Arc Trainer vs Elliptical – Which Is More Effective?

We’re often asked to compare an arc trainer vs elliptical. That’s because most people want to know which cardio machine is more effective and can help them lose weight faster.

And so we’ve decided to answer this question with this short article. In it, we will compare these two cardio machines while looking at their essential characteristics and helping you determine which is more suitable for your training style and personal preferences. 

And so, without further ado, let’s get started. 

What Is an Arc Trainer?

Arc Trainer is a cardio machine, but it’s most likely you’ve never heard of it before. Unlike the elliptical, the treadmill, or the bike, it’s not widely used in commercial gyms, and so most people tend not to know much about it.

Arc Trainers are made by Cybex and have actually been on the market since 2003, but they’ve started to gather attention only in the last few years. There are two distinct styles – total body and lower body.

The original is the lower body machine that works your legs while your hands are free to do whatever you want to. On the other hand, the full-body version is focused on giving you a whole-body workout, similar to XC skiing. 

As with any other cardio machine, you’re able to adjust the resistance, incline, and stride rate so that they’re suitable for your fitness level or for the kind of workout you want to do. 

What Is an Elliptical?

An elliptical (also called X-trainer or cross trainer) is one of the most popular cardio machines out there. It’s essentially a stationary exercise machine that imitates the movements we do during walking or skiing without causing that much stress on the joints, thus reducing the likelihood of injuries. 

Ellipticals first entered the market in the late 90s and were introduced by a company called Precor. Nowadays, ellipticals are made by loads of different brands for fitness equipment, and typically they can vary in size and in features they have.

Most ellipticals require you to use both your arms and legs to perform the movement, and they allow you to change the resistance depending on your goals and current strength levels. Additionally, they’re typically either self-powered (meaning your motion generates their resistance), or they can have a powered resistance system that you adjust. 

Arc Trainer vs Elliptical

When we compare the elliptical vs arc trainer, there are several key characteristics we need to take into consideration. Let’s take a look at them. 

1. Calories Burned 

One of the main things people care about is which machine will help them burn more calories. Calorie burning has an impact on both how much weight you can lose and how much energy you need to waste while working out. In most cases, when people are looking for a cardio machine, they do it because they want to exercise at home and lose weight or maintain their current form.

The idea behind the creation of an Arc Trainer was to improve on the already existing elliptical design. And although some people say that it burns more calories, there’s no clear and definitive evidence to support those claims. One big difference is that the Arc Trainer is easier on your muscles and joints, so you might be able to work out longer.

But without solid scientific proof, it seems like both are similar in what they offer as far as calorie burning goes. The same goes for the impact – ellipticals are already low-impact. I don’t really think the difference will be significant enough for you to specifically change gym because it has ellipticals but no Arc.

Both can be effective enough to reach your goals and as much as we would like it to be true – there is no shortcut in a calorie burning journey. 

2. Cardio Workout 

Both of these machines were made to be used for cardiovascular training. And so, they can both successfully help you push your heart to its limits while also increasing your metabolism, helping you lose weight and live a healthier life overall. 

However, when it comes to determining which one to use, it all comes down to your own personal preferences. On the one hand, arc trainers enable you to work out for longer because of the lower perceived exertion and in a way that makes them better for cardio, as you can push yourself past your limits for a longer period of time.

But on the other hand, most people claim to feel the workout more when they’re using the elliptical. Your heart will pump faster after a shorter period, meaning that it’s working harder on the elliptical compared to the arc trainer in the same period of time. 

In the end, both machines are great for improving your endurance and burning calories, so the choice entirely depends on which one you like using more. 

3. Weight Loss 

Now, weight loss is not only about how many calories you will be able to burn over a period of time. It also has a lot to do with how much you eat, the way you sleep, and other health-related factors. With that said, arc trainers and ellipticals will help you lose weight depending on the way you use them.

