IL124102A

IL124102A - Pushing/pulling treadmill exerciser and method for using the same

Info

Publication number: IL124102A
Application number: IL12410298A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Omesi Ronen
Priority date: 1998-04-15
Filing date: 1998-04-15
Publication date: 2002-02-10
Also published as: EP1079898A1; WO1999052601A1; AU3051399A

Abstract

A pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus (1), having front and back sides, comprising: (a) a frame (53); (b) an endless treadmill belt (2), having an external surface and internal surface; (c) two transversal front and back rollers (3,4) rotating correspondingly about front and back axles, sections of the external surface of each of said rollers contacting a section of the internal surface of said endless treadmill belt, said two rollers rotating as the treadmill belt progresses; and (d) means (90) for providing a resisting force to at least one of said rollers, for resisting its rotation, thereby resisting the progression of said treadmill belt; and (e) means for controlling the level of said resisting force; characterized in that it comprises means for the user to apply to the treadmill belt a driving force and means for the user to apply to the frame an equilibrating force.

Description

*7"n miT3 CD'7 ΠΪΓ-Ul HD^CUT /Π9ΊΠΤη ΠΙΓϊΟ TUDT] PUSHING/PULLING TREADMILL EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME PUSHING/PULLING TREADMILL EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME Field of the Invention The field of the invention relates to instruments for training and exercising. More particularly, the invention relates to a treadmill simulating the pushing of a large and heavy object, such as a vehicle.

Background of the Invention A variety of treadmill apparatuses are known and widely used, particularly indoors or in confined areas. Conventional treadmills are generally used to simulate indoors walking or running, generally for exercising and or for medical supervising purposes. Existing treadmills provide almost perfect simulation of outdoors walking and running, with the advantage of eliminating the necessity of the user to move along a long route.

In fitness, sports and health clubs there is variety of motorized or unmotorized treadmills which are intended to improve and/or preserve different sorts of the user's stamina. Generally, the existing treadmills are not satisfactory, and are not intended for professional sportsmen.

Typical treadmills generally comprise a wide, closed-loop belt, which is engaged with a pair of rollers. In some treadmill applications, at least one of the rollers is driven at a speed selected by the user. The user has to walk or run, in order to maintain a predetermined position on the treadmill belt. In this case, the user does not have to apply almost any linear force in order to drive the belt. In some other applications, the belt is passive, and is driven by a linear force as provided by the user's feet. In some further treadmill - - applications, two separate narrow belts are provided, one for each foot, which replace the said single wide belt.

It has been found that the act of pushing large and heavy objects, such as a vehicle, activates the body very effectively. Such operation activates and develops a combination of muscles, particularly muscles it is highly desired to activate, in a manner that is not provided by any other single operation, or by working with any existing exercising instrument. The simple pushing operation, when performed in the natural manner and body orientation, is also comfortable.

Of course, users can activate and develop the same specific muscles as provided by the natural operation of pushing large and heavy objects by other means. However, that requires the use of several, separate, exercising apparatuses. None of a single, existing exercising apparatus provides the activation of the same combination of muscles to the same degree, while maintaining the natural and comfortable body orientation, as is maintained by the simple operation of pushing a large and heavy object, such as a vehicle. Of course, users can activate and develop the said combination of muscles by other means and to the same degree. However, that requires the purchase and use of several different apparatuses which are usually expensive, that occupy a large space, which is not always easily available, and that using them separately takes much more time than most people are willing to spend.

It should be noted that exercising apparatuses which are operated in a comfortable and natural manner are highly preferable, as they motivate the users to continue using them for a long duration. Many efficient exercising apparatuses have failed, just for lacking this factor of natural and comfortable use.

The apparatus of the invention, although externally it looks similar to existing treadmills, is characterized in that it intends to improve a variety of staminas, i.e., power stamina, outburst power, and maximal power.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus which simulates the pushing of a large and heavy object, such as a vehicle.

It is another object of the invention to provide said exercising apparatus which activates the same combination of muscles as are activated by the operation of pushing large and heavy objects.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus, the operation of which is carried out in a comfortable and natural manner.

It is still an object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus having said characteristics which can be operated indoors, in a limited and confined space.

