Decoupled arm supports in an elliptical machine

An exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to a frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths. A pedal resistance mechanism is integrated into the exercise machine and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths. A first arm support and a second arm support are movably attached to the frame where the first arm support and the second arm support are mechanically independent of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal. Further, a dampening assembly is arranged to resist movement of the first arm support and the second arm support.

BACKGROUND

Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves one's cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and providing other benefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise generally involves low intensity physical exertion over a long duration of time. Typically, the human body can adequately supply enough oxygen to meet the body's demands at the intensity levels involved with aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include running, jogging, swimming, and cycling among other types of aerobic exercise. In contrast, anaerobic exercise typically involves high intensity exercises over a short duration of time. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include strength training and short distance running

Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in a gym or their home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise machine to have an aerobic workout indoors. One such type of aerobic exercise machine is an elliptical exercise machine, which often includes foot supports that move in reciprocating directions when moved by the feet of a user. Often, the foot supports will be mechanically linked to arm levers that can be held by the user during the workout. The arm levers and foot supports move together and collectively provide resistance against the user's motion during the user's workout. Other popular exercise machines that allow a user to perform aerobic exercises indoors include treadmills, rowing machines, stepper machines, and stationary bikes to name a few.

One type of elliptical exercise machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,061 issued to Kenneth W. Sterns, et al. This reference describes an exercise apparatus with a frame, left and right leg members pivotally mounted on the frame, and left and right handlebars pivotally mounted on the frame. Various arrangements are provided to facilitate switching, during leg exercise motion, between a first mode of operation involving commensurate arm exercise motion and leg exercise motion, and a second mode of operation involving leg exercise motion without commensurate arm exercise motion. Other types of elliptical exercise machines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,356 issued to Charles Smith and U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,395 also issued to Kenneth W. Sterns, et al. Each of these references are herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to a frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a pedal resistance mechanism integrated into the exercise machine and arranged to resist the travel along the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first arm support and a second arm support movably attached to the frame where the first arm support and the second arm support are mechanically independent of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a dampening assembly arranged to resist movement of the first arm support and the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may comprise a pad positioned to slow a movement of the first arm support and/or the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may comprise a gas spring with a first end connected to the frame and a second end connected to either of the first support arm or the second support arm.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may comprise a first dampening unit proximate the first arm support and a second dampening unit proximate the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may include an adjustable arm resistance mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the adjustable arm resistance mechanism may be arranged to change a resistance level in response to user input from an input mechanism incorporated into a control module of the exercise machine.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may be an elliptical exercise machine.

In one aspect of the invention, the pedal resistance mechanism may be a magnetic resistance mechanism that comprises at least one flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal may be connected to the second foot pedal through a crank assembly.

In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly may comprises a first shaft connected to the first foot pedal and a first flywheel and a second shaft connected to the second foot pedal and a second flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal may be slideably connected to a first track and arranged to move along a first length of the first track and the second foot pedal is slideably connected to a second track and arranged to move along a second length of the second track.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first sliding resistance mechanism incorporated into the first track and a second sliding resistance mechanism incorporated into the second track.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may restrict a range of movement of the first arm support and the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to a frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a pedal resistance mechanism integrated into the exercise machine and arranged to resist the travel along the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal may be connected to the second foot pedal through a crank assembly.

In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly may comprise a first shaft connected to the first foot pedal and a first flywheel and a second shaft connected to the second foot pedal and a second flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first arm support and a second arm support movably attached to the frame where the first arm support and the second arm support are mechanically independent of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a dampening assembly arranged to resist a movement of the first arm support and the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may comprise a first dampening unit approximate the first arm support and a second dampening unit proximate the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may comprise a pad positioned to slow a movement of either the first arm support or the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may comprise a gas spring with a first end connected to the frame and a second end connected to either of the first support arm or the second support arm.

