FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to exercise devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to exercise devices and methods incorporating one or more circular elastic bands. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Traditional resistance exercise techniques typically involve the use of weight machines or free weights, the latter often used in combination with a variety of bars and benches. Traditional exercise techniques often involve isolating and fatiguing one muscle or muscle group at a time. Traditional resistance training equipment and techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages. 
         [0003]    A short walk through a local gym or fitness club reveals racks of free weights and numerous space-hogging benches and weight machines, many designed to exercise a single muscle group. For most people, the sheer bulk of the equipment forecloses any possibility of a comprehensive home fitness center comprised of traditional equipment. In addition, a comprehensive set of traditional resistance fitness equipment generally costs thousands of dollars. Due to these space and cost restraints, individuals are faced with the decision of purchasing a gym membership and commuting to the gym or buying a space-saving less comprehensive and less bulky “home gym”. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, individuals seeking to maintain a regular regimen of resistance exercise face additional challenges when traveling for business or pleasure. During travel, one may often find that fitness centers in hotels have little to no resistance equipment, that the closest franchise of the gym to which they belong is not convenient, or that the campground or similar location is completely lacking any sort of fitness equipment at all. Traditional resistance equipment, and even more compact “home gyms” are too bulky to conveniently take on trips. 
         [0005]    In addition to cost and portability issues, traditional free weights can cause undesired negative effects. They are bound by the law of gravity and therefore only supply a downward force. In addition to inherent risks related to accidentally dropping weights, over time downward force takes a toll on a person&#39;s joints. For similar reasons, safely working with free weights sometimes requires a “spotter”. 
         [0006]    Traditional exercise using both free weights and traditional weight machines generally operates to isolate and fatigue muscles through movement in a single plane in order to increase strength and muscle mass. However, these techniques can lead to stiffness and limited range of motion. A growing trend is towards functional training, which enhances normal body movements instead of isolating one muscle at a time. 
         [0007]    For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for affordable, compact and portable resistance training equipment and techniques that provide the ability to perform a comprehensive workout regimen at home or while travelling, thereby eliminating the need for a traditional gym and the inherent problems with using a traditional gym such as inaccessibility, wasted travel time, and expense. Furthermore, there is a need for resistance training equipment that facilitates multi-planar and functional training exercises in addition to traditional isolation-based exercises. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus is provided, the exercise apparatus including a circular elastic band and a handle attached to the band. 
         [0009]    Also provided is an apparatus wherein the handle comprises a rigid or semi-rigid internal support structure. 
         [0010]    Further provided is an apparatus wherein the handle is attached to the band via a clip. In one embodiment, the clip is a carabiner. In another embodiment, the carabiner is a triangular carabiner. Also, the attachment may include a padded grip. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, an exercise apparatus is provided, the exercise apparatus comprising a circular elastic band and an anchor device attached to the band. 
         [0012]    Also provided is an apparatus further including a clip attached to the band. In one embodiment, the clip is a carabiner. In another embodiment, the carabiner is a triangular carabiner. 
         [0013]    Also provided is an apparatus further including a bat attached to the band. Also provided is an apparatus further including a golf club attached to the band. Further provided is an apparatus further including a handle attached to the band. Further provided is an apparatus further including a bar attached to the band. Also provided is an apparatus further including a gripping device attached to the band. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, a method of exercising the human body with a circular elastic band is provided, the method including exerting a force concurrently in one or more planes to stretch the elastic band and releasing the force exerted concurrently in the one or more planes to allow the elastic band to retract. 
         [0015]    Also provided is a method wherein concurrently exerting a force in one or more planes to stretch the elastic band comprises exerting force on an attachment attached to the elastic band. Further provided is a method, wherein the attachment is a clip. Also provided is a method wherein the clip is a carabiner. In another embodiment, the carabiner is a triangular carabiner. 
         [0016]    Also provided is a method wherein concurrently exerting a force in one or more planes includes performing a squat exercise. Also provided is a method wherein concurrently exerting a force in two or more planes includes performing a core twist exercise. Also provided is a method wherein concurrently exerting a force in two or more planes includes performing a starfish exercise. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an example of an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an example of a handle according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an example of a handle attached to an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an example of a carabiner according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an example of a triangular carabiner according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an example of a grip according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is an example of an anchor device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an example of a gripping device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is an example of a bar for use with elastic bands according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10A-10C  include examples of performing exercises using an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 10D-10E  include examples of performing exercises using an elastic band according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 11A-11E  are an example of performing an exercise using two elastic bands according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 12A-B  are an example of performing an exercise using an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  is an example of an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, an elastic band  100  is provided. The elastic band  100  may be circular in shape. In other embodiments, the elastic band  100  may be straight, tube-shaped, or any other known shape or configuration. 
