GB2389803A - Exercise aid and gym towel - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise aid 10 that is useful for flexibility, aerobic, and strength training routines. The device comprises a mostly non-elastic length of textile, or other type of material, that is modified for the provisional coupling of mass enhancing components 30 in order to create anti-slip grips 40 for exercise comfort and variety. The device can be utilized as an exercise aid for both tension and compression based movements as well as double as a gym towel if made with a water absorbing material.

Description

EXERCISE AID AND GYM TOWEL

The subject invention relates generally to physical fitness equipment and, more particularly, to an exercise aid that can assist the user when perfonning flexibility, aerobic, and strength training activities, and which can still double as a gym and fitness towel.

Though contraction, muscles provide the pulling forces to move the human skeletal structure through an extremely wide range of highly controllable free-form motions that involve both singular and compound joint movements. Athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients often work out in order to train muscles through some of these motions by repeatedly contracting them under various workloads or through various aerobic activities. Many different types of fitness equipment are designed to aid these workout activities, including: free weights, weight machines, aerobic conditioning machines, spring tension and rubber tubing tension systems to name a few. Each of these systems makes use of one or more resistive forces in order to work the muscles, i.e., gravity, elastic tension, friction, etc. However, most of these systems severely restrict the user to a specific narrow range of motion - limited by the mechanics of the device and/or the direction the resistive force is applied.

Portable exercise equipment is one class of exercise equipment that is popular among athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients. Portable exacise equipment is useful when training outside of a fully equipped gym such as in the home or in a hotel room while travelling. Currently, a wide array of portable exercise equipment is available and each type is designed for a specific set of uses. Many types of portable exercise equipment use weights, springs, elastic materials or any other mechanism to provide a resistive force to engage the exaciser's muscles. The problem with many of these pieces of equipment is that while some are bulky and don't travel easily, others are cumbersome and awkward to use, and sell others, such as rubber tubing devices are made of materials that readily wear down and need regular inspection and replacement for safe use. Most of these devices are also designed for an extremely limited range of exercises and provide a very limited range of resistance

! settings. For these, and other reasons, most ofthese portable exercise pieces of equipment are not practical and adaptable training aids.

Towels, on the other hand, have the potential to be practical and adaptable training aids because they can be used for many different types of stretching and exercise activities. They are also a common accessory carried by training athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients whom use them in gyms and physical therapy centres around the world to wipe perspiration from the body and exercise equipment during periods of strenuous muscular exertion.

Towels can make useful exercise aids because of their versatility and because they can assist the user with numerous voluntarily self-resisted exercise motions - which we will call "Dynamic Free-Form Exercises" or DFF Exercises. DFF Exercises can involve the contraction of one or more muscle (or group) that is controllably resisted in its movement by that of an opposing force supplied by another muscle (or group) through a wide range of adaptable motion possibilities.

DFF Exercises are possible because the human body is designed such that musculoskeletal motions are performed and controlled wim counteracting forces from opposing muscles (and muscle groups) attached to the same skeletal joint. In this way we can we can both bend our arms at our elbows exerting very little effort or alternatively flex them under great strain thereby working both the front of the arm and the back of the arm to a much greater degree of effort. Likewise humans can voluntarily use one muscle group to oppose the movement of another muscle group from a different skeletal joint. In this manner, one arm can oppose the movement ofthe other arm, or an arm can oppose the movement of a leg, etc. DFF Exercises can be effective training components in routines for both strength and flexibility development. One of the benefits ofthis type of exercise is that opposing sets of muscle groups are worked against each other through a wide range of motion - thereby developing muscle symmetry, balance, coordination, flexibility and functional strength: important factors in any physical fitness and physical rehabilitation exercise program. Archer benefit is that self-imposed resistance provides the exerciser with the ability to control the level of effort exerted throughout the range of motion: an important exercise benefit that most types of exercise performed using equipment cannot accommodate due to their limited range of motion andlor resistance mechanism.

