So i have began to hit the gym really hard lately.. there is this new arc machine that everyone is gravitating toward. I was an huge eliptical fan for a long time... is the arc more intense?

I am a huge fan of the Arc! A big benefit is that it protects your knee by never placing your knee farther forward than your toe, You can burn a TON of calories without even realizing it. And it's fully adjustable from the easiest setting with no resistance and no incline, to the hardest where your quads are on fire! You can also adjust it to work the backs of your legs and glutes by upping the resistance and leaving the incline at zero, where you push backwards on the pedals, Start by holding on (but not slumping) and work up to not holding on. Then try arc-ing with your eyes closed. It forces you to concentrate on form and your center of gravity. This will engage your core muscles, too! I used to be a gym rat several years ago and the Arc was my absolute favorite piece of equipment. You get cardio and strength from one machine! Good luck!

I've tried the arc machine a couple of times. I can only get about 5 minutes in before I want to lay myself out on the floor.

I agree. The Arc is no joke. But it's so fun. You can change it up so much, it's never boring. At one time, I used to do 45 minutes. Can't wait to get back there!

I just worked myself up to 30 minutes on the elliptical with no breaks. Once I can do 45 with no breaks, I'm going to start on the Arc. Then I figure once I can work these machines, my behind better start shrinking.