Exercise apparatus is provided, which includes pedals on which a user can exert loads in a first direction, and a motor that is configured to drive the pedals in the opposite direction and that is controlled to run at a predetermined speed, so that the loads from the user are exerted by using muscles eccentrically. The apparatus is configured such that the user's body is in a generally upright orientation when using the apparatus—preferably in a standing orientation, without using a seat.