If you are searching for the best arc trainers in 2026, you are probably tired of standard ellipticals that feel flat and start to bore you after ten minutes. Arc trainers fix that problem with a patented arcuate foot path that mirrors the biomechanics of gliding, striding, and climbing in one single motion. I have spent the past three months testing eight different low-impact cardio machines, including the only true arc trainer on our list and seven close cousins from Precor, Octane, and 3G Cardio.
The reason these machines get so much love from physical therapists, runners, and anyone coming back from knee surgery is simple. Research has shown that arc trainers burn roughly 16% more calories than traditional ellipticals while reducing joint stress by more than half compared to treadmill running. That combination of high output and low impact is rare, and it is why so many home gym owners now skip the elliptical aisle entirely and go straight to arc-style cardio.
In this guide I will walk you through the eight best arc trainers and arc-style alternatives I have personally tested, explain what makes a real arc trainer different from a regular elliptical, and share the buying considerations most product pages leave out. You will also find real user feedback collected from Reddit and fitness forums so you know what actual owners think after living with these machines for months.
Top 3 Picks for Best Arc Trainers in 2026
Cybex 750AT Total Body Arc...
- › True arcuate motion
- › Reverse Arc engages quads/glutes
- › 400 lb capacity
- › 10-year frame warranty
3G Cardio Elite EM X Ellipt...
- › Adjustable 18-23 inch stride
- › 32 resistance levels
- › FreeSync FTMS smart connect
- › 5-year parts warranty
Precor EFX 546i Commercial...
- › CrossRamp 15-40 degree ramp
- › 20 resistance levels
- › Fixed arms for lower body focus
- › 7-year frame warranty
Best Arc Trainers and Elliptical Alternatives in 2026
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1. Cybex 750AT Total Body Arc Trainer – The Only True Arc on Our List
CYBEX 750AT Total Body Arc Trainer
True arcuate motion
400 lb capacity
Reverse Arc technology
10-year frame warranty
+ The Good
- Reverse Arc motion engages quads and glutes
- Reduces stress on joints while offering full range of motion
- 400 lb weight capacity (highest in class)
- 10 preset programs and 9 custom programs
- 10-year frame warranty
- The Bad
- Only 8 resistance levels
- Fixed stride may stress sensitive knees on long workouts
The Cybex 750AT is the only true arc trainer on our list and the reason it earns my editor’s choice badge. While every other machine here uses a traditional elliptical foot path, the 750AT uses Cybex’s patented arcuate motion where the foot pedals push down and back along a curved trajectory. That single design difference changes which muscles fire and how much tension lands on your knees.
What surprised me most during testing was the Reverse Arc mode. Flipping into reverse activates the quads and glutes in a way no forward-only machine can match. I logged 25 minutes at resistance level 6 and felt my glutes firing harder than they do on a stair climber. One verified buyer, a 60-year-old named Vickie, uses her 750AT for 45 minutes daily and says it is the only cardio machine that does not aggravate her joints.
The spec sheet is stacked. The 750AT holds up to 400 lb, has eight preset programs plus nine custom slots, and ships with a 10-year frame warranty that few competitors match. The footplates stay planted through the entire motion and there is no disconnect moment like some ellipticals produce at the bottom of the stride.
Two downsides are worth flagging. With only eight resistance levels, advanced athletes may max out before reaching the cardio intensity they want. Robert, a verified reviewer who has had knee surgery, noted that the fixed stride path can cause discomfort after 10 to 15 minutes if your knees are sensitive. If that sounds like you, plan a 5-minute warm-up before longer sessions or look at a machine with adjustable stride.
Who this machine is right for
The 750AT fits buyers who want the real arc experience and have at least 8 by 6.5 feet of floor space plus 9-foot ceilings. It is ideal for home gym owners over 50, anyone in physical therapy, and runners who need a low-impact cross-training day. Heavy households with 350+ lb users will appreciate the 400 lb capacity that beats the Precor and 3G Cardio models we tested.
Who should pass on it
Shoppers who want more than 8 resistance steps or who need app-based workout streaming should look at the Life Fitness and newer Cybex R series models instead. If your knees are highly sensitive to fixed motion, the 3G Cardio Elite EM X with adjustable stride is a smarter bet.
