Abstract: A stepper/climber machine includes a frame supported on a base with the frame being comprised of first and second hollow columns connected to a hollow cross-beam. Within the first and second hollow columns, there are first and second rigid struts, respectively. Each of the rigid struts has a foot pedal and handgrip fixed thereto. The rigid struts are connected by a cable which is trained through the hollow cross-beam so that as one strut moves upwardly, the other strut moves downwardly, thereby raising one handgrip and pedal while allowing the other handgrip and pedal to lower. The first and second struts are connected to one another through a hydraulic circuit which includes a branched portion with legs having opposed one-way check valves in series with solenoid valves. A selector determines the lengths of the strokes by opening and closing the solenoid valves alternately so that fluid can only flow in one direction through the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A stair step exerciser is mounted on a frame having horizontal and vertical components. A carriage comprised of a pair of side plates is pivoted to one end of a horizontal component and is retained at the other end in one of a series of vertical stops to selectively determine the angle of the carriage with respect to the frame. The carriage has pulleys at both ends which support the belts on which treads are pivoted at one end. The other end of the treads rest on one rail of a four bar linkage, which linkage expands as the carriage angle is decreased and collapses as the carriage angle is increased so as to always maintain the treads horizontal. A pair of hand cables are provided which move at substantially the same speed as the treads. The hand cables are mounted so as to be closer to the treads as the angle of the carriage increases and so as to move away from the treads as the angle of the carriage decreases.