Health Benefits of Anti-Gravity Treadmill
The future is here! The innovative approach of this technology is proving incredibly impactful in a variety of use cases, ranging from competitive distance runners with intricate training plans to those recovering from an injury or surgery.
While this might be a slight exaggeration, Alter G's anti-gravity treadmill provides a way to mimic the reduction of gravity and its effects on the body without requiring a lunar landing.
No singular exercise or rehabilitation approach is one size fits all, however. To learn more about this amazing technology and whether or not it could help you in your fitness journey, give Fusion Performance a call today!
How anti-gravity treadmill can benefit you
Joint pain and wear affect different people in different ways. Still, as it's a universal risk, virtually anyone stands to benefit from the technology by tailoring a specialized plan for their needs.
- Rehabilitation From Injury: Joint pain and wear aren't the only dangers. Compound fractures and damage to ligaments that support the knees and ankles can sideline someone for an extended period. Working your way back to 100% can take a long time, especially if the primary prognosis is to simply "stay off it." The extended time off can weaken the muscles not merely in the affected area but the entire lower body and cardiovascular system. By reducing the harmful effects of gravity on the body, one can stay active without exacerbating the injury, getting back into form quicker than ever.
- Recovery From Surgery: No matter the patient's age, those coming out of surgery often have a long healing and recovery process—different parts of the body advance at different rates. The ability to customize the resistance on the lower extremities and increase or decrease intensity as required can be a massive game-changer for those looking to get back on their feet. The ideal environment for patients can be a boon in fitness and recovery and provide a safe space to avoid a significant setback with a potential fall.
- High-Performance Athletes: Serious distance runners pack on the mileage in training mode, presenting enormous risks of cumulative joint damage. Not only can the low gravity environment help diminish everyday wear, but also the bad habits of sloppy form that can arise with exhaustion and muscle overexertion. Focusing on the correct form and motion can run longer and faster, getting race-ready sooner than ever.
What can I expect from the anti-gravity treadmill?
By releasing the gravitational pressure of your body, the AlterG Treadmill can help you comfortably restore your normal walking, jogging, running, and moving mechanics. It also promotes strengthening exercises that heal damaged tissue and build more muscle. All of this adds up to a much safer, quicker, and comfortable recovery than you may experience without it.
The AlterG technology provides a controlled environment for patients to exercise and heal. This change allows them to return to doing the activities they love much faster than they may have anticipated. By getting back into physical activity as quickly as possible, patients can avoid unwanted risks, such as swelling and inflammation, weakened muscles, or even atrophy.
Weight, and therefore gravity, is public enemy number one for many joint conditions. The resulting discomfort is painful and can create a pathway to additional problems from over-use or adopting a sedentary lifestyle to avoid those activities altogether.
By exercising with the Alter G's Anti-Gravity Treadmill, users can still enjoy a rigorous cardiovascular workout and strengthen the muscles in the lower body without inflicting the damage on joints that would be incurred with "full gravity."
This device will reduce the impact of your body weight by 80% while in use. It is a form of treatment that can benefit anyone – athletes, seniors, patients working through physical rehabilitation, etc. It provides some much-needed relief that most other treatments simply are not able to do.
What else should I know about the anti-gravity treadmill?
According to the Alter G website,
“AlterG® develops trusted, leading-edge rehab and training equipment using NASA Differential Air Pressure technology. Our Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology empowers people to move in new ways and without pain – to recover mobility, improve wellness, and enhance physical performance. AlterG can be found in over 4000 facilities around the world and has helped millions to safely and consistently reach their goals and achieve better outcomes.”
Everyone knows the fundamentals of a treadmill, but the Alter G is unlike any of the run-of-the-mill equipment you'll find in a regular fitness center. Utilizing technology patented by NASA, the device allows patients and athletes to participate in running or walking workouts by reducing their apparent body weight.
It was initially developed for astronauts seeking to stay fit while aloft, the technology was intended to increase their apparent weight, essential for astronauts' bones and muscles. In a role reversal, the same approach can now be used to lessen the impact of exercise on the joints.
The user's lower body is encapsulated in an airtight chamber with a skirt around the waist when stepping into the device. One can then select the intensity of the faux gravitational resistance, altering how strenuous the workout will be. The equipment will change the air pressure in the chamber to produce the desired environment.
Get started today
Our clinic is dedicated to creating the best physical therapy treatment plan for your specific needs. After your consultation, your physical therapist will perform a physical evaluation to see your problem areas and the best course of action for reversing those problems. During this time, your physical therapist will determine if the AlterG Treadmill is right for you.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, give Fusion Performance a call today to set up a consultation with one of our physical therapists. We'll get you moving on the right track to recovery and long-lasting relief.
