The Arc Trainers are the culmination of that research. In addition, Cybex trainers are really Three Machines in One. Because of the variable incline levels, the Arc Trainer offers a low Glide pattern to mimic a cross-country ski trainer, a mid-range motion to be more like an elliptical Stride, and a high Climb position giving it the feeling of a stair stepper. As cross trainer reviews show, the Arc trainers are ideal for working the lower body by combining these different patterns plus gradual resistance levels.
The Cybex 360A Arc Trainer is the home model, but the light commercial 425A model and the commercial 750A trainer are also available to residential users. Prices range from $3,500 to $4,750, and the trainers are backed by 3 to 5 year parts warranties and one-year in-home service warranties. Given the research and the high praise by consumers and fitness pros, it is easy to see why the Cybex Arc Trainers have been named Best Product of the Year by Fitness Management magazine for two years in a row.
The “BMW of elliptical trainers” as it is often called, the Cybex Arc Trainer is designed to be very ergonomic in its functions, ensuring that the workout sessions doesn’t strain the joints. This was made possible via their unique reverse arc movement, which ensures the legs move in a biomechanically correct pathway. The trainer also ensures the optimal posture of the body during the exercise sessions and virtually removing any possibility of straining the back. Experienced users and instructors around the globe have repeatedly praised the Cybex Arc Trainers for their safety features and ergonomic designs.
Cybex is known in the industry as a company with a commitment to high-level biomechanics in the design of all of their cardio and strength training products. Their Arc Trainers have been popular for several years in clubs as a niche alternative to conventional ellipticals. The Arc trainer is not an elliptical at all as the foot starts directly under the hip joint and curls forward and upward on a curved path and returns back along the same path. The resulting movement is very smooth. The Arc Trainer is indeed a high-quality machine that is easy on the joints. One problem, though, is that Arc Trainers have arm movement that has the arm moving forward as the same side leg is arching upward. This is highly unnatural and is contrary to every human body movement like running walking, swimming etc.