EXERCISE BENCH COMPRISING INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTABLE HANDLE AND STABILIZER PAD

A workout bench and neck exercise system is disclosed. The workout bench may be used in conjunction with a cable weight system and/or cables attached to a head harness or chest harness. The workout bench may include an adjustable handle post and an adjustable stabilization post each of which can be independently adjusted relative to the other with a pin securing mechanism, for example. The workout bench may further include a modular attachment portion configured to be attached to and detached from a corresponding workout component assembly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a workout bench comprises a support base; an upright seat post extending from the support base; a seat supported by the upright seat post; and a vertical support post extending from the support base, wherein the vertical support post comprises: a plurality of height position holes and a cable connection mechanism coupled to a top of the vertical support post. The workout bench further comprises a sliding adjustment post comprising: an elongated hollow center post positioned around the vertical support post and configured to guide the sliding adjustment post along the vertical support post; a horizontal support post extending laterally from the elongated hollow center post; a stabilizing pad positioned around at least a portion of the horizontal support post; a handle extending from the horizontal support post; and a pin securing mechanism coupled to the elongated hollow center post and the vertical support post.

Yet in another aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises an exercise bench comprising: a support base defining a centerline; an upright seat post extending from the centerline of the support base; a horizontal seat supported by the upright seat post; and a vertical support post extending from the centerline of the support base, wherein the vertical support post comprises: a plurality of height position holes. The exercise bench further comprises a connection mechanism extending from a top of the vertical support post and aligned with the centerline of the support base. The system further comprises a harness comprising a strap and a resistance system selectively coupled to the connection mechanism and the harness.

Yet in another aspect of the present disclosure, a workout bench comprises a support base, an upright seat post extending from the support base, a seat supported by the upright seat post, and a vertical support post extending from the support base. The vertical support post comprises a plurality of height position holes, a first sliding adjustment post comprising a first elongated hollow center post positioned around the vertical support post and configured to guide the first sliding adjustment post along the vertical support post, a first horizontal post extending laterally from the first elongated hollow center post, a stabilizing pad positioned around at least a portion of the first horizontal post, and a first pin securing mechanism coupled to the first elongated hollow center post and the vertical support post. The workout bench further comprises a second sliding adjustment post configured to slide independent of the first sliding adjustment post, wherein the second sliding adjustment post comprises a second elongated hollow center post positioned around the vertical support post and configured to guide the second sliding adjustment post along the vertical support post, a second horizontal post extending laterally from the second elongated hollow center post, wherein the second horizontal post comprises at least one graspable handle portion, and a second pin securing mechanism coupled to the second elongated hollow center post and the vertical support post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Applicant also owns U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/802,838, titled WORKOUT BENCH, which was filed on Aug. 9, 2021 and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Before explaining various aspects of workout benches and exercises in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative examples may be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitation thereof. Also, it will be appreciated that one or more of the following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples, can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples.

The present application discloses an apparatus for performing various exercises with a workout bench and an attachable cable/harness, such as neck strengthening exercises and assisted hamstring curls, for example. In certain instances, the apparatus includes an exercise bench that can be used in conjunction with a neck strengthening system, such as a headgear assembly and a cable weight system. The apparatus can also be used to perform neck exercises without the cable weight system in other instances. In various instances, the apparatus includes a workout bench that can be used in conjunction with weighted assistance for hamstring curls, such as a vest or chest harness having attachable straps. The apparatus further provides alternative exercise functionality that allows a user to perform lat pull-downs and single leg Bulgarian split squats, as well as sit-ups in various instances.

Referring primarily toFIGS.1and2, an exercise bench100is shown. The exercise bench100includes two stabilizing pads102, two handle grips106, a cable connection mechanism104, a seat pad108, a vertical support post118, and a support base130. The support base130is coupled to an upright seat post116and to the vertical support post118. A first end131of the exercise bench100includes a buttress-style handle114at the 90-degree junction where the vertical support post118meets the support base130. The buttress-style handle114allows a user to easily move the exercise bench100by picking up the first end131and rolling the wheels110at a rear end133of the exercise bench100along a floor or other support surface.

FIG.1shows the support base130as a ‘T’ shape. The reader will readily appreciate that the support base130can also be configured in another configuration to support a dynamic load such as the body weight of a user such as an ‘H’ shape, for example or. Additionally,FIG.1shows the seat post116as a shape, however, the reader will readily appreciate that the seat post116can also be configured in another configuration to support a dynamic load such as the body weight of a user, such as an ‘L’ or a straight support post, for example.