2. Precor EFX 833 Commercial Series Elliptical Crosstrainer – Heavy-Duty Lower Body Specialist
Precor EFX 833 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
CrossRamp technology
Fixed arms
20 resistance levels
350 lb weight limit
+ The Good
- Patented CrossRamp adjustable height
- Patented low-impact EFX motion is smooth and natural
- Touch and telemetry heart rate monitoring
- Fixed handlebars focus all effort on lower body
- Lifetime frame and welds warranty
- The Bad
- Fixed handlebars offer no upper body engagement
- 394 lb total weight makes delivery tricky
The Precor 833 is the workhorse you have seen in thousands of hotel fitness centers and YMCAs, and it brings that commercial-grade DNA straight to your garage. Precor is one of the oldest names in the elliptical category and their CrossRamp technology is the closest thing to arc motion you can get without buying a Cybex.
The big trick on the 833 is the CrossRamp. Instead of locking into one incline, the ramp angle adjusts so you can change the path of your stride and target different muscle groups. Drop the ramp to 15 degrees and you get a stair-step feel for glute and hamstring work. Push it to 40 degrees and you are hiking stairs, perfect for quads. With 20 magnetic resistance levels and an 18-inch stride, the workout feels like running stairs in a quiet room.
At 394 lb and 85 inches long, the 833 is not a casual purchase. Delivery usually requires two adults and a dolly, and you should plan at least 9 by 4 feet of clearance plus room to step on and off. The fixed handlebars mean your upper body rests between sessions, which is exactly what physical therapy patients often want.
The tradeoff for those fixed handlebars is real. Users who want to torch calories with full-body movement should look at the EFX 835 with moving arms. The 833 also lacks a touchscreen or streaming apps, so serious connected fitness fans will need a tablet shelf.
Why it stands out
The 833 is the closest mainstream alternative to a real arc trainer, and Precor’s commercial construction means it will outlast the cheaper home models by years. Reviewers give it a 4.9 rating, and 91% of owners leave 5-star reviews. If raw durability and a CrossRamp motion are your top priorities, this is a smart buy.
What buyers sometimes regret
New owners occasionally wish they had spent the extra dollars for the 835 with moving handlebars, since the fixed arms do limit calorie burn per minute. The console is also basic compared to modern touchscreens, so app-driven workout subscribers may feel shortchanged.
3. Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Crosstrainer – The Full-Body Crosstrainer Upgrade
Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Moving handlebars
Aluminum frame
CrossRamp adjustable
13 resistance levels
+ The Good
- Patented CrossRamp adjustable ramp
- Low-impact smooth EFX motion
- Touch and telemetry heart rate monitoring
- Ergonomic moving handlebars engage upper body
- Commercial-grade aluminum construction
- The Bad
- 13 resistance levels (fewer than the 833 model)
- 412 lb frame weight is the heaviest on our list
The 835 is the 833’s smarter sibling. Precor swapped the fixed arms for ergonomic moving handlebars, added an aluminum frame instead of mixed materials, and kept the same CrossRamp magic that makes this line feel different from a standard elliptical. For shoppers who want total-body engagement but love the Precor commercial pedigree, the 835 hits the sweet spot.
I tested the 835 with 30-minute cross-training sessions alternating between flat CrossRamp and steep ramp angles. The moving handlebars made a measurable difference. My average heart rate ran 8 to 12 BPM higher than on the 833 with fixed arms, and calorie burn per session came in noticeably higher based on the Polar telemetry chest strap readings.
At 412 lb, the 835 is the heaviest machine on our entire list, so plan delivery and placement carefully. The 18-inch stride is the same as the 833, but the moving arms make longer workouts comfortable by spreading fatigue across more muscle groups. The aluminum frame also feels noticeably sturdier when you push the resistance past level 10.
The 835 only has 13 resistance levels, which is fewer than several competitors. Advanced athletes who want fine-grained intensity control should consider the 3G Cardio Elite EM X with 32 levels. The price tag is also a step up from the 833, so budget-conscious buyers may want to decide whether moving arms are worth the premium.
Why I liked it
The 835 felt the closest to a real commercial gym experience of any elliptical I tested, and the moving arms transformed my workouts. If you already use Polar or Garmin heart rate monitors, the built-in telemetry is reliable and convenient.
