There are a large variety of cardio machines available. Everybody knows about treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, steppers, etc. But if you’re looking for a piece of equipment that targets endurance, intensity, agility, flexibility, strength, stability, and balance, you might want to consider an Upper Body Ergometer.
What is an Upper Body Ergometer (UBE)?
An upper body ergometer, also known as an “arm bike” or a “UBE”, is a piece of exercise equipment which is like a bicycle that you pedal with your arms. It can be used to improve upper extremity strength and endurance, and it may be used to simply improve overall work generating capacity of your arm muscles.
Why use an UBE?
- Warm-up – UBE’s are perfect for warming up your muscles prior to engaging in strength training programs. If standing, you engage your torso, arms and legs for a great warm-up!
- You Integrate Your Whole Body – Think about boxing – your using your entire body even though it only looks like your arms are moving. Same with a UBE. You integrate your whole body by using your legs to keep yourself stable, your core and torso to stabilize your upper body, and your arms, chest, back and shoulders for the pedaling motion.
- You Get a Great Cardio Workout – You develop muscle and upper body strength, and if you take up the intensity, you’re improving your lung’s ability to provide oxygen to your muscles.
- Great for Shoulder Rehabilitation – If you’re recovering from an injury, a UBE is low impact while helping to rehab your shoulder joints and muscles, equally on both sides of your body.
Stop in to any of Fitness 4 Home Superstores three Phoenix Area locations to check out our selection of Upper Body Ergometers from First Degree Fitness and Cascade Health & Fitness.