         [0031]    In various embodiments, the band  100  may be made of rubber, latex, or any other known elastic material. In one embodiment, the band  100  is a continuous rubber strip. The band  100  may be made of multiple layers. In various embodiments, the band  100  is between ten and twenty layers thick. A thicker band typically provides more resistance than a thinner band of the same diameter and material. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the band  100  is between 35 and 45 inches in diameter. In other embodiments, the band  100  can be any other diameter, such as, for example, 20 inches, 60 inches, or 80 inches. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the band  100  is flat. For example, in  FIG. 1 , the inner surface  110  and outer surface  120  are both flat. An advantage of a flat surface as contrasted with a round surface is that a user can wrap the band  100  around an object, such as a pole, post, or tree, and it grips the surface more effectively than a band with a round surface. 
         [0034]    Another advantage of a flat surface is that the band may be doubled up in order to increase resistance. One way to do this is to use two bands. Another is to effectively fold the band  100  in half, thereby decreasing its effective diameter by 50% and increasing its resistance. Correspondingly, the band  100  can be folded in half or reduced in length by partitioning off a portion of the band to reduce the overall exposed workout area of the band, thereby raising the net resistance. In addition, the band  100  may be manufactured as a continuous elastic strip, allowing the band to slowly peel over time rather than snap, thereby providing exceptional durability and safety. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is an example of a handle according to one embodiment of the invention. In various embodiments, a handle  200  may be attached to the band  100 . In one embodiment the handle comprises an outer surface  210  and an inner surface  220 . The outer surface  210  may be made of foam, plastic, leather, canvas, or any other material. The inner surface  220  may be made of foam or any other padded material. It may also comprise a rigid or semi-rigid support structure. In some embodiments, the inner surface  220  and outer surface  210  are made of the same material. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the outer surface  210  is wrapped around the inner surface  220 . The outer surface  210  may be attached to the inner surface  220  by any known means, such as Velcro or glue. In one embodiment, the outer surface  210  is a canvas material tightly wrapped around the inner surface  220  and is attached to itself via Velcro. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the inner surface  220  is connected to a strap  230 . The inner surface  220  may be wrapped around the strap  230  or attached to the strap  230  in any other known manner. In one embodiment, the inner surface  220  is a tube and the strap  230  passes through the inside of the tube. The strap  230  may be made of any known natural or synthetic material. For example, the strap  230  may be made of canvas, polypropylene, polyester, or woven nylon. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, the strap  230  is a closed loop. The loop can be of a variety of diameters, depending on factors such as the intended purpose of the handle  200  or the intended user of the handle  200  (e.g., children, body-builders, athletes, senior citizens). Some examples of appropriate diameters include four inches, eight inches, and twelve inches. The strap may have a thickness of approximately 1/32 inch to ⅛ inch, or any appropriate thickness. The strap may have a width of any appropriate size. For example, the width may be narrower, such as ⅛ to ¾ inch. Or it may be wider, such as one inch to five inches. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, a loop  235  is attached to the strap  230 . The loop  235  may comprise any appropriate material, such as metal, hard plastic, or woven material. In some embodiments, the loop  235  is comprised of the same material as the strap  230 . In some embodiments, the loop  235  is positioned away from the handle grip. The loop  235  may be used to attach the handle to other objects, such as a band  100  or a clip  240 . 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, a clip  240  is provided. The clip  240  may comprise any appropriate clip, such as a carabiner. In some embodiments, the clip  240  is attached to the strap  230 . Further, the clip  240  may be attached to the loop  235 . A benefit of using a clip  240  is that it provides a simple way to attach the handle  200  to other objects, such as a band  100 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is an example of a handle attached to an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. In various embodiments, the handle  200  is attached to the band  100 . There are a variety of advantages to attaching the handle  200  to the band  100 . For example, many users find it more comfortable to perform exercises such as “curls,” “presses,” and the like using one or more handles  200  rather than directly touching the band  100  with the hand. This can be particularly true when performing higher numbers of repetitions as well as when exercising with stronger resistance. Additionally, as mentioned herein, at times it is advantageous to “double up” bands for various exercises. In such circumstances it may be advantageous to use a handle  200  to harness the doubled-up bands. For example, it may be simpler and/or more comfortable to grasp a single handle  200  rather than multiple bands  100 . 
