EXERCISE SYSTEM FOR USING VARIABLE LOCATION ANCHORS AND VARIABLE BIASING ELEMENTS, AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

20220257990 · 2022-08-18

Assignee

Inventors

Cpc classification

International classification

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a system for exercise using a set of mounting plates attached to a surface capable of being modulated as to both the number and location of anchor points, the use of shortening elements to quickly vary the effective length of a set of biasing elements to allow a user, holding one or more exercise attachments to perform exercises in the aerobic, the strength, the flexibility, and in the balance areas. The system allows for easy class dynamics as users can quickly reconfigure the system using one or many of snap-connects The system allows for hundreds of different exercises to be performed, a rapid transition between exercise, a simple method to target specific muscle groups at specific angles of exercise to create a full body experience.

Claims

1. An exercise system for performing exercises adjacent to a surface by at least a user by creating a resistance force in a portion of the user's body by pulling at least one exercising element away from the surface, the system comprising: first and second mounting points fixed on the surface, each of the first and second mounting points including at least one shortening element and a first mating connector; a biasing element comprising a proximate end and a distal end and a length therebetween, the biasing element configured to pass through the at least one shortening element on one of the first and second mounting points, the distal end removably coupled to the first mating connector on one of the first and second mounting points; and at least one user interface removably coupled to the proximate end of the biasing element; wherein an intermediate portion of the biasing element located between the proximate end and the distal end is configured to slide in the at least one shortening element and serves to alter a resistance vector at the user interface during use.

2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first and second mounting points comprise first and second mounting plates, respectively.

3. The exercise system of claim 2, further comprising a third mounting point comprising a third mounting plate to form a three by three matrix of anchor points.

4. The exercise system of claim 3, wherein the surface is a vertical wall and the mounting plates each include an attachment for securing each plate to the vertical wall either horizontally or vertically.

5. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is selected from a group comprising, a strap based exercise trainer device, a strap-based handle, a partly wooden handle, a loop with a carabineer, a belt attachment, and a shoulder strap attachment.

6. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein either the first mating connector or the user interface includes either a quick-connect or a carabineer.

7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the shortening element for sliding movement of the biasing element in the shortening element is selected from the group of a smooth rounded surface, a surface with friction rollers, a rope guide with funnel, a bearing-based friction redactor, a Teflon-coated transfer segment.

8. The exercise system of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of biasing elements each adapted to be removably coupled to different locations on the mounting points.

9. The exercise system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of biasing elements has different variable resistance to elongation or are of different lengths.

10. The exercise system of claim 1, further including a stand for holding a guide for exercising and using of the system.

11. A method of use of an exercise system for performing exercises next to a surface, the method comprising the steps of: mounting upon a surface at least two mounting points, wherein each mounting point includes at least an opening for the passage and sliding movement of at least one biasing element, and a first mating connector to receive a distal end of the at least one biasing element; attaching at least one user interface to a proximate end of the at least one biasing element; sliding the distal end of the at least one biasing element through the at least one opening of the mounting point; attaching the distal end of the at least one biasing element to one of the first mating connectors; and articulating the user interface relative to the mounting surface in a direction generally away from the surface to create a variable resistance via variable deformation of a length of the biasing element, wherein a resistance vector felt by a user articulating the user interface is modulated by a resistor vector at the other of the distal end of the at least one biasing element.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least two mounting points comprises at least two mounting plates, and the method further comprises mounting each of the at least two mounting plates to the surface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least two mounting points comprises at least three mounting points and the method comprises mounting each of the at least three mounting points to the surface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the exercise system has a vertical wall as a surface and the mounting plates include an attachment for securing each plate to the vertical wall either horizontally or vertically, and the method includes the step of mounting the plates and also securing to a wall in proximity a rack and accessories for use by the method.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the user interface is selected from a group comprising, a strap based exercise trainer device, a strap-based handle, a partly wooden handle, a loop with a carabineer, a belt attachment, and a shoulder strap attachment.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the distal end of the at least one biasing element to the first mating connector includes mating of either a quick-connect or a carabineer.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of sliding the distal end of the at least one biasing element allows in use for the at least one biasing element to move over a low resistance portion selected from the group of a smooth rounded surface, a surface with friction rollers, a rope guide with funnel, a bearing-based friction redactor, a Teflon-coated transfer segment.

