Patent Publication Number: US-2018036579-A1

Title: Exercise device for suspended body weight training

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/819,567, filed on Aug. 6, 2015, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/070,175, filed on Aug. 18, 2014. The entire disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to exercise or sports equipment, and in particular, to an exercise equipment system mountable to a fixed point utilizing a pulley system, handles, and a self-adjustable body harness to leverage body weight resistance exercise movements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A wide array of exercise equipment intended for home use is prevalent on the market today. Certain types of home exercise equipment are targeted on strength training, and may be specifically targeted at particular muscle movements (such as pull/chin up bars), or may be targeted to whole body training programs and include multiple pieces of equipment. Home use and privacy of exercise have become greatly popularized over the past several years, particularly due to increasing gym membership fees and increasing complexity of individual work and home schedules. 
     In general, equipment available for home exercise equipment require the user of the equipment to be able to use them as marketed. However, large segments of the population simply do not have the physical strength or ability start exercising at levels required by such home exercise equipment. To compensate, some equipment allows for resistance training at varying levels of resistance, but require complicated equipment interconnections or require movement of objects of varying mass (i.e. “weights”) to adjust the resistance levels felt by the user. Such adjustable equipment may be complex to use, and is often expensive and complicated to purchase and set up for use. 
     It is therefore desirable provide a home exercise system and method that is relatively inexpensive and is simple to set up and use, that is also able to accommodate users of all ages, strength limitations, range of motion issues, while providing a unique user experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     In concordance with the instant disclosure, a home exercise system and method that is relatively inexpensive and is simple to set up and use, that is also able to accommodate users of all ages, weights, and strength levels while providing a high range of motion and a unique user experience, has surprisingly been discovered. 
     A pulley system of an exercise device for suspended weight training is provided, including a first block configured to removably connect to a raised position above a floor surface. The first block has a first pulley, a second pulley, and a first attachment point. A second block is removably coupled to a weight and includes a third pulley and a second attachment point. A grip is configured to be held by a user while exercising. The grip has a third attachment point. A line having a first line end is fixedly coupled to the grip and a second line end fixedly is coupled to a connection element. The connection element is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point. The line extends from the grip around the first pulley, around the third pulley, and around the second pulley, wherein the selective coupling of the connection element to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point permits a user to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip to a pre-selected fraction of the weight. 
     In one embodiment, the weight is a body of the user, where resistance to the body weight of the user is selectively determined based on the selective coupling of the connection element to, only on at a time, each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point. 
     In another embodiment, the exercise device includes a harness for a body of the user, where the harness is configured to removably couple to the second block. 
     A harness of an exercise device for suspended weight training is also provided. The harness includes a user-adjustable suspension belt for securing around a waist of a body of a user that is configured to couple to a pulley system of the exercise device. A set of support straps is removably coupled to the suspension belt for distributing weight to a lower extremity of the user, wherein the support straps include both knee support straps and foot support stirrups. 
     In one embodiment, the harness includes a pair of suspension mounts disposed on opposing sides of the suspension belt, the mounts configured to couple the suspension belt to the pulley system of the exercise device. 
     In another embodiment, the foot support stirrups and the knee support straps are connected to the suspension belt with leg stirrups. The foot support stirrups are configured to support an entirety of the body of the user while the user&#39;s knee are unbent and the user is in an upright position, and the knee support straps are configured to support an entirety of the body of the user upon a bending of the user&#39;s knees while the user is in an upright position. 
