offers two
means for adjusting resistance:
[0111] Varying the degree of tension on each band: Varying the
degree of tension is made simple, placement of a 4.5" male 820 hook
and loop material into its female 5" connection allows each band
end to be placed anywhere from completely within to as little as
only 2.5" depth. This means a 5" to 5.5" range of pull on each band
by adjusting the depth of connection of each end.
[0112] Interchangeably using an Elite.RTM. (low resistance);
Supra.RTM. (moderate resistance) Force.RTM. (high resistance); or
Ultra.RTM. (highest resistance) band.
[0113] The Elite.TM. upper and lower torso bands utilize a thick
layer of elastic material to create a modest but significant
resistance--which given the duration of wear possible allows for
prolonged wear with excellent fitness benefit and no to minimal
discomfort.
[0114] The Supra.TM. uses a proprietary blend of rubber to create
considerably increased resistance over the Elite.RTM. band. Only
individuals with good conditioning should consider wearing the
Supra.RTM. bands for more than a few hours.
[0115] The Force.TM. and Ultra.TM. bands offer highest levels of
resistance. Individuals with excellent fitness who have worn the
Supra.RTM. bands for prolonged intervals will find these bands
offer considerably greater resistance for more exhaustive D.E.T.
endurance and strength training, particularly when only shorter
intervals of wear are possible. Wearing this band without previous
training at lower band settings could cause significant discomfort
and possibly injury if worn for a prolonged period. Because the
full effects of band usage may not be felt until the next day,
wearing these highest resistance bands for more than 30 min.
initially--with 30 min. of increase in wearing time per session
maximum--could result in serious injury.
[0116] Each band has an attachment fabric tunnel (upper torso band
behind neck; lower torso band behind waist) from which it can
easily be removed and a different level resistance band inserted in
its place.
[0117] Overall Effect Of Lifestyle Commitment To Wear of the
Exemplary Embodiment: Virtually all of us seek a trim waistline,
cut abs, and a lean, well defined (or shapely), energized body. But
few appreciate how destructive dieting is to realizing this goal.
With every pound of fat we lose dieting, as much as 0.6 to 1 pound
of muscle is lost as well:
[0118] A 195 pound male with 17% body fat has a waistline of about
35.8 inches. He has a fitness and cosmetic goal of 12% body fat, or
about a 33.4" waistline. Through diet alone he loses at least 3 lbs
of muscle for every 7 lbs of fat--more in most cases. As a result
to hit 12% body fat and achieve about a 2.5" waistline reduction he
must lose nearly 19 pounds--12 pounds fat loss and 7 pounds muscle
loss, to 176 pounds. His body thinks he is starving and slows its
metabolism due to the reduced muscle mass (muscle burns more
calories than fat), so it is nearly impossible to maintain this %
body fat.
[0119] Compare this to losing fat while gaining muscle via the
Sculptor.RTM.. Through Sculptor.RTM. D.E.T training he achieves fat
loss from massive caloric burn and aerobic exercise, and muscle
gain through long duration resistance training. He achieves the
same waistline, but with only 5.2 pounds of weight loss. How?? By
losing about 10 pounds of fat while gaining about 5 pounds of
muscle (including abs). His body increases its metabolism, (greater
muscle mass) and more easily maintains the new weight at
approximately the same total % body fat and waistline as 19 lbs of
dieting. See Diet Vs. Sculptor.RTM. Fitness & Weight Loss
Calculator.
[0120] Systemic (Total Body) Benefits: There is not any exercise
equipment or program that even remotely delivers on the power of
The present invention to deliver its proprietary D.E.T. training.
While burning massive amounts of calories, strengthening back,
abdominal, glut, quad, and hamstring musculature in new ways and
strengthening tendons and ligaments are all powerful features of
The Present invention, the effects of its regular wear on the
overall health of our bodies and mind are equally important, and
potentially spectacular. These include cardio-pulmonary, lean body
mass and metabolism, nutrition and portion control, sleep, and
emotional and mental health.
[0121] Cardio-pulmonary Benefits: The increased second to second
effort of simply wearing The Present invention promotes greater
cardio-pulmonary fitness, and does so in the most natural healthy
way: the benefit and increased endurance of hi calorie burn-off
through the equivalent of slow to brisk walks, slightly but
powerfully increasing heart rate over the time of wear, amplified
by the specific targeted workouts that are occurring to your
muscles of respiration and upper and lower body musculature
simultaneously.