In one aspect of the invention, the dampening assembly may include an adjustable arm resistance mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal may be slideably connected to a first track and arranged to move along a first length of the first track and the second foot pedal is slideably connected to a second track and arranged to move along a second length of the second track.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first sliding resistance mechanism incorporated into the first track and a second sliding resistance mechanism incorporated into the second track.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to a frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a pedal resistance mechanism integrated into the exercise machine and arranged to resist the travel along the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal may be connected to the second foot pedal through a crank assembly.

In one aspect of the invention, the crank assembly may comprise a first shaft connected to the first foot pedal and a first flywheel and a second shaft connected to the second foot pedal and a second flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal may be slideably connected to a first track and arranged to move along a first length of the first track and the second foot pedal is slideably connected to a second track and arranged to move along a second length of the second track.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine includes a first sliding resistance mechanism incorporated into the first track and a second sliding resistance mechanism incorporated into the second track.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a first arm support and a second arm support movably attached to the frame where the first arm support and the second arm support are mechanically independent of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include a dampening assembly arranged to resist movement of the first arm support and the second arm support.

In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may further include that the dampening assembly comprises a first dampening unit approximate the first arm support and a second dampening unit proximate the second arm support.

Any of the aspects of the invention detailed above may be combined with any other aspect of the invention detailed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exercise machine, such as an elliptical exercise machine, includes foot pedals that are mechanically linked together. Such foot pedals are often mechanically linked to arm supports that move with the foot pedals of the elliptical exercise machine. Thus, when any of either the foot pedals or either of the arm supports move, each of the foot pedals and each of the arm supports will also move. As a result, when a user moves any of these components, each of the components will move together.

However, linking the arm supports to the foot pedals involves engineering the arm stride to coordinate with the leg stride. Such coordination imposes limitations on the elliptical exercise machine's construction. Further, some elliptical exercise machines have the ability to do certain types of exercises that do not involve the user's arms. For example, some elliptical exercise machines have a stepper mode where the elliptical exercise machine can be used just as a stepper machine. In such examples, as the user performs a stepper workout, the arm supports move back and forth even though the user is not moving them with his or her arms. Also, as just mentioned, the movement of the user's legs causes arm supports to move, which effectively reduces the amount of energy that a user may exert to move the arm supports during a workout. Likewise, the arm movements of the user also contribute to moving the foot pedals, which can result in a lower amount of effort exerted by the user to move the foot supports.

The principles described in the present disclosure include an elliptical exercise machine where the arm supports are decoupled from the foot pedals. As a result, the effort exerted by the user to move the foot pedals does not cause the arm supports to move. Likewise, the effort exerted by the user to move the arm supports does not cause the foot pedals to move. As a result, the user can exert more energy during a workout by having to move the arm supports and the foot pedals independently. Also, in those examples where the elliptical exercise machine has different exercise modes, like a stepper exercise mode, the user can perform a workout that involves just the legs without the arm supports moving. Additionally, the engineering involved with making the elliptical exercise machine may be reduced since the movement of the foot pedals and arm supports do not have to be as coordinated when the foot pedals and the arm supports are not linked together.

A dampening assembly may be used to guide the movement of the arm supports when the user is performing a workout that involves the use of the arm supports. In some examples, the dampening assembly is an independent resistance mechanism that is dedicated to resisting the movement of the arm supports. Thus, the user's leg movement can be resisted by a pedal resistance mechanism, and the user's arm movement can be resisted by an arm resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism for the arm supports can be of the same type of resistance mechanism as used to resist the user's leg movement. However, in other examples, the arm support's resistance mechanism can be of a different type of resistance mechanism. Such resistance mechanisms can be magnetic resistance mechanisms, pneumatic resistance mechanisms, hydraulic resistance mechanisms, gear type resistance mechanisms, braking type resistance mechanisms, tensioning type resistance mechanisms, fan blade type resistance mechanisms, other types of resistance mechanisms, or combinations thereof. Other types of dampening assemblies may include gas springs, hydraulic springs, compression springs, tension springs, coiled springs, other types of springs, other types of dampening elements, elastomeric material, or combinations thereof. Another type of dampening assembly includes a pad positioned to prevent a portion of the arm support from impacting against a portion of the elliptical exercise machine's frame by slowing the movement of the arm supports before the arm supports can contact a frame of the exercise machine.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “resistance mechanism” includes those components that directly interact to cause an added degree of resistance during the user's workout. For example, a resistance mechanism may include a flywheel when the exercise machine has components that can adjustably impose resistance to the movement of the flywheel, such as imposing a magnetic force on the flywheel to prevent the flywheel's rotation. The flywheel is included in the resistance mechanism when other components interact with the flywheel to directly resist the flywheel's movement. For example, braking pads, tensioning elements, fan blades, or other components can be used to directly resist the movement of the flywheel. In such examples, both the flywheel and the components interact to adjustably resist the movement of the flywheel and are included as part of the resistance mechanism.

