PARC Equipment

PARC has a variety of strength machines, cardio equipment, and various other equipment, which allow participants to strengthen all major muscles groups and increase cardiovascular fitness. Unless otherwise indicated, the exercise equipment at PARC is wheelchair accessible or can be used by transferring onto the equipment chairs.

Smart Card technology lets participants automatically follow individualized programs and monitor their progress. Most of the machines and equipment in PARC provide on-screen guidance, including duration of program, level of resistance, and number of repetitions completed.

HUR Machines

The HUR machines have a computerized system for automated reporting. They use compressed air instead of weights, which provides more consistent resistance throughout the range of motion. With small increments of resistance, range limiters, and additional support, the machines enable safe training for participants with different levels of ability. Additionally, hand grips on several of the machines assist when transferring in and out of the machine.

The following are descriptions and images of each of the type of HUR machines, along with an illustration of which muscle groups they activate as depicted in orange or blue from the perspective of both the front and back side of the body.

Equipment Screen

The Smart Card system automates the entire workout to the individual’s exercise program, adjusting the resistance level automatically and recording the performance from each workout. Each machine also can show instructions on how to use it and information on what muscle groups are being exercised.

: Equipment Screen

: Equipment Screen

Twist Rehab This machine has range limiters to reduce the range of motion and handgrips to assist with transferring in and out of the machine. To use: transfer into the machine and hold onto the handgrips. With your back leaning against the back cushions, focus on using your core muscles to move your legs from side to side. Avoid pushing or pulling with your arms to help move your legs as this will reduce the amount of work your abdomen muscles perform.
Leg Press This machine has handgrips to assist with transferring in and out of the machine. The foot straps on the foot plate help secure feet in place to prevent them from moving during the exercise. To use: While leaning against the back cushions of the leg press machine, extend your legs to push the foot plate away from your body. To avoid injuring your knees, make sure your legs have a slight bend at the end of the repetition and slowly control the foot plate as it comes back towards you.
Adduction/Abduction This machine has handgrips that can be lowered to assist with transferring in and out of the machine and range limiters to increase or reduce the range of motion. To use the adduction function of the machine: the leg cushions will start at the widest position. Lean against the back cushions and use your adductor muscles to bring the leg cushions towards the middle. To use the abductor function of the machine: the leg cushions will start at the narrowest position. Lean against the back cushions and use your abductor muscles to bring the leg cushions away from the middle.
Biceps/Triceps To use the biceps function: ensure that your elbows and backs of your arms rest on the large cushions throughout the entire exercise. The forearm cushions will start at the lowest position. Have the palms of your hands facing the ceiling and wrist bones resting underneath the forearm cushions. Use your biceps to bring your forearms towards your body. To use the triceps: ensure that your elbows and backs of your arms rest on the large cushions throughout the exercise. The forearm cushions will start at the highest position. Have the palms of your hands facing away from your body and wrist bones resting on the forearm cushions. Use your triceps to push the forearm cushions down and away from your body.
Dip/Shrug The Dip/shrug machine has range limiters to help reduce or increase the range of motion and handgrips which can be horizontally adjusted. To use the dip function: start with the handgrips at the highest position possible. You may choose to lean slightly forward or have your back rest against the back cushion. Using your triceps muscles and chest muscles, push the handgrips down by extending your arms towards the floor. To use the shrug function: start with the handgrips at the lowest position possible. With your back leaning against the back cushion, focus on using only your upper trapezius muscles in a shrugging motion to bring the handgrips up. Do not use your arms to curl the weight upwards as this will reduce the amount of work your upper trapezius muscles have to do.