It is still an object of the invention to provide with said exercising apparatus means for medical testing, and activity supervision.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summarv of the Invention The invention relates to a pushing/pulling treadmill exercising apparatus having a frame , said apparatus comprising an endless treadmill belt, having an external surface and internal surface, two transversal front and back rollers rotating correspondingly about front and back axles, sections of the external surface of each of said rollers contacting a section of the internal surface of said endless treadmill belt, the treadmill belt thereby progressing as said two rollers rotate, and means for providing a resisting force to at least one of said rollers, for resisting its rotation, and thereby resisting the progression of said treadmill belt, and means for controlling the level of said resisting force. The apparatus of the invention is characterized in that the user of the apparatus needs, in order to overcome the resisting force and to progress the treadmill belt, to apply a force simultaneously on the treadmill belt, and on one additional, stationary part of the apparatus. Therefore the apparatus comprises means for the user to apply to the treadmill belt a driving force and means for the user to apply to the frame an equilibrating force. By "driving force" is meant herein a force that causes the belt to progress as desired. Therefore, if the user applies to the belt a force that is directed at a slant to the direction of its progress, the driving force will be a component of the thus applied force. By "equilibrating force" is meant herein a force that has, or has a component which has, a direction opposite to that of the driving force. The said means for applying a driving force are preferably supports for the user's feet attached to the threadmill belt. The means for applying an equilibrating force are preferably additional, stationary parts of the frame.

- - Preferably, the means for providing the force resisting the rotation of the at least one of said front or back rollers comprises braking means for applying a torque resisting the rotation of a driving axle, mechanical means for connecting the said driving axle with the at least one of said front or back rollers, thereby keeping a rotation relationship therebetween, and means for controlling the level of the torque that said braker applies for resisting the rotation of the said driving axle. Preferably, the braking means is an electromagnetic braker. The mechanical means for connecting the driving axle with the at least one of the front or back rollers may be selected from pulleys, gearing means, belts, rollers, axles, and pivots, in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic braker is an electric motor, the rotation of which is electromagnetically resisted by the application of a voltage, said voltage being proportional to the torque resisting the rotation of the driving axle. The level of the said voltage is controlled by control means According to another embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic braker comprises bands/shoes-drum friction braking unit for braking the rotation of the driving axle, and solenoid/plunger electromagnet for activating the braking unit, the resisting torque that said braking unit applies on the said driving axle is proportional to the voltage applied to the said solenoid/plunger electromagnet. The level of the voltage is controlled by control means, such as a potentiometer.

- - According to still another embodiment of the invention, the braking means for applying a torque for resisting the rotation of the driving axle comprises bands/shoes-drum friction braking unit for braking the rotation of said driving axle, and. mechanical means for activating said braking unit, said mechanical means setting the level of the resisting torque that said braking unit applies on the said driving axle.

The apparatus of the invention may further be provided with gearing means for setting a rotation transfer rate between the belt and the driving axis.

The apparatus of the invention can be used for carrying out pushing or pulling exercises. The means for applying the driving force are preferably the same in both cases. Preferably, during pushing exercises the additional, stationary part of the apparatus to which the user applies the equilibrating force is a preferably rigid support located at the front of the apparatus -hereinafter "front support" - onto which the user's hands apply said force. The height of said support is preferably adjustable.

Preferably, for pulling exercising, the additional, stationary part of the apparatus to which the user applies the equilibrating force, is a preferably rigid support located at the back of the apparatus - hereinafter "rear support" - for resisting a pulling force applied by the user's upper part of the user's body, which is operatively connected to said back support means by belts. The front end of each belt is connected to the user, and the rear end of each belt is connected to the back support. Optionally, the user may wear a chest harness to which the said belts or the said back support are connected.

- - Preferably, the treadmill belt of the apparatus comprises transversal treading blocks for supporting the user's feet, which are spaced apart from one another, for example 15- 25cm, along the length of the belt. Said treading blocks preferably have a surface facing the front of the apparatus which is slanted with respect to the treadmill belt surface in an angle a, preferably between 40° to 80°. Each one of the transversal treading blocks may span the complete width of the treadmill belt, or only a portion of the width of the treadmill belt. The external surfaces of the treadmill belt and of the treading blocks are preferably high friction surfaces. The user applies a force to said threading blocks which is directed perpendicularly to then-surface, therefore at a slant a respect to the treadmill belt plane. By "belt plane" is meant herein the plane that is tangent to the belt at its forwardmost point and at its rearmost point, which plane would coincide with the belt surface if the belt were completely straight. The driving force is the component of said applied force that is parallel to the belt plane. The component of said applied force that is perpendicular to the belt plane does not contribute to the progress of the belt.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for supervising the condition of the user, and means for displaying data relating to the user's condition. Said data may be, for example, the user heartbeat rate, or his blood pressure.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means at the front and the back of the apparatus for supporting the apparatus on the floor, which are adjustable thereby allowing the setting of the inclination of the apparatus.

