Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk on the moon? It might sound cheesy, but that’s the first image that came to mind when I got an email a few weeks ago asking if I wanted to try out an anti-gravity treadmill. I jumped at the chance, thinking it might be the closest I’ll ever get to feeling like I’m in Star Trek or Star Wars. It certainly didn’t disappoint!
We had the opportunity to try out a state-of-the-art AlterG anti-gravity treadmill at The Bluffs in Columbia, Missouri. Physical therapist assistant Josh Nickell was there to answer all our questions and guide us through the experience. You might be wondering, why would anyone need an anti-gravity treadmill?
This amazing piece of equipment is perfect for athletes, average folks, or the elderly. The AlterG treadmill is like a supercharged version of a regular treadmill—it’s the Bentley of treadmills. It looks pretty wild when it’s in use, with a big bubble covering half of a usual treadmill.
These treadmills are gaining popularity because they help people—especially athletes and the elderly—recover from injuries like hip or knee surgeries, such as total hip replacements or ACL repairs. They’re fantastic because they let patients walk without the full pressure of their body weight pressing down on them. Josh explained, “We can reduce up to 80% of a patient’s weight.” This significant weight reduction on your joints makes it feel almost like you’re barely touching the ground!
The setup is impressive. You put on something akin to half a scuba wetsuit and then get zipped into the AlterG treadmill. The machine works by inflating a large airtight bubble with air, which lifts some of your weight off you. Josh described how the wetsuit shorts with the bag create an airtight seal, and a constant blower keeps the pressure steady. As it inflates, it calibrates your body weight to know exactly how much weight to take off.
By calibrating to your specific body weight, it adjusts to precisely take off, say, 80%, leaving you with just 20%. From there, you can adjust the treadmill’s incline to ensure proper traction and foot contact. Plus, it comes with several cameras to monitor your gait, foot placement, and contact.
A certified professional is always by your side during the session, reducing any anxiety or apprehension. Safety is a top priority, and Josh mentioned that patients are often initially nervous, but once they’re in and realize how safe it is, they really thrive.
Walking or running with only 20% of your body weight feels strange at first—almost giddy and nervous. When the treadmill is flat, it feels like you’re barely touching your toes, which is why increasing the incline helps enhance foot contact. Eventually, it feels like you’re floating across the treadmill.
After just five minutes on the AlterG treadmill, it’s easy to see—and feel—how this can be a crucial tool for anyone recovering from an injury or aiming to boost their endurance. It gradually increases the weight and range of motion as strength improves, making it ideal for post-surgery rehabilitation and a great alternative training method for professional athletes.
While there are a limited number of AlterG treadmills across the country, their availability is growing. If you’re considering adding it to your post-surgery plan or just want to give it a try, you can book a session by finding a nearby location through the AlterG website.
This machine is making a real difference. Josh shared a touching story about a patient with a spinal cord injury who couldn’t even wiggle a toe when she first arrived. Recently, she managed to walk for 15 minutes at 50% of her body weight on the AlterG treadmill. It’s clear that a lot of good things are happening thanks to this technology.
If you’re interested in trying it out, check out the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill locator page. We want to extend our thanks to Josh and The Bluffs for letting us visit and experience this incredible machine!