Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use in fitness exercising and rehabilitation having a treadmill with a rearward end, a frame connected to the treadmill and positioned behind the rearward end of the treadmill, and a resistance apparatus affixed to the frame and having an end connectable to a human body. The resistance apparatus exerts a resistance force onto the human body from a back of the human body so that the human body carries out a forward motion on the treadmill. The frame includes a horizontal section connected to the treadmill and a vertical section extending upwardly from the horizontal section. The resistance apparatus is connected to the vertical section. The resistance apparatus includes a cord extending from the frame and having a mechanism attached to an end thereof so as to allow the cord to be connected to a human body.

Abstract: A treadmill with a trampoline-like surface provides a peripheral support which tensions the belt in both longitudinal and lateral directions using pairs of angularly oriented springs each pair extending from a roller bracket at an angle, of, e.g., forty-five degrees (45.degree.) to the lateral edge of the mat, connecting thereto at spaced apart positions. The spring support tensions the belt with both longitudinal and lateral (or transverse) load components.