Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological characteristics and responses of obese and non-obese women to arm ergometry. Some exercises (e.g. walking, cycling, etc.) may be too demanding for obese individuals. Therefore, arm ergometry may be a better exercise in the obese population because it utilizes a smaller muscle mass and is non-weight bearing. This is necessary so that exercise physiologists, physicians, and personal trainers can prescribe individualized exercise programs using the arm ergometer as physical activity in obese individuals who cannot tolerate the stress of other forms of exercise. Methods: Twenty, low risk females aged 18 to 22 years old participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements included were: height, weight, abdominal diameter, arm, waist and hip circumferences, skinfolds, and arm volume. The participants also completed a progressive, continuous, multistage arm ergometry exercise test using a modified Monark cycle ergometer to exhaustion. Oxygen consumption, ratings of perceived exertion, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, and heart rate were assessed every minute during the exercise test. Independent-samples t test were calculated. Results: Significant differences were found between the means for the obese and non-obese groups for body weight (kg) t = -5.47, p <.05, df=18, BMI (kg/m2) t = -6.09, p < .05, df =18, body fat % t = -8.25, p <.05, df=18, waist circumference (cm) t = -6.27, p <.05, df=18, hip circumference (cm) t = -5.75, p <.05, df=18, waist to hip ratio t = -2.66, p <.05, df=18, abdominal diameter (cm) t = -6.02, p <.05, df=18, and HRmax (b.min-1) t = -2.15, p <.05, df=18, arm circumference t = -2.9, p<.05, df =18, arm volume t = -3.62, p<.05, df = 18, and upper arm fat mass t = -4.92, p < .05, df = 18 . For VO2 (ml.kg.min-1), a significant interaction was found between Group x Time F = 7.51, p < .0001, df = 5. Differences between the obese and non-obese groups were found at minutes 8, 9, and 10. Conclusion: In this study, the obese participants had more fat mass and arm fat area compared to the non-obese participants. However, this extra fat mass was not associated with more arm muscle area in the obese Group. Furthermore, there were no differences in oxygen consumption between the Groups. The arm ergometer is a non-weight bearing exercise, but is very intense especially for individuals who do not train their upper body. The extra fat weight on the arms of the obese individuals did not significantly affect the exercise responses measured. Therefore, it is recommended that the arm ergometer be prescribed for obese individuals who cannot handle the stresses associated with walking or cycling.