Method and apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises

Abstract

The invention provides a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, and includes a segment of strap material having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end. The connector element is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member or a clothing article, bearing a receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element.

1 . A strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, said strap apparatus comprising: 
 a segment of non-elastic strap material, said segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in said first end, length adjustment means formed in said medial portion, and a connector element attached to said second end, said connector element including releasable means for resistance exercise; and    an anchor article bearing a receiver, said receiver adapted for releasable attachment to said connector element.    
   
   
       2 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said length adjustment means comprises an adjustable buckle.  
   
   
       3 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said length adjustment means comprises a strap retractor member.  
   
   
       4 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a swivel.  
   
   
       5 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a carabineer.  
   
   
       6 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a clip.  
   
   
       7 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a hook.  
   
   
       8 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said anchor article comprises a shoe.  
   
   
       9 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said anchor article comprises a glove.  
   
   
       10 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said anchor article comprises an extremity cuff member.  
   
   
       11 . The strap apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said extremity cuff member comprises a padded loop.  
   
   
       12 . The strap apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said extremity cuff member is adjustable in diameter.  
   
   
       13 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises an eyelet.  
   
   
       14 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises a D-ring.  
   
   
       15 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises an O-ring.  
   
   
       16 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises a fabric loop.  
   
   
       17 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said means for resistance exercise comprises a resistance band.  
   
   
       18 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said segment of strap material bears length indicia.  
   
   
       19 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said means for resistance exercise comprises resistance that can be varied.  
   
   
       20 . A method for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a segment of non-elastic strap material, the segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end, the connector element including releasable means for resistance exercise;    providing an anchor article bearing a receiver; and    attaching the receiver to the connector element, wherein a user may grasp the loop in the first end and the anchor article to perform exercise.