Resistance & User Power Output in Fitness Applications
Resistance on an elliptical machine indicates the force required for pedaling. Pedal torque (N·m) at the crank is used to represent the resistance value.
User Power Output (watts) is a commonly used to express the workload. It is a combined factor of pedal torque and cadence. Power Output can also be used to assess calorie expenditure.
| Resistance Torque (Nm) | Measurement of resistant torque at the crank |
| User Power Output (W) | Calculation of user power output at a certain resistance torque and pedaling cadance. |
How Elliptical Machines Produce Resistance
Elliptical machines produce exercise resistance mainly in two ways:
- Magnetic Resistance
- Acceleration Resistance
Magnetic Resistance
Most modern elliptical machines use a magnetic resistance (or magnetic brake) device to create a smooth and quiet workout load. In this system, a metal flywheel rotates near a set of magnets. The magnets do not need to touch the flywheel, so the resistance can be produced without frictional contact.
When the flywheel rotates through the magnetic field, electrical currents are induced inside the metal flywheel. These currents are called eddy currents. The eddy currents create an opposing magnetic effect that resists the rotation of the flywheel. This opposing force is what the exerciser feels as resistance.
The resistance level can be adjusted by changing the gap between the magnet set and the outer ring of the flywheel. The closer the magnet set is to the flywheel, the higher the resistance.
Magnetic resistance is smooth, quiet, adjustable, and low-maintenance because the magnets do not rub against the flywheel. This is why it is widely used in elliptical machines, exercise bikes, and other indoor fitness equipment.
Acceleration Resistance
Acceleration resistance is different from magnetic resistance. It comes from the force required to change the kinetic energy when the exerciser speeds up the pedal stroke.
Resistance Value
The resistance value can be expressed by the pedal torque on crank.
Manufacturers usually measure the magnetic resistance torque at the crank speed of 1 stroke/second (60RPM).
Most manufacturers do not disclose the resistance values of their elliptical machines. Instead, they provide the number of resistance levels, which can cause confusion.
What Does “Resistance Level” Really Mean?
Resistance level is just a setting number. It does not provide how much resistance (torque) the machine actually produces.
Number of resistance level does not tell the range of resistance.
For the same resistance (torque) range, one manufacturer may divide it to 24 levels, and another manufacturer my dvided it to 12 levels. A 24-level machine does not necessarily mean it offers a broader resistance range than a 12-level machine.
Manufacturers may divid a low resistance range in many more levels for marketing purposes. User will need to press the level+ button many more times to feel the resistance increase.
LB007 Vertical Elliptical offers a broad resistance range from 5 Nm to 43 Nm with reasonable 8 resistance levels.
Resistance range of an elliptical machine is the pedal torque range the machine offers.
User Power Output
User Power Output is commonly used to evaluate and compare the resistance capability of different elliptical machines.
User Power Output is calculated based on a given pedal torque and a certain cadence. The pedal cadence of 1 cycle / sec, or 60 RPM of crank rotation is usually adopted for the assessment and calculation.
It is important to understand the resistance range for choosing the right elliptical machine that fits your physical condition and fitness goal.
Resistance & Fitness Applications
Below are a general reference for selecting a right elliptical machine that provides the needed User Power Output for suitable fitness applications.
| Pedal Torque* (Nm) |
Power Output (W) |
Application |
|---|---|---|
| 5–8 | 30–50 | Light Exercise Warm-up, recovery, and low-effort daily activity. |
| 8–16 | 50–100 | General Cardio Comfortable continuous exercise for cardiovascular health and basic fitness. |
| 16–32 | 100–200 | Fitness & Endurance Improve stamina, aerobic capacity, and calorie expenditure. |
| 32–48 | 200–300 | Advanced Training Demanding workouts for well-trained users and serious endurance conditioning. |
| 48+ | 300+ | Competitive Athletes High-intensity intervals and elite-level endurance training. |