Abstract: An elliptic motion exercise machine includes a frame, on which a reciprocating motion mechanism, a circular motion mechanism and two linking members are provided. Two parallelogram linkage mechanisms are movably mounted on the frame and connected to the linking members. Two foot panels are fixed on the parallelogram linkage mechanisms respectively. The parallelogram linkage mechanisms keep the foot panels in fixed slops in the entire motion, such that when an user stands feet on the foot panels and exerts the foot panels, toes of user's feet moves in a speed that is substantially identical to that of use's heels.

Abstract: A foldable elliptical fitness machine comprises a first frame, a second frame supported by the first frame, and an enabling assembly for enabling the second frame to rotate with respect to the first frame, the first frame securely supported on a floor and the second frame installed an elliptical structure, and the second frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame by a pivoting device, such that the second frame can be rotated with respect to the first frame, wherein the elliptical structure comprises a rotating member having two eccentric pivotal points, and two pedal arms. A central penetrating axle of the rotating member is pivotally coupled onto the second frame, and each eccentric pivotal point is pivotally coupled to the first end of the pedal arm, and each pedal arm includes a footrest for a user to step. If the first end of the pedal arm rotates with the crank, the footrest will move in an elliptic path.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of left and right crank members to elliptical movement of left and right foot supporting members. Rollers on the cranks allow the foot supporting members to translate relative to the cranks, and crank driven linkage arrangements determine the extent of the translation.

Abstract: 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 a range of motion greater in length than the distance between the points of connection to the crank.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame having a seat and handlebars, a high-inertia flywheel having a hub at a center of rotation, the flywheel being rotatably supported on the frame at the hub, and a drive train including a drive sprocket, a crank arm attached to and extending from the drive sprocket, and a pedal attached to the crank arm, the drive train being rotatably supported by the frame. The drive train also includes a slave sprocket fixed to the flywheel at the hub, with the drive and slave sprockets connected in a direct-drive relationship, the drive train driveable in a forward and rearward directions to cause the flywheel to rotate. A clutch mechanism is positioned in engagement with the slave sprocket and the hub to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold.

Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes two pedals each have a tube connected to an end thereof at an angle and the two respective tubes are rotatably mounted to two inclined tubes on a front post of the exerciser. The two pedals are respectively connected to two cylinders. The two pedals are pivoted about the two inclined bars alternatively and the pedals are moved downward and outward to act as a twist action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stepper, which includes a base frame, two pedal frames bilaterally pivotally supported on the base frame, a friction wheel supported on the middle of the rear side of the base frame, two links bilaterally coupled between the pedal frames and the friction wheel for enabling the friction wheel to be alternatively turned forwards and backwards when the pedal frames are alternatively moved up and down by the user, and an adjustment rod rotatably mounted in the base frame to impart a friction resistance to the friction wheel.

Abstract: A foot pedal mechanism for an elliptical exerciser comprising a frame. A pair of foot pedals are adapted to each support thereon a foot of the user standing on the elliptical exerciser. A crank for each the foot pedal is operatively connected to a respective one of the foot pedals such that a rotation of each of the crank about an axis of rotation thereof causes a first motion restriction of the respective one of the foot pedals. First linkages interconnect the cranks to the frame such that at least the axis of rotation of each of the crank is displaceable with respect to the frame to cause a second motion restriction of the respective one of the foot pedals. A combination of the first and second motion restrictions results in the foot pedals being restricted to an elliptical path of motion. The cranks are interconnected to synchronize a displacement of the foot pedals with respect to one another along the elliptical path of motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a treadmill having a frameless treadbase. The treadmill is lightweight and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment features an arched deck. The arched deck has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is has an upward incline or convex arch. The arched deck provides intrinsic cushion and incline. The arched deck maintains a convex arch independent of any structure in the treadmill. Additionally, the arched deck is connected to a front support and a rear support, the front support being independent from the rear support.

