We’ve all fantasized about what we could do if we weren’t tethered by gravity. For the next few months, patients and people wanting to exercise on the device at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital will get to find out.

The hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine will be conducting a trial of the G-Trainer Anti-Gravity Treadmill, a new machine which allows patients to exercise at a fraction of their body weight. A favorite of high-performance athletes, the Anti-Gravity Treadmill was recently cleared for medical applications by the FDA. Doctors believe it will be a useful tool for patients rehabilitating after injury or surgery, allowing them to build strength and range of motion with a very low impact to the joints. Hospitals that have used the machine report faster recovery times and lower treatment costs.

Developed by Alter-G, Inc., the machine’s gravity differential technology was originally developed at NASA to help astronauts returning from space to adjust after living in a weightless environment. It uses an advanced air pressure system that creates a lifting force with an unweighting effect.

In addition to its use as a therapeutic device for patients, it will also be available to the public for a fee.

Both 30-minute and 1-hour time slots are available, in addition, packages of 5 sessions are available at a discounted price. Call 415-353-6400 to schedule.