( While many DFF Exercises can be perfonned with nothing more than the Way itself, the use of a towel can enable an exerciser to perform a wider variety of DFF Exercises. However, towels are difficult and uncomfortable to hold securely while performing the variety of exercise motions where they can be useful Ads. Thus the use of a nonnal towel as a training aid may not come easy for the wer, thereby reducing the length of time he/she may willing to involve him/herself in the beneficial exercise activity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,228 and 5,984,845 to Powers relates to an apparatus, and a follow-on improvement to the apparatus, for stretching the body. The Powers device was invented in part due to the limitations and restrictions that a regular towel imposes on the user while perfonning stretching activities. The present invention overcomes these limitations and restrictions, and in addition it offers a more versatile exercise aid by performing both as a towel and as a comfortable and adjustable DFF Exercise aid at the same time.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,359 to Dean is also a body stretching apparatus that is based on the insertion of a portion of a limb into a pocka or loop and thereby "engaging" it with the device.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,002 Dittrneier discloses a stretching rope with a special footbed for added comfort and convenience.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,303 to Miller eat al. discloses a golf exercise device comprising an adjustable flexible belt with ball shaped handles attached through rotational and pivotal attachment mechanisms.

Milla's device claims to offer increased gripping options through its use of ball shaped handles and rotational and pivotal attachment mechanisms, but it is limited in its overall use as an exercise aid when compared to the present invention.

All of the above listed devices are designed to enhance stretching andlor warm-up activities but they are not designed as, nor are they truly useful for, multi-function fitness aids that can be used for a wide range of tension and compression-based DFF Exercises, as well as offering the user towel functionality. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,502 Anastasi discloses an improved weight plate for physical fitness training that incorporates integrated holes that act as handgrips for easier handling and manipulation of these common fitness devices.

( SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes limitations of the prior At to provide a highly versatile fitness accessory. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a more useful, muld-functdon fitness towel fw training athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients that doubles as a highly versatile supplementary exercise device to help enable a wide variety of DFF Exercise movements for symmetry, balance, coordinadon, flexibility and functional strength development, It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient exercise aid that enables a variety of exercises where opposing muscle groups provide resistance to each other and thereby enable any user to exercise as hod or as lightly as desired; It is another object ofthe invention to provide a highly portable, functional, And effective piece of exercise equipment that is useful in a variety of body training Ad conditioning activities including flexibility, aerobics and strength training; It is a further object of the present inventdon to provide an adjustable towel exercise aid made possible by numerous secure anti-slip grip positions along its length and thereby comfortably enabling a wide array of pulling (tensionbased) DFF Exercises; It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise aid that can be configured and used in DFF Exercises where both pulling (tension-based) and pushing (compressionbased) forces can be applied to the device.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing unique combinations and configurations ofthe following two components. The first is a "Spacer," a device comprised of a flexible length of a mostly non-elastic, and preferably water absorbing, material ("Spacer material") such as a towel made of cotton, or a cotton blend, terry cloth that is modified with pockets or some over mechanism or adaptation at each of its two ends in order to integrate or connect the second part - the mass enhancing components. The mass enhancing components can be

( appropriately sized balls, beanbags, or other such bulk adding items. The provisional combination of the mass enhancing components with the Spacer's appropriate receptacle or attachment adaptations creates the secure anti-slip grip sites for OFF Exercise manoeuvres. The anti-slip grip sites added bulk prevents the Spacer from unidirectionally slipping through any appropriately configured apparatus at that site. Such apparatus could be the gripping hands' of the user, or any appropriately designed attachment mechanism that closely encircles, or partially encircles, the Spacer at that site.

Attachment mechanisms can be used to secure additional apparatus to the Spacer and thereby increase the exercise range of usage for the invention.

In addition to the pulling (tension-based) exercises the invention's alternate rolled configuration aids in pushing (compression-based) related exercise motions. The mass enhancing components provide an appropriately sized mass to grip during the pressing exercises when the apparatus is in this rolled configuration. The combination of both tension and compression-based exercises enabled with the present invention can help facilitate a more practical and complete exercise program for many individuals. GENERALL DESUC'UBPTION OF llDE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows a full depiction ofthe exercise aid and gym towel.

FIG.2 illustrates the operational function of the anti-slip grips.

FIG. 3 shows folding and stitching patterns for the exercise aid and gym towel of FIG.4 and one of the potential possibilities for the exercise aid and gym towel of FIG.I.

FIG.4 shows both sides of a representative Spacer constructed from the technique illustrated in FIG. 3 and showing the mass enhancing components ready for insertion into the choice of pockets.

FIG.S depicts some sequenced exercise movements possible with the exercise aid and gym towel.

FIG. 6 shows some alternate folding patterns for the towel.

FIG.7 shows some alternate stitching patterns for pocket creation.

( FIG. 8 shows an alternative pocket creation technique using buttons or some other type of releasable yet secure fastener.

FIG.9 shows yet another alternative pocket creation technique using temporary wrap-around flaps.

