Elliptical trainers have been popular in the home and commercial fitness markets since they were introduced in 1995 by Precor. Many companies copied Precor's patented designs to create similar elliptical machines, but after the turn of the century Cybex International created its own variation on the movements of the elliptical machine to create the arc trainer.
Features
The main difference between the Cybex arc trainers and a standard elliptical machine is the motion of the pedals. On a classic elliptical trainer, the flywheel is located in the rear of the machine and the pedals rotate elliptically around an axis. On the Cybex arc trainer the flywheel is located in the front of the machine and the pedals rotate upward and forward in an arc motion as you step. Unlike mid- to low-quality elliptical machines, the Cybex arc trainer has fully adjustable pedals to change the style and intensity of your workout. Cybex's machine comes with six programmable workouts. Many elliptical machines at the commercial and home level have more programmable workouts than the Cybex arc trainer.
Function
Elliptical trainers are designed to provide you with a cardiovascular workout on par with treadmill running without having a high impact on your knees and ankles. Those with upright handles also provide you with an upper body workout.
The Cybex arc trainer was designed for similar cardio benefits, but with reduced stress on your hips and back. According to research carried out at the University of North Carolina by M.J. Turner and published in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," average fitness seekers reported less discomfort in their hips while using an arc trainer than they did with an elliptical trainer.
Research
A study carried out at Florida Atlantic University by E. Sue Graves and Paul M. Juris, titled "A Comparative Kinematic and Biomechanical Analysis of Two Gait Simulators," directly compares the pedal motion of an elliptical trainer and arc trainer against one another. In their final analysis of the two machines, the researchers state that the motion of the elliptical compels the rider to lean forward, creating an unnatural hip flexion. The arc trainer eliminates this compulsion by lifting the knee and straightening the user's back.
Types
Cybex offers four different types of arc trainers. These range from home fitness models that focus only on your lower body to club-quality equipment that gives you a full body workout. As of October 2010, Cybex arc trainers range in price from roughly $3,000 to nearly $8,000 depending on the model you purchase. Elliptical trainers come in a much wider variety, with models having front, center and rear flywheels. They range in price from $150 to more than $5,000
Size
Cybex arc trainers range in size depending on the model, but typically measure around 70 inches long by 30 inches wide by 44 inches high. Elliptical trainers come in a wide range of sizes, with portable foot pedal models having a footprint less than 2 square feet and commercial rear-drive models measuring around 84 inches long by 31 inches wide by 63 inches high.
References
- Sports Smith: Cybex Arc Trainer 630A Owner's Manual
- "A Comparison of Physiologic and Physical Discomfort Responses Between Exercise Modalities"; "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; 2010
- All Ellipticals: History of Elliptical Trainers
- Cybex International: Arc Trainers
- Cybex International: A Comparative Kinematic and Biomechanical Analysis of Two Gait Simulators
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