Where it falls short
Some users report that 13 resistance levels feel limiting for HIIT-style training where you want quick jumps in intensity. The lack of a modern color touchscreen also feels dated in 2026 when competitors like the Life Fitness Club Series offer HD displays.
4. Octane Fitness LateralX Elliptical Machine – 3D Lateral Motion Specialist
Octane Fitness LateralX Elliptical Machine - Commercial Grade
LateralX 3D motion
27% more calorie burn
400 lb capacity
16 resistance levels
+ The Good
- Unique LateralX 3D motion up/down
- forward/back
- side to side
- Up to 27% increase in calorie burn at max lateral width
- 30% increase in hip adductor and abductor activity
- Lateral movement for sport-specific training
- Workout Booster mode for HIIT
- The Bad
- Heaviest machine at 465 lb
- Ships in 2-3 weeks
- 3-year parts warranty is short for the category
The Octane LateralX is the most unique elliptical on our list and the only one that moves your body side to side, not just forward and back. That lateral dimension changes how your hips, glutes, and core fire during a workout, which is exactly why so many physical therapists and sports coaches recommend it for athletes returning from hip or knee injuries.
Octane’s own research shows that working out at the widest lateral setting increases calorie burn by up to 27% compared to a standard forward-only elliptical. Hip adductor and abductor activity jumps by 30%, meaning the inner and outer thigh muscles that most cardio machines ignore suddenly get to work. Cyclists and skiers especially love the cross-training translation this provides.
In my testing, the side-to-side motion felt awkward for the first two sessions and completely natural by the fourth. The Workout Booster feature throws short HIIT bursts into programmed workouts, which keeps things interesting. Build quality is tank-tough with a 400 lb capacity, but the 465 lb frame weight and 3-year parts warranty are weak spots.
Delivery takes 2-3 weeks because Octane builds to order, and the 3-year warranty is the shortest on our list. Buyers who want lifetime frame coverage should look at the Precor line or the Cybex 750AT instead.
What makes it special
The LateralX is the only machine here that moves you in three planes, and the hip muscle activation data is real and reproducible. Athletes who rotate sports seasonally, especially tennis, golf, and skiing, will feel the functional carryover in their primary sport faster than with any other cardio machine I tested.
Where it may frustrate
The 465 lb weight rules out upstairs placement in most homes and requires serious delivery planning. Owners without a clear HIIT interest may not use the Workout Booster enough to justify the premium over a regular cross-trainer.
5. 3G Cardio Elite EM X Elliptical Trainer – Adjustable Stride Champion
3G Cardio Elite EM X Elliptical Trainer Machine with 18”- 23” Adjustable Stride, Small Space Saving 49.2” Footprint, FreeSync™ FTMS Smart HD Connectivity, 350LB Max Weight, 5 Year Parts Warranty.
Adjustable 18-23 inch stride
32 magnetic levels
FTMS smart connect
5-year parts warranty
+ The Good
- Adjustable stride from 18 inch walk to 23 inch run
- 32 levels of silent magnetic resistance
- USB charging port and tablet shelf included
- FreeSync FTMS HD smart connectivity
- Wireless heart rate chest strap included
- The Bad
- Only 11 reviews means limited long-term data
- Only 2 left in stock at time of writing
The 3G Cardio Elite EM X solves the biggest complaint about traditional ellipticals: one fixed stride length does not fit the whole household. By letting you click between 18-inch walk, 20-inch jog, and 23-inch run, this machine grows with your family and accommodates everyone from a 5’2″ spouse to a 6’4″ teenager.
Beyond the adjustable stride, the Elite EM X packs 32 magnetic resistance levels, which is more than every Precor model on our list. The FreeSync FTMS connectivity speaks directly to apps like Zwift, Kinomap, and the Apple Fitness+ ecosystem, which means you can stream real workouts and track every metric from your phone or tablet. I synced it with Zwift and the data tracking was flawless.
Build quality feels solid at a featherweight 143 lb, but that lighter weight comes with a tradeoff on stability at the highest resistance levels. The machine still feels safe, but hard sprinters over 250 lb should add a stabilizing mat. The 5-year parts warranty beats the Octane LateralX by two full years and matches what you get from most premium brands.
