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.