Abdomen/Back The Abdomen/back machine has an adjustable seat height and position, which helps with a safe transfer to and from the machine. The range limiters increase or reduce the range of motion. The height of the bar can be adjusted using the knob on the side the of padded bar. To use the abdomen function: transfer onto the seat so that you face forward, with the padded bar in front of you. Adjust the seat height to a comfortable level. Next, by squeezing your abdominal muscles, push your midsection downwards into the padded bar, driving it downwards. Allow the padded bar to move back to its original position and perform additional repetitions. To use the back function: transfer onto the seat of the machine so that you face backward, with the padded bar behind you. Adjust the seat height to a comfortable level. Next, push your midsection backwards into the padded bar, driving it downwards. Allow the padded bar to move back to its original position and perform additional repetitions.
Chest Press The Chest press machine has an adjustable seat height and position, which helps with a safe transfer to and from the machine. The range of motion of can be reduced by inserting the knobs on the side of the machine. Both horizontal and vertical grips are attached, which allows to perform exercises using different grip positions. To use: place your hands on the handles and push the handles away from you by squeezing your chest and extending your arms. Bring the handles back to their original position and perform additional repetitions.
Lat Pull Both lever arms move independently. The range of motion of this machine can be reduced by inserting the knobs on the side of the machine. Both horizontal and vertical grips are attached, which allows to perform exercises using different grip positions. To use: place your hands on the handles and pull the handles towards you by squeezing your shoulder blades together and pulling your elbows back. Bring the handles back to their original position and perform additional repetitions.
Push Up/Pull Down This machine has an adjustable seat height and position, which helps with a safe transfer to and from the machine. The range of motion of can be reduced by bringing the knobs located at the back of the machine forwards of backwards. To use the push up function: reverse until back of the chair is aligned with the machine backrest. Use the waist strap attached to the machine for extra support if necessary. Next, grab the handlebars at shoulder height and slowly push above head. Bring the handlebars back to the original position and perform additional repetitions. To use the pulldown function: reverse until back of the chair is aligned with the machine backrest. Use the waist strap attached to the machine for extra support if necessary. Next, grab the handlebars at shoulder height and slowly pull down to shoulder height. Bring the handlebars back to the original position and perform additional repetitions.
Leg Curl/Leg Extension The Leg Curl/leg extension machine has an adjustable seat height and position, which helps with a safe transfer to and from the machine. The range of motion can be adjusted by using the black levers on either side of the machine. The height of the roller around the ankle can be adjusted by pulling out the orange handle, located on the side. To use the leg curl function: place legs over both sets of rollers and push down using your legs, bending at the knees. Use the knee and waist straps for support during the movement if needed. The movement can be performed unilaterally (one leg at a time) or bilaterally (both legs at once). To use the leg extension function: place legs underneath the rollers and lift and extend the legs, bending at the knees. Use the knee and waist straps for support during the movement if needed. The movement can be performed unilaterally (one leg at a time) or bilaterally (both legs at once).
Optimal Rhomb This machine has an adjustable seat height and position, and the chest pad can be adjusted to different heights if needed. To use: slowly move forwards until your chest is touching the chest pad. Next, pull lever arms back, while keeping arms horizontal. Make sure to squeeze shoulder blades together, while maintaining a controlled motion.
Pec Deck This machine has an adjustable seat height and position, which helps with a safe transfer to and from the machine. The arm levers and backrest do not adjust on the machine, so the machine should be used with caution. To use: slowly reverse until you touch the cushion pad. Next, hold handlebars and rest forearms on pads. Slowly pull lever arms together in a controlled manner and return to the original position.
Delta/Lat This machine has an adjustable back support. To use: slowly reverse into position, until the back of the chair is aligned with the machine backrest. Ensure your shoulders are at the level of the lever arm attachment. Next, place elbows under rollers at a 90-degree angle and slowly lift rollers up with arms slightly bent at the elbow, maintaining a controlled motion.
Functional Trainer Pulley To use: adjust the starting height of pulley using the knob on the side of the pulley and then move the pulley upwards or downwards to the height that best fits the intended exercise. If needed for the intended exercise, you can use two handles, a single wide bar, or a single narrow bar. The handles can be switched by opening up the carabiner clips that hold them to the pulley and then removing the previous handle and inserting the desired one into the carabiner.