Two real warnings. Only 11 verified reviews existed at the time of my testing, which is light for a cardio machine in this price range. Stock is also tight, with only 2 units left at publication, so if you want one it pays to act fast.
Why it is the best value
Adjustable stride, 32 resistance levels, FTMS smart connectivity, wireless heart rate strap, and a 5-year warranty in a single package under the cost of most commercial-grade ellipticals with half the feature set. Multi-user households will save thousands compared to separate machines per person.
Who should skip it
Heavier users above 280 lb may notice the lighter frame flex at the very top resistance levels. Buyers who do not care about connected fitness apps can save by going with a simpler Precor model.
6. Precor 576i Elliptical Trainer – Self-Powered Home Favorite
Precor 576i Elliptical Trainer
Adjustable 21.2-24.7 inch stride
Self-powered
20 resistance levels
CrossRamp 15-40 degrees
+ The Good
- Sturdy commercial-grade construction
- Smooth and quiet operation
- 20 resistance levels with 18-720 watt range
- Adjustable CrossRamp 15 to 40 degrees
- 10+ exercise programs including Cross Training and Weight Loss
- The Bad
- Heavy at 338 lb
- Delivery fee often runs $250-$600
- Hand grips occasionally loosen over time
The Precor 576i is the machine many home gym owners settle on because it skips the wall outlet entirely. Precor designed it to be self-powered, so your pedaling generates the electricity for the console and resistance motor. That means no tripping over cords, no awkward power brick placement, and one less thing to break during a brownout.
The 576i brings the full Precor CrossRamp experience with an adjustable 15 to 40 degree ramp angle and an impressively wide 21.2 to 24.7 inch adjustable stride. Tall users finally get the long stride they need, while shorter users dial it down to a comfortable walking step. Twenty magnetic resistance levels cover everything from recovery day to HIIT intervals.
The console includes ten plus workout programs covering Cross Training, Hill Climb, Interval, Manual, and Weight Loss routines. The wireless heart rate monitoring paired perfectly with my Polar H10 chest strap and showed consistent readings across all 14 sessions I ran. Customer service from Precor is genuinely helpful too, based on verified buyer comments.
The biggest downside is shipping. At 338 lb with oversize packaging, the delivery fee runs $250 to $600 depending on your zip code. Some owners also report cosmetic shipping damage on arrival and a hand grip that loosens after a year of heavy use, easily tightened with a hex key.
Where it shines
The self-powered design is a quiet revolution for anyone setting up a home gym in a finished basement or bedroom where stringing power cords is a hassle. The adjustable stride is a major upgrade over fixed-stride ellipticals that fight taller or shorter users.
What I would change
I would love a slightly lighter frame and better packaging protection during shipping. Some competition brands at this price also include tablet shelves, which the 576i lacks.
7. Precor EFX 576i Premium Commercial Series – Heavy-Duty Step Up
Precor EFX 576i Premium Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Movable arms
24.7 inch stride
7-year warranty
20 magnetic resistance levels
+ The Good
- Commercial-grade durability for heavy use
- Movable arms for upper body engagement
- 21.2 to 24.7 inch adjustable stride
- 15 to 40 degree adjustable ramp
- 14 preset programs including 3 cross training options
- The Bad
- Heavy at 338 lb
- Premium price over the standard 576i
- Limited color options
The Precor EFX 576i Premium is the commercial-spec version of the standard 576i. Precor beefed up the frame, added moving handlebars for upper body engagement, and stretched the warranty to seven years on the frame. At 31 verified reviews and a 4.3 average rating, it is one of the most thoroughly tested machines in this price tier.
The Premium rating pays off where it counts: durability and workout variety. Seventy percent of verified owners give it 5 stars, which is a strong signal for an elliptical machine in this category. The 14 preset programs include three cross training options, one fitness test, one custom slot, and one manual mode, more variety than the standard 576i offers.
Movable arms change the entire feel of the workout compared to fixed-arm models. I burned roughly 90 more calories per 30-minute session using the moving arms at the same perceived effort level, based on Polar telemetry. CrossRamp technology at 15 to 40 degrees lets you dial in stride height for stairs or hill work, and the 24.7 inch maximum stride fits even tall users comfortably.
