In this document, we describe the effects of our device, which is basically a weighted belt, and a stylish designer belt to replace any normal belt.

The belt component has a variable weight of approximately six to twelve pounds, depending on the length of the belt (size of the user). We designed it such that most of the weight of the belt is distributed about the level of the iliac crests. The weights add to gravitational forces compressing the hips, legs and pelvis.

Whenever one is wearing the belt, as long as the user is not sitting, one will automatically be forced to perform weight-bearing exercise. The extra weight increases resistance during normal activities and forces the leg, buttock, abdominal and trunk muscles and therefore the heart to work a more little than normal to perform every movement.

So, below we have compiled what the research community has to say about the benefits of wearing this device, which equate to the benefits of weight bearing exercise. Let us assume that the user is wearing about 8 pounds. The benefits then, are a result of the mechanics of weight bearing exercise, and hopefully, if we can encourage users to maximize the time, sustained weight-bearing exercise. One can tabulate the effects of the device as follows:

  • Downward pressure on the skeleton, including the neck of the femur, the location of greatest health concern for osteoporosis prevention
  • Making the leg and trunk muscles, and hence the heart work a little harder to accomplish normal daily activities of living.
  • The longer one wears the weighted belt, the greater the physiological benefits that accrue to the wearer

The benefits likely to accrue from the continued use of our device would be as follows:

  • The potential for strengthening bones by causing them to increase bone mineral density. This would help to prevent hip fractures and the falls that result in $Billions per year in the consequent hospitalization and deaths of many of the victims.
  • Since the muscles are working a little harder all the time, the device has the potential to help to increase leg and trunk muscle tone, strength and endurance, thereby improving stability & preventing falls. The demands of the muscles will cause the heart and lungs to increase oxygen delivery therefore working a little harder thus increasing cardiovascularity and reducing the risk of heart disease. This device therefore has the potential to cause both aerobic and resistance exercise to be performed by the user.
  • The extra effort put forth by the muscles results in burning calories, weight control, and increasing cardiovascular strength.
  • The extra effort put out to perform one’s activities of daily living may have the potential to enhance stamina and general fitness overall. This in turn may help one to one feel reduced stress, tension & fatigue.
  • In general, the above amounts to a better quality of life for those that will use this item.

Our goal is to provide an attractive article of clothing / device to be used for as many hours per week as possible, by making it a convenient lifestyle choice. The current research refers to studies on weight bearing resistance exercise for just a few a few hours per week. We believe that all the benefits reported would be further enhanced by extending the number of hours devoted to this activity.

Therefore we are planning to encourage users of our product to do their best to use it for as many hours as is practical according to their individual lifestyles. The design enables users, if they need to, to begin wearing the belt for a short daily period, say one-half to one hour, and gradually increase the time worn in increments until they reach their personal maximum. This makes it possible for an individual to “ramp up” their usage so as to minimize irritation to knees, ankles, and feet.

This also allows a user with osteoporosis the opportunity to experience a slight increase in weight bearing and slowly build bone mass over time, when it may become possible to increase the wearing time. Individuals are counseled to seek medical advice to determine whether what levels of weight and time their personal bone mineral density can safely handle.

Below, we will show references for each of the benefits claimed above. These references are by no means exhaustive, as we found it necessary to omit many articles due to the volume of research performed in these areas to date. Also, many of the quoted sources refer to more than one of the benefits listed above.

Our primary strategy is to persuade the users of our device to maximize the amount of time they are performing weight-bearing exercise. The benefits of weight-bearing exercise are well documented and widely known. This is a low-tech approach to improved health that we hope to make widely available to the general public, with the approval of Health Canada. The ability to associate those benefits with our product would be a great encouragement for people to obtain a tool for health improvement as well as problem prevention. If this device becomes widely used, the potential savings in health care costs to the general public could be huge.

To order your own Wellness Belt at the official website please  Click here

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