Cross trainers are a staple feature in every gym’s cardio section; but ever since the launch of the Arc Trainer, premium fitness equipment supplier Cybex has been offering a unique training option for the fitness industry.

And now there’s something new; launching in the UK this September, the SPARC Trainer combines the innovative features of the Arc Trainer with fan-based resistance providing immediate resistance with no power requirements. The intuitive ‘get on and go’ design invites users to simply choose their incline while their speed determines their intensity to deliver the most powerful and effective resisted cardio workout users will get from any cross trainer.

Based on the best
Modelled on Cybex’s Arc Trainer, SPARC incorporates the design features that makes the Arc so iconic; its unique patented Reverse Arc Motion places less stress on the user’s knees and is scientifically proven to be gentler on joints, explains Dr. Paul Juris, executive director of the Cybex Research Institute: “Unlike other cross trainers, the Arc pattern of motion allows the hip and knee to move synchronously while the foot stays under the knee - so when the user pushes down and back, the opposite footplate is already up and in position, severely reducing the load and stress levels placed on key joints.”

Its activation of the glutes, quads and hamstrings – as a direct consequent of the biomechanical design of the Arc Motion – means users can work at a higher intensity, resulting in a higher level of calorie burn.

Also integral to the design of SPARC – and another feature that has been adopted from the Arc Trainer - is its ability to provide a multi-faceted workout: “SPARC doesn’t just train for cardio and weight loss; users can really boost metabolism, build muscle and gain power by moving faster against the fan resistance to generate over 1200 watts of power,” explains Rob Thurston, Cybex UK commercial director.

Where the two differ is what makes SPARC so unique; SPARC is self-powered, aligning itself closer to fan-based rowers and bikes than treadmills and traditional cross trainers. And it’s this feature, combined with everything else that makes SPARC so revolutionary, that has led Cybex to launch a product that supports one of the industry’s current biggest trends; high intensity training.

The HIT trend
High intensity training is by no means a new phenomenon; it rose to significance following Roger Bannister’s sub four-minute mile success, as he was credited with using HIT training as his preferred and consistent training method. HIT further gained popularity and standing, when, in the 1970s, middle-distance runner Sebastian Coe trained via this method. Then in the 1990s, Izumi Tabata’s research evidenced that using HIT protocols generated greater aerobic gains than steady state aerobic training. Interest, and application, of many different protocols have now been adopted throughout the fitness industry utilising a mix of machines, body weight and variety of small equipment.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) remains the most popular training method; so much so that it was named as #2 in The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2015.

“The concept of HIT has grown in popularity over recent years; it’s widely accessible with a vast and ever-increasing number of training protocols and can be used by anyone at any age provided appropriate equipment and methods of monitoring intensity are used,” explains Julia Dalgleish, Cybex UK master trainer.

“There’s extensive research that proves the health benefits of HIT and it’s fast becoming the training method of choice for time-poor gym goers.

“Members are also wising up to the fact that they don’t necessarily need to spend hours in the gym to reach their goals; if they train smarter and with focus, they can often achieve greater results in a shorter time.”

This booming trend is now starting to impact on how operators and gym owners are designing their facilities: “There is very much still a place for a traditional cardio setup in gyms but more recently, we’re seeing an increasing number of facilities creating a space dedicated to circuits and high intensity training for both individual users and for small group classes,” adds Thurston.

SPARC & HIT
SPARC has been designed to meet the soaring popularity of HIT; it offers Cybex’s quickest, safest and most effective cardio experience and its small footprint, ease of use and ‘Touch and Train’ console means it’s ideally suited for use in training zones and group classes.

“By minimising perceived exertion, SPARC encourages harder work; it differentiates itself from other resisted cardio pieces such as ellipticals with its sprint-like mechanics with exceptional biomechanics,” adds Dalgleish.

It’s ‘get on and go’ design means not only can it be incorporated in a traditional cardio area but integrated as part of a functional training zone; combining SPARC with kettlebells, medicine balls, plyo boxes, battle ropes and suspension trainers to create a workout space which challenges even the most devoted gym goer.

Operator benefits
By introducing SPARC, gyms are able to expand their service offering to not only keep their existing members engaged but to also attract new members who are seeking something different from a training facility.

Its biomechanically correct design and straightforward programme features means that it can be incorporated into a workout for almost all gym users; regardless of training ability or goal.

As the SPARC uses a fan as its primary method of resistance and is self-powered it doesn’t require a mains supply; this gives clubs maximum versatility in where it can be used and also permits it to be manufactured and, consequently, sold at a lower price point than most traditional cardio equipment.

“The SPARC Trainer offers health and fitness clubs something that no other fitness equipment manufacturer can,” concludes Thurston.

“Its evolution from the Arc Trainer proves its effectiveness as a tool for training not only for cardio and weight loss, but also strength, power and endurance, and its flexibility and versatility will provide operators with the opportunity to transform group exercise and functional training zones.”