Cybex arc trainer and back pain?

Webbygail
Webbygail Posts: 116
in Fitness and Exercise
So, my cardio machine of choice has always been the elliptical. Lately i've been seeing a lot of stuff about the cybex arc trainers so i decided to give that a try.... and i gotta say OW. It seemed very bouncy/jarring to me, and caused me horrible lower back pain within the first five minutes. I was just wondering if anyone else has this issue? I tried various different strides and foot position etc... all had the same effect =/

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,994 Member
    Are you flexible in the hamstrings? If not, that may be the problem since you have to lift your knees higher on a Cybex. Personally I choose this machine over a standard elliptical.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Since elliptical machines all have constrained range-of-motion, there will be some that just don't work naturally for some people's bodies. Just go back to the elliptical that you like and can use comfortably- there's nothing particularly magical about the arc machine, except maybe that you can target some muscle groups a little differently as you can set the step height to be so high. Don't force yourself if it hurts, especially since you have other options available. You can push yourself to get a kicka$$ cardio workout on a regular elliptical.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    looks like a torture device. Why bother if your in pain?

    get off the elipticrack (tm) and get on the treadmill or the road.
  • Webbygail
    Webbygail Posts: 116
    looks like a torture device. Why bother if your in pain?

    get off the elipticrack (tm) and get on the treadmill or the road.

    Haha it FELT like a torture device! :] And i walk on the treadmill or outside daily, i can't jog or run yet due to plantar fasciitis and nerve damage. The elliptical is just my machine of choice for cardio because it's a little easier on my joints and I can burn more cals, at least til a lot of the weight comes off then maybe jogging will be easier.
  • mfottler
    mfottler Posts: 2
    Hi - I work at Cybex and am a huge fan of the Arc Trainer. First of all, I'm sorry that you have had back pain; that can be discouraging for anyone. If you're experiencing a "bounciness" then it's more than likely that the incline is too high for you. You could try lowering the incline which would decrease the amount of hip flexion, and make it easier and smoother.

    Of course, at Cybex, would always recommend that people do what works best for them, but if you give the Arc a try at lower inclines, and maybe a lower resistance for starters, and it does relieve her back pain, then we're confident that you'll appreciate the added calorie burn.

    I've been working out on the Arc Trainer for over 10 years and absolutely love it. I can't run anymore because of knee and hip issues but I can "run" on the Arc Trainer and get my heart rate up, big calorie burn and sweat.

    Best of luck to you in finding your best workout solution!

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