     An exercise device for suspended weight training is also provided. The exercise device includes a pulley system having a first block configured to removably connect to a raised position above a floor surface. The first block has a first pulley, a second pulley, and a first attachment point. The exercise device further includes a second block having a third pulley and a second attachment point. A grip having a third attachment point is configured to be held by a user while exercising. The exercise device further includes a line having a first line end fixedly coupled to the grip and a second line end fixedly coupled to a connection element. The connection element is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point. The line extends from the grip around the first pulley, around the third pulley, and around the second pulley. A harness is removably coupled to the second block of the pulley system, wherein the harness has a user-adjustable suspension belt for securing around a waist of a body of the user. A set of support straps is removably coupled to the suspension belt for distributing weight to a lower extremity of the user, wherein the support straps include both knee support straps and foot support stirrups. The selective coupling of the connection element to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point permits the user to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip to a pre-selected fraction of the weight, and wherein the weight includes a body of the user in the harness. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when considered in light of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device for suspended weight training according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 , the exercise device being employed by a user standing substantially upright in a harness; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the exercise device shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the exercise device being employed by the user having knees bent in the harness; 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  are front elevational, side elevational, and front perspective views, respectively, of a grip of the exercise device shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C  are side elevational views of the exercise device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, each showing a selective coupling of a connection element at a different attachment point to reduce an effective amount of weight to a predetermined fraction of the weight, each of the blocks illustrated with a sidewall removed to show the underlying pulleys and the attachment points; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the exercise device according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, showing an alternate configuration of the connection element as a three-dimensional piece seated in a recess of the block, and one of the blocks depicted with a sidewall partly removed to show the underlying pulleys; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a harness for a body of a user according to one embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are front perspective and side elevational views, respectively, of a harness for a body of a user according to another embodiment of the invention incorporating a seat for the user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical, unless otherwise disclosed. 
     An exercise device  10  for suspended weight training is shown with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . An optional ceiling mount  12  is shown mounted in a ceiling  14  in combination with the exercise device  10 . It should be understood that the exercise device  10  may be utilized with or without the ceiling mount  12 , and is not limited to being mounted to the ceiling  14 . As a non-limiting example, the exercise device  10  may be mounted in a door frame using an optional door mount, or may be mounted to any vertical or horizontal surface above the floor. 
     The exercise device  10  includes two grips  16 , each individually coupled to a single harness  18  with a line  20 . While the exercise device  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  is shown having two grips  16 , each grip coupled to the harness  18  with two separate lines  20 , only one of each feature will be described herein below. It is further understood that the two separate lines  20  may, in fact, be combined into a single line  20  or can be formed from multiple lines  20 , as desired, in order to further enhance the adjustability and adaptability of the present invention. 
     The harness  18  is intended to be removably coupled to a weight. As best shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the harness  18  may be configured to fit around a waist area  30  of a user  32  of the exercise device  10 , where the body of the user  32  provides the weight. However, the harness  18  may also be configured to fit around free weights or specially designed weights. Although the harness  18  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  involves a belt and stirrup assembly, as described further herein with respect to  FIG. 7 , it should be understood that other types of the harness  18  are also contemplated. In certain embodiments, the harness  18  may include only a belt configured to couple to the exercise device  10 . Further embodiments of the harness  18  according to the present disclosure are also discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 8A-8B , for example. 
     With renewed reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the grip  16  is coupled to a first end  22  of the line  20 . It is understood that the line may be formed from any suitable material sufficient to support a weight (not shown) coupled to the harness  18 . As a non-limiting example, the line  20  may be formed from natural or synthetic rope, strap, wire, braided cable, or the like. The first end  22  of the line  20  may be removably or fixedly coupled to the grip  16 , as desired. 
     A second end  24  of the line  20  is removably coupled to one of a plurality of predetermined attachments points  48 ,  58 ,  60 , so that movement of the grip  16  will result in movement of the harness  18  (and likewise the weight coupled to the harness  18 ) as described further herein with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5C . Any suitable means for connecting the second end  24  of the line  20  with one of the attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60  may be employed. As nonlimiting examples, the second end  24  of the line  20  may have a connection element  50  including one of a hook or a clip. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable structure for connecting the second end  24  of the line  20  with one of the attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60 , as well as for the attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60  themselves, as desired. 
