Exercise systems and methods

An exercise system, comprising:

• a user engagement assembly having a central elongate element, a first compressible pad, a second compressible pad, a first end cap, a second end cap, and a sleeve mechanism;
• an anchor assembly;
• and
• a strap assembly having a first end portion engaged with the sleeve mechanism and a second end portion engaged with the anchor assembly,
• wherein the central elongate element comprises a first portion and a second portion,
• wherein the first end cap is engaged with a first end of the central elongate element and the second end cap is engaged with a second end of the central elongate element,
• wherein the sleeve mechanism comprises (i) a first end portion having a first lateral rib, a first medial rib, and a first groove between the first lateral rib and the first medial rib, (ii) a second end portion having a second lateral rib, a second medial rib, and a second groove between the second lateral rib and the second medial rib, (iii) a central column disposed between the first medial rib and the second medial rib, (iv) a strap band extending between the first medial rib and the second medial rib, (v) a first guide disposed between the strap band and the central column and medial to the first medial rib, and (vi) a second guide disposed between the strap band and the central column and medial to the second medial rib,
• wherein the strap band, the central column, the first guide, and the second guide in combination define a slit that receives a strap of the strap assembly therethrough,
• wherein the first guide prevents the strap from contacting the first medial rib and the second guide prevents the strap from contacting the second medial rib,
• wherein the first compressible pad is engaged with the first portion of the central elongate element and the second compressible pad is engaged with the second portion of the central elongate element,
• wherein a medial end portion of the first compressible pad comprises an annular recess having a diameter that is equal to a diameter of the first lateral rib of the sleeve mechanism, and
• wherein a medial end portion of the second compressible pad comprises an annular recess having a diameter that is equal to a diameter of the second lateral rib of the sleeve mechanism.