PORTABLE FUNCTIONAL TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A lightweight portable device allows a user to accomplish both the exercises of a functional cable machine and a bodyweight suspension trainer. The device can include at least one non-elastic cord or strap, each retractably attached to a reel. The reel has a locking mechanism and a variable resistance mechanism. When the locking mechanism is engaged, it keeps the strap or cord in a fixed location. This allows the user to perform bodyweight suspension training exercises. The variable resistance mechanism of the reel can increase or decrease the amount of force that is needed to be applied to move the reel, thus giving the user the ability to perform the variable resistance exercises of a functional cable machine. The resistance mechanism can be designed as compact and lightweight, thus making the device able to be portable and compact in size.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/527,256, filed Jun. 30, 2017 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/588,184, filed Nov. 17, 2017, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments of the invention relates generally to apparatus for physical training and exercise. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable functional training device that allows the user to perform exercises of both a bodyweight suspension trainer and a functional cable machine.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Functional fitness has become one of the most popular and effective means of physical activity. Functional fitness is defined as “exercises that train a user's muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, functional fitness exercises also emphasize core stability.” Two of the most effective and popular functional training apparatus used today by exercisers are suspension trainers and functional cable machines.

A variety of bodyweight suspension training devices are used as a means of physical activity or therapy. These training devices are lightweight and easily portable, allowing users to use the device both indoors and outdoors. These training devices are used to increase strength, joint and core stability, cardiovascular health and flexibility. Suspension trainers allow users to hold onto non-elastic straps or cords to perform bodyweight exercises. The user may perform a wide variety of exercises by adjusting the position of their body. The user can also alter the amount of body weight resistance by changing the angle of their body in relation to the anchor point and ground. However, these devices are limited to only utilizing bodyweight as a means of resistance, thus hindering the user's ability to maximize the gains of their strength. These devices are also required to be anchored overhead, thus limiting the number of exercises that can be performed and locations the device can be used properly. Another hindrance of traditional suspension trainers are the non-elastic straps or cords can become tangled while being packed or transported, or the strap can become jammed in the cam buckle while the length is being adjusted. When this occurs, the ability to perform exercises safely and effectively is jeopardized.

A variety of functional cable machines are used by many exercise as a way to increase their strength, core and joint stability, physical rehabilitation, and athletic performance. These devices allow users to perform resistance exercises in a three-dimensional plane. The user holds onto a cable that is attached to weights to perform exercises of pushing, pulling, lifting or isometrically holding the desired weight. These pieces of equipment are typically heavy, take up a great deal of space and are expensive, thus making them non-portable and non-accessible to many users.

Thus, there is a need for a single device that can provide the exercise maneuvers of bodyweight suspension trainers and variable resistance training off a functional cable machine. Additionally, such a device needs to be lightweight, portable and easily mounted both indoors and outdoors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an exercise device comprising a reel; a housing encasing the reel; a strap or cord wrapped around the reel and extending from the housing; a locking mechanism engageable to lock a fixed length of cord extending from the housing; a retraction mechanism retracting the strap or cord into the housing when the locking mechanism is disengaged; and a variable resistance selector operable to adjust an amount of force necessary to extend a portion of the strap or cord from the housing.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide an exercise device comprising a reel; a housing encasing the reel; an anchor point for attaching the housing to a fixed structure; a non-elastic strap or cord wrapped around the reel and extending from the housing; a locking mechanism engageable to lock a fixed length of cord extending from the housing; an attachment point disposed at a distal end of the strap or cord; a retraction mechanism retracting the strap or cord into the housing when the locking mechanism is disengaged; and a variable resistance selector operable to adjust an amount of force necessary to extend a portion of the strap or cord from the housing.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of exercising comprising mounting an exercise device to a fixed structure, the exercise device including a reel, a housing encasing the reel, a strap or cord wrapped around the reel and extending from the housing, a locking mechanism engageable to lock a fixed length of cord extending from the housing, a retraction mechanism retracting the strap or cord into the housing when the locking mechanism is disengaged, and a variable resistance selector operable to adjust an amount of force necessary to extend a portion of the strap or cord from the housing; extending a desired length of the strap or cord from the reel; engaging the locking mechanism to fix the desired length and prevent the desired length from retracting into the housing; and performing a bodyweight suspension exercise.

