Stationary exercise apparatus having a preferred foot platform path

摘要

A stationary exercising apparatus which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact on critical joints through the generation of a predetermined elliptical path movement while maintaining foot platforms substantially parallel with the floor. A base structure supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. A linkage assembly is included which operates in conjunction with the reciprocation of one end of the reciprocating members to maintain the foot platforms substantially parallel with a reference plane while revolving the foot platforms in a substantially elliptical path. The apparatus may include additional linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arms along a predetermined arc.