Abstract: A climbing machine with two slide bases provides for a user to operate in a standing posture. The climbing machine with two slide bases includes a seat, a primary bracket, a first slide rail, a first slide base, a second slide rail, a second slide base, a transmission unit, a first handle, a first pedal, a second handle, a second pedal, and a resistance unit. By the climbing machine with two slide bases, one can simulate the training of synchronous coordination of the movements of hands and feet in rock climbing and mountaineering. In addition, the size of the climbing machine can be reduced considerably to save the space of use.

Abstract: A safety signal is sent to a relay coupled to a plurality of power leads of a motor wherein a default state of the relay is to short the plurality of power leads together and wherein the safety signal maintains the relay in an open state. The safety signal to the relay is deasserted in response to a determination that an unsafe condition has occurred.

Abstract: An elliptical exerciser capable of adjusting a stride length contains: frame, a transmission device, a crank mechanism, and an adjustable movement unit. The transmission device is connected on the pedestal and includes a pulley. The crank mechanism is coaxial with the pulley of the transmission device and is rotatably connected on the frame. The adjustable movement unit is rotatably connected on the frame and is coupled with the transmission device via the crank mechanism. The adjustable movement unit includes two four-connection-rod assemblies which are located on two sides of the frame, and a respective four-connection-rod assembly of the adjustable movement unit has an adjustment lever, a post, a manual swing lever, and a horizontal joining rod. The adjustment lever has multiple rotatable connection points which are spaced, and the manual swing lever is rotatably connected on the frame.

Abstract: A safety signal is sent to a relay coupled to a plurality of power leads of a motor wherein a default state of the relay is to short the plurality of power leads together and wherein the safety signal maintains the relay in an open state. The safety signal to the relay is deasserted in response to a determination that an unsafe condition has occurred.

Abstract: An exercise machine creates a simulated continuous resisted climbing motion. The machine includes a floor- or ground-contacting base frame and two or more substantially vertically oriented uprights, wherein at least one upright is rigidly connected to the base frame. The machine further includes two handles and two foot pedals, each handle and each foot pedal being movably engaged with an upright for linear reciprocating motion along the upright. The handles and foot pedals are interconnected so that they move concurrently. An adjustable resistance mechanism may be operatively connected to the interconnection of the handles and foot pedals to provide adjustable resistance for the simulated continuous climbing motion.

Abstract: Climber exercise machine comprises a frame connected to a base through a base connection, the frame pivotable about the base connection. A right handle and a left handle are connected to respective right and left sides of the frame, the right handle moving within a first range of motion, the left handle moving within a second range of motion. A right pedal and a left pedal are connected to the respective right and left sides of the frame, the right pedal moving within a third range of motion, the left pedal moving within a forth range of motion. The right handle, the left handle, the right pedal, and the left pedal movable generally in the same plane. An angle between the frame and a plane parallel to an underside of the base is adjustable while the climber exercise machine is mounted by a user.

Abstract: A stair exerciser apparatus for simulating stair climbing includes a frame, a lower shaft and an upper shaft mounted rotatably on the frame, a conveyor operatively engaged with the upper shaft and the lower shaft, a plurality of steps, a flywheel and a one-way clutch mechanism. The plurality of steps are joined to the conveyor for movement with the conveyor. The flywheel is operatively engaged with the conveyor. The one-way clutch mechanism is operatively engaged with the conveyor and the flywheel. The one-way clutch mechanism is configured to selectively couple the conveyor with the flywheel such that motion of the plurality of steps in a first step direction drives rotation of the flywheel when the one-way clutch mechanism is engaged, and the one-way clutch mechanism decouples the conveyor from the flywheel when the one-way clutch mechanism is disengaged.

Abstract: A safety signal is sent to a relay coupled to a plurality of power leads of a motor wherein a default state of the relay is to short the plurality of power leads together and wherein the safety signal maintains the relay in an open state. The safety signal to the relay is deasserted in response to a determination that an unsafe condition has occurred.

Abstract: A climbing machine includes two sets of two inclined parallel rails disposed on a base and frame assembly; two pedals slidably disposed on the sets of the rails respectively; a transmitting device including an axle disposed under front portions of the sets of the rails and oriented in a direction perpendicular to a virtual plane defined by the sets of the rails, a first sprocket disposed around the axle, a second sprocket disposed adjacent to a center of a bottom of a rear end of the base and frame assembly, and a disc shaped damping member with the first sprocket mounted in its center; and a belt meshing with the first and second sprockets, the belt 28 being parallel to the sets of the rails. The pedals are secured to the belt and disposed at two sides of the first and second sprockets respectively.

