Side to side machine

Abstract

A side to side machine provides training for muscles and body structures using lateral motion. The side to side machine may comprise one or more inclined platforms which each support a step. The steps may be connected to synchronize their movement. The user may lower a first step to raise the other step. The user may then lower the raised step to raise the first step. This may be repeated to complete a user's training. The incline of the platforms may be adjusted as the user is training to strengthen and tone various of the user's leg and other muscles. In addition, the resistance to moving the steps may be adjusted as desired. A control system may be included to control the incline of the platforms and other operations of the side to side machine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A side to side machine comprising:
 two platforms having a proximal end and a distal end;   a pivot at the proximal end of the two platforms, the pivot connected to the two platforms to allow the two platforms to rotate relative to one another;   an elevator attached to the pivot, the elevator configured to raise and lower the pivot to incline the two platforms varying amounts;   two steps, each step mounted to each of the two platforms and configured to move between the proximal end and the distal end of each of the two platforms; and   a connecting member extending between the two steps, wherein the connecting member pulls one of the two steps upward when the other of the two steps is lowered.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a base. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the base is secured to the floor. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the elevator is attached to the base. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein a support riser is attached to the base. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the support riser comprises handles that are horizontally or vertically adjustable. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elevator is manually powered. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the movement of the steps powers the elevator. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elevator is motorized. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elevator comprises an actuator. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platforms further comprise spherical or cylindrical structures at the distal ends of said platforms. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a control system. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the control system is used to adjust the resistance of the steps. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the control system is used to adjust the incline of the platforms. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the control system is used to track the user's timing, achievement or characteristics. 
     
     
         16 . A method for training at a side to side apparatus comprising:
 standing on the two platforms of the side to side apparatus;   engaging at least one platform of the side to side apparatus with at least one foot;   pushing the at least one platform downward along the angle of the inclination against a resistance provided by the side to side apparatus; and   raising the opposite platform upward along the angle of the inclination.