In some examples, the exercise machine is a stationary exercise machine that does not propel the itself or otherwise change a location of the user based on the effort exerted by the user during his or her workout. Such stationary exercise machines may change the incline of the machine or otherwise change the location of the machine based on motors, drivers, actuators, hydraulic systems, or other mechanism that operate independent of the user's workout performance. For example, such functions may be operable by commands given by the user, such as selecting an option through a control module of the exercise machine.

Particularly, with reference to the figures,FIGS. 1-3depict an example of an exercise machine10, such as an elliptical exercise machine. The exercise machine10includes a base12that is attached to a frame14at a first frame pivot connection11and a second frame pivot connection13. A lower portion15of the frame14includes a housing16that supports a first flywheel18and a second flywheel20. The first flywheel18and the second flywheel20are attached to one another through a crank assembly22. The crank assembly22includes a crank arm24that is attached to a first shaft26that is connected to the first flywheel18on a first end28and attached to a second shaft30that is connected to the second flywheel20at a second end32.

The first shaft26is attached to an underside of a first track33that supports a first foot pedal34, and the second shaft30is attached to an underside of a second track35that supports a second foot pedal36. The crank assembly22is shaped such that the first shaft26and the second shaft30follow reciprocating paths. Consequently, the first foot pedal34follows the path of the first shaft26, and the second foot pedal36follows the path of the second shaft30. As a user moves on the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36for a workout, the user's feet will also follow the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36. In some examples, the first foot pedal34is configured to slide along the length of the first track33. Likewise, the second foot pedal36is configured to slide along the length of the second track35. Thus, in some examples, the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36are configured to move in multiple directions: down the length of the tracks33,35and with the reciprocating paths traveled by the first shaft26and the second shaft30.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the exercise machine10has multiple exercise modes. A track mode involves locking the first and second flywheels18,20and allowing the foot pedals34,36to slide along the tracks in a reciprocating motion. Such a mode allows a user to mimic cross country skiing motions with his legs. A stepper mode includes locking the foot pedals34,36so that they are locked in a fixed position with respect to the tracks33,35and allowing the foot pedals34,36to move along reciprocating paths defined by the motion of the first and second flywheels18,20. In a combined mode, the foot pedals34,36are free to move along the length of the tracks33,35and along the paths defined by the first and second flywheels18,20simultaneously.

The first foot pedal34is connected to the frame14through a first mechanical linkage40, and the second foot pedal36is connected to the frame14through a second mechanical linkage44. A first arm support38is connected to the frame14at a first combined pivot connection46, and the second arm support42is connected to the frame14at a second combined pivot connection48.

The first arm support38is not mechanically linked to the first mechanical linkage40. Neither is the second arm support42mechanically linked to the second mechanical linkage44. Thus, the movement of the first arm support38is independent of the movement of the first foot pedal34. Likewise, the movement of the second arm support42is independent of the second foot pedal36. However, the first arm support38and the first mechanical linkage40are connected to the frame14at a shared first combined pivot connection46. Likewise, the second arm support42and the second mechanical linkage44are connected to the frame14at a shared second combined pivot connection48.