     The grip  16  may be formed into any form or shape configured to be held by the user while exercising, in order to allow use of the exercise device  10 . As a non-limiting example, and according to an embodiment of the invention, the grip  16  is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B  having a generally triangular shape. The grip  16  includes an inner surface  90  configured to allow a user to easily grasp the grip  16 . An outer circumference of the grip  16  includes an integrally formed groove  92  into which an excess length of the line  20  (not shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B ) may be accumulated. A flange  94  is formed adjacent one corner of the generally triangular grip  16  that includes one or more guides  96  for stabilizing and guiding the line  20  into the groove  92  to allow the excess length of the line  20  to be spooled around the outer circumference of the grip  16  and to be accumulated within the groove  92 . The one or more guides  96  may further include an aperture  98  formed in the flange through which the first end  22  of the line  20  may be threaded before or after the one or more guides  96 . The flange may optionally include a cam locking mechanism or cleats  100  configured to lock the line  20  in place and to prevent the line  20  from winding and unwinding inadvertently during exercise. The cleats  100  may be spring-loaded and biased toward each other, for example, and configured to pinch and securely hold the line  20  when a tension is placed on the line in a direction away from the grip  16 , for example, when the user pulls on the grip  16 . 
     It should be appreciated that the grip  16  is designed to allow a functional length of the line  20  to be readily adjusted by the user. An excess length of the line  20  may be stored within the groove  92 , while the one or more guides  96 , including the aperture  98 , cooperate with the line  20  ensure proper orientation of the line  20  and to further ensure that the line  20  is neatly and easily adjusted to an appropriate functional length. Once an appropriate functional length of the line  20  extends from the grip  16 , the line  20  adjacent the flange  94  is secured by the cleats  100  to prevent further winding and unwinding. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1-3 , the exercise device may include a first block  40  configured to be removably connected to a raised position above a floor surface, such as to the ceiling mount  12 . As used herein, the term “block” is defined to mean a housing or unit supporting one or more pulleys. As a non-limiting example, the first block  40  may include a connector  42  configured to allow the user to removably connect the first block  40  to a wall, a door, a door frame mount, a ceiling, or the like, using a bolt, a hook, a mount, or the like. For example, it is understood that the connector  42  may be provided as a swivel loop or the like, in order to allow the first block  40  to rotate to facilitate the proper orientation of the line  20 , and further to prevent the line  20  from tangling or to urge the line to automatically untangle. As used herein, the term “swivel loop” includes an eyelet or clip connected by a rod on bearings disposed in the block, which permits a free-spinning, 360 degree rotation of the eyelet or clip. Other suitable types of the connector  42  may also be employed within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The first block  40  includes a first pulley  44 , and optionally may include a second pulley  46 . It is understood that the first block  40  may substantially fully enclose the first pulley  44  and the second pulley  46  in certain embodiments. It is further understood that the first pulley  44  and the second pulley  46  may not be fully enclosed, and may be visible and accessible by the user, as desired. 
     As a non-limiting example, shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a slot  61  may be formed in a side wall  62  of the first block  40  to provide access to the second pulley  46 , thereby allowing a user to thread the line  20  as required through the first pulley  44  and the second pulley  46 , as further described herein below. In such examples, the sidewall  62  may also be provided to a latch or a door (not shown) to at least partially enclose the first pulley  44  and the second pulley  46  after the line  20  is arranged in the first block  40 . 
     A first attachment point  48  may be formed at any location on the body of the first block  40 . The first attachment point  48  is configured to selectively receive a connection element  50  disposed at the second end  24  of the line  20 . The connection element  50  is described in more detail herein below, with a particular embodiment further shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
     In one embodiment, the second pulley  46  is disposed on the first block  40  between the first pulley  44  and the first attachment point  48 , in order to prevent the second end  24  of the line  20  from crossing with any other portion of the line  20  when the second end  24  is connected to the first attachment point  48 . This militates against any interference, friction, wear, or tangles of the line  20 . However, it is understood that the second pulley  46  may be disposed anywhere on the first block  40  as desired, so long as the line  20  moves along a defined serpentine path, and does not spiral or have portions of the line  20  contacting other portions of the line  20 . Accordingly, the second pulley  46  may be located adjacent the first pulley  44 , or even above the first pulley  44 , so long as the line  20  defines a serpentine path. 