18. The method of claim 13, comprising attaching each of a plurality of biasing elements to different locations on the at least two mounting points.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein each biasing element in the plurality of biasing elements each has different variable resistance to elongation or are of different lengths.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein at least one of the mounting points is positioned on a rounded or substantially circular bracket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is an illustration from the prior art showing both the RIP® and the SUSPENSION TRAINING® as used in a gym.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an illustration taken from U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,622 from the prior art illustrating the technology generally known as SUSPENSION TRAINING®.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an illustration taken from U.S. Pat. No. 9,802,072 illustrating a rope-based device for wall mounting from the prior art.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an illustration taken from U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,493 illustrating a wall mounted device for use with deformable biasing elements also from the prior art.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a view of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements as mounted on a wall and having three mounting plates and where two types of exercise attachments are connected.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a top view of an area of exercise of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a view of the device as shown at FIG. 5 but where the two exercise attachments are identical.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the mounting plate part of the exercise system shown at FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a front view of the mounting plate shown at FIG. 8

[0042] FIG. 10 is a side view of the mounting plate shown at FIG. 8.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the mounting plate shown at FIG. 8.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a back view of the mounting plate shown at FIG. 8.

[0045] FIG. 13 is an illustrated view of one of the biasing elements in a non-extended configuration where both end include a female connector.

[0046] FIG. 14 is an illustrated view of the biasing element of FIG. 13 in an extended configuration.

[0047] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a female quick-connect connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 16 is an illustration of the isometric mounting plate of FIG. 8 where the quick-connect connector of FIG. 15 is illustrated.

[0049] FIG. 17 is an illustration of the isometric mounting plate of FIG. 8 where the biasing element of FIG. 13 is connected as used according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 18 is an isometric illustration of a first exercise attachment in the shape of a staff, as part of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 19 is a top view of the first exercise attachment as shown at FIG. 18.

[0052] FIG. 20 is a close up view of either of the two ends of the first exercise attachment as shown at FIG. 18 showing the male connector.

[0053] FIG. 21 is an isometric illustration of the female portion of a set of male and female quick-snap connectors used on different elements found in the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 22 is an illustration of an unconnected male and female quick-snap connectors used on different elements found in the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 23 is an illustration of the locked configuration of the male and female quick-snap connectors shown at FIG. 22.

[0056] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a second exercise attachment in the shape of a loop with buckle in a closed configuration, as part of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 25 is a view of the second exercise attachment from FIG. 24 but shown in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a third exercise attachment in the shape of a closed loop, as part of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 27 is a side view of the third exercise attachment shown at FIG. 26 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a fourth exercise attachment in the shape of a hook and fastener loop, as part of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5 in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the fourth exercise attachment shown at FIG. 28 but in an open configuration.

[0062] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a fifth exercise attachment in the shape of a handle, as part of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 31 is an illustrated view of a user using the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5 in conjunction with the fifth exercise attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The current invention is one described as part of the field of exercising generally and also described in terminology linked with products generally found in modern gyms. But historically, such products have had a much wider audience than simply the people who desire to exercise. For example, the military has extensive programs directed at making sure troops are ready, well trained and well-conditioned including physical conditioning. While not explicitly described as such, one of ordinary skill will understand that this new invention and its teachings can as easily be extended to apply to the military. Also, one other key group which has an extensive need of this technology is the medical therapeutic and rehabilitation area. When individuals have issues with specific groups of muscles, they may be required to perform routinely certain very specific sets of exercise. This invention relates to a new system and apparatus specifically designed to be adapted easily as to resistance, strength, angle, and the way it can be used. Nursing homes and other centers for those facing any type of physical challenge also can use this type of technology. For example, one can conceive using one of the wall mounted pieces on hospital or nursing homes next to a bed. Using this technology, a bed-struck individual may still be able to do at leisure certain upper body exercise to tone and maintain the lower back which often will be severely distressed during extended bedrests.

