Arc Trainers Vs. Ellipticals

Elliptical trainers and arc trainers, while different in form, each succeed in providing your muscles a low-impact yet effective workout, enabling you to target specific areas of your body.

  1. Features of an Arc Trainer

    • The footplate that you stand on when using an arc trainer moves in an arc-shaped path as opposed to ellipticals, which move in more of a circular path.

    Features of an Elliptical Trainer

    • The elliptical trainer is set on an oval-shaped track which makes the movement more of a circular one. With this motion, more stress is placed on your knee joint than with an arc trainer.

    Cost of an Arc Trainer

    • One can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $3,500 for a quality arc trainer.

    Cost of an Elliptical Trainer

    • For a quality elliptical trainer, you can expect to pay from $3,000 to $5,000.

    Arc Trainer or Elliptical: Which One is Better?

    • Many people have knee injuries that require limiting the amount of stress on the joint. For them, the arc trainer would be a better choice. Ellipticals, on the other hand, allow the footplates to move in a full circle. So those with no knee limitations would do just fine with one of these.