A detailed view of a sliding adjustment post128is shown inFIG.2. The sliding adjustment post128includes an elongated hollow center post122, two horizontal support posts124, two stabilizing pads102, two end caps126, two handle grips106at the distal ends of the sliding adjustment post128, and a pin securing mechanism112. The horizontal support posts124are coupled to opposite ends of the elongated hollow center post122. The stabilizing pads102are configured to cover length-wise perimeter portions of the horizontal support posts124, and the stabilizing pads102are secured in place by the end caps126. The horizontal support posts124intersect the center of each of the end caps126, and continue laterally outward from the center of the sliding adjustment post128. The distal ends of the horizontal support posts124are coupled to the handle grips106. The handle grips106include an L-shape with each handle grip defining a first arm extending orthogonally away from the horizontal support post124toward the front end131and a second arm extending upwards and orthogonally away from the first arm upward.

The sliding adjustment post128is configured to slide in a vertical direction134. The sliding adjustment post128can be raised and lowered by the user to allow the stabilizing pads102to rest firmly on each of the user's quadriceps in certain instances, such as when the user is seated on the seat pad108facing the front end131(seeFIG.3). The seat pad108extends longitudinally in the same direction and orientation as the support base130. For example, the seat pad108and the support base130can be parallel or substantially parallel. In certain instances, the seat pad108and/or the support base130can be parallel to the floor or support surface for the workout bench100.

The elongated hollow center post122is configured to fit securely around the vertical support post118, which allows the vertical support post118to guide the sliding adjustment post128along the vertical axis134. The elongated hollow center post122is configured to be slightly larger than the exterior dimensions of the vertical support post118. The dimensions of the elongated hollow center post122allow the sliding adjustment post128to move along the vertical axis134with minimal friction from the contact with the vertical support post118. In certain instances, a lubricant can be applied to further facilitate smooth sliding motion between the elongated hollow center post122and the vertical support post118. The dimensional difference between the elongated hollow center post128and the vertical support post118is sufficiently small enough to prevent the sliding adjustment post128from vibrating when the selected height position is locked in place by a pin securing mechanism112.

The sliding adjustment post128is locked in place by using the pin securing mechanism112in one of the plurality of height position holes120of the vertical support post118. For example, the pin can be securely position through aligned through-holes in the elongated hollow center post122and the vertical support post118(e.g. the height position holes120). A user may adjust the height position of the stabilizing pads102by moving the elongated hollow center post122in the vertical direction134. The user may unlock the sliding adjustment post128by removing or releasing the tension of the pin securing mechanism112. Once the sliding adjustment post128is unlocked, it can be freely moved along the vertical axis134. A user selects a height position by locking the pin securing mechanism112in one of the plurality of height position holes120. Once the pin securing mechanism112is locked, the sliding adjustment post128is no longer able to move along the vertical axis134until the user unlocks the pin securing mechanism112.

The exercise bench100includes a cable connection mechanism104coupled to the top of the vertical support post118. For example, a user can connect a cable to the cable connection mechanism104to position the cable in a desired direction relative to a connection point156. For example, a cable can extend from the connection point156on a head-harness154or a chest harness to the cable connection mechanism104, which can provide a quick connect/disconnect feature for securing the cable. Discussed in greater detail below, any suitable device for attaching the user to the cable machine can be used such as, for example, a belt, straps, etc. The cable connection mechanism104allows a user to easily connect and disconnect a cable and/or cable weight system150. In various instances, the cable can be a non-stretchable strap. Various straps can be rated to 2000 pounds of tension, for example, and can include carabineer clips on either end. In certain instances, one or more additional straps with training grips can be coupled to the strap at the clip(s).

A user can sit at the exercise bench100facing toward or away from the handles106, depending on the exercise being performed. For example, while performing neck training, the user can face the handles106while utilizing the cable attachment mechanism104for holding a cable, such as the D-rings/chain extending from a head harness to strengthen the neck muscles.FIG.3illustrates a user operating the exercise bench100in connection with a cable weight system150for performing neck strengthening exercises.

In certain instances, the user may also use the cable weight system150to perform a non-neck exercise and it is advantageous to rapidly connect and disconnect the exercise bench100to perform different exercises. For example, while performing Nordic hamstring curls and other hamstring exercises, the user can face away from the handles106and use the cable attachment mechanism104to hold and guide the cable, such as a cable attached to an exercise vest or chest harness, which can assist the user in performing these exercises (e.g. assisted Nordic hamstring curls).

