Patent ID: 7708669

Claim:
An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame configured such that at least a portion of the apparatus remains substantially stationary during use; a crank system coupled to the frame, wherein the crank system comprises at least a right side crank coupling location and a left side crank coupling location; a first brake device and a second brake device; said apparatus having right and left sides, each such side comprising: a pivotal linkage pendulum system comprising a pendulum link member, said pendulum link member coupled proximate its upper end to the crank system so that the pendulum link member may swing forward and rearward in a pendulum manner and wherein the upper end of the pendulum link member moves in a path of motion as the crank system rotates during use; and a foot member comprising a foot pad, said foot member coupled to the pendulum link member so that a force may be applied to the footpad by the user permitting the footpad to instantaneously vary among a closed path walking, striding, or jogging motion, the horizontal amplitude of each such walking, striding, or jogging motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a force applied to the foot pad, wherein the first and second brake devices work in unison to resist vertical motion and horizontal motion of the foot pads.