Abstract: A climbing machine includes a base; two sets of two inclined parallel rails wherein each rail has one end secured to a joining portion of a handlebar and the base and the other end rested on the ground; two pedals slidably mounted on the rails respectively; two spaced first wheels mounted forwardly of the rails; a magnetic resistance controlling device configured to add difficulty to motion and including a conductive disc, a curved groove member releasably secured to an edge of the conductive disc, magnetic elements disposed on two inner walls of the curved groove member, an axle disposed in the base, and at least one roller rotatably mounted on the axle; and at least one first rope each extending from the first wheel to wind around the roller prior to attaching to the pedal. In response to rotating the roller, the conductive disc rotates.

Abstract: A stair exerciser apparatus for simulating stair climbing includes a frame, a lower shaft and an upper shaft mounted rotatably on the frame, a conveyor operatively engaged with the upper shaft and the lower shaft, a plurality of steps, a flywheel and a one-way clutch mechanism. The plurality of steps are joined to the conveyor for movement with the conveyor. The flywheel is operatively engaged with the conveyor. The one-way clutch mechanism is operatively engaged with the conveyor and the flywheel. The one-way clutch mechanism is configured to selectively couple the conveyor with the flywheel such that motion of the plurality of steps in a first step direction drives rotation of the flywheel when the one-way clutch mechanism is engaged, and the one-way clutch mechanism decouples the conveyor from the flywheel when the one-way clutch mechanism is disengaged.

Abstract: An exercise device. The exercise device includes a housing having a pair of sidewalls, wherein a rear end of the pair of sidewalls has a greater height than a front end thereof, such that the housing includes an angled upper side. A belt is disposed within the housing and is connected to a motor such that the belt can rotate within the housing. A plurality of steps are affixed to the belt such that the plurality of steps extend through the angled upper side of the housing to create a staircase effect. A pair of rails extend from an upper end of each of the pair of sidewalls to form handrails for gripping purposes. An arm is pivotably connected to one of the rails such that the arm is dampened by pneumatic pressure about the pivot point.

Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly and corresponding exercise apparatus suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right cranks are rotatably mounted on a frame. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and the left and right cranks in such a manner that may provide variable paths of motion controlled by a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved exercise device includes pedals configured to move in counter-rotating circles in a plane inclined toward the horizontal from the vertical at an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. The device includes a supporting frame, a pedal mounting assembly attached to the supporting frame at an angle from the vertical, two pedal supports attached to the pedal mounting assembly, each via a pedal crank assembly, at an angle to the vertical, and two pedals, one pedal supported by each pedal support.

Abstract: A system including a set of at least three horizontal tread surfaces, and a drive system for displacing the tread surfaces vertically to form a set of stairs with a range of different rise heights. One end of a ramp is hingedly connected to the last tread surface so as to define a walking surface having a variable angle of inclination varying as a function of a vertical position of the last tread surface. The tread surfaces can assume a fully-lowered state in which the set of tread surfaces are juxtaposed as a continuous flat surface, and in which a support configuration supports the second end of the ramp so that, in the fully-lowered state, the walking surface of the ramp is horizontal, so that the tread surfaces and the walking surface together forming a continuous horizontal walkway.

Abstract: An incline angle adjustable stair climbing machine includes a base frame, a tilting seat pivotally mounted at the base frame, a tilting seat adjuster for adjusting an incline angle of the tilting seat relative to the base frame, a staircase mounted at the tilting seat and including a plurality of tread boards biasable relative to the tilting seat, and a tread board adjuster mounted at the tilting seat for adjusting a biasing angle of the tilting seat to maintain the plurality of tread boards constantly horizontal for enabling a user to conduct stair-climbing exercises at different climb gradients while maintaining good posture.

Abstract: A computer-aided physiotherapeutic stair & gait system has a set of at least three horizontal tread surfaces and an associated drive system for adjusting a rise height between adjacent of the tread surfaces to form a set of stairs with uniform pitch for a range of different rise heights. A sensor set measures parameters related to physiotherapy performed using the set of stairs and provides an output to a computer system. The sensors include one or more of: a rise height sensor for sensing the pitch of the stairs, a heart rate sensor, a handrail grip position sensor, and load cells for analyzing the distribution of the weight of a patient during use of the system.