     The exercise device  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  includes a second block  52  configured to removably couple to the weight, for example, the body of the user via the harness  18  as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . The second block  52  may include a connector  56  configured to allow the user to removably connect the second block  52  to the weight including to the harness  18 . As non-limiting examples, the connector  56  may include a bolt, a hook, or the like. In certain embodiments the connector  56  may include a swivel loop or the like, in order to allow the second block  52  to rotate and facilitate the proper orientation of the line  20 . This further militates against the line  20  tangling, or urges the line  20  to automatically untangle. 
     The second block  52  also includes a third pulley  54  and a second attachment point  58 . The second attachment point  58  may be formed at any location on the body of the second block  52 , and is configured to selectively receive the connection element  50 , as described in more detail below, for example, as shown in  FIG. 5A-5C . 
     The line  20  extends from the first end  22  coupled to the grip  16 , around the first pulley  44 , the third pulley  54 , and the second pulley  46  to the second end  24 . The second end is removably coupled to one of the attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60 . The first pulley  44  is mounted at a raised position above the floor  34 . In combination with the length of the line  20 , the harness  18 , and the grip  16 , the first pulley  44  serves to support the weight held by the harness  18  such as, for example, the body of the user  32  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The user  32  is therefore able to perform many and varied exercises using either a separate weight or the weight of the user&#39;s body as resistance in the exercise. Additionally, because the user  32  is able to reach the floor  34 , the user  32  may selectively support some of the weight held in the harness  18 . In particular, the user  32  is able to utilize different feet planted positions as a beginner to allow for adjusted maximum load assistance during exercise. The user  32  may later elevate to unsupported mid-air positions as the user progresses to intermediate and advanced strength and stability levels. Thus, the user  32  has full control over body weight load, physical limitations and progression of strength exercised. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , when the connection element  50  couples the line  20  to the second attachment point  58 , the line  20  extends from the first end  22  of the line attached to the grip  16 , around the first pulley  44  attached to the first block  40 , around the third pulley  54  attached to the second block  52 , around the second pulley  46  attached to the first block  40 , and back to the second attachment point  58  attached to the second block  52 . Since the second block  52  is attached to the weight by the connector  56 , four line portions  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c , and  20   d  support any weight attached to the second block  52 . Accordingly, the user  32  is able to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user  32  with movement of the grip  16  to one-fourth of the actual weight attached to the second block  52 . 
     It should be appreciated that one or more blocks of pulleys may be used to further allow the user  32  to control the weight load being lifted. The ability of the user  32  to rapidly adjust an effective amount of the weight used in the exercise is further described with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C . In particular, the second end  28  of the line  20  may be selectively and removably attached to one of several predetermined attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60  to reduce the effective amount of the weight lifted by the user  32 . 
     In  FIGS. 5A-5C , depictions of the exercise device  10  according to various configurations are shown. The exercise device  10  includes the at least one grip  16  coupled to the line  20 . The grip  16  is substantially as described with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4B . However, it is understood that the grip  16  may be formed as desired into any form or shape configured to be held by the user  32  while exercising to allow use of the exercise device  10 . The grip  16  is coupled to a first end  22  of the line  20 . The first end  22  of the line  20  may be removably or fixedly coupled to the grip  16 . In particular, the grip  16  may be formed with a feature to allow an adjustment of a length of the line  20 , as, for example, a groove or a take up spool formed integrally on the grip  16 , or alternatively, the line  20  may feed through an aperture formed in the grip  16  to allow an adjustment of the length of the line  20 . 
     The exercise device  10  further includes the first block  40  configured to be removably connected to a raised position above the floor surface (not shown). As a non-limiting example, the first block  40  may include the first connector  42  configured to allow the user  32  to removably connect the first block  40  to a wall, a door, a door frame mount, a ceiling, or the like, using a bolt, a hook, a mount, or the like. The first block  40  includes the first pulley  44 , and optionally may include the second pulley  46 . 
