Jacobs Ladder was developed by Steve Nichols, a former Western N.Y. fitness champion. His participation in strenuous physical activity left him with severe back and knee problems that threatened to keep him from the conditioning he was accustomed to with traditional gym equipment. Because of his physical challenges, Steve began seeking alternative gym equipment to allow him to maintain his conditioning goals without encouraging further injury.Gradually the Jacobs Ladder began to take shape and when it was completed the new exercise was so effective Steve decided to sell the gym equipment. more... See more text