The method can further include disengaging the locking mechanism to cause the strap or cord to retract into the housing; setting the variable resistance selector to a desired resistance for extending the strap or cord from the reel; and performing a functional cable machine exercise by pulling the strap or cord from the housing against the desired resistance.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a portable functional training device with its non-elastic strap or cord in a retracted position;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the portable functional training device of FIG. 1A with its non-elastic strap or cord in an extended locked position;

FIG. 2 is a front view of two of the portable functional training devices of FIG. 1B attached to a door with its non-elastic strap or cord in an extended locked position;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side views of a user performing a variable resistance exercise of a standing row with the portable functional training device attached to a vertical post and the non-elastic strap or cord in an unlocked position with a variable resistance mechanism engaged;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of a user performing a bodyweight suspension row while the non-elastic strap or cord of the portable functional training device is in a locked position and is attached to a door;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembled portable functional training device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the portable functional training device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an internal view of the portable functional training device of FIG. 5, illustrating the system in a locked, bodyweight suspension, configuration;

FIG. 8 is an internal view of the portable functional training device of FIG. 5, illustrating the system operable as a functional cable machine at a first resistance setting;

FIG. 9 is an internal view of the portable functional training device of FIG. 5, illustrating the system operable as a functional cable machine at a second resistance setting;

FIG. 10 is an internal view of the portable functional training device of FIG. 5, illustrating the system operable as a functional cable machine at a third resistance setting;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are internal views, taken from opposite sides, of a portable functional training device having two spools operable together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an internal view of a portable functional training device having two independent spools according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is an internal view of a portable functional training device having two independent spools where each spool shares at least one of the springs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal configuration of a commercial implementation of any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a lightweight portable device that allows a user to accomplish both the exercises of a functional cable machine and a bodyweight suspension trainer. The device can be easily attached to various structures, both indoors and outdoors. The device can include a non-elastic cord or strap retractably attached to a reel. The reel has a locking mechanism and a variable resistance mechanism. When the locking mechanism is engaged, it keeps the strap or cord in a fixed location. This allows the user to perform bodyweight suspension training exercises. When the locking mechanism is not engaged, it allows the user to move the cord or strap freely from the reel. When the device is not in use, the straps or cords can be retracted inside the housing of the reel, making the device compact, easy to be packed or stored, and quick to set up. The variable resistance mechanism of the reel has the ability to increase or decrease the amount of force that is needed to be applied to move the reel, thus giving the user the ability to perform the variable resistance exercises of a functional cable machine. The resistance mechanism can be designed to be compact and lightweight, thus making the device able to be portable and compact in size.

An attachment point can be provided at the end of the non-elastic strap or cord to provide the ability to attach different types of grips, handles or other types of exercise attachments. This allows for many different variations to be performed by applying different attachments to the end of the non-elastic cord or strap.

The portable functional training device of the present invention can be attached easily both indoors and outdoors. The device can be attached to any sturdy structure, such as a door, a tree a frame, or the like. The height of the attachment point of the device can be as low as the floor and as high as the length of the non-elastic cord or strap, for example, thus giving the user a variety of exercises and attachment options, unlike traditional bodyweight suspension trainers that have to be attached overhead to properly and effectively be performed.