Abstract: A stair climber apparatus has a frame and a plurality of stairs that are pivotably connected together in series and travel in a loop with respect to the frame. The plurality of stairs comprises a first stair having a tread and a riser. The tread and riser are pivotably connected together at a first pivot axis. The tread has a tread surface that supports an operator's foot. A stopping member is on the tread. The stopping member has a stop surface that extends transversely to and upwardly from the tread surface and prevents the operator's foot from overshooting the first pivot axis and engaging the riser as the operator steps onto the tread surface when the riser is pivoted away from the tread.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.

Abstract: A stationary exercise apparatus includes a frame, a driving wheel assembly, two treading units, and a flywheel assembly. The flywheel assembly has a driven wheel. The driven wheel and the driving wheel assembly are positioned coaxially and pivotally. The treading units are arranged in a four-link manner and can actuate the driving wheel assembly. The driving wheel assembly drives the driven wheel to rotate at an inertial operating speed higher than the rotation speed of the driving wheel assembly. After being actuated, the stationary exercise apparatus operates continuously because of inertial rotation of the driven wheel. During their operation, pedals of the treading units keep lying on the same horizontal plane to thereby enable the user to tread smoothly and lower the prevalence of sports injuries.

Abstract: A lower body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having two posts on two sides thereof. Two swing units are respectively connected to the two posts and an arm of each swing unit is connected with a cam of a transmission unit corresponding thereto. The cam is connected with a piston rod of a resistance unit corresponding thereto and the piston rod is connected with a piston located in a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of each of the cylinders and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with the space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control the fluid in the cylinders to adjust the resistance force when the user swings the pedals and the arms, so that the user's bones and muscles of the lower body are exercised properly.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an exercise step that utilize spirally shaped air-cushioning legs. The direction of the spiral of the air-cushioning legs is alternated around the periphery of the exercise step to eliminate rotational creep. Flow regulators are utilized to control the flow of air from the top of each of the air-cushioning legs into an interior portion of the base of the exercise step. Spokes provide an air flow passage between the air flow regulators and the central air regulator, as well as providing structural support for the base. Rings are also used around the base that inner connect the spokes and provide additional support. Recessed portions of a lower plate of the base are welded to an upper plate during a blow molding process to add additional support to the base of the exercise step.

Abstract: A lower body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having two posts on two sides thereof. Two swing units are respectively connected to the two posts and an arm of each swing unit is connected with a cam of a transmission unit corresponding thereto. The cam is connected with a piston rod of a resistance unit corresponding thereto and the piston rod is connected with a piston located in a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of each of the cylinders and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with the space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control the fluid in the cylinders to adjust the resistance force when the user swings the pedals and the arms, so that the user's bones and muscles of the lower body are exercised properly.

Abstract: A portable recumbent stepper device may comprise a frame which may have a main body in the form of a beam extending fore-to-aft. The frame may also include a front leg and a rear base both for providing vertical and lateral support. The device may include an upward frame element fixedly joined to the fore end of the main body. A pair of foot pedals may be hingedly joined to the upward frame element. A pair of upwardly extending handles may be hingedly joined to the upward frame element and to the foot pedals so that they move in unison with the foot pedals, and the handles may be swept rearward to accommodate a seated user. A pair of resistance elements may be joined to the frame at one end and to one of the pair of foot pedals at another end.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an exercise step that utilize spirally shaped air-cushioning legs. The direction of the spiral of the air-cushioning legs is alternated around the periphery of the exercise step to eliminate rotational creep. Flow regulators are utilized to control the flow of air from the top of each of the air-cushioning legs into an interior portion of the base of the exercise step. Spokes provide an air flow passage between the air flow regulators and the central air regulator, as well as providing structural support for the base. Rings are also used around the base that inner connect the spokes and provide additional support. Recessed portions of a lower plate of the base are welded to an upper plate during a blow molding process to add additional support to the base of the exercise step.

Abstract: An exercise stepper with a fluid resistance system guides stepper treadles angularly downward and outward from the center of the stepper. According to an embodiment bellows that support treadles angle downward and outward.

Abstract: An exercise device may comprise at least one joint. The at least one joint may comprise at least one first surface positioned adjacent to at least one second surface, the at least one second surface movable relative to the at least one first surface at at least one interface. A damping grease having a dynamic viscosity greater than about 100 Pascal seconds at standard temperature and pressure may be positioned at the at least one interface between the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface of the at least one joint.

Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second coupling systems at each comprise a flexible element. In one implementation, the exercise device further comprises a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible element of the first and second coupling systems couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.

Abstract: An exerciser, preferably in the form of a stepper with a fluid resistance system guides stepper treadles angularly downward and outward from the center of the stepper. According to an embodiment bellows that support treadles angle downward and outward.

Abstract: An exercise platform system and apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of angled step surfaces. In one aspect, the exercise platform can include an exercise platform base adapted to interface with a supporting surface and an exercise platform upper surface coupled to the exercise platform base that includes a first step having a first step surface, a second step having a second step surface, and a center landing area located between the first step and the second step, the center landing area being substantially parallel to the exercise platform base, wherein the first step surface and the second step surface are angled toward the center landing area by an angle between 5 and 30 degrees, inclusive. Further, the first step surface and the second step surface can be angled by a second angle between 5 and 30 degrees toward a transverse axis laterally bisecting the exercise platform base.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising: a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing upright on the foot support, the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth between a rearward position and a forward position along any one of a plurality of separate, reproducible user selectable segments of an overall arcuate path; the foot support being supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage that is pivotally mounted on the frame for back and forth movement.

Abstract: An exercise stepper with a fluid resistance system guides stepper treadles angularly downward and outward from the center of the stepper. According to an embodiment bellows that support treadles angle downward and outward.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a flexible support element and a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible support element couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.

Abstract: A pneumatic exercise foot pad device includes two primary tubes and a secondary tube disposed between left and right foot pads having air chambers. The primary tubes intercommunicate fluidly the foot pads in proximity to front and rear ends of the foot pads. The secondary tube intercommunicates fluidly central portions of the foot pads. A shell is disposed between the left and right foot pads to cover the primary and secondary tubes. Two adjustment screw rods extend respectively through screw holes formed in the shell to press or unpress the primary tubes so that the primary tubes block or unblock an air flow between the foot pads.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows.

Abstract: A dual-mode exercise machine includes a base, a swivel, two pedals, two impedance elements, a linkage and a pin. The swivel is pivotally connected to the base. The pedals are pivotally connected to the swivel. Each impedance element connects a related pedal to the swivel. The linkage includes a middle lever pivotally connected to the base and two lateral levers each for connecting a related pedal to the middle lever so that the pedals can be pivoted up and down alternately. The pin can be inserted in an aperture of the swivel and an aperture of the base to prevent the pivotal of the swivel but allow the pivotal of the middle lever. Alternatively, the pin can be inserted in an aperture of the middle lever and another aperture of the base to prevent the pivotal of the middle lever but allow the pivotal of the swivel.

Abstract: An exercise platform system and apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of angled step surfaces. In one aspect, the exercise platform can include an exercise platform base adapted to interface with a supporting surface and an exercise platform upper surface coupled to the exercise platform base that includes a first step having a first step surface, a second step having a second step surface, and a center landing area located between the first step and the second step, the center landing area being substantially parallel to the exercise platform base, wherein the first step surface and the second step surface are angled toward the center landing area by an angle between 5 and 30 degrees, inclusive. Further, the first step surface and the second step surface can be angled by a second angle between 5 and 30 degrees toward a transverse axis laterally bisecting the exercise platform base.

Abstract: An air spring is used as a resistance device in exercise equipment having a lever arm for exercising arms and legs. In one embodiment, the equipment can be adapted to be used as a stair stepper. In another, it can be adapted to be used on a table surface for exercising hands, wrists and forearms. In still another embodiment, it can incorporate a bike pedal assembly to simultaneously aerobically exercise the legs and arms. The equipment includes resistance level regulating components and a visual indicator using a gauge or similar device to monitor resistance levels.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation between start and end positions. The user support frame supports spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames and has at least one handle gripped by the user in performing exercises, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage. The user engagement device is at least partially non-rigid to allow a user to define the path of the handle and thus the type of back exercise performed.

Abstract: A transmission structure of a waist twirling exercise machine for body-building and a method thereof includes left and right stepping rods which are obliquely or horizontally connected to a machine base, left and right stepping platforms having left and right shafts inserting through lubricating members provided in through holes of the left and right stepping rods, left and right transmission members having first ends connected to the left and right shafts and second ends provided with eccentric blocks, left and right connecting rods having first ends connected to the eccentric blocks of the left and right transmission members and second ends pivotally connected to either of the machine base and pneumatic cylinders. When the left and right stepping platforms are treaded in turn, the left and right connecting rods subject to their lengths will drive the left and right stepping platforms to turn left and right in turn synchronously, enhancing a waist twirling effect.

