Arc trainer vs. Elliptical machine

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glennie19
glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
edited November 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

Hi everyone,

I've been doing both machines at the gym. The Arc trainer is easier,, I can stay on it a lot longer and I actually like it better. However the elliptical has arms, and I do like to add the arm motion since I have LE. But I find it MUCH harder to do. Literally, after 1 min, I'm exhausted. I have worked my way up to 4 mins on it, yet I can easily do 10 on the Arc trainer.

Does anyone know the difference between the 2 machines?  I've looked around and it seems the Arc is easier on the knees, but supposed to be uncomfortable for short people. Well, I'm short and I like it. 

anyone else use either of these machines and your thoughts on them?

thanks!

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Comments

  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited August 2014


    Arc trainer is a trademarked name by Cybex. The stride on Arc trainer is slightly different than on elliptical. But many people call the Arc trainer an elliptical too. My gym has Arc trainers with the hand sticks and without. I always prefer the one without hand motion, so much easier for me, I hate upper body exercises in general. I am short too (5' 1'') so maybe the hand grips are just way too high for us.

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited August 2014

    I try for the cybex arc trainer with the arms that move. I set it on an interval program. I use the arms when the resistence increases. I find this takes some of the weight off my feet which tend to go numb after 40minutes or so. There is an "arc trainer" without arms but I don't like it.

    If that machine is unavailable, I use a precor eliptical without arms. My feet don't go numb on the eliptical but it is harder on the knees. I usually do an interval program on this machine as well. Since I don't use the arms on the eliptical, I avoid the elipticals with them. It bothers me to have them going back & forth.

    I'm kinda medium height 5'5"

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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited August 2014

    The stride is different with Arc trainers from elliptical, the foot paddles do not circle (or elliptical!) around like on the elliptical, which may be why many find it easier on the knees.

    I like arc trainers, though only ever used the arm ones. My new gym does not have any unfortunately so now I only get to use them when I am travelling :( I am 5'4" . I do find the arc trainer gets my HR up faster than most ellipticals. For ellipticals, well, there is a lot of variation from brand and model to brand and model. Some I enjoy working out on, some I avoid! I have very good aerobic/cardio fitness (I do about 1.5-2 hours of cardio very regularly (6-7 days a week) via, running, cycling, elliptical, etc) but there are some elliptical machines that just seem awkward and exhausting to use!

    I always use machines with arms, but I switch on and off between using the arms depending on resistance and intensity. 

    I don't think it matters what you use, really. Use whichever you enjoy and will have you on it!

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  • JeremyHague
    JeremyHague Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2016

    Elliptical machine works for me well. I am losing the weight and burning calories faster than my previous machine. I can work with my upper and lower body at the same time. It helps me build muscles and get the right body shape.

    Read more: http://www.thegoodgears.com/Elliptical-Machine/

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