A first pivot shaft (not shown) may protrude from the first post66of the frame14. The first pivot shaft may include a bearing surface and/or coating that allows for easy movement around the first pivot shaft's surface. Both the first arm support38and the first mechanical linkage40may have ends with openings shaped to slide around the first pivot shaft, which is long enough to accommodate the openings of both the first arm support38and the first mechanical linkage40simultaneously. Both the first arm support38and the first mechanical linkage40can pivot independently around the first pivot shaft. While this description has been described with respect to the first combined pivot connection46, the second combined pivot connection48may be set up the same way.

The connection between the first and second arm supports38,42and their respective pivot shafts may allow for free rotation of the arm supports38,42. However, in the illustrated example, a portion of the frame14blocks some of the movement of the first and second arm supports38,42. The first and second arm supports38,42may be shaped so that the user can have a comfortable arm stride while performing a workout involving the arm supports38,42without causing a portion of the arm supports38,42to move into the frame14. Such a shape may include multiple bends in the first and second arm supports38,42to accommodate such an arm stride.

Dampening assemblies may be incorporated into the exercise machine10to guide the movement of the first and second arm supports38,42. For example, in some instances, the first and second arm supports38,42may be inadvertently pushed into the frame14. For such cases, a first dampening element having a first pad54may be secured to the frame14to soften an impact between the first arm support38and the frame14by slowing the movement of the first arm support38as it approaches the frame14. Likewise, a second dampening element having a second pad56may be secured to the frame14to soften an impact between the second arm support42and the frame14.

The pads54,56may be made of any appropriate type of material. For example, the pads54,56may be made of rubber, an elastomeric material, a closed cell foam, an open cell foam, a spring like material, a compressible material, another type material, or combinations thereof. In some examples, multiple layers of appropriate materials are combined to provide a pad with desirable properties for reducing or eliminating an impact between the first and second arm supports38,42and their corresponding sections of the frame14.

In addition to or in lieu of the first and second pads54,56, another type of dampening element may be incorporated into the exercise machine10to guide the first and second arm supports' movements. For example, a first gas spring58and a second gas spring60may be used to resist impacts between the first and second arm supports38,42and their corresponding sections of the frame14. Further, such first and second gas springs58,60may be used to provide additional resistance to the movement of the first and second arm supports38,42.

The dampening elements of the dampening assembly may restrict some of the range of the movement of the arm supports. In some examples, the frame14may not be positioned in the path of the arm supports38,42. However, in such examples, the dampening elements may still restrict the arm support's movement. While the examples herein have been described with reference to specific types of dampening assemblies, any appropriate type of dampening assembly may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, any appropriate type of feature incorporated into the exercise machine that can slow the movement of the arm supports along any appropriate location of the arm's travel may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, the dampening element/dampening assembly may include gas springs, pads, compression springs, tension springs, metal springs, elastomeric material, mechanism to increase the friction between the exercise machine's frame and the arms, other types of features, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, a locking mechanism is built into the exercise machine10to prevent the movement of the first and second arm supports38,42. The locking mechanism can be utilized in situations where the exercise machine10is used for an activity that does not involve the arm supports38,42, such as when the exercise machine10is in a stepper mode. Any appropriate type of locking mechanism may be used. For example, a retractable pin may be temporarily inserted into an opening of one of the arm supports38,42. In other examples, the locking mechanism includes solenoids, magnets, bars, clips, ropes, flaps, loops, other types of locking mechanisms, or combinations thereof.

In the example ofFIG. 1, a control module62is connected to a cross bar64that connects the first post66of the frame14to a second post68of the frame14. The control module62may include multiple buttons70, a display72, a cooling vent, a speaker, another device, or combinations thereof. The control module62can include a resistance input mechanism that allows the user to control how much resistance is applied to the movement of the first and second foot pedals34,36. In some examples, the control module62also includes another resistance input mechanism that controls a level of resistance for movement of the arm supports38,42. The control module62may also provide the user with an ability to control other functions of the exercise machine10. For example, the control module62may be used to control a level of a climate control, to control an incline angle between the frame14and the base12, to control speaker volume, to select a pre-programmed workout, to control entertainment through the speakers of the display72of the control module62, to monitor a health parameter of the user during a workout, to communicate with a remote trainer or computer, to control other functions, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 4illustrates a close up side view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1with portions of the frame14removed for illustrative purposes. In this example, an end74of the first arm support38is pivotally connected to a first pivot shaft76of the first combined pivot connection46. The end74forms a ring78with an opening that fits around the first pivot shaft76. Opposite to the end74of the first arm support38, a first tab80protrudes out of the ring78and connects to a first end82of the first gas spring58. A second tab84protrudes from the frame14and connects to a second end86of the first gas spring58.

