Multiple-person walking simulator

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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, and, in particular, to a walking simulator.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many people strive to maintain, or even increase, their fitness level by regularly exercising. Regular exercise can improve fitness in a variety of ways, including improving cardiovascular health, strength, and balance and flexibility. Some people buy gym memberships so they can exercise at a gym. Many gyms contain exercise equipment with smooth motions and consistent resistances that can be used to improve fitness in various muscle groups. However, a gym membership can be expensive, and gyms can be crowded during popular workout times, making workouts slow and time-consuming. Blaring music, pushy trainers, and supplement salespeople can also be annoying to some users. Additionally, competitive and intense users can be intimidating to beginners and casual users. Gyms may be inconveniently located, may have inadequate parki...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an indoor/outdoor, multiple-person walking simulator that one or more users can simultaneously use in order to exercise. In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple-person walking simulator includes a support frame, a handlebar, and two exercise stations. Each exercise station includes a pair of swing arms. Eac

Problems solved by technology

However, a gym membership can be expensive, and gyms can be crowded during popular workout times, making workouts slow and time-consuming.

Blaring music, pushy trainers, and supplement salespeople can also be annoying to some users.

Additionally, competitive and intense users can be intimidating to beginners and casual users.

Gyms may be inconveniently located, may have inadequate parking, or may maintain hours of operation that conflict with a busy work, or school, schedule.

However, low-cost, small-scale home exercise equipment can be difficult and uncomfortable to use and often does not provide a user with the same level of smooth motions and consistent resistances that a user may find with larger-scale commercial exercise equipment found in gyms.

Additionally, low-cost, small-scale home exercise equipment may not efficiently exercise various muscle groups, and may fail to exercise certain muscle groups altogether.

However, sometimes long-distance and / or high-speed running and walking is difficult or impossible, due to a geographical hindrance, or some other locational problem.

Additionally, running and walking may be too stressful or jarring for some people to adequately accomplish fitness goals without unduly enduring pain and risking injury.

However, due to price and electronic-supply constraints, many treadmills and low-impact running or walking exercise equipment are confined to high-priced gyms.

Images