A rope fastener includes an insert inserted into a hollow in an end portion of a rope in an elastic tubular form to expand an outer diameter of the rope, a fixing part that is disposed behind the insert and that includes a boss protruding from a front surface thereof and having an insert recess into which an end of the rope is inserted, and a coupling part having a hollow into which the rope is inserted together with the insert and a rear end portion coupled to the boss of the fixing part.

A free-motion dynamic resistance trainer to be used to train the muscular coordination, dynamic stability and gait mechanics of athletes and physical therapy patients. Adjustable tension shock cords or bungee cords and resistance tubing are used in conjunction with a spinal support harness and jib in order to allow for the adjustment of progressive resistance and to create a heightened sense of proprioceptive awareness in those muscles and joints that are meant to be targeted depending upon the particular movement pattern being exercised. While providing resistance to improve strength and stamina, the shock cords or bungee cords and resistance tubing simultaneously guide and assist the trainee through certain aspects of each movement in order to train muscle memory of the proper kinetic sequence and body positioning. The apparatus, which is meant to be worn, can be used during sport specific movements other than running, in order to train and improve performance in myriad sports and activities.

A method for use with a physical training device is provided. The device including an elastic resistance strap having first and second handles. The method includes pulling at least one of the first and second handles to generate force on a target muscle group through resistance training. The method also includes pulling the at least one of the first and second handles to generate anaerobic and aerobic muscle activity within the target muscle group through cardiovascular interval training.

A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

A layered strap-like apparatus for exercising, stretching and training multiple muscle groups of the entire body of a user. The apparatus is adapted to be worn about the waist or carried as a bandolier about the user's body. The apparatus has an optional, releasably closable pocket between the layers for securing and carrying accessories, such as attachable handles and elastic bands. The apparatus and methods of use provide the user with balanced loading options and the flexibility to exercise anywhere.

A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

A resistance band system including a frame-assembly, a plurality of linear-straps, and a plurality of removable-D-rings. The frame-assembly, the plurality of linear-straps and plurality of removable-D-rings of the resistance band system are structured and arranged in combination to allow a user to affix a linear-resistance-band to the resistance band system to provide an overall exercise system which provides the user with a plurality of locations to affix the linear-resistance-band to the resistance band system to allow a highly flexible and diverse exercise system to the user. The frame-assembly includes an upper-frame, a lower-frame, and a u-member. The upper-frame includes two primary-members, two inbars, two forward-bars, and a crown-bar. The lower-frame includes two first-members, two downbars, and down-cross-member. The u-member comp includes rises a body, two legs, and two t-couplers, with u-member rotatably coupled to the lower-frame via the two t-couplers.

A portable exercise device that allows a person to do Pilates type exercises without using traditional, cumbersome equipment. The device uses a pair of wheel assemblies each attached to each end of a central shaft. The shaft height can be adjusted from the center of each wheel to a lower point closer to the ground. Adjustable cam lockable hand/foot plates are attached to the shaft allowing the user to attach his or her feet to the shaft. Each hand/foot plate assembly includes a rotational plate that allows the hand/foot plate to be positioned at various angles in relation to the shaft. Resistance bands are attached on one side to the shaft and on the opposite side to a resistance source. The resistance source can be the user's own hands or feet, or a retaining strap attached to the lower portion of a door or wall.

A low friction rehabilitation board having an integral band retaining feature is described. The rehabilitation board may have a coefficient of static friction of no more than about 0.5 and in some embodiments no more than about 0.06. The rehabilitation board has a plurality of band retaining feature configured along one or both ends and may be an integral band retaining features being formed in the board. Additionally, the rehabilitation may include one or more band retaining features on one or both sides of the board. The unique configuration of the band retaining features enables rehabilitation method heretofore not possible with a single board. Resistance bands may be retained in the band retaining features and coupled to a user's limb, such as a foot or ankle, to resist motion, such as sliding or extending the foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board.

A ballet training device configured to promote proper foot placement and aid in the development of proper strength and musculature is disclosed herein. The ballet training device may comprise a first loop coupled to a second loop at an overlap point, a resistance band coupled to a lateral portion of the first loop and to a lateral portion of the second loop, the resistance band configured to be disposed on a lateral side of a wearer's foot, and a traction mechanism disposed on at least a portion of the first loop and at least a portion of the second loop. The first loop is configured to encircle the wearer's ankle, the second loop is configured to encircle the wearer's foot, and the overlap point is configured to be disposed above the wearer's instep such that the device is generally in the shape of an infinity sign.