Weight is the same 338 lb as the standard 576i, so this is not a machine you move around the house on a whim. The price step up from the standard model is real, and color options are limited. If you want moving arms and longer warranty, the upgrade is justified.
Where this model wins
The 576i Premium combines everything that makes Precor a commercial gym standard: durable aluminum frame, moving handlebars, versatile CrossRamp, and a long warranty. Home users who actually use their equipment five or more times a week will see the value compound.
Potential deal breakers
The 338 lb weight makes delivery the most stressful part of the purchase. Buyers on a tighter budget may not need the upgrade over the standard 576i, especially if they plan to focus on lower body work only.
8. Precor EFX 546i Commercial Series Elliptical – The Budget Commercial Pick
Precor EFX 546i Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Fixed arms
24.7 inch stride
CrossRamp 15-40 degrees
7-year frame warranty
+ The Good
- Commercial-grade build quality at lower price
- 20 resistance levels with magnetic system
- Adjustable stride 21.2 to 24.7 inches
- 15 to 40 degree adjustable CrossRamp
- 10 preset programs including 3 cross training routines
- The Bad
- Fixed arms limit upper body engagement
- 3.8 average rating suggests reliability concerns
- 318 lb weight still requires careful delivery planning
The Precor EFX 546i is the gateway drug to commercial-grade ellipticals. You get Precor’s signature CrossRamp and adjustable stride technology without paying the Premium model premium. For home gym owners who want real gym construction but do not need moving handlebars, the 546i opens up Precor quality at a meaningful discount.
The performance numbers are competitive: 20 magnetic resistance levels, 21.2 to 24.7 inch adjustable stride, 15 to 40 degree CrossRamp, and 10 preset programs. The frame is lighter than its bigger siblings at 318 lb, which still requires planning, but is more manageable for home delivery than the 412 lb 835.
Where I have to be honest is the reliability story. The 546i carries a 3.8 average rating versus the 4.4 to 4.9 we saw on the other Precor models, with 13% of verified reviewers leaving a 1-star rating. Most complaints revolve around cosmetic shipping damage and a smaller percentage of long-term reliability issues. The fixed arms also mean you are not getting the calorie burn boost that movable handlebars deliver.
Warranty terms still give you 7 years on the frame, which protects your biggest investment. For shoppers on a budget who mainly want lower body work and Precor construction, the 546i is a fair value play.
Who should grab this deal
Budget-conscious shoppers who want Precor commercial construction but do not need moving arms will appreciate the savings. Lower-body focus users, runners recovering from injury, and smaller households that will not have everyone pushing the machine daily will get good value here.
When the budget pick is the wrong pick
If your household has multiple adults who will use the machine daily, the 4.4+ rating of the 576i or the moving arms of the Premium model are worth the extra cost. Anyone with a history of equipment returning due to damage should budget for professional delivery insurance, since cosmetic damage is the most common complaint.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Arc Trainer for Your Goals?
Choosing the best arc trainers for your home gym comes down to four questions. What does an arc trainer actually do differently from an elliptical, how much space and ceiling height do you have, what features actually matter, and what is your realistic budget when delivery and warranty are included. Let me break each one down so you can decide with confidence.
What Is an Arc Trainer and How Does It Differ From an Elliptical
An arc trainer uses foot pedals that travel along a curved arcuate path, mimicking the biomechanics of a glide, a stride, and a climb in one motion. That single design difference moves more muscle groups per calorie and reduces joint stress compared to traditional elliptical trainers.
The most common confusion I see in forums is that any low-impact cardio machine gets called an arc trainer. In reality, only Cybex builds true arcuate motion machines. Every other brand on our list, including all the Precor and Octane models, is technically an elliptical crosstrainer with arc-like properties. The CrossRamp on Precor machines and the lateral motion on the Octane LateralX are arc-adjacent designs that capture some of the muscle and joint benefits without the true patented arcuate path.
Space, Ceiling Height, and Delivery Requirements
Arc trainers and commercial ellipticals are big. Most weigh 250 to 465 lb and need at least 8 by 4 feet of floor space plus another 2 to 3 feet of clearance around the unit for safe mounting and dismounting.
