The word elliptical means shaped like an oval. In the world of fitness and
exercise, elliptical technology is a relatively new, innovative equipment design
that draws on a smooth, elliptical movement to provide a low impact form of
weight bearing exercise that is fun and easy to learn.

Elliptical cross trainers have footpads that allow you to stand up while you
exercise. They have handgrips for you to hold onto and help maintain balance.
Some even have handles to use in working your upper body. Because you are
standing, the exercise is similar to walking or running. But the arm bars and
elliptical motion create similarities with biking or skiing. The main difference
with elliptical exercise machines is that although you are standing and bearing
weight, which is important to building bone density, your feet never leave the
footpads. So unlike treadmills or jogging, there is little impact on your joints
and muscles. This provides a low impact, total body workout.

Elliptical Technology
The advantages of this type of smooth, non-jarring motion come from the
elliptical design of the exercise equipment. Elliptical technology has come to
be known as a combination of mechanisms and design features, unique to
elliptical cross trainers, which create a motion similar to the natural path the
feet, legs and hips follow during actual motor activities such as walking or
running.

There are several different types of elliptical equipment available, and the
list of choices seems to grow each day. However, most elliptical fitness
machines have a crank arm that is attached to a stable bar at one end and an
axis at the other. The axis end revolves as the bar moves and the other end
moves in a flat, nearly linier back and forth motion. This causes an elliptical
path for the overall movement of the machine. Most elliptical exercise machines
built for home use provide resistance through a band around the flywheel. Some
high end and commercial elliptical cross trainers use magnetic resistance.

Like a bicycle, this elliptical motion is smooth and continuous. With a stair
stepper or other similar equipment, there is a pattern of motion and reverse
motion, an up and down or back and forth, to which your feet and legs must
continually adapt. At the point where the forward motion ends and the reverse
motion begins, there is an impact from the force of the machine, which is still
in motion. Your joints, bones, and muscles have to stop the motion and reverse
it each