An exercise apparatus may include a frame configured to rest on a floor surface. Left and right foot members may be mounted on respective sides of a stanchion connected to the frame. The foot members may include foot platforms securely fixed to a lower distal end thereof. Toe plates may be pivotally secured to the foot platforms. The toe plates may be rotatable for engagement with a trigger switch operative connected to a display.

In various embodiments, provided herein are systems, methods, processes, and devices for providing locomotive rehabilitation to a subject via one or more gait motions that substantially accurately mimic motions performed in healthy, natural gait cycles. The system may mimic natural gait motions via footplates and handles, and one or more linkage systems. In particular embodiments, the system may further include a motor unit and/or clutch for providing controlled forces assisting or resisting motions of a linkage system. Further, the system may include a tower for operating in a standing or seated position. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a body weight support system that provides offloading forces to a subject.

A composite motion exercise machine includes a control panel which provides a plurality of movement modes and allows a user to issue a command to change the configuration of linkage units of the exercise machine to have the machine perform a movement mode without manual adjustment, so that the pedal of each linkage unit can be moved along a closed trajectory. The control panel also allows the user to finely adjust the trajectory and the resistance associated therewith. The trajectory performed by each pedal of the exercise machine is ergonomic so that the user can be protected from exercise injury.

An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns. The exercise device has a pair of linkages, each including an upper link pivotally mounted to a frame and a lower link pivotally coupled to an upper link. A foot support is provided on a distal end of each lower link. A compression link interconnects the lower link to the frame. The compression link includes a shaft coupled to the lower link, a sleeve coupled to the frame and a spring captured between the shaft and the sleeve, whereby the spring provides a resistance to movement of the lower link relative to the frame.

A hand-foot composite motion exercise machine generally includes a supportive frame, a transmission unit, a crank means, and a pair of linkage units. The exercise machine allows a user to change the configuration of each linkage unit through a raising/lowering device and a displacing device, so as to adjust the motion path of a pedal provided at each linkage unit, and the force required for treading the pedal. In use, while a user steps on the pedals to exercise, each pedal can perform a substantially elliptical closed path, which is ergonomical so that the user can be protected from exercise injury.

An elliptical trainer is provided with a frame, a resistance device, two cranks, two guide link assemblies, and two flexible members. The frame includes a first pivot. The resistance device provides a resistance and includes a wheel with an axis. The two cranks are arranged at a left and a right side of the wheel, respectively, and each crank has a first end coupling with the axis. The two guide link assemblies are arranged at a left and a right side of the frame, respectively, and each guide link assembly has a front end pivotally coupling with the first pivot and a second end coupling with a pedal. In addition, each crank has a second end coupling with a corresponding guide link assembly, and each flexible member has a first end indirectly pivoted to the first pivot and a second end coupled to a corresponding guide link assembly.

An exercise apparatus has a frame and first and second pedals that are coupled to the frame such that a user standing on the first and second pedals can perform a striding exercise. The first and second pedals each have a tread member that supports the bottom of a user's foot in a manner that encourages movement of the user's foot relative to the tread member during the striding exercise.

A system, equipment and process to guide a user in the experience of rhythmic exercise. Playback of an audio file/signal, such as a musical phrase, that has known rhythmic structure (e.g., beat pattern) is accompanied, by non-audio sensory cues such as a light signal or tactical signal (vibration) to mark rhythmic events in the audio playback (such as the beginning and end of playback and/or audio pulses (beats). In addition, equipment is provided to guide the user in performing a GDM (goal directed movement) sequence that is selected to be performed in synch with the rhythm of the audio signal. The user's motion is detected and compared to desired GDM in the selected sequence and also compared to the rhythm of the audio signal. Sensory cues are provided to guide the user in performing the GDM sequence rhythmically. The system may be implemented in cardio fitness equipment including treadmill, AMT, stationary exercise bike and elliptical type exercise equipment.

An elliptical exercise machine may include a base, one or more upright stanchions coupled to the base and extending upward from the base and supporting first and second cranks. The first crank may support a first crank arm. The first crank arm may support a first pedal leg hanging downward from the first crank arm. The first pedal leg may support a right pedal. The right pedal may be configured to swing forward and rearward and to raise upward and lower downward. The second crank may support a second crank arm. The second crank arm may support a second pedal leg hanging downward from the second crank arm. The second pedal leg may support a left pedal. The left pedal may be configured to swing forward and rearward and to raise upward and lower downward.

An exercise device featuring a pair of knee joints, each pivotally and respectively coupled to a pair of calf linkages, each of the pair of calf linkages having a foot pedal at an opposite lower end that supports low impact user-defined natural exercise gait patterns. The knee joints are supported and directed to travel by linkage and/or carriage systems that operate substantially below a user hip area and direct the knee joints in a variety of travel paths, ranging from a constant arc, a linear pathway, to a variety of irregular arc shaped paths to pathways that may change during use. A secondary system coupled to the linkage and/or carriage systems provides lift and dampening forces to influence a responsiveness of the foot pedals via bending and straightening of the calf linkage about the respective knee joint, yet does not restrict back and forth travel of the respective knee joint.