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Technology
G-Trainers combine five areas of technology all working together: our patented Gravity Differential Technology, an advanced air pressure regulation system, enclosure sealing component, a customized treadmill, and a touch screen control panel.
Gravity Differential Technology
Alter-G's technology was originally developed at NASA as part of an effort to help astronauts maintain fitness during prolonged space flight. Alter-G combined this technology with an advanced pressure regulation system and a treadmill to produce the first anti-gravity treadmill. The physical lifting force generated by the G-Trainer comes from a difference in air pressure around the individual's body. This anti-gravity effect allows the individual to be lighter on their feet—as if they are defying gravity. The idea of unweighting isn't new, but Alter-G is the first company to use a pressurized enclosure to provide a counterforce to the person's body weight, reducing their effective weight on the treadmill surface. Other products on the market today that reduce an individual's body weight during exercise are cumbersome, limit mobility, and hinder normal body movement.
Learn more about the technology
Air Pressure Regulation
Alter-G has developed an advanced air pressure regulation system to ensure that body weight variables can be accurately set for every individual, every time. When an individual runs in the G-Trainer the natural bouncing motion of their body changes the shape and volume of the enclosure. The air pressure regulation system is sophisticated enough to monitor and account for changes to the interior pressure of the enclosure so that accurate body weight reduction can be maintained throughout a workout session.
An individual can choose to reduce their body weight by as much as 80% in as small as 1% increments. When a reduction in body weight is selected, the G-Trainer increases the pressure in the enclosure in proportion to the desired reduction in weight. This increases the lifting force and reduces their impact on the treadmill surface.
It takes very little pressure in the enclosure to produce a substantial lifting force. Because the air pressure is distributed over their entire lower body the force against their legs is almost undetectable.
Creating a Seal
To produce the anti-gravity effect, a seal is created around the user's body by wearing customized neoprene compression shorts that an individual slips on over their clothing. The shorts are specially designed for comfort and are similar to clothing worn by many professional athletes for compression and support during competition. The shorts allow a person to be zipped into the enclosure to create the air-tight environment around their lower body.
The Treadmill
Alter-G partners with Woodway, a standard-setting treadmill manufacturer. The G-Trainer is customized around Woodway's high-performance, durable Desmo model. The Desmo's running belt is patented by Woodway and is made of a vulcanized rubber surface of individual slats. The unique design eliminates the belt slippage that sometimes occurs on conventional treadmills.
Touch Screen Control
The G-Trainer includes a touch screen control panel that allows individuals to set variables for weight, speed, and incline. The system can be personalized for each person with saved workouts and calibration information or can be used without logging in to saved settings. The controls are designed to be easy to use from the start or while exercising. A USB flash drive can be used to save an individual's information allowing them to skip the calibration process and track workouts.
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