Running on the Moon: The AlterG Experience

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the people at AlterG asking if I wanted to go for a test run on one of their anti-gravity treadmills and write about it for you peeps!

I actually used the AlterG a couple times throughout college when I recovering from two different stress fractures (one in the callousness bone of my foot and one in the neck of my femur) so I already knew a little about the benefits of the AlterG and was excited about the opportunity to share with you guys!

Last Monday I went to Hopkinton Physical Therapy for my test run. I met up with Chris, who works there and have been my and my sisters’ physical therapist in the past.

When I got there Chris was working with a patient on the AlterG, so I got to meet him and ask questions about his injury and how he was using the AlterG in his rehab process. It was really interesting to hear that using the AlterG he was able to run 6 weeks sooner than he would have without it.

When it was my turn to go for a run “on the moon” I slipped on my spandex tutu…and got zipped into place!I ran 2 miles at 90% of my body weight and it really did feel like I was running with less gravity! 

So what’s the AlterG really all about?? 

Here’s a little Q&A to explain more!

How does the AlterG work?

When you step on it the AlterG calibrates itself based on your weight. Then when you choose what percentage of your body weight you want to run at (usually 80-95% if your healthy) the fans on the front of the treadmill blow the required amount of air into the chamber to lift you up that amount. 

What does it feel like to run on the AlterG?

It feels like running but easier!!! Obviously when you are running at a smaller percentage of your body weight it doesn’t take as much energy to run at the same pace you normally do! It also reduces the amount of pounding on your legs so each step doesn’t feel as tough!

What are some uses for the AlterG?

The AlterG is often used in the rehab process, it is most helpful because it allows you to run far before you would be able to traditionally. Over the past few years more and more elite runners have started using the AlterG to supplement their training and reduce the stress on their legs! 

In the past I’ve used the AlterG to ease back into running after stress fractures (one in my foot and one in my femur) that I had in college. It was a great way to get back into shape and had me ready for XC season both times! 

I’m completely healthy, why should I consider testing out an AlterG?

When you go for a run each step that you take puts force on your leg/knee/hip/foot equal to 7 times your body weight, which if you think about it is kinda crazy! That means for a runner my size (about 125 pounds) every step I take puts 875 pounds of pressure on my foot, multiplied over a 60 minute run with an average of 175 steps per minute (10,500 steps on an average run) that pounding really builds up and is a main cause for a lot of overuse injuries. By running on an AlterG just a few times a week you can reduce the total amount of pounding that you subject your body to, which decreases your chances of getting an injury like a stress fracture and enables you to train harder on your workout days because your legs are less tired over time.

Can I buy an AlterG?

Sure, if you recently won the lottery and can drop the amount of a decently nice car on a treadmill!

Okay so buying one’s not in my budget but I still want to test it out, where can I run on an AlterG? 

You can use the Find an AlterG function on their website to find an AlterG near you. If you are local to the Boston area I highly recommend checking out Hopkinton Physical Therapy, which is where I went. They are friendly, understand runners, and offer a free 15-minute trial if you just wanna go in and test it out. It can be a little pricey but they have killer student discounts if that applies to you! 🙂

That’s all for me today folks!!! As soon as this is posted I’m headed off to PA for the Runner’s World Half & Festival. I’ll probably be checking in throughout the weekend and will definitely be VERY active on Instagram!

Questions for you!

Have you ever run on an AlterG?

Who am I going to see this weekend!?????