In certain instances, the cable connection mechanism104can include a spring-loaded portion such as a carabineer clip, for example, that opens and closes. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the cable connection mechanism104can include an incomplete circular loop (“C-shaped”) with a small opening at the base of the loop that is slightly larger than the diameter of the cable160but smaller than a terminated end162of the cable160. The cable connection mechanism104routes the terminated end162of the cable160to the head-harness154and allows the terminated end162to connect to a connection point156of the head-harness154or chest harness, for example. The cable routing functionality of the cable connection mechanism104allows the cable weight system150to apply different dynamic loads from various angles, such as in a downward vertical direction158, for example.

When a user has completed a set of neck exercise repetitions, the user may disconnect/release the terminated end162of the cable160from the head-harness154or chest harness. The terminated end162is larger than the diameter of the cable connection mechanism104and allows the terminated end162to rest at the cable connection mechanism104when the user is not using the cable system.

FIG.4illustrates an alternative user position for the exercise bench ofFIG.1, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.FIG.4depicts a user performing a hamstring curl exercise on the exercise bench100by placing their knees on the seat108, and adjusting the sliding adjustment post128so that the stabilizing pad102rests firmly on the user's calves. While performing Nordic hamstring curls and other hamstring exercises, the user can face away from the handles and use the cable attachment mechanism104to hold the cable160, such as the straps coupled to an exercise vest164or harness at a connection point166to help assist the user in performing these exercises. Discussed in greater detail below, any suitable device for attaching the user to the cable machine can be used such as, for example, a belt, straps, etc.

FIGS.5-7depict an exercise bench200. The exercise bench200is similar in many respects to the exercise bench100. Differences between exercise bench100and exercise bench200are further explained below. The exercise bench200further comprises lateral support members231extending from the support base130toward the vertical support post. Such support members231may aid in stabilizing the exercise bench200during use, for example.

The exercise bench200further comprises a vertical support post210extending vertically from the support base130. The vertical support post210comprises a plurality of through hole apertures211defined therein extending through a first side of the support post210and a second side of the support post210opposite the first side. The exercise bench200further comprises an adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220and an adjustable handle assembly230. Each assembly220,230is independently adjustable relative to the other assembly220,230. The adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220is positioned below the handle assembly230, however, the adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220may also be positioned above the handle assembly230.

The stabilizer pad assembly220comprises a hollow center post221slidably supported by the support post210, laterally extending support posts222extending outwardly from the center post221, and stabilizer pads223positioned around the laterally extending support posts222. The stabilizer pad assembly220further comprises a pin securing mechanism225configured to permit a user to fix the position of the stabilizer pad assembly220relative to the support post210at the desired height. The pin securing mechanism225comprises a pin226configured to extend through the center post221and any of the through hole apertures211in the support post210thereby coupling the stabilizer pad assembly220to the support post210. The pin securing mechanism225further comprises a knob227. In at least one instance, the knob227is fixedly attached to the center post221so as to provide a user with a place to grasp the stabilizer pad assembly220during adjustment of the stabilizer pad assembly220relative to the support post210. In at least one instance, the knob227is couplable, or attachable, to the pin226so as to provide a more secure engagement between the stabilizer pad assembly220and the support post210. For example, the knob227may be threaded onto an end of the pin226. In another example, the knob227may be secured to the pin226by way of a secondary pin. In yet another example, the knob227may be secured to the pin226using a quick release coupling comprising, for example, a spring and ball bearing design. In at least one instance, the pin226is spring loaded.

The stabilizer pads223may also be considered knee pads and can be positioned so as to provide support for a user's knees and/or upper thighs, for example.

The adjustable handle assembly230comprises a hollow center post231slidably supported by the support post210, laterally extending support posts232extending outwardly from the center post231, and graspable handle portions233positioned around the laterally extending support posts232. The adjustable handle assembly230further comprises a pin securing mechanism235configured to permit a user to fix the position of the adjustable handle assembly230relative to the support post210and relative to the stabilizer pad assembly220at the desired height. The pin securing mechanism235comprises a pin236configured to extend through the center post231and any of the through hole apertures211in the support post210thereby coupling the adjustable handle assembly230to the support post210. The pin securing mechanism235further comprises a knob237. In at least one instance, the knob237is fixedly attached to the center post231so as to provide a user with a place to grasp the adjustable handle assembly230during adjustment of the adjustable handle assembly230relative to the support post210. In at least one instance, the knob237is couplable, or attachable, to the pin236so as to provide a more secure engagement between the adjustable handle assembly230and the support post210. For example, the knob237may be threaded onto an end of the pin236. In another example, the knob237may be secured to the pin236by way of a secondary pin. In yet another example, the knob237may be secured to pin236using a quick release coupling comprising, for example, a spring and ball bearing design. In at least one instance, the pin236is spring loaded.

