Benefits of Magnetic Resistance vs Friction Resistance

Home cardio equipment such as stationary bikes, ellipticals, and rowing machines are all operated using a flywheel to store rotational energy from pedaling and change the resistance level.

The flywheel is a heavy metal disk that connects to the pedals and uses some form of resistance to add “braking” to the flywheel to make it harder or easier.

There are four types of resistance in various cardio equipment, but the two most common types are friction or magnetic.

Friction resistance uses brake pads similar to real bikes, which come in direct contact with the flywheel as you increase the resistance. This causes them to wear out over time and require maintenance to keep it working properly. Also, because the parts are rubbing against each other as you pedal, it tends to make the machine noisy and disturbing during your workout.

On the other hand, magnetic resistance flywheel parts never touch, creating a silent, frictionless resistance force.

These machines utilize two powerful magnets and as the flywheel rotates from pedaling, it interferes with the magnetic field between the two magnets creating an opposing force.

When you dial up the resistance, the magnets move closer to the flywheel, creating a braking effect that makes it harder to pedal. When you dial down the resistance, the magnets move away from the flywheel making it easier to pedal.

Magnetic resistance machines such as the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer use a tension knob that allows for greater control over the intensity, and the magnetic resistance responds quickly and smoothly to increasing or decreasing tension since the parts never come in contact.

Benefits of Magnetic Resistance:

• Whisper-quiet and smooth operation
• Reliable with little-to-no maintenance ever needed
• A wider range of resistance settings to make your workout more challenging over time
• Intensity controlled with one simple dial

With the FreeStep, you can enjoy a quiet workout so you can watch TV or read a book without distraction, and exercise any time of day or night without disturbing others.

While most magnetic resistance machines tend to be the more expensive options, the FreeStep was designed to deliver the same results at a more affordable price and in less time.

A recent study by the Colorado Center for Health & Sport Science compared the FreeStep with a Recumbent Bike and found a significant difference in energy expenditure!

At the same level of effort, the FreeStep burns 17.4% more calories per hour — which means you can burn the same amount of calories in 5.8 workouts that you would in 7 workouts with a recumbent bike!

Watch the video below to see the FreeStep in action!

At Teeter, it’s our mission to make fitness and recovery easy and comfortable for all ages and fitness levels, that’s why we designed the Teeter FreeStep – a stress-free zero impact home exercise machine.