As used herein, the term “spool” and “reel” may be interchangeable and refer to any device about which a strap or cord may wind.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, embodiments of the present invention provide a lightweight portable exercise device 100, also simply referred to as device 100, or exercise device 100, which offers a user with a means of achieving both bodyweight suspension training and variable resistance exercises of a functional cable machine. At least one strap or cord 80, typically a non-elastic strap or cord, extends from a housing 10 of the device 100. Within the housing 10, the strap or cord 80 may extend about a retractable reel, as discussed in greater detail below. A stopper 48 may be disposed near the end of the strap or cord 80 to prevent the strap or cord 80 from retracting completely within the housing 10. An attachment point 60 may be disposed at the end of the strap or cord 80. The attachment point 60 may take various forms, such as a loop, a carabiner, a snap link or the like. An exercise attachment 90 may be removably attached to the attachment point 60. The exercise attachment 90 may be a grip, a handle, a foot anchor or the like.

A locking mechanism 20, 30, as discussed in greater detail below, can be accessible from the exterior of the housing 10. The locking mechanism 20, 30 may be engaged to lock the strap or cord 80 as a desired length, as shown in FIG. 1B, and prevents the retractable reel from retracting the strap or cord 80 automatically into the housing 10, thus allowing the user to perform bodyweight suspension training exercises. When the locking mechanism 20, 30 is not engaged, the strap or cord 80 may be automatically retracted into the housing to obtain the compact configuration as shown in FIG. 1A.

A variable resistance selector 40, which can include one or a combination of springs, gears, or the like, as discussed in greater detail below, can be disposed on an exterior of the housing 10. A user can adjust the variable resistance selector 40 to control how difficult it is to move the strap or cord 80 from the housing 10, allowing the user to perform resistance training exercises of a functional cable machine. The variable resistance selector 40 can be a knob, lever, button, or the like.

An anchor point 70 may be disposed on the housing 10. The anchor point 70 can take various forms, provided that the anchor point 70 can allow the device 100 to attach to various structures, including, for example, a door, a horizontal or vertical post, a frame, a tree, or the like. The anchor point 70 may be a belt, a strap, a ratcheting strap, or the like.

The device 100 can be made from various materials, provided there are generally lightweight and durable. For example, the housing 10 and internal components, as described in greater detail below, can be made of a combination of material, including plastic, metal, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, multiple devices 100 may be used, depending on the desired exercise. In FIG. 2, two devices 100 are attached to a frame 102 of a door 104. While FIG. 2 shows each device 100 attached to a single connector 106, in some embodiments, the devices 100 may attach individually at different locations.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the locking mechanism 20, 30 is disengaged and the variable resistance selector 40 is desirably set, a user 130 may attach the anchor point 70 to a post 132 as shown. Of course, the post 132 may be any fixed structure. The user 130 may grip the exercise attachment 90 and pull against the resistance provided by the variable resistance selector 40 to cause the strap or cord 80 to extend from the housing 10 as shown in FIG. 3B. FIGS. 3A and 3B show just one example of a possible resistance training exercise of a functional cable machine that can be performed with the device 100 of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the locking mechanism 20, 30 is engaged and the strap or cord 80 is at a desired length, a user 140 may attach the device 100 to a frame 142 of a door, for example. Of course, the device 100 may be attached to any fixed structure. The user 140 may grip the exercise attachment 90 and pull their body up as shown in FIG. 4B. FIGS. 4A and 4B show just one example of a possible bodyweight suspension training exercise that can be performed with the device 100 of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 10, one example of an internal configuration of a portable exercise device 50 is shown. The device 50 can include an adjuster 52 that can be moved via an external dial 54. The dial 54 may include a means for gripping to provide the user a manner for turning the dial. In some embodiments, the dial 54 can include a surface for providing advertisement, branding, or the like.

The device 50 can include a fixed spring 56 that is attached to the spool 62, providing a first level of resistance to movement of the spool 62. A spool lock 68 can be used to lock (FIG. 6) or unlock (FIG. 7) the spool 62 to convert the device 50 from a functional cable machine to a bodyweight suspension trainer.

