US20110312477A1

US20110312477A1 - Weight resistance device

Info

Publication number: US20110312477A1
Application number: US13/150,417
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary Wiseman
Original assignee: Fitwise LLC
Current assignee: Fitwise LLC
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2011-06-01
Publication date: 2011-12-22

Abstract

An exercise weight resistance device comprises a resistance band retaining member and a handle receiving portion. The handle receiving portion is shaped and configured to accept the bar portion of an exercise weight such that a user can hold the handle receiving portion against the bar portion of the weight when in use. The resistance band retaining member is configured to attach to a resistance band with a connection member. The weight can be a dumbbell, a barbell, a kettle bell, a weight resistance machine or cable weight stack system, or any other exercise device that utilizes movable weights.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/902,653 entitled “Dumbbell Resistance Device”, filed Oct. 12, 2010, which claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/250,240 entitled “Dumbbell Resistance Device”, filed Oct. 9, 2009, both of which are incorporated by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to athletic training and exercise equipment and more particularly, to a weight resistance device that couples a weight with a resistance cable, which provides for comprehensive weight and resistance training.

BACKGROUND

Traditional exercise weights include dumbbells, barbells, kettle bells, as well as weights associated with weight resistance machines and cable weight stack pulley systems. Dumbbells consist of a short bar with two round balls or disks on each end of the bar. The round balls or disks are typically of identical weight. Dumbbells are generally used for muscular development, weight training and for general exercise. Typically dumbbells are associated with strength training. Today dumbbells come in many shapes, sizes and combinations. Dumbbells are sometimes referred to as free weights and are often used in pairs, with a user holding a dumbbell in each hand.
There are various types of dumbbells and each type is used for slightly different athletic training. First, there are fixed-weight dumbbells that are the typical generic shaped dumbbell and are typically made from metal, plastic, rubber, or some combination. Often these dumbbells have a filler material that comprises the weight of the dumbbell, which can be sand, water, concrete, metal, or another substance. Other dumbbells are larger adjustable weight dumbbells, such as those used for bench presses and other weight exercises. These dumbbells consist of a metal bar and removable plate-shaped weights that can be interchanged on the ends of the metal bar. Finally, some exercise equipment uses a weight interchange system that allows for mechanical changing of the weight by the turning of a dial or the moving of a selector pin from weight to another weight. This allows a user to easily select the appropriate weight and to reduce or increase the weight without physically removing or adding weights. Typically these weight interchange systems are very large pieces of equipment that include stands to store the weights when they are not in use.
Resistance training is a term that is used widely in athletic and exercise fields, often with varying meanings. Resistance training can broadly encompass the use of exercise weights that is associated with strength training. Resistance training can also refer to the use of elastic or hydraulic resistance, such as what is seen with resistance bands. Resistance exercises are used to increase the strength and size of muscles by overloading the musculoskeletal system. Resistance exercises are also used in rehabilitation.
Stretch bands or resistance bands are often used in resistance training. Resistance bands use elastic tension to provide resistance to a user. The resistance band provides increased tension as it is stretched and the band lengthens. As the resistance band is shortened, the tension decreases. When using a resistance band, each effort completed by a user is completed against the force that is generated by the resistance band. Resistance bands can have widely varying strengths, from easily stretchable bands that provide minimum resistance, to highly taut bands that provide maximum resistance. Due to the wide range of resistance that is possible in a resistance band, any user can find an appropriate band and can change the bands as their workout routine progresses. The wide range of resistance provides flexibility in the training process and allows resistance bands to be a good choice for both beginners as well as advanced athletes. One of the benefits of resistance bands is that they allow for resistance from an almost unlimited direction, which provides for more variety in a workout. The variety provided by resistance bands allows for positioning in multiple ways in order to change how the exercise feels or how the body works. Resistance bands also improve coordination and balance, as the bands provide tension throughout the entire range of movement, which requires significant body stabilization.
Each muscle group has a range of motion in which the muscle goes from a relaxed and extended phase to a contracted and flexed stage. Within each range of motion of any given muscle, there are weaker angles and stronger angles of flexion. The problem with consistent or constant resistance (as provided by traditional exercise weights) is that the person can use a given weight and work through the weak angle with the given weight, which means that there is not enough of a challenge to the muscle once the muscle reaches its strongest contraction angle. For example, the biceps can exert maximal strength at 100 degrees of elbow flexion, but the biceps are much weaker at 60 degrees and 180 degrees (the end ranges). The problem with constant resistance is also an issue during rehabilitation of an injury. The injured muscle is taxed equally throughout the range of motion, thereby placing strain at areas where the muscle is at its weakest and most vulnerable position.
