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Step machine

A variety of exercising machines have been disclosed, and have appeared on the market. These exercising machines include step exercisers, jogging exercisiers, sliding exercisers, etc. designed for different exercising functions. The use of indoor exercising equipment is well known in today's health-conscious world. Aerobic exercising devices in particular have been used. Of popular usage is a device that basically functions as a single step that typically is square, having one raised platform or surface, somewhat elastic, that allows a person to begin a series of step up and step down motions from the floor. Platforms used for step aerobic exercise are known to provide a healthy form of cardiovascular stimulation. Conventional step exercising machines are commonly comprised of a base frame, two pedals pivotably coupled to the base frame for pedaling by the user, and a damping mechanism adapted for imparting a damping force to the pedals. These step exercising machines are designed for exercising the muscles of the legs only, therefore they produce little effect in exercising the muscles of the waist. Audio and video tapes are also available for conducting step aerobics independently at home. Other known forms of indoor aerobics exercise include, e.g., stationary exercise bicycles, stair machines, treadmills, and rowing machines. Many of these stationary machines include microprocessor-controlled programs that allow a user to select different workout routines at specified skill levels.

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