The present invention relates to a core exercise apparatus that combines lower arm movements with knee movements to exercise the core muscles of an operator in a cyclic manner. More particularly, the present invention is associated with an exercise apparatus having a separately supported knee platform for a portion of an operator coordinated with the motion of a lower arm platform. Further, the knees of the operator follow an elliptical curve path in concert with the up and down movements of the lower arm platform to drive a flywheel for cardio core exercise of the abdominal, lower and upper back muscles. The obliques may also be exercised by a reposition of the lower legs on the knee platform.