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*Did you check out my recipe for Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Burgers?*
This morning I had a new workout experience. Actually I had two, but the first one involved a new cardio machine.
My apartment complex has five of them in our fitness center, but I’ve actually never tried the arc trainer. That’s weird since I’ve lived here for two and a half years!
To be honest, the main reason I’ve never tried out the arc trainer is because they look extremely goofy. I know it’s sad, but totally true 
The other day, I heard someone on twitter rave about it (I can’t remember who, but if it was you, let me know!) so I vowed to try it out this week.
Well, today was the day!
Tuesday Workout
Running: 7 miles barefoot (another new experience)
Arc Trainer: 45 minutes on level 5
After a distance PR in my Vibrams (holler!), I was still craving something more.
What else is new?
To be honest, my calves and feet were fairly sore after running, so I decided to give the arc trainer a shot. Even though I feel sore after running barefoot, I can definitely tell that it is becoming more natural. My goal by the end of February is to be able to get into double digits. Wish me luck!
Back to the arc trainer…
I really liked it! It was much more challenging than the elliptical, but it still felt natural. My heart rate was higher and I felt like I was using a wider range of muscles.
Does that make sense?
It felt a little awkward at first, but after about 15 or 20 minutes, it started to feel more natural.
I don’t know if I can go back to the elliptical…
Have you ever tried the arc trainer? What did you think of it?
Do you have any good workouts for me to try on it?
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to be SO in love with the Arc Trainer…I would ONLY use that machine (and there was 1 for our entire university). I like adjusting the range of motion and the resistance. It takes a lot of balancing too if you let go of the handles.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) recently posted..Seeing the Light
i’ve used the arc trainer before and i can get a decent workout in but i never really feel like i’m getting my HR up. i like using the pre-set hill workouts on it. it was my life when i was injured before boston last year
Karyn recently posted..The Postman Must Have Been A Runner
The arc trainer is a great workout! I will only use that, the stair master, or the AMT – regular ellipticals make me feel like I’m doing nothing.
Nice milestone with your barefoot running! You seem really motivated to be able to run farther in them
I’ve heard of those, but never seen it!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) recently posted..Getting Organized- Part Deux
Never heard of that machine…although I haven’t seen the inside of a gym since college…
Kristy @ KristyRuns recently posted..Hot Yoga Love
I like the Arc Trainer. I go to two different branches of my gym depending on if I’m coming from home or work and only one of them has the machine. Boo. The other one needs to get with the program.
Lee recently posted..Not a Great Meal
The arc is a beassst! I don’t like the swingy arms but I love the resistancee!
I’ve never used the arc trainer. Now I must!
Becky recently posted..Think Warm Thoughts
The ARC trainer is awesome…much better than the elliptical in working more muscles. I SO wish our gym had ARC’s. I miss using them.
Like your new website a lot! And yes, your burgers always look amazing
Love th Arc Trainer! We have 1 at our gym and I use it a lot for cross training.
Kim recently posted..Ice Storm Anyone
i heart the arc trainer. Too bad my ghetto ass gym here doesn’t have it…I use it though when I am in other towns…I actually SQUEAL.
diana@mymarblerye recently posted..Potential
Arc Trainers are great! I never use the elliptical anymore because it’s booooring and doesn’t burn nearly as many calories as the Arc Trainer. But Allie is right about the balance. Sometimes I totally tip over if I am not paying attention…very graceful
I’m not coordinated enough to use machines, nor do I have a gym membership, but even attempting to use the elliptical when I could was not a pretty sight…
Susan – Nurse on the Run recently posted..probably too much randomness