Abstract: A multi-function exercise equipment is revealed. The exercise equipment includes a base and two track grooves connected by left and right links, lower links and cylinders. A pedal is mounted in each track groove and at least one locating hole is arranged at the track groove. The pedal is disposed with a locking rod that is matched to the locating hole. Moreover, at least one stop hole is set on the left link while a latch is disposed on the right link and is mounted in the stop hole. After the locking rod mounted into the locating hole and the latch mounted into the stop hole, the pedals are moved up and down synchronously. After the locking rod and the latch being released, the track grooves are parallel to a horizontal plane or inclined. The pedals slide back automatically so that users can push feet out and return.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows.

Abstract: An exercise device provides first and second foot-support surfaces which are each displaced by an actuator system along an arbitrary path defined in at least two dimensions over a range of at least 25 centimeters by 15 centimeters. A control system is configured to control the actuator system so as to generate an exercise path for each of the first and second foot-support surfaces. The exercise movement may be active or passive, and may be varied dynamically during an uninterrupted exercise session.

Abstract: An exercise device upon which a user generally standing upright supported by foot platforms suspended from a frame via linkages in which the linkage lengths and pivot points correspond generally to the users upper and lower legs and hip and knee joints. This device not only allows natural free and spontaneous leg movement, able to simulate such exercises as walking, jogging, running, stepping, skiing or gliding, bicycling, climbing, reverse action and various isolated leg exercises, where the exercises can be performed at random generally without the need to reconfigure the device. This device preferably includes an isolation system capable of simulating natural forces throughout the entire range of movement in the horizontal and/or vertical plane. A safety/suspension system can be provided, alone or in combination with the isolation system, to resist sudden foot movement in the same direction, yet allows a slow and controlled tilting of the linkages whereby the user may simulate uphill and downhill travel.

Abstract: An isometric exercise system according to the present invention facilitates user interaction with a host computer system and includes at least one effector, at least one sensor coupled to the effector, a platform to accommodate the user and control circuitry including a processor. The platform accommodates a user and includes the effector attached thereto. The sensor measures at least one force applied by a user to the effector, where the applied force effects a strain on or deflects the effector. The processor receives and processes data corresponding to applied force information measured by the sensor for transference to the host computer system in a compatible format and facilitates user interaction with the host computer system via effector manipulation by the user. The host computer system processes the information to update or respond to events within an executing software application (e.g., a game).

Abstract: A variable resistance device is adapted to be incorporated in an exercise machine to provide variable resistance. The device has a primary fluid chamber. A rotating mechanism rotates within the primary chamber. The rotation mechanism upon rotation encounters a degree of resistance dependent on the amount of fluid in the primary chamber. A secondary chamber is positioned within or proximate the primary chamber. The secondary chamber achieves and maintains an appropriate amount of the fluid in the primary chamber to provide a selected degree of resistance for the exercise machine. Fluid flows through the primary chamber into the secondary chamber and then back into the primary chamber. Variable control of the flow of fluid serves to establish and maintain the appropriate amount of fluid in the primary chamber required for a certain degree of resistance; and can provide differing degrees of resistance for the exercise machine.

Abstract: An air spring is used as a resistance device in exercise equipment having a lever arm for exercising arms and legs. In one embodiment, the equipment can be adapted to be used as a stair stepper. In another, it can be adapted to be used on a table surface for exercising hands, wrists and forearms. In still another embodiment, it can incorporate a bike pedal assembly to simultaneously aerobically exercise the legs and arms. The equipment includes resistance level regulating components and a visual indicator using a gauge or similar device to monitor resistance levels.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a housing, a pair of pivoting foot treadles and a pair of reciprocating bellows that support the foot treadles. A sealed air system including a conduit interconnects the bellows and is operable for reciprocating transfer of air from bellow to bellow. Each of the foot treadles is pivotably movable between upper and lower positions, and has a resting position between the upper and lower positions. The resting position of the foot treadles defines a resting position of the bellows while the upper and lower positions of the foot treadles respectively define elongated and compressed positions of the bellows. In use, the elongated and compressed positions of the bellows are each no more than 5 degrees off the center resting position thereby reducing stress on the bellows.