[0065] Other uses also include micro-gravity environments or even underwater environment. Weight training is almost impossible to operate in micro-gravity environments and the classic body weight strap system cannot be used without gravity or under water in a pool, this technology can easily be placed inside of a pool for use to help with aqua aerobics to incorporate some level of non-aerobic exercise. What is contemplated is the use of this technology in any location where a wall or flat surface can be used next to some open area where a person can train.

[0066] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a wall mounted exercise system 50 illustrated with one mounting plate 51. As described and shown below, the system 50 can be used in association with any number and configuration of mounted plate 51 each having a number of different geometries. The mounting plate 51, as contemplated in this embodiment is described with greater detailed and illustrated at FIGS. 8-12. Generally speaking, the system relies on a network and group of quick-snap male and female connectors shown for example at FIGS. 21-23 to allow for best use dynamically in the context of a gym or any class setting where at different intervals. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the mounted plate 51 as shown are designed to be quickly mounted to any flat surface. But in the context of use, it is possible that the system 50 could be installed to any type of structure to be considered and viewed as the mounting plate or mounting point. For example, ISO containers are sold to the military which can be customized where the wall of the container itself or a single plate on the container can include, as shown part of the male and female connectors and the shortening elements 52. In still other examples, the mounting plate or mounting point can have other configurations that may not be a traditional planar plate but can have other shapes, cross-sections or other structures but still provide the mounting locations for the connectors, shortening elements and other aspects of the system 50 described herein. As shown at FIG. 5, a single mounting plate 51 may include three shortening elements 51a, 51b, and 51c located as shown. In other gyms, metallic structures are now attached and created that includes different shelving units, different anchoring points and other elements which allow for a commercial or residential surface to be transformed into a gym. For example, TRX® sells the TRX STUDIO LINE™ which is designed to transform an area into the place of use of the SUSPENSION TRAINING®. These areas can be updated to be used as the mounting plate 51 (one or more) upon which the other elements of the system 50 must be attached.

[0067] In one other embodiment, a kit can be offered and sold which includes multiple parts, such as the SUSPENSION TRAINING®, software access and classes/services related to the system 50, and/or other elements such as for example apparels, bags, the older version of the RIP TRAINER®. In another aspect, the system 50 or one or more of the mounting plates 51 can include a stand for holding a guide for exercising and using of the system. The stand (not shown) can have the form of a tray, sleeve, clip or other retention or support device that can hold a guide. The stand can be positioned so that the guide is conveniently located to be visible to a user of the system 50.

[0068] As shown in isometric view, the mounting plate 51 at FIGS. 7-12, in one embodiment, three identical or semi-identical mounting plates 51a, 51b, and 51c can be attached using fasteners 53, such as for example bolts, clamps, or other known elements in a horizontal fashion. As shown at FIG. 5, one is the upper mounting plate 51a, the second a central mounting plate 51b, and the third a lower mounting plate 51c. In another configuration (not shown), these three mounting plates 51a, 51b, and 51c can be placed vertically or in any orientation. In other configurations, different systems and configurations can be contemplated. Since each mounting plate 51 includes four (4) mating connectors 54, as shown at FIGS. 8-12, the connector on the mounting plate 51 are all male, this creates four possible points of attach of the biasing element 60 described hereafter. As shown, fixation bolts 53 can be used inside of u-shaped openings 57. Normally, because these mounting plates must hold the weight of a user or the force of a user exercising and pulling, these mounting plates are made of thick steel or other metal. In one embodiment, the steel plate 58 is approximately 3-5 mm thick and can be galvanized or painted. Other modes of attachment are also contemplated such as corners, L-shaped tabs, or encasings into a pre-formed structure.