     The first attachment point  48  may be formed at any location on the body of the first block  40 . The first attachment point  48  is configured to selectively receive the connection element  50  attached to the second end  24  of the line  20 , as described in more detail below and as shown in  FIG. 5B . For example, the first attachment point  48  may be in the form of a bar or rod disposed between a pair of sidewalls of the first block  40 , which can selectively couple with the connection element  50  in the form of a clip or hook. In other examples, the first attachment point  48  is defined by a hole formed in the first block  40 . The first attachment point  48  may be formed on the outside or the inside of the first block  40 , as desired, as long as it permits a selective attachment of the first block  40  with the connection element  50 . Other suitable structure for both the first block  40  and the connection element  50  may be selected by a skilled artisan, as desired. 
     In one embodiment, the second pulley  46  is disposed on the first block  40  between the first pulley  44  and the first attachment point  48 , in order to prevent the line  20  from crossing or interfering with any portion of the line  20 , thereby preventing any interference, friction, wear, or tangles. 
     The exercise device  10  includes the second block  52  configured to removably couple to the weight (not shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C ). As a non-limiting example, the second block  52  may include the second connector  56 , which is configured to allow the user to removably connect the second block  52  to the weight, including to the harness  18  (for example,  FIGS. 1-3 and 7-8B ), using a bolt, a hook, or the like. 
     The second block  52  includes the third pulley  54  and the second attachment point  58 . The second attachment point  58  may be formed at any location on the body of the second block  52 , and is configured to selectively receive the connection element  50 , as described in more detail below and as shown in  FIG. 5A . For example, the second attachment point  58  may be in the form of a bar or rod disposed between a pair of sidewalls of the second block  52 , which can selectively couple with the connection element  50  in the form of a clip or hook. In other examples, the second attachment point  58  is defined by a hole formed in the second block  52 . The second attachment point  58  may be formed on the outside or the inside of the second block  52 , as desired, as long as it permits a selective attachment of the second block  52  with the connection element  50 . Other suitable structure for both the second block  52  and the connection element  50  may be selected by a skilled artisan, as desired. 
     In one embodiment, the second attachment point  58  of the second block  52  is disposed between the first attachment point  48  of the first block  40  and the third pulley  54  of the second block  52 . The second connector  56  is disposed between the third pulley  54  of the second block  52  and the floor surface. This arrangement of the second block  52  prevents the line  20  from contacting any other portion of the line  20 , thereby preventing any interference, friction, wear, or tangles. 
     Optionally, the grip  16  includes the third attachment point  60  configured to selectively receive the connection element  50 , as shown in  FIG. 5C . The third attachment point  60  may be in the form of flange having a hole formed therein, for example, and configured to couple with the connection element  50  in the form of a hook or clip. Other suitable structure for the third attachment point  60  and the connection element  50  may be selected by a skilled artisan, as desired. 
     In operation, the user is allowed to selectively attach the connection element  50 , attached to the second end  24  of the line  20 , to one of the first attachment point  48 , the second attachment point  58 , and the third attachment point  60 . 
     In a first configuration shown in  FIG. 5A , where the connection element  50  couples the line  20  to the second attachment point  58 , the line  20  extends from the first end  22  of the line  20  attached to the grip  16  around the first pulley  44  attached to the first block  40 , around the third pulley  54  attached to the second block  52 , around the second pulley  46  attached to the first block  40 , and back to the second attachment point  58  attached to the second block  52 . Since the second block  52  is attached to the weight by the second connector  56 , the four line portions  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c , and  20   d  support the weight attached to the second block  52 . Accordingly, by choosing the first configuration shown in  FIG. 5A , the user is able to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip  16  to one-fourth of the actual weight attached to the second block  52 . 
