Ankle Resistance Bands

Abstract

An ankle resistance band for strengthening the muscles of the lower leg and ankle. These muscles, of which there are ten, originate in the lower leg, pass the ankle joint by means of tendons which act like strong control cords and connect to bones within the foot. They are responsible for the “take off” in each step. By strengthening these muscles users will enjoy increased athletic performance and reduced chance of injury. The inventive device includes an elastic cord having a first end and a second end, an ankle cuff attached to the first end of the cord, and a shoelace hook attached to the second end of the cord. The elastic cord is a stretchable tubing having a first end and a second end. The ankle cuff is an adjustable holding strap that can be adjustably fitted above the ankle of the foot which is being exercised. The shoelace hook is a curved rigid member having one or more thin prongs that can be hooked to the shoelace of an athletic shoe.

9 . An exercise device, comprising:
 an ankle attachment means,   a resistance band means for providing resistance to the flexure of the ankle of a user,   a first connection means for attaching said resistance band means to said ankle attachment means,   a second connection means for attaching said resistance band means to an athletic shoe worn by said user,   whereby said exercise device causes the toes of said user to be pulled toward the leg of said user.   
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 9  wherein said ankle attachment means is an ankle cuff worn by said user. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 10  wherein said ankle cuff incorporates one or more weights. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 10  wherein circumference of said ankle cuff is adjustable. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 10  wherein said resistance band means is an elastic cord having a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise device of  claim 13  wherein said first connection comprises a loop sewn to said ankle cuff, and a hook tied to said first end of said elastic cord. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 13  wherein said second connection comprises a hook tied to said second end of said elastic cord. 
     
     
         16 . A method of exercising a user's ankle, comprising:
 a. providing an ankle cuff,   b. attaching said ankle cuff to ankle of said user,   c. providing a loop sewn to said ankle cuff,   d. providing an elastic cord with a first end and a second end,   e. providing a hook tied to said first end of said elastic cord,   f. attaching said hook to said loop sewn to said ankle cuff,   g. providing a shoelace hook tied to said second end of said elastic cord, and   h. attaching said shoelace hook to shoelace of a shoe worn by said user,   whereby the toes of said user are pulled toward the leg of said user.