Strength training and resistance training both provide significant health and physical benefits to people who complete the exercises. The exercises strengthen and tone muscles and increase bone mass. A combination of both exercises provides both increased tension and constant resistance, which allows the muscle to work at maximal efficiency throughout the entire range of motion without giving the muscle a chance to relax during each repetition. The dual resistance created by strength and resistance training creates a more constant and effective eccentric or return phase, which incorporates more muscle fibers and keeps the motion smooth and deliberate. Most people use the eccentric phase as a time to rest and let the weight just fall, while the muscle relaxes. In a dual resistance method, the weight is not allowed to simply fall, and the movement is even and measured. This eccentric phase is a very important component of muscle training as most injuries occur during this phase when the exercise motions are not performed slowly and deliberately.
More recently, athletes and people who exercise have sought to combine strength training with resistance training in order to achieve increased tension and constant resistance in a single device. Some have tied the ends of resistance bands to the bar of a weight, such as a dumbbell and completed exercises with this makeshift device. This device has multiple flaws. First, the resistance band is not properly secured, which can cause safety issues when the resistance band is pulled. Second, typing the resistance band around the bar of the dumbbell hinders the user from properly gripping the dumbbell and properly using the dumbbell. Third, the knotting or tying of the resistance band around the bar of the dumbbell causes awkward angles and kinks when the user turns their wrist or exerts force against the resistance band. Depending on the user and how the resistance band is tied to the bar of the dumbbell, there could be additional safety hazards that are created by the device. Alternatively, if a user were to combine increased tension with constant resistance with a weight and a resistance band, they would have to hold onto two standard size handles in one hand. It is nearly impossible for a user to effectively and safely grip two handles in one hand.
As such, there is a need to improve upon the prior art to create an exercise device that combines the strength training provided by exercise weights with the resistance training provided by resistance bands into a simple device that is user-friendly, safe, relatively inexpensive, easy to store and transport, and adaptable to each user as they progress in their training. The exercise device would provide for a new type of resistance that develops lean muscle mass. The device would allow for a combination of two types of resistance; the first of which is a hand held adjustable weight (constant resistance) and the second of which is a stretch cable or resistance band (increasing resistance) that can be held in one hand by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features, in a first embodiment, a dumbbell resistance device that includes a generally U-shaped member that is coupled to a handle portion. The handle portion is coupled to two open legs of the U-shaped member. A mounting location for a resistance band, for example, is located approximately at the mid-point of the U. A handle cover covers the handle portion.
In this first embodiment of the present invention, the handle portion slides through a connection region of a first upper end of the U-shaped member and into a mounting location on the opposite second upper end of the U-shaped member. An attachment device may be used to secure the U-shaped member and handle portion into a fixed position.
A pair of weights is attachable and detachable to a receiver portion located on outer sides of the U-shaped member. The weights can be of varying amounts and varying shapes. The connection of the weights to the U-shaped member is preferably a bayonet connection or another suitable connection member.
The U-shaped member further features a resistance band attachment location at the bottom or mid-point of the U-shaped member. The resistance band attachment location may be an opening or hole through the U-shaped member. The opening is capable of accepting attachment of a resistance band attachment mechanism, such as a hook, clip, or other attachment mechanism. The resistance band attachment mechanism is attached to a resistance band. The resistance band can be of any resistance, depending on the preference of the user.
The U-shaped member is coupled to the handle portion in an essentially rigid structure and the handle cover is allowed to rotate freely from the combination of the U-shaped member and handle portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle cover may be of a cushioning type of material and be capable of swiveling an entire 360 degrees around the handle portion.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the handle cover features a rubberized coating or similar material that aids in the gripping of the device. The handle cover may provide cushioning to the user or the handle cover may have some tackiness to facilitate a better grip.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the dumbbell resistance device will be crafted from a material such as steel, aluminum, plastic, composite materials or the like.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an exercise device comprises a resistance band retaining member that includes two open legs on a first end and a mounting location at a second end; a handle portion fixably coupled to the two open legs of the resistance band retaining member; and a resistance band coupled to the mounting location of the resistance band retaining member. The exercise device may further include a handle cover surrounding at least a portion of the handle portion. The handle cover may feature a rubberized coating or similar material that aids in the gripping of the device. The handle cover may also feature cushioning. The exercise device may further include a pair of weights, wherein a first weight is releasably coupled to a first leg of the resistance band retaining member and a second weight is releasably coupled to a second leg of the resistance band retaining member.