The adjustable handle assembly230and the adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220are slidable relative to and adjustable relative to the support post210. The adjustable handle assembly230and the adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220are also slidable relative to and adjustable relative to each other. The adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220can be used to provide leverage to a user when in certain workout positions. The adjustable handle assembly230can additionally be used to provide leverage to user through grasping the handle assembly230with a user's hands when in certain workout positions. Being able to adjust each assembly220,230independently of each other and relative to the support post210can allow a user to maximize efficiency, ergonomics, and comfortability of the workout bench210to accommodate users varying in size, stature, ability, and/or flexibility, for example. Such a configuration can also allow a user to fine tune the workout bench200so as to provide maximum and/or minimum resistance in certain parts of a specific workout. Such adjustability of the stabilizer pads223and the handle assembly220can improve the stability of a user's base, decrease a moment arm for certain exercises, allow a user to use more weight in particular exercises, and/or allow a user to isolate targeted muscles. For example, during a neck strengthening exercise, holding the handles of the handle assembly can stabilize the torso and reduce the moment arm.

FIG.8illustrates a user operating the exercise bench200in connection with a cable weight system250for performing neck strengthening exercises. A head-harness240is coupled to a cable242at connection mechanism243. Discussed in greater detail below, any suitable device for attaching the user to the cable machine can be used such as, for example, a belt, straps, etc. The cable242is at least substantially parallel to the seat pad108. In at least one instance, substantially parallel indicates that the cable242is within about 5 degrees of parallel in either direction, about 10 degrees of parallel either direction, 15 degrees of parallel either direction, 20 degrees of parallel either direction, 25 degrees of parallel either direction, and/or 30 degrees of parallel either direction, for example. In at least one instance, the cable242being at least substantially parallel to the seat pad108provides maximum resistance and/or assistance for neck strengthening exercises.

FIG.9illustrates another user position for the workout bench200, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The user is performing a hamstring curl exercise on the exercise bench200by placing their knees on the seat108, and adjusting the adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220so that the stabilizing pads223rest firmly on the user's calves. While performing Nordic hamstring curls and other hamstring exercises, the user can face away from the handles233and utilize an exercise vest, or harness, assembly245to help assist the user in performing these exercises. Discussed in greater detail below, any suitable device for attaching the user to the cable machine can be used such as, for example, a belt, straps, etc. The harness assembly245comprises a vest246, a cable247, and a connection mechanism248permitting attachment of the cable247to the vest246. The cable247can be coupled to, or a unitary part of, of a cable weight system260. The cable weight system260comprises a weight262, pulley wheels261. The cable247is attached to the weight262so as to provide a force to the user during the exercise. In at least one instance, the force can comprise both an assisting force to a user during a portion of the exercise and a resisting force to the user during the exercise. In at least one instance, the workout bench200provides maximum assistance at the most difficult part of the hamstring curl exercise. In other words, when the user is at the bottom of the hamstring curl exercise, it may be difficult to get back to the top of the hamstring curl exercise. The workout bench200may permit the greatest assistance to user when the user in at the bottom of the hamstring curl exercise. In at least one instance, this provides a user who may not have been able to perform such an exercise before the ability to now perform the exercise. In at least one instance, the workout bench200permits the cable247to be significantly more toward perpendicular to the seat pad108while the user is at the bottom of the hamstring curl exercise. In at least one instance, a user performing Nordic hamstring curls with the workout benches disclosed herein involve the user maintaining a straight configuration where the users thighs, torso, and neck are aligned during at least a portion of the hamstring curl exercise. With the workout benches disclosed herein, a user may be more easily able to maintain the straight configuration throughout the Nordic hamstring curl.

