Patent ID: 7878947

Claim:
An exercise apparatus allowing instantaneously variable striding motions, the exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame and adapted for continuous rotation, said crank system comprising a crank offset assembly configured to apply offset torque to the crank system when the crank system is in a dead center position; a right foot support member coupled to the frame; a left foot support member coupled to the frame; a first flexible support system comprising: a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the crank system and operative to rotate the crank system when the right foot support member moves downward; and a second flexible support system comprising: a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and the crank system and operative to rotate the crank system when the left foot support member moves downward, wherein force may be applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary among a climbing motion and a closed path walking, striding, or jogging motion, the length of the walking, striding, or motion being instantaneously variable by the user as the user varies between a forward and rearward force applied to the foot support members.