A physical training system includes a belt having a belt attachment member and a first band attachment loop for an elastomeric belt. The belt attachment member is moveably positioned on the belt and at least partially encircles the belt. The belt attachment member comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending completely across a width of the belt on the outer side of the belt, and the second portion extending at least partially across the width of the belt on the inner side of the belt. The first band attachment loop is moveably connected to the belt attachment member. The elastomeric band extends through the first band attachment loop. A foot coupling includes at least one flexible strap and a second band attachment loop. The elastomeric band extends between the foot coupling and the belt attachment member.

A resistance device for providing resistance. The device includes a flexible pulling element, a resilient arrangement and a transmission. The resilient arrangement has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is resiliently movable relative to the first portion. The transmission connects the flexible pulling element to the resilient arrangement such that pulling upon the flexible pulling element moves the second portion relative to the first portion, and upon release of the flexible pulling element the resilient arrangement retracts the flexible pulling element. The transmission is a reduction arrangement such that pulling the flexible pulling element a distance moves the second portion, relative to the first portion, not more than a proportion of the distance. The proportion is not more than half.

In some embodiments, a heavyweight jacket includes a main body configured to fit on the torso of a wearer and sleeves that are fully detached from the main body. The sleeves advantageously facilitate putting on the heavy jacket, while providing a jacket of high weight. To form the heavyweight jacket, a pre-bonded fabric may be used. The fabric is pre-bonded and may optionally be further layered to increase the garment's weight without sacrificing flexibility or breathability. The layered fabric distributes the garment's weight evenly and ensures that the garment does not excessively restrict a wearer's freedom of movement or cause the wearer to overheat. The weight of the fabric may be increased by using a heavyweight glue to bond various layers of material together.

Systems and methods for exerting forces on a body, including a support structure defining a space and a plurality of surface contacting units that are configured to exert force upon the body, such that the weight is distributed away from the primary weight bearing regions to non-weight bearing regions of the body, or vice versa, without exerting significant shear or frictional forces on surfaces of the body. The systems and methods may be used to exert forces to cause fluid shift in different compartments of the body. Applications include treatment of various disease conditions including pressure ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, injuries of spine and to slow microgravity-induced bone and muscle loss. The systems and methods may be used to simulate gravity, weightlessness or buoyancy, in rehabilitation medicine. The system may include a chair, bed, a wearable suit or an exoskeleton.

A fitness training apparatus is described that can include at least one pole, at least one set of one or more adjustable members, and at least one elastic member. The at least one pole can be configured to extend from at least one vicinity of at least one shoulder of a user to another at least one vicinity of a waist of the user. The at least one set of one or more adjustable members can be adjustably coupled to the at least one pole. The at least one elastic member can be configured to be adjustably coupled to the at least one set of one or more adjustable members. Related methods, techniques, articles, systems, and apparatuses are also described.

A weight lifting bar having a pair of ends for receiving weighted plates, a bent central portion which is intended to be placed about the user's upper back, and a pair of arced members affixed to the central portion of the bar, each arced member intended for placement about one of the user's shoulders, and each terminating into a handle grip. Pads may or may not be placed on the arced members and the central portion. The weight lifting bar places the load onto the user's upper back and shoulders for optimal weight lifting performance and form.

Disclosed herein is a resistance exercise device and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, a resistance exercise device is disclosed comprising a quarter-wheel, a means for attaching resistance to said quarter-wheel, a support means attached to the axis of the quarter-wheel, whereby a user can perform core exercise while moving in a direction parallel to the line of resistance.

A muscular training tension band for equestrian riding has an elastic body and a shoulder guard. In use, the elastic body is worn and stretched between a wearer's shoulder and contralateral foot, with the shoulder guard positioned on the shoulder. The tension band functions to recruit correct engagement of a horseback rider's postural stabilizing muscles in order to find a functionally effective and balanced pelvis in the saddle, while also protecting the spine and decreasing the risk of repetitive force related injuries.

A weight lifting support shirt is used to assist a lifter to perform workouts and comprises a chest support portion, a shoulder support portion, an abdominal support portion, and a first and second arm support portions each comprising a sleeve portion. The chest support portion is configured to extend across a chest portion of the lifter from a first end to a second end. The first and second arm support portions extend from the first and second ends of the chest support portion, respectively. The shoulder support portion abuts and extends across boundaries of the first and second arm support portions, and the chest support portion. The first and second arm support portions are configured to conform around a first and a second arm of the lifter. The abdominal support portion extends below from the chest support portion and is configured to conform and fasten around the lifer's abdomen.

A training device and methods of using the device are described to train athletes to reduce the incidence of certain types of injuries. The device and methods promote a reduction in knee vulgus and hip internal rotation during typical athletic movements such as jumping, landing, and lateral bounding. The device provides a guide element that serves as a reference line providing feedback to a user on their movements. A user may adjust their joint positions during the movements based upon self-monitoring or feedback from a trainer who observes the user executing movements while wearing the device. The guide element may provide feedback on knee positioning in two axes of movement.