The first and second ends82,86of the first gas springs58collectively form an internal chamber that contains a compressible gas. The second end86is inserted into the chamber with seals to prevent the gas from leaking out of the internal chamber. The second end86also includes a flange (not shown) that separates the internal chamber into first and second sub-chambers. As the first arm support38rotates about the first pivot shaft76, the first tab80moves the first end82of the first gas spring58linearly with respect to the second end86of the first gas spring58. As a result, the first gas spring85telescopingly extends and contracts. When the first gas spring58contracts, the compressible gas of a first sub-chamber compresses and resists the contraction of the first gas spring58, and therefore the movement of the first arm support38in a first direction. Likewise, when the first gas spring58extends, gas in a second sub-chamber of the first gas spring58compresses, which also resists the movement of the first arm support38in a second direction.

While this example has been described with reference to a specific type of gas spring, any appropriate type of gas spring may be used in accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure. For example, the gas springs may incorporate hollow plungers, multiple diameter rods, Schrader-type values, O-rings, gas generator cells, heaters, adjustable features, other types of features, or combinations thereof. Further, the gas springs may be extendable and retractable with any appropriate stroke length.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of an example of multiple resistance mechanisms incorporated into an exercise machine in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the first and second flywheels18,20are part of the pedal resistance mechanism and provide resistance to the movement of the foot pedals34,36along a reciprocating path defined by the crank arm24. In such an example, the flywheels include a magnetic resistance mechanism that resists the movement of the foot pedals34,36. In some cases, just one of the first or second flywheels18,20provides resistance to the movement of both the first and second foot pedals34,36through the crank assembly22. Further, a sliding resistance mechanism88incorporating bands positioned on an underside of the tracks33,35can provide resistance to movement of the foot pedals34,36along the length of the tracks33,35. An independent, adjustable arm resistance mechanism90is incorporated into the exercise machine to provide an adjustable amount of resistance to the movement of the arm supports38,42.

The adjustable arm resistance mechanism90is positioned between the first combined pivot connection46and the second combined pivot connection48. The rings of the first and second arm supports38,42that form the openings that fit over their respective pivot shafts are in communication with the adjustable arm resistance mechanism90. In such an example, rings of the first and second mechanical linkages40,44can be fitted over a portion of the rings of the first and second arm supports38,42such that the first and second mechanical linkages40,44can pivot about the rings of the first and second arm support38,42.

The adjustable arm resistance mechanism90may include any appropriate type of resistance mechanism to control the amount of resistance applied to the movement of the first and second arm supports38,42. In some examples, a magnetic resistance mechanism is used. The adjustable arm resistance mechanism90may be in communication with the control module62so that the user can adjust the level of resistance while the user is performing a workout.

FIGS. 6A-6Billustrate side views of an example of an adjustable arm resistance mechanism90incorporated into an exercise machine10in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the adjustable arm resistance mechanism90includes a magnetic unit92positioned between the first and second combined pivot connections46,48. Each of the first pivot shaft76and the second pivot shaft94support their respective mechanical linkages40,44and their respective arm supports38,42. Each of the first and second arm supports38,42are rotationally locked to an first extendable piston96and a second extendable piston98respectively. The extending length of the first and second extendable pistons96,98are controlled by a first screw motor100and a second screw motor102respectively. As the screw motors100,102move the first and second extendable pistons96,98closer to the magnetic unit92, the magnetic forces of the magnetic unit92increasingly resist the rotation of a first magnetically conductive plate104aand a second magnetically conductive plate104battached to the ends of the first and second extendable pistons96,98respectively. Thus, to increase the resistance to the arm supports38,42, the plates104a,104bare moved closer to the magnetic unit92. To decrease the resistance to the arm supports38,42, the plates104a,104bare moved away to the magnetic unit92.

