Machines and Methods for Combined and Isolated Upper and Lower Body Workouts

Abstract

An elliptical exercise machine allowing a user to move between a first position (standing on a stationary platform and using the machine's exercise arms), a second position (using the machine's footskates and holding a stationary handlebar), and a third position (using the machine's footskates and exercise arms), or any variation thereon. The machine may include a computer that directs the user's movements between those positions and others.

1 . A method of using a cardiovascular exercise machine, comprising:
 supplying a cardiovascular exercise machine to a user, wherein said machine comprises a frame, a rail movably connected to said frame and also connected to a crankshaft such that said rail traverses a path in conjunction with said crankshaft's rotation relative to said frame, a pendulum arm connected to said frame that reciprocates as said crankshaft rotates, a footskate capable of reciprocating movement on said rail, a stationary loadbearing platform functionally separated from said crankshaft but rigidly connected to said frame at an operative distance and angle from said pendulum arm and sized and shaped to support a user, and a handlebar fixedly connected to said frame at an operative distance and angle from said footskate and separated from said crankshaft;   providing a first position wherein said user stands on said platform and moves said exercise arm;   providing a second position wherein said user moves said footskate and grasps said handlebar;   providing a third position wherein said user moves said footskate and said exercise arm; and   having said user move among said first position, said second position, and said third position.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of having is performed within a single workout session. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a step of adjusting said platform. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a step of adjusting said handlebar. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first position is one of a plurality of first positions, wherein each of said first positions utilizes a distinguishable platform from each other of said first positions. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said moving said exercise arm or said moving said footskate is affected by a resistance device. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said machine further comprises a computer, wherein said computer directs said steps of providing and having. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising a step of selecting a computer-directed workout, wherein said workout directs said user's movement among said first position, said second position, and said third position. 
     
     
         9 . An elliptical exercise machine comprising:
 a frame;   a rail movably connected to said frame and also connected to a crankshaft such that said rail traverses a path in conjunction with said crankshaft's rotation relative to said frame;   a pendulum arm connected to said frame that reciprocates as said crankshaft rotates;   a footskate capable of reciprocating movement on said rail;   a stationary loadbearing platform functionally separated from said crankshaft but rigidly connected to said frame at an operative distance and angle from said pendulum arm and sized and shaped to support a user; and   a handlebar fixedly connected to said frame at an operative distance and angle from said footskate and separated from said crankshaft.   
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein said platform's spatial attributes are adjustable. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein said handlebar's spatial attributes are adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein said platform is one of a plurality of said platforms. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 9  further comprising a computer capable of directing a user's use of said footskate, said platform, said pendulum arm, and said handlebar. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 9  further comprising a device for adjusting the size of the stride, including but not limited to:
 an adjustment arm, said adjustment arm connected to said frame at a second rotational axis, spaced from said first rotational axis;   said adjustment arm being operationally attached to said footskate via an interface located toward said distal end of said adjustment arm so that reciprocation of said adjustment arm through a second arc segment is translated into said reciprocating movement of said footskate;   a coupler connecting said adjustment arm to said pendulum arm so that when said pendulum arm reciprocates about said first rotational axis, said adjustment arm is forced to reciprocate about said second rotational axis;   said coupler being spaced a first distance from said first axis and a second distance from said second axis;   wherein, at least one of said first distance and said second distance is variable, such that said stride of said machine may be altered while said machine is in use to permit stride adjustment for comfort or to generate a particular type of exercise.   
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein at least one of said crankshafts is attached to a flywheel or a resistance device. 
     
     
         16 . The machine of  claim 15  wherein said flywheel or said resistance device is controlled by a computer.