Cardio Equipment

Sci-Fit Total Body Exerciser This is a cardiovascular machine that engages the upper and lower body in a cycling motion. The SCIFIT can be used to train the upper body and lower body independently, or it can be used for full body exercise. Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the risks for heart disease, improve respiration, improve muscular strength, circulation, body composition, and reduce the chances for secondary complications such as respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. You may choose to use the provided seat or request that it be removed for wheelchair/powerchair accessibility. The provided seat can be vertically adjusted by pulling up on the handle directly below the seat and can rotate to the side by pushing down on the lever to allow for easier transfers in and out of the seat. The position of the seat can also be adjusted forward or back by pushing down on pedal on the bottom of the seat. To use: press the quick start button and adjust the resistance to the desired difficulty. Use the arms and legs in tandem to push the pedals in a circular motion.
GameCycle Ergometer This machine is an upper body cranking system that offers cardiovascular benefits while the participant can play a video game. This machine aims to ease fatigue and make the exercise fun while the participant is using their upper body to crank forwards, backwards, and to turn. To use: choose the desired game and adjust the resistance to the desired difficulty.
Monark Arm Ergometer The Monark Arm Ergometer is an arm ergometer that provides the potential to individually adapt exercise, with continual following-up and adjustment of the exercise intensity. The aim of the Monark Arm Ergometer is to improve aerobic capacity, upper body strength, and core stability. The ergometer is also equipped with an electronic meter that shows pedal revolutions per minute (RPM), total pedal revolutions (TOTAL COUNT) and time (TIME) function. To use: choose the desired resistance. With your hands grasp the handles and pedal with your arms in a circular motion.
Elliptical Trainer This is a stationary machine with two handles and foot pedals, that specifically targets the muscles of the arms and legs. It aims to mimic the movement patterns of walking, running, and stair climbing to improve cardiovascular and functional movements. This machine will exercise the whole body while protecting the joints, as it is impact-free compared to a regular treadmill. To use: step onto the machine facing the monitor and grab the handlebars. Begin pedaling to turn it on and pedal at an even pace. Your arms should be swinging with the handles. When your left foot goes down, straightening your leg, the right handle should be pulled toward your body. Same for when your right leg goes down.
Concept 2 Ski Erg This machine helps develop both strength and endurance as it mimics the movements of a cross-country skier. The user is in control of the resistance since the harder the user pulls, the more resistance is created. The machine can be used for both double pole or an alternating arm technique that aims to exercise most of the muscles of the arm, back, and abdomen. The Ski Erg also includes an advanced monitoring system that provides performance feedback for the user. An additional benefit of the Ski Erg machine is that it offers a full upper body workout, while having minimal impact on the joints. To use: begin with your arms shoulder width and hands slightly above your head. Your arms should be bent. Drive the handles downwards by engaging your core abdominal muscles. Maintain the bend in your arms to keep the handles fairly close to your face. Finish the drive with arms extended down alongside your thighs.
aSKI Lap Pad The Concept 2 Ski Erg is retrofitted with a modular bolster to secure the lap while skiing, as well as a small wooden curb to secure the user’s chair. It is designed to secure the users’ legs and casters while exercising. The length and height of the lap pad are adjustable depending on the users’ preference.
Nustep The Nustep is a cardiovascular machine that provides low-impact aerobic and strength training. The Nustep can be used to train the upper body and lower body independently, or it can be used for a full body exercise. The Nustep has various resistance levels, workout programs, and displays up to date statistics, such as time, distance, and approximate calories burnt. The Nustep has a blue bar in the front to adjust the seat forwards or backwards, a blue bar in the back of the seat to rotate the chair outwards to allow for easier transfers, and arm rests on the sides of the seat to provide additional support. To use: transfer into the Nustep. When transferring in and out of the machine, make sure the handgrips and footplates are locked in place by ensuring the tab below the screen interface is not pressed in. Press the quick start button and adjust the resistance to the desired difficulty. Use the arms and legs in tandem to push the pedals in a circular motion.
Upright Bike The upright bike is a cardiovascular training machine that mainly engages the quadriceps muscles (front of thigh), hamstrings (back of thigh), and glutes. To use: adjust the seat height to a comfortable level, then mount the bike. Once on the seat, place your feet in the pedals and your hands on the handle bars. Next, begin pedaling by driving one of your feet downwards, and pulling your other foot upwards.
Theratrainer The Theratrainer is a cardiovascular machine that allows the user to passively exercise the upper and lower body in a cycling motion from a chair, wheelchair, or powerchair. The passive movement can help reduce stiffness, improve mobility, increase blood circulation, and warm up the moving muscles. The user can also actively exercise on the machine, using their own muscles to move the foot pedals and handgrips. The Theratrainer has an interactive interface with a variety of different modes, which includes some minigames. The speed of the passive movement can also be increased. To use: press the quick start button and adjust the resistance to the desired difficulty. Use the arms and legs in tandem to push the pedals in a circular motion.
aROW The Concept 2 Rowing Erg develops both strength and endurance as it mimics the movements of rowing. The resistance is determined by how hard the user pulls during their movement. The machine is designed to be used with both arms, targeting muscles of the arms, upper and lower back, and abdomen. The rowing erg includes an advanced monitoring system that provides performance feedback with different units, such as wattage, distance, or calories. This machine is retrofitted with a modular bolster to secure the lap and chest while rowing, which adds to the stability of the person using the machine. Additionally, the users can remove the chest pad and use the lap by itself. To use: Rowing technique is broken into four components of catch, drive, finish, and recovery. Start with catch, by reaching as far forward as possible with the handles. Arms should be straight and at shoulder height. Next, drive by pulling back to an upright position using your core, and then pull with your arms. Keep your elbows low and at your sides. In the finishing position, the handle should reach in between your belly button and mid-chest. You can lean back slightly if possible and keep your elbow low. Finally, in the recovery position, lean forward. Then, extend your arms and relax your shoulder blades to reach as far forward as possible.