FIG.IO shows a technique for unfolded towel Spacer creation.

FIG.II shows various anti-slip grip configurations with permanently incorporated mass enhancing components. FIG. 12 shows some configurations for variable fabric thickness anti-slip grips.

FIG.13 shows some embodiments using other materials and/or configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout several different views and e nbodiment configurations. FIG.I generally shows one preferred embodiment ofthe complete exercise aid and gym towel combination 10. The total apparatus is comprised of the flexible, mostly non-elastic Spacer 20 that has incorporated within it various pockets (or receptacles) 21 that populate the ends of the device. A pocket 21, when occupied by a mass enhancing component 30, forms an anti-slip grip site 40 that aids in securing the exerciser's connection to the exercise aid 10. A selection of pockets 21 on either side of Spacer 20 allows for a variety of user- selectable distances between anti-slip grips 40 to provide convenient adjustability of the device during exercise sessions. While the illustration clearly identifies two pockets 21 at either end of the Spacer 2Q other embodiments may contain fewer pockets than that number illustrated or they could contain more.

The Spacer 20, in the preferred embodiment, is made up of at least one type of textile material (preferably at least one ofthe materials composed of a water absorbent material such as terry cloth made of cotton or a cotton blend). It should be noted that there are other suitable materials that could be used for the Spacer's 20 construction including appropriately strong woven and/or non-woven materials, e.g., cotton drill, nylon webbing, rope, leather strap, chain, cable, etc. or any combination of the above mentioned herein.

The anti-slip grip sites 40 are used to 'prevent the user's gripping hands, or any appropriate apparatus that securely encircles, or partially encircles, the Spacer 20 at that site from slipping past the site during pulling (tension-based) fitness activities. The anti-slip grips 40 are designed to support tension in a variety of usage configurations made possible with the exercise aid 10.

In all embodiments, the mass enhancing components 30 that help create the anti-slip grips 40 can be of the same, but will most likely be of a different material composition than that of the Spacer 20 and they are either permanently combined with the Spacer 20 or readily removable, exchangeable and adjustable to vary the spacing between them. They may also be exchangeable for different compositions and weights to achieve different exercise benefits. When the fitness device 10 is ready for use, the mass enhancing components 30 will be secure enough to allow tension application to the Spacer 20 at the anti-slip grip sites 40 in a manner comfortable to the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operational function ofthe anti-slip grips 40. FIG. 2A illustrates a mass enhancing component provisionally resident within a pocket at the end ofthe Spacer 20 in order to create the and-slip grip 40. FIG. 2B illustrates the user's hand 50 "rasping the Spacer 20 at the and-

slip grip site 40. While gripping the Spacer 20 at this posidon, the user's hand 50 is prevented from slipping past the and-slip grip site 40, and thereby securing the grip of the user to the exercise aid 10.

FIG. 2C illustrates an appropriately configured attachment device 51 that encircles, or partially encircles, the Spacer 20 at the anti-slip grip site 40. In a similar manner, the attachment device 51 is prevented from moving past the anti-slip grip site 40. An attachment device 51 can be connected to any type of elastic or inelastic supplementary fitness apparatus to be used in conjunction with the exercise aid 10. Such an attachment device 51 is provisionally positdoned and easily removed after the mass enhancing component is taken out ofthe pocket; or, depending on the design of the attachment device 51, it could be disengaged in some other manner.

FIG. 3 depicts one preferred configuration and construction technique for the Spacer 20. Referring to FIG. 3A, the Spacer material 15 is viewed from above and unfolded prior to Spacer 20 construction.

Highlighted on the left hand side of the Spacer material 15 is one possible detailed stitching pattem, or other type offastening and securing pattern for Spacer 20 construction and pocket 21 creation.

The end stitch pattern 22 will hold the ends together and secure the closure for the last pocket 2l at that end of the Spacer 20. The other appropriately spaced stitch patterns 23 across any two adjacent panels 25 to a z-fold line 24 finish offthe last pocket and create the additional pockets along the

( length of the Spacer 20 for the exchangeable insertion of mass enhancing components 30. This particular apparatus is designed with the choice of four integrally constructed pockets 21 for mass enhancing components 30 placement at this end of the Spacer 20. A similar pattern would likely, but not necessarily, be used on the other end.

