The present invention relates to an apparatus for enhancing isometric
and/or isotonic exercises and methods of using same. In particular, the
apparatus for enhancing isometric exercises includes a substantially
rigid annular exercising assembly which is placed in a user's mouth and
held in place by the user's lips and more particularly between the user's
lips in such a manner that the user's upper and lower teeth are not in a
substantially engaged position. The substantially rigid annular
exercising assembly has an exterior and an interior wall which connect
and thereby form a trough. The anterior, medial and posterior surfaces of
the user's lips fit within the trough thereby providing the mechanism for
holding the substantially rigid annular exercising assembly within the
user's mouth during exercise. In this manner, the substantially rigid
annular exercising assembly is essentially freestanding and does not
require the user to grind their teeth, or tense or strain the jaw or
Templar-Mandibular Joint. When in place, the substantially rigid annular
exercising assembly increases isometric resistance during exercise,
weight training, or facial toning. When used as an isotonic exercising
aid, the apparatus would be substantially flexible or semi-flexible to
thereby allow some movement of a user's jaw and other facial muscles.