Performance Enhancement
Commonwealth Sports Medicine welcomes the G-Traner, by Alter G to Richmond
The G-Trainer, made by Alter-G, is a new kind of treadmill that reduces the force of gravity on your body, allowing you to run on less than your normal body weight. Developed by NASA, it uses patented “unweighting” technology to defy gravity, allowing you to unload up to 80% of your body weight from the lower extremities. You can even run uphill, downhill, backwards, or up to 18 mph. The idea is similar to running in deep water; however, it simulates land running more accurately because you are able to run with your natural gait and form.
On the G-Trainer, resistance is in the same direction and intensity as with real land running. Because of its unweighting effect, it is possible for you to run several miles per hour faster than your usual pace. So, if you normally log nine-minute miles, you’ll be able to do six-minute miles on the G-Trainer. This “over speed” running is a fantastic way to work on cadence or leg turnover. Your body can learn how to hold its form together while running faster.