Putting on higher resistance and inclines will give you better results in a shorter period of time. Additionally, most ellipticals and arc trainers have a ton of programs already in their software, so you can use one of them if you’re a beginner. 

Here, it again all comes down to which machine you like using more. In order for you to lose weight, you will need to exercise daily, and if you dread getting on the cardio machine you bought, then no matter how modern and effective it is, it won’t work for you. 

Arc Trainer vs Elliptical: Summary

When it comes to choosing an arc trainer or elliptical, the main factor will always be your personal preference. Both machines are relatively similar, with the arc trainer being the new and improved version of the elliptical. However, for many people who want to lose weight, the machine they’re already used to, will always remain the preferred one. 

With that said, we understand that deciding between the two is difficult, and so we’ve prepared a short pros and cons list for both. That way, you will be able to narrow down your choice further.

Pros and Cons of an Arc Trainer

Pros and Cons of an Elliptical:

Arc Trainer vs Elliptical: When to Use Each?

Both the arc trainer and the elliptical are cardio machines, and they both do pretty much the same thing. You can use either for short or long sessions, so just pick the one that feels better to you or one that’s more accessible. Ellipticals are usually easier to buy for home use because arc trainers are bigger and less popular.

Recommended Arc Trainer

Cybex 750AT

• Incline levels: 21
• Stride length: 24 inches
• Resistance range: Up to 900 watts
• Drive type: Double step up
• Brake: Brushless eddy current with generator
• Capacity: 400 pounds
• Dimensions: 36.75 by 62.5 by 77 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 404 pounds

CHECK LATEST PRICE

The Cybex 750 AT is the base model of the arc trainer, but it has all the features you need and more. It has eight preset programs and nine custom programs that you can look at, on its full split-level display. Additionally, this machine utilizes reverse arc motion technology, which engages the glutes and quads, allowing for more calorie burning. 

Recommended Elliptical

The Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical

• Type/Model: Interactive Elliptical
• Item Weight: 60.8 lbs
• Weight Limit: 220 lbs
• Product Dimensions: 39.4” x 26.4” x 59.8”
• Display: Time, Distance, Calories, Speed, Pulse
• Workout Programs: SunnyFit App

CHECK LATEST PRICE

The Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical is everything you will need from a cardio machine. It has transportation wheels so that you can quickly move it around the house. It’s also relatively lightweight for a fitness machine. This elliptical can also be connected to the Sunny app, which gives you access to over 100 exclusive workouts that you can test at home. 

FAQ

Is an Arc Trainer better than an Elliptical?

The arc trainer was made to be an improved version of the elliptical, and so in some aspects, it’s better than the original machine. It has less impact on your muscles and joints, and it’s also more suitable for people with disabilities. Are the improvements significant enough for you to justify the price and size – you need to find out yourself. For general fitness folks – doubt.

Are elliptical and Arc Trainer the same?

Even though they’re similar in many aspects, the elliptical and an arc trainer are two different machines.

Conclusion

As you know by now, both an arc trainer and the elliptical are perfect cardio machines. The main difference between them is their impact on your body, and their price. However, which one you choose for your home gym depends entirely on your preferences. And so, if anyone has tested both machines – which one do you believe to be better and why? Let us know in the comments. 

Also read:

• Is Running Better Than Elliptical
• Stairmaster Vs Elliptical
• Best Budget Elliptical
• Best Compact Elliptical
• Walking Vs Elliptical
• How to Use an Elliptical
• Benefits of Elliptical
• What Muscles Does the Elliptical Work

References:

1. Better Than Treadmills and Ellipticals? Or Just Hype? Examining the Arc Trainer // Coach Levi: https://coachlevi.com/fitness/arc-trainer-better-than-elliptical/
2. What to Know About Low-Intensity Workouts // WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-to-know-low-intensity-workouts
3. Eat Your Way to a Faster Metabolism // WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/eat-your-way-to-a-faster-metabolism
4. Photos by Torokhtiy Media Team.