Patent ID: 7201705

Claim:
A stationary exercise apparatus comprising: a frame having a first end and a second end; a crank system coupled to the frame at a location closer to the first end of the frame than the second end of the frame; a left movable member pivotally coupled to the crank system; a right movable member pivotally coupled to the crank system; a left foot member operatively associated with a left foot pad; a right foot member operatively associated with a right foot pad; a left cam system having a left cam surface and a left cam follower contacting the left cam surface, the left cam system operatively associated with the left movable member and the left foot member, said left cam system located closer to the first end of the frame than the second end of the frame; and a right cam system having a right cam surface and a right cam follower contacting the right cam surface, the right cam system operatively associated with the right movable member and the right foot member, said right cam system located closer to the first end of the frame than the second end of the frame, wherein the feet of the user imparting forces on the left and right foot members in cooperation with the left cam system and the right cam system vary the stride substantially instantaneously, and wherein the apparatus is configured such that the feet of the user may travel in a substantially closed path.