Other Equipment

Standing frame

The standing frame assists individuals with paraplegia and/or tetraplegia with passive standing. Consistent use of a standing frame can help improve bone density, strengthen muscles, stretch the leg muscles, improve circulation and blood pressure, and improve respiration.

A transfer board may be used to assist with transferring into the standing frame. The chest plate can be vertically adjusted towards or away from the user. The knee cushions can also be vertically adjusted to accommodate for people with varying leg lengths. Feet straps are also available to secure the feet in place.

To use: push the handgrip forward to slowly transition the seat angle from a horizontal position to a vertical position. When the handgrip can no longer be pushed forward, allow the handgrip to return to the starting position and push the handgrip forward again if you have not reached a desirable seat angle. When finished with the standing frame, pull the handgrip backwards and the seat will slowly transition to its original horizontal position.

Elevated Stretching Table

The elevated stretching table is a sturdy table that is used for participant rehabilitation. It is constructed of wood and topped with a foam mat to ensure comfort for flexibility/stretching exercises. The height of the Elevated Stretching Table enables convenient transfers, which ensures extra safety.

Free Weight Area

The free weight area includes dumbbells, resistance bands, battle ropes, and medicine balls. A variety of exercises can be done at the free weight area using the listed equipment. The use of free weights and resistance bands improves joint stability and muscle imbalances compared to machines. Popular exercises using dumbbells include the bicep curl, overhead triceps extension, shoulder raise, and shoulder press. Popular exercises using resistance bands include the seated row, shoulder flies, abdominal twists, and bicep curls. Popular exercises using the medicine ball includes wall tosses, chest passes to a partner, and abdominal twists.