Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the heart rate of a user of a fitness apparatus at a scheduled target rate by varying the resistance of a first resistance mechanism with respect to a second resistance mechanism. To increase the heart rate, the resistance of the first resistance mechanism is increased to a maximum level before an adjustment is made to the second resistance mechanism. To decrease the heart rate, the resistance of the second resistance mechanism is decreased to a minimum level before an adjustment is made to the first resistance mechanism. The invention may be incorporated into a treadmill having resistance mechanisms including a mechanism to vary the speed of the treadmill belt and a mechanism to vary the grade of the treadmill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the heart rate of a user of a fitness apparatus at a scheduled target rate by varying the resistance of a first resistance mechanism with respect to a second resistance mechanism. To increase the heart rate, the resistance of the first resistance mechanism is increased to a maximum level before an adjustment is made to the second resistance mechanism. To decrease the heart rate, the resistance of the second resistance mechanism is decreased to a minimum level before an adjustment is made to the first resistance mechanism. The invention may be incorporated into a treadmill having resistance mechanisms including a mechanism to vary the speed of the treadmill belt and a mechanism to vary the grade of the treadmill.

Abstract: A stair simulator exerciser for use in maintaining personal fitness including a frame member, the frame member having a column provided at its frontal portion, the column may incline rearwardly, a pivotal assembly is mounted for approximate vertical adjustment upon the column, and a pair of pivotally disposed foot platforms connect with the assembly. When the assembly is raised upon the column, the foot platforms undertake a particular arc of movement with respect to the frame member, but that when the pivotal assembly is arranged downwardly, upon the column, the angle of the arc of shifting of the foot platforms differ from the previous setting. Structure is provided for regulating the degree of resistance to the downward movement of the foot platforms during performance of an exercising function.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill for forward and/or rearward walking. The treadmill has a frame with spaced side rails and spaced uprights extending upwardly from the front end of the side rails. Spaced front and rear rollers extend transversely between the side rails. An endless belt entrained about the rollers has an upper reach on which a user runs or walks. To maintain the belt in a predetermined path around the rollers, a guide is provided which imparts a resilient deflecting force on the lower reach to deflect the belt, adjacent its opposite marginal edge portions, prior to movement of the belt across a roller, as it moves from the lower to the upper reach of the treadmill. Where both forward and backward walking are desired endless belt guides are provided on the lower reach of the belt adjacent each roller to maintain the belt in the predetermined path, regardless of direction of movement. An adjustable elevating system includes idler pulleys mounted on uprights and a bedframe over which a cable is entrained.