[0069] As shown at FIGS. 8-12, the u-shaped openings 57 are wide and as close to the mating connectors 54 as possible. As the user exercises force on the different attached elements, strength may deform or bend the mounting plate 51. To limit any potential deformation or sheer forces, a user is encouraged during assembly to attach the mounting plate 51 with fixation points as close as each of the mating connectors 54. In addition, illustrated are shortening elements 52 in the shape of semi-circular stainless steel. In other examples, the shortening elements 52 can be a surface with friction rollers, a rope guide with funnel, a bearing-based friction redactor or a Teflon-coated transfer segment. In still other examples, the shortening elements 52 can be configured to have other shapes or structures such as eye bolts, openings integrally formed into the mounting plate 51 or other lobed features. FIG. 12 provides that in the back of the mounting plates, each of the elements (connectors 52, or shortening elements 52) may be attached using bolts 59.

[0070] Mating Connectors

[0071] One of the core concepts of the system 50 as shown is the notion that by using mating connectors shown at FIGS. 21-23 that are referred hereafter as “quick-snap” or “quick-connect” both a male 70 and female 71 connectors, the entire system 50 is designed to prevent a user from misusing the system 50. By way of “quick-snap” the inventor has created a positive male connector 70 in the shape of a rounded knob 72 as shown at FIG. 18. The female connector has an adaptor 74 where the male connector 70 is pushed in and a locking ring 75 powered by a biasing element (not shown) which a user will push down at the time of connection and then release with a “snap” when the product is locked back in. These “quick-snap” are designed to speed reconfiguration between different exercise or set-up and also provide a safety element to avoid disconnection during use. FIGS. 21-23 shown a mating “quick-connect” made of one male 70 and one female 71 element. In one embodiment, with the sale or purchase of the system 50, the inventor plans to include (if needed) spare parts to help a user with a client who may have damaged a connector to replace it locally. For example, in the gym context, some people lift weights of great weight. Even a very resistant male or female connector can be broken if the weight is dropped.

[0072] The male connector has a rounded tip 72 for insertion into the female connector and a retention lip 76. This lip 76 is designed to withstand the sheer forces of a pull. The locking ring 75 as shown is kept in the engaged position with a spring or another biasing element such as a plastic bent tab. Finger insertions (or releases) located at 180 degrees radially on the ring 75 allow a user with the thumb and another finger to push easily the finger insertions down allowing the coupling ring 75 to easily be placed and guided over the rounded tip 72 past the engagement tabs pushed outwardly by the finger insertions in a low position. Once the male connector is slid inside the female connector, by releasing the finger insertion(s), the engagement tabs close over the lip 76 completing the lock. The male connector also has a base 73 which serves to receive or connect with the upper segment of the locking ring 75. In addition, as currently contemplated, the connector is designed to lock in place and produce (without wear) a loud snapping sound to make sure the user understands the trusts the established connection. While one technology of male/female connection is shown and described, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that what is contemplated is the use of any quick connect connector, such as for example simple carabineers and loops as the male and female connectors, the use of magnetic plates, the use of screw on systems, or even the use of a nesting plate (i.e. square, round) separated by a small space from the mounting plate 2 and a pairing flat plate that slides into the nesting plate. Also contemplated is the use of male or female openings made directly into the wall. Shown at 90 is the attachment of any piece of this system 50.

[0073] Biasing Element(s)

[0074] As shown at FIGS. 13-14, long biasing elements (aka nylon covered elastic bands) 77 are included in the system 50. This is shown, for example, at FIG. 5 as 60. One key feature of the invention is the notion that these biasing elements include a similar connector (e.g. two female 71 or two males 70) at each end as shown at FIGS. 13-14. This allows for the different exercise attachments (see below) to be connectable via the same connector as the mounting plate and avoid the desire by users to connect directly the exercise attachments to the mounting plate and bypassing the biasing elements which protects the system 50 from strain. The biasing element 60 includes an elastic body 77 which includes a polymer elastic band (not shown) over a nylon wrinkled non elastic shell 78. By attaching both the elastic band and the nylon wrinkled shell 78 at both extremities to each other by an attachment 79, this protects the elastic band from overstretching and breaking. This is the result of a slow extension of the elastic band under Hooke's Law until the maximum length of the nylon sleeve is reached. Once that is done, any additional stress or force put on the exercise attachment is no longer transferred into the band because under Hooke's law the band's length no longer changes.

