I am using both ARC and Elliptical trainers to replace my run sessions while getting over a calf strain.
With only 3 weeks to Vichy IM I’m hoping to manage the run without damaging the calf again.
My question is which cross trainer better matches running biomechanics…?
The ARC seems easier on the calf…the Elliptical drags on the calf slightly more in my opinion.
I did 60mins on each machine today and I prefer the ARC but perhaps I just find it easier…!!
Also doing water running too just to tick as many boxes as possible…
Any advice most welcome 
JOOC, what is an “ARC”??? Sorry but i haven’t been using any machines in the gym in the last 4 yrs, so my gym could have these and i’m just not aware of them.
Hi Eric…thanks for your reply…I prefer the great outdoors too…but I can only do this stuff in the gym or the pool…staying cheerful is the important thing…hey you watch out for the trams mate…!!
I am no kinesiologist, just dealt with a few calf strains. Not sure I know ARC but I don’t think elliptical mimics the running motion at all. might retain cardio fitness but not sure how well it transfers to running.
Aqua running on the other hand does (IMO) mimic the run motion, you just lose the adaptation to pounding caused by running outdoors. Were it me I’d stick with aqua for 3 weeks (i hate aqua and elliptical, I just hate elliptical more and IME aqua helps sustain actual run fitness)
Thanks Chris…I rather not be injured especially so close to an IM but I am quite enjoying the (pool) running…actually I’m doing it in the sea after my wet suit swim sessions. The suit adds a little more resistance. Both cross trainers are ok but I’ll be glad to be back running on the trail…thanks again
When you refer to the ARC are you talking about the Cybex ARC trainer? I assume that you are (I work for Life Fitness which now owns Cybex).
I also have been dealing with calf issues this year as I try to prepare for IM Wisconsin.
Honestly, I don’t really get the “running feeling” from the ARC trainer. And the inventor of the ARC states that it is not an elliptical.
My gym (Lifetime Fitness) has an elliptical machine that is as close to I have seen to mimicking running but I cannot remember the brand right now (not Life Fitness / Cybex).
In my personal opinion, the elliptical is better than the ARC for trying to replace running.
I use a Bionic Runner
.
Thank you so much…yes I was referring to the Cybex ARC trainer. The Elliptical machine in my gym in an Octane Pro300. I am trying to simulate running as near as possible while I get over a calf pull before an IM in 3 weeks. Maybe I should spend more time on the Ellipitcal along with the Water Running.
Thanks again
I had a pretty decent calf strain a few years ago right in the middle of some marathon training…tried the elliptical and it seemed to actually make my calves work harder and that was the opposite of what I was looking for. Might have been the type of machine, my foot placement, etc… I opted for more biking until the calf healed.