In another preferred embodiment, the exercise device may include a first connector portion located on a first leg and a second connector portion located on a second leg, wherein an attachment device is configured to secure the resistance band to both the first connector portion and the second connector portion. In this embodiment, the attachment device of the resistance band is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop, a clip, a clasp and a bolt snap.
The exercise device may be manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, plastic or composite materials. The resistance band may feature a first end that is configured to attach to the resistance band retaining member and a second end that is configured to attach to an object. The attachment device of the resistance band may feature a first connector device and a second connector device, wherein the first connector device is configured to attach to the first connector portion and the second connector device is configured to attach to the second connector portion.
It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a first embodiment t of the invention shown in a deconstructed format;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention with one weight detached showing the bayonet attachment method;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dumbbell resistance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dumbbell resistance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention with an attached resistance band;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exercise weight resistance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention with an attached resistance band;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exercise weight resistance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention with a resistance band and dumbbell;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the retaining member of the exercise weight resistance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exercise weight resistance device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features, in a first embodiment, an exercise weight device in the form of a dumbbell resistance device 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, including a U-shaped member 20 and a handle portion 12. In this embodiment, the handle portion slides through a first handle opening 28 located on a first upper side of the U-shaped member and at least partially enters a second handle opening 30 located on a second upper side of the U-shaped member 20. The first handle opening 28 and the second handle opening 30 are located at opposite ends of the upper portions of the U-shaped member 20.
The combination of the first handle opening 28 and the second handle opening 30 provides support for holding the handle portion 12 and prevents the handle portion 12 from rotating. The second handle opening 30 may include a “D” shape.
An attachment device 18 couples with one end of the handle portion 12 closest to the second handle opening 28, which further secures the handle portion. Once the attachment device 18 is connected, the handle portion 12 and U-shaped member 20 form a substantially rigid unit, whereby the handle portion 12 cannot move independently from the U-shaped member 20. The attachment device 18 may be a screw, a bolt, a pin, or another fastener.
The handle portion 12 is preferably covered with a handle cover 14, which is designed to move independently of the handle portion 12. Preferably, the handle cover 14 almost entirely surrounds the handle portion 12 and the handle cover 14 and the handle portion 12 operate independently of one another. The handle cover 14 may be partially or fully covered by a gripping material, which may include a soft feel paint, a rubberized coating, foam or similar material that aids the user in holding the device.
As an example, the handle cover 14 may consist of an ABS hard plastic, which is then over molded with a soft plastic in order to provide a rubbery, easy to grip material. Additionally, the handle cover may provide cushioning to the user or the handle cover may have some tackiness to facilitate a better grip. The U-shaped member 20 and handle portion 12 are preferably constructed at least partially from steel but other materials such as aluminum, plastic, or composite materials are contemplated and within the scope of the invention. Preferably the steel is machined steel with a sand blasted texture and a clear coat. Other materials are within the scope of the present invention.
The U-shaped member also features a resistance band attachment region or element 32 at the bottom of the U portion. A resistance band is a stretchable or elastic cable or element that increases and decreases its resistance depending on how far or how much it is stretched. In one embodiment of the present invention, the resistance band attachment region 32 features an opening 22 or multiple openings. The opening preferably features an oval or rectangular shape with an attachment bar 44 running across the middle, which allows for attachment of a resistance band attachment mechanism 26. The resistance band attachment mechanism 26 may be a hook, clasp, bolt snap, clip, spring clasp, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism 26 is also connected to a stretch band or resistance band 24. The attachment mechanism 26 preferably features a rounded bottom and rotating attachment, which allows the resistance band 24 to rotate freely and prevents binding.
When the resistance band 24 and attachment mechanism 26 are attached to the U-shaped member 20, the resistance band 24 is allowed to pivot. The resistance band 24 can be of any strength, length and color. Other similar or equivalent means of attaching the attachment mechanism 26 to the resistance band attachment location 32 of the U-shaped member 20 are contemplated and within the scope of the current invention.