     In a second configuration shown in  FIG. 5B , where the connection element  50  couples the line  20  to the first attachment point  48 , the line  20  extends from the first end  22  of the line  20  attached to the grip  16  around the first pulley  44  attached to the first block  40 , around the third pulley  54  attached to the second block  52 , around the second pulley  46  attached to the first block  40 , and to the first attachment point  48  attached to the first block  40 . Since the first block  40  is attached to a raised position above a floor surface, three line portions  20   a ,  20   b , and  20   c  support any weight attached to the second block  52 . Accordingly, by choosing the second configuration shown in  FIG. 5B , the user is able to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip  16  to one-third of the actual weight attached to the second block  52 . 
     In a third configuration shown in  FIG. 5C , where the connection element  50  couples the line  20  to the third attachment point  60  on the grip  16 , the line  20  extends from the first end  22  of the line  20  attached to the grip  16 , around the first pulley  44  attached to the first block  40 , around the third pulley  54  attached to the second block  52 , around the second pulley  46  attached to the first block  40 , and to the third attachment point  60  attached to the grip  16 . While it appears that there are four line portions supporting the weight attached to the second block  52 , there are two line sets  20   ad  and  20   bc  that share the load of any weight attached to the second block  52 . Accordingly, by choosing the third configuration shown in  FIG. 5C , the user is able to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip  16  to one-half of the actual weight attached to the second block  52 . 
     Importantly, in the various configurations shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the line portions  20   a  through  20   d  are arranged in a serpentine path and never cross or contact any other of the line portions. This militates against any interference, friction, wear, or tangles between any of the line portions  20   a  through  20   d.    
     It should be appreciated that the exercise system  10  of the present disclosure is highly adjustable, and is not necessarily limited to the configurations shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . As a non-limiting example, it is understood that the exercise system  10  may include more than three attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60 , and more than three pulleys  44 ,  46 ,  54 , in order to provide additional options for the user to selectively reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip  16 . 
     As further non-limiting examples, the grip  16  of the exercise system  10  may include an additional attachment point (not shown) to which the connection element  50  may be selectively attached, and the harness  18  attached to the weight may include additional pulleys (not shown) to improve the mechanical advantage of the user. 
     A length of the line  20  may also be adjusted by the user for use with the exercise system  10 . Adjustability of the line  20  allows the user to perform exercises of different heights and in different planes of motion. For example, the user may lengthen the line  20  to perform less inclined pushups, or greater inclined pushups to increase and/or decrease exercise difficulty. Users varying in height and size may also adjust this rope length to accommodate their particular physiques. 
     It is understood that the connection element  50  may be configured in any way to selectively attach to the various attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60 . It is further understood that the various attachment points  48 ,  58 ,  60  may be configured in any way to interact with the connection element  50 . 
     One alternative connection element  50 ′ is described with reference to  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 6 , like or related structure to that shown in  FIGS. 1-5C  is identified with the same reference number and a prime symbol (′) for purpose of clarity. The connection element  50 ′ may include a clip  90 ′ and a three dimensional element  92 ′. The second end  24 ′ of the line  20 ′ passes first through the three dimensional element  92 ′ before being fixedly attached to the clip  90 ′. It is understood that the three-dimensional element  92 ′ may have any common shape and size, and is shown in  FIG. 6  as a substantially spheroid element. It is further understood that the three-dimensional element  92 ′ may be formed as a single piece. However, the three-dimensional element  92 ′ shown in  FIG. 6  is formed as two separate half elements  94 ′ fastened together such that the line  20 ′ is sufficiently compressed between the half elements  94 ′, in order to prevent movement of the three-dimensional element  92 ′ axially along the line  20 ′ even when a force is exerted against the three-dimensional element  92 ′. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the first block  40 ′ has the first attachment point  48 ′. The first attachment point  48 ′ includes a seating surface  96 ′ that is sized to receive an outer contour  98 ′ of the three-dimensional element  92 ′. The seating surface  96 ′ may be arcuate, for example, and conform generally to the shape of the three-dimensional element  92 ′. The clip  90 ′ is configured to attach to the second attachment point  58 ′ and the third attachment point  60 ′, in a manner similar to that described above with the connection element  50  in  FIGS. 5A and 5C . However, the three-dimensional element  92 ′ accounts for the situation where the first block  40 ′ is mounted above the reach of the user  32 . To avoid requiring a ladder or stool in order to attach the clip  90 ′ to the first attachment point  48 ′, the three-dimensional element  92 ′ instead is seated in and frictionally engages the arcuate surface  96 ′ of the first attachment point  48 ′ when weight is applied to the line  20 ′ and the clip  90 ′ is not attached to any attachment point. Where the user removes the weight applied to the line  20 ′, the three-dimensional element  92 ′ simply drops into the reach of the user, so that the user may then attach the clip, as desired, to one of the other attachment points  58 ′,  60 ′. 