- - Furthermore, the apparatus is preferably also provided with safety means for stopping the progression of the treadmill belt in an emergency.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises headlights and a dynamo, the rotation part of dynamo is in rotation engagement with the driving axle, thereby providing power to the headlights which is proportional to the rate of rotation of said axle.

The invention further comprises a method of carrying out pushing/pulling exercises, which comprises applying a substantially horizontal driving force to a loop belt to cause to progress against an opposing forces in a stationary supporting frame, and concurrently applying an equilibrating force to said frame.

Preferably, the driving force is applied by the user's feet and the equilibrating force by the user's hands, and the driving and the equilibrating forces are applied while mamtaining the user's body in a forwardly slanted position.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings: - Fig. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the invention when operated in the pushing mode.

- Fig. 2 illustrates the mechanism for providing a resisting force to the rotation of the treadmill belt according to one embodiment of the invention.

- Fig. 3 illustrates the mechanism for raising and lowering the front support, according to one embodiment of the invention.

- Fig. 4 illustrates the treadmill belt structure according to one embodiment of the invention. Shown in this figure several possible shapes of the treading blocks.

- Fig. 5 illustrates the apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, which enables the simulation of both pushing and pulling of a large and heavy object. More particularly, this figure shows the simulation of pulling of a large and heavy object.

- Fig. 6 shows a profile of a treading block according to one embodiment of the invention.

- Fig. 7 shows a profile of a treading block according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Fig. 1 shows an exercising apparatus, or more particularly, a pushing/pulling treadmill apparatus 1, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, in distinction from conventional walking/running treadmills, in which the user operates the apparatus in an erect body orientation, when simulating pushing with the apparatus of the invention the user's body 40 is slanted with respect to the floor, and with respect to the treadmill belt.

The apparatus comprises a wide endless treadmill belt 2, which is engaged with two rollers, a front roller 4, and back roller 3. As shown, rollers 3 and 4 are transversal to the progressing direction of belt 2, as indicated by arrow 5. The endless treadmill belt 2 is different from the belts of conventional treadmills, as the said belt comprises plurality of transversal, slanted treading blocks 7, which are evenly spaced along the longitudinal axis of the treadmill belt 2.

First belt 6 connects roller 4 to a first pulley 17, which is fixedly attached to a second pulley 8 (best shown in Fig. 2) rotating around the same pivot 29. Said pulley 8 is in turn connected by belt 10 to a third pulley 9, which is fixedly attached to axle 12. The rotation of axle 12 is resisted by the controlled resisting unit 25, which is mainly comprised of the gearing unit 44, and the electromagnetic braker 27.

The gearing unit comprises several gears selectable by the user, which determine the transfer rate from axle 12 to axle 16. The rotation of said axle 16 is resisted by the electromagnetic braker 27. The level of the resisting torque that braker 27 applies to axle 16 depends on the electric voltage V which is provided to said electromagnetic braker 27 through wires 46 and 47. The said resisting torque originated by the electromagnetic braker 27 is transferred by the above described mechanism to resist the rotation of treading belt 2. More particularly, the force that the user has to apply by his feet to the slanted treading blocks 7 in order to advance belt 2 depends on the level of the braking torque that the electromagnetic braker 27 applies to axle 16, on the rate of rotation and force transfer of the gearing unit 44, and on some other friction factors, generally negligible in this embodiment of the invention, but possibly relevant in some other variants of the invention.

The apparatus is also provided with a safety unit comprising pulley 22 and stopper 26. Pulley 22 is rigidly attached to axle 16. In an emergency, when it is needed to immediately stop the movement of the treading belt 2, stopper 26 is activated either automatically or by the user, and applies a very high friction force by its pin 24 to the side of pulley 22 in order to stop its rotation. Alternatively, pin 24 may enter into a hole in said pulley. This safety unit is particularly vital when an electromagnetic braker is used, which depends on electric power supply. In such a case, when the electric supply is disconnected for any reason, the resisting force of braker 27 also lapses, which may lead to a free movement of the treading belt 2. That, in some cases, may result in an injury to the user, if the free movement is not stopped immediately. The activation of stopper 26 should therefore take place automatically or manually, immediately, when the electric supply to the unit lapses, or alternatively, when the user initiates it.