FIG.10illustrates another user position for the workout bench200, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The user is performing an upper body resistance exercise on the exercise bench200by sitting on the seat pad108, grasping the graspable handle portions233, and repetitively pulling on a cable weight system270. This may be referred to as arm pull downs and/or seated cable row, for example. The motion may be similar to that of rowing. The user can adjust the adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220so that the stabilizing pads223rest firmly on the user's thighs. The user can further adjust the adjustable handle assembly230so as to allow the non-pulling hand and arm of the user to be oriented at least substantially parallel to the seat pad108, for example. Such an arrangement can provide a user with optimal ergonomics and leverage during this exercise. The cable weight system270comprises a weight272, pulley wheels271, and a graspable cable system255coupled to the weight272. The graspable cable system255comprises a handle256and a cable257attached thereto. The cable257is attached to the weight272so as to provide assistance and resistance in a similar fashion as discussed above. In at least one instance, the cable weights disclosed herein may provide an assisting force to a user during a portion of the exercise and/or a resisting force to the user during the exercise.

In at least one instance, the cable weight systems discussed herein can be adjustable relative to the workout benches so as to allow a user to optimize the setup of the system. In at least one instance, a user can adjust the cable weight system and the workout bench to maximize assistance at the most difficult point of the exercise. For example, as further described herein, the workout benches comprise wheels to facilitate relocation relative to the cable weight systems and optimized positioning of the cables/pulley components during the various exercises, as further described herein.

FIG.11depicts a workout bench300. The workout bench300is similar in many respects to the workout benches disclosed herein except for the differences explained below. The workout bench300further comprises a modular interface310positioned between the post210and the base130such that the seat pad108and portion of the base130can be detached, or decoupled, from the post210so as to allow a user to couple one or more other workout benches and/or workout component assemblies to the post210. This modularity may provide a user with the ability to further customize a workout bench setup with the support post210, adjustable stabilizer pad assembly220, and adjustable handle assembly230. The modular interface310comprises a pin311configured to permit coupling and decoupling of corresponding portions312,313of the base130and the post313, respectively. The pin311may further permit a length adjustment, for example, so as to allow the seat108, for example, or any other suitable workout component assembly, to be positioned further away and/or closer to the support post210. In various instances, existing workout benches can be retrofit for adaptability with the post210via the modular interface310.

In at least one instance, a harness, belt, and/or strap assembly is used to attached a cable weight machine to a user. However, embodiments are envisioned where a cable machine is not used. The harness, belt, and/or strap assembly may include any suitable device which connects the user to the cable weight machine. In at least one instance, the harness assembly is connected at the head, the torso, the chest, the waist, the arms, and/or the legs, for example. The harness, belt, and/or strap assembly can be connected to the user at any suitable location. The location may vary depending on the type of exercise being performed. The harness, belt, and/or strap assembly may include a vest, a head-harness, a waist belt, and/or straps, for example.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered examples:

Example 1—A workout bench, comprising: a support base; an upright seat post extending from the support base; a seat supported by the upright seat post; a vertical support post extending from the support base, wherein the vertical support post comprises a plurality of height position holes; a first sliding adjustment post, comprising: a first elongated hollow center post positioned around the vertical support post and configured to guide the first sliding adjustment post along the vertical support post; a first horizontal post extending laterally from the first elongated hollow center post; a stabilizing pad positioned around at least a portion of the first horizontal post; and a first pin securing mechanism coupled to the first elongated hollow center post and the vertical support post; and a second sliding adjustment post configured to slide independent of the first sliding adjustment post, wherein the second sliding adjustment post comprises: a second elongated hollow center post positioned around the vertical support post and configured to guide the second sliding adjustment post along the vertical support post; a second horizontal post extending laterally from the second elongated hollow center post, wherein the second horizontal post comprises at least one graspable handle portion; and a second pin securing mechanism coupled to the second elongated hollow center post and the vertical support post.

Example 2—The workout bench of Example 1, wherein the second sliding adjustment post is positioned above the first sliding adjustment post.

Example 3—The workout bench of Examples 1 or 2, further comprising a modular attachment portion, wherein the modular attachment portion is configured to be attached to and detached from a corresponding workout component assembly.

Example 4—The workout bench of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising a resistance system comprising a cable weight machine.

Example 5—A system, comprising: an exercise bench, comprising: a support base defining a centerline; an upright seat post extending from the centerline of the support base; a horizontal seat supported by the upright seat post; and a vertical support post extending from the centerline of the support base, wherein the vertical support post comprises: a plurality of height position holes; a first adjustable sliding post comprising a stabilizing pad; and a second adjustable sliding post comprising a handle, wherein the second adjustable sliding post is adjustable independently of the first adjustable sliding post; a harness comprising a strap; and a resistance system selectively coupled to the harness.