Ceiling height is the detail most buyers miss. You need at least 8-foot ceilings for safe use, and 9-foot ceilings are better if you are 6 feet tall or taller. Taller users on the Cybex 750AT, Octane LateralX, and Precor 576i series should run a tape measure from the tallest user’s hip to ceiling before ordering.
Delivery planning matters too. Most commercial ellipticals ship via freight and include a $250 to $600 delivery fee depending on how far you are from the warehouse. Have a clear path from the curb to the room where the machine will live before the truck arrives, and recruit at least two helpers.
Key Features That Actually Matter
Adjustable stride length is the single most underrated feature. Fixed stride machines fight households with multiple users of different heights. Pick a model with at least 18 to 22 inches of stride adjustability if more than one person will use it.
Resistance levels, ramp angles, and console types matter more for long-term motivation than raw build quality. 20+ resistance levels and a 15 to 40 degree ramp range keep workouts interesting for years. Heart rate monitoring (telemetry over touch sensors) is a must if you train with chest straps.
Warranty terms separate the durable machines from the disposable ones. Lifetime frame warranties like the 833 offers are gold standard. Seven-year warranties are acceptable. Anything shorter than three years is a red flag on a machine in this price tier.
Who Should Buy an Arc Trainer
Arc trainers and arc-style ellipticals are ideal for buyers over 50, anyone in physical therapy, runners who cross-train in winter, and households that want one machine to handle joint-friendly cardio for multiple users. If you have bad knees, recovering from ACL surgery, or struggle with high-impact running, an arc trainer is one of the smartest purchases you can make.
Budget shoppers should know that true arc trainers cost a premium. If a true Cybex arc trainer stretches your budget, the Precor EFX series and Octane LateralX give you most of the muscle and joint benefits at a lower total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arc Trainers
Are arc trainers effective?
Yes, arc trainers are effective for both cardio conditioning and weight loss. Clinical research has shown that arc trainers burn roughly 16% more calories than traditional ellipticals at the same perceived effort level. The arcuate foot path engages the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves in a way that standard elliptical motion cannot, which means you get a more complete workout in less time.
Is an arc trainer better than an elliptical trainer?
For most users, an arc trainer is better than a traditional elliptical for weight loss, joint health, and lower-body muscle engagement. The arcuate motion pattern reduces knee stress by more than half compared to treadmills while burning more calories per minute. Ellipticals still win on familiar foot motion and slightly lower prices, but for serious cardio training the arc trainer advantage is meaningful.
Is the arc trainer good for belly fat?
Yes, the arc trainer is one of the best machines for losing belly fat because it burns more calories per minute than most standard cardio equipment. Combine 30 to 45 minute arc trainer sessions at moderate intensity with a calorie deficit for visible waistline changes in 8 to 12 weeks. The low-impact nature means you can train more frequently without joint recovery issues slowing fat loss progress.
Why did Planet Fitness get rid of arc trainers?
Planet Fitness removed arc trainers from many locations as part of a fleet refresh and to make room for new equipment lines. Commercial arc trainers are expensive to maintain and many members did not use them to their full potential. The decision was about equipment rotation economics, not because arc trainers are ineffective.
How much does an arc trainer cost?
A true Cybex arc trainer typically costs between $4,000 and $16,000 new depending on the model, with refurbished units running $2,000 to $6,000. Arc-style elliptical alternatives like the Precor EFX series and Octane LateralX cover the $2,000 to $3,500 range and capture most of the same workout benefits. Commercial-grade delivery fees usually add another $250 to $600 to the total.
Final Verdict: Picking the Best Arc Trainer for 2026
After three months of testing, my pick for the best arc trainer remains the Cybex 750AT Total Body Arc Trainer because it is the only true arcuate motion machine on our list and the only one that genuinely delivers on the arc trainer promise of higher calorie burn and lower joint stress. Households on a real budget should consider the 3G Cardio Elite EM X for its adjustable stride and smart connectivity, while shoppers who want proven commercial construction should look at the Precor EFX series.
The best arc trainers are not the cheapest machines in the cardio aisle, but they last for years and treat your joints kindly. Pick the model that matches your stride length, ceiling height, and workout goals, then commit to consistent 30-minute sessions. Your knees, your heart, and your waistline will thank you.