The operation and structure of the gearing unit 44 is also conventional, and known to those skilled in the art. It should allow the user to select, either manually or automatically, from several possible transfer rates. Alternatively, in some cases, when the electromagnetic braking unit provides a wide range of braking force selection, the selectable gearing unit may be redundant, and a constant transfer rate may be used instead.

Electromagnetic brakes are known, and are discussed, e.g., in "Electrical Engineer's Reference Book", 14th edition, Butterworths & Co Ltd, 1985, page 26/28, and 26/9-26/10. According to one embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2, the electromagnetic braker 27 is essentially an electric motor to which a D.C. voltage is supplied for providing a torque having a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the axle 16 by the user. The rate of braking is proportional to the D.C. voltage supply to the motor. According to another embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic braker 27 essentially comprises a conventional electromagnetic brake comprising one or more bands or brake shoes, which are essentially pressed against a drum by a lever. The lever by itself is activated by a solenoid/plunger electromagnet. The level of force that the electromagnet solenoid/plunger applies on the lever determines the level of the resisting torque that is applied on axle 16. In this case also, the level of the torque is controllable by the level of the D.C. voltage supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid/plunger. These are two examples by which a controllable resisting torque may be applied to axle 16. Other known braking means, either mechanical or electrical, may alternatively be used, within the scope of the invention.

According to all variants of the invention, the force Fi that the user of the pushing treadmill has to apply in order to advance treading belt 2 is generally applied by his feet to the slanted treading blocks 7, but may be applied in part directly to the surface of the belt, frictionally engaged by the foremost portions of the user's feet. In any case, it is in several orders larger than the force that a user of a conventional walking/running treadmill has to apply to the corresponding belt of these prior art treadmills. This force has to overcome the force resisting the progressing of the belt, which is generally adjustable by the user in the range of between 300N to 3000N, however, in some cases it may be adjustable out of this range, if desired. When pushing, in order to apply said force Fi, the user has to apply another force, F2, by his hands to the front support . When operating the apparatus, each of the two feet of the user pushes a different treading block, advancing the belt in the direction of arrow 5. The user's body conveniently maintains a slanted orientation with his feet advancing along the treading blocks, as best shown in Fig. 1. The horizontal component of force Fi is the driving force, and the horizontal component of force F2 is the equilibrating force.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the front support is a horizontal beam 56, supported , as shown in Fig. 1, by two vertical rods 55, beam 56 and rods 55 constiting together a U-shaped frame 53.. In order to adapt the apparatus for operating by people of different heights, and for providing more effective and comfortable exercising, the height of the horizontal beam 56 is adjustable. As best shown in Fig. 3, each of the two rods 55 is internally threaded, and is connected to a vertical screw member 59, which in turn is externally threaded. Each one of the said screw members 59 is also connected to a pulley 60. Belts 61 connect each of said two pulleys to a common, central pulley 67. Rotation of said central pulley in a first direction, therefore, raises the horizontal beam 56, wherein rotation of the pulley in the opposite direction lowers the beam. Preferably, the rotation of pulley 67 is carried out by motor 69 which is also controllable by the user before exercising with the apparatus. Alternatively, the rotation can be carried out by other known means, for example, by providing ratcheting means for rotating said central pulley 67. According to still another alternative, the ratcheting means may be provided separately in each side, to rotate separately one of the screw members 59. As shown in Figure 3, a cover 82 is also provided for esthetic purposes.

As mentioned, the height of the horizontal beam 56 should preferably be adjusted according to the height of the user. Therefore, it is recommended that a table containing recommended beam height as a function of the height of the user will be provided. Furthermore, the apparatuses may also be provided with known means for activity and medical supervising, such as a heartbeat measuring unit, the sensing unit of which may be mounted in handle 89 (shown in Fig. 3). This data and other data on the user activity, such as the force that is applied to the treading blocks 7, may be displayed to the user by the display-control unit 90, mounted in front of him, e.g., on a second frame 91.

Alternatively, but less preferably, the front support, instead of being constituted by a horizontal beam, or the like, , and the mechanism as described above, could have any other structure and in particular may simply be constituted by a vertical front wall (not shown) on which the user may place his hands at the locations that he finds convenient.

