Multi-functional training apparatus comprising a. a first floating beam, b. a second floating beam, c. a rear portion of the first floating beam being connected to a rotating member at a first point and a rear portion of the second floating beam being connected to the rotating member at a second point, the first and second points being arranged on opposing sides of a plane passing through the rotational axis of the rotating member, d. a forward portion of the first floating beam being connected to a lower portion of a first pivoting beam and a forward portion of the second floating beam being connected to a lower portion of a second pivoting beam, e. a first and second moving handle (12, 14) being connected to the first and second pivoting beams respectively such that the first and second moving handles pivot synchronized with the motion of the pivoting beams, f. a first foot plate arranged on the first floating beam, g. a second foot plate arranged on the second floating beam, and h. the multi-functional training apparatus being arranged such that the first and second foot plates each move along an essentially elliptical path arranged on a vertical plane, i. wherein the multi-functional training apparatus further comprises a stationary handle assembly, said stationary handle assembly comprising a main holding portion arranged in front of and between the first and second moving handles and an elbow or a forearm rest portion on either side of the stationary handle assembly about a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus, said elbow or forearm rest portions being arranged behind and below the main holding portion, j. wherein the foot plates comprise a first surface which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the floating beam to which the foot plates is connected, k. characterised in that the foot plates comprise a second surface, said second surface arranged behind the first surface and said second surface forming an angle of between 110 and 160 degrees to the first surface. a. a first floating beam, b. a second floating beam, c. a rear portion of the first floating beam being connected to a rotating member at a first point and a rear portion of the second floating beam being connected to the rotating member at a second point, the first and second points being arranged on opposing sides of a plane passing through the rotational axis of the rotating member, d. a forward portion of the first floating beam being connected to a lower portion of a first pivoting beam and a forward portion of the second floating beam being connected to a lower portion of a second pivoting beam, e. a first and second moving handle (12, 14) being connected to the first and second pivoting beams respectively such that the first and second moving handles pivot synchronized with the motion of the pivoting beams, f. a first foot plate arranged on the first floating beam, g. a second foot plate arranged on the second floating beam, and h. the multi-functional training apparatus being arranged such that the first and second foot plates each move along an essentially elliptical path arranged on a vertical plane, i. wherein the multi-functional training apparatus further comprises a stationary handle assembly, said stationary handle assembly comprising a main holding portion arranged in front of and between the first and second moving handles and an elbow or a forearm rest portion on either side of the stationary handle assembly about a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus, said elbow or forearm rest portions being arranged behind and below the main holding portion, j. wherein the foot plates comprise a first surface which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the floating beam to which the foot plates is connected, k. characterised in that the foot plates comprise a second surface, said second surface arranged behind the first surface and said second surface forming an angle of between 110 and 160 degrees to the first surface.