Squat Double-Loop

Abstract

An exercise device is provided. The exercise device is formed of a resistance loop wearable on the lower back and feet to provide resistance for performing squat exercise. The resistance loop is light weight and portable and allows resistance squat exercise to be performed anywhere a freestanding squat exercise may be performed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a loop of stretchable material sized to be engaged with a user's lower back and with feet of the user; and a single connection point such that the loop forms a figure-eight shape; and   a foot opening formed at least partially by the loop, the foot opening sized to receive a foot of a user such that when the foot is engaged with the foot opening and the loop is engaged with the user's lower back, the user may apply a force against the loop, causing a stretching of the material.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus has exactly two foot openings. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus has only one foot opening. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the loop is a closed loop. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the loop has one or more adjustment mechanisms. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the foot opening is defined by a strip of material attached to the loop. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the loop is formed of two partially connected layers, and wherein the foot opening is defined on a top by one of the two layers, and on the bottom by the other of the two layers, the two layers being disconnected at the foot openings. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a shoe in each of the two foot openings. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a sock in each of the two foot openings. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the connection point is formed by stitching. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the connection point is adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the length of the loop is adjustable by one or more of the following adjustment mechanisms, a buckle, a hook and loop connector, and a clamp. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the loop is formed of a combination of stretchable and non-stretchable material. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a pad attached to the loop on a side opposite to the foot openings. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the foot opening is defined by a strip of material attached to the loop, the strip being formed of a material which is more easily stretched than the stretchable material of the loop. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise apparatus consisting of:
 a loop of stretchable material sized to be engaged with a user's lower back and with the feet of the user; a single connection point; and two foot openings formed at least partially by the loop, the two foot openings each sized to receive a foot of a user such that when the foot is engaged with the foot openings and the loop is engaged with the user's lower back, the user may apply a force against the loop, causing a stretching of the material.   
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the foot opening is defined by a strip of material attached to the loop. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the loop is formed of two partially connected layers, and wherein the foot opening is defined on top by one of the two layers, and on the bottom by the other of the two layers, the two layers being disconnected at the foot openings. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the loop is a closed loop. 
     
     
         20 . A method of using an exercise apparatus comprising the steps of:
 placing a first foot through a first foot opening of the exercise apparatus;   placing a second foot through a second foot opening of the exercise apparatus;   engaging a portion of a loop of the exercise apparatus with the user's lower back; and   moving the legs from a squatting position to a standing position, the moving of the legs causing a stretching of a material of the loop.