StreetStrider
Encyclopedia
The StreetStrider is a mobile elliptical trainer
invented by David W. Kraus, PhD, former Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
.
The StreetStrider consists of a T-shaped lower frame to which two front wheels and a rear wheel containing a drive assembly are attached, and an upright frame to which two reciprocating arm levers are attached. Two elongated foot platforms on either side of the lower frame are attached to cranks as part of the drive assembly, which, as with bicycle drivetrain systems
, also includes a hub, a rotating axle, and an internal hub gear
system translating the axle rotation to the hub. The lower end of each arm lever is attached to the front end of each foot platform, which, by connection in the rear to the rotating crank arm and in the front to the pivoting arm lever, moves generally in an elliptical path. The device also includes a leaning mechanism for steering, as well as brakes and multiple gearing.
The StreetStrider duplicates the motion of a stationary elliptical trainer
in a mobile device. The rider achieves a full-body weight-bearing low-impact high-cardiovascular workout while moving outdoors. With a bicycle trainer
, several models of the StreetStrider can be fashioned into stationary indoor elliptical trainer
s, able to be used during inclement weather. The StreetStrider can be used for physical fitness
, weight loss
,, physical therapy
, human-powered transport
, and outdoor adventure. The American Council on Exercise
(ACE), a nonprofit fitness certification and education provider, recently commissioned exercise physiologist John Porcari, Ph.D., and his team at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
to perform a study comparing the StreetStrider to a stationary elliptical trainer
. The team found that in every measure they made, including heart rate
, oxygen consumption rate, percent of VO2 max
, calorie burn rate and rating of perceived exertion, the StreetStrider outperformed the stationary elliptical trainer
. ACE’s Chief Science Officer Cedric Bryant, Ph.D. is quoted as saying, "This is one exercise product that actually lives up to its billing.” "Overall, we found that the StreetStrider provides a tremendous workout and is a legitimate alternative to indoor cardio machines," added Bryant. "The product encourages riders to engage more of their muscles for an effective total-body workout, while enjoying the benefits of an outdoor workout."
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries...
invented by David W. Kraus, PhD, former Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
.
The StreetStrider consists of a T-shaped lower frame to which two front wheels and a rear wheel containing a drive assembly are attached, and an upright frame to which two reciprocating arm levers are attached. Two elongated foot platforms on either side of the lower frame are attached to cranks as part of the drive assembly, which, as with bicycle drivetrain systems
Bicycle drivetrain systems
Bicycle drivetrain systems are used to transmit power on bicycles, tricycles, quadracycles, unicycles, or other human-powered vehicles from the riders to the drive wheels. Most also include some type of a mechanism to convert speed and torque via gear ratios....
, also includes a hub, a rotating axle, and an internal hub gear
Hub gear
A hub gear, internal-gear hub, or just gear hub is a gear ratio changing system commonly used on bicycles that is implemented with planetary or epicyclic gears. The gears and lubricants are sealed within the hub-shell of the bicycle's rear wheel, as opposed to derailleur gears, where the gears and...
system translating the axle rotation to the hub. The lower end of each arm lever is attached to the front end of each foot platform, which, by connection in the rear to the rotating crank arm and in the front to the pivoting arm lever, moves generally in an elliptical path. The device also includes a leaning mechanism for steering, as well as brakes and multiple gearing.
The StreetStrider duplicates the motion of a stationary elliptical trainer
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries...
in a mobile device. The rider achieves a full-body weight-bearing low-impact high-cardiovascular workout while moving outdoors. With a bicycle trainer
Bicycle trainer
A trainer, or turbo trainer, is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to ride a bicycle while it remains stationary. They are commonly used to train for races, or when riding conditions outside are not favorable...
, several models of the StreetStrider can be fashioned into stationary indoor elliptical trainer
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries...
s, able to be used during inclement weather. The StreetStrider can be used for physical fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
, weight loss
Weight loss
Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue...
,, physical therapy
Physical therapy
Physical therapy , often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention,and rehabilitation...
, human-powered transport
Human-powered transport
Human-powered transport is the transport of person and/or goods using human muscle power. Like animal-powered transport, human-powered transport has existed since time immemorial in the form of walking, running and swimming...
, and outdoor adventure. The American Council on Exercise
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit fitness certification and education provider.Established in 1985, ACE now operates as a full-service entity with a staff of more than 40...
(ACE), a nonprofit fitness certification and education provider, recently commissioned exercise physiologist John Porcari, Ph.D., and his team at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is a public university located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA...
to perform a study comparing the StreetStrider to a stationary elliptical trainer
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries...
. The team found that in every measure they made, including heart rate
Heart rate
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed as beats per minute . Heart rate can vary as the body's need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide changes, such as during exercise or sleep....
, oxygen consumption rate, percent of VO2 max
VO2 max
VO2 max is the maximum capacity of an individual's body to transport and use oxygen during incremental exercise, which reflects the physical fitness of the individual...
, calorie burn rate and rating of perceived exertion, the StreetStrider outperformed the stationary elliptical trainer
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries...
. ACE’s Chief Science Officer Cedric Bryant, Ph.D. is quoted as saying, "This is one exercise product that actually lives up to its billing.” "Overall, we found that the StreetStrider provides a tremendous workout and is a legitimate alternative to indoor cardio machines," added Bryant. "The product encourages riders to engage more of their muscles for an effective total-body workout, while enjoying the benefits of an outdoor workout."