Patent ID: 7988600

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; a right foot support member comprising a right foot plate, the right foot support member coupled to the frame; a left foot support member comprising a left foot plate, the 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 plate moves downward; 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 plate moves downward; and an adjustment assembly providing adjustment of the structural geometry of the exercise apparatus; wherein force is applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary between a nearly vertical motion and a closed path striding motion, the length of the striding motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a forward and a rearward force applied to the foot support members, the vertical amplitude of the nearly vertical motion being controlled by the adjustment assembly.