Frequently Asked Questions
Who should be using the GlideCycle™?
Who should be using the GlideCycle™?
The GlideCycle™ is currently being marketed as a sport and fitness training and injury prevention tool in the sports world; as an fitness and weightloss tool for baby-boomers and seniors with worn out joints, arthritis, and other age related difficulties; and as a medical, therapy, and rehabilitation device for the mobility impaired.
What is so important about reducing types of impact and cumulative impact?
Running and sports that require quick or jarring movement can be hard on the body. When running at high speeds, each foot plant can jar the body with a force up to twice the runner’s actual weight. Over time, with continued impact from these activities, it can begin to breakdown joints, bones, and muscles. These activities increase the risk of impact-related injuries such as stress fractures. If you can reduce impact, you can train longer and faster without the additional risk of impact-related injuries. The GlideCycle is the best alternative to running ever designed.
I just had knee surgery (or hip replacement, Achilles injury, stress fracture, or other lower extremity injury or surgery); can the GlideCycle™ help me during rehabilitation?
The GlideCycle™ is a great tool to add to a rehabilitation program after a lower extremity injury or surgery. Of course, you should always consult with your physician or physical therapist, but many of them are prescribing the GlideTrak™ and GlideCycle™ specifically for these applications. Many lower extremity rehabilitation programs stress the importance of becoming mobile as soon as possible after injury or surgery. Non-impact, partial weight bearing exercise is a natural choice for many therapists and patients because pain or other limitations are often a factor. Because the GlideCycle™ is comfortable, does not restrict mobility, and allows for natural body position and movement without the resistance of water, or restrictions of a harness, it is quickly becoming the preferred non-impact, unweighting system.
My doctor has suggested that I do more aerobic conditioning, but high-impact activities are not an option for my knees, hips, and back. Can the GlideCycle™ help me get the aerobic exercise I need?
Absolutely. the GlideCycle’s™ unweighting equipment allows individuals to reduce their body weight as much as 86% (BYU study). This means you can exercise and achieve the aerobic conditioning you need, without the full force of impact on your knees, hips, and back. It is the best outdoor cross trainer for runners and cyclists to be found.
I have difficulty exercising to loose weight because of physical limitations due to being overweight. Can the GlideCycle™ help?
Yes, GlideCycle™ unweighted movement automatically exercises the core muscles and firms up the waist area. The GlideCycle™ allows individuals to reduce their body weight while providing cardio/aerobic and core muscle exercise simultaneously. However, weight control is highly dependent on balancing the number of calories taken in by the number of calories burned. A healthy diet is key – and regular exercise is vital. GlideCycle™ takes exercise outside and makes it FUN.
Is the GlideCycle™ safe for older patients to use for strengthening and conditioning?
Loss of strength and overall conditioning can lead to numerous health complications and disabilities for older individuals. However, older individuals are often faced with mobility challenges that make exercising difficult.
Because the GlideCycle™ allows them to reduce their body weight, while maintaining balance and natural body movement, it gives them the opportunity to progressively condition the body, while reducing the risk of falling.
Is it hard to balance?
No, the GlideCycle™ is not hard to balance . . .
For the most part your feet remain on the ground while you glide; therefore you are not “balancing” on two wheels like a bike. You may feel awkward the first time you ride (like you did on a bicycle), however if you feel yourself leaning to one side your feet are always there to support you. Coasting downhill, with your feet up on the footrest, does require balance and feels pretty much like coasting on a bicycle. If you are uncomfortable doing this, you can use the brakes to slow down and glide down the hill keeping your feet on the ground.
It is easy to use the GlideCycle™ with just one leg. If you want to give one leg a rest, emphasize development. or if you are permanently injured, you can keep one leg up on the footrest and use the other to propel yourself.
NOTE: For individuals who are balanced challenged to the point where they are unable to walk safely please call and ask about our GC-4, or 4 wheeled GlideCycle™ with an electric motor option.
Is the GlideCycle™ hard to steer?
Steering the GlideCycle™ will feel different at first. Most people adapt after a few minutes of riding. Some require a little more time (10-20 minutes). Almost everyone masters it by the 2nd riding experience. Comparatively, it is much easier than learning to steer a bicycle, and it is a great cross trainer for cyclists.
Please view our training videos under the support tab at the top of any page.
Would my heart rate be different when using the GlideCycle™? Will I be able to use heart rate to judge my workload?