         [0042]    The handle  200  may be attached to the band  100  in a variety of ways. For example, a clip  240  may be used to connect the handle  200  to the band  100 . In some embodiments, the clip  240  comprises a carabiner. The clip  240  may be made of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, or high-strength plastic. An advantage to using a carabiner is that it easily attaches to a ring or loop. Thus, it can easily attach to the handle  200  and the band  100 . Examples of carabiners are described in more detail in connection with  FIG. 4 . Carabiners may comprise a variety of devices capable of connecting an external accessory to the band  100 . 
         [0043]    Persons of skill in the art will recognize that there are other ways to attach the handle  200  to the band  100 . For example, the strap  230  could wrap around one or more bands  100 . This could be accomplished by encircling the band  100  with the strap and sewing one end of the strap  230  to the other end of the strap  230 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is an example of a carabiner according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a carabiner  400  is provided. The carabiner  400  may have a top  410  and a bottom  420 . The carabiner  400  may also have a gate  430  with a free end  450  and a pivot end  440 . The carabiner also may have a side member  460 . In some embodiments, the carabiner  400  also includes a grip  470 . 
         [0045]    The carabiner can be of any appropriate size. For example, it could be one to two inches from top  410  to bottom  420 . Alternatively, it could be larger, for example, four to eight inches from top  410  to bottom  420 . It could be half an inch to one inch from gate  430  to side member  460 . It could also be two inches to four inches from gate  430  to side member  460 . One of skill in the art will recognize that other acceptable dimensions would also be compatible with embodiments of the invention. 
         [0046]    The gate  430  may be used to allow objects to pass into the carabiner  400 . For example, the gate  430  may be used to allow a band  100  to pass through. Also, the gate  430  may be used to allow a handle  200  or a strap  230  to pass through. Such an example can be seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0047]    The gate  430  opens by means of the pivot end  440  pivoting and thus disassociating the free end  450  from the top  410 . In some embodiments, the pivot end  454  is spring loaded so that when the gate  430  is released, the free end  450  returns to the top  410 . 
         [0048]    One of skill in the art will recognize that other types and shapes of carabiners may be used in embodiments of the invention, and that the carabiner depicted and described herein is merely exemplary. For example, oval-shaped carabiners and triangular carabiners may be used. Also, wire, locking, and/or non-locking carabiners may be used. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the carabiner  400  also includes a grip  470 . In some embodiments, it may be advisable to include a grip  470  on larger carabiners, such as those that fit a human hand. One benefit of such embodiments is that it allows the user to grip the carabiner  400  rather than the band  100  itself. Also it can provide similar functionality to a handle  200 . Thus, the carabiner  400  with a grip  470  could eliminate the need for a separate handle  200  for some exercises, thus reducing the number of components needed. This could also reduce the amount of distance between the user&#39;s body and the band  100 , thus increasing resistance. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is an example of a triangular carabiner according to one embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, a triangular carabiner  500  is disclosed. The triangular carabiner  500  includes a first corner  510 , a second corner  520 , and a third corner  530 . The triangular carabiner  500  also includes a gate  540  with a pivot end  560  and a free end  550 . The triangular carabiner  500  further includes a first side  570  and a second side  580 . In some embodiments, the triangular carabiner  500  also includes a grip  590 . 
         [0051]    The carabiner can be of any appropriate size. For example, it could be one to two inches from the first corner  510  to the second corner  520  and third corner  530 . Alternatively, it could be larger, for example, four to eight inches from the first corner  510  to the second corner  520  and third corner  530 . It could be one to two inches from the gate to the first corner  510 . It could also be two inches to six inches from the gate to the first corner  510 . One of skill in the art will recognize that other acceptable dimensions would also be compatible with embodiments of the invention. 
