8 via crank arms 14 note that the two crank arms are oriented in opposite directions causing the respective motions of the two step assemblies 8 to be in opposite directions the user steps down from one step assembly 8 when it is at or near its highest position unto the other step 8 which is at or near its lowest position the user 39 s center of mass is then lifted by the upward motion of this other step assembly 8 until it it turn reaches or is near its highest position at which time the user steps down unto the first step assembly 8 in this manner the user steps continuously downward while the invention transports the user continuously upward in such a manner that the vertical position of the user remains approximately the same referring to fig4 and 5 there are shown front and side views of a conventional treadmill or rotary stair exerciser typically in these types of equipment stepping assemblies 58 move continuously downward as indicated by downward arrow 59 this allows the user to step continuously upward in this treadmill design stepping assemblies 58 are attached to belt 56 which is driven in a counterclockwise direction by drive pulley 70 via drive pulley 70 connected to motor pulley 74 driven by motor 72 belt pulleys 60 support belt 56 on both ends it should be understood that the various pulleys discussed in this embodiment are supported on both sides by virtue of rotatable connection to frame vertical supports 54 which extend on either side.