Advanced Cardio Equipment has created a new concept in fitness dedicated to upper body exercise.

The A-trainer combines the three key elements of physical exercise: cardiovascular, muscular endurance and muscle-building within a single piece of apparatus to provide an upper body workout.

The company says it set out to redress the balance in the cardio fitness market, which is dominated by exercise machines which almost exclusively require intensive use of the legs.

After a lengthy prototyping phase, the apparatus evolved into the A-trainer, which can provide a cardio workout without any assistance from the lower body.

Director Robert Howett says: “We believe people playing many sports including swimming, gymnastics, athletics, field sports, canoeing and other activities, where upper body strength and fitness are key, will benefit from this machine.”