Adjustable exercise machine

Abstract

Stationary exercise machines having adjustable incline systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an elliptical exercise machine includes a system for adjusting the inclination of foot support guide tracks. The incline adjustment system can include a lift member that operates between the guide tracks and the floor on which the exercise machine is placed.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of adjusting the paths of first and second foot pedals on an elliptical exercise machine positioned on a floor, wherein the first foot pedal is operably coupled to a first arm and the second foot pedal is operably coupled to a second arm, wherein the first arm has a first arm front portion pivotally coupled to one side of a rotating member and a first arm rear portion movably supported by a first track, and wherein the second arm has a second arm front portion pivotally coupled to the opposite side of the rotating member and a second arm rear portion movably supported by a second track positioned adjacent to the first track, wherein the method of adjusting comprises:
 operably coupling a lift member to the first and second tracks; and   driving a distal end portion of the lift member away from the first and second tracks and against the floor, thereby increasing the inclination of the first and second tracks relative to the floor.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising operably coupling a driver to a proximal end portion of the lift member, wherein driving a distal end portion of the lift member away from the first and second tracks includes operating the driver in a first direction. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 operably coupling a driver to a proximal end portion of the lift member, wherein driving a distal end portion of the lift member away from the first and second tracks includes operating the driver in a first direction; and   operating the driver in a second direction opposite to the first direction, to move the distal end portion of the lift member back toward the first and second tracks and reduce the inclination of the first and second tracks relative to the floor.   
     
     
         4 . An exercise system for use on a floor, the exercise system comprising:
 a first foot support operably coupled to a first arm, the first arm having a first arm front portion and a first arm rear portion;   a second foot support operably coupled to a second arm, the second arm having a second arm front portion and a second arm rear portion;   means for moving the first and second arm front portions in circular paths while simultaneously moving the first and second arm rear portions back and forth along adjacent first and second tracks, respectively; and   means for driving a lift member against the floor to adjust the position of the first and second tracks relative to the first and second arms.   
     
     
         5 . An exercise system of  claim 4  wherein the means for driving a lift member against the floor include means for adjusting the inclination of the first and second tracks relative to floor. 
     
     
         6 . An exercise system of  claim 4  wherein the means for driving a lift member against the floor include means rotating a distal end portion of the lift member away from the first and second tracks.