Elastic Ring And Method Of Use In Performing Yoga Asanas

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a flattened ring of elastic material with specific components of different ridge configurations and spherical patterns integrated into the inner surface of the ring to provide alignment and tension which enable a practitioner to perform series of yoga exercises safely and correctly.

1 . An elastic ring, comprising:
 a ring consisting of an elastic material;   the ring having a circumference, wherein the circumference of the ring has an inner surface and an outer surface;   the ring including at least one alignment ridge and one tension ridge on the inner surface;   a length of the circumference of the ring being in a range from 12 inches to 88 inches;   a thickness of the ring being in a range from one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch; and   a width of the ring being in a range from one-half inch to four inches.   
   
   
       2 . A ring according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment ridges are orthogonal to the circumference; wherein the tension ridges are orthogonal to the alignment ridges; wherein a width of the tension ridges is in a range from 0.010 mm to 30 mm; and wherein a height of the tension ridges is in a range from 0.010 mm to 0.30 mm. 
   
   
       3 . A ring according to  claim 2 , wherein the tension ridges have a rectangular cross-section. 
   
   
       4 . A ring according to  claim 3 , wherein the tension ridges are on the inner surface of the ring. 
   
   
       5 . A ring according to  claim 3 , wherein the tension ridges are on the outer surface of the ring. 
   
   
       6 . A ring according to  claim 2 , wherein the tension ridges have a semicircular cross section. 
   
   
       7 . A ring according to  claim 6 , wherein the tension ridges are on the inner surface of the ring. 
   
   
       8 . A ring according to  claim 6 , wherein the tension ridges are on the outer surface of the ring. 
   
   
       9 . A ring according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment ridges include a combination of half-sphere ridges and rectangular ridges. 
   
   
       10 . A method of manufacturing an elastic ring to be used in performing exercises, comprising the steps of:
 forming a ring consisting of an elastic material; wherein the ring has a circumference, and wherein the circumference of the ring has an inner surface and an outer surface;   forming at least one alignment ridge and one tension ridge on the inner surface of the ring;   forming the ring such that a length of the circumference of the ring is in a range from 12 inches to 88 inches;   forming the ring such that a thickness of the ring is in a range from one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch; and   forming the ring such that a width of the ring is in a range from one-half inch to four inches.   
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the alignment ridges are formed orthogonal to the circumference; wherein the tension ridges are formed orthogonal to the alignment ridges; wherein a width of the tension ridges is formed in a range from 0.010 mm to 30 mm; and wherein a height of the tension ridges is formed in a range from 0.010 mm to 0.30 mm. 
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the tension ridges have a rectangular cross-section. 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the tension ridges have a semicircular cross section. 
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the alignment ridges include a combination of half-sphere ridges and rectangular ridges. 
   
   
       15 . A method of exercise for a practitioner, comprising the steps of:
 providing an elastic ring having at least one alignment ridge and one tension ridge on an inner circumferential surface, a length of the inner circumferential surface of the ring being in a range from 12 inches to 88 inches, a thickness of the ring being in a range from one-sixteenth of an inch to one inch; and a width of the ring being in a range from one-half inch to four inches;   aligning the elastic ring in a desired position using the at least one alignment ridge such that the ring makes contact in at least predetermined locations on a body of the practitioner; and   stretching the elastic ring and adjusting the body of the practitioner such that proper alignment is achieved.