Exercise apparatus

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter securely attaches to a door for exercise and/or therapy. The device is easily adjustable up, down, or side-to-side on nearly any door. Once the door is shut, the device is stable and permits diverse fitness movements. Bands are threaded through openings in pockets attached to the device. Stoppers on the end of the bands hold the band securely in place. In addition to using a single band, the device permits using multiple bands together or apart. Loops may be provided on one end of the band to allow the bands to be used on the lower region of the body. Additionally, stoppers may be attached to both ends of a band to assist in strengthening a user's grip. The device also permits the attachment of a bar to further diversify the potential exercises.

1 . An exercise apparatus, said exercise apparatus comprising:
 a resistance band, said resistance band having a first end and a second end;   a stopper coupled to said first end, said stopper having a top and a bottom, said top and said bottom securely, but releasably, attaching said resistance band to said stopper when said top and said bottom are coupled together.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , said resistance band also comprising a knot, said knot disposed within said stopper. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , said stopper generally spherical. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a clip, said clip securely, but removably, attached to said second end. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , said clip capable of securely attaching said resistance band to other exercise equipment. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said other exercise equipment includes a bar, an appendage cuff, stirrup handle, or triangle handle. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second end is formed into a loop, said loop secured by a clip, said clip permitting adjustment of the size of said loop. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , said clip comprising at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein said resistance band is threaded up through said first hole and down through said second hole leaving a sufficient length of resistance band to form said loop, said resistance band then threaded up through said second hole and either:
 down through said first hole wherein a knot is tied in said elastic band such that when tension is applied to said loop away from said clip, said knot does not slide through said first hole; or   a knot tied in said elastic band such that when tension is applied to said loop away from said clip, said knot does not slide through said second hole.   
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , additionally comprising:
 a backing, said backing having a plurality of pockets attached to a front side of said backing, each of said pockets having a pocket opening;   at least two straps, said straps having two ends, one end of one said strap securely attached to a left or a right side of said backing and one end of one other of said straps securely attached to the opposite side of said backing;   a connector, said connector capable of securely, but releasably, coupling together at least two of said straps; and   wherein said stopper is larger than said pocket opening and said pocket opening is capable of receiving said resistance band and prevents said stopper from passing through said pocket opening while allowing at least a portion of said resistance band to pass through said hole.   
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said backing, said straps, said pockets, said connector, said resistance band, and said stopper are capable of supporting repeated stress from a user's exercise. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , additionally comprising:
 a backing, said backing having a plurality of pockets attached to a front side of said backing, each of said pockets having a pocket opening;   at least two straps, said straps having two ends, one end of one said strap securely attached to a left or a right side of said backing and one end of one other of said straps securely attached to the opposite side of said backing;   a connector, said connector capable of securely, but releasably, coupling together at least two of said straps; and   wherein said stopper is larger than said pocket opening and said second end is threaded through said pocket opening such that said pocket opening prevents said stopper from passing through said pocket opening.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said connector is hook and loop. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , said clip capable of coupling said resistance band to other exercise equipment. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said other exercise equipment includes a bar, an appendage cuff, a stirrup handle, or a triangle handle 
     
     
         15 . An exercise method, said exercise method comprising:
 forming a loop in one end of a resistance band using a clip;   coupling a stopper to the other end of said resistance band;   attaching said loop to an appendage of a user;   grasping said stopper in a hand of said user;   repeatedly stretching said resistance band by
 moving said loop away from said stopper; and/or 
 moving said stopper away from said loop. 
   
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , said clip comprising at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein said resistance band is threaded up through said first hole and down through said second hole leaving a sufficient length of resistance band to form said loop, said resistance band then threaded up through said second hole and either:
 down through said first hole wherein a knot is tied in said elastic band such that when tension is applied to said loop away from said clip, said knot does not slide through said first hole; or   a knot tied in said elastic band such that when tension is applied to said loop away from said clip, said knot does not slide through said second hole.   
     
     
         17 . An exercise method, the method comprising the steps of:
 wrapping at least two straps around a door or another reasonably fixed structure, one of said straps securely attached to a left or right side of a backing on one end, the other of said straps securely attached to the opposite side of said backing;   connecting the ends of said straps that are not connected to said backing to each other to form a secure, yet releasable connection;   threading at least one resistance band having a stopper at one end of said exercise band through one of a plurality of pocket openings in one of a plurality of pockets, said pockets securely attached to said backing, said stopper larger than said hole such that said pocket impedes said stopper's travel; and   performing exercises by repeatedly stretching and then relaxing one or more of said exercise bands.   
     
     
         18 . The exercise method of  claim 17 , said threading step including threading at least two of said exercise bands through a single of said pocket openings or through two different pocket openings. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise method of  claim 17 , wherein said connecting step is accomplished with hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise method of  claim 17 , additionally comprising the step of forming a loop at the end of said resistance band that is opposite from said stopper, said loop secured by a clip, said clip permitting adjustment of the size of said loop.