What does one actually DO on an elliptical machine?

Question

I am told it works both arms and legs without harming your knees. But what do you actually do? Are there videos of someone working out on one?

Answer 1

Basically your body moves sort of like you are skiing. Your legs move forward and back in long, skinny ovals (you go slightly down as you go forward) and your arms move back and forth as well.

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12WZp9-Ew-I

Answer 2

It's kind of like a modified stair-master, where you're stepping forward and also up and down.

The link below might help.