As the dial 54 is turned, the first configuration may be to unlock the spool 62 by having the adjuster 52 contact the spool lock 68. This would permit the device 50 to function as a functional cable machine at a first level of resistance. Turning the dial 54 further causes the adjuster 52 to contact a first spring lock 64 on a first spring 58, increasing the functional cable machine to a second level of resistance. Turning the dial 54 further causes the adjuster 52 to contact the second spring lock 66 of a second spring 60, increasing the functional cable machine to a third level of resistance.

In some embodiments, the resistance of each spring may be equal, such as five pounds, where the three settings would result in 5, 10 or 15 pounds of resistance. In some embodiments, the resistance of each spring may be different. In some embodiments, the adjuster 52 may be designed with three lock release areas, a first lock release area 70 that contacts the spool lock 68, a second lock release area 72 that contacts the first spring lock 64 and a third lock release area 74 that contacts the second spring lock 66.

In some embodiments, the lock release areas may be designed to result in a four-position weight selection. For example, if the fixed spring 56 is set to five pounds, the first spring 58 set to 5 pounds and the second spring 60 set to ten pounds, a first setting may not release the spring locks on any spring (FIG. 8), only the spool lock 68 of the spool 62. Thus, the resistance on the spool 62 is only that of the fixed spring 56, or 5 pounds. A second setting may release the spring lock on both the spool 62 and the first spring 58 (as in FIG. 9), thus resulting in a 10-pound resistance force. A third setting may release the spring lock on both the spool 62 and the second spring 60, maintaining the lock on the first spring 58, thus resulting in a 15-pound resistance force. In this embodiment, the second release area 72 for the first spring lock may include a notch for permitting the first spring lock 64 to move into the locked position (as shown in FIG. 7). Finally, a third setting may release the spring locks on the spool 62, the first spring 58 and the second spring 60, thus resulting in a 20-pound resistance force.

Of course, additional springs may be added to provide additional resistance settings. Typically, three springs, as shown herewith, provides sufficient settings while maintaining the device as small and lightweight as possible.

In some embodiments, a user may use two different devices 50 to perform certain exercises. By using two different devices 50, the user can independently adjust each device to supply a fixed length of the strap or cord or to provide a desired resistance to retraction. In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 11A through 13, two spools 62A, 62B may be disposed within the housing 10 (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, two spools 62A, 62B may share the springs are described above with respect to FIGS. 5 through 10. In this embodiment, the fixed spring 56, the first spring 58, the second spring 60, the first spring lock 64, the second spring lock 66 and the spool lock 68 may operate similarly to that described above with respect to device 50. Two straps or cords 80A, 80B may extend from the spools 62A, 62B through stoppers 48A, 48B. In this embodiment, both the straps or cords 80A, 80B are locked or unlocked at the same time. Also, both the straps or cords 80A, 80B, when in functional cable machine mode, the resistance on each strap or cord 80A, 80B would be the same.

Referring to FIG. 12, two spools 62A, 62B may each have their own complete set of springs, including two fixed springs 56A, 56B, two first springs 58A, 58B, two second springs 60A, 60B. Each of the springs may include their own locks, including two first spring locks 64A, 64B, two second spring locks 66A, 66B. Each spool 62A, 62B may also have their own spool locks 68A, 68B and their own fixed springs 56A, 56B. In this embodiment, each of the straps or cords 80A, 80B may be individually locked and/or individually adjusted for resistance with the two dials 54A, 54B and the two adjusters 52A, 52B.

Referring to FIG. 13, two spools 62A, 62B may share one or more springs while having one or more of their own distinct springs as well. While FIG. 13 shows one example of how this may be performed, variations on this specifically shown embodiment are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, a shared spring 130 and a shared spring lock 132 is disposed between the two spools 62A, 62B, while each spool has their own first spring 58A, 58B with first spring locks 64A, 64B. As in each of FIGS. 11A through 13, each of the straps or cords 80A, 80B may have their own stopper 48A, 48B.

