All about Arc Trainers

An Arc Trainer is a popular piece of fitness equipment manufactured by Cybex International. Built in Owatonna, Minn., the Arc Trainer is a stationary piece of equipment that is somewhat similar to an elliptical machine, but which offers an arcuate path of motion instead of an elliptical one. This has numerous benefits.
The Arc Trainer has the approximate footprint of the elliptical or a stair machine. People get on it and then move their legs in an arcuate motion. Some models also feature arm movement as well. As the rider exerts force with his or her arms and/or legs, he or she can get both cardio exercise and work on his or her muscles. Calories are burned as this force is exerted.
Arc Trainers offer many different advantages to other types of gym equipment. Because of the type of motion, less pressure is put onto the knee joints. This can help reduce the chance of injury and give you a better workout for your muscles. Because of this, it can burn more calories than a workout in an elliptical trainer. Also, unlike running on a treadmill, there is no impact, so you do not put damaging pressure on your joints. It can also prevent damage to the hips and back as compared to some other types of exercises.
Of course one receives the typical benefits of exercise while using the arc trainer. You can get aerobic exercise, in which the heart rate stays up at a consistent rate. This type of exercise can lower blood pressure and increase heart health.
The Arc Trainer comes in different models, including the 770 series, the 625 series and the 750 series. There are lower body version and versions for the total body. For instance, models such as the 770A focus on the lower body and do not include the motions in the arms.
The machines offer different levels of incline and resistance. Riders “glide” at the lower incline levels like a skier, “stride” in the mid-range levels and “climb” in the higher ones. They also offer programs for a varied experience.
The Arc Trainer is not an inexpensive machine. Many models cost in the $2,000 to $3,000 or more range. A lot of people choose to use them in a gym rather than in a home gym because of the cost.
The Arc Trainer provides a great workout. People should consider using it as part of a comprehensive fitness routine.