Patent ID: 7594877

Claim:
An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame adapted for placement on a horizontal surface; a first substantially linear track secured to said frame; a second substantially linear track secured to said frame in parallel with said first track wherein said first and second tracks are secured to said frame at an incline from said horizontal surface; a first and a second foot pedal assembly, each including a foot pedal, wherein said foot pedal assemblies are engaged with said first and second tracks respectively for movement along said tracks such that said foot pedals move substantially linearly along and in parallel with said tracks; and a load mechanism, operatively connected to said first pedal assembly and said second pedal assembly, including a transmission operatively connected with said first and second foot pedal assemblies and a resistance device operatively connected to said transmission effective to provide a constant resistance to the downward movement of said first and second pedals independent of the speed of said pedal assemblies; wherein a connection mechanism connects said first pedal assembly to said second pedal assembly and to said transmission; wherein said connection mechanism includes a first flexible member attached to said first and said second pedal assemblies and to said transmission; and wherein said connection mechanism includes a second flexible member connecting said first pedal assembly to said second pedal assembly with said second flexible member engaged with said frame effective to cause said first pedal assembly to move downwardly along said first track when said second pedal assembly is moved upwardly along said second track.