Article and method for performing an exercise and holding an object used in the exercise

Abstract

The present invention is an article comprising a loop of inelastic material for use by a person to perform an exercise on a mat and that is capable of holding a rolled mat. If the exercise is yoga, the loop is a multi-functional device that can be used a strap, a cushion, a slip-prevention article and as a towel. Stitching can be provided to provide visual guidance for proper posture. The loop has a length equal to or greater than 15 inches such that it can be knotted by the person to hold the rolled mat either by hand or across the shoulder before and after yoga.

1 . An article comprising: a loop of inelastic material for use by a person to perform an exercise on a mat, said mat capable of being rolled up after completion of the exercise, wherein the loop has a length equal to or greater than 15 inches such that the loop can be knotted by the person to hold the rolled mat.  
   
   
       2 . The article of  claim 1  wherein the loop comprises a plurality of panels connected together.  
   
   
       3 . The article of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first, second, third and fourth panel, each panel having a first and second end.  
   
   
       4 . The article of  claim 3  wherein the first ends of the first and second panels are connected respectively to the first and second ends of the third panel and the second ends of the first and second panels are connected respectively to the first and second ends of the fourth panel.  
   
   
       5 . The article of  claim 4  wherein the first and second panels have a length between 27 inches and 35 inches.  
   
   
       6 . The article of  claim 4  wherein the first ends of the first and second panels are stitched respectively to the first and second ends of the third panel and the second ends of the first and second panels are stitched respectively to the first and second ends of the fourth panel.  
   
   
       7 . The article of  claim 6  further comprising an upper periphery and a lower periphery, each of said upper and lower periphery having stitching.  
   
   
       8 . The article of  claim 4  wherein the first and second panels have a first color and the third and fourth panels have a second color.  
   
   
       9 . The article of  claim 1  wherein the non-elastic material is a towel-type fabric.  
   
   
       10 . The article of  claim 9  wherein the towel-type fabric is terry cloth.  
   
   
       11 . The article of  claim 1  wherein the exercise is yoga and wherein the mat is a yoga mat.  
   
   
       12 . The article of  claim 1  wherein the loop is incapable of being undone.  
   
   
       13 . The article of  claim 1  wherein the length of the loop is equal to or less than 60.  
   
   
       14 . The article of  claim 13  wherein the length of the loop is between 32 and 38 inches.  
   
   
       15 . A method of performing an exercise on a mat and holding the mat upon completion of the exercise, comprising: 
 providing a loop of inelastic material for use during the exercise; and    arranging the loop to hold the mat upon completion of the exercise.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the exercise is yoga and the mat is a yoga mat.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the step of arranging comprises: 
 placing the yoga mat on the loop so as to form an opening extending to each end of the loop; and    guiding one end through the opening at the other end such that the mat is held by the loop.    
   
   
       18 . A method of making a loop of inelastic material for performing an exercise on a mat and holding the mat upon completion of the exercise, comprising: 
 providing a first and second panel of inelastic material, each having a length between 20 to 40 inches;    providing a third and fourth panel of inelastic material, each having a length between 6 to 30 inches; and    connecting the first, second, third and fourth panels together to form the loop.