The exercise weight resistance device 10 is, in one embodiment, further outfitted with a pair of interchangeable dumbbell heads or weights 16. The weights 16 can be attached and detached as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The weights preferably come in varying weights that allow a user to increase or decrease the weight based on user preference as the user progresses through a training program. As an example, the weights 16 may come in the following increments, 3 lb, 4 lb, 5 lb, 5.5 lb, 6.5 lb, and 8 lb. Preferably the weights 16 are labeled with the corresponding weight number in order to make it easier for the user to select the appropriate weight. It is within the scope of this invention that the weights 16 could be heavier or lighter that the listed weights or could be designated in grams or another measurement quantity. Additionally, the dumbbell resistance device 10 could be utilized without the addition of weights 16.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped member 20 may have its own substantial and predetermined weight, independent of the weight of the weights 16. For example, the U-shaped member may weigh 3 lbs or another weight. The weight of the U-shaped member 20 may be used in conjunction with the pair of weights 16 or may be used independent of any weights.
The weights 16 are attached to the upper outer portions of the U-shaped member 20. A first weight is attached to a first receiver portion 40, which is located at the entrance of the first handle opening 28 and a second weight is attached to a second receiver portion 40 located proximate the second handle opening 30. The weights 16 are attached using a method that allows for both positive connection between the weights 16 and the dumbbell device 10 while also allowing for simple removal and replacement of the weights. Preferably, the weights are attached using a bayonet mount. In this method, the weight is outfitted with a protruding portion 38 that has two indentations 34 coupled to a circular member 46 in the protruding portion 38.
The receiver portions 40 of the U-shaped member 20 are provided with two corresponding protruding tabs 36. The tabs 36 interlock with and fit into the corresponding protruding indentations 34 and allow the weight 16 to twist and lock onto the u-shaped member 20. The weight 16 can be partially rotated in a first direction in order to lock the weight 16 in place and then, similarly, the weight 16 can be removed by a partial rotation in a second, equal and opposite direction. A gentle pull removes the weight 16 from the U-shaped member 20. No tools or specialized motions are required to attach or remove the weights 16. Additionally, a spring (not shown) may be present within an indentation 42 of the protruding portion 38 of the weight 16, which provides force to lock the weight 16 in place. Other methods of attaching and removing the weights 16 are within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention that the weights 16 may be permanently attached to the U-shaped member 20.
The combination of the handle portion 12, U-shaped member 20, pair of weights 16 and handle cover 14 creates a unique dumbbell shaped apparatus that keeps the same resistance throughout the entire movement. The addition of the resistance band 24 to the U-shaped member provides for an increasing and decreasing resistance as the user pulls and releases the resistance band 24. The resistance band 24 becomes more difficult to pull/push the further it is stretched by the user. By using the weighted dumbbell shaped apparatus in conjunction with the resistance band 24, a novel dumbbell resistance device 10 is created. A user is able to add intensity to traditional exercises, which is beneficial to a user who wants to increase the intensity of an exercise without necessarily increasing the weight during that exercise.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the weight resistance device 100, FIGS. 4 and 5, includes a resistance band retaining member 102 and a handle portion 104. The resistance band retaining member 102 features a first connector portion 106 and a second connector portion 108. Each connector portion 106/108 features a resistance band attachment location 110.
A stretch or resistance band 112 includes an attachment device 114 located at a first end 120 of the resistance band 112. The attachment device 114 features a first connector member 116 and a second connector member 118. The first connector member 116 is configured to attach to the first connector portion 106 of the resistance band retaining member 102, while the second connector member 118 is configured to attach to the second connector portion 108 of the resistance band retaining member 102. The first and second connector members 116/118 are preferably straps or webs.
The attachment between the connector member 116/118 and the connector portion 106/108 can be a hook and loop fastener, clasp, or any other attachment means. Additional features of the dumbbell resistance device 100 are similar to the dumbbell resistance device 10 already described above, such as removable and interchangeable weights, a handle cover, and other previously discussed features.
The resistance band 112 also features a second end 122. The second end 122 may feature an attachment device 114 (as shown in FIG. 5) or may alternatively feature a similar attachment mechanism. The attachment device 114 located at the second end 122 of the resistance band 112 is capable of attaching to a second dumbbell resistance device 100, to a stationary object, or to a body portion of a user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the exercise weight resistance device 200, FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, includes a resistance band retaining member or strap 202 and a handle receiving portion 204. In this embodiment, the weight resistance device 200 is configured to be used with a standard weight 224 and a standard resistance band 218. The standard weight can be a hand held weight, such as a dumbbell, barbell, kettle bell, round weight or any other exercise weight device. Alternatively, the weight 224 can be in the form of a weight resistance machine, cable weight stack pulley system, or other similar weight training system. Various weights 224 and resistance bands 218 can be interchangeably used with the dumbbell resistance device 200, thereby allowing a user to do one exercise with a 5 lb weight and a medium resistance band followed by a second exercise with a 10 lb weight and a light resistance band all while utilizing the same weight resistance device 200.
