Cybex EllipticalsWe’re asked for Cybex elliptical reviews all of the time but the fact is, Cybex doesn’t make elliptical machines. Rather, they make something called The Arc Trainer, which is sort of an stairmaster, a cross-country skier and an elliptical all in one.

You’ve probably come across Cybex machines if you’ve been to a gym or fitness club. They make a wide variety of commercial-grade strength equipment, free weights, bikes and treadmills and can be found in over 90 countries in colleges, sports clubs, military establishments and hotels. Like other high-end brands like Octane, Precor and TRUE, they make top quality equipment that is scientifically designed and engineered to maximize function and ergonomics. Put simply, they make machines that target the muscle groups optimally, enhancing your workout and giving you the best possible results.

Cybex is based in the United States and all of their equipment is manufactured here as well. For the home you can find Cybex ellipticals, I mean Arc Trainers, at specialized dealers and online as well.

How does the arc trainer compare to a typical elliptical machine?

According to the company, the Cybex Arc Trainer is even easier on the joints, burns more calories and is a stronger machine. The motion of the workout is supposedly more biomechanically correct, so there is less stress on your knees and more emphasis on your glutes and hamstring muscles.

The main difference is the motion of the workout. With an elliptical machine, your feet are moving in the shape of an ellipse (hence the name) whereas with an arc trainer the feet are moving back and forth in an arc shape. You don’t push your feet forward like you do on an elliptical trainer…you’re actually pushing down.cybex arc trainer

Which is better? As far as getting a more intense workout and hitting more muscles, the arc trainer probably has the elliptical beat. However many people find that the motion on the Arc Trainer is hard to get used to, if not just awkward, so this may be the case for you as well. Just like any piece of gym equipment, what one person loves another may hate for one reason or another. So it’s a matter of trying it out to see if it’s the right machine for you.

What are the main features of the Arc Trainer?

They offer several different models, Total Body and Lower Body, but currently there is only one machine for home use called the Cybex 525AT Total Body Arc Trainer. This model, as well as the others, offer a host of unique features.

For starters they have something called Cybex FIT, an iPad app that offers you different workouts tailored to your goals so you can personal your regimen and keep track of your progress. They have something called QR codes that enable you to communicate with the machine with any mobile device.

All of the Cybex Arc Trainers have variable inclines and stride length, eddy current brakes (ECB) which makes them smoother and quieter, high max user weights and heart rate monitoring. They also have a ton of cool extras like iPod integration, magazine racks, water bottle holder and utility trays.

Should I Buy An Arc Trainer or An Elliptical Machine?

That’s really a personal decision. We’ve used the Arc Trainer a number of times and it really provides a great workout. I personally don’t like a stairmaster but just for kicks I switched it to the higher inclines to see how it feels and it was pretty intense. I stayed at the elliptical mid range for most of the time but I tried the low incline as well. All in all it was a great workout and a great machine.

The only thing negative we can say about the Cybex Arc Trainer is that it’s certainly pricey. Checking recent prices we see that the Cybex 525AT is available at around $5,500 at various specialty stores on and offline. You may find it as low as $5,200 or as much as $6,000. That’s a lot of money to pay for a piece of equipment for your home gym. However, with three workouts in one (skier, elliptical and climber) plus all of the bells and whistles this machine is well worth it if you can afford it.

However, for that kind of money you can also get a few pieces of equipment including a very good elliptical along with a bench, some weights, some core equipment, etc. So it’s a matter of figuring out what your budget is and what you’re looking to accomplish.

The bottom line is the Cybex elliptical hybrid is a solid machine offering a diverse workout experience. The only thing you have to make certain of when it comes to the Arc Trainer vs. elliptical comparison is whether or not the motion is comfortable for you. If you’re used to an elliptical, it might feel strange to you at first, as your feet are moving in a different path. But many users say once you get past that initial awkwardness it offers an intense workout that hits all of the leg muscle groups with less stress on the knees and joints. For that reason you really can’t go wrong with an Arc Trainer.

Check out all of the latest models and compare them at special low sale prices here!