An ergometer is any wheel and pulley system used for exercise. Ergometers include lower, upper and dual extremity machines such as stationary bikes, rowing machines and upper body rowers. When someone talks about a training ergometer, he or she is talking about the upper body rowers.
Training ergometers, also known as arm bikes, allow people to exercise in a stationary position. The stationary position makes training ergometers a popular tool in rehabilitation offices. The purpose is to help people recover from upper body injuries. Training ergometers are also well liked by those confined to wheelchairs, as arm bikes provide easy-access exercise.
Training ergometers help people with injuries improve efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They also improve upper body strength, muscle mobility, joint flexibility, muscular endurance and neurological coordination.
Arm bikes improve the user's daily energy levels by providing an exercise option. Bone density increases through high-impact exercise and resistance training. Training ergometers increase the user's bone density by providing resistance training, since users cannot complete any high-impact exercise.
What to Look for
You need to find a training ergometer that's comfortable. You're going to be sitting on this machine for 30 minutes or more, so you don't want you joints to ache when you get off it. You should feel energized and refreshed after a training ergometer session.
Find a machine that is easy to adjust. The seat should move up and down to compensate for your height. The seat should also move forward and/or backward to adjust for arm length. These features give you leverage while using the machine, making it easier on the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints.
Find a training ergometer that is easy to use. You don't want to have to take 20 minutes to figure out how to get the machine started. Some models have a "quick start" button as well as scrolling text to talk you through how to select training options, with the emphasis on speed or strength.
If you're using this piece of equipment at home, find a training ergometer that has a quiet operation. People exercising at home like to watch the television or listen to the radio, but if the machine is too loud, you can't hear it. A quiet operation can also provide better mental focus.
Common Pitfalls
The most common pitfall of some training ergometers is instability. Think about who's using this machine most of the time--the handicapped and people with serious injuries. These people can further injure themselves if they fall. An unstable machine can cause falls while an extremely stable machine will make it virtually impossible to fall.
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