STAIRCLIMBER APPARATUS PEDAL MECHANISM

A simulated stair climbing-type exercise apparatus is provided having a fram e, a resistance member, a transmission, a drive belt, a right pedal assembly, a left pedal assembly and a track mounted to the frame to provide a user with a vertically reciprocati ng exercise movement. The right pedal assembly, operating independently of the left pedal assembly , oscillates between an upper position at rest and a lower position under the weight of the user. The left pedal assembly, operating independently of the right pedal assembly, oscillates between an upper position at rest and a lower position under the weight of the user. The peda l assemblies remain parallel to a support surface throughout their entire range of motion, as th e pedal assemblies travel from their upper position to their lower position on the tracks which can be either linear or curved.