[0122] Studies indicate 2,000 calories per week of exercise induced
calorie burn off has dramatic health benefits. In fact, the Harvard
Alumni Study demonstrated increasing physical activity from 500
calories per week to 2,000 calories per week improved
cardiovascular fitness and decreased the risk of heart attack--with
men who are the least fit 8.5 times more likely to die of a heart
attack than men who are the most fit.
[0123] Increased Lean Body Mass and Metabolism: Weight lost via
diet alone is associated with a decrease in the resting metabolic
rate (RMR), since your body thinks your starving, making retaining
such weight loss more difficult when a diet ends, whereas weight
lost in conjunction with exercise is not.
[0124] Dieting alone results in significant fat and protein
(muscle) weight loss. Muscle loss reduces strength and creates a
more `gaunt` appearance. Fat loss while retaining muscle increases
lean body mass. It looks great and feels great--creating a
vigorous, fit, more youthful appearance. Intake of 600 calories or
more per day results in some protein sparing, but weight loss in
excess of a few pounds per month only significantly spares protein
if it includes exercise. In fact you have to lose nearly twice as
much weight via dieting alone to equal the same amount of fat lost
in conjunction with vigorous exercise. Measuring your waistline
reduction is a more important parameter of fitness than weight loss
measured on a scale.
[0125] Exercise increases lean mass--the ratio of muscle to
fat--and lean mass requires more calories ingested just to maintain
than does fat, so your metabolism increases; meaning for an
equivalent weight more lean mass lets you ingest more calories
without weight gain.
[0126] Combining moderate dietary control--a diet low in fat, high
in protein, and with moderate but primarily fiber-rich
carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables); with either moderate to
vigorous aerobic activity provides an optimal program for
increasing lean mass and reducing body fat. A single hour of
exercise per day, combined with moderate dietary control has been
associated with dramatic weight loss (in 12 weeks) vs. dieting
alone, and increases lean mass.
[0127] Achieving that "single hour" of exercise per day as part of
one's life-style is quite a challenge however. "A single hour of
exercise per day . . . induces dramatic weight loss and increases
lean over fat mass in as little as 12 weeks . . . but is a
challenging life style commitment for almost anyone to
maintain."
[0128] Dieting with exercise is a great concept, but usually fails
in actual practice over the long term. Not only is finding the
time, will power, and stamina to make a single hour of exercise
even every other day a part of your lifestyle challenging, so is
the fact more vigorous exercise is necessary just to maintain
weight loss after a diet has ended. A recent study determined it
took about 80 minutes of moderate activity per day, or 35 minutes
of vigorous activity for women within three months of achieving
their target weight loss of about 40 lbs, just to maintain it.
[0129] Improved Nutrition and Portion Control: For those
individuals who have achieved the rarified level of ultra-fitness
known primarily to Olympic class athletes, nutrition and portion
control become entirely different considerations. Their fitness
usually drives their nutritional choices and portion cravings
easily. This is the secret of those rare fit individuals who seem
so disciplined when they eat: They already have the positive body
biofeedback and endorphin high of being ultra-fit. Food cravings
and portion are naturally adjusted by the needs of their bodies
over time. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of
fitness--how nutrition is driven by level of fitness rather than
vice versa. While it is very difficult to force our bodies to eat
in ways we do not crave day after day month after month and year
after year--as in virtually any diet or nutritional discipline that
requires imploding our zest for life to do it--it is clearly easy
to maintain healthy nutrition when our bodies crave it. Only the
massive calorie expenditure and core endurance benefit of D.E.T.
are potent enough to achieve this nutritional modulation for those
starting with reduced levels of fitness, and even let you enjoy
some sweeter balance for your taste buds occasionally without
negative consequence.
[0130] "D.E.T. ultra-fitness` achieves endorphin highs and positive
body muscle biofeedback that drive diet and nutrition choices and
instill what appears to be fierce discipline easily and
naturally--not vice versa. That is the secret of rare fit
individuals who seem so effortlessly disciplined at the table.
Endorphins floating around a fit body are exemplary over a
massively bloated stomach at the end of a meal, so we achieve
portion control and nutritional discipline from the point of view
of an outsider viewing us. If we gain lean muscle we crave more
protein, less fat. If our body is well regulated (lower fat, more
lean mass) it craves more fiber--more complex carbohydrates like
fruits and vegetables, etc. Dieting and Herculean workouts approach
the entire problem from the wrong direction--trying to get fit
through forced deprivation and or overkill workouts is tough.
