Method and apparatus for performing stretching exercises

Abstract

The invention provides a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, and includes a segment of strap ( 12 ) material having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop ( 14 ) formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element ( 26 ) attached to the second end. The connector element is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member or a clothing article, bearing a receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element.

What is claimed as invention is:  
     
         1 . A strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, said strap apparatus comprising: 
 a segment of strap material, said segment having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in said first end, length adjustment means formed in said medial portion, and a connector element attached to said second end; and    an anchor article bearing a receiver, said receiver adapted for releasable attachment to said connector element.    
     
     
         2 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said strap material is non-elastic.  
     
     
         3 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said length adjustment means comprises an adjustable buckle.  
     
     
         4 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said length adjustment means comprises a strap retractor member.  
     
     
         5 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a swivel.  
     
     
         6 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a carabiner.  
     
     
         7 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a clip.  
     
     
         8 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element comprises a hook.  
     
     
         9 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said anchor article comprises a shoe.  
     
     
         10 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said anchor article comprises a glove.  
     
     
         11 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said anchor article comprises an extremity cuff.  
     
     
         12 . The strap apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said extremity cuff member comprises a padded loop.  
     
     
         13 . The strap apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said extremity cuff member is adjustable in diameter.  
     
     
         14 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises an eyelet.  
     
     
         15 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises a D-ring.  
     
     
         16 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises an O-ring.  
     
     
         17 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said receiver comprises a fabric loop.  
     
     
         18 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said connector element includes means for resistance exercise.  
     
     
         19 . The strap apparatus of  claim 18  wherein said means for imparting resistance comprises a resistance band.  
     
     
         20 . The strap apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said segment of strap material bears length indicia.