Exercise methods and apparatus

摘要

An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

主权项

1. A variable motion exercise apparatus, comprising:
a) a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; b) a left crank and a right crank, wherein each said crank is mounted on a respective side of said frame and rotatable about a common crank axis; c) a left rocker link and a right rocker link, wherein each said rocker link is mounted on a respective side of said frame and rotatable about a common pivot axis; d) a left foot support member and a right foot support member, wherein a forward distal end of each said foot support member is pivotally connected to a respective rocker link and a rearward portion of each said foot support member is in rolling contact with a roller rotatably mounted on each said crank; e) a left drawbar linkage and a right drawbar linkage, wherein said drawbar linkage is movably connected between a respective rocker link and a respective crank in such a manner that a foot supporting portion of each said foot support member is constrained to move through a generally elliptical path as a respective crank rotates; f) an actuator operatively connected to each said drawbar linkage; g) sensor means for generating an output signal responsive to user applied force to each said rocker link and/or each said foot support member; and h) a control console that receives the output signal and transmits a control signal to said actuator to adjust the position of each said drawbar linkage relative to a respective rocker link to alter a respective path.