FIG. 3B depicts the z-fold of the Spacer material 15 along the fold lines 24 to create the two fold regions 26 for pocket 21 construction. The two fold regions 26 ofthe z-fold embodiment of the Spacer 20 allow overlapping pockets along the length of the Spacer 20 to allow a wider variation of anti-slip grip sites 40 than would be possible if all the pockets 21 were end to end. The various anti-

slip grip sites add flexibility to the usefulness ofthe device by enabling a wide variety of exercise movement options. The device can also be reinforced in a variety of ways and designed with various closure mechanisms for the openings of the pockets 21. The fold and stitching techniques of FIG. 3 are used to create the Spacer 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 and is one ofthe potential fold and stitching techniques to achieve the Spacer illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates both the top and bottom flat view of the fully constructed apparatus in FIG. 3. A similar stitch pattern was used at each end ofthe Spacer 20. This figure illustrates the stitching pattern across each side of the device once it is z-folded and stitched for pocket 21 formations. The mass enhancing components 30 can be inserted in any of the receptacles 21 in order to provide comfortable anti-slip grip 40 spacing positions for the variety of exercises made possible with the device. The exercise aid and gym towel combination 10 can be configured in a plurality of ways for both the pulling (tension-based) and pushing (compression-based) exercises as the series of sequenced motions in FIGS. 5A through SC illustrate. For example, in the pulling (tension-based) exercises, tension can be applied through the Spacer 20 directly between the arni-slip grips 40 as shown in FIG. SA or alternatively as in FIG. SC which depicts a movement sequence using a closer positioning of the anti-

slip grips 40 in order to provide comfort and/or exercise variety for the particular movement Additionally, the Spacer 20 could be folded in half and tension can be applied between the fold and the two anti-slip grips 40 together in the opposing direction. Likewise, there is a plurality of rolled configurations for the pushing (compression-based) exercises. FIG. SB depicts a pushing (compression-based) motion sequence with the exercise aid and gym towel 10 in a rolled configuration containing the mass enhancing components 40 in the center.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sampling of the variety of alternative folding and stitch patterns 22 for the Spacer material I 5 that are possible for Spacer 20 construction. FIG 6A illustrates a simple central fold along the length of the Spacer material 15 to form one fold region 26 where pockets for mass enhancing components can be constructed This configuration could be folded in half again to achieve a narrower Spacer 20 with similar pocket 21 arrangements; or to embody overlapping pockets for greater variability in anti-slip grip 40 positioning. FIG. 6B depicts the over-leaf folding pattern down the length ofthe Spacer material 15 to create a fully enclosed fold region 27 for mass enhancing component pockets 21. FIG. 6C illustrates yet another folding pattern where overlapping pockets can be created in three different fold rations 26. Other embodiments can include diner folding, rolling or any other material gathering techniques that are coupled with stitching or any other joining or clamping Mock in order to secure the receptacles for removable mass enhancing components 30.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates the top view of two different sets of stitching patterns 23 designed to help contain the mass enhancing components within the middle portion of the pocket 21. While only two variations are illustrated, other design possibilities could perform the same function.

In another embodiment, the pockets 21 for a Spacer 20 can be fabricated with the use oftemporary attachment mechanisms such as bottom, clips, VELCRO49 or other such method where grommet-

style adaptations, button hole-like features, or temporary attachment mechanisms in the Spacer material 15 fall into alignment when folded and create temporary barriers for pocket 21 creation when such temporary attachment mechanisms are engaged. FIG. 8 illustrates one technique for this embodiment for securing the mass enhancing components 30 in receptacles 21 within the folds of the Spacer 20. FIG. 8A depicts a button 28 and button hole 29 amusement (also possible with different button 281button-hole 29 arrangements or some other fastening mechanism) to hold the folded portions of the Spacer material 15 together and thus create the secure pockets 21 for the mass enhancing components 30 by rid allowing them to pass through the created barrier. FIG. 8B depicts the insertion ofthe mass enhancing components 30 and the operational position (FIG. 8C) of them in the pocket 21 within the innermost fold ofthe Spacer 20 to create the anti-slip grips 40. This embodiment ofthe invention allows the fitness device 10 to be disassembled so the Spacer 20 can be made available for use as a shown towel. A plurality of button 28/button hole 29 arrangements is possible along the length ofthe Spacer 20.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the pockets for a Spacer can be fabricated with the use of temporarily secured wrap-around flaps 16, or other such pocket creating mechanism that closes off the end portions ofthe fully enclosed fold region 27. These securable wrap-around flaps 16 can be attached to the Spacer material 15 as in FIG.9A or a separate component from the Spacer material 15 as in FIG.9B. The temporarily secured wrap-around flap 16 can be secured via a number of means such as with VELCRO@, snaps, buttons or other such temporary attachment mechanism. FIG. 9A illustrates the temporarily securable flap 16 attached to the central fold panel of the Spacer material 15. The flap t6 could just as likely be attached to another fold panel. FIG.9B illustrates a temporarily securable flap 16 that is separate from the Spacer material 15. In either complded configuration, when said temporary enclosure mechanisms 17 are appropriately engaged, the flap 16 creates the barrier to create the pocket for the insertion of the mass enhancing component 30. With adaptations, the temporarily secured wrap-around flaps 16 can be utilized across the fold region of any configuration-folding pattern that has already been discussed. This embodiment of the invention allows the fitness device 10 to be disassembled so that the Spacer material 15 can be made available for use as a shower towel.

