Pulling the Ercolina feels EXACTLY like double poling or diagonal poling on skis. You have to try this – no other exercise machine offers this level of fidelity and “snow feel”. This is due to the unique direct and rigid connection between the flywheel and the handle of the Ercolina Upper Body Power machine. As a result, with the Ercolina you train the exact muscles needed for XC skiing: starting with the lower and upper abdominal muscles that crunch quickly when the pole hits the snow, to the latissimus dorsi in the upper body to the triceps in your arms during main power application and follow-through and back muscles during forward swing.
- COMPLETE MOVEMENT
Thanks to the length of the cables, the Ercolina Upper Body Power machine allows for both short poling and long poling, as the user want.
It´s always nice to see skiers with a correct tecnique. This machine allow the user to exercise with all the arms movements that are possible in Cross Country Skiing.
- DIAGONAL POLING
With the Ercolina you can train diagonal poling because the machine is composed from two distinct units, one for each arm. Training diagonal poling in addition to double poling is extremely important because diagonal poling isolates the triceps and therefore requires more specific triceps strength, as well as back strength. Also, switching between double poling and diagonal poling makes your workout more varied and interesting.
The Ecolina Upper Body Power machine allows the user to train correct diagonal technique:
only when the user applies correctly coordinated arm movements, with both arms poling with the same force and the correct timing, will the machine roll with fluidity. When the user is off synch, the machine is not fluid which gives the user the instant feed-back needed to correct the movement.
- HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
With the optional Height Regulation Kit, (in the picture above) the user can move the machine along two vertical rails up and down. With this option different tall users can use the machine with the correct poling angle.
The rails are normally 0,5 meters long allowing a 30 centimeters regulation, but they can be customized up to 2 meters, with 170 centimeters regulation.
- SHOULDER WIDTH ADJUSTMENT
With ease it is possible to adjust the width of the machine to have a parallel arms poling.
Normally the Elite Skiers use the maximum width position because a wide arm position aids breathing.
- WIDE RANGE OF FORCE REGULATION
The Ercolina’s unique magnetic brakes allow the user to train a wide variety of conditions typical for cross country skiing. Set at the maximum, the force that must be applied is similar to the force applied in a steep uphill with no wax on the skis. A great way to build maximum strength with short intervals consisting of 5-20 sets of 5-15 repeats per set.
The minimum regulation of force allows children to use the machine, without overstressing their young muscles and having great fun. Interim settings are used for interval workouts.
- EASY TO CARRY AND INSTALL
The machine weighs11 kgs, and with the optional carrying bag it can be carried to holidays or training camps: the hooks, also an option, allow the user to install the machine on a fence, a pull-up bar or a wooden board within one minute. Many elite athletes use these two options (in the picture above) to carry the machine on training camps. For example in Ramsau am Dachstein, where many Cross Country Skiing/Biathlon National Teams ski in the summer and fall, some of the hotels have wooden boards so their guest can easily install their Ercolinas.
- WIDE RANGE OF POSSIBLE EXERCISES
The machine can be used for many exercises in different positions using the two ropes with one hand , with the machine at the minimum shoulder width, well over 150 kgs of force can be applied.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE
This new option (in the picture abobe) makes you feel like you are strapped into a pole handle. It is also very ergonomic and soft, avoiding strain on your hands during long and hard workouts.
- SWIMMING HANDLE
This new option is a handle that can be used by swimmers to simulate the movement of freestyle swimming: the user must lay down on a bench and the Ercolina Upper Body Power must be mounted low.
- SPINE MUSCLES BALANCING, TO ELIMINATE THE BACK PAIN
Training with the Ercolina Upper Body Power machine is often effective to prevent or eliminate back pain.
With correct double poling technique on the Ercolina Upper Body Power machine, the user exercises alternatively the front abdominal muscles (in the picture above - Christian Zorzi with his Ercolina) and the back spine muscles. As a result, the spine is correctly supported by these strengthened muscles which can alleviate back pain. Therefore many physiotherapists are recommending the Ercolina to build back strength and incorporate it into their physical therapy programs. Some retired elite skiers are continuing to use the Ercolina to keep their abdominal and spine muscles in good shape to eliminate or prevent back pain.