[0075] Each of the ends of the biasing element 80, 81, includes a connector 82, 83 which can be interchanged to facilitate the connection and avoid placing a burden on the person using the system 50. At each end, a protector can be added in one embodiment to help protect the connectors and the stitching of the biasing element 60. While FIGS. 13-14 shown two biasing elements 60 the first at FIG. 13 having the same length but both extended differently. The first at FIG. 13 has less force and the second at FIG. 14 having a longer length has more force. While the system 50 is shown with two biasing elements 60 having the same length, this is only one possible configuration. Several biasing elements could be connected serially or different color/resistance biasing elements could be offered to adapt the system to different types of users. The use of colors to distinguish between different resistance or the use of numbers or other levels is equally contemplated. As part of the RIP TRAINER® technology, a simple carabineer is used along with an X-Mount® both from the inventor.

[0076] Another of the key features of this new system 50 is the use of longer biasing elements 60 which can be effectively shortened by slipping the end connector inside the semi-circular shortening elements 52 of the mounting plates 51. As shown at FIG. 5, each male connector 54 of the mounting plates 52a, b, c of the system 50 is located at an angle of one of the shortening elements 52 to facilitate the passage as illustrated of the biasing elements 60 inside the shortening elements 52. The way a surgeon prepares a stitch, the biasing element 60 can be passed under at least one or more of the semi-circular shortening elements 52. The effective goal is to change the length of the element and transform a length. Also, the semi-circular shortening element 52 allows for the body of the biasing element 60 to still move and/or slide and allow the element to lengthen or shorten during exercise. But the use of bends in this setting changes the effective force needed under Hooke's Law to include:


F=R+(k*ΔL)

[0077] Where F is the force upon a user's body, R is a friction coefficient linked with the friction between the biasing element 60 and the shortening element 52. As one can imagine, the friction R changes with the angle of the biasing element 60 around the biasing element. For example, if the angle is 90 degrees the resistance may be X but if the exercise is conducted with the hand in the air instead of in front, the angle can be reduced and the effective resistance. In this manner, a resistance vector can be created at the end of the biasing element to change and/or modulate the resistance force and direction seen by the user of the system 50.

[0078] Exercise Attachments

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates the system 50 in use by two users A, B, where each user is exercising only with one attachment. User A uses the first attachment 100. User B uses the fifth attachment 500 as described below. Each is connected via a biasing element 60 and the different end connectors. By exercise attachments, what is shown is any piece, which can be connected via a male connector 70 on the exercise attachment 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 to the biasing element 60 at the end 81. While the current system is designed with the greatest flexibility, the inventor also understands that these attachments 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 or any other could be directly coupled to a biasing element 60 without the connector. This would not change the spirit and nature of the invention but only make a system 50 more costly and require more volume to operate. The inventor understands the need for adaptability, change and variability as part of the system 50. In addition, the inventor created a new system 50 designed to precisely adapt to multiple types of users, multiple types of exercises, in multiple context. Hereafter is described five possible exercise attachments as a first exercise attachment 100 (FIGS. 17-20), a second exercise attachment 200 (FIGS. 24-25), a third exercise attachment 300 (FIGS. 26-27), a fourth exercise attachment 400 (FIGS. 28-29), and a fifth exercise attachment 500 (FIGS. 30-31).

