Dynamic exercise apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for exercising the human body consisting of an elastic natural gum rubber band formed in a closed loop is disclosed. The apparatus is provided in a variety of lengths, thicknesses and widths to suit the size and muscular strength of the user. As the thickness of the band is increased, resistance to stretching also increases. A method of exercising using the elastic natural gum rubber band formed in a closed loop is also disclosed. The user attaches the band between a point on his body and either a second point or a plurality of points on his body and stretches the elastic band by flexing or extending parts of the body. The elastic band may also be attached between a fixed object and one or more points on the human body. The method includes completing repetitions of the exercises and progressing through increasing thicknesses of bands as the user's muscular fitness increases.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus for the human body comprising an elastic band formed in a closed loop.  
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  having a preset thickness, width and length.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said band is substantially flat and has a thickness sufficiently wide to seat without rolling on the human body.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said band has a width between 10 mm and 150 mm.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said band has a width between 25 mm and 100 mm.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said band has a thickness between 1 mm and 16 mm.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said band thickness is between 2 mm and 10 mm.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said band length is between 500 mm and 3000 mm.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said band is composed of rubber.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said rubber is natural gum rubber.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said natural gum rubber is Dura Shield AB-140 or Dura Shield AB-160.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said band comprises a strip of rubber having two ends, said ends sealed together with fixing adhesive to form a closed loop.  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein said ends are cut at an oblique angle prior to sealing, such that a seal is formed having a length greater than the width of said strip.  
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein said adhesive is Cyanoacrylate.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein said elastic band has a first surface and second surface.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein said first surface is smooth and said second surface is roughly textured such that it has a high friction coefficient.  
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein said first and second surfaces are smooth, thereby providing both an effective gripping surface and a comfortable interface with a user.  
     
     
         18 . An exercise apparatus kit for the human body comprising a plurality of elastic bands formed in continuous loops.  
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein said elastic bands are of varying thicknesses providing different levels of resistance to stretching.  
     
     
         20 . An apparatus according to  claim 19  wherein said elastic bands are in a range of thicknesses between 1 mm and 16 mm such that as the muscular fitness of the human increases, a thicker band may be selected for use.  
     
     
         21 . An exercise apparatus comprising a natural rubber elastic band formed in a continuous loop, having a recoil memory, a smooth first side a textured second side and being of a sufficient size to encircle a human body.  
     
     
         22 . A method of exercising the human body with an elastic band formed in a continuous loop comprising the steps of: 
 (a) positioning said elastic band on at least two points of contact;    (b) a user applying tension to said elastic band between said points of contact;    (c) said user releasing tension from said elastic band between said points of contact such that said elastic band returns to its original length.    
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 22  wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed gradually such that a low impact, continuous muscle exercise is achieved.  
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the positioning of said elastic band during step (a) coincides with flexion and extension movements of muscle groups to be exercised.  
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein a plurality of elastic bands of different lengths be used.  
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 22  wherein said elastic band further comprises a smooth inner surface and a matt outer surface.  
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein a said smooth inner surface of said elastic band contacts against said user's body.  
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 27 , wherein where a second point of contact may be a stationary or immovable object.  
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 26 , said matte outer surface contacts against said user's body.  
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said points of contact on said user's body are selected from the group consisting of one or both hands; hands and feet; torso and hands; torso and one or both feet; a stationary object and one or both hands; or a stationary object and one or both feet or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         31 . A method according to  claim 30 , wherein the stationary or immoveable object is selected from the group consisting of a hinged, secured door and door frame; 
 laden chair or a raised object above or below ground level or combinations thereof.    
     
     
         32 . A method according to  claim 30 , wherein contacting said band at said point of contact further comprises an additional fastening or securing device from in between the apparatus to an immoveable or stationary object.  
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 31 , wherein contacting said band at said point of contact further comprises an additional fastening or securing device from in between the apparatus to an immoveable or stationary object.  
     
     
         34 . A method according to  claim 22  wherein there are a first and second point of contact.  
     
     
         35 . A method according to  claim 34  wherein said first point of contact is a part of said user's body, and said second point of contact is a stationary object.  
     
     
         36 . A method according to  claim 35  wherein said elastic band is either secured about said second point of contact or attached to said second point of contact.  
     
     
         37 . A method according to  claim 22  wherein a plurality of elastic bands having increasing thicknesses are employed by said user such that as the level of fitness and muscular strength of the user improves, thicker bands are employed thereby incrementally improving the level of fitness and muscular strength of said user.