Did You Know the Anti-Gravity Treadmill Could Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals? — ProClinix Sports Physical Therapy & Chiropractic
By: Emily Carle
Tags: Treadmill, Fitness Tips, Joint Pain, Physiotherapy, Treadmill Treats

Did You Know the Anti-Gravity Treadmill Could Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals? — ProClinix Sports Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Emily Carle Dec 20, 2021·5 min read

Have You Heard of the Benefits of the 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 one exercise or rehabilitation approach is one size fits all, so first things first…

How will I benefit from these services?

Joint pain and wear affects different people in different ways, but as it’s a universal risk, virtually anyone stands to benefit from the technology by tailoring a specialized plan for their needs.

Recovery From Surgery: No matter the patient’s age, those coming out of surgery often have a long convalescence and recovery process in which different parts of the body advance at different rates. The ability to customize resistance on the lower extremities and increase or decrease intensity as required can be an enormous game changer for those looking to get back on their feet. The ideal environment for patients can be a boon not only in fitness and recovery, but providing a safe space to avoid a major setback with a potential fall.

No matter the patient’s age, those coming out of surgery often have a long convalescence and recovery process in which different parts of the body advance at different rates. The ability to customize resistance on the lower extremities and increase or decrease intensity as required can be an enormous game changer for those looking to get back on their feet. The ideal environment for patients can be a boon not only in fitness and recovery, but providing a safe space to avoid a major setback with a potential fall. 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 main prognosis is to simply “stay off it.” The extended time off can lead to weakening of 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.

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 main prognosis is to simply “stay off it.” The extended time off can lead to weakening of 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. High Performance Athletes: Serious distance runners really pack on the mileage in training mode, presenting enormous risks of cumulative joint damage. Not only can the low gravity environment help diminish joint wear, but also the bad habits of sloppy form that can arise with exhaustion and muscle overexertion. By focusing on the correct form and motion, one can run longer and faster, getting race-ready sooner than ever.

What can I expect from the anti-gravity treadmill?

Weight, and therefore gravity, is public enemy number one for many joint conditions. The resulting discomfort is not only painful, but 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 be beneficial to 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.

By releasing the gravitational pressure of your body, the AlterG Treadmill is able to 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 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 are able to avoid unwanted risks, such as swelling and inflammation, weakened muscles, or even atrophy.

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. In fact, 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 alike to take part in running or walking workouts by reducing their apparent bodyweight.

Originally developed for astronauts seeking to stay fit while aloft, the technology was first intended to increase their apparent weight, which is 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.

When stepping into the device, the user’s lower body is encapsulated in an airtight chamber, with a skirt around the waist. One can then select the intensity of the faux gravitational resistance, altering how strenuous the workout will be, and the equipment will change the air pressure in the chamber to produce the desired environment.

Get started today

We are 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 where your problem areas are and what the best course of action will be 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 our office 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.