Example 6—The system of Example 5, wherein the harness comprises a vest.

Example 7—The system of Example 5 or 6, wherein the harness comprises a head-harness.

Example 8—The system of any one of Examples 5-7, wherein the strap extends between the resistance system and the harness.

Example 9—The system of any one of Examples 5-8, wherein the resistance system comprises a cable weight machine.

Example 10— A workout bench, comprising: a support base; an upright seat post extending from the support base; a seat supported by the upright seat post; a vertical support post extending from the support base, wherein the vertical support post comprises: a plurality of height position holes; and a cable connection mechanism coupled to a top of the vertical support post; and a sliding adjustment post comprising: an elongated hollow center post positioned around the vertical support post and configured to guide the sliding adjustment post along the vertical support post; a horizontal support post extending laterally from the elongated hollow center post; a stabilizing pad positioned around at least a portion of the horizontal support post; a handle extending from the horizontal support post; and a pin securing mechanism coupled to the elongated hollow center post and the vertical support post.

Example 11— The workout bench of Example 10, further comprising: a buttress style-handle extending between the vertical support post and a first end of the support base; and a wheel coupled to a second end of the support base, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end, and wherein the wheel is positioned out of contact with a level support surface when the support base is supported on the level support surface.

Example 12— The workout bench of Example 10 or 11, further comprising a cable releasably coupled to the cable connection mechanism, wherein the cable comprises a cable diameter and terminal end, wherein the cable connection mechanism comprises an interior opening that is larger than the cable diameter and is configured to allow the cable to freely pass through the cable connection mechanism, and wherein the interior opening is smaller than the terminal end of the cable and is configured to prevent the terminal end from passing through the cable connection mechanism.

Example 13— The workout bench of any one of Examples 10-12, wherein the cable connection mechanism further comprises a spring-loaded clasp, and wherein the spring-loaded clasp is configured to secure a cable to the workout bench.

Example 14— The workout bench of any one of Examples 10-13, wherein the cable connection mechanism further comprises a C-shaped open loop, and wherein the C-shaped open loop is configured to secure a cable to the workout bench.

Example 15— The workout bench of any one of Examples 10-14, wherein the seat extends longitudinally in a direction substantially parallel with the support base.

Example 16— A system, comprising: an exercise bench, comprising: a support base defining a centerline; an upright seat post extending from the centerline of the support base; a horizontal seat supported by the upright seat post; a vertical support post extending from the centerline of the support base, wherein the vertical support post comprises: a plurality of height position holes; and a connection mechanism extending from a top of the vertical support post and aligned with the centerline of the support base; wherein the system further comprises: a harness comprising a strap; and a resistance system selectively coupled to the connection mechanism and the harness.

Example 17— The system of Example 16, wherein the harness comprises a vest.

Example 18— The system of Example 16 or 17, wherein the harness comprises a head-harness.

Example 19— The system of any one of Examples 16-18, wherein the strap extends between the resistance system and the connection mechanism

Example 20— The system of any one of Examples 16-19, wherein the resistance system comprises a cable weight machine.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the aspects as described in the present disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the aspects described in the present disclosure. The reader will understand that the aspects described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

In the present disclosure, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

All patents, patent applications, publications, or other disclosure material mentioned herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual reference was expressly incorporated by reference respectively. All references, and any material, or portion thereof, that are said to be incorporated by reference herein are incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference and the disclosure expressly set forth in the present application controls.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to various examples and illustrative aspects. The aspects described herein are understood as providing illustrative features of varying detail of various aspects of the disclosed invention; and therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that, to the extent possible, one or more features, elements, components, constituents, ingredients, structures, modules, and/or aspects of the disclosed aspects may be combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged with or relative to one or more other features, elements, components, constituents, ingredients, structures, modules, and/or aspects of the disclosed aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications or combinations of any of the example aspects may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, persons skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the various aspects of the invention described herein upon review of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the description of the various aspects, but rather by the claims.

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, lower, upper, front, back, and variations thereof, shall relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the accompanying drawing and are not limiting upon the claims unless otherwise expressly stated.

The terms “about” or “approximately” as used in the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain aspects, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain aspects, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 50%, 200%, 105%, 100%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.

Any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1 to 100” includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 100, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 100. Also, all ranges recited herein are inclusive of the end points of the recited ranges. For example, a range of “1 to 100” includes the end points1and100. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in the present disclosure is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in the present disclosure is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend the present disclosure, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in the present disclosure.