         [0052]    The gate  540  may be used to allow objects to pass into the triangular carabiner  500 . For example, the gate  540  may be used to allow a band  100  to pass through. Also, the gate  540  may be used to allow a handle  200  or a strap  230  to pass through. Such an example can be seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0053]    The gate  540  opens by means of the pivot end  560  pivoting and thus disassociating the free end  550  from the portion of the triangular carabiner  500  near the third corner  530 . In some embodiments, the pivot end  560  is spring loaded so that when the gate  540  is released, the free end  550  returns to the portion of the triangular carabiner  500  near the third corner  530 . 
         [0054]    One of skill in the art will recognize that other types of carabiners may be used in embodiments of the invention, and that the carabiner depicted and described herein is merely exemplary. For example, wire, locking, and/or non-locking carabiners may be used. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the carabiner  500  also includes a grip  590 . In some embodiments, it may be advisable to include a grip  590  on larger carabiners, such as those that fit a human hand. One benefit of such embodiments is that it allows the user to grip the carabiner  500  rather than the band  100  itself. Also it can provide similar functionality to a handle  200 . Thus, the carabiner  500  with a grip  590  could eliminate the need for a separate handle  200  for some exercises, thus reducing the number of components needed. This could also reduce the amount of distance between the user&#39;s body and the band  100 , thus increasing resistance. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is an example of a grip according to one embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, a grip  600  is provided. The grip  600  may include an outer edge  610  and an inner edge  620 . Further, the grip  600  may include a top  630  and a bottom  640 . The grip may also include a channel  650 . Also, the grip may include a fastener, such as Velcro strips  660  and  670 . The channel  650  may also remain open so that the band can be easily inserted and released. In such embodiments, the grip would have a rigid structure such as PVC but be somewhat supple as well so that when grasping the grip, the channel would close in order to prevent the band from slipping out. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, it is advisable to use a grip  600 . For example, a user may desire to exercise with a band  100  without the use of a handle  200 . A benefit of exercising without using a handle  200  is that there is greater resistance. Also, some users have more control when touching the band  100  without a handle  200 . 
         [0058]    However, some users find that performing some exercises directly touching the band  100  is not comfortable, for example, on their hands. Thus, there is a need for a way to allow a user&#39;s hands to be close to the band  100  and also to provide some padding and/or protection to the user&#39;s hands. One way to meet these needs is to use a grip  600 . In some embodiments, a user can insert a portion of the band  100  into the channel  650 . In such an instance, the inner edge  620  of the grip  600  may rest against the band  100 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the grip  600  includes a fastener. A benefit of a fastener is that it helps to prevent the grip  600  from sliding or falling off of the band  100 . In one embodiment, the fastener comprises Velcro strips  660  and  670 . 
         [0060]    As discussed herein, one benefit of using a grip  600  is to cushion and/or protect the user&#39;s hand. In some embodiments, the grip  600  contains padding between the channel  650  and the outer edge  610 . This padding may be of any suitable material, such as polyethylene foam, neoprene foam, or rubber. The padding may be protected by the inner edge  620  and outer edge  610 . Alternatively, the inner edge  620  and/or the outer edge  610  may comprise padding. The grip  600  can range in thickness. For example, in some embodiments, the grip  600  is between ¼ inch and one inch thick. In other embodiments, the grip is thicker than one inch. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, the grip  600  may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid support structure. The support structure may be contained within the outer edge  610  or may be contained within the inner edge  620 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 7  is an example of an anchor device comprising a door strap according to one embodiment of the invention. One or more anchor devices used in conjunction with one or more bands  100  may be used to perform a number of different exercises. An anchor device may be any object that is used to affix, immobilize, or attach a band  100  to an anchor point. For example, an anchor device may be an eye bolt fastened to a wall, floor, door, tree, ceiling or other anchor point. Other examples of anchor devices include Velcro loops, hooks, and gripping devices as described in relation to  FIG. 8 , but used as anchor device rather than attaching it to a body part. An anchor point may also be a chair, desk, or any other object to which one or more bands  100  may be anchored using an anchor device to immobilize a portion of the one or more bands  100 . 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, a door strap  700  is provided. The door strap  700  may include a top  710 . In some embodiments, the top  710  is comprised of woven nylon, but can be made of any suitable material. The top  710  may include a stopper  720 , such as a bead or other small, hard object. The stopper  720  may be positioned between layers of the top  710 . A benefit of the stopper is that it can prevent the door strap  700  from being pulled through the gap between the door and door jam. 
