Apparatus For Stretching and Yoga and Method Of Using

Abstract

An apparatus for stretching and yoga and method of use for the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a cord, one or more protuberances along the length of the cord, a loop at the first end of the cord, and an end piece at the second end of the cord. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a loop at the first end of the cord and a loop at the second end of the cord. The apparatus allows a practitioner to extend her reach, e.g., behind her back, over her head, or beyond her legs. The protuberances allow the practitioner to make certain adjustments before or during the yoga or exercise. After some practice, the practitioner may be able to shift from using one protuberance to using the next protuberance. By using the next protuberance, the practitioner will either stretch further or receive less assistance, depending on the exercise being performed. The apparatus may be used in performing yoga, exercise, or physical therapy, as well as in the transportation or storage of a yoga or exercise mat.

1 . An apparatus for aiding a practitioner of yoga in a variety of yoga positions, comprising:
 a cord comprising a first end and a second end; and   at least one protuberance along the cord.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cord further comprises a loop defining the first end. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising an end piece disposed on the second end of the cord,
 wherein the end piece is of a small enough size that the practitioner can manipulate the end piece to fit through the loop at the first end, and   wherein said end piece is of a large enough size so that the end piece can be ensnared by the loop at the first end.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the cord is between 3 and 6 feet in length. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a plurality of protuberances along the cord, which protuberances are spaced between 6 and 10 inches apart. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a plurality of protuberances along the cord, which protuberances are spaced between 6 and 10 inches apart. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the cord is comprised of rope. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a plurality of protuberances along the cord, which protuberances are spaced between 6 and 10 inches apart. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the cord is comprised of rope. 
     
     
         10 . An exercise apparatus adapted to assist a person exercising, comprising:
 a cord between 3 and 6 feet in length;   said cord having a first end and a second end; and   said cord having a plurality of protuberances along the cord spaced between 6 and 10 inches apart.   
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the cord is comprised of rope;   the protuberances along the cord consist of protuberances that differ in size;   a portion of the cord defines a loop at the first end; and   an end piece is attached to the second end, wherein said end piece is of a small enough size that the practitioner can manipulate the end piece to fit through the loop at the first end, and wherein said end piece is of a large enough size so that the end piece can be ensnared by the loop at the first end.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the cord is comprised of rope;   a portion of the cord defines a loop at the first end; and   a portion of the cord defines a loop at the second end.   
     
     
         13 . A method of exercising with support from an exercise apparatus comprising a cord having a plurality of protuberances along the length of the cord, the method comprising:
 determining an amount of support by selecting from the plurality of protuberances; and   supporting a person exercising with a portion of the cord determined by the selection from the plurality of protuberances.   
     
     
         14 . The method of exercising of  claim 13 , further comprising the steps of:
 determining a new amount of support by making a new selection from the plurality of protuberances; and   supporting a person exercising with a portion of the cord determined by the new selection from the plurality of protuberances.   
     
     
         15 . The method of exercising of  claim 14 , wherein the exercising is practicing at least one yoga position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of exercising of  claim 15 , the method further comprising the step of determining a range of motion by selecting from the plurality of protuberances. 
     
     
         17 . The method of exercising of  claim 16 , the method further comprising the step of determining a new range of motion by making a new selection from the plurality of protuberances.