[0080] The first exercise attachment is a long staff 101 that may be in a single piece or two-pieces. In one embodiment, both ends include a male connector 102, 103, where one is to be connected to one of the female connectors of the biasing element. The other male connector, for example, can be connected to the female mating connector shown at FIGS. 13-16. The staff can be covered by textured grips for better use or by antimicrobial polymer designed to help the first attachment 100 with long term use problems. As shown at FIGS. 13-16, the staff 101 is covered with a single grip 104. What is not shown but also contemplated is the use of two biasing elements 60 each connected to a different portion of the mounting plates 51 and each connected to a different end of the staff 101. This allows a user to stand in the polygon created by the staff, the two biasing elements 60 and the vertical wall to conduct an exercise. This also doubles the resistance force against the wall.

[0081] The fifth exercise attachment 500 as shown at FIG. 30, is a tube-like handle covered by ribbed rubber 501, two side reinforcement rings 502, 503, where a single strap 506 passes through the handle 501 and is stitched under a protector 504. As shown, the protector is made of a thick polymer and can include a branding element. Above the protector is a connector to the male connector 507 used to be connected to one of the two female connectors of the biasing element. One handle 500 is part of the system 50 in a first configuration as illustrated at FIG. 5 but in the field of exercise, some regimen requires the engagement of both symmetrical muscles on a body and requires two handles while other exercises may only require alternate engagement of these same muscles. As part of FIG. 31, a user 1000 is engaging both handles 1001, 1002 and two biasing elements over a wall. In this configuration, three horizontal mounting plates 51 are attached to a wall. The biasing element are connected to the two central male connectors of the top mounting plate 51, and then passed under and around the shortening elements 52, located on the central horizontal mounting plate. In that illustrated example, the length and the resistance of the biasing elements are repositioned and repurposed to the specific desire.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 6, what is shown is a top view of an area of exercise zone of the exercise system 50 for using variable location anchors and variable exercise attachments. As shown, two users A, B are located in front of the wall. As illustrated, two people can use the system 50 but also in some exercise, one person can use the system 50 alone.

[0083] The second exercise attachment 200 as shown at FIGS. 24-25, is a flat inelastic strap in the shape of a loop with buckle. The strap 228 includes a male and female buckle 221, 222, and a piece 229 for securing and holding the male connector 230. The second exercise attachment 200 can be circled around a wrist, a leg, or even an ankle. The strap 228 can be adjusted using releasable mating fastener elements 226, 227 to shorten or lengthen the size of the loop that is defined when the opposite ends of the strap 228 are joined together using the male and female buckle 221, 222. As can be appreciated, the connector 230 can slide along the piece 229 that secures the male connector 230 to the strap 228. As such the second exercise attachment can be used in any number of configurations while maintaining a secure connection to the system 50. As further shown, the second exercise attachment 200 can include multiple sets of parallel-oriented stitches 235, 233.

[0084] FIGS. 26-27 are views of a third exercise attachment 300. The third exercise attachment 300 is in the shape of a closed loop, as part of the exercise system for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a simple closed loop 301 is made of padded nylon 303 stitched 304 closed and connected to a male connector 306 using an attachment 305. This third attachment 300, while having certain similarities with the second attachment 200 has additional functions. For example, in the case where two biasing elements 60 are to be used on a single wrist of a user, the person might prefer using two softer wraparounds 300 to prevent chafing or abrasions from occurring on the user's body.

[0085] FIGS. 28-29 are views of a fourth exercise attachment 400 in the shape of a hook and fastener loop 401, as part of the exercise system 50 for using variable location anchors and variable biasing elements shown at FIG. 5. This attachment 400 also includes a male connector 409, attached to the loop 401 by a strip of non-elastic nylon 410 but it includes on the outside a strip of hook and fasteners 402, 403 (aka Velcro®). To close this easily adjustable attachment, the tip 404 is passed in the opened end of a buckle 406 and flipped back for closure. While these adjustable closures take more time to put in place and close, they do avoid space between the body part and the attachment. In turn, this often limits any friction or damage to the skin. As also shown, the fourth exercise attachment 400 (or any other example exercise attachments) includes a set of parallel-oriented stitches 405.