Elliptical machines certainly appear complicated. However, actually they are simpler than treadmills. They also require less maintenance. There are more moving parts on ellipticals so they generally require more time to put together for home use. Because they lack a motor and belt, they require less attention and care. Still, how they work is not obvious.

Drive Power

Running a treadmill motor requires a significant amount of electricity. However, ellipticals are powered by their users. An elliptical may have batteries to run the console for short periods, but they certainly can save electricity over a longer period.

The Word Elliptical

What does the word "elliptical" mean anyway? Technically, it means the shape of the outline of the movement of the machine’s pedal. The pedals don't move in a circle, as they do on a bike. It's a somewhat flattened circle, the shape known as an ellipsis. An ellipsis is closer to the way the feet and legs move while running.

Adjusting The Resistance

Elliptical trainer resistance is typically provided and adjusted through one of two methods.

1.Magnetic Resistance - All elliptical machines have flywheels that provide weight and momentum to their movements. Magnetic resistance works like a bicycle brake works, except for the actual rubbing. Instead, a magnetic bracket that conforms to the flywheel and a hinge controls how close the bracket gets to the flywheel. The closer the bracket, the more resistance. The hinge is controlled from the console of the elliptical.

2. Generator Resistance - This form of resistance was introduced in 1998 to provide a smoother resistance than magnetic resistance. With generator resistance, when a user pedals the elliptical, he powers a generator. Powering the generator itself provides some resistance. The resistance can be raised by increasing the electrical resistance with the circuits of the generator as the user increases his speed. The resistance is then variable through a control board that opens or shuts relays to the generator.