FIG.10 illustrates examples of other embodiments where two or more pieces of fabric material segments 18 are joined together by stitching, or by using some other attachment method, in such a way as to create integral pockets 21 for the removable insertion of mass enhancing components 30. A pocked 21 can reside between at least two of the at least two attached Spacer material segments 18 or within the confines of one of the material segments 18. This embodiment of the invention may use two completely different types of fabric, or other material, such as a piece of terry cloth material attached back-to-back with a material of a different composition along the entire length, or a portion of the length, of the Spacer 20. FIGS. 10 AC illustrate some of the techniques where the Spacer 20 is not formed from one folded piece, but from two (or more) lengths of Spacer material segments 18 joined such that the mass enhancing component pockets 21 can be in - Fatly constructed. FIG. lOA illustrates an alignment of the (at least two) pieces of Spacer material segments t8. FIG. lOB illustrates a representative joining stitch pattern 26 to create pockets 21 with side openings. FIG. IOC illustrates a representative joining stitch pattern 26 to create pockets 21 with top panel entry allowoct by slits 27.

In another embodiment, the Spacer 20 may be constructed with separately attached pockets, pocket creating segments, or other receptacle forming device, at any point or number of points along the Spacer's 20 length. The Spacer 20 in this case may be stitched from two or more separate pieces of

( Spacer material segments 18, joined together in folds from one piece of Spacer material 15, or it may be leR unfolded altogether. The insertion of a mass enhancing component 30 into the attached pocket creates the anti-slip grip sites 40 for the exercise aid and gym towel 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, we examine some further embodiments of the invention that are possible. Each embodiment has at least one secure antislip grip site at each end ofthe Spacer 20 separated at a comfortable distance for performing pulling OFF Exercises as in FIG. SA. While the preferred embodiment allows for the exercise aid and fitness towel 10 to be configured for both pulling and pushing exercises, some embodiments may only support pulling exercises. The anti-dip grips 40 for any exercise aid and gym towel apparatus 10 are created with fixed or removable mass enhancing components 30 that add bulk and therefore prevent the Spacer 20 from slipping through the user's gripping mechanism, whether it be a hand or some other apparatus. The anti-slip grips 40 are fabricated by either inserting handgrip enhancing elements 30 into integrally constructed pockets 21 within the Spacer 20, as in FIG. 4, or by incorporating or attaching than through some of mechanisms as previously described or as in some finisher embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11-13.

FIGS. I 1A and 11B illustrate non-removable mass enhancing components used to create the anti-slip grips 40. FIG. 11A has one permanently positioned anti-slip grip 40 at each end of the Spacer 20 and FIG. I 1B has a plurality of permanently positioned anti-slip grips 40 at each end.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate modifications to the Spacer material or the fabricated Spacer 20 that include variable thickness material segments at each end, or along the length, of the Spacer 20 in order to create antislip grips 40. These variations can be a part of the Spacer material weaving or cutting process in order to add additional bulk, or bulk variability, for appropriately positioned anti-

slip grips 40 when the apparatus is used for exercise. The anti-slip grip positions 40 added bulk could come either from added material thickness and/or width of the Spacer material 15 or the Spacer 20.

The additional bulk of the anti-slip grips 40 could also result from attached build-up portions at points along the length ofthe Spacer 20. This type of attached bulk anti-slip grip 40 can be made ofthe same or different material to that of the Spacer 20 and could be either permanently attached to the Spacer's 20 exterior or readily removable.

