Arc Trainers

Ive used ARC trainers before and from what I can tell the benefits are the same as using the elliptical or treadmill. The arc is low impact just as the elliptical is so if you are having joint issues or have an injury, the arc trainer OR ellliptical is a great alternative to the treadmill which even if you are walking can still be a little harsh on the joints and especially if you have an injury.

Hope that helps.

I always get a higher calorie burner on the Arc.

I don't even bother with the treadmill because I already walk more than 2 miles a day, and because of bad ankles and a hee stress fracture I cannot run.

The elliptical is ok... but I feel like I get a better work out on the Arc. If you raise the level and the resistance (I usually do level 20 and resistance 20) your legs really come up as if your were climbing/hiking. Whereas on the elliptical, you don't get that same movement.

I was at the gym this morning and I got so upset after my strength training because the 3 Arc's they have were being used LOL. I started on another machine, but as soon as one of the Arc's opened up I jumped right on it! I'll take the Arc over the bike, tradmill, or elliptical anyday!

I can't even imagine doing 50% resistance!! But at Level 20 with about 16% resistance and my heartrate at 140-150 I burn about 650 calories an hour (I am 5'2, 177 pounds).

The Arc Trainer was originally invented to rehab knee injuries.
I noticed I always got a higher calorie burn on the Arc as opposed to the elliptical.

I love the arc trainer at my gym! I use almost all of the cardio machines there but during the week when I have to get ready for work and get my daughter ready for school I only use the arc since my am workout time is cut short. I try to keep a good mix of different cardio just so I don't fall into a rut. I usually burn about 600 cal in 30 mins on there which is about 150-200 more than on the regular elliptical for me. The ones at my gym don't have the arm handles so its more of a core builder also.

The Cybex Arc Trainer is a monster. It's the first piece of equipment I get on at the gym. 20 mins to half hr and I'm soaked. I've been skipping the Cybex Treadmill lately. I use a sit down Elliptical called Octane Fitness. I'm not too sure of any of the Calories Burned by any of them. Either they seem like not enough or too much ...lol?

i've been eyeing the arc trainer at my gym but was intimidated by it (whenever i bust up my knees it lays me out for months). I spoke to a physical therapist today about it (who knows how my knees dislocate) and she said yes, absolutely! She told me to keep my stride short and the resistance low at first. she said it was a great hamspring and glute workout. totally gonna try it now!

I LOVE/HATE the Arc!! HAHA :laugh: I can burn the most calories on there. This morning it was 425 in 30 min. I am gradually increasing my time. When I first started I could only do 5-10 min. It is easy on the joints which is great! Don't be afraid to try it!

The ARC trainer has 100 different resistance levels and 10 different rotational settings...meaning there are 1000 potential setting variations on this machine. It's the only thing I miss about my old gym. My new gym does not have them. I love the workout on that machine!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/135616-arc-trainer-benefits/

Above link is to an Article written by a PHd - explaining the benefits of using arc verses elliptical. More calories burned in same amount of time.

That study compared the Arc Trainer to Precor ellipticals during a 30 min workout, performed at a predetrmined level of perceived exertion.

So the results of the study suggested that, at a predetermined level of perceived exertion, subjects on the Arc Trainer worked at a higher workload (and thus burned more calories).

The same study was done years ago using other cardio pieces--in that study, running on a treadmill scored the highest number of calories--again at a predetermined level of perceived exertion.

It's important to make that distinction, because it is important to emphasize that NO cardio exercise can inherently burn more calories at the same workload than any others. The reason why the Arc Trainer burned more calories in this study (and running in the other study) was because the subjects were working HARDER on those machines. So the only conclusion one can draw from this study is that, compared to Precor ellipticals, people on an Arc Trainer found it more comfortable to sustain a higher workload.

I have had knee issues for 9 years, which has made it impossible to get any kind of cardio workout. I tried using an elliptical, but even though it's supposed to be low impact, my knees couldn't bear it. Planet Fitness introduced the Arc Trainer to me and it has made all the difference. I am now able to get a great cardio workout with NO knee pain. I can't say enough good things about it. I'm sure you've already tried it by now since your post has been here for a while. I just wanted to share my experience for anyone new looking for an answer. THE greatest workout equipment for bad knees, try it and see.

I like the arc trainer. I can use an elliptical, but the arc trainer is easier on my knees.

Hi,
This is my first post on these boards. I tried using an Arc Trainer and was completely confused. I don't understand how this works. I'm 5'2" and I felt like I was barely moving. Are your legs supposed to move. I'm not sure if it's because my feel weren't all the way to the front on the foot pedal. I wanted to get my legs to move faster on the machine but couldn't figure out how.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.