Arc Trainer vs. Elliptical vs. Adaptive Motion Trainer – Which One Wins the Burn?
The Calorie Burn Showdown
When shopping for commercial cardio equipment, one question always comes up:
Which machine burns the most calories?
Three heavy-hitters dominate commercial gyms:
Based on averages, here’s how they compare in calories burned per minute:
| Machine | Calories/Min |
| Arc Trainer | 10.8 |
| AMT | 9.9 |
| Elliptical | 9.3 |
Winner: The Arc Trainer – leading by up to 1.5 more calories per minute over a standard elliptical.
How the Movements Differ
Arc Trainer – Arc Path with Options
Your feet move in an arc-shaped path that reduces joint stress while engaging the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Resistance and incline settings allow you to switch between climbing and striding.
Two Arc Trainer Styles:
- With Moving Arms: Delivers a total-body workout, recruiting arms, shoulders, and back.
- Without Moving Arms: Focuses exclusively on lower body, often preferred for athletes targeting power output.
Elliptical – Fixed and Familiar
Ellipticals are loved for being low-impact and accessible. The drawback? A fixed stride path, which can feel repetitive and less muscle-targeting over time.
AMT – Adaptive Stride Freedom
The AMT is like three machines in one, adjusting stride length automatically. You can mimic stepping, jogging, or sprinting without pressing a button.
Two AMT Versions:
- Open Stride: Lets you adjust stride height and length (up to ~36”), creating virtually infinite motion options.
- Fixed Stride (Non-Open): Dynamic stride length only, without the adjustable stride height. Lower price, but less versatile.
Weight Loss & Program Variety
- Arc Trainer: Famous for its Weight Loss Program — light resistance + low incline + interval bursts.
- AMT: Built for variety — endless stride combinations, especially with Open Stride.
- Elliptical: Reliable steady-state cardio, but limited variety.
Tip: French Fitness Arc Trainers and AMTs deliver commercial performance at 30–60% below MSRP.
Muscle Building Benefits
Calorie burn is great, but muscle engagement determines long-term results.
- Arc Trainer: Superior for building glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Higher resistance/incline = strength plus calorie burn.
- AMT: Strong total-body recruitment, especially with Open Stride and moving arms.
- Elliptical: Minimal muscle-building benefits; best for endurance and steady cardio.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Arc Trainer | AMT (Open Stride) | AMT (Fixed Stride) | Elliptical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calorie Burn | Highest | High | High | Moderate |
| Muscle Building | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | Minimal |
| Movement | Arc Path | Adjustable Height + Stride | Adjustable Height Only | Fixed Ellipse |
| Upper Body | Optional Arms | Moving Arms Standard | Moving Arms Standard | Moving Arms Standard |
| Program Variety | High | Highest | High | Moderate |
| Cost | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Final Thoughts
If calorie burn and muscle building are your top goals, the Arc Trainer (with moving arms) is hard to beat.
If you want maximum versatility, go with the AMT Open Stride.
For a budget-friendly, low-impact cardio option, the elliptical is still a reliable choice.
Pro Tip: Remanufactured models at Fitness Superstore let you own premium Arc Trainers and AMTs at nearly half the cost.
FAQ
Which AMT version should I buy — Open Stride or Fixed?
If you want maximum versatility and stride customization, go with Open Stride. If budget is a concern, the Fixed Stride version still delivers adaptive movement at a lower cost.
Do Arc Trainers burn more calories with moving arms?
Yes. Moving arms add upper-body engagement, increasing calorie burn and muscle recruitment compared to the no-arm version.
Is the AMT better than an elliptical?
Yes — the AMT offers dynamic stride lengths and greater versatility, while the elliptical is limited to a fixed motion.
Which machine builds the most muscle?
The Arc Trainer at higher resistance and incline settings provides the most lower-body strength benefits.
Are remanufactured AMTs and Arc Trainers reliable?
Absolutely. At Fitness Superstore, every remanufactured unit undergoes rigorous testing and often performs like new — at 30–60% off MSRP.