In some embodiments, biometric feedback may be provided to the user in various manners. A sensor, for example, may be disposed in the hand grip for detecting a user's pulse. In some embodiments, in functional cable machine mode, the force and amount of pull may be detected to provide an amount of work performed (such as in units of calories burned) to the user. Other biometric feedback mechanisms may be utilized with the device of the present invention as may be known in the art.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

at least one spool;

a housing encasing the spool;

at least one strap or cord wrapped around each of the at least one reel and extending from the housing;

a locking mechanism engageable to lock a fixed length of cord extending from the housing;

a retraction mechanism retracting the at least one strap or cord into the housing when the locking mechanism is disengaged; and

at least one variable resistance selector operable to adjust an amount of force necessary to extend a portion of the at least one strap or cord from the housing.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an anchor point for attaching the housing to a fixed structure.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an attachment point disposed at a distal end of the strap or cord.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one strap or cord is non-elastic.

5. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising an exercise attachment connected to the attachment point.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least one stopper disposed at an end portion of each of the at least one strap or cord, the at least one stopper preventing the at least one strap or cord from being retracted into the housing.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the retraction mechanism includes at least one fixed spring providing a first level of resistance to pulling the at least one strap or cord from the at least one reel.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, further comprising at least one first spring providing a second level of resistance to pulling the at least one strap or cord form the at least one reel when at least one first spring lock is disengaged therefrom.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, further comprising at least one second spring providing a third level of resistance to pulling the at least one strap or cord form the at least one reel when at least one second spring lock is disengaged therefrom.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least one reel is two reels.

11. An exercise device comprising:

at least one reel;

a housing encasing the at least one reel;

an anchor point for attaching the housing to a fixed structure;

a non-elastic strap or cord wrapped around each of the at least one reel and extending from the housing;

at least one locking mechanism engageable to lock a fixed length of the non-elastic strap or cord extending from the housing;

an attachment point disposed at a distal end of the strap or cord;

at least one retraction mechanism retracting the strap or cord into the housing when the locking mechanism is disengaged; and

at least one variable resistance selector operable to adjust an amount of force necessary to extend a portion of the strap or cord from the housing.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, further comprising an exercise attachment connected to the attachment point.

13. The exercise device of claim 11, further comprising a stopper disposed at an end portion of the strap or cord, the stopper preventing the strap or cord from being retracted into the housing.

14. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the retraction mechanism includes at least one fixed spring providing a first level of resistance to pulling the strap or cord from the at least one reel.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, further comprising at least one first spring providing a second level of resistance to pulling the strap or cord form the at least one reel when at least one first spring lock is disengaged therefrom.

16. The exercise device of claim 15, further comprising at least one second spring providing a third level of resistance to pulling the strap or cord form the at least one reel when at least one second spring lock is disengaged therefrom.

17. A method of exercising comprising:

mounting an exercise device to a fixed structure, the exercise device including at least one reel, a housing encasing the at least one reel, a strap or cord wrapped around each of the at least one reel and extending from the housing, at least one locking mechanism engageable to lock a fixed length of the strap or cord extending from the housing, at least one retraction mechanism retracting the strap or cord into the housing when the at least one locking mechanism is disengaged, and at least one variable resistance selector operable to adjust an amount of force necessary to extend a portion of the strap or cord from the housing;

extending a desired length of the strap or cord from each of the at least one reel;

engaging the locking mechanism to fix the desired length and prevent the desired length from retracting into the housing; and

performing a bodyweight suspension exercise.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

disengaging the at least one locking mechanism to cause the strap or cord to retract into the housing;

setting the at least one variable resistance selector to a desired resistance for extending the strap or cord from each of the at least one reel; and

performing a functional cable machine exercise by pulling the strap or cord from the housing against the desired resistance.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the strap or cord is non-elastic.