ok, at the risk of sounding ignorant.....
The elliptical trainer is that walking machine that is not quite a step climber because it's easier on the knees. It's like you put your feet in the R and L petals, and walk in place. The pedals go in a circular motion with little or no stress to the knees. You hold on to the two handrails that look like ski poles, and walk like you're skiing. Look up elliptical trainer on google, and they'll show you a zillion of them. They're great for me: I get a solid workout, and it doesn't hurt my knees.
How's that!
Jessica