What early exercise machine resembled a stationary bicycle?

The Gymnasticon was an early exercise machine that resembled a stationary bicycle. It was invented in 1796 by Francis Lowndes. Its function was to exercise the joints, either in all parts of the body at once or partially at a time. It emerged from the newly developed science of orthopedics, originated by Nicolas Andry in 1741. It was an early example of a series of new technologies in gymnastics that would lead to the development of physical therapy in the 19th century.

This exercise machine depended on a set of flywheels. They were connected to wooden treadles for the feet to crank which allowed the hands to operate metal brackets or cocks. This would cause a person to exert a good amount of physical energy. The person's energy could drive all parts of the Gymnasticon, or it could be used to operate certain parts independently.

In his patent, Lowndes stated that the machine would provide exercise to the limbs, joints, and muscles of the human body. Later for a magazine article in 1820, he claimed success in using the machine to treat "gout, palsy, rheumatism, debility, contraction, etc." It was specifically designed for the sick, with an external crank that could be used to force involuntary motion in the joints of a person too disabled to work the machine alone. Moreover, its ability to provide exercise for people forced to be sedentary by circumstances (such as students and desk-bound office workers) made it a very useful device.