Abstract: A pivotal add-on apparatus holds down the pedals of any suitable stepper-exercise-machine so that the stepper can be mounted easily. Before the user dismounts the stepper the user takes the handle of the apparatus in his hand and swings an engagement member down to hold the pedals of the stepper down near their lowest position. The pedals stay in this low position until the user mounts the stepper again. One end of the handle of the apparatus is hung on a peg, and the peg is connected to the stepper in a convenient location with a peg fastener. The other end of the handle is connected to a flexible member that is connected to the engagement member. The engagement member is connected to a post that is connected to a pivot. The pivot is connected to the stepper with a pivot attachment.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine and methods for using the machine where the horizontal length of the stride of the ellipse can be adjusted by the user without the user having to alter the vertical dimension of the ellipse by an equivalent amount.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic seat exercise apparatus and method that provide a lightweight personal exerciser designed for a person to use to improve physical status, and for the exercise, alignment, and stress reduction of a person's trunk, spine, abdomen, pelvis, and thighs. It encourages and enhances low back mobility in contrast to the static nature of regular sitting. It consists of a lightweight contoured seating surface supported by at least one arcuate hemispherical base that allows unrestricted motion in all directions, including twisting, tilting, and rocking. It can be placed on many seating surfaces including but not limited to sofas, dining chairs, school desk chairs, office chairs, factory benches, and motor vehicle seats. Its use facilitates low back muscular stabilization, conditioning, strengthening, coordination, and enhancement of proprioceptive senses.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus includes two cranks disposed rotatably on a frame and rotatable about a common crank axis, two rails each disposed fixedly on the frame and having a non-circular guide slot, two extension links connected respectively, radially, and slidably to the cranks and mounted with rollers disposed respectively and movably within the guide slots, two connector members disposed on the frame and reciprocatable along a longitudinal direction of the frame, and two foot links each having a first end connected pivotally to the corresponding extension link and a second end connected pivotally to the corresponding connector member. When the rollers move along the rails, the extension links are extendable and retractable relative to the cranks, respectively.

Abstract: A lateral motion exercising apparatus provides a pair of vertically oriented axles engaged with a frame. A pair of support struts are rotationally engaged with the axles. A rigid link is pivotally joined at its terminal ends with the support struts in a manner for maintaining the support struts in parallel alignment as they rotate about the axles. A pair of platform struts is engaged pivotally at proximal ends of the support struts, the pivots enabling each of the platform struts to rotate vertically about its distal end. The proximal ends of the platform struts are constrained to move in opposing vertical motions in coordination with rotations of the support struts to produce a skating-like motion to a user standing on the platform struts.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a rigid connector link having a first portion rotatably connected to a respective crank, a second portion constrained to move in reciprocating fashion, and a third portion connected to a foot support. The resulting assembly links rotation of the crank to movement of the foot support through a generally elliptical path. The connection points may be moved relative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of the path.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise device comprising (i) a frame, (ii) first and second foot supports operably associated with the frame for traveling along a closed loop path relative to a transverse axis defined by the frame, (iii) a means effective for sensing the speed of travel of the foot supports along the closed loop path, and (iv) a means for automatically adjusting the stride length and/or stride height of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports based upon the sensed speed of travel of the foot supports.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, devices, etc. for simulating obesity and enhancing caloric expenditure in daily activities are provided. One embodiment is a device for wearing over a body joint to simulate obesity and enhance caloric expenditure in daily activities. One such device comprises a distally/proximally-weighted sleeve joint.

Abstract: A forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a driven yoke, a driven wheel and an adjustable tensioner. The base frame is attached to a stationary object, such as a wall. The handle rod extends from the driver wheel and the handle rod is pivotally retained by the base frame. One end of the driven yoke is pivotally retained by the base frame and the driven wheel is pivotally retained by the other end thereof. The driven wheel is forced against the driver wheel with the adjustable tensioner. A second embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a tension belt and an adjustable tensioner. A third embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic flow valve and a pair of extension shafts.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped tilt provider is attached in contact with the bottom surface of a seat and the upper surface of a seat connection member of a rocking mechanism to set the seat to an initial inclined position relative to a reference position. By setting the seat to a forwardly inclined position from a horizontal position where the seated surface of the seat is set horizontal, the user straddling the seat can increase the amount of muscle activity of his or her rectus muscle of abdomen, or abdominal muscle. Further, by setting the seat to a rearwardly inclined position, the user straddling the seat can increase the amount of muscle activity of his or her back muscle such as paraspinal muscle.

Abstract: Various linkage arrangements link rotation of left and right cranks to movement of left and right foot supports through generally elliptical paths. The linkage arrangements may also link rotation of the cranks to reciprocal movement of left and right handles. Also, connection points defined by the linkage arrangements may be moved relative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of the elliptical paths.