         [0064]    Additionally, the door strap  700  includes a bottom  730  including a first side  740  and a second side  750 . The bottom may also be comprised of woven nylon or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the door strap  700  is one single piece of material. In other embodiments, the door strap  700  comprises a plastic, PVC, or similar coating. 
         [0065]    The door strap  700  may be of any appropriate size and dimensions. In some embodiments, it is advisable for the door strap  700  to be relatively small. One benefit of a small door strap  700  is that it allows for the user to have more resistance when using the door strap in connection with a band  100 . In some embodiments, the door strap  700  is approximately one inch wide. According to various embodiments, this may vary as needed. Examples of other appropriate widths range from one-half inch or smaller to two inches or larger. The top  710  can be any appropriate size. For example it may be approximately one square inch. Alternatively, it could be rectangular, as well as smaller or larger as necessary. In one embodiment, the stopper  720  is positioned toward the far edge of the top  710 . In other embodiments, the stopper  720  is positioned toward the middle or near edge of the top  710 , such as closer to the bottom  730 . The bottom may be of varying lengths. For example, it may be three to six inches. A shorter length typically results in more resistance, and a longer length typically results in less resistance. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, a fastener such as a carabiner  400  is attached to the bottom  730  of the door strap  700 . The carabiner  400  may be used to attach the door strap  700  to a band  100  using techniques such as those discussed herein. Also, a band  100  can be attached to the door strap  700  in various other ways. For example, the door strap may be sewn such that the band  100  is permanently attached to the door strap. Also, a user may use known knot-tying techniques to attach the band  100  to the door strap. 
         [0067]    A user can utilize the door strap  700  in a variety of ways. For example, the user can open a door, place the door strap  700  against the door jamb such that the top  710 , and particularly the stopper  720 , is on the other side of where the door will be after it is closed. The user may, while holding the door strap  700  in place, close the door and pull the strap toward himself or herself. The door strap  700  should stay in place because the stopper  720  is on the other side of the door and is prevented from passing though the gap between the door and the door jamb. As discussed herein, a benefit of this technique is that the user now has an anchor point from which exercises may be performed. 
         [0068]    In order to utilize the door strap  700 , the next step is to attach the band  100  to the door strap  700 . As discussed herein, there are a variety of ways this may be done. For example, a carabiner  400  may be used, a knot may be tied, or the user may simply pass the band  100  through the aperture between the first side  740  and second side  750 . 
         [0069]    In order to perform exercises using the band  100  and door strap  700 , the user may utilize other components, such as one or more handles  200 , carabiners  400 ,  500 , grips  600 , gripping devices  800 , and/or bars  900 . Also, a user could utilize a bar, for example, to perform exercises that involve both arms. Further, a user could attach a gripping device to his ankles and to the band  100  in order to perform lower-body exercises. Also, the user may simply use the band  100  without such components. The user can perform a variety of exercises, such as pulldowns, curls, bent-over rows, horizontal extensions, and presses. 
         [0070]      FIG. 8  is an example of an gripping device according to one embodiment of the invention. In various embodiments, a gripping device  800  may be attached to the band  100 . In one embodiment the gripping device comprises an outer surface  810  and an inner surface  840 . The outer surface  810  may be made of leather, nylon, canvas, or any other suitable material. The inner surface  840  may be made of leather, nylon, canvas, fabric or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, a padding material may be positioned between the outer surface  810  and the inner surface  840 . The padding material may be foam or any other material that provides padding. 
         [0071]    Additionally, the gripping device  800  comprises a coupling mechanism for coupling together strap ends  850  and  860 . The coupling mechanism may be Velcro, a snap, a button, a latch, a buckle, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may be used to attach the gripping device to various body parts including an ankle or a wrist. 
         [0072]    Furthermore, the gripping device  800  comprises an attachment point  820 . An attachment point may be any object to which a band  100  may be affixed. For example, an attachment point may be an eyelet, ring, or any other suitable mechanism incorporated into the outer surface  810  and/or inner surface  840  of the gripping device  800 . In some embodiments, a fastener such as a carabiner  830  may be used to attach band  100  to attachment point  820 . 
