Cross training exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device includes a frame, first and second foot links, first and second foot supports, a coupling system and a guide system. Each foot link has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second foot supports are carried by the first and second foot links, respectively. The coupling system is associated with the first portion of each foot link for coupling the first portion to the frame so that the first portion of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the frame. The guide system supports the second portions along a preselected reciprocating path of travel as the first portions of the respective foot links travel along their paths of travel. The guide system is selectably positionable at an angle from horizontal within the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The benefits of regular aerobic exercise have been well established and accepted. However, due to time constraints, inclement weather, and other reasons, many people are prevented from aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, running, and swimming. As a result, a variety of exercise equipment has been developed for aerobic activity. It is generally desirable to exercise a large number of different muscles over a significantly large range of motion so as to provide for balanced physical development, to maximize muscle length and flexibility, and to achieve optimum levels of aerobic exercise. It is further advantageous for exercise equipment to provide smooth and natural motion, thus avoiding significant jarring and strain that can damage both muscles and joints. [0003] While various exercise systems are known in the prior art, these systems suffer from a variety o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides for smooth natural action, exercises a relatively large number of muscles through a large range of motion. An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a smooth ...

Problems solved by technology

However, due to time constraints, inclement weather, and other reasons, many people are prevented from aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, running, and swimming.

While various exercise systems are known in the prior art, these systems suffer from a variety of shortcomings that limit their benefits and / or include unnecessary risks and undesirable features.

For example, stationary bicycles are a popular exercise system in the prior art; however, these machines employ a sitting position that utilizes only a relatively small number of muscles, through a fairly limited range of motion.

While cross-country skiing devices exercise more muscles than stationary bicycles, the substantially flat shuffling foot motion provided by the ski devices limits the range of motion of some of the muscles being exercised.

A drawback of the treadmill, however, is that significant jarring of the hip, knee, ankle, and other joints of the body may occur through use of this device.

These devices exercise more muscles than stationary bicycles; however, the rather limited range of up-and-down motion utilized does not exercise the user's leg muscles through a large range of motion.

The substantially vertical reciprocating motion of such stair climbing exercise machines results in substantial impact load on the hip, knee and ankle.

Further, the up and down reciprocating motion can induce a hyperextension of the knee.

A further limitation of a majority of exercise systems in the prior art lies in the limits in the types of motions that they can produce.

However, these devices that create an elliptical motion are limited to analogizing to running, jogging, and walking motions.

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