Has anyone used the ZR8 Zero Runner Machine?

I just won $200k using this, film at 11.

looks like an elliptical

i've tried to make a comeback in running numerous times post collegiate. I bought this thing and from what I can tell after using it, is that it seems to be like running. (probably better than the pool.) but you gotta really spin that $hit to get the hr up. I'm like you though. I can't fight the achilles problems. I've actually accepted that fact that I will never be the same again or get rid of the problem. I just want to be able to still compete for some barn half marathon prize money.. nothing big on times just the usually 107-8 half times and sub 15 5k times again... I know with this achilles issue I will never be able to compete like I used to. But maybe. Just maybe this damn machine will help me keep in somewhat competitive shape. I like running alot. I just wish other parts of my body would share that passion..

Bump, has anyone has success with this?

Tribe wrote:

I came across on the internet.

http://www.octanefitness.com/home/products/zero-runner/

It is advertised as a zero impact treadmill. I have had chronic achilles problems and was wondering if this might be a reasonable way to augment my training.

At work I'll use our impactfree anti-gravity treadmills (gone frome 28 min 5k to 25:30 in just 3 weeks).

There's one at my gym, but I am not sure what the exact model is. Anyway, it does not feel like running at all. It feels like an elliptical with a wider range of motion. It might be ok for cardio, but I would be shocked if it would help your running since the motion is nothing like running.

These are great.

I bought two of them and put them side-by-side. I put my left foot on the right pedal of the left machine, and my right foot on the left pedal of the right machine. That way, you can see if one of your legs is dominant to the other.

This may seem like overkill, but since the machines are only $8,000 each, it is a bargain in my book.

I don't know about Achilles problems.... It does help with your weight control, cause you'll be too broke to eat.

Any updates? Seems to be making its way into more gyms.

I have used the ZR 7 for a couple of years now and love it! My wife does also.

I am 65 and have been running since I was a kid. Several Bostons from 1985 to now.

I think you need to do a few runs outside to be ready for the impact , but it will keep you in shape otherwise.

It is much easier on my old bones than running outside so I can log a lot more miles if I do some on the machine.

I ran a marathon after a month of just the zero runner because of an injury and had one of the most evenly paced marathons of my life.

It feels like running to me. I have a longer stride and slower cadence than actual running but I think it actually helps to stretch me out and works my glutes better than a run.

Looking for more info on the Zero Runner(s)......please chime in!

Specifically, for those who use it regularly, how is the transition between it and outdoor surfaces?

My Y has them, and I use them occasionally. I have a sore knee and on doc's recommendation of no running for 6 weeks, so it's in the rotation for my exercise-- doesn't bother my knee.

My experience seems similar to that of previous posters'--

more running-like than elliptical, but still has some minuses, mainly: 1) arm grips disrupt / won't allow for normal arm carriage.

Even with full resistance, it's tough to get heart rate up / truly mimic your running effort. displayed mph pace is way faster than actual/real-running effort

you have to train yourself to ignore the tracing pattern of your strides, as machine wants to get "correct" form-- even stride heights and lengths of both legs. It's tough to do on the suspended pendulums (pendulae?) of the machine.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree.

Got on one for the first time today, and after the initial learning phase, I spent a good amount of time attempting to dial-in all those things you mention.

At first, I was excited about its prospects, but after working with it for a while, all your 'minus' issues became more noticeable. Plus, the machine starts to feel a bit herky-jerky when cadence picks up. I found myself needing to concentrate and conform to "machine technique" rather than natural running form.

I don't think I could do a long productive workout without constantly thinking IT was in control and interfering.