         [0073]    Attaching the gripping device to a body part and a band  100  allows a user to more easily perform various leg, arm, and other exercises. Alternatively, the gripping device may be used as an anchor device by affixing it to an anchor point such as a pole, tree or other fixed object. In some embodiments, the device is attached to any of a variety of separate apparatuses such as a bar, bat, club, ball or any other object for the purpose of adding resistance to a particular movement. For example, an embodiment may include placing the strap on the end of a baseball bat and adding resistance to the batters swing. 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  is an example of a bar for use with elastic bands according to one embodiment of the invention. In various embodiments, one or more elastic bands may be attached to bar  900  at a first attachment point  910  and a second attachment point  920 . Attachment points  910  and  920  may comprise any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, attachment points  910  and  920  may each comprise an eye bolt fastened to the bar  900 , an eyelet positioned in the bar  900 , or any other suitable mechanism. 
         [0075]    For example, the attachment points  910  and  920  may each comprise a recess in and along a small length of each end of bar  900 . Each recess may be semi-circular, rectangular, concave, or any other appropriate shape. Each recess may comprise a distal inside edge and a proximal inside edge. Further, the attachment points may each comprise a rod spanning across the recess between the distal inside edge and the proximal inside edge placing it near the outer surface of the bar  900 , thereby providing a suitable attachment point. In other embodiments, the rod may be a gate with a pivot end and an opening end, similar to carabiner  400 , to provide a convenient method of attachment. In still other embodiments, one or more carabiners  400  may be used to attach elastic bands to bar  900 . Linear bands are shown in conjunction with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . In another embodiment, circular elastic bands may be connected to the bar  900 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , multiple bands may be connected to the bar  900 . In embodiments in which more than one band has been attached, the bands may comprise at least one circular elastic band and at least one linear elastic band. 
         [0076]    Bar  900  may be metal, plastic, PVC, wood, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the bar  900  may comprise multiple sections that may be coupled using various mechanisms to assemble and disassemble the bar. This advantageously provides a bar that is easily portable. The coupling mechanisms may comprise threaded ends of the bar sections that may be screwed together, bar sections that slide over each other and are fastened in place using pins, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In another embodiment, sections of the bar  900  may be assembled as a telescoping device that may telescope from a first smaller length to a second longer length suitable for exercising. 
         [0077]    In further embodiments, methods of performing swing exercises are provided. In one embodiment, a method of performing a baseball swing is provided. For example, a method may include insert the door strap  700  into a door and attach a band  100  to the door strap  700  as described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes placing the door strap at a level at which a user would normally swing a baseball bat—for example, in the user&#39;s “strike zone.” The method next includes looping the band  100  around a baseball bat and swinging the bat. The band  100  provides resistance and may help in development of the muscles involved with swinging a baseball bat. 
         [0078]    In a still further embodiment, a method of performing a golf swing is provided. For example, a method may include insert the door strap  700  into a door and attach a band  100  to the door strap  700  as described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes placing the door strap at a level at which a user would normally swing a golf club, such as near the ground. The method next includes looping the band  100  around the head of a golf club and swinging the golf club. The band  100  provides resistance and may help in development of the muscles involved with swinging a golf club. 
         [0079]    Further embodiments include using straps or specialized components to attach the bat or club to the band  100 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 10A through 10E  include examples of performing exercises using an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a user can perform one or more exercises using an elastic band  100 . Those exercises can include multi-planar exercises. A multi-planar exercise is one in which involves movements in multiple planes. For example, if an exercise involves both horizontal and vertical resistance, it is multi-planar. 
         [0081]    In one embodiment, using a band  100  to perform a standing press is disclosed. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 10A , a user may stand with feet approximately shoulder-width apart and place the band  100  under his or her feet  1000 . The user may also grasp the top of the band  100  with each hand  1002 . Next, the user may push the band upward in order to complete the press  1010 . 
         [0082]    In one embodiment, using a band  100  to perform a lat pulldown is disclosed. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 10C , a user may stand with feet approximately shoulder-width apart and place the band  100  under his or her feet  1020 . The user may also grasp the top of the band  100  with each hand  1022 . Next, the user may pull his or her arms down horizontally in order to complete the lat pulldown  1022 . 
         [0083]    In one embodiment, using a band  100  to perform a squat is disclosed. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 10D , a user may stand with feet approximately shoulder-width apart and place the band  100  under his or her feet  1030 . The user may also grasp the top of the band  100  with each hand  1032 . The user may position his or her hands in various ways in order to work various muscle groups. For example, the user may hold his or her hands away from the body  1032 . Also, he or she may hold his or her hands above the head  1010 . While holding the hands and arms steady, the user may perform a traditional squat exercise by bending at the knees  1034 . The result is a multi-planar exercise that engages multiple muscle groups—upper body, lower body, and core—in a single movement. 
