Exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device includes an elastic tube and a pair of elongate handles, each conveniently formed as a unitary member with no moving parts, integrally molded of a plastic. Each handle has a generally cylindrical outer surface and a pair of longitudinal slots formed internally of the outer surface in essentially spaced-apart, side-by-side relationship. The internal slots are dimensioned to grip the outer surface of the tube and have internal longitudinal ribs which enhance the gripping effect. A pair of transverse open-ended access slots are formed in the outer handle surface, each accessing one of the internal longitudinal slots to permit insertion and subsequent longitudinal displacement of the tube in the respective internal slot. An end of the tube is inserted transversely into one internal slot, wrapped through a 180 degree bend about a handle portion separating the internal slots, and then inserted transversely into the other longitudinal slot. Any tension in the elastic tube which initiates slippage of a tube end at one of the handles increases the frictional engagement of the tube end with the handle portion between the slots thereby increasing resistance to further slippage. The gripping action is sufficient that no additional clamping or holding mechanism is required to ensure that the exercise device does not come apart during use.