Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a rigid frame with a set of two parallel, arcuate rails, a wheeled carriage riding on the rails, a set of two articulated footpads mounted side-by-side on the wheeled carriage, and two sets of powerbands arranged parallel with a lengthwise centerline of the apparatus, spaced apart by at least one-half of the width of the apparatus, the powerbands exerting force on the wheeled carriage to center the carriage on the arcuate rails.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of two parallel, arcuate rails, a wheeled carriage riding on the rails, a set of two articulated footpads mounted side-by-side on the wheeled carriage; and two sets of powerbands arranged parallel with a lengthwise centerline of the apparatus, spaced apart by at least one-half of the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of two parallel, arcuate rails, a wheeled carriage riding on the rails, a set of two articulated footpads mounted side-by-side on the wheeled carriage; and two sets of powerbands arranged parallel with a lengthwise centerline of the apparatus, spaced apart by at least one-half of the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of two parallel, arcuate rails, a wheeled carriage riding on the rails, a set of two articulated footpads mounted side-by-side on the wheeled carriage; and two sets of powerbands arranged parallel with a lengthwise centerline of the apparatus, spaced apart by at least one-half of the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for using a ski exercise machine involves steps for putting on a pair of ski boots, stepping onto a pair of foot pads on the ski exercise machine one at a time, the foot pads implemented on a carriage rolling on arcuate rails, engaging a rearward portion of the sole of each ski boot in each foot pad beneath a heel retainer plate as a part of each foot pad, such that the heel portion of the ski boot is constrained vertically, placing the toe of each ski boot behind an adjustable toe stop on each foot pad such that the ski boot is constrained from moving forward in the foot pad, but the toe is not constrained vertically, and grasping a hand rail as part of the ski exercising apparatus and urging the carriage side to side on the arcuate rails, simulating skiing activity.

Abstract: A method for using a ski exercise machine involves steps for putting on a pair of ski boots, stepping onto a pair of foot pads on the ski exercise machine one at a time, the foot pads implemented on a carriage rolling on arcuate rails, engaging a rearward portion of the sole of each ski boot in each foot pad beneath a heel retainer plate as a part of each foot pad, such that the heel portion of the ski boot is constrained vertically, placing the toe of each ski boot behind an adjustable toe stop on each foot pad such that the ski boot is constrained from moving forward in the foot pad, but the toe is not constrained vertically, and grasping a hand rail as part of the ski exercising apparatus and urging the carriage side to side on the arcuate rails, simulating skiing activity.

Abstract: A foot pad for a ski exercise apparatus has a heel retainer plate across a width of the foot pad proximate one end of a length of the foot pad, the heel retainer plate spaced above a floor level of the foot pad, and a toe stop spanning the width of the foot pad and adjustable along a portion of the length of the foot pad at a forward end of the foot pad opposite the heel retainer plate. A skier, wearing a ski boot, is enabled to step into the foot pad, engage a portion of the sole at the heel of the ski boot under the heel retainer plate, constraining the heel of the ski boot vertically, and to lower a toe of the ski boot to lie behind the toe stop, constraining the toe portion horizontally not vertically. The foot pad is provided with ski exercising apparatus.

Abstract: A foot pad for a ski exercise apparatus has a heel retainer plate across a width of the foot pad proximate one end of a length of the foot pad, the heel retainer plate spaced above a floor level of the foot pad, and a toe stop spanning the width of the foot pad and adjustable along a portion of the length of the foot pad at a forward end of the foot pad opposite the heel retainer plate. A skier, wearing a ski boot, is enabled to step into the foot pad, engage a portion of the sole at the heel of the ski boot under the heel retainer plate, constraining the heel of the ski boot vertically, and to lower a toe of the ski boot to lie behind the toe stop, constraining the toe portion horizontally not vertically. The foot pad is provided with ski exercising apparatus.