FIG. 13 illustrates some other embodiments to the exercise aid and gym towel 10 that possess removably attachable mass enhancing components 31. FIG. 13A depicts mass enhancing components that encircle the Spacer 20 and which are movable along the length ofthe Spacer 20 and secured by a

( locking mechanism to a position on the Spacer 20 in order to create the anti-slip grips 40. These mass enhancing components can be separate and removable from the Spacer 20 and possess a griping device for locking into position on any appropriate piece of Spacer material or combination of Spacer material segments. FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate removably attachable mass enhancing components 31 that possess their own appropriate attachment mechanism 44 that couples with the opposing attachmentmechanism 45 at the ends of the Spacer 20. FIG. I 3B illustrates a singular attachment site 45 at each end ofthe Spaca 20 and FIG. 13C illustrates a multiplicity of distinct attachment sites 45 along each end of the Spacer 20 for variable spacing of the removably attachable mass enhancing components 31.

Whereas the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and furler modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, might be made within the spirit and scope ofthis invention. The selection of Spacer material and the modifications made to it in this manner enable this device to play the role of a common gym towel as well as an efficient fitness training aid.

Claims (19)

1. A fitness device for strength and flexibility training comprising: a) a flexible length of at least one type of mostly non-elastic material; b) modifications to the flexible length of at least one type of mostly nonelastic material to provide for the provisional coupling of at least one mass enhancing component at each of the two ends of the device or in the proximity to the ends of the device; c) a provisional coupling means whereby the at least one mass enhancing component can be temporarily and securely coupled with, but not attached to, the flexible length of mostly non-elastic material.

2. The device of Claim I wherein the provisional coupling of the device with mass

enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for an exerciser's gripping hands during tension-based fitness activiffes.

3. The device of Claim I wherein the provisional coupling of the device with mass enhancing components creates anff-slip grips for encircling, or partially encirclin& removably attachable devices.

4. The device of Claim I wherein the mostly non-elastic material is comprised, in whole or in pan, of a water absorbing material or textile.

5. The device of Claim I wherein the provisional coupling means consists of at least one integrally constructed pocket, or any other type of insertion receptacle.

6. The device of Claim 5 wherein a non-permanent fastening apparatus is used to hold the pockets closed to help secure the provisional coupling with the mass enhancing components.

7. The device of Claim 5 wherein the mostly nonelastic material is modified for the provisional insertion of mass enhancing components by folding it at least once along a length and then stitching, or securing the at least one fold in some over manner, in order to create pockets within the at least one fold.

8. The device of Claim 7 wherein the stitches, or other securing means across the width of the device used to construct the pockets are at least one of a variety of centering patterns, such as a v-pattem or curved pattem, to help enhance the central positioning of the mass enhancing component within the confines ofthe pocket.

9. The device of Claim 1 wherein a plurality of provisional coupling sites are located at various distances from the ends of the device in order to create a plurality of distance options to enable readily exchangeable coupling configurations with the mass enhancing components for exercise variability and comfort.

I 0. The device of Claim I wherein the construction material is modified by rolling it along one length and securely gathering it at at least one point in order to make pockets for the provisional insertion of mass enhancing components.

11. The device of Claim I wherein the mostly non-elastic material is modified for the provisional coupling of mass enhancing components by folding it at least once along a length and then temporarily securing the at least one fold with buttons, snaps or other such non-permanent attachment mechanisms to create insertion receptacles for the mass enhancing components.

12. The device of Claim 1 wherein the fitness device, coupled with the mass enhancing components, is designed for configurations supporting both tension and compression-

based exercise activities.

13. A fitness device for strength and flexibility training comprising: a) a flexible length of at least one type of mostly non-elastic material; b) a plurality of mass enhancing component; and c) a provisional attachment means whereby each mass enhancing component contains a releasable attachment mechanism, or one component of a releasable component mechanism, that is used to temporarily secure the mass enhancing components into place at least at one point along the flexible length of material and thereby create anti-slip grips for tension-based exercises.

14. The device of Claim 13 wherein the provisional coupling of the device with mass enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for an exerciser's encircling hands during tension-based fitness activities.

15. The device of Claim 13 wherein the provisional coupling of the device with mass enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for encircling, or partially encircling, removably attachable devices.

16. The fitness device of Claim 13 wherein the mass enhancing components encircle the flexible length of material and when released from the material, the mass enhancing components are designed to slide along the length of the material.

17. The fitness device of Claim 13 wherein the mass enhancing components are separate from the flexible length of material and when released from the material, the mass enhancing components are designed for removal from the flexible length of material.

18. The device of Claim 14 wherein the flexible length of material is comprised, in whole or in part, of a water absorbing material or textile.

19. An exercise aid and fitness towel substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.