Exercise Framework Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention comprises a substantially rigid framework that may substantially surround and being used in conjunction with a stair-stepping machine for the lower body. An individual may then exercise the upper body using exercise accessories connected to the substantially rigid framework.

1 . A substantially rigid framework for use with stair-stepping machines, the substantially rigid framework comprised of:
 a base;   a top portion;   multiple substantially vertical support members connected to the base and directed upward and away from the base and connected to the top portion;   
       wherein the substantially rigid framework substantially surrounds or is adjacent to the stair-stepping machine and allows an individual to conduct lower-body exercises using the stair-stepping machine while simultaneously conducting upper-body exercises using the substantially rigid framework. 
     
     
         2 . The framework according to  claim 1 , further comprising substantially diagonal support members connecting adjacent substantially vertical support members on opposing sides of the substantially rigid framework. 
     
     
         3 . The framework according to  claim 1 , further comprising lateral supports connecting adjacent substantially vertical support members on opposing sides of the substantially rigid framework. 
     
     
         4 . The framework according to  claim 3 , wherein the lateral supports may be moved towards the base or towards the top portion as needed. 
     
     
         5 . The framework according to  claim 3 , wherein exercise accessories may be attached or connected to the lateral supports. 
     
     
         6 . The framework according to  claim 1 , wherein exercise accessories may be attached or connected to the top portion. 
     
     
         7 . The framework according to  claim 1 , further comprised of lateral support extensions attached to the substantially vertical support members towards the back of the stair-stepping machine and are directed away from the substantially rigid framework. 
     
     
         8 . The framework according to  claim 7 , wherein the lateral support extensions are positioned at a variety of desired angles relative to the longitudinal support. 
     
     
         9 . The framework according to  claim 1 , further comprised of lateral support extensions attached to the lateral supports towards the back of the stair-stepping machine and are directed away from the substantially rigid framework. 
     
     
         10 . The framework according to  claim 1 , further comprised of a resting portion towards a rear of the substantially rigid framework. 
     
     
         11 . The framework according to  claim 10 , wherein the resting portion preferably allows for placement of a television, computer, gaming system, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The framework according to claim ii, wherein the resting portion further comprises one or more arm rests. 
     
     
         13 . The framework according to claim ii, wherein the television, computer, or gaming system includes a programmed exercise regime that shows the regime on a screen and alters the resistance of the associated stair-stepping machine. 
     
     
         14 . The framework according to  claim 1 , wherein the resting portion is connected to the lateral supports, and wherein the resting portion is slidable along a length of the lateral supports. 
     
     
         15 . The framework according to  claim 14 , wherein the resting portion is rotatable about a bar connecting opposing lateral supports. 
     
     
         16 . The framework according to  claim 1 , wherein the top portion is slidable and substantially lockable along a length of the substantially vertical support members. 
     
     
         17 . The framework according to  claim 1 , wherein the stair-stepping machine further comprises two weight stacks. 
     
     
         18 . The framework according to  claim 1 , further comprising a control panel.