In some examples, the plates104a,104bare moved with respect to the magnetic unit92together, which provides a consistent amount of resistance to the movement of both the first and second arm supports38,42. However, in other examples, the resistance to the movement of the first arm support38can be different than the resistance applied to the movement of the second arm support42. In such an example, the plates104a,104bcan be positioned at any appropriate distance from the magnetic unit92.

While this example has been described with specific reference to changing a resistance level by changing a distance between magnetically conductive plates104a,104band the magnetic unit, any appropriate type of mechanisms can be used in the resistance mechanism. For example, the plates104a,104bmay be moved with a hydraulic pressure, a pneumatic pressure, a gear assembly, another type of mechanism, or combinations thereof. Further, the level of resistance may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing a magnetic field output while the plates104a,104bremain at a fixed distance. In yet other examples, the magnetic unit92or a portion of the magnetic unit92moves to narrow a gap between the magnetic unit92and the plates104a,104b. Further, the adjustable arm resistance mechanism90may include another type of mechanism for applying resistance to the movement of the arm supports38,42that does not involve a magnetic force.

FIG. 7illustrates a front view of an example of a display72of an exercise machine10in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the display72includes a touch screen106with a first set108of buttons to adjust the level of resistance for the movement of the arm supports38,42. Likewise, the touch screen106includes a second set110of buttons to adjust the level of resistance for the movement of the foot pedals34,36. Further, the touch screen106also includes an arm level indicator112that indicates the resistance level applied to the first and second arm supports38,42. Likewise, the touch screen106further includes an independent foot pedal level indicator114that indicates the resistance level applied to the first and second foot pedals34,36. In this example, the user has set the arm resistance level to be at a different level than the leg resistance level.

FIG. 8illustrates a front view of an example of a display72of an exercise machine10in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the display72depicts a pre-programmed workout. An arm resistance bar graph116indicates how the pre-programmed workout will modify the resistance to the movement of the arm supports38,42over the course of the pre-programmed workout. Likewise, leg resistance bar graph118indicates how the pre-programmed workout will modify the resistance to the movement of the foot pedals3436over the course of the pre-programmed workout. In this example, the resistance is to be applied to the arm supports38,42and the foot pedals34,36are different over the course of the pre-programmed workout. However, in other examples, the resistance levels to be applied to the arm supports38,42and the foot pedals34,36are the same over the course of the pre-programmed workout. A time indicator120indicates the current time duration of the pre-programmed workout, which also indicates the upcoming resistance changes.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide a user an ability to increase the amount of exertion during a workout because the effort exerted to move the foot pedals does not contribute to the movement of the arm supports and vice versa. Thus, the user can burn more calories during the same workout time period. Additionally, the user can target different muscle groups during a workout. For example, the user may desire to increase the resistance to move the arm supports to target arm muscles while keeping the resistance lower for moving the foot pedals or vice versa.

The exercise machines disclosed herein also provide the user an ability to workout in a stepping mode or another type of mode without having the arm supports move. These advantages give the user an ability to customize his or her workout without having the distraction of the arm supports moving.

The dampening elements provide a significant benefit for resisting the movement of the arm supports. For example, a pad can reduce inadvertent impacts between the frame and the arm supports. Likewise, gas springs can add resistance to the movement of the arm supports. Such resistance may also prevent inadvertent impacts between the arm supports and the frame by slowing the movement of the first and second arm supports. In some examples, the resistance to the movement of the arm supports may be intensified as the arm support approaches the frame. Such an increased resistance may be accomplished with a gas spring that produces an increased amount of resistance as the gas spring approaches a maximum extension. Also, an adjustable arm resistance mechanism can also mitigate or eliminate inadvertent impacts.