         [0084]    In a further embodiment, using a band  100  to perform a core twist is disclosed. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 10E , a user may stand with feet approximately shoulder-width apart and place the band  100  under his or her feet  1040 . The user may also grasp the top of the band  100  with each hand  1042 . The user may position his or her hands in various ways in order to work various muscle groups. For example, the user may hold his or her hands away from the body  1042 . Also, he or she may hold his or her hands above the head  1010 . While holding the hand and arms steady, the user may twist the body  1044  in order to perform a core twist to acquire resistance in a horizontal plane. The result is a multi-planar exercise that engages multiple muscle groups—upper body, lower body, and core—in a single movement. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 11A through 11E  are an example of performing an exercise using two elastic bands according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, an exercise using two elastic bands is disclosed. There is a need for exercises and techniques to improve posture, stabilize the core, and potentially relieve and/or prevent lower back pain. An example of such an exercise is the aligner. In one embodiment, the aligner is performed using two bands. 
         [0086]    In one embodiment, the user inserts his or her right leg into a first band  1100  up to the user&#39;s groin. Next, the user may wrap the first band  1100  around his or her stomach  1110  and around the back  1112 , and inserts the right arm  1114 . The user may stabilize the band around his or her right shoulder. 
         [0087]    In one embodiment, the user wraps a second band  1120  around the user&#39;s left leg up to the user&#39;s groin. Next, the user may wrap the second band  1120  around his or her stomach  1130  and around the back  1132 , and inserts the left arm  1134 . Next, a user may contract his or her abdominals and maintain a straight posture  1140 . The first and second band will provide resistance that draws the user&#39;s shoulders back and opens the user&#39;s chest while stacking the spine to naturally straighten the user&#39;s posture. 
         [0088]    It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that variations on the aligner may be practiced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, a user could start with the left side instead of the right side. Furthermore, a grip or similar hand strap device may be used to prevent friction between the bands and the shoulder region while engaged in the aligner. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are an example of performing an exercise using an elastic band according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a user can perform one or more exercises using an elastic band  100 . Those exercises can include multi-planar exercises. A multi-planar exercise is one which involves movements in multiple planes. For example, if an exercise involves both horizontal and vertical resistance, it is multi-planar. 
         [0090]    For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B , the starfish exercise, a user lays on his back on a surface with his legs straight and raised at angle between approximately 35 and 55 degrees in relation to the surface. The user places a band  100  around the bottom of his feet as shown and grips the band with both hands with straight arms raised approximately vertically in the air. The user then spreads and lowers his legs to a position closer to the surface and concurrently moves his arms to a position spread above his head and closer to the surface, thereby causing the band  100  to exert a resistance in multiple planes on the user. The result is a multi-planar exercise that engages multiple muscle groups—upper body, lower body, and core—in a single movement. 
         [0091]    In other embodiments, one or more bands  100 , handles  200 , carabiners  400 ,  500 , grips  600 , gripping devices  800 , and/or bars  900  may comprise an easily portable fully comprehensive resistance exercise kit. In other embodiments, the kit may further comprise an instructional training video and/or instructional training manual. The instructional training video and/or instructional training manual may comprise instructions for replicating traditional resistance exercises. In other embodiments, the instructional training manual and/or instructional training video may comprise instructions for performing stretches and exercises including multi-planar and functional training exercises. Kits according to these and other embodiments of the invention are advantageously portable, inexpensive, and provide the ability to learn and perform a fully comprehensive resistance training regimen, including single-plane and multi-planar exercises. 
         [0092]    It is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, apparatuses and methods for exercise using circular bands. While the present invention has been particularly shown and described in conjunction with examples and preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that variations in and modifications to the present invention may be effected by persons of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the principles described herein apply in a similar manner, where applicable, to all such examples and embodiments which the following claims are intended to cover.
An exercise apparatus is provided, the exercise apparatus including a circular elastic band and a handle attached to the band. Also provided is an exercise apparatus comprising a circular elastic band and an anchor device attached to the band. Also provided is a method of exercising the human body with a circular elastic band is provided, the method including exerting a force in one or more planes to stretch the elastic band and releasing the force exerted in one or more planes to allow the elastic band to retract.