Abstract: A control system for an exercise apparatus has an input mechanism for setting a goal for exercise in measurable units, a display for displaying the goal in the measurable units, and an initiation mechanism. Upon setting the goal, the goal in measurable units is displayed in the display, upon activating the initiation mechanism the display begins to decrement in the measurable units, and upon reaching zero, the original goal is displayed and then increments in the measurable units.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of at least two parallel, partially arcuate rails joined to an underlying frame structure at opposite ends, the rails providing a track rising from each end, a wheeled carriage riding on the track, such that the carriage, in side-to-side movement rises to a maximum height at the center of the track, and descends from the center to each side, at least one articulated footpad mounted to the wheeled carriage, and at least one power band providing constraint for the wheeled carriage as it rides on the track. A variety of improvements in such an exercising apparatus are taught and claimed.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of at least two parallel, partially arcuate rails joined to an underlying frame structure at opposite ends, the rails providing a track rising from each end, a wheeled carriage riding on the track, such that the carriage, in side-to-side movement rises to a maximum height at the center of the track, and descends from the center to each side, at least one articulated footpad mounted to the wheeled carriage, and at least one power band providing constraint for the wheeled carriage as it rides on the track. A variety of improvements in such an exercising apparatus are taught and claimed.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of at least two parallel, partially arcuate rails joined to an underlying frame structure at opposite ends, the rails providing a track rising from each end, a wheeled carriage riding on the track, such that the carriage, in side-to-side movement rises to a maximum height at the center of the track, and descends from the center to each side, at least one articulated footpad mounted to the wheeled carriage, and at least one power band providing constraint for the wheeled carriage as it rides on the track. A variety of improvements in such an exercising apparatus are taught and claimed.

Abstract: A ski exercising machine has a set of at least two parallel rails joined to cross members at the ends, the cross members providing support on a horizontal support surface, and joined to a central frame structure extending from the horizontal surface near the center to the rails, the rails extending from each cross member at each end upward at an acute angle with the horizontal rising to a maximum height in the center. A wheeled carriage rides on the rails, and there is at least one articulated footpad mounted to the wheeled carriage. A first power band having two ends, anchored at both ends by a clamp to a bottom surface of the frame structure beneath the wheeled carriage, passes over first rollers fixed to the cross members, and is anchored to the wheeled carriage, such that the power band is extended and exerts a restraining force toward the center of the machine as the wheeled carriage translates on the rails to either side of center.

Abstract: A ski exercise device is provided having at least two parallel rails held in a fixed relationship by brace elements at the ends. A carriage is provided for riding along the rails, and a first resilient element provides a restoring force on the carriage directed toward the center of the rails. Platforms for a user's feet are pivotally attached to the carriage off-center from the centerline of the platforms so that the natural action by a user in shifting weight from one platform to the other platform in operation causes the respective platforms to pivot in the correct direction to simulate the action of parallel skiing. The first resilient element is fastened to the carriage at about a mid-point. One end of the first resilient element in the preferred embodiment passes around a roller attached to one of the end brace elements, extends back toward the middle of the rails, and is clamped at a clamp assembly attached to an additional brace element between the rails.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a carriage restrained by resilient elements to restore the carriage toward a middle position when displaced by a user simulating parallel skiing, and a single foot platform arranged on the carriage as a swing, so the force applied by a user causes the foot surface of the platform to swing to a position with the surface at substantially a right angle with the direction of the force.

Abstract: A ski exercise device is provided having at least two parallel rails held in a fixed relationship by brace elements at the ends. A carriage is provided for riding along the rails, and a first resilient element provides a restoring force on the carriage directed toward the center of the rails. Platforms for a user's feet are pivotally attached to the carriage off-center from the centerline of the platforms so that the natural action by a user in shifting weight from one platform to the other platform in operation causes the respective platforms to pivot in the correct direction to simulate the action of parallel skiing. The first resilient element is fastened to the carriage at about a mid-point. One end of the first resilient element in the preferred embodiment passes around a roller attached to one of the end brace elements, extends back toward the middle of the rails, and is clamped at a clamp assembly attached to an additional brace element between the rails.

Abstract: A device for exercising is provided having a pair of rails that are held in a spaced apart parallel relationship by a brace element. A platform is provided for riding on the rails and a first resilient element provides a first restoring force on the platform which is directed toward the middle of the rails. A second resilient means provides a second restoring force on the platform which is directed toward the middle of the rails. An adjustment element is then used to adjust the magnitude of the second restoring force, the adjustment element contacting the second resilient element at at least three points, with a first one of the three points located in a vertical plane on one side of the middle of the rails, with a second one of the three points located in a vertical plane on the other side of the middle of the rails, and with a third one of the three points associated with the platform and moving therewith.