Exercise Device and System, and Methods of Using Same

Abstract

A method of performing exercise movements utilizesan elongated flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated flexible member has a generally arcuate shape. In the method, one end of the elongated flexible member is supported in a substantially fixed position. An opposite end of the elongated flexible member is manipulated such that the opposite end is brought toward the one end substantially in a first plane. With this manipulation, the elongated flexible member is displaced from the relaxed position to a flexed position. The opposite end of the elongated flexible member is rotated in a second plane, different from the first plane, while maintaining the elongated flexible member in the flexed position. In a related method, both ends of the elongated flexible member can be manipulated to the flexed position.

1 . A method of performing exercise movements utilizing an elongated flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated flexible member has a generally arcuate shape, the method comprising:
 (a) supporting one end of the elongated flexible member in a substantially fixed position;   (b) manipulating an opposite end of the elongated flexible member such that the opposite end is brought toward the one end substantially in a first plane, the elongated flexible member being displaced from the relaxed position to a flexed position; and   (c) moving the opposite end of the elongated flexible member in a rotating motion across a second plane, different from the first plane, while maintaining the elongated flexible member in the flexed position.   
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (a) is practiced by supporting the one end with one part of a user's body. 
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein step (b) is practiced by manipulating the opposite end with a different part of the user's body. 
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the one part of the user's body is one of the user's hands, and wherein the different part of the user's body is the other of the user's hands. 
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the one part of the user's body is one of the user's legs, and wherein the different part of the user's body is the other of the user's legs. 
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the one part of the user's body is one of the user's chest, thigh, hamstring, calf, and foot, and wherein the different part of the user's body is one of the user's hand, arm, thigh, hamstring, calf, and foot. 
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (a) is practiced by supporting the one end with one of a floor, wall and ceiling. 
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising (d) manipulating the opposite end of the elongated flexible member such that the opposite end is displaced away from the one end substantially in the first plane, and repeating steps (b) and (d) while performing step (c). 
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated flexible member is provided with handles attached at the distal ends, the handles being rotatable relative to the elongated flexible member, and wherein while performing step (c), the method comprises rotating the handle attached to the opposite end of the elongated flexible member relative to the elongated flexible member. 
   
   
       10 . A method of performing exercise movements utilizing an elongated flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated flexible member has a generally arcuate shape, the method comprising:
 (a) supporting opposite ends of the elongated flexible member at or near distal ends thereof with the elongated flexible member in the relaxed position;   (b) manipulating the elongated flexible member such that at least one of the opposite ends is brought toward the other substantially in a first plane, thereby displacing the elongated flexible member from the relaxed position to a flexed position, wherein the generally arcuate shape of the elongated flexible member in the relaxed position facilitates initiating the manipulating step; and   (c) while performing step (b), supporting the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member and moving the opposite ends individually or jointly in a rotating motion across a second plane, different from the first plane.   
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein step (a) is practiced by supporting one of the opposite ends in a substantially fixed position. 
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein step (a) is further practiced by supporting the one of the opposite ends with one part of a user's body. 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein step (b) is practiced by manipulating the other of the opposite ends with a different part of the user's body. 
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein step (a) is further practiced by supporting the one of the opposite ends with one of a floor, wall and ceiling. 
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein step (a) is practiced by engaging the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member between the respective distal ends of the elongated flexible member and a center of the elongated flexible member, and wherein step (b) is practiced by driving the distal ends of the elongated flexible member toward each other. 
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 15 , further comprising positioning the elongated flexible member around a user's neck and shoulder area, wherein step (a) is further practiced by engaging the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member with a user's arms, and wherein step (b) is practiced by driving the user's arms towards each other in front of the user's torso. 
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 15 , further comprising positioning the elongated flexible member between a user's legs, wherein step (a) is further practiced by engaging the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member with the user's legs, and wherein step (b) is practiced by driving the user's legs towards each other.