Sooner or later even the slowest metabolism and sedentary pattern
will respond to the ceaseless wave after wave long term sculpting
of the increased D.E.T. burn.
[0131] Improved Quality of Sleep: Quality of sleep remains one of
the most critical yet poorly controlled aspects of achieving a
rested, healthy pattern of living. In fact it could be said without
exaggeration that it is quality of sleep that is one of the key
indicators of our emotional and physical well being. Several
aspects of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention design
and function are based on the following sleep axioms:
Depth of restful sleep.times.# of hours slept=Sleep benefit.
[0132] In other words: 12 hours of poor quality of sleep may be
less valuable than 5 hours of deep "through the mattress" blissful
rest.
[0133] Diaphragm breathing--while awake and during sleep--promotes
a sense of well being, as well as better oxygen exchange per
breath. However during sleep it is impossible to voluntarily
control whether breathing is diaphragmatic vs. chest
expansion--it's almost impossible to do during waking hours.
[0134] The average human being cannot get enough physical activity
to induce the elevated CO2 levels (hypercapnea) and or end of the
day oxygen debt that leads to "fall through the mattress" deep
seated sleep ideally desired. The exemplary embodiment design
facilitates breathing and specifically sleep induced breathing in
several ways. First, while worn the Present invention breathing
band design allows for preferential diaphragmatic breathing as the
lower resistance breathing option (still with plenty of added
caloric burn) & helps the body get used to this exemplary style
of breathing. Second, by wearing Present invention more than 10 and
preferably more than 20 hours per week the caloric burn and oxygen
expenditure becomes dramatically greater, with an oxygen debt
requiring added oxygen intake overnight. There is an overall
muscular fatigue that contributes to deeper diaphragmatic sleep as
well. This is a spectacular, diaphragmatic stimulating achievement
compared to the 0 oxygen debt at night based on sedentary activity
most of us experience due to our physically reduced levels of
activity all day. It is well known that increase in carbon dioxide
and or decrease on oxygen pressure in the blood stream are both
inducers of REM sleep (the exemplary sleeping pattern) and
stimulate MORE diaphragmatic activity.
[0135] Better emotional and mental health: Endorphins are those
famous feel-good chemicals produced by each and every one of us,
though with great variation in amount and timing of release.
Exemplary embodiment design facilitates endorphin release in
several ways. One of the greatest and most prolonged aerobic
activities, lasting for as many hours as the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention is worn. Easy to do regularly, even
daily--simply wear the suit. Greater lean body mass and positive
body biofeedback. Greater overall endurance and energy level.
Allows a nonathlete to achieve workouts with endorphin release
potential similar to that until now restricted only to near Olympic
or world class athletes. Allows athletes to hit endorphin highs
much more readily, with more concentrated benefit per time spent
jogging, running, etc.
[0136] Endorphins are compounds made up of a natural morphine-like
substance that is produced by the body, and was thus named
endorphin or "morphine within". They are polypeptides, which are
naturally occurring in the brain, that bind to pain receptors and
so block pain sensation. Prolonged, continuous exercise contributes
to an increased production and release of endorphins, resulting in
a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled "runner's
high". Often referred to as natural opiates, endorphins are most
readily produced in the body at the onset of such stimuli as pain,
eating, sex, fear, exercise, certain music and meditation.
[0137] One of the greatest ways to produce high levels of
endorphins is through daily aerobic exercise (e.g. running, cycling
or swimming) lasting at least thirty minutes--like D.E.T. It has
been shown that this stimulus has a more potent effect on endorphin
production in the body than laughing, meditation, or even eating.
You are more likely to experience an endorphin high if the exercise
performed is one that is familiar to you and your body--regular of
the exemplary embodiment of the present invention wear. By
following an exercise program on a regular basis, one will find
that their body will produce a greater level of endorphins. Regular
wear of the BodySculptor is key to unleashing its potential.
[0138] As well as having pain-relieving properties, endorphins
enhance our immune system, help improve memory, and even have
anti-ageing effects. Researchers have found that they also regulate
blood pressure and body temperature. And since they are anti-stress
hormones, they can cause a temporary loss of pain in stressful
situations. With an increased production of endorphins following
daily aerobic exercise, one would be safe to assume that they will
experience a greater satisfaction with life and be better prepared
to cope with life's challenges. Not only does high levels of
fitness provide some protection from obesity, heart disease, cancer
etc., but it has been shown to "boost your emotional and mental
outlook" on life. For instance, as a result of increased endorphin
production and a healthy lifestyle, scientists have found the risk
of panic attacks among exercisers to be small.
