Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multiple-person elliptical trainer for improving cardiovascular fitness. In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple-person elliptical trainer includes two training stations mounted to a support frame. Each training station includes a pair of roughly parallel tracks, each track pivotally attached to a swing arm at a front end and a crank arm at a rear end. The crank arms, in turn, are interconnected via a rotatable axle attached to the support frame. Each track further includes a foot pedal and each swing arm includes a swing-arm handle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a user can place a foot on each of the foot pedals, grasp the swing-arm handles, and rotate the crank arms by rhythmically pushing and pulling the swing-arm handles while using the foot pedals to simulate a walking or running gait.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multiple-piece exercise apparatus for improving fitness. The multiple-piece exercise apparatus comprises a number of pieces of exercise equipment incorporated into a single apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple-piece exercise apparatus includes a support frame with a first exercise seat, a second exercise seat, and six pieces of exercise equipment mounted to the support frame. A support-frame-mounted hamstring press and shoulder press are each positioned for use by a user sitting on the first exercise seat. A support-frame-mounted knee extension and chest press are each positioned for use by a user sitting on the second exercise seat. Additionally, a support-frame-mounted shoulder wheel and standing rotator are each positioned for use by users not sitting in either of the exercising seats.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to walking simulators. In one embodiment of the present invention, the walking simulator includes a support frame, a handlebar, and a pair of swing arms. Each swing arm is pivotally-mounted to the support frame and includes a foot pedal proximal to the distal end of the swing arm. A user can place one foot on each foot pedal and grasp the handlebar. The user can alternately swing one swing arm in front of the other to simulate a walking motion through muscle contractions in the hip muscles and various other muscle groups.