     It should be appreciated that, in further embodiments, the connection element  50 ′ may be comprised solely of the three dimensional element  92 ′, i.e., without the clip  90 ′. In such embodiments, the other blocks and grips may also have their own seating surfaces that permit the three dimensional element  92 ′ to seat therein for attachment purposes. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable structures and types of the connection element  50 ′, as desired. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the harness  18  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in further detail. The harness  18  is used to further enhance the adjustability and usability of the system. The harness  18  may include a suspension belt  70  configured to fit around a mid-section of the user. The suspension belt  70  includes a closure strap  72 , for example, having a buckle or hook-and-loop fastener. The closure strap  72  may be located on the front of the suspension belt  70  as shown, or may be located at any position along the suspension belt  70  to facilitate entry into and use of the harness  18  by the user. The suspension belt  70  may further include one or more leg straps  73  for securing the harness around upper leg portions of the user. 
     The harness  18  further includes one or more suspension mounts  74  for removably connecting the harness to one or more of the lines  20 ,  20 ′. In one embodiment, the suspension mounts  74  are configured to removably attach with the second block  52  via the second connector  56  on the second block  52 . In another embodiment, the suspension mounts  74  are further configured to provide the second attachment point  58  to which the connection element  50  may be removably attached to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip  16 . In yet another embodiment, the harness  18  includes two suspension mounts  74  disposed on opposite sides of the suspension belt  70  and configured to couple the suspension belt  70  to the second block  52  of the pulley system described herein above. 
     The harness  18  of  FIG. 7  may further be provided with leg stirrups  76  to provide an active weight distribution to the user. The user may thereby exert effort through the leg stirrups  76  to distribute weight attached to the harness  70 , and to reduce overall load placed on a pelvic area. 
     In one embodiment, the leg stirrups  76  are removably connected to the harness  18  via the suspension mounts  74 . For example, the leg support straps  73  may form the leg stirrups  76  and terminate in the suspension mounts  74 . The leg support straps  73  may also cooperate with the suspension belt  70  via one or more loops  82 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 7 , the suspension belt  70  does not carry any load attached to the leg stirrups  76  where the user is in an upright orientation (shown also in  FIG. 2 ). It is understood that the one or more loops  82  may be placed on either the inside or the outside of the suspension belt  70 . Additionally, it is understood that the one or more loops  82  may be placed anywhere along the belt in order to align the leg support straps  73  consonant with a given exercise. As a non-limiting example, where the user intends to perform exercise in horizontal relation to and facing the floor  34 , the leg support straps  73  may be advantageously be placed through one or more loops  82  located on the back portion of the suspension belt  70  adjacent the user&#39;s back to avoid the leg support straps  73  from interfering with the user&#39;s movements. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , the leg stirrups  76  further may be configured to provide additional support to a user&#39;s knees by including supportive knee straps  78 . The knee straps  78  may be advantageously configured to support an entirety of the body of the user upon a bending of the user&#39;s knees, thereby minimizing a pressure applied to a back of the user. Alternatively, the knee straps  78  may be configured to provide support in combination with the suspension belt  70 . Additionally, the knee straps  78  may be configured to provide support to a portion of a lower leg of the user, including to shins and ankles of the user. Optionally, the knee straps  78  may be removably coupled to the leg support straps  73 , providing the user an option to either use or not use the knee straps  78 . The knee straps  78  may be further slidably attached to the leg support straps  73  to allow a full range of adjustment of the knee straps  78  along the length of the leg support straps  73 , thereby accommodating users of different sizes and leg lengths. 