[0139] As endorphins are a strong analgesic (20-30 times more
powerful than morphine), they give a pervasive sense of happiness.
Some people find the rush from endorphins addictive, and may
exercise excessively. The post-exercise surge in endorphins helps
to explain why many exercisers seem to become addicted to their
sport. Their workouts become `fixes` which mask the pain of
everyday living, and even injuries or illnesses can't stop the
training process because the athlete is relentlessly searching for
endorphin-induced mood elevations. The risk of injury is always a
concern associated with any high-impact and/or high-intensity
physical activity. The BodySculptor offers a new form of high
endorphin release exercise without the injury risk of running and
other traditional high impact sports.
[0140] Without the exemplary embodiment/present invention fitness
system endorphin release is achieved only sporadically with
anything less than extreme high impact workouts that require
regular sustained highest stress exercise. Simply wearing the
exemplary embodiment regularly however is all that is needed to
promote powerful, sustained, low risk, endorphin release as your
body responds to the prolonged distributed resistance endurance
training regimen.
[0141] Possible Level of Fitness: Achieving a fitness level
approaching ultra-fitness, is virtually impossible for most
individuals. Due to the intensity of effort and training time
needed to generate highest levels of fitness, there is the
"catch-22" of: 1) limited available time and energy to get into
such shape; 2) the wear and tear and fatigue on our bodies with
high impact exercise attempting to do so; and 3) the injuries--shin
splints and plantar fasciitis (marathons, triathlons), knee
tendonitis (basketball, tennis), shoulder injuries (tennis,
baseball) and others; all of which effectively put this level of
fitness out of reach.
[0142] While few would argue that exercise is beneficial, there is
clearly a reason so many of us are not really fit, are overweight,
or obese, and repeat the same New Years resolutions year after
year. If one were in shape, exercise could be easy, fun, and
motivating. If one is out of shape, is overweight, or has little
time for it, they likely lack the energy to perform a vigorous
workout several days per week, would be more injury prone if they
did so, or would get sick from lowered resistance if they try too
hard too soon. These setbacks take their toll, and lead to ultimate
failure for most of us. We give up and watch our bodies slowly grow
over the years (horizontally).
[0143] Consider the realistic amount of exercise most can hope to
achieve as a weekly average by the third to fourth decade of life.
Typically less than or equal to one (rarely two) of the
following:
[0144] 1. Moderate 1 hr workouts: weightlifting, treadmill,
aerobics, etc: 3 hrs per wk or less; OR
[0145] 2. Contact sports e.g. basketball @ reduced activity: 1.5
hrs total per wk; OR
[0146] 3. Tennis, primarily doubles: 2 hrs per wk or less; OR
[0147] 4. Walking, jogging, and swimming--probably the best sports
or activities to promote endorphin release as we age; but the time
commitment to really maximize the potential is prohibitive.
(typically 2 hours per week or less); (10+ hrs marathon,
triathletes)
[0148] All the above physical activity has value, but other than
marathon training regimens (difficult to sustain due to hi impact
hi injury risk) does little to retard the 2 lb per year battle of
the bulge, much less achieve ultra-fitness. Unless one is a
professional or Olympic caliber athlete there is no real chance of
jump-starting a dramatically effective, lifestyle transforming
exercise program like D.E.T.; other than using the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Since the % fat mass is for
most higher than desired and burns fewer calories than the same
weight as lean mass, you are prone to easy weight gain and reduced
fitness that over the years will kill your quality of life (if not
you)--start reversing the trend now.
[0149] Only the present invention can reverse this aging slump our
bodies drift into as early as the third decade of life. Because
only the present invention can provide 15, 20, even 30+ hours of
incredibly vigorous life altering D.E.T. exercise benefit every
single week . . . for the rest of your life. Remember: to burn
1500+ cal per week & achieve D.E.T. via just wearing the suit,
month after month, year after year, is more effective than jogging
20+ miles a week at an 11 min./mile pace.
[0150] It is clearly intended that modifications of the present
invention, consistent with this disclosure are to be considered
extensions thereof. Upper torso garments with resistance bands that
alter the vertebral column, increase resistance to breathing are
examples of such. Lower torso garments in which forward or rear
pull on the thigh is created in a manner utilizing the principles
of this disclosure would be similarly considered to be extensions
of the present invention, as would devices for attachment to
garments, where such devices would act in accordance to these
principles.
* * * * *