Yes, you’ll be able to use heart rate to judge your workload. If you’re walking fast or running with the GlideCycle™, your heart rate will indicate your workload just as it does with other forms of exercise. To receive a more intense cardiovascular workout, you can increase your speed to reach a higher heart rate and caloric burn. Heart rate can be used to determine the speed you need to go to achieve the same cardiovascular workout that you’d achieve with unassisted running. In short, you can do the same amount of work (cardiovascular intensity) by just running a little faster, but the impact on your body will be reduced significantly.
Is the GlideCycle™ comfortable to ride?
Yes, it really is . . .
The GlideCycle™ patented seat uniquely suspends your pelvic region without any pressure on the crotch (or perineum) while allowing free running motion of your legs. There are many adjustments in the seat to accommodate each individual’s unique body type and preferences. As you continue to ride your body will adapt and you will learn how to make subtle adjustments that will improve your comfort and ability to do longer rides. An experienced rider can set up a new seat in less than one minute. A good pair of padded bike shorts is advised for rides over 20 minutes just as for a longer bicycle ride.
Can you ride the GlideCycle™ uphill?
Yes you can . . .
But, going uphill does requires proper technique, and like any exercise more effort (gravity is never free). The basic approach for short hills is to lean forward in the seat, while extending your legs back and pushing off with your toes in a driving motion. For longer hills you can relieve pressure on the pelvic pad by loosening the lower front strap completely allowing you to rock forward in the seat and resting your chest on the front strap. Your arms also help to support your weight. In this position you can climb longer hills. Ultimately, if needed you can always simply, stand up in the seat and walk up the hill. With a little practice and as you get in shape you can go anywhere you want. Athletic riders will find it possible to glide up any mountain…for miles and miles.
Do I need to wear anything special to use the GlideCycle™?
Most users find it more comfortable to wear form-fitting running shorts or pants, but many users wear just about any type of clothing for short GlideCycle™ runs. Glides of over a few miles are more comfortable with ordinary padded bicycle shorts available on our accessories page.
Is the GlideCycle™ easy to use?
People are amazed at how comfortable the GlideCycle™ is and how easy it is to use. Individuals simply step into the GlideCycle™ seat and adjust to their body. Unlike a pool, they don’t have the complications of getting in and out of water. And there are no complicated and uncomfortable harnesses. GlideCycle™ distance runners have done two to four hour plus sessions stopping only because they were ready to end their workout.
Can the GlideCycle™ unweighting system be used with or adapted for any treadmill?
Yes. With the GlideTrak™, any treadmill can be used. Please see the GlideTrak portion of our website.
How is the GlideCycle™ controlled?
The GlideCycle™ is controlled by you. You go at the pace you want, you adjust the suspension to fit you, and you steer the GlideCycle™ much like a bicycle. The GlideCycle™ is designed to be easy to use from the start and while exercising.
What is the maximum amount someone can weigh to use the GlideCycle™?
The GlideCycle™? comes in three sizes. Our large size, the GlidesDale™?, is rated for up to a 350 pound individual. Folks up to 400lbs can need a reinforced saddle assembly.
How fast can I go on the GlideCycle™?
The GlideCycle™ speed varies based on the pace that you set for yourself. Speeds of 8 to 12mph are to be expected for most athletic individuals over as much as a 30 mile course. If you like running equipment or cross training equipment you will like the speed and pace of the GlideCycle™.
I’m a tall person (or a small person). Will the GlideCycle™ work for me?
There are three GlideCycle™ models to accommodate user size. The smallest user can be 4’6” while the largest user can be up to 6′ 8″ and each size overlaps the smaller or larger size. For example, NBA teams generally use the large machine as the majority of the team tends to be very tall, while children from 12 to 16 will use the small size. Children under 12 cannot fit well.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Very little. Keep your GlideCycle™ clean as you would your bicycle. A simple rub down with Pledge works well. Check and adjust your brakes, wheels and tires before each ride and double check hooks, straps and joint tubes for wear. Replace and repair as necessary following your manual. You can take your GlideCycle™ to any bike shop for inspection and repair.
How do I transport and store my GlideCycle™?
The GlideCycle™ is built to come apart and to be reassembled quickly. This allows you to easily transport it in your trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. An accessory carry bag is also available that can be toted as a backpack or carried like a sports bag. You can also break it down for easy storage if space is an issue.
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