US Patent 7201705 Exercise apparatus with a variable stride system

A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system and the foot member may be coupled at a location between the footpad and the crank system. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.