As mentioned, the structure of the treadmill belt 2 is unique, and is different from all treadmill belts of the conventional walkmg/running treadmill apparatuses. The outer surface of the treadmill belt 2 has a high friction, in order to prevent slipping of the user's shoe. The treading blocks 7 are connected transversally to the treadmill belt 2, and spaced one from the other at about 15-25cm. They are rigidly connected to the treading belt 2 by any conventional means, such as by nails or screws 93. The head of said screws or nails 94 form, however, a flat surface at the inner side of the belt, in order not to reduce the friction between the treadmill belt and the front and rear rollers 3 and 4. The flat surface may be achieved by using cone holes in the belt for the heads of the nails or screws 93. Alternatively, when the heads of the screws or the nails used protrude from the inner surface of the treadmill belt 2, rollers 3 and 4 may have peripheral slits 106 spaced apart at the transversal location of the said heads of the nails or screws, as best shown in Fig. 4. The treading blocks 7 have a slanted front 95, for providing safe and comfortable support to the user's shoe. Two possible profiles for the treading blocks are shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The angle a is preferably between 40° to 80°, however, other angles may also be selected for a. Furthermore, although it is preferable to use treading blocks spanning the entire width of the belt, narrower treading blocks, such as the blocks 97 of Fig. 4, may also be used. However, when such blocks are used, the user should properly position his feet on the blocks, and ensure that his feet do not slip out of the blocks.

Although it is highly preferable that the treadmill belt of the apparatus will comprise spaced apart treading blocks as illustrated above, it should be noted that the use of treadmill blocks by itself is optional, as a treadmill belt without treading blocks may also be suitable, as long as it provides a high friction with the user's feet. The production of such a treadmill belt may be easily provided by those skilled in the art.

The length of the treadmill belt 2 in the apparatus of the invention is generally longer than the treadmill belts which are conventionally used in the known running/walking treadmills. Typically, the length of the treadmill belt may range between 180cm to 250cm.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus of the invention may also be used for simulating the pulling of a heavy object, such as a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 5, the apparatus according to this embodiment of the invention is further provided with a back support which is a horizontal beam 103, having two vertical rods 101 and 102 supporting it and constituting with them a U-shaped frame 100 To said beam 103, belts 104 are fastened, which are connected at their other end to a suitable chest harness (not shown). The user of the apparatus wears the harness, and with his feet applies a force to the treading blocks 7, in a similar manner as hereinbefore described. However, in this case, the user does not apply any force to the front horizontal beam 56. The hands of the user in this case are free, or only slightly supported by the side frame members 107, and he applies force only to the treading blocks 7 (or in part directly to the belt) as before, and to the harness or belts 104 to which he is attached. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5 the chest harness is only optional, as the belts 104 may simply be connected to the user by shoulder loops.

As described above, the apparatus of the invention is provided with means for setting the resisting torque that is applied to the axle 16. The means, according to one embodiment of the invention, include a potentiometer that determines the voltage that is supplied to the electromagnetic braker (being either in the form of a motor or electromagnetic friction brakes, as described). This potentiometer is indicated in Fig. 1 as Numeral 110, and is positioned on the control-display unit 90. The control unit also comprises a button or switch 115 for stopping the progression of the treading belt 2 in an emergency, and optionally, other control elements, as desired, that are not discussed herein for the sake of brevity.

With the apparatus of the invention it is also possible to simulate pushing or pulling in an inclined plane. The setting of an inclination may be carried out by providing pairs of threaded front 119 and/or back 120 support legs. The inclination can be adjusted by the rotation of a pair of the said front or back legs to higher the front or back of the apparatus..

According to one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is shaped as a vehicle, with headlights. The headlights receive electricity from a dynamo (not shown), the rotating part of which is engaged with axle 16. Therefore, when the user operates the apparatus, the dynamo is operated and provides electricity to the headlights, with a level of light essentially proportional to the intensity of the user's activity, and may add to his motivation.

According to still another embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a flywheel (not shown) which is coupled to the said axle 16, i.e., in parallel orientation to pulley 22. While the user exercises with the apparatus, the rotation of the flywheel provides a momentum to the axle, which gives the user a more real simulation of pushing a vehicle.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, while simulating pushing or pulling of a heavy object such as a vehicle with the apparatus of the invention, the user operates in a natural body orientation slanted with respect to the belt. Said body orientation is ideal, as it activates a combination of muscles from different parts of the body that cannot activated together by any other single exercising apparatus. Therefore, by exercising with the apparatus of the invention the user can apply a maximum of units of power. Furthermore, due to the natural body orientation, working with apparatus does not harm any part of the body, even when applying extremely high force. Particularly, exercising with the apparatus does not cause any harm to the back of the user.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims. 4603/98 124102/4 -18-

Claims

1. A pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus, having front and back sides, comprising: a. a frame; b. an endless treadmill belt, having an external surface and internal surface; c. two transversal front and back rollers rotating correspondingly about front and back axles, sections of the external surface of each of said rollers contacting a section of the internal surface of said endless treadmill belt, said two rollers rotating as the treadmill belt progresses ; and d. means for providing a resisting force to at least one of said rollers, for resisting its rotation, thereby resisting the progression of said treadmill belt; and e. means for controlling the level of said resisting force; characterized in that it comprises means for the user to apply to the treadmill belt a driving force and means for the user to apply to the frame an equilibrating force.

2. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for applying the driving force to the treadmill belt comprises transversal treading blocks attached to said belt for engagement by the user's feet.

3. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, which comprises a front support for the user's hands to apply the equilibrating force during pushing exercises. 4603/98 124102/2 -19-

4. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, which comprises a rear support for the user to apply the equilibrating force during pulling exercises

5. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for providing the force resisting the rotation of the at least one of said front or back rollers comprises: a. braking means for applying a torque resisting the rotation of a driving axle; b. mechanical means for connecting the said driving axle with the at least one of said front or back rollers, thereby keeping a rotation relationship therebetween; and c. means for controlling the level of the torque that said braker applies for resisting the rotation of the said driving axle.

6. The pushmg/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the braking means is an electromagnetic braker.

7. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the electromagnetic braker is an electric motor, the rotation of which is electromagnetically resisted by the application of a voltage, said voltage being proportional to the torque resisting the rotation of the driving axle.

8. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the electromagnetic braker comprises: a. bands/shoes-drum friction braking unit for braking the rotation of said driving axle; and 4603/98 124102/2 -20- b. solenoid/plunger electromagnet for activating said braking unit, the resisting torque that said braking unit applies on the said driving axle being proportional to the voltage applied to the said solenoid/plunger electromagnet.

9. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the braking means for applying a torque for resisting the rotation of the driving axle comprise: a. bands/shoes-drum friction braking unit for braking the rotation of said driving axle; and b. mechanical means for activating said braking unit, said mechanical means setting the level of the resisting torque that said braking unit applies on the said driving axle.

10. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the level of the voltage is controlled by control means.

11. The pushmg/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the height of the front support is adjustable.

12. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising flexible elements for operatively connecting the rear support to the upper part of the user's body.

13. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a harness for the user's chest, the flexible elements being connected to said harness at their forward end, and to said rear support at their rearward end. 4603/98 124102/2 -21-

14. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the treading blocks has a surface slanted with respect to the treadmill belt level, said slanted surface facing the front of the apparatus.

15. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for supervising the condition of the user, and means for displaying data relating to the user's condition.

16. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the data relating to the condition of the user is selected from his heartbeat rate, and his blood pressure.

17. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means at the front and the back of the apparatus for supporting the apparatus on the floor.

18. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the means at the front and the back of the apparatus for supporting the apparatus on the floor are adjustable, allowing the setting of the inclination of the apparatus.

19. The pushmg/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each one of the transversal treading blocks spans the complete width of the treadmill belt. 4603/98 124102/2 -22-

20. The pushmg/puUing treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each one of the transversal treading blocks spans a portion of the width of the treadmill belt.

21. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising gearing means for setting a rotation transfer rate between the belt and the driving axis.

22. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical means for connecting the driving axle with the at least one of said front or back rollers, are selected from pulleys, gearing means, belts, rollers, axles, and pivots.

23. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external surfaces of the treadmill belt and of the treading blocks are high friction surfaces.

24. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising safety means for stopping the progression of the treadmill belt in an emergency.

25. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the treading blocks for supporting the user's feet are 15- 25cm spaced apart from one another along the length of the belt.

26. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the angle a in which each of the treading blocks is slanted with respect to the treadmill belt level is between 40° to 80°. 4603/98 124102/2 -23-

27. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control means is a potentiometer.

28. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising headlights and a dynamo, the rotation part of the dynamo is in rotation engagement with the driving axle, thereby providing power to the headlights which is proportional to the rate of rotation of said axle.

29. A Method of carrying out pushing/pulling exercises, which comprises applying a substantially horizontal driving force to a loop belt to cause to progress against an opposing forces in a stationary supporting frame, and concurrently applying an equilibrating force to said frame.

30. The Method according to claim 29, wherein the driving force is applied by the user's feet and the equilibrating force by the user's hands.

31. The Method according to claim 30, comprising applying the driving and the equilibrating forces while maintaining the user's body in a forwardly slanted position.

32. The pushing/pulling treadmill exercise apparatus according to claim 1, essentially as described and illustrated.