An adaptive exercise device provides for a foot motion in which the vertical component of the path of foot travel is mechanically decoupled from the fore-aft component of the path of foot travel so that a user may selectably control the ratio of these two components during the use of the device. The adaptive exercise device includes foot links which are supported on a track for motion therealong. The links are mechanically interconnected so that when a first link moves in a first direction along the track, the second link moves in an equal and opposite direction. The apparatus further includes a vertical motion control system which raises and lowers portions of each of the foot links along a vertical path of travel independent of their position along the track.