Cybex Arc Trainer vs Elliptical Trainers

Cybex Arc Trainers are a great piece of fitness equipment. The development of the elliptical trainer has transformed the fitness centers and gyms across the country. The ability to do a full body workout with little or no impact allows you to burn more calories by exercising a larger group of muscles on your body. Elliptical trainers are in many cases replacing treadmills in local gyms and YMCA's. When elliptical trainers first appeared the feel of using this new piece of fitness equipment was compared to running on air. However some users had trouble using the new cross trainers. Probably the largest complaint came in the form of knee discomfort. Almost the entire body motion on an elliptical trainer is through the knee. If you have a preexisting knee injury then the use of an elliptical trainer was at times uncomfortable. Some people would even warmed up their knees on a treadmill prior to climbing on an elliptical trainer. However if you talk to most elliptical trainer users you will find very few complaints. One additional problem comes from users that lean to far forward while using an elliptical machine. This puts undue strain on the back leading to cramps or post exercise back pain. Correct posture while using any piece of fitness equipment is important and this is especially true when using any cross trainer. Cybex has created a new cross trainer called the Arch Trainer that seeks to change the fundamental motion used in most ellipticals.

The Cybex Arc Trainer comes in several models all of which are considered commercial grade fitness equipment. They are priced accordingly with even the in home models exceeding $4000.00. Most people first come in contact with the Cybex Arc Trainer in their local fitness center or gym. Its flywheel is located at the front of the arc trainer just like the older Cybex elliptical trainers. The location of the pedals appears to be located slightly further to the rear of the arc trainer then you would find on many elliptical trainers. Upon mounting the arc trainer you almost immediately find that you are standing in a more upright position. As you begin to make your stride you will feel your hips doing more of the work. Most people find that using the Cybex Arc Trainer is slightly more comfortable then using some elliptical trainers. The incline feature of the Cybex Arc Trainer is really nice and easy to use. A thirty minute workout provides essentially the same workout as a top quality elliptical trainer with adjustable incline features. It appears to work all the same muscle groups that an elliptical trainer impact. The Cybex Arc Trainer handle bars work in the same motion as your feet do. Basically as the left foot goes forward so does the left handle bar in a very natural cross country skiing motion.

Cybex Arc Trainers are built to last and have lots of features that make them a premier piece of fitness equipment. The console is nicely setup and it has up to 12 exercise routines with varying resistance levels similar to many quality elliptical trainers. The biggest drawback to the Cybex Arc Trainer is the price. For the average fitness enthusiast it would be a major investment to purchase a Cybex Arc Trainer for in home use. A quality elliptical trainer provides the same exercise benefits as the Cybex Arc Trainer at less that half the price. If you really want to use the Cybex Arc Trainer as part of your exercise program we suggest you look for a fitness center that already has them.