Yesterday, Johor Darul Ta’zim’s forward Darren Lok posted a video of him running on a treadmill on Instagram, with the caption “Another step closer ?”
Darren Lok is currently on a rehabilitation period, working hard to recover from an injury since five weeks ago, and the 26-year-old has been undergoing various routines and procedures to get back into form.
So why is Darren Lok running on a treadmill a big deal? Here’s why; this no ordinary treadmill. It’s an AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, a cutting edge equipment that can only be found in JDT’s training ground, as far as Malaysia is concerned.
[UPDATE] National Football Development Programme Malaysia’s CEO Safirul Abu Bakar has pointed out that aside from Johor DT, the anti-gravity treadmills are also being used in Penang, KPJ Ara Damansara, as well as the National Sports Institute (ISN).
The anti-gravity treadmill is known to reduce recovery time while rehabilitating from an injury or surgery, and the machine is used by many international footballers, celebrities, including football clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Wigan Athletic.
What’s so special about this anti-gravity treadmill? What does it do? We break it down for you:
1) The concept was derived from NASA’s technology
The antigravity treadmill was developed using a technology patented by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), where the basic modus operandi is to reduce athletes’ apparent body weight, thus reducing the strain on joints and muscles.
This makes it easier for injured athletes to continue to take part in running or walking.
2) Lower gravity = lower body weight = lesser tension on the muscles
Fundamentally, it reduces the impact of gravity on your body, so for athletes, they can continue to remain active and carry on with their workout, thus speeding up the recovery process.
3) “Advanced air pressure technology” is how the magic happens
Upon stepping on to the device, athletes will be surrounded by a ballon-like chamber from waist down. This chamber is airtight and is designed to reduce the air pressure in its compartment, which is how it reduces athlete’s body weight.
Utilising the “advanced air pressure” technology, it calibrates the athlete’s weight and allows for a percentage of the body weight to lift up, so the athlete feels lighter.
This, in turn, reduces the impact of exercise on the joints. Therefore, athletes can indulge in a vigorous workout session and strengthen their muscles, all without inflicting further strain on their joints.
In this case, Darren Lok can run faster and longer on the anti-gravity treadmill, compared to running on an ordinary treadmill.
4) It can also be used to for post-surgery rehabilitation
The anti-gravity treadmill can also help with recovery from surgery, as it reduces stress on your joints and muscles. Australia is one of the many countries that encourages the use of anti-gravity treadmills for post-op procedures like ACL knee reconstruction, ACL and medial meniscus tears, hip and ankle replacements, and many more.
5) Chef Gordon Ramsay uses it too!
Daily Mail UK reported that the futuristic treadmill was also used by the likes of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and comedian/actor/presenter Stephen Fry. Gordon Ramsay used the anti-gravity treadmill to get back to fitness after football injury.
Other sports icons like NBA stars Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez have also posted photos of themselves using the anti-gravity treadmill for workout sessions.
There you go, some real cutting-edge stuff from JDT! ?
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