     The leg stirrups  76  may further include foot stirrups  80  to provide additional support to a user&#39;s feet. The foot stirrups  80  may be configured to support an entirety of the body of the user while the user&#39;s knee are unbent, or may be configured to provide support in combination with the suspension belt  70 . In use, the leg stirrups  76  may also be removed if a user does not desire support to the user&#39;s knees and/or feet. It is understood that the harness  18  of  FIG. 7  may be provided with other buckles, fasteners, and material extenders to ensure that the harness  18  is fully adjustable for users of many shapes and sizes. 
     Some users may find it difficult to support a weight using the harness  18 , including the leg stirrups  76 , shown in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, another embodiment of the harness  218  is shown with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In  FIGS. 8A and 8B , similar or related structure to that shown in  FIGS. 1-7  is identified with the same reference number in a 200-series for purpose of clarity. 
     The harness  218  may be provided and include the suspension belt  270  configured to fit around a mid-section of a user, and the closure strap  272  configured to secure the suspension belt  270  in place. One or more suspension mounts  274  are provided on the suspension belt  270  for removably connecting the harness  218  to one or more of the lines  20 ,  20 ′. In one embodiment, the suspension mounts  274  are configured to removably attach with the second block  52  ( FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C ) via the second connector  56  on the second block  152 . The suspension mounts  274  may further be configured to provide the second attachment point  58  to which the connection element  50  may be removably attached, in order to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip  16 . 
     The harness  218  is additionally provided with a seat  277 , which may be fixedly attached to the suspension belt  270  and configured to support the user wearing the harness  218  and to provide a passive weight distribution to the user. The seat  277  may be rigidly or hingedly attached to the suspension belt  270  at a seat support  279 . The seat support  279  may be conventionally attached to the suspension belt  270  using known fasteners, such as screws or bolts or the like. The seat support  279  may further include a plurality of holes or connection points disposed along a length of a seat mount  282 , permitting the seat mount to be attached to the suspension belt  270  at a variety of locations for accommodating various user sizes. 
     It should be understood that the exercise device  10  of the present disclosure advantageously provides an extremely high degree of adjustability, and is adaptable to nearly any physical stature, strength, or ability. Since the resistive weight is supported at a point above the floor, a new user may utilize different feet planted positions for maximum load assistance during exercise. The user may further elevate to mid-air positions as the user progresses to intermediate and advanced use, thereby increasing strength and stability levels. Additionally, by utilizing one or more blocks of pulleys in combination with a harness, a user is able to precisely control the weight load being lifted to reduce the resistance felt by the user to some fractional amount of the weight being lifted, which may also be the user&#39;s body weight. 
     Accordingly, using the present invention, a user has full control over body weight load, physical limitations and progression of strength exercised, allowing a user to perform exercise movements and to progress from a beginner to an intermediate and an advanced level, while effectively activating the majority of the major, minor, and stabilizer muscle groups in the upper body. The system provides a varied range of movements, targeting numerous large and small muscle groups, and allow those with less strength to improve their fitness level, flexibility, and endurance in a physiologically safe progression. 
     Although the harness  18 ,  218  is described in the present disclosure relative to the exercise device  10 , it should be understood that the harness  18 ,  218  may be used individually in other exercise or sports activities. For example, it is contemplated that the harness  18 ,  218  may also be used in sporting activities where contact body suspension is used, such as wake boarding as a non-limiting example. These alternative uses of the harness  18 ,  218  are also considered within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.