A walking/jogging exercise machine includes a machine frame supported upon
a generally horizontally extending floor. A shaft is mounted for rotation
on the machine frame, and a pair of cams is mounted for rotation on the
shaft. A pair of movable track assemblies has rear portions with rear
ends pivotally connected to the machine frame, and front portions with
movable front ends. A pair of articulated cam follower assemblies extend
between the machine frame and the front ends of the track assembly front
portions. The cam follower assemblies include cam rollers operably
engaged upon peripheries of the cams, and the cam follower assemblies
move in response to rotation of the cams. A pair of foot assemblies is
mounted for sliding movement on the track assemblies. A linkage
arrangement between the cams and the foot assemblies is provided for
transferring movement of the foot assemblies to the cams such that the
articulated cam follower assemblies enable a leveraged range of up and
down movement of the track assemblies to product an increase in bending
of a user's knees resulting in a enhanced natural stepping motion.