The resistance band retaining member 202, shown in FIG. 8 without the handle receiving portion 204, is preferably a heavy duty strap. The resistance band retaining member 202 may be constructed from polyester. The resistance band retaining member 202 has a midway region 206 and two end regions 208, 210. The midway region 206 divides the resistance band retaining member 202 into a first half 212 and a second half 214. Each end region 208, 210 may feature its own connection member 216 as shown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the first and second halves 212/214 may be fixably coupled to one another in the end region 208, 210 and utilize only one connection member 216 as shown in FIG. 6. The connection member 216 may be a D-ring or other similar connection element. The connection member 216 is configured to allow attachment of a resistance band attachment mechanism 220, such as a hook or clasp.
The handle receiving portion 204 of the weight resistance device 200 features an upper side 226 and a lower side 228. The upper side 226 is configured to accept a bar portion 222 of a standard dumbbell 224, shown in FIG. 7. The handle receiving portion 204 of the weight resistance device 200 is rigid or semi-rigid, thereby facilitating its placement against a bar portion 222 of a dumbbell 224. The upper side 226 of the handle receiving portion 204 features a concave shape, configured for accepting the rounded convex shape of the bar portion 222 of the dumbbell 224. The handle receiving portion 204 is preferably constructed out of an elastomer pad material that is over molded over the resistance and retaining member 202. The lower side 228 of the handle receiving portion preferably features a gripping material to facilitate the connection between a users hand and the weight resistance device 200. Additional features of the weight resistance device 200 are similar to the dumbbell resistance devices 10, 100 already described above.
A method of using the weight resistance device 200 includes attaching the connection member 216 to a resistance band 218. A user then places the bar portion 222 of the weight 224 into and against the upper side 226 of the handle receiving portion 204 and wraps their hand around the combination of the bar portion 222 of the weight 224 and the handle receiving portion 204 of the weight resistance device 200. Alternatively, a user can grasp the handle lower side 228 of the handle receiving portion 204 and place the handle receiving portion 204 against the bar portion 222 of a weight 224 and wrap their hand around the combination of the bar portion 222 of the weight 224 and the handle receiving portion 204 of the weight resistance device 200. When using the weight resistance device 200, a user experiences an even resistance throughout the range of motion, which is particularly important for rehabilitating following an injury. The weight resistance device 200 allows a user to work through the affected injury area with lighter resistance while still receiving good tension. As the range of motion increases, more weight is applied as the cable stretches only as the muscle is capable of handling the increase in weight.
Any weight 224, can be used interchangeably with the dumbbell resistance device 200. For example, it is contemplated and within the scope of the present invention that the weight resistance device could be used with dumbbells, barbells, round weights, kettle bells, or other similar exercise weights or exercise weight machines. Similarly, any resistance band of any style or resistance can be used interchangeably with the weight resistance device 200. A user can then perform exercises as they would with just a resistance band or a weight and receive the combined effects of both resistance training and weight training in one exercise. The ability to easily interchange the weight and resistance band allows for customized training using standard equipment in combination with the weight resistance device 200.
It is also contemplated and within the scope of the invention that the weight resistance device 300, FIG. 9, could be configured to attach to a weight resistance machine or cable weight stack pulley system or other similar weight machine system (not shown). In this embodiment, the weight resistance device 300 can be secured to the particular weight machine with at least one attachment mechanism 350, such as a wrap around strap. The at least one attachment mechanism 350 is configured to secure the weight resistance device 300 to the weight machine. The at least one attachment mechanism 350 is secured to the handle receiving portion 304.
In use, the attachment mechanism 350 is secured to a handle or bar or other attachment location 324 on a weight resistance machine, cable weight stack system, or other weight training system and secured in place using the one or more attachment mechanisms 350. Alternatively, the weight resistance device 300 may be secured to the particular weight machine using a resistance band attachment mechanism 320, or may be secured to the particular weight machine using an attachment mechanism 350. The use of the weight resistance device 300 in combination with the weight training system allows a user to experience both increased tension from the resistance band attached to the weight resistance device 200 and increased tension from the weight training machine.
It is contemplated and within the scope of the invention that a resistance band could feature a weight resistance device 200 at one end, and a weight resistance device 300 at a second end. In this example, the weight resistance device 300 could be secured to a weight 334 of a weight machine using the one or more attachment mechanisms 350 and a user could grasp the weight resistance device 200 at the opposite end in conjunction with a weight 224. It is also contemplated that a resistance band could feature either two weight resistance devices 200, one at each end of the resistance device, or two weight resistance devices 300, one at each end of the resistance device.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel weight-training device having a handle receiving portion for receiving weights and a resistance band attachment region. The weight-training device allows a user a multiplicity of adjustable methods of configuring the device to achieve many different weight-training methods to achieve multiple training and exercise goals.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a retaining member having a central region, a first end region and a second end region;

a handle receiving portion located in the central region of the retaining member, wherein said handle receiving portion features an upper side and a lower side, wherein said upper side is concave and configured, in use, to be placed against and in contact with a bar portion of a weight; and

at least one connection member located in at least one of the first end region and the second end region, wherein the connection member is configured to attach to a resistance band.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the weight is selected from the group consisting of a dumbbell, a barbell, a kettle bell, a round weight and other handheld weight, and wherein the weight can be of any mass.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle receiving portion includes a coating that aids in the gripping of the device.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle receiving portion includes cushioning.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is constructed from a polyester material and the handle receiving portion is constructed from an elastomer material.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the handle receiving portion is molded over the central region of the retaining member.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the connection member includes at least one D-ring.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is manufactured from a material including a heavy duty polyester strapping.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the resistance band includes an attachment device selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop, a clip, a clasp and a bolt snap.

10. An exercise device, comprising:

a retaining member with a first end and a second end;

a handle receiving portion surrounding at least a portion of the retaining member, wherein the handle receiving portion features an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side is configured to surround at a least a portion of an attachment location of an exercise device; and

at least one attachment mechanism configured to couple with the handle receiving portion, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to fixably secure the handle receiving portion with the portion of the attachment location of said exercise device.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the handle receiving portion is molded over the retaining member.

12. The exercise device of claim 10 further including at least one connection member located in at least one of the first and the second end regions, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to attach to a resistance band.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the resistance band includes an attachment device which is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop, a clip, a clasp and a bolt snap.

14. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the retaining member is manufactured from a heavy duty polyester strapping.

15. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the connection member includes at least one D-ring.

16. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the exercise device is selected from a group consisting of: a weight resistance machine or cable weight stack pulley system.

17. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the exercise device features two attachment mechanisms.