When it comes to getting a great low impact cardio workout with multiple functionality and increased calorie burn, arc trainers are a remarkably effective training tool to achieve your goals. The Arc Trainer name is trademarked to Cybex, who introduced it in 2003. In 2016, the Cybex company was purchased by Life Fitness. This allowed Life Fitness to produce their own Arc Trainer.
In this article we compare the Cybex arc trainer models, along with the Life Fitness Arc Trainer.
Cybex Arc Trainer Range
In 2003, Cybex brought to market the first arc trainer, which was a variation of the elliptical cardio machine. The Arc Trainer’s unique selling point was that its foot plates moved in an arcuate rathan an elliptical movement pattern. The balanced loading provided by this movement pattern provides reduced impact on the knee joint and allows for what many consider a more natural lower body action.
Cybex now produces two types of arc trainer, a lower body trainer and a full body trainer. All Cybex arc trainers have a 24 inch stride length.
Cybex Lower Body Arc Trainers
- 600a
- 620a
- 750a
- 625a
- 770a
Cybex Full Body Arc Trainers
- 350a
- 360a
- 425a
- 610a
- 630a
- 750at
- 625at
- 770at
Here’ an overview of the most popular models in the range:
600a
The 600a is the original Cybex arc trainer. Unlike the later models, the 600a is corded. It has a 24 inch stride length and a 400 pound max user weight. You get 11 incline levels and 101 levels of resistance. There are six inbuilt training programs with this model and the console is set up for wireless heart rate monitoring, though the chest strap is not included.
610a
The 610a is the full body version of the original arc trainer. This, too, is a corded machine that has the same mechanics as the newer models but is lacking advanced console features and has fewer incline levels (note, though, that the maximum incline level is the same).
625a
The Cybex lower body arc trainer 625 is a mid range commercial trainer. It provides you with 10 workout programs, and 10 levels of resistance. By upgrading to a 1.6” HD monitor you also have access to on-demand workout videos through the Cybex GO platform. This trainer comes with a magazine rack, a bottle holder and two accessory trays.
625 at
The 625 at is the full body version of the 625 arc trainer. All other features are identical to the 625a.
770at
The 770 at Total Body arc trainer is the leading model in the total body series. It provides you with three exercise modes; Stride Glide and Climb. You get 21 incline levels, which is the highest that you can get in a Cybex arc trainer. This is a load dependent machine, which means that the resistance will automatically adjust for the user weight.
The 770 at features a 1 4.3 “ touch screen console. You can also add an Optional 15.6” monitor with three viewing modes.
770a
The 770a is the lower body centric version of the 770 range. The maximum output of the motor is 900 watts. Apart from not providing movable arms for upper body training, this machine features the same specs as the 770 at. It offers contact and polar heart rate monitoring and has a maximum user weight of 400 lbs.
The 625 and 770 model arc trainers can be ordered with either the standard or the more advanced E3 monitor. In terms of calorie burn, the total body machine will do a better job as it incorporates the muscles of your upper and lower body. Some people, however, find that the lower body unit provides a more natural, comfortable workout.
Extra Thoughts on Cybex Arc Trainers
Since its introduction in 2003, the mechanics, functionality and power output of the Cybex arc trainer has not changed substantially. The difference between the older and new units lies in the number of programs, resistance options and console features that are provided. As a result, the feel and functionality of the models is pretty consistent. It should also be noted that, though the newer models do have more incline adjustment options, the total incline range is the same on all models.
Life Fitness Arc Trainer Review
Life Fitness offers a lower body arc trainer and an upper body arc trainer. Their Discover SE3 Arc Trainer is a total body trainer that has very similar features to the Cybex 770 at. It provides a similar 3 function capability; skiing, gliding and stepping. The 24 inch stride length is also the same as you get on the Cybex range.
The Life Fitness Discover SE3 comes with an advanced console that has been designed on the basis of user feedback to deliver a more user interactive experience. It features integrated streaming video services to engage the user while exercising. The SE3 has a 16 “ touchscreen, standard wireless connectivity, 15 quickstart workouts and integrated TV.
One functional point of difference between Life Fitness and Cybex arc trainers is that the incline and resistance controls operate independently on Cybex but are combined on Life Fitness units. That means that when you adjust the resistance on a Life Fitness trainer the incline will also change. On a Cybex arc trainer these operations can be individually adjusted.
Summary
The Arc Trainer has proven to be a game changer in the cardio machine space. Since 2003, Cybex has been the sole brand, having innovated this technology and patented the Arc Trainer name. Then, when Cybex was acquired by Life Fitness in 2016, that company brought to market its own range of arc trainers. The two brands are very similar, with the key difference being that Cybex trainers provide more independent resistance and incline control.
The original Cybex models, the 600 range, will still provide you with excellent feel and functionality. If you’re not concerned with a higher level of programming, monitor features and other technical specs, you’ll save money without any loss in workout functionality by purchasing a refurbished original model.
