Arm bike (upper body ergometer) for cardio fitness?

[Anonymous]

A chronic hip problem has forced me to cut back on my walks for exercise, and even limits how much I can do things like ride stationary bikes or do elliptical machines. That has left me with few options for a good cardio workout (swimming being the notable exception).

I'm considering researching and purchasing an "arm bike" (upper body ergometer) for home use, hoping that will provide a cardio option that won't aggravate my hip problem.

Has anyone used one of these things regularly? How would you describe the workout -- good for cardio, strength, both? And does anyone have recommendations about which machine to try/purchase?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

They look like they give a pretty good workout. I watch this Swedish guy on youtube who has an arm bike. He looks like he's in pretty good shape. It's in Swedish but if you skip to 2:30 you can see him using it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CA0acefDRY

[Anonymous]

You could try a Ski Erg too. I use one because I have arthritis in my knee so it lets me get a really good cardio workout without using my knees much.