There are several types of resistance used by exercise pedallers. These include friction, belts, brake pads, and other forms of contact to increase the amount of force needed to operate. The MagneTrainer uses a high quality magnetic that increases resistance the closer it gets to the aluminum flywheel. As you turn the dial the magnet gets closer and it becomes harder to pedal.
The harder you pedal the more you work your muscles and the more calories are burned